Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1120 by Coach and Bus Week & Group Travel World

2013, tough for UK Coach Awards: Time manufacturers p4 to nominate drivers p46

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Electrifying Milton Keynes Ensignbus stretches the point

Chris Owens amongst friends

Elite style for Rennies p8

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We review more books

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www.coachandbusweek.com ISSN: 1351-3877 © 2014 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.

An electric future ahead?

rriva’s trial of electric bus operation in Milton Keynes could mark a significant turning point in the adoption of electricity as a means to power bus services in the UK. The Inductive Power Transfer system has already proven itself reliable in other projects based in Europe and positive results appear to be coming from the USA where the Proterrra eBus uses similar technology but collects the power from overhead charge stations. Personally, I see the in-ground method as by far the most acceptable. The charging facilities are completely unobtrusive and the only penalty is the cost of installation – but these are long term investments and should be viewed as such. Buried under the road, the charge points don’t interfere with other traffic, they don’t require dedicating roadspace to buses and there’s no nasty

CONTENTS

overhead spider’s web of electric cables to spoil the view. Sensible planning could see charge points installed in strategic places which would allow electric buses to spread into new areas and steady, phased introduction would cause less local upset, due to major roadworks, than a rush to introduce the technology. Arriva’s system allows charging during a 10-minute layover at each end of the route. A higher level of investment in the system could have intermediate charge points requiring no more than typical dwell time for boarding or alighting and virtually eliminating the need for expensive on-board battery capacity, reducing weight and increasing passenger capacity. Some areas could face difficulties in installing charge stations due to the proximity of water, electricity, gas and drainage services. In such places overhead charge stations could be the preferred option. Marton Cole Minibus & Technical Editor

The latest from across the coach and bus industry at home & abroad

Chris Owens – expectations from the next CPT President

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

Report and test drive on Arriva’s ‘green’ buses in Milton Keynes

Your thoughts and opinions on the Driver CPC and the 12-day rule

The UK Coach Awards on what it’s looking for from the best drivers

Bendy coaches bring different dimension Ensignbus rail work

Ensignbus creates a strong impression with its artic Volvos

A lighthearted look at the industry, plus Office Diary column

The story behind the revocation of Merseypride Travel’s O-licence

Suppliers who will improve the appearance of your vehicles

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

Electric StreetLites

Ensign Articulates Legal News

Face to Face Inbox

Big Picture

Industry Guide

Deliveries

Drivers Awards

Last Stop

People

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NEWS

Bus and coach market dips in 2013

Wrightbus saw its registrations grow by 160.23% to 445 boosted by New Bus for London deliveries in the capital 2013 was another difficult year for manufacturers and dealers as recessionary conditions continue to bite Despite predictions that the bus and coach sector might be more buoyant in 2013 as operators bought ahead of the introduction of Euro 6, the market for purpose-built vehicles was actually down 3.3% according to figures released by the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) “The bus and coach sector had a tough year in 2013 competing against the Olympics-inflated registrations of 2012, so the market inevitably struggled,” said SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes. “However we have seen encouraging signs of growth over the last five months as operators look to invest in new fuel efficient, cleaner vehicles. Given the year-end performance,

CORRECTION NX COACH TRACKER In our story headlined ‘High Christmas stats for National Express’ on p9 of last week’s issue, we erroneously stated the firm’s Coach Tracker provided by Traffilog. It is in fact provided by uTrack which is a different company. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

King Long also grew share from 21 to 30 registrations. Neoplan dropped 36.36% to 56. While purpose-built bus at 2,842 registrations were down

overall at 8.6%, there was better news for coaches above 3.5t – a 20.4% rise to 843. The converted vehicle sector saw a fall by 6.2% to 4,023 units.

Annual tests are to be tightened up next month to include a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) check – in a bid to crack down on the illegal removal of the component. From February, testing stations will be required to check for a DPF in the inspection of the exhaust system. The vehicle will automatically fail the MOT test if the filter had been fitted as standard but is found to be no longer present.

The filter works by trapping solid particulate matter from exhaust gases. This type of filter has been in use for more than 20 years and helps meet European emission standards, improving air quality and health standards. The DfT said some firms offer services to remove the filter, claiming it will improve economy. However, it is an offence to drive a vehicle that has been modified this

way, as it will no longer meet the emissions standards the vehicle achieved when it was approved for sale in the UK. The filters need to be ‘regenerated’ regularly through burning the soot to gas at a very high temperature, leaving behind a residue. If not carried out properly, regeneration can lead to a build up of soot, which can affect performance. This has led to some owners removing filters.

Marque

Dec-13 Dec-12 YTD-13 YTD-12

ALEXANDER DENNIS VOLVO BUS WRIGHTBUS OPTARE SCANIA MERCEDES VDL IVECO VAN HOOL NEOPLAN MAN SETRA IRIZAR KING LONG OTHER IMPORTS BOVA Total buses and coaches

74 114 1,243 1,437 22 48 747 953 36 4 445 171 37 27 317 366 7 10 279 279 32 5 118 141 23 1 113 112 10 4 96 113 2 0 85 64 0 4 56 88 5 6 44 16 0 3 44 10 2 0 38 0 5 4 30 21 11 2 30 19 0 0 0 21 266 232 3,685 3,811

Diesel Particulate Filter to be checked at MOT

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REGISTRATIONS OF NEW PURPOSE-BUILT BUSES AND COACHES IN THE UK

we expect a steady 2014.” Registrations in the purposebuilt sector totalled 3,685 the SMMT said. That compares with 3,811 in 2012. Alexander Dennis, Volvo and Optare all saw their share drop, down 13.5%, 21.62% and 13.39% respectively. There was a steady performance from Scania matching its 2012 registrations of 279. Wrightbus had a very good year boosted by New Bus for London. Its 2013 total was 445, up 160.23% from 171 in 2012. The Ballymena manufacturer explained last November that it expected total build for the year 2013/14 including body on other manufacturers’ chassis to be around 1,100 buses. It was also a good year for Van Hool, which saw its registrations grow 32.81% from 64 to 85. MAN was up 175% from 16 to 44 while Setra’s total of 44, up from 10, represented a rise of 340%.

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HTC Hemel Hempstead opens 400th Authorised Testing Facility The 400th Authorised Testing Facility (ATF), at HTC Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, was opened by Alastair Peoples, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) CEO, on Wednesday, January 8. ATFs are privately-owned businesses where a DVSA tester carries out annual tests on HGVs and PSVs. The ATF network is part of DVSA’s Testing Transformation Programme which gives customers more choice of where to go for tests while reducing vehicle down-time. Almost 72% of all tests are now carried out at private sites away from DVSA’s own test stations. Alastair Peoples presented

HTC Hemel Hempstead with a certificate to commemorate the official opening of the 400th ATF. He said: “I am glad I have been invited to mark the opening of this 400th ATF today. “I feel proud of the ATF record so far and I know local operators and drivers in the Hemel Hempstead area will quickly see the benefits of having a greater choice of where they can have their vehicles tested. “ATF customers from across the country tell me they have seen savings on fuel costs, vehicle down-time, lower CO2 emissions and improved first-time pass rates and I fully expect to hear similar feedback from operators and

drivers using this facility.” Peter Gibbons, Aftersales Director of the HTC Group said: “All at HTC are very excited regarding this wonderful opportunity to take our new depot in Hemel Hempstead one step closer to becoming the complete one stop shop for all customers in the area. The opening of this ATF Lane today along with all the other services this brand new site offers will enable us to raise the bar even higher. “The growth of HTC Hemel since opening its doors in April 2013 has been incredible but now that we can offer this additional service (ATF Lane) – the sky is the limit.

“We are also looking forward to strengthening our already close working relationship with the DVSA.” In a separate development, the most northerly (ATF) has been opened at Northwards Ltd, Lerwick, on the Shetland Islands. The DVSA presented Northwards with a certificate last Monday, January 6 to commemorate the opening. Northwards Commercial Director Neil Leslie said: “I look forward to offering an enhanced service to transport operators in the Shetland Isles and see this as a natural fit with our workshop facilities.”

have shown they share this belief,” said Jeremy Deering, Torotrak’s CEO. “The world can’t wait for electric hybrid and plug-in CO2 reduction technologies to mature. It needs affordable, effective solutions which can be implemented now and we are better placed than anybody today to provide that fresh approach without the cost and complexity of rival technologies.” Jon Hilton, currently Managing Director of Flybrid, will join the board of Torotrak plc, bringing 30 years of powertrain engineering expertise gained at the highest level. The company’s first joint product will be Flybrid M-KERS for commercial vehicles. This will launch into trials in 2014 and into production one year later to offer affordable hybrid efficiency within a five year pay-back period. Torotrak is already working with vehicle OEMs and Tier One manufacturers in passenger car, off-highway, bus and coach segments and will

increase this engagement as tougher new CO2 regulatory targets take hold. The £16m of funds for the acquisition of Flybrid and to provide investment for the group has been raised from a combination of existing and new institutional investors and from Torotrak’s loyal private shareholder base. In a strong mark of confidence, Allison Transmission has increased its stake in Torotrak. As well as funding the initial payments to acquire Flybrid, the proceeds will be used to finance the investment required for the commercialisation of Flybrid’s first manufactured product for the commercial vehicle market and to finance the ongoing design, development and testing of Torotrak’s V-Charge technology and Flybrid’s M-KERS technology for the passenger cars, as well as enhancing Torotrak’s testing and engineering capabilities.

Torotrak finalises Flybrid acquisition and raises £16m for development

Transmission specialist Torotrak PLC has obtained the necessary shareholder approvals to complete its acquisition of Flybrid Automotive Ltd, the award-winning British hybrid vehicle engineering company. The deal enables Torotrak to commercialise an affordable hybrid system, to be named ‘Flybrid M-KERS,’ which independent research identifies as one of the most cost-effective powertrain technologies for reducing CO2 emissions. Torotrak claims it now has the leading commercially viable, purely-mechanical flywheel M-KERS system in the market and can offer low cost, high performance hybrid systems for volume adoption in both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. In addition, the fundraising and acquisition add the financing and expertise to accelerate the development of Torotrak’s other transmission technology

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Torotrak acquired a 20% stake in Flybrid in March, 2013 applications. These include V-Charge variable supercharging for engine downsizing, and main drive transmission products as well as the company’s growing engineering consultancy capabilities. “When we acquired a 20% stake in Flybrid back in March, we were certain of our combined technology’s potential. With the success of this offering, we’re delighted that our shareholders and the wider investment community

January 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5 13/01/2014 18:26

450,000

NEWS › BUSES

Number of route miles the eight electric WrightBus StreetLite EVs at Arriva The Shires are expected to cover annually

Cardiff Bus wins Cardiff East P&R contract Operator takes over the service from January 26, with a frequency of every 15 minutes Cardiff Council has awarded Cardiff Bus the contract to operate the Cardiff East (Pentwyn) Park and Ride service, currently run by First Cymru. Cardiff Bus was the preferred bidder on the basis of quality and cost. The operator will manage both the bus service and the site itself. The three-year contract will see Cardiff Bus take over the seven day a week service from January 26, 2014, with buses running to and from the city centre every 15 minutes. In securing the contract, Cardiff Bus plans to improve the service by extending the route. In another improvement to the service, Cardiff Bus will bring in its new m-ticketing payment option for the all-day service, which costs £3 – or £1 for passengers who park before 0830hrs. M-ticketing can be accessed via Cardiff Bus’ free iff app, which is available on iPhone and Android devices on any mobile network, and allows bus passengers to browse, select, purchase and use bus tickets directly from their mobile phones. Gareth Stevens, Business Development Manager at Cardiff Bus, said: “The Park and Ride provides a convenient, costeffective, hassle-free way for those wishing to travel to the city centre from the east of Cardiff. We will ensure the high standards of service are maintained and will work with the Council to enhance the provision to the benefit of customers.”

B R I E F LY l STAGECOACH East London and Arriva Kent Thameside have retained the routes they currently operate in the latest London bus tendering round. From August 30, Stagecoach will use new double-deckers on services 205/N205 (Bow Church – Paddington), which has a PVR of 27. Arriva’s route 375 (Romford Station – Passingford Bridge), which has a PVR of 1, has been awarded on the basis of using the existing singledeck type. This new contract takes effect from July 5.

Four Citaros from the batch delivered to Cardiff Bus in November of 2013 will run on the Park and Ride Cllr Graham Hinchey of Cardiff Council said: “Since its launch in 2009, the Cardiff Park and Ride service has continued to grow in popularity, with the volume of cars and income more than trebled in recent years. In the lead up to Christmas over 700 cars have being using this service per day. “The new arrangement with Cardiff Bus will help the council to save £430k in the next financial year. Given the financial pressures faced by us and every other local

authority in the UK it’s important that we look to new ways of working. “The new arrangement with Cardiff Bus secures the East Park and Ride service while making much needed savings. The new agreement also extends the service we offer, with the route now including Pontprennau and Cardiff Gate. Plans are underway to add additional services on site, such as car valeting. “The site will also act as a

strategic staging post for Rapid Bus Transit services into Cardiff City Centre. It demonstrates the Councils commitment in supporting a modal shift to sustainable transport, giving more choice to people who live and travel in from the East and North East of the City.” The new contract adds to Cardiff Bus’ other Park and Ride service it currently runs from Cardiff West Park and Ride at Cardiff City Stadium.

MP’s showed they were on board with Audio Visual (AV) at a wellattended debate in Westminster Hall. Around 20 MPs spoke out in favour of the technology on buses. A report by the Transport Select Committee in Autumn 2013 recommended all new buses should have AV, and that it should be fitted on all buses over the next 10 years, but the Government did not act on this, saying it did not want to impose a financial burden on the industry. Chair of the Committee Louise Ellman MP told Transport Minister Robert Goodwill: “It’s

very clear that the lack of practical information deters many people, including those with visual impairment, from using buses.” Hartlepool MP Iain Wright said calls for AV were ‘eminently sensible’ and the Government’s refusal to make it mandatory was ‘complacent, even dismissive.’ Middlesborough MP Andy McDonald told the debate he had taken a blindfolded bus journey with his local Guide Dogs Mobility Team and said: “Without sight it is extremely unsettling and accessing public transport can be a very difficult experience. AV would

also help the elderly and those with special needs could strike out more independently with this information.” Guide Dogs Campaigns Manager James White said: “Thanks to our fantastic campaigners, there was a good turnout of MPs to help make our case to the Minister and we are grateful to all those who spoke out on AV. We will keep up the pressure on the Government. “It’s pleasing to see MPs from across the political spectrum in favour of AV. The universal benefits of the technology should not be underestimated.”

Call for AV on buses at Westminster Hall debate

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Number of vehicles operated by Llandudno-based Alpine Travel

Number of seats on the articulated coaches being used by Ensignbus on c2c rail work

New UKBA Chairman takes up role Tony Depledge OBE has formally taken up his role as the Chairman of UK Bus Awards and its parent company Transport Events Group with effect from January 2. Tony succeeded John Owen OBE, who had been Chairman since November 2004. John announced his intention to stand down at the presentation ceremony last November. Paying tribute to his predecessor, Tony said: “The Awards team and the wider industry owe John an immense debt of gratitude for all his hard work over the last nine years. It will be a hard act to follow, but I am looking forward very much to the challenge of organising our 19th annual contest this year and marking our 20th in 2015.” John Owen said: “I am extremely grateful for all the help and support I have had over those nine years from everybody - my fellow Board Members and the Management Committee, as well as our sponsors, patrons and supporters – and of course all those who work so hard in submitting entries every

year. Without you, none of what we achieve could happen.” “Through the efforts of all of us, I like to think we have raised the status and pro�ile of the Awards considerably in the last nine years and I am especially proud of how we now recognise and reward a much greater number of people who work ‘at the sharp end’ of our industry.” John has not left the Awards completely: he remains as a member of the management committee and has agreed to organise the judging for the 2014 awards. Tony Depledge has worked in public transport for over 40 years, during which time he served as Managing Director of Blackpool Transport (1986-2001), joining Arriva in 2001 as Development Director until 2008 after which he continued in a part time capacity on European policy work. He is a Non-Executive Director of Translink, the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, and of Transport for Edinburgh and Lothian Buses. He served as

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President of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (200001) and as President of the European Union Committee of the International Trade Association, UITP (2008-2013). He is also Vice-Chairman of the operating company of the Grand Theatre in Blackpool and a trustee of the transport charity, the Rees Jeffrey’s Road Fund. At the same time, the UK Bus Awards’ Directors announced that Trevor Whelan, Director of Communications, had decided to step down from the board for personal reasons. He will, however, remain on the Management Committee and continue to work as part of the communications team for the Awards. John Owen said: “Trevor has worked very hard indeed for the Awards since joining us, and we will miss his input to the board very much. I am delighted therefore that he has agreed to continue to work with us and offer the committee the bene�its of his experience - and his sense of humour.”

EcoManager reduces driver stress at Preston Bus Preston Bus, part of Rotala Group, has found that 21st Century’s driver training system EcoManager has lowered the stress levels of its drivers. Fiona Whalley, Preston Bus’s Marketing Manager, explained: “Our drivers are telling us that they are experiencing reduced stress levels. We believe this is a direct effect of their EcoDriver training as they are driving with smoother braking and acceleration.” Passengers have also noticed a difference, with Preston Bus reporting fewer complaints about poor driving, harsh braking and cornering. EcoManager is a web-based system which changes drivers’ behaviour by monitoring their driving and giving immediate feedback through a Red-AmberGreen dashboard display. While the EcoManager dashboard display informs drivers of their performance instantly, EcoCoaches are deployed for ongoing training both in theory and in practice on board the vehicle. Drivers can access their weekly and monthly overview via a password on the website, and compare themselves to the depot average, while managers can identify drivers who www.coachandbusweek.com

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

432.45p

Price: Year High: 471.00p Year Low: 324.70p

on last week

138.90p

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

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+62.50

302.95p

Price: Year High: 302.95p Year Low: 189.20p

378.05p

Price: Year High: 379.00p Year Low: 284.70p

0.23p

may require speci�ic additional training. Fiona Whalley added: “It enables us to monitor fuel usage and safe driving across the �leet. But it also lets drivers see how safe and economical their driving is in real time via the dashboard display, and adjust driving style if necessary.” There was an initial scepticism among drivers who were suspicious of having their driving monitored. Preston Bus worked closely with 21st Century to overcome the initial concerns and introduced an EcoDriver Awards Scheme. Drivers earn �inancial rewards for being the best or most

improved EcoDriver. It has now become part of their everyday routine, as Fiona explained: “Drivers regularly check their performance and progress online, and have especially embraced our EcoDriver Awards in a spirit of friendly competition.” Almost the entire Preston Bus �leet is being �itted with EcoDriver, with the exception of its hybrid buses. EcoManager was such a resounding success for Preston Bus that 21st Century is now in the process of �itting the same system to all 540 vehicles in Preston Bus’s parent company Rotala’s �leet.

+9.30 on last week

Price: Year High: 0.52p Year Low: 0.20p

EcoDriver is being fitted to all of Preston Bus’ vehicles, with the exception of its hybrids. Rotala is installing the system elsewhere in the group

-0.25

55.00p

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555.50p

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on last week

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FTSE 100

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Index: Year High: 6,840 Year Low: 6029

+18 on last week

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NEWS › COACHES RO A D WATC H n FULL CARRIAGEWAY CLOSURES will take place overnight on Thursday, January 16 to Sunday, January 19 on the M5 northbound J17-16 and southbound J14-15 as part of the Smart Motorway Scheme. The road is to be shut from 2200 until 0600hrs the following morning. Slip roads and link roads joining the main carriageway will be closed from the earlier time of 2100hrs. n ONE LANE in both directions is currently closed on the M1 between J30 (Barlborough) and J31 (Aston), South Yorkshire for drainage and barrier work. In addition to hard shoulder running, there will be narrower lanes and a 50 mph speed limit in force 24 hours a day. n BOTH CARRIAGEWAYS of the M6 are currently closed overnight between J14 (Stafford) and J13 Acton Trussell A449) from until February 6 between 2100 and 0600hrs. The blockade will enable structural works to take place. n OVERNIGHT LANE CLOSURES are to be in force on the A43 Brackley Bypass in Northamptonshire. The disruption effects both carriageways and the roundabout from 2000 to 0600hrs until January 21. n THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY of the M54 J7 (Wellington) J6 (Telford West) will be closed overnight 2000 to 0600hrs until February 28. n WORK TO INSTALL four of what the Highways Agency (HA) calls ‘the latest giant electronic message signs’ near J33 (Lancaster) of the M6 started on Monday (January 13). The signs will give drivers better warnings of incidents and other information about the motorway such as weather conditions. New CCTV cameras will also be mounted on the signs – allowing the HA to monitor and manage motorway incidents more effectively. The work should be completed by Friday, March 14. Lane one of the motorway is likely to be closed around the clock in both directions while the work takes place.

Coach Choice buys its new depot New depot secured with sixfigure finance deal and large enough for at least 30 coaches A Wolverhampton coach operator has bought its premises after securing a six-figure finance deal. Previously based at Thomas Street, Wolverhampton, the firm is now located at Hudley House, 22 Hickman Road, Wolverhampton, WV14 0QD. Coach Choice of Bilston was established in 2000 and supplies coaches to tour operators across the UK and Europe. The business provides vehicles for educational school trips and school runs for the local community. Chris Evitt, Director at Coach Choice, said: “We’ve been here since February 2012 and have recently been able to acquire this site. We have been looking to find the right permanent head office base for a long time, particularly as our reputation for quality service has been growing in the local area and the business has diversified considerably within the last few years. “This is a really important growth opportunity for the business, and

Rennies of Dunfermline launches Elites Rennies of Dunfermline has launched two Volvo B9R Plaxton Elites which are now operating as part of its fleet. The 49-seaters, originally owned by Corporate Coaches in Ireland, were purchased from Plaxtons and feature toilets, a special wheelchair lift for easy boarding, leather seats and free WiFi access available on board, provided by Icomera. The specially branded buses mark an investment of £400,000 for the fleet. With a fleet of 43 vehicles, ranging from minibuses to doubledecker buses and coaches, Rennies operate school and business contracts, coach tours and private hire services across Scotland. Rennies of Dunfermline was established in 1947 and, following the retirement of owner Jack Rennie in 2008, continues to operate a high standard of coach hire as well as concert and theatre

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now that we have premises which suit our needs we can continue to expand our services and support growth and employment in the local area.   “The funding from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has helped ensure the future of the business, and we are now focused on our plans to double in size within the next two years.” He added: “We could easily house 30 vehicles here. We’ve got a two-bay workshop, and as a result we’ve brought maintenance in-house. It’s now given Coach Choice a permanent home. It’s also provided us with the opportunity to expand and create additional employment.” Indeed, Coach Choice is this year expanding to run its own tours programme covering the UK and Europe and a day trips schedule for adults and families. The business was looking to move out of its rented premises and buy a permanent base, following a significant increase in demand for its services in the local area. It approached Lloyds Bank and secured a loan to buy much larger premises which will store the

coaches when they are not in use. The facility also includes provision for a maintenance area. Advice on the purchase was provided by Paul Kettles at George Green Solicitors. Coach Choice has also purchased a new coach, which has the capacity to transport up to 71 people, following the award of a new school-run contract. The expansion has also seen the firm appoint two new members of staff, with plans for further growth in the year ahead.  Additional funding for the new premises was provided by the Regional Growth Fund, a Government initiative which provides grants to SMEs looking to purchase new assets and create economic growth and employment opportunities. Jon Colebrook, Relationship Manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Coach Choice is a popular local business which provides a quality service and has ambitious growth plans. The funding has helped the company to expand its fleet and the new premises has helped to ensure the future of the business.”

tours as part of Stagecoach East Scotland. Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director, Stagecoach East Scotland and Rennies of Dunfermline, said: “We are delighted to launch the new vehicles, further enhancing our Rennies fleet with luxury vehicles which are ideal for executive travel or special occasions.” Maree Chrisholm of Stagecoach East Scotland told CBW: “The Elites have been purchased to enhance our fleet with state of the art vehicles and will be made available for any private hires which require luxury transport, as well as our programme of day and overnight trips which will be released later in the year.”

For information on Rennies vehicles and services, visit www.rennies.co.uk or call 01383 620600. www.coachandbusweek.com

13/01/2014 18:23

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Epsom Coaches HQ facilities upgrade A major refurbishment of Epsom Coaches’ training facilities has recently been completed, in time for an intensive training period early in 2014. The refurbishment consists of a new kitchen facility and toilets, with improved access, along with a redecorated conference room, for up to 20 trainees. Jon Ball, Epsom’s General Manager responsible for training said: ”Our facilities have always been first class, these changes have made them even more so, facilitating what is a busy period ahead for a training-led organisation.” Meanwhile, work is starting this month on a major upgrade of the office facilities, which will mean that for the first time, all its coach related activities will be under one roof. The Coach Centre will bring together its coach charter and holiday teams to improve communication and provide significant benefits to its clients. Managing Director, Steve Whiteway commented: “We have always believed in providing the best working conditions for our staff and this proves that commitment still further. The new

we look forward with confidence to our 94th year of operation.” The work will be carried out by Spruce Ltd of Epsom, along with refurbishment of the company’s accounts office.

The Plaxton Elites are seen at South Queensferry

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Open day at Parrys International breaks records

The upgrade of training facilities has been completed – work is now starting on the coach offices centre will provide significantly more space and feature state of the art LED lighting, together with big screen information for our reception. Coupled with the bringing together of the two teams,

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Having reversed its decision to close its doors, awardwinning coach operator Parrys International held its open day from 1000 – 1500hrs on Sunday (January 12). Around 2,000 visitors turned out at the event, which brought in a record £45,000 worth of deposits. The firm has just released its brochures for the whole of 2014 and with a brand new fleet of coaches, six Van Hool TX17s and three Neoplan Starliners, due for delivery in March, is expecting a bumper year with bookings already breaking all records. This year all the coach fleet will feature airline-style in seat entertainment as well as all the latest safety and comfort facilities. Two examples of these coaches were on display at the open day, a Neoplan Starliner and Van Hool TX17, and free mini tours were available for prospective travellers. The open day brought many of Parrys’ hotel suppliers with trade stands from Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Austria and the UK. The leading hotel chains of Hilton, Marriott and Holiday Inn were in attendance together with individual hotels and even the company’s London Theatre Ticket agency Encore. There were also representitives from service stations. Another attraction was management and riders from Wolverhampton Speedway – with whom Parrys International has been main team sponsors for a record 14 years. Dave Parry of Parrys International told CBW: “It was a very productive day. A lot of new people were there, which is what the event is for. “The coaches on display showcased our airline-style in seat entertainment and when the new vehicles arrive we will be the first operator to have this installed across our entire fleet.”

January 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9 13/01/2014 18:24

NEWS › INTERNATIONAL

Twerenbold Reisen AG selects VDL Futura for Euro 6 era The complete order for Twerenbold features the new VDL Euro 6 powertrain and consists of four Futuras equipped to King’s Class specification and nine Futuras Comfort Class SWITZERLAND Twerenbold Reisen AG has placed an order with VDL Bus & Coach for 13 Futura FHD2 coaches. This Swiss coach operator from Baden-Rütihof has been a loyal VDL customer for decades. “We are very proud of the fact Twerenbold has once again chosen VDL. This is a sign of the confidence Twerenbold has in us. Not only in our products, but also in the VDL organisation,” said Bernard Donzé, Director of VDL Bus & Coach (Suisse). Karim Twerenbold, Director of Twerenbold Reisen AG, said: “The fuel efficient powertrain, low net weight and service-friendliness of the VDL Futura are all beneficial from an operating cost standpoint and therefore contribute positively to our bottom line. “The attractive design and spacious interior with the full flat floor are a perfect fit for our comfort requirements. For us, going with VDL again was the logical choice.” The new Futuras for Twerenbold will be delivered in the spring of 2014. The total order consists of four Futuras equipped to King’s Class specification and nine Futuras Comfort Class. With the King’s Class, which Twerenbold developed itself, the company set

Twerenbold Reisen AG’s fleet of VDL Futuras parked in Dresden high standards for coach travel in Switzerland. King’s Class is distinguished by such features as a luxurious 2+1 seating arrangement and a royal 90cm between seats. They have a length of 12.2m and seating for 30 plus a courier. The Comfort Class specification is applied to Futura two-axle coaches with lengths of 12.2 and 12.9m and the Futura three-axle coach with a length of 13.9m – providing sufficient variance to meet seasonal travel demands. The complete order for Twerenbold features the new VDL Euro 6 powertrain combining

clean exhaust gas emissions with flexibility and a low noise level. Twerenbold specified the DAF Paccar MX-11 320 engine with a 10.8 litre displacement, 320 kW (440bhp) power output and 2,100 Nm peak torque. Accompanied by the ZF AS-Tronic gearbox, ride comfort and low fuel consumption are further optimised. Naturally, Twerenbold considers passenger and driver safety to be of paramount importance, so in addition to the ESC electronic stability program the new Futuras, lane assist and adaptive cruise control (ACC) were included in the

specification. Family-owned Twerenbold Reisen AG was founded in 1895. “Travel in good company” is its slogan. The company specialises in organising and conducting sightseeing tours but also focuses on charter transport for smaller groups and day trips. The fleet consists of 60 coaches, 58 of which are VDL models. Twerenbold Reisen AG is part of Twerenbold Reisen Gruppe. This group also includes Reisebüro Mittelthurgau Fluss- und Kreuzfahrten AG, Imbach Reisen AG and Vögele Reisen AG.

van Meijl, Sales Manager Public Transport, VDL Bus & Coach Nederland. In addition to the delivery of the 104 Citea LLEs, VDL also carried out various modifications to 11 minibuses. The lowfloor construction at the entry and exit doors provides optimal accessibility for wheelchair users and passengers with baby buggies. This accessibility is further enhanced by the lack of any floor height changes between the entry and exit.

Syntus specified the new Twenteregion house style with a 2+2 seating arrangement. The seats are luxurious, with a special fabric to match the new house style. Four seating positions are equipped with 230 volt sockets. Eight seats have folding tables. All the buses are fitted with an electric wheelchair ramp. A special feature is that instead of one there are two standing areas, for placing both a wheelchair and a baby buggy. The space for the baby buggy also has four deluxe

folding seats. Syntus B.V. provides public transport service in the Veluwe area of Gelderland, Midden Overijssel and Twente. This includes public transport by bus and train. Syntus is a 100% subsidiary of French-based international public transport operator Keolis. Syntus has 14 locations and around 1,300 employees. Its fleet consists of 371 buses and 9 trains which operate a total of 97 million passenger-kilometres per year.

VDL delivers 104 Citea LLEs for Syntus operations in Twente HOLLAND VDL Bus & Coach has supplied 104 Citea LLEs to Syntus. All the Citeas are 12m long and destined for use in the Twente concession, which spans a region in the east of the Netherlands. VDL Bus & Coach previously sold this customer 156 Ambassadors, the forerunner of the Citea LLE. “We are exceptionally proud Syntus has again opted for our lightweight Citea, which with its long service life and low fuel consumption yields Maximum Profit of Ownership,” said Jan

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Electric school bus to save $11,000 annually

USA Kings Canyon Unified School District of Reedley, California is to take delivery of the first electric school bus in 2014. The SST-e Type A bus has been jointly developed by bus builder Trans Tech and Motiv Power Systems. The bus is based on a Ford 450 and is claimed to have an operating range between 80-100 miles. It has been designed to take advantage of developments in battery systems which could see range increase and lower weight in the future. It can carry up to 32 passengers or 24 plus a wheelchair. The school district opted for the SST-e as it promises to save $11,000 per year in fuel costs.

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CANADA Ballard Power Systems has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Van Hool NV in support of the manufacture and further deployment of zero emission fuel cell buses. By February 2014 the companies plan to jointly respond to last week’s call for proposals under the EU Hydrogen Fuel Cell Joint Undertaking and also plan to jointly respond to other future calls for proposals under the Horizon 2020 program. In 2014, there will be 27 Van Hool fuel cell buses in public transit operation in Europe, powered by Ballard fuel cell power modules. Leopold Van Hool, Chairman, said: “With the signing of this MOU, we look forward to expanding the success of our zero-emission bus partnership with Ballard to include even more cities in the European transit bus market.”

Ballard FCvelocity-HD6 fuel cell power modules are delivering a high level of performance in European buses. For example, on a year-to-date basis, Ballard fuel cell modules have delivered availability greater than 97% in buses operating in London and Amsterdam. For the newly funded buses, Ballard will deliver its nextgeneration fuel cell power module to Van Hool for incorporation into hybrid bus platforms. This new FCvelocity-HD7 power module offers improved durability and reliability along with significant cost reduction. The MOU also provides for the establishment of a dedicated service and parts center at Van Hool facilities in Belgium, to support all buses powered by Ballard fuel cells in Europe. John Sheridan, Ballard’s President and CEO said: “We are

They are built on Scania’s twoaxle chassis with Euro 4 SCR engines. All buses are equipped with the Scania Opticruise automatic gearchanging system. 50 of the buses will be fitted with special equipment for disabled passengers. “We are pleased to note the continued confidence in Scania’s bus technology,” said Hans Tardell, Managing Director of Scania Rus. “With even more buses in operation in Moscow, our workshops will benefit from a significant increase in business.” Mosgortrans is a state-owned

company and one of the largest public traffic operators in Europe. The company operates bus, trolleybus and tram networks in the city of Moscow and transports more than 5.5 million passengers on a daily basis. Its current fleet consists of more than 5,300 buses, and the company employs more than 40,000 people. Scania supplies Euro 4 engines with SCR emission control into markets where fuel quality may often be below European standards. EGR engines are more sensitive to fuel quality and perform poorly on low grade fuel.

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Ballard signs further MOU with Van Hool

Scania and GAZ Group deliver 120 buses to Moscow RUSSIA Scania is continuing to strengthen its position as a supplier of chassis to buses for Moscow’s public transport system in co-operation with Russia-based commercial vehicle manufacturer GAZ Group. In addition to 709 buses delivered to Mostransavto for operation in the Moscow region and Sochi, Scania and GAZ Group will now deliver 120 buses to Mosgortrans for operation in the city of Moscow. The buses now being delivered are of the same model as the previous order – Golaz Voyage.

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very pleased to partner with Van Hool in our application for EU funding to support the deployment of additional fuel cell-powered buses. This will help generate economies of scale that we expect to drive further overall cost reduction.” The EU Hydrogen Fuel Cell Joint Undertaking is a public-private partnership supporting research, technological development and demonstration activities in fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies, providing subsidies for eligible projects through a cost share mechanism. The European Commission and industry have each committed to contribute EUR470 million of funding into fuel cell and hydrogen research in the 2008-17 period. The next program, Horizon 2020, will extend this initiative through the year 2020 with an incremental budget of EUR700 million.

First VDL Citea articulated buses for GVB

HOLLAND In late February 2014, 23 Citea articulated buses will be put in service by Amsterdam’s public transport operator GVB. This is VDL’s first order for the articulated version of the Citea (Citea SLFA – Low Floor Articulated). They will also be the first VDL Euro 6 buses to be put in service in the Netherlands. The contract between GVB Amsterdam and VDL Bus & Coach was signed on November 6, 2013. VDL previously delivered 70 12m Citea SLFs to GVB in 2011. Rémi Henkemans, Managing Director VDL Bus & Coach bv, said: “Earlier in 2013 the Citea lowfloor range was expanded with the articulated version builds on the success of the Citea SLF. We are proud GVB has once again chosen the Low Floor variant of the Citea family for the Dutch capital. GVB’s positive experience with the 12-metre Citea SLF over the past few years demonstrates the Citea Low Floor buses are ideal citybuses. For VDL it is, of course, a particularly special milestone as this order is also our first delivery of Euro 6 vehicles for the Dutch public transport market.”

January 15, 2014| COACH & BUS WEEK | 11 13/01/2014 16:21

NEWS › REGIONAL NORTH BUS SERVICES across West Lancashire are set to be cut or drastically reduced if plans proposed by the county council go ahead, the Ormskirk & Skelmersdale Advertiser reported. Funding will be withdrawn for evening and Sunday services which currently receive council subsidies. The routes affected in West Lancashire include service reductions on the 12A, 113, 300, 375, 611, 612 and 695, with proposed cuts to take place on May 18. Cllr John Fillis said: “We would never have chosen to be in this financial situation but have to find ways to drastically reduce our budget due to cuts imposed by central government. “We’re still consulting on this budget proposal, so nothing has yet been agreed, but a very important part of it is to invest an additional £500,000 in community transport such as dial-a-ride services to ensure that support is focused on those with the greatest need, and where the public transport network is particularly limited. “The county council spends around £8m each year subsidising bus travel. This proposal would maintain the bulk of that spending, while saving £3.8m, by focusing on subsidising routes during the day, when they are most used by people going about their business.” PREPARATORY WORK for town centre improvements in Leigh and Atherton are under way as part of Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) bus priority scheme. Approvals for the town centre schemes in Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley were granted by Wigan Council last year following public consultation. The town centre improvements – alongside new bus lanes and bus stops – include modified junctions to improve traffic flow, provide better pedestrian crossings and enhanced provision for cyclists. The first stage of the works – involving preparatory utility diversion works – was due to start this week, meaning temporary traffic management measures will be in place in Leigh and Atherton through to spring 2014. Following the completion of preparatory works, the main improvement works will start in Leigh, Atherton – and Tyldesley – town centres. All works are due for completion in late 2014. Peter Boulton of TfGM said: ““Work is forging ahead with the

KEY

guided busway and the A580 sections of the route and – subject to finalising the contract – we look forward to announcing details about who will operate busway services in the coming months.” When complete, the Leigh-SalfordManchester busway is expected to improve the frequency and reliability of bus journeys between all stops on the route, reducing journey times from Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley to central Manchester to less than 50 minutes.

MIDLANDS

MORE THAN £500,000 has been spent on improving traffic flow along some of Walsall’s busiest roads. Centro teamed up with Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council to identify key congested routes in the borough. This includes the No 4 bus route which connects Walsall to the shopping and employment centres of West Bromwich, Blackheath and Brierley Hill. Other changes were also made along well used roads linking Walsall to Darlaston and Wednesbury. Over the last 12 months a package of measures has been introduced along the routes to speed up journey times, improve bus reliability and cut congestion. Changes made include: l Improvements to traffic junctions l Changes to pedestrian crossings to improve walking access to local facilities l Installing intelligent traffic signals

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help reduce congestion and energy consumption at traffic signals.”

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

The money comes from Centro’s Smart Network, Smarter Choices project which aims to cut carbon emissions, boost the economy and connect residents to jobs. Cllr Judith Rowley of Centro, said: “This work will improve travel for those using public transport and cut congestion for essential road users like buses and hauliers. “These measures should really help improve journeys for Walsall people wanting to get to and from key areas like West Bromwich, Blackheath and Brierley Hill. “Delivering people into the heart of these centres means that we can support the economy by better connecting residents to jobs and making it easier for people to visit popular shopping areas.” The work also includes upgrading four pedestrian crossings to puffins to help improve safety for those travelling on foot and to cut down on traffic delay for buses and motorists. Traffic lights at the crossings have been fitted with energy efficient LED lights which last longer and reduce the need for engineers to visit the sites to replace traditional bulbs. Cllr Adrian Andrew, of Walsall Council, said: “As a council it’s one of our top priorities to create safe and sustainable places for people in Walsall. “These measures will improve access to other key Black Country centres for Walsall residents and provide improved links for work, shopping and leisure. “Keeping traffic moving at key points on the network, including the popular No 4 bus route will also

A £1.4M PACKAGE of public transport improvements along the main route between Wolverhampton city centre and i54 busines park South Staffordshire has been given the green light. The joint project by Wolverhampton City Council and Centro will see a raft of upgrades to Stafford Road. These include improved traffic management, enhanced park and ride and cycling facilities and the use of communications technology including CCTV to improve traffic management. The project, due for completion in spring 2015, will also explore ways of providing WiFi onboard buses travelling the route. The DfT announced it had awarded the city council and Centro £1m towards the project. Cllr Judith Rowley, Centro’s lead member for Wolverhampton, said: “It’s vital we have the right transport links in place for people to access these new job opportunities. “The improvements should greatly improve the flow of traffic for all road users and make it easier for people to reach i54 by public transport or even by bicycle. This is just the start, however, and we intend to improve links still further.” Cllr Peter Bilson, of Wolverhampton City Council, said: “Improving the ease of movement for people on this major route is fundamental to the regeneration of this high profile area of the city and will support the anticipated future growth in business, housing and traffic.” The package of improvements include: l Upgraded bus shelters with real time information at key locations; l Additional cycling infrastructure; l A refurbished Park and Ride site with new signage; l Improvements to existing traffic lights, including bus detection technology; l Upgraded pedestrian crossings, again using bus detection technology; l Variable message signage; and Wireless communication and CCTV to allow improved traffic management and WiFi on buses.

SCOTLAND

TO MARK THE START of 2014, First Aberdeen, has introduced or extended a number of initiatives giving customers the opportunity

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to access cheaper bus fares. Firstly, First has launched a promotion which gives customers across the network the opportunity of receiving a free day’s travel when they trade in their adult ‘FirstDay’ ticket for an adult ‘FirstWeek’ ticket. This will give customers eight days travel for the price of seven, for £18. The promotion runs from January 13 until February 9, 2014. Customers can exchange their tickets on board the bus. First Aberdeen has also extended its ‘Travel Trio’ promotions on Service 11 and Service 20 until March 31. Customers can purchase return tickets for: £1.70 instead of £2 (stages 1-2); £2.80 reduced from £3.50 (Stages 3-5); or £3.30 down from £4.30 (Stages 6+). Finally, across its network First is

TRENT BARTON is offering customers the chance to swap lazy Sunday mornings for a day out by waiving all fares between 1000 and 1100hrs in a bid to drum up trade for local businesses and attractions in 2014. The initiative also aims to encourage people to use public transport and anyone who boards any trent barton bus during the Freeride Sunday ‘happy hour’ will not have to pay a penny for their journey. Alex Hornby, Commercial Director, explained: “The offer is ideal for anyone who’s made a New Year’s resolution to get out and about more this year, while also providing a boost for shops and other attractions in towns and cities served by the trent barton network in Derbyshire, Nottingham and beyond. “In recent years, Sunday has become an increasingly important shopping day, and by taking up the offer customers can also enjoy a little extra money in their pocket to spend in the January sales!” By giving away free bus travel, trent barton also hopes to encourage more motorists to try public transport as an alternative to taking the car. “In 2014 we hope to see more people discover the comfort, convenience and value for money which our friendly, frequent buses provide while helping to cut congestion on our busy roads,” Alex added. The offer has been praised by a number of business leaders, including Martin Langsdale, Chair of the Cathedral Quarter Management Group in Derby. www.coachandbusweek.com

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also extending a promotion which gives customers the opportunity of purchasing a FirstDay off peak day ticket for £4. Duncan Cameron, Director and General Manager of First Aberdeen, said: “The number of customers travelling on our services are increasing – indeed compared to this time last year we are transporting an extra 1,000 customers a day. We want to build on that success and encourage even more people onto our buses. We’re committed to continuing to improve our services and we recognise that providing good value fares will help us increase passenger numbers even further. “I’m delighted that we’re able to extend these fares initiatives and hope customers continue take advantage of the excellent value they provide.”

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

The CPT Annual Dinner takes place on January 23, 2014 at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, London

2014 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 23-24 Coach Holiday Conference & Workshop. Best Western Premier Queen Hotel, Chester. www.coachtourismcouncil. co.uk n March 4–7 QV Associates’ course Introduction to Bus & Crew Scheduling. Birmingham. 01905 613527. www.qv-associates.com/

qvcourses.htm

n March 19-20 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 June 15 Welsh Coach Rally, Swansea. ntfwswansea.co.uk Contact Ashley Lovering 07814 958379

n February 1, 2014 LTCOA Dinner Dance The Royal Garden Hotel, Knightsbridge. Call Sue Reynolds on 07932 158999 or email ltcoa@btinternet.com

He said: “The Cathedral Quarter is well served by the trent barton network and therefore this initiative to encourage more people to use public transport is a welcome move. “With an increasing number of our independent retailers opening on Sundays we hope this initiative will draw more people into Derby’s Cathedral Quarter.” Neil Fincham, Director of the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), commented: “We welcome any initiative which encourages more people to come into Nottingham as it will ultimately benefit our members – the retail and leisure businesses in the city centre. “Free public transport is a great idea and I am sure that the happy hour on Sunday mornings on trent barton buses will prove to be very attractive to shoppers and visitors.”

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n July 6-7 North Norfolk Railway Bus Rally. Heritage bus service both days, transport Festival on Sunday. Email bus@johnrstewart. co.uk for an entry form. 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 9 Association of Trainers AGM. Birmingham. 01797 344251 www.asot.org.uk/index.php/ asot/come-to-meet-us-menu n September 10-11 Low Carbon Vehicle Event, Millbrook, Bedfordshire. 01509 635 750. www. cenex-lcv.co.uk n September 21 Showbus 2014. 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

January 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 13 13/01/2014 13:46

ENVIRONMENT › ARRIVA ELECTRIC BUSES

Electrified in Milton Keynes

rriva The Shires’ route 7 between Bletchley and Wolverton via Central Milton Keynes is to become dedicated to electric bus operation by employing wireless charging technology. After many months of planning and organisation involving a host of stakeholders, the first full electric bus route in the UK using the technology will see Wrightbus SteetLite EVs enter service from January 19. Eight buses will be on the road by the end of the month operating non-stop for up to 17 hours a day, seven days a week on what has been described as the world’s most demanding electric bus route. The trial is being managed by MitsuiArup joint venture, MBK Arup Sustainable Projects which specialises in identifying and developing opportunities worldwide for low

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With the imminent introduction of wirelessly charged electric buses in Milton Keynes, Martin Cole reports on the five-year trial while Andy Izatt looks at the eight Arriva The Shires Wrightbus StreetLite EVs involved and takes one for a test drive

carbon investment with organisations such as transport operators, municipal authorities, housing groups, commercial landlords, energy companies, governments and businesses. Supported by Milton Keynes Borough Council and the Department for Transport, the project aims to prove that low-carbon transport can be a cost-effective and efficient alternative to

diesel and petrol vehicles. An enabling company, eFleet Integrated Service (“eFIS”), has been set up and it will use data collected to demonstrate the technical and economic viability of this type of low-carbon public transport. The information will more than likely be used to help kick-start electric bus projects in other

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13/01/2014 18:13

I DR ST TE

Eight Wrightbus StreetLite EVs will operate on route 7 in Milton Keynes for the length of the five-year trial

towns and cities worldwide. “Electric buses’ physical and economic potential has historically been side-lined because no one could see around the range problem associated with the batteries,” explained Professor John Miles of Cambridge University, an Arup consultant and director of the Milton Keynes electric bus programme. “Wireless charging can bring electric buses in from the cold, and potentially put them neckand-neck with their diesel counterparts. If we can demonstrate true parity with diesel buses during this trial, we’ll have reached a tipping point for low-carbon transport – we’ll have proved it can be cost-effective as well as green.” The official launch, attracting the attention of national newspapers, radio, and TV, took place on January 9 at Campbell Park, Milton Keynes and was attended by Transport Minister Baroness Kramer. “These ultra-low emission buses will offer the traveling public a quieter, smoother journey as well as cutting carbon and improving air quality,” she said. “This project represents a fantastic opportunity to learn more about extending the future capability and rollout of electric buses.”

SPECIFICATION DETAILS

Induction-charged Wrightbus StreetLite EV: Length: 9.480m Wheelbase: 6.189m Width: 2.445m Height: 3.505m Drive system: Siemens ELFA II electric drive Battery pack: Dow Kokam Lithium-ion storage Power steering: Electrically driven & hydraulic Brakes: Wabco PAN17 pneumatic disc Suspension: Wrightbus IFS with four bag rear Axles: Front – Wrightbus/Dana hubs Rear – Dana G140 Tyres: 245/70R 17.5 GVW: 12,980kg ULW: 9,720kg Warranty: Two-year bumper to bumper, five years on battery pack

PROJECT DETAILS 1

Collaborators involved in the Milton Keynes trial:

All the partners in the project are recognised on exterior publicity carried by the buses www.coachandbusweek.com

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l eFleet Integrated Service Ltd (eFIS) l Mitsui & Co., Ltd l Arup l Milton Keynes Borough Council l Arriva l The University of Cambridge l SSE l Wrightbus Ltd l IPT-Technology l Western Power Distribution l Chargemaster Plc

January 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 15 13/01/2014 18:13

ENVIRONMENT › ARRIVA ELECTRIC BUSES

Strong branding on the buses means everyone who sees them will be in no doubt as to their green credentials

PROJECT DETAILS 2

Mitsui & Co and Arup Mitsui & Co describes itself as one of the most diversified and comprehensive trading, investment and service enterprises in the world, with 147 offices in 67 countries as of December 2013. Utilising its global operating locations, network and information resources, it is multilaterally pursuing business that ranges from product sales, worldwide logistics and financing, through to the development of major international infrastructure and other projects in the following fields: Iron and steel products;, mineral and metal resources; infrastructure projects; integrated transport systems; chemicals, energy; food resources; food product s and services; consumer services; IT; innovation and corporate development. Arup describes itself as the creative force at the heart of many of the world’s most prominent projects in the built environment and across industry. From 90 offices in 38 countries its 11,000 planners, designers, engineers and consultants deliver innovative projects around the world.

Advantages of IPT

While the StreetLite EVs are fully electric, they’re not reliant on a huge bank of batteries for supplying the motive power. They use a method of wireless charging known as Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) which gives each vehicle an opportunity to take on board a 10-minute charge at either end of the route, 16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | January 15, 2014 014_019_CBW1120_MK Electric Bus.indd 16

time scheduled for driver breaks. Charging stations have been sunk into the road at Bletchley and Wolverton. The bus draws on top of the charging plates, lowers its collector and can get an inducted 120kW charge for as long as it is stationary. Ten minutes is enough to replenish two thirds of the total battery capacity. The charging plates in the road and collector on the vehicle do not contact each other but maintain a four centimetre gap. The road plates are isolated the moment to vehicle moves away and are perfectly safe to other road users and pedestrians. A third charging point is to be installed within the next three months at the railway station although this is primarily for research purposes. eFIS purchased the bus-mounted and ground station IPT equipment from ConductixWampfler, an American company. It also provided secondary IPT units to Wrightbus as free-issue items and purchased the StreetLite EVs, which are leased to Arriva. As well as operating, maintaining and garaging the buses with support from others, Arriva will collate and share data representing passenger feedback, its own feedback, and other transport-service related parameters of interest to the project. Wrightbus is providing warranty, maintenance and technical support services through Customecare to Arriva, and will collect and share data on bus performance characteristics taken from the remote data systems mounted on the vehicles. In other schemes where IPT has been employed, notably Turin and Genoa, more frequent charging points have been installed with a view to taking aboard short bursts

of charge each time the bus stops to board or discharge passengers. That increases the infrastructure costs considerably, but does provide great flexibility and reduces the requirement for carrying so many batteries. The system in Genoa revealed there was no need to charge the buses overnight because there was sufficient charge for them to reach the first stop, after which they could take on a brief charge at alternate stops and comfortably take aboard sufficient power to continue operating all day. Weight of batteries impacts on the carrying capacity of the vehicles and the additional 2.6t added to the Wrightbus StreetLite EVs means their unladen weight has increased to around 9.7t. They still seat 37 passengers, but standee capacity is considerably reduced. The project is being supported for five years and is to be closely monitored with all data being collected and scrutinised by a team at Cambridge University. The results will show if the project demonstrates technical and commercial viability while proving ‘green’ low carbon transport can be a cost-effective alternative. The advantages are immediately apparent as the vehicles run very quietly and emit no noxious fumes. Average speed on the route is 16.3mph. Combined, the eight buses will cover around 450,000 route miles per year which would remove approximately five tonnes of particulates and tailpipe emissions from the city’s streets and 269 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere. If the UK had a ‘green grid’ with all electricity generated from renewable sources, the CO2 savings could increase to more than 680 tonnes per year. n www.coachandbusweek.com

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I DR ST TE

IN DEPTH

Induction-charged Wrightbus StreetLite EV: Arriva The Shires’ vehicles in detail The electric StreetLite has been developed by Pulse, the technology division of the Wright Group headed by co-founder, William Wright. StreetLite is built to comply with National Small Series Type Approval and as far as possible components are common between the induction-charged EVs and the standard dieselpowered 9.5m model. The body structure, chassis frame and axles are the same, as are the steering and wheels. The chassis does have additional cross members. StreetLite has a welded steel chassis frame that since last May has been assembled at the new Wright En-Drive factory in Antrim. Wright’s patented Aluminique toggled system is used for the Ballymena-built body with quick release replacement side panelling in split aluminium sheet, cut and shaped in-house. Polyurethanebonded aluminium sheet is used for the roof. Headlights are deliberately positioned outside the normal impact zone while a one piece bumper below the front grill is also designed for ease of replacement. The saloon roof is laminate or a perforated illuminated panel with centrally positioned fulllength fluorescent or LED strip lighting. Scrim is used for the coving and laminate for the side casings. Window pillars are ABS. StreetLite’s design incorporates a demountable skid for the driveline so in theory the electric buses could be converted to diesel power in later life although the stepping in the saloon floor differs to accommodate the rectifiers used for the inductive charging. While the maximum seating for StreetLite at this length is maintained at 37, the number of standees has dropped from 29 to nine. If the two tip ups aren’t used that increases to 11. With a wheelchair bound passenger on-board, seating reduces to 35. These buses have Esteban seats, a StreetLite option, although Lazzerini is standard. They also have free on-board WiFi. The electric drive is powered by AC current, either from charging or from the regenerative braking, rectified to DC current for storage in the ‘three string’150kw/h Dow Kokam Lithiumion battery system. Batteries are located on the roof and either side behind the rear axle to distribute the weight. Each ‘string’ comprises seven modules with each module made up of seven cells. Donaldson cooling radiators for the drive system are also roof mounted. The Siemens ELFA II electric drive that delivers power to the propshaft is the same modular system used by Wrightbus in the New Bus for London and by Optare. The induction plates road recessed at the Bletchley and Wolverton termini of 14.4-mile route 7, charge at 120kW per transfer. That compares to 22kW for the overnight plug-in recharging at Arriva The Shires’ Arden Park, Milton Keynes depot, so are five and a half times faster. There are eight Chargemaster plug-in points at Arden Park, one for each bus, and it takes around four hours to recharge up to around 95% - the norm. That’s followed by

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While there may be no diesel engine and gearbox, the engine compartment is still fully occupied with the electric drive and two of the battery ‘strings’

A pneumatic ram is use to lower the collector plate underneath the buses when they’re wirelessly recharging

The induction plates that have been sunk in the road have two primary coils. This is the site at Wolverton

battery balancing. With the timetable for route 7 from January 19, the last bus is scheduled to come off service at 2329hrs Monday to Friday while the first morning journey is at 0610hrs. The induction plates in the road have two primary coils while the collector plate under the bus has four secondary ones. The collector plate can only be lowered by the driver once the parking brake has been applied and the entrance doors closed. A wireless communication system sends a coded message from the bus to the roadside charger control unit to indicate the level of recharge required. Adjacent to the control unit are two cooling systems for the primary coils. Maintenance of these is expected to be minimal. An onboard closed circuit camera helps the driver position the bus, but the dashboard display also indicates the percentage coverage he or she has achieved. It needs to be a minimum of 50%. The collector plate is lowered by a pneumatic ram and charging won’t start until a proximity switch is activated. Numerous interlocks have been installed to ensure safe operation and the magnetic field created is below five microteslas, well below safety limits. Wrightbus Product Director, Mark Mitchell explained charging efficiency will always be higher than 90% - usually between 92% and 96%.

Late running is an inevitable operational hazard so it may not always be possible to undertake a full 10-minute recharge. Mark explained that, assuming the vehicle has started the day on a ‘full’ charge, it can potentially miss up to three and a half 10-minute recharges before energy storage falls to 30%, the minimum recommended level that avoids avoidable degradation of the battery system. How much charge is used depends on passenger loadings – the more people on board, the greater the drain on power – but also other factors such as the use of heaters, lights and windscreen wipers also make a difference. Plenty of capacity has been built in to the operational daily cycle, which should see battery charge not falling below 50%. Mark explained that the plug-in StreetLite EV prototype that was exhibited by Wrightbus at Euro Bus Expo 2012 continues to be used for trialling new types of batteries and developing new charging systems. Talking about the Milton Keynes buses, he said: “This five year project is all about demonstrating the commercial viability of the technology. These buses will receive a recharge 15 times a day. As the industry moves more towards hybrid and electric vehicles our knowledge has increased tremendously. Battery technology will evolve. It’s all about range extension.” n

January 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17 13/01/2014 18:13

ENVIRONMENT › ARRIVA ELECTRIC BUSES IN DEPTH

Induction-charged Wrightbus StreetLite EV: Test driving an Arriva The Shires vehicle A dedicated 22-strong driver’s rota has been created for route 7 although 34 drivers in total have received the required day’s training on the induction charging StreetLite EVs, the first of which was delivered to Milton Keynes last November. Mark Mitchell from Wrightbus pointed out that driver feedback had been very positive. Performance including acceleration was described as fantastic and handling was favourably commented on as well. With thanks to Arriva The Shires, we were able to take one of the SteetLite EVs for a short test drive after the official launch and would agree with all of those comments, reinforcing previous experience of driving another manufacturer’s electric bus. For those that have yet to experience it, driving an electric is quite different to a diesel with a gearbox. Performance feels effortless in comparison and it’s an altogether much more relaxing experience. StreetLite’s driver’s area meets ISO16121 for ergonomics and all-round visibility. An angled windscreen is designed to minimise reflections and the absence of an offside ‘B’ pillar all help to enhance that visibility. Side mirrors

are deep and well placed. A multiple internal mirror system means the driver not only can see what’s happening in the saloon, but also in the wheelchair position directly behind the cab partition. Wrightbus thoughtfully provided two clothes hooks, one for a jacket or coat and another possibly for a hi-viz vest. The 46cm steering wheel and soft feel VDO binnacle adjusted as one, and it was quick and easy to set up a comfortable driving position. The left-side positioned steering wheel stalk has controls for the wipers, screen wash, horn, headlights and indicators. The fully adjustable Chapman driver seat was very comfortable. Our bus had a pulldown windscreen blind, but there wasn’t one for the signalling window. The binnacle display includes a speedometer on the left, various warning lights and a digital display that informs the driver on start up when the bus is ready to drive and the percentage state of the battery charge, and the progress of any recharge. Despite the ZF label below the drive, neutral and reverse buttons, the StreetLite EV doesn’t have a gearbox. Red ‘open’ and green ‘close’

For the driver the VDO binnacle is well laid out with controls falling easily to hand

Multiple mirror system ensures the driver can see what’s happening in the wheelchair position

Despite an extra 2.6t in weight, seating capacity has been maintained at 37

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entrance door buttons are adjacent. Above that are switches for fog, side and dipped headlights, ferry lift and suspension nearside lowering, ignition and engine start. Then there are hazards, reversing alarm on and off and a switch for the camera that aids docking above those induction plates. Arriva specifies an eight camera CCTV system on single-deckers. Overhead is a 21St Century monitor, which the driver uses for reversing and positioning the bus for induction recharge. To the right are controls for the Hanover electronic destination equipment and switches for the saloon and cab lights, battery guard reset and cab fan. The sides of the moulded panel below the signalling window have controls for lowering and raising the collector plate and there is a driver alarm. On top of the moulding is the parking brake, the Heavac Fronterior controlled heating and ventilation system and a master isolator switch. Arriva The Shires uses smartcard-enabled Parkeon Wayfarer TGX200 ticketing. On the left-hand side of the front dashboard moulding

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I DR ST TE StreetLite has a distinctive look from any angle and the roof pod adds to that impression by the entrance doors is an isolator switch for plug-in recharging. For the driver, the start sequence is very straightforward – a turn of the master isolator switch under the signalling window, a brief pause and then pressing the binnacle ignition and engine start buttons. Then depress the footbrake, select drive and release the parking brake. When the vehicle is not in use the ignition and particularly the main isolation switches need to be reset. There is a clear message to that effect on the binnacle. The test drive from outside Milton Keynes railway station back to the launch venue at Campbell Park started on Grafton Gate followed by a left turn on to Midsummer Boulevard and another left turn on to Witan Gate. With no transmission and direct power delivery, electric buses have strong smooth acceleration and the StreetLite EV was no exception delivering effortless power. However, there was a momentary pause. It is only momentary, but a consideration when entering a roundabout when traffic conditions can quickly change. Milton Keynes

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probably has more roundabouts than any other city, but regular drivers will quickly adjust. It goes without saying that greater acceleration drains more battery power. We were brought to an abrupt halt by traffic lights marking the junction with Silbury Boulevard. Braking force was firm and delivered immediately. Two lanes turn right at the roundabout onto Portway and we took the outer one. There is a sense when driving a StreetLite that the driver is positioned quite high. That needs to be taken into account when cornering which all helps make for smoother driving and a better ride for passengers. It’s a gentle climb north east along Portway. We made steady progress. The beauty of electric is not just the acceleration, but the smooth regenerative braking. With good anticipation, the foundation brakes need hardly to be touched and allowing the bus to slow itself helps regenerate the battery. Electric vehicles aren’t silent, but the little noise they do create is certainly a lot less intrusive than a diesel bus. Our StreetLite had a very distinctive electric motor whine, which

was more noticeable on the slight inclines encountered. Without the sound of a big engine disguising them, other noises from the likes of axles and tyres can become more noticeable, as do any body rattles. What’s certain is that passengers on route 7 will notice they’re on a very different type of transport. At the Pagoda roundabout we looped back to the Overgate roundabout, the entrance to Campbell Park so our short, but enjoyable drive was over. However, it had been a timely reminder of just how pleasant driving an electric bus can be. With appropriate running times drivers can relax and let their vehicles do the work and the result should be a better experience for passengers. The Milton Keynes project should be seen as a significant milestone along the road towards delivering viable carbon neutral local bus services. With battery capacity still a major limitation, hopefully it will prove the practicalities of inductive charging as a workable solution. There is wide spread recognition now that electric traction is the ultimate goal all bus manufacturers should be pursuing. n

January 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19 13/01/2014 18:13

NEWS FOCUS › ENSIGNBUS c2c

On the right lines

here’s nothing like the proof of the pudding being in the eating, so I say: this is a saying from the 17th century and still holds true today in the 21st. And as one who goes weak at the knees at the very mention of rhubarb crumble and custard, you can know I mean business when I quote it! When I learnt a few months ago that South Essex-based train operating company was to operate bendy coaches on rail replacement work in the �irst half of 2014, I have to say that my eyebrows did go a little higher than normal. “The proof of the pudding...” I said...

Tempe bendy

It sometimes surprises me how far and how fast word travels. As one quite well known for not being the biggest lover of bendy buses, I was gently surprised – but not displeased – to �ind the itinerary of my most recent visit to Australia subtly hi-jacked to include two full days shadowing a bendy-bus driver at the then recently re-opened Tempe depot in Sydney. Now I may have been around a while, but try to be open-minded about things I don’t know. Very interesting my experience was, too, apart from now being the proud owner of a Sydney Buses hi-vis! 20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | January 15, 2014

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John G. Lidstone reports on the trial of an Ensignbus bendy coach for rail replacement on c2c’s route between London and Southend Meanwhile, south Essex train operating company ‘c2c’ has been achieving great strides forward in recent years. Firstly in transforming the previously-dubbed ‘misery line’ into Britain’s most punctual route. National Express leased popular new Bombardier Electrostar trains to serve the route from London’s Fenchurch Street (about 6 bendybus lengths from Tower Hill tube station) – to Shoeburyness, where the terminus is a similar distance from the coast. Sunny Southend on the Thames Estuary, with its population of 180,000 and legions of London commuters, is its raison d’etre these days. The second key performance enhancement by c2c has been in the interesting area under the control of enthusiastic Amended Timetable Manager Phil Sullivan, who has single-handedly raised the bar for rail replacement buses in recent years.

Rag, tag and bobtail

Where once Southend Transport’s modern Fleetline 80-seater ‘jumbos’ would smartly cater for rail replacements in the 1970s and 1980s, standards had fallen since such that by the ‘noughties’, buses on rail replacements would often comprise a motley collection of aged and dirty Olympians and Metrobuses in a rag, tag and bobtail selection of colours. Many showed evidence of usual use as school buses, most were in the twilight of their careers (and some seemed resurrected from the dead almost). This did little for c2c’s customer care, jarring with its modern, popular trains and increasingly good reputation. Bus operator performance came into focus for review in January 2009 and those with poor performance were removed, whilst bene�icially closer relations were sought with the remaining higher quality vehicle companies. Management spot-checks monitored compliance and, www.coachandbusweek.com

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Ensignbus is using two Volvo artics on c2c work

Ensignbus’ attractive livery helps make the coaches standout

Team working. Phill Sullivan from c2c and Ensignbus’ Ross Newman

s interestingly, 2010 saw a cost saving to c2c of a six-�igure sum for the year.

Close relations

Close relations were developed with Ensignbus in January 2010, this competent operator gaining �irst refusal for emergency call-outs. Coaches were trialled for ‘fast’ runs in early 2010, but although deemed successful, this wasn’t perpetuated. Phil Sullivan’s role encompasses this work, as well as the key aspect of amended timetabling. January 2011 saw him introduce a low-�loor requirement (which is only wavered very occasionally through operational necessity on call-outs), whilst vehicle signage was enhanced by programmed LED indicator displays replacing windscreen labels. Standby buses were introduced with supervisors, to ensure local management of rail replacement drivers whilst aiding the capability to deal with any issues ‘on the ground’ as they might occur. Revenue spot-checks and agency staff reduced ‘ticketless travel’ aboard rail replacement buses, as well as having the by-product of dealing with on-board issues as well as relieving drivers of the sole burden of dealing with ‘undesirables’. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Inside the coaches seat 71 and have comfortable maquette cushions and squabs

The bendy was able to negotiate some incredibly tight corners

Local control

2013 has seen hybrid electric buses appear for the �irst time, Ensign’s Wright Gemini B5LHs bringing a low-emissions contribution when available (usually only on Sundays when their regular route 22 PVR is reduced). Phil’s role encompasses all this work and although rail replacement may be something of a poisoned chalice (as something no rail passenger relishes and a hefty business cost), he has successfully transformed this operation in recent years and takes pride in his achievements.

c2c then took local control of emergency replacement vehicles itself in October 2011, aligned with a drive for better collection of data and, in turn, vehicle replacement provision better matched to demand. This has had a noticeable bene�it in terms of a better experience for c2c customers, whilst also achieving further cost savings to c2c. Possible improvements are regularly looked into, with agency cleaning during the operations for bigger blocks of vehicles, to ensure they remain clean throughout the day. Commendably, passenger complaints have plummeted to almost nil as a result of these improvements. Only modern, low-�loor buses are used, all immaculately presented and clean throughout, with neat, uniformed drivers and operations closely monitored ‘on the ground’ my helpful staff to ensure maximal ef�iciency and minimal inconvenience. Standards are closely monitored, too, to ensure compliance. The norm is now for modern Olympus-bodied Volvos from Ensignbus joined by Enviro400 and Olympus-bodied Scanias from Stephensons, with Ensign providing around 75% of vehicle input.

Coaching conundrum

The Christmas period of 2012 brought a new dimension to scheduled c2c rail replacements through an unusually lengthy and large operation right over the festive period. This saw replacement of the age-old bridge at Ben�leet, originally built over the creek, but now a main road to Canvey Island. Recognising that some ‘semi fast’ and ‘fast’ journeys could supplement the usual ‘all stations’ buses, Phil brought back coaches for the �irst time, to try to maximize passenger appeal, sourced from high-quality operators such as Kings Ferry and Talisman. The balance has been carefully struck between faster and more

January 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21 13/01/2014 19:38

NEWS FOCUS › ENSIGNBUS c2c

John Lidstone: “I welcomed the offer to sample one on a route trial run last week courtesy of Ensignbus Operations Director, Ross Newman” luxurious journeys on the one hand, whilst not thwarting his own stated targets for necessary accessibility and vehicle age on the other. 2014 brings a different challenge within an even longer timeframe. Key infrastructure engineering will require rail replacement services every weekend from late January right through until May. The bulk of this work is to renew the junction at Pitsea where Londonbound routes from Southend diverge, the ‘main line’ heading straight to London via Basildon and a loop diverts nearer the estuary via Tilbury). Phil noted c2c customer feedback from the Benfleet replacements had shown a clear preference for coaches on ‘fast’ longer journeys with limited stops, these supplementing the lowfloor buses always use on ‘all station’ journeys. Plans to use regular coaches were scoped during 2013, with suitable vehicles sourced and route trials undertaken with regular supplier Ensignbus, leading to their provision of coaches in a slightly revised version of its familiar blue and silver livery, but with a new ‘Ensignbus working in partnership with c2c’ logo, complete. Livery now features twin ‘rail lines’ in white on coach skirts.

Capacity concerns

Capacity with coaches has been a concern and so the innovative solution of articulated coaches has been found workable, marking out c2c’s rail replacement given the rarity of ‘bendy coaches’ in the UK. Given c2c’s parent National Express’ preference to avoid double-decker coaches, artics have been an ideal way forward. Two will be employed (supplementing four standard B10Ms), these being former Stagecoach B10MA-55 units with high-capacity Plaxton Premiere Interurban bodywork, immaculately presented in the ‘partnership’ livery. Ensign has made these fully 22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | January 15, 2014 020_022_CBW1120_Ensign.indd 22

LEZ compliant, too. Notably, Ensign has a strong preference to avoid leather seating on comfort grounds, so all chosen coaches sport more traditional and more comfortable moquette seats. Phil has calculated efficiency cost savings through the use of 71-seater ‘artics’, with a vehicle per day saved compared to the vehicle requirement if only standard coaches were employed. Since January 2012, a close watch has been maintained to ensure targets toward value for money and operational performance are met.

At maximum governed speed, I was pleased to find that the ‘tail’ unit was, for the most part, very steady

A route trial was undertaken in late 2013 and mid-January saw the two B10M artics outshopped in the new Ensign-c2c ‘partnership’ livery ready and I welcomed the offer to sample one on a route trial run last week, courtesy of Ensignbus Operations Director Ross Newman.

Steady bendy

Back now to my rhubarb crumble. I have to admit to never having experienced a ‘bendy coach’ hitherto, so my trial run was most interesting. My first impression was of quietness, as the relatively quiet-running B10M lead section is not unduly noisy at all, even with its heavy underfloor engine, driving through very smooth automatic transmission.

At maximum governed speed, I was pleased to find that the ‘tail’ unit was, for the most part, very steady, without much of the ‘tail wagging’ I’d possibly expected. I found the soft and well-shaped seats (with lap belts), made for a most agreeably pleasant ride, this being especially quiet in the trailer section. Two seats do have what can perhaps best be described as ‘restricted view’ – these being single seats on each side of the turntable itself. The normally quite harsh ‘bellows’ has been softened by fabric cladding, the seats necessarily affording the passenger extended legroom, whilst being lower than the rest through not being mounted on a plinth. Having initially thought that larger 90-seater Neoplan coaches could possibly have been a personal preferred choice, the necessary turns would have been difficult – and some quite impossible – with the likes of a 13.5m doubledecker. The quietly-spoken ‘bendy’ negotiated some incredibly tight corners (mostly due to parked vehicles) with ease. It was also very noticeable that the ‘bendy’ caught the attention of passing general public (and bus drivers), causing some interest. Ensign Business Development Manager Michael Botton enthusiastically told me how lovely the coach was to drive and those sampling the ride all agreed that it was very pleasant.

Winning hit

For vehicles perhaps not in their first flush of youth, Ensignbus has scored a winning hit with its train operating partner c2c for sure, whilst c2c now stands out in rail replacement terms by virtue of this innovative solution and its closely focused approach. The pudding can be pronounced agreeably proven through its eating! n

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NEWS › LEGAL

Merseypride licence revoked in operator’s absence David & Tracey Hannell fail to attend PI and without evidence of compliance or financial standing, Senior TC Beverley Bell revokes licence and disqualifies Tracey Hannell as Transport Manager

Background

David Alexander Hannell and Tracey Hannell together traded as Merseypride Travel. They held of a standard national O-licence granted on February 16, 2004, with authority to operate eight vehicles. The operator employs its own maintenance staff. The two partners are father and daughter. The Transport Manager is Tracey Hannell. Senior Traffic Commissioner (STC) and Traffic Commissioner (TC) for the North West Traffic Area, Beverley Bell, had previous concerns with regard to a licence operated by David Hannell, which was revoked with effect from December 31, 2003 on the basis of an unsatisfactory maintenance investigation, prohibition notices having been issued and undertakings not having been complied with. At the same time, there was a change of entity and an application was made for an O-licence. STC Beverley Bell said: “Many operators will fall into difficulties and will appear before a TC at Public Inquiry (PI) and all that is required is for the operator to be put back on the right road and the operator can then continue. That is what happens in the vast majority of cases. Sometimes, TCs are prepared to give operators a chance and this was one of those cases.” Despite having revoked the licence at the end of 2003, having heard detailed evidence from Tracey Hannell and from David Hannell, the TC decided it was safe to grant an O-licence to the father and daughter business. However, an undertaking was recorded that the

operator would attend a seminar on April 8, 2004, which the operator did attend. Three years later, VOSA checks were carried out and found some shortcomings, but they were not sufficient to call the PI, and consequently, a warning letter was issued to the operator on May 21, 2007. On September 11, 2012, a vehicle being operated by Merseypride was travelling along the A3 at Portsmouth Road, Hindhead in Surrey when the driver lost control of the vehicle. It went up an embankment and substantial damage was caused to the front of vehicle, killing the driver and two passengers. PC Gibson attended the scene and was present at the inquiry. PC Gibson was satisfied that the cause of the incident was the deterioration of a tyre fitted to the vehicle. The vehicle itself was 17.5 years old but the tyre itself was 19.5 years old. There is no suggestion of a puncture or a blow-out or of the tyre having come into contact with something else that would cause it. The age of the tyre was the cause of what happened.

Aggravating Features

On September 18, 2012, Robert Hazeel, who works for Surrey police as a civilian officer, worked with VOSA and conducted a detailed examination of the vehicle in addition to what had been done by PC Gibson. As a result of what he found, a prosecution was brought at Guildford Magistrates Court on August 27, 2013, for causing or permitting the use of a vehicle with a tyre re-cut to expose the cords. This was a tyre fitted to the same vehicle but it was a different tyre

from the one which caused the accident. Furthermore, PC Gibson had ascertained that the operator had allowed more passengers than the number of seats to travel on the vehicle and consequently a prosecution was also brought at Guildford Magistrates Court on the same day for causing or permitting the use of a vehicle for more passengers than there were seats. The result was a fine of £4,000 for the first offence for Tracey Hannell and £300 for the second offence for Tracey Hannell together with orders for costs and victim support. In the meantime, Vehicle Examiner Rimmer from VOSA conducted a maintenance investigation on August 19 and 20, 2013. PC Gibson had asked VOSA in the North West Traffic Area to produce a lot of documentation from the operator to him in connection with his investigation. The TC said: “I understand entirely that PC Gibson’s investigation focused on the cause of death with regard to what happened on the night in question and focused on the cause of the

“Sometimes, Traffic Commissioners are prepared to give operators a chance and this was one of those cases,” Senior Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell.

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A tyre on the vehicle which crashed was found to have a tyre re-cut to expose the cords, though it was not the tyre which caused the accident collision in the first place that led to the deaths. I understand that he would have been looking at that in isolation. “It is clear that there were good working practices between PC Gibson and the VOSA examiners who helped him and Robert Hazeel. However, it is also vital that there is joined-up working not only between the police force and VOSA as an executive enforcement agency for the Department for Transport (DfT) but also that there is joinedup working with the TC who after all is the regulator who issues the licences. “In my capacity as Senior Traffic Commissioner, I am already working with VOSA and the DfT to see how we can have better joined-up working and, now that this case is concluded, I will use my experiences in this case to see how best that joined-up working can be improved.” When Vehicle Examiner Rimmer conducted his maintenance investigation in August 2013, he recorded the result as unsatisfactory. There were three matters which caused him concern. The operator had put a vehicle on the road without conducting a first-use inspection, which the TC regarded as an aggravating feature in the case. Mr Rimmer also found that while there was a driver defect reporting www.coachandbusweek.com

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2,003 Followers

system in place, it was not being monitored. The other thing Mr Rimmer found was that the operator had a 71% prohibition rate in the past five years, with the national prohibition rate at 19%. This was also regarded as an aggravating feature. Furthermore, the operator had a two year prohibition rate of 50% compared with a national average of 21%, which was also regarded as an aggravating feature. “The reasons I regard these as aggravating features are because this is not an operator who has never heard of TCs,” Beverley Bell explained. “This is not an operator who has never come to the attention of the TC before. This licence was granted at PI. This operator, through both David and Tracey Hannell, was under no illusions as to what was required of it.” Beverley Bell described how at the PI she saw the interview record between PC Gibson and his colleague and Tracey Hannell. Tracey Hannell spoke as though she knew the TC on first name terms. She said in her interview: “I was given the right without passing my CPC by Beverley Bell to actually be my Dad s CPC holder. I had passed part of the course but not all and she allowed me to be the CPC holder as long as I passed the rest of the course within six www.coachandbusweek.com

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months, of which I did, and sent her the certificate.” Then the officer asked: “Okay, and you just mentioned Beverley Bell, can you just explain who that person is?” Answer: “Oh sorry, Beverley Bell is the North Western Traffic Area Traffic Commissioner. I do know, I have only known her by Beverley; I don’t know her second name.” On this evidence, Beverley Bell said: “I make it clear for the avoidance of doubt that I am not on first name terms with operators in my area. They call me Ma’am, Mrs Bell or Commissioner. If this individual thinks she is on first name terms with me, she must surely understand that I expect her to comply with the terms of the O-licence and the undertakings which she gave to me at the point of grant of the licence. That is why I record the history of this operator as aggravating features.” Vehicle DHZ6774 was 17.5 years old having been registered in March 1995. A tyre that was manufactured in week eight of 1993 was 19.5 years old at the time at which it was put onto the road. Tracey Hannell, the Transport Manager, had no knowledge of this because she was on holiday at the time. The tyre was deteriorating from the inside out and that no physical examination of the vehicle would have shown that. As a result, the vehicle was not fit and serviceable. Matters were aggravated by the fact of the prosecution relating to two factors: the other tyre being cut so as to expose the cords and the driver and therefore by implication the operator allowed more passengers on the vehicles than there were seats. The driver also allowed a passenger to sleep on the floor of the vehicle while it was moving.

The Transport Manager

Based on the interview between PC Gibson, PC Stevens and the Transport Manager Tracey Hannell, the TC was not satisfied Tracey Hannell was conducting her responsibilities properly as Transport Manager. Answers by Tracey Hannell to the Police questions were vague, lacked depth and displayed a lack of knowledge of what was happening as far as journeys were concerned generally. The answers also revealed that the operator did not put proper systems in place to ensure O-licence compliance while she was on holiday in Barbados at the time of the incident. She was asked by

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PC Gibson what she had done to ensure O-licence compliance was as it should be during her holiday. Her answers revealed she had not made any alternative arrangements and nor did she think it was necessary. “It is not sufficient for any Transport Manager to go on holiday whether to Barbados or Bude and to not put proper systems in place to ensure that their statutory responsibilities are going to be complied with while they are away,” Beverley Bell said. However, based on the interview, the TC found Tracey Hannell was not generally exercising continuous and effective management over the transport operation, not just while she was away. It appeared the driver was chosen because his sister lived in Portsmouth and it would suit him to go down and see her while he happened to take some passengers to a festival on the Isle of Wight and to bring them back. Tracey Hannell’s interview record revealed it was originally her father who was supposed to drive, but it was a matter of convenience to the driver. On the return journey, the driver had told the people who organised the journey that they would be leaving at 1400hrs, but in fact he subsequently left messages and eventually said he would leave at 1900hrs to ensure compliance with the drivers hours rules. “That is very commendable regarding the drivers hours rules, but I wonder to what extent passengers were inconvenienced as a result of that,” the TC added.

KEY POINTS

A coach operated by n Merseypride crashed on its way back to Liverpool from

the Isle of Wight. Three people, including the driver, were killed and over 50 injured. The tyre which failed was almost 20 years old, two years older than the coach it was attached to.

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Absence of the operator

The vehicle and its driver had come to the attention of the authorities before. On July 18, 2012, Darren Kemp was driving the same vehicle DHZ 6774. A prohibition was issued for a faulty exhaust and a fixed penalty notice of £200 was issued for an insufficient weekly rest offence. The reason for the noncompliance had not been disclosed as required. When Mr Rimmer conducted his investigation, neither Tracey Hannell nor David Hannell could make themselves available. No explanation was given to VOSA or the TC for their absence. A PG13F was issued by Mr Rimmer at the time of the investigation – a notice to the operator summarising the findings and summarising the remedial action which should be taken. It was issued to the maintenance staff and not the operator because the operator, for unknown reasons, was not present. A letter was sent by Merseypride Travel to Mr Rimmer as a result of the investigation. Neither David Hannell nor Tracey Hannell themselves sent a response; instead they delegated the matter to Mr Michael Dower. “I wonder how seriously they regarded the investigation by Mr Rimmer if neither partner nor Transport Manager could send a reply,” Beverley Bell remarked. The operators’ solicitors made a suggestion that Beverley Bell was unduly influenced by Mrs Molloy and Mr Ogden (relatives of the

Tracey Hannell was found n to lack competence as a Transport Manager, but the operator clearly should have been well aware of what was expected of it due to a history of non-compliance, dealings with the Traffic Commissioner and even evidence of overfamiliarity.

An investigation found n No evidence was provided another tyre, not the one n of financial standing, which failed, had exposed cord. compliance or maintenance, The coach was also carrying one more passenger than it had seats, with the driver allowing the extra passenger to sleep on the floor. The operator was prosecuted and fined a total of £4,300. The operator was subsequently called to public inquiry by the Traffic Commissioner.

which led to the licence being revoked and the disqualification of both Tracey Hannell and David Hannell. Neither David nor Tracey n Hannell attended either the Public Inquiry or a later hearing on January 9.

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NEWS › LEGAL deceased) to convene a PI. “I make it quite clear for the avoidance of doubt in this decision that nothing is further from the truth,” Beverley Bell said. “Traffic commissioners guard their independence jealously and zealously and I had already made my decision regardless of anything that Mrs Molloy or Mr Ogden would have said and the records reveal that. “However, the public inquiry is, in my view, an excellent use of TCs’ time and resources. It enables the TC to question the operator, to see if the operator still satisfies all of the requirements to hold a licence. It is a very nuts and bolts jurisdiction and in many PIs, a TC’s mind can be set at rest by hearing evidence from the operator, hearing assurances and also from looking at the records that are produced. “I have been sitting as a commissioner for 13 years and I have only ever in that time had one operator who has told me that they are not going to do it properly. In the rest of those 13 years, every operator has sat in the empty chair where the operator would normally sit and tells me they are going to do everything properly. I do not just rely on those assurances as the sole evidence; I also look at the physical evidence. That physical evidence includes the maintenance records, the tachograph charts, the compliance with the drivers hours rules and any other evidence that the operator chooses to produce including the financial records. “In this case, the operator has denied me that opportunity by choosing to not come to the PI.” The operator’s solicitor wrote a latter indicating that it was not going to attend at the public inquiry. It read: “I enclose a statement approved by Ms Hannell and indeed by Mr Hannell which I ask be considered by the TC. It is not my clients’ intention to attend the hearing in the circumstances, therefore, nor are they to make oral submissions.” Beverley Bell said she had never yet as a commissioner received one statement covering two witnesses. Furthermore, the statement had not been signed or dated by either David Hannell or by Tracey Hannell. It then went on to making submissions in the third party rather than as individuals. The TC chose to attach little weight to the document. The statement dealt with the tyre in question but the TC had made it clear she was not dealing with her decision on the

Senior Traffic Commissioner and Traffic Commissioner for the North West Traffic Area, Beverley Bell, was accused by the operators solicitors of calling the PI because she was influenced by relatives of the victims. She denied this, saying “Traffic Commissioners guard their independence jealously and zealously.” basis of the tyre alone. The operator did not produce any maintenance records, any finances or any tachograph charts or evidence of compliance with the drivers hours rules. As a result the TC could not be satisfied the vehicles are being kept in fit and serviceable condition, that it had strong financial standing or is complying with tachograph and drivers hours rules. The operator asked the TC to accept surrender of the licence, after the TC said this would be inappropriate, the

Licence revoked

operator said it did not take issue with the order for revocation. The operator was found to have failed to comply with undertakings to keep the vehicles in a fit and serviceable condition, failed to comply with the undertaking to ensure compliance with the drivers hours rules and tachograph regulations and failed to comply with undertakings with regard to the overloading of vehicles as referred to in the evidence above.

management as Transport Manager. The TC was also not satisfied that the operator can establish the necessary repute requirements at this stage. As a result of this, licence was revoked due to lack of repute, financial standing and professional competence. It was also revoked as a result of failure to comply with undertakings and the issue of prohibition notices. The TC said in doing so, she conducted the necessary balancing

“It is not sufficient for any Transport Manager to go on holiday whether to Barbados or Bude and to not put proper systems in place to ensure that their statutory responsibilities are going to be complied with while they are away.”

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Since no evidence was provided evidence of appropriate financial standing, the TC made the order for revocation with immediate effect as a result of lack of financial standing. The TC ruled that the operator is no longer professionally competent. As a result of the finding, Tracey Hannell no longer satisfied the repute requirement or the professional competence requirement. Tracey Hannell was found to have not exercised the necessary continuous and effective

exercise, looking at the positive features and the negative features. “I cannot find any positive features in this case except for the fact that Mr Rimmer has found that there was compliance with a lot of the maintenance arrangements when he conducted his maintenance investigation,” Beverley Bell said. “But the negative features far outweigh that. This licence was granted at a PI after a previous revocation; the operator knew what was required. This operator did not have robust systems in place with regards to drivers hours compliance or with regard to maintenance. It had a poor prohibition rate. It put at least one vehicle on the road without the vital first use inspection.” Since the TC couldn’t allow the vehicles to continue without knowing what their condition is, the order was made for revocation with immediate effect. The TC also disqualified David Hannell and Tracey Hannell from operating buses and coaches indefinitely. Beverley Bell reached the decision after inviting David Hannell and Tracey Hannell to a hearing on January 9, 2014, which neither attended. Beverley Bell added: “It is absolutely vital that TC, and particularly me as the Senior TC, do not meddle in matters outwith their expertise. It is not appropriate for me to say whether or not there should be a change in legislation with regard to the age of any vehicle parts whether that is tyres, brake pads, steering wheels, whatever. That is entirely a matter for VOSA and the Secretary of State; they are the experts. “What is within my remit as a TC in the North West Traffic Area is to remind operators that O-licensing is about best practice and the requirement is for operators to use vehicles that are only fit and serviceable and operators should always ask themselves the question when they fit parts of whatever kind to vehicles. The question is can I be sure that this part is absolutely fit and serviceable for the journey, for the type of vehicle, for the type of work it is going to be doing? “If the answer is yes and if they can back it up with evidence, then they are unlikely to get into difficulties. But if they are doubtful as to whether or not they can answer yes, then the operator should follow best practice and look at the several industry guides and look at ensuring that the right type of part of the right age is used for the job. That is as far as I will take it.” n www.coachandbusweek.com

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FACE TO FACE › CHRIS OWENS

Reaching

dizzying heights

lpine Travel is undoubtedly one of the largest and best-known bus and coach operators not only in North Wales, but across the UK road passenger transport industry as a whole. While those behind the firm have always been happy for me to publish news stories, Alpine has tended to shun the limelight in terms of features – until now. I’ve known Chris Owens and his family since before I joined CBW’s full-time staff more than seven years ago. Today I count him as a family friend – he belongs to the small band of operators who’ve met my folks, who like me, enjoy the warm welcome at Builder Street West depot when we visit Llandudno. Indeed, caffeine, kindness and friendly banter have never been in short supply – and I’ve heard others say the same.

Philosophy

“Something I’ve learned thanks to my involvement with the CPT (Confederation of Passenger Transport) is we all do the same job – yet nobody does it exactly the same. Each company is different – every one is unique. There is no such thing as a ‘one size fits all.’ 28 | COACH & BUS WEEK | January 15, 2014

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Giving his first ever ‘Face to Face’ interview, Chris Owens, MD of Alpine Travel, who takes over as CPT President this month, talks to Gareth Evans about his family’s entry into the coach industry 42 years ago, its spell running buses and the importance of continually developing the business to remain ahead of the game

“You look at Maynes of Buckie and round the corner is Whytes – yet they’re two very distinctive business because of their differing client base. Epsom and Johnson Bros are different but wonderful companies. “Dad used to harp back at long lost companies like Smiths Imperial. It’s exactly the same today with operators coming and going. The spread of good quality operators remains. My main aim is not huge profits – it’s trying to do a job. I’m very much a realist. I would never put myself on a pinnacle – because someone would knock me,” he mused. “Seriously though, I aim to offer a good quality

service at an affordable price. I want coaches to go out nice and presentable but I’m definitely not over obsessive about things. “We employ nighttime cleaners. We expect drivers to keep the vehicles clean and presentable but my drivers are not wheel polishers. Coaches are never going to be ‘shite houses’ but I employ drivers to be good at customer service – I can employ cleaners separately. “Stephen Barber always said you recruit ambassadors. You can teach a nice person to drive but not a nasty person to be nice. I always tell my staff to treat our customers like they

www.coachandbusweek.com

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This view of Llandudno depot provides a snapshot of Alpine’s work – it includes open top tours, third party coach touring and private hire

would want to be treated. It’s a tough one. “We train six people a year. Lucketts run a driving academy. We offer DCPC training here. One of my goals is to have a driving academy here, albeit not a huge one.” Chris was not wrong when he observed: “It’s strange how people have this perception of Alpine Travel as being a large operator. We’re a very modest, small company – we run 80 vehicles. I know similar sized firms who turn over double what we do.” “The livery we used previously used was akin to smarties, but when I took control, I wanted something smart and simple. Hence the adoption of a Welsh dragon and EU stars. “We didn’t have a high profile locally. Llew Jones is a good local Welsh name – Alpine is generic. We didn’t want to be known as Alpine of Llandudno because we do work out of Chester and transport Colwyn Bay FC.”

Origins of Alpine Travel

Chris took up the story: “Originally dad (Bryan) bought RO Edwards of Llanrwst in 1972. He didn’t want it to be called Owens Coaches – as he felt people would have expected Mr Owens to be driving. We lived in Betws y Coed at the time. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Colwyn Bay. They were a big company in their “Tourist books described the area as ‘Little day. That’s where dad’s interest in coaches Switzerland,’ a beautiful touring area – hence comes from. the adoption of the Alpine name. Dad also “When I was born in 1966, I had a cleft palate. concluded a name beginning with ‘A’ would be I spent my first six months in Heswall. Dad at the start of the telephone book. worked at Courtaulds but he was learning to be “Dad for his time was (is) a very astute a hair dresser in Liverpool. He used to visit me businessman. I’m just a caretaker now. Mum in hospital – he was only 24 at the time. was a hairdresser. Dad was one of four boys. “I think the ladies liked him as One worked for the AA, a hairdresser but he didn’t enjoy another joined the Post PROFILE it. From 1966 to 1972, dad had Office, the other worked in an interest with a man running the Quinton Hazell factory Name: Chris Owens trucks. and dad collected money for Age: 47 “Mum sold the family the council. He used to collect Position: Managing Director hairdressing business, so the rent from the council houses Contact: 01492 879133 money helped to buy a coach and would occasionally www.alpine-travel.co.uk company. It was a strange way borrow a friend’s border Twitter: @alpinetravel to get into an industry. If times collie. hadn’t changed, I may have been “In summer, how Colwyn cutting hair now. Bay was back then, he’d go round twice a day “Those were the days when you could speak to empty the loos and pick up the cash from the to some people and they would take your word. deck chair attendants – yet it’s now virtually Saga Holidays made the company back then. deserted. My grandfather worked for the Dad saw an advert for a rep based in Llandudno. GPO – Colwyn had one of the first automatic He called them in their office in Dover and exchanges. offered reps and coaches in Llandudno. From “During the peak summer season, dad worked a young age, I remember hundreds of people in the booking office for Pyers Coaches of

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FACE TO FACE › CHRIS OWENS The increased vehicle capacity and the involvement of Bryan’s brother Chris B in the business meant that they could develop these links and expand the tourist operation. There followed several years of consolidation and organic growth within the company, with a new operating centre being opened in Llandudno in 1985.

arriving by train – we would then put them on coaches, which would carry them to their hotels. “One landlady of a boarding house in Craig y Don was renowned for her hospitality. We had to drop off people there first as it entailed walking down the back yard. After all, we couldn’t take people to a ‘nice hotel’ as it were, first and then there,” he mused. “In the evening, we would check everyone in at the correct place, together with their bags. To get the cheapest fare, people used to go all over the place on the trains – they never seemed to get a direct service. It’s very different these days. “Customers would buy a package – three vouchers for three half-day trips. I remember collecting them. We lived in Betws y Coed – my sister would iron the £1 notes to enable us to

Coach deregulation

count them. That was my introduction to this industry. It’s funny now but you don’t think about it when you’re young.” Since its creation Alpine Travel has adopted a policy of expansion by acquisition and in 1977 bought out the interests of Hughes Bros (Llanrwst & Trefriw) Ltd, another Conwy Valley operator. The current limited company identity was then adopted and is still used to the present day.

Llandudno. They had great sales facilities, having enjoyed the halcyon days. “In real terms, in today’s money, coach day trips worked out at £40-50 per head. There was not a bed anywhere during the peak season in those days – before mass foreign holidays. “Pre-deregulation, the likes of Shearings would pay Creams and Royal Red for the use of their route licences. A lot of coach operators

“Over the years the world has changed beyond belief. Coach deregulation in 1980 changed things for the better,” recalled Chris. “Because of Saga Holidays, which had introduced us to that sort of work, we launched our own trip programme. Back then Creams and Royal Red were the two big names in

“A lot of coach operators today forget the benefits of the free market. A Traffic Commissioner could stipulate how much you could charge and if you were too cheap, they could block you”

today forget the benefits of the free market. A Traffic Commissioner could stipulate how much you could charge and if you were too cheap, they could block you. “Then in 1980, there was a revolution. In those days we would have full and half day tours around Snowdonia, encompassing Portmeirion, the Ffestiniog Railway, Caernarfon Castle and Anglesey. We would all basically do the same things. It was always hard to understand. “Smiths Happiways, Salopia and Yelloways had to carry ‘on hire’ to Creams etc. Of course, they weren’t really – they had paid £10 for the use of the route licence. It was literally a licence to print money. “The season was short back then – it ran from Whitsun to September. Whereas in a way that created opportunities for dad, it also marked the end of an era. Although we enjoyed a few years of growth in that market, it was dying. It taught me that trading conditions are always changing. Creams and Royal Red went rapidly from what the Boston Matrix terms ‘cash cows’ to ‘problems childs.’ “Suddenly with deregulation there was competition as route licences no longer existed. Through the 1980s and into the 90s, traditional eight-day coach holidays moved to five-day breaks, with the composition being from Monday to Friday and Friday to Monday. They always included an excursion. Public expectations increased. For example, we were still running Ford Duples but suddenly people were coming for holidays in air-conditioned Van Hool Volvos. Why would they want to pay to get a lesser service on our coaches? In their

By October this year, trusty double-deckers like this will be banished from Welsh local authority school contract work 30 | COACH & BUS WEEK | January 15, 2014 028_033_CBW1120_Chris Owens.indd 30

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Mum sold the family hairdressing business, so the money helped to buy a coach company. It was a strange way to get into an industry. If times hadn’t changed, I may have been cutting hair now.– Chris Owen PARTICIPATION

CPT Role

Chris says the Tourismo “fits the bill” for the Jones Holidays work final throes, we bought Royal Red in 1985 and Creams in 1991. “Carol, who still works in our office and is the friendly voice at the end of our telephone, was employed at Royal Red. You can never sit back – you’ve got to adapt. If you stand still, you will die. Plenty of big names have gone that way.”

Bus operation

“In 1986, after bus deregulation, we dabbled in local bus services. Even if I say so myself, we did a good job. We started with old Bristol VRs. “Where we were different to Crosville was that we were happy to adapt to requests from local authorities. We would use a double-decker for the school journeys and change to an Iveco minibus for off-peak trips – whereas the big bus operators would not do that. We had a small team of lovely drivers. We only ran two good routes – to Rhyl and Llysfaen. “We sold the bus operation to British Bus, which was run by Dawson Williams and David Martin. David was a lovely man. We were a tiny thorn in the side of one of their operating companies (Crosville), yet he treated us with the utmost respect. I have never met him since but hope to in my forthcoming CPT Presidential role. “I was aged just 29 at the time, yet David was so nice. For us it was a big worry because it accounted for a lot of our turnover. “They didn’t acquire any of the vehicles but they bought us off the routes for five years. Some of our old drivers are still with what is today Arriva. Strangely enough, we ran a route number 12 and Crosville ran a 13 route. I believe the 12 is one of Arriva Buses Wales’ better performing routes today. They run a good quality operation.” Asked whether he would ever consider a return to buses, Chris replied: “We’ve never gone back into local service operation. The reason is in this part of the world, Arriva Buses Wales runs a good quality network, at attractive frequencies, so why should I damage it? It would be against the public interest. If Arriva reduced quality, it would be a different matter.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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Chris continued with the story of Alpine’s bus operation: “Dad was shrewd. He always invested in new vehicles. When we sold our bus operation, I was away on holiday with friends. I remember him saying ‘we can now pay off our mortgages’ – but in reality, what British Bus paid us never left the company. It’s since provided that cash moat around the castle. Cash is king, as they say. “You cannot run a business in the long-term on borrowed money – you need that little bit of protection. Things can and do go wrong. Banks have no loyalty – policy changes can lead to your business being wiped out overnight.” Reflecting on the firm’s bus operating era, Chris observed: “There is a huge difference between coach and bus operators. Coach firms make great bus operators as we never miss duties, yet I feel local bus service mentality is more geared towards fixed, long-term budget plans. We used to get asked why we didn’t have any record of lost mileage but the reality was we resourced things, so we didn’t lose mileage. In that respect, we ran it like we would a private hire.”

Evolution

“Dad retired in 2005. After the British Bus sale, he always encouraged me to not just work in the business as he had. When you’re in the embryonic phase of your business, your whole time is spent nurturing this child. He wanted me to get involved – I used to drive a lot. By the year 2000, I was only doing so during the peaks. I would also help out with maintenance, although I was probably more of a hindrance,” he smiled. “I then got into admin. I was fortunate dad gave me something of an apprenticeship. My parents bought a house in Spain. They would go away for two weeks, then two months. Dad felt it was vital to pass responsibility over gradually. “Dad’s brother was still involved in the business at that time. It was important for everyone who relied on us for a living and our clients that continuity remained as part of a

Chris was always encouraged by his father to attend CPT and tourism meetings, as well as completing personal development courses. “I’m always looking for examples of best practice – something I can introduce personally or professionally. Stephen Barber talks a lot about the ‘good old days’ but a lot of what was true then is still the case now. “I’ve met some of the pinnacles of the industry but that was only through CPT. Late last year I was at Buckingham Palace with Transaid. “I sometimes wonder now whether dad thought it was such a wise move encouraging me to meet people,” he mused. “I go to my parents for tea on Tuesday evenings and they always ask where I’m off to. It will be a lot worse this year...” Chris probably hit the nail firmly on the head when he conceded: “I’m on too many committees. It’s the old adage of ‘if you want something doing, find a busy person.’” He holds positions on Go Skills Wales, Cruise Wales, Conwy Development Management Committee, while his CPT roles include chairing the Welsh and UK Coach Commissions and CoachMarque. Chris also plays an active part in the North Wales Coach Operators Association. Does being involved with CPT benefit the company? “CPT had a problem with coaching at one time, but people didn’t participate. If someone operates cheaper, it’s not for CPT to intervene – it’s down to market forces. However, if you talk to your local Regional Manager, it could turn out that the issue also exists in Yorkshire and Cornwall. My thoughts are if I can be involved in things, then by being part of the industry, my business has an increased chance of survival. People have to be willing to get involved.” How did he end up as CPT President? Without hesitation, Chris smiled: “Not a bleeding clue.” He continued: “To be honest I was approached. CPT has historically been criticised for not doing enough for coaches – I was one of them. Do coach operators benefit whether they are a CPT member or not? Yes because it lobbies on their part. I was extremely flattered that a small coach firm 250 miles from London could be asked – when that company doesn’t run anything better than anyone else. “I would like to think I can relate to both local bus and coach operators. I am terrified but at the same time I’m excited. “I’m terrified of the CPT Presidential speech in front of 500 people – I was hopeless at my wedding, and that was with 70 guests present.” “I guess I’m like a lot of coach people – turn me around and give me a microphone and I’ll spout all sorts of rubbish,” he quipped.

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FACE TO FACE › CHRIS OWENS change of management. Dad’s handover took two years – he retired aged 65 in 2007 – which meant he was young enough to enjoy life. His younger brother retired in 2011. “After dad’s retirement and during his brother’s handover period, I created a professional management structure, which included bringing in a General Manager – Jason Beattie. To guarantee continued growth, it’s vital to invest in management, and the next generation should have a degree of control. I’m sure dad disagrees with what I do. It’s gone from taking counsel to having a professional interest. He likes to know what’s going on – my parents are still shareholders but in no way do they interfere in day to day operations and investment. “I see so many of my industry contemporaries waiting in the wings, without being given the chance to flourish or make

CHARITABLE WORK

Transaid Chris is a highly enthusiastic supporter of international transport development charity Transaid. How did he become involved? “I started enjoying cycling with the likes of Michael Lightfoot. At the CPT Annual Dinner, after many G&Ts, Gary Forster, CEO of Transaid coerced me into joining them on a cycle ride. That convinced me to buy a road rather than mountain bike. I raised £4,000. I joined 45 people from across the transport industry, mainly hauliers, along with some busmen – I was the only coachman there. “I spent three days cycling to Amsterdam in the most horrendous weather you could in September. Again, I met some great people, including Sir Peter Hendy. Since then I’ve agreed to become an Ambassador for the charity. “Transaid is like a coach company in that it’s not part of a big organisation and can be quite entrepreneurial. For example, it secured a Comic Relief grant. “As developed nations, we spend millions building roads for developing countries but nobody teaches them how to maintain vehicles or how to drive etc. The key thing is Transaid donations go to the field – rather than on huge on maintaining a huge administration function. The offices in London are actually quite grotty. During my Presidency I would love to help find decent offices.”

Chris is photographed at the end of the ride last September. Chris raised £4,000

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Ex Stagecoach ‘ORU 738’ under conversion to a school contract coach at Rhyl depot mistakes which inevitably happen.” Alpine’s business focus has changed in more recent times. “When dad retired, we were 60% dependent on local authority work but that figure has now dropped to 35%. I’ve steered us that way very much because local authority contracts are governed solely on price and political whim, which has no correlation with safety or quality. We’re also not masters of our own destiny. “We see things like LTSG (Local Transport Services Grant), local bus service regulations and BSOG, all of which are completely out of the hands of operators. We bear expense of local authority changes. Through my roles in CPT, I attend the CPT Council and feel fortunate we’re no longer running local bus services. It’s too much of a political football – and changes

critical mass. If I don’t secure contracts, even if they’re marginal, it impacts on the business. It’s not about fuel and drivers – those costs become irrelevant. I could run a viable coach operation from one depot here in Llandudno, but the facilities are needed for the school runs. Our company overheads are higher than our running costs. If we lose contracts, it makes the others less economical. “Today margins have become tighter – to the point you need a critical mass to justify the costs. “In the not too distant past we invested in high-capacity newer vehicles for some contracts and because the numbers of pupils fell, we were served notice and hence lost the contracts concerned. We didn’t redeploy the vehicles – we sold them.

too often have more to do with party politics than serving the public.” In addition to its well-presented coach fleet, Alpine operates a number of yellow-coloured school vehicles, which despite their age, look well cared for. “We operate 35-year old Olympians. They’re old because by 2010, the Welsh Government said it didn’t want double-deckers, then came the recession. However, by October this year, double-deckers will be banished from all local authority-contracted school journeys and there will also be a requirement for seat belts. In preparation for this, we’ve been buying Volvo Plaxton coaches and converting them to 70-seaters. We’ve been drip feeding the conversions or else if we maintain the contracts, we will suddenly have to replace 30-odd vehicles. One by one, we will scrap the double-deckers. “Costing contract work is hard as you need

“I still feel school transport has got a place in our business but I’m happier as we’re no longer so reliant on it. Work can always be found for coaches, but for school runs, there’s normally only one customer. “We’re fortunate to have excellent relationships with our local authorities. They are under immense pressure, having to implement political decisions.”

“You cannot run a business in the long-term on borrowed money – you need that little bit of protection. Things can and do go wrong. Banks have no loyalty – policy changes can lead to your business being wiped out overnight”

Coach procurement

“All regular sales people who come here bring cream cakes with them – including Phil Cowdery of EvoBus and Simon Wood from Plaxton. The girls in the office love them – they’re only too aware that cream cakes are my weakness,” enthused Chris. “However, I don’t know how Phil and Simon account for them on their expenses,” he mused. “The big change of my making is we buy on whole life cost – it’s no longer a case of a deal www.coachandbusweek.com

13/01/2014 18:46

THE FUTURE

Succession

An unidentified ex London Plaxton President Volvo being converted to open top inside Rhyl depot

Volvo Plaxtons are cascaded from tourers to school contract coaches on the day. It’s also down to the initial seller, the relationship with the support provider. I want a product to do what it says it will do – I don’t want an ornament. It’s a tool to do a job. Depreciation is also a factor – can I sell it when I’m finished with it? “I’ve still got 15-year old Volvo Plaxtons which I’m now converting into 70-seaters for another 10 years’ service. That’s why we have Volvo Plaxtons. I believe in long-term viability, relationships and support. There are coaches available which are far more pretty and those offering greater economy but in the long-term, are they going be able to serve me? “On the other hand, we’ve got a MercedesBenz Tourismo in use on Jones Holidays’ programme as it’s what the client wants. It fits the bill. I will sell the Tourismo on in future but will retain and cascade our Plaxtons. I could have bought an Irizar or a Neoplan for less but the relationship with Thomas Hardie, our local Volvo dealer, is second to none. A standardised fleet also brings a whole host of benefits.” In recent years, both Llandudno and Rhyl depots have benefitted from significant investment. For the record, there is also a small www.coachandbusweek.com

028_033_CBW1120_Chris Owens.indd 33

depot in Llanrwst. After closing its ageing Llandudno Junction garage, Arriva moved its operations to part of Alpine’s depot on Builder Street West. Alpine acquired an adjoining piece of land, which like the rest of the site, has been concreted. “Arriva parks 20 buses in the southerly half of the yard at Llandudno. It’s worked incredibly well for both parties as far as I am aware,” explained Chris. “We’ve also redeveloped our Rhyl depot. We originally bought the site with the intention of expanding local bus services to Chester but then six months later, we sold the local bus operation. Since then we’ve operated school and private hire work from there.” Amenity facilities and administrative offices sit as part of a bay workshop, with parking at the rear. It’s headed up the ever-friendly Depot Manager Richard Williams.

Business as usual?

With the CPT Presidential role being a (in) famously busy role, entailing much travelling, is Chris confident his team will deliver is his absence?

While Chris remains as sprightly as ever and has no plans to sit back for the foreseeable future, have his children shown any interest in taking it forward? “I’m 47 now. I’ve got 17 years until I’m the same age as dad retired at. “I’ve got a nice standard of living but don’t earn a fortune. I exist in an industry where each year is unknown – giving people a price for coach hire when fuel is volatile. “In the financial services sector, as long as Nick, our son, plays nicely, he’s got future. Nick is not interested in the business. He’s got a degree in mechanical engineering but has got into finance. “The door is always open here but I’m like a lot of people in my generation. There was an expectation I would join the family firm. If Nick said no, it would be negligent of me to force someone who does not have their heart it.” “I’m happy things will run here – that’s how it should be in any case,” he replied. The conversation then turned to his dearly loved wife Sally, who is familiar friendly face at North Wales Coach Operators Association events and works part-time in the family firm. “We’re the same age – just three days apart. I passed my PSV test in 1984 in Swansea in the days of the old Road Transport Training Board. Aged 18, I was doing my A-levels and Sally was on the college bus, which I drove. I literally went to Swansea in the week I was 18. “We married at 21. She’s very strict about money. I think the question dad had about retirement was who would take care of the finances but Sally agreed to do it it part-time. The rest of her time is spent teaching cake decorating. She was Wales’ first female captain in international cake decorating. “Like me, she never stops. It definitely keeps our marriage fresh as we’ve only spent four years together in real terms,” he smiled. “She also ensures compliance – we’re hoping to secure Guild of British Coach Operators accreditation. “As the business has gone to a more professional management structure, we’ve actually taken on Lloyd Morgan as compliance auditors. We get cold, honest opinion – it’s very thorough. God forbid we have an incident, we know we’ve got the correct systems in place, which are kept up to date. “Although we have CoachMarque and hopefully Guild accreditation in due course, I feel it’s especially important to have an independent audit with me being away so much this year. Beverly Bell had made it all too clear that she expect people to audit themselves. “I feel the Office of the Traffic Commissioner is under resourced. To put Jason as our Transport Manager – and that’s without any problems – took between April and October.” n l CBW is indebted to Chris Owens

January 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 33 13/01/2014 18:46

We welcome contributions for this column. Please email your missive to gareth.evans@coachandbusweek. com or by post to The Editor, Coach and Bus Week magazine, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8GX. Alternatively, feel free to use the ‘private message’ function on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek and Twitter @CBWtweets.

INBOX CBW TRADE

TWEETS The Big Question @RicardoBambino of Anthony’s Travel features in an article in today’s @CBWtweets magazine. Autographed copies available! Richard Grey @RichardMGrey V proud to be amongst so many highly regarded industry piers in @ CBWtweets mag Prentice Coaches @prenticecoaches Some of us aren’t as eloquent as you though Richard!! Richard Grey @RichardMGrey @prenticecoaches why thank you Ross, I do try to articulate the verbal message as best I may

The Big Picture Perryman’s Buses @PerrymansBuses @stanley_travel Great pic of your Dawson Rentals Solo SR in this weeks Stanley Travel Ltd. @stanley_travel A pretty cool pic in this weeks @ CBWtweets trade magazine. Prentice Coaches @prenticecoaches Cracking photo of our friends @ stanley_travel @RAndrewScott Solo in the centre of this weeks @ CBWtweets

Driver CPC Consultation – the way ahead? I was very impressed with your very thorough appraisal of of the week the EU consultation on Driver CPC featured in CBW December 4. One issue which I would urgently bring to the industry’s attention is that they need to be continuing to deliver one course a year to all drivers, instead of the ‘stop/start’ training which prevailed during the first round of periodic training, which resulted in smaller operators leaving most of the training to the end of the five years cycle. New drivers all have individual expiry dates five years from when they passed their PCV initial DCPC and as up to 30% of the transport sector’s drivers will need to be replaced by 2020 (source People 1st), the fiveyear cycle based on September 10, 2013 will soon become replaced by a continuous requirement to renew DQC’s (Driver Qualification Cards). That is what CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is all about, and mores the pity Transport Managers don’t have to undertake CPD to renew and update their skills. I have to in order to maintain my Health & Safety qualifications (Registered Safety Practitioner & CMIOSH). While I will take no comfort from saying ‘I told you so’ in a couple of years’ time, many operators will find out the hard way, by having to get ‘new’ drivers specially trained because their entitlement to drive commercially is about to expire before 2018/19 or recruiting a new driver with a DQC which is about to expire. Operators need to check as part of their recruitment process and subsequent regular driving licence checks when a driver’s DQC will expire. Yes, there are a few apparent

LETTER

Alec Horner anomalies in the current driver CPC system, but I would warn against the ‘that’s daft’ assertion about being able to sit through the same course five times. If a coach driver has Driver’s Hours and tachograph training once every five years, it could be a very productive investment. Doing the same course on five consecutive days would be stupid and more’s the fool who does that, or even worse if an employer makes a driver do that. Also, I’ve had someone show me a card already which expires in 2024. Whilst technically that is quite legal, it means that no further valid DCPC training can be undertaken until 2019 and is the industry going to stand still until then? Things change more rapidly than we all imagine. Digital tachographs are quite a lot different to five years ago and I’ve updated our ASOT (Association of Trainers) course three times in the last six months – I challenge you to think of the three changes. Major changes to digital tachographs are being proposed (around 2016?) and how is the driver going to be informed if they can’t do it through a DCPC course? Well the answer is probably

at extra cost to the operators – shock, horror! Although not perfect, I believe the UK has done the best job it could with Driver CPC and has got good value out of the training. What I can’t understand is the attitude of some operators which is that it’s a complete waste of time and money. One of my local operators has spent £1,000,000 on new buses recently and is about to spend another £1,000,000 on yet more new buses. They then complain about spending (averaged over five years) £6,000 on DCPC. Why doesn’t investment in staff come into the equation with so many operators? Some high quality and very successful operators, such as the Members of the Guild of British Coach Operators, were investing in driver training well before DCPC came along, but most of the industry has been reluctantly dragged into the 21st century by a piece of European legislation. For those who argue that drivers of large commercial vehicles are safer than other road users have a look at the facts from the European Transport Safety Council www.etsc.eu/ PIN-publications.php Flash 24 report, which states otherwise. More, not less, compulsory training might result from the EU consultation. I just hope the failings of the rest of Europe don’t end up with the UK having changes imposed which I cannot see will improve the effectiveness of the Driver CPC programme we have implemented. Our operators and drivers just need to find the best courses for their particular needs and keep doing one course every year. Alec Horner Association of Trainers Telscombe Cliffs East Sussex

12 Day Rule: No other industry would accept this? Talking Buses Guide Dogs PR Team @GuideDogs_Comms @cbwtweets 63% of VI people stay at home due to lack of audio on buses. Will MPs speak out tomorrow?

Another example of why the 12 Day rule is still needed to be re-instated in the UK and why it is costing coach tour operators a fortune. We like many, were quiet before the Christmas Holiday with only a few tours out at Christmas. Twixmas two night tours were very busy and also our follow on Three Night New Year Tours. With the drivers’ days off prior and after these two busy periods, imagine

34 | COACH & BUS WEEK | January 15, 2014 034_CBW1120_Letters.indd 34

how difficult it was that we had to get relief drivers in. This is because a two night UK tour followed by a threenight UK tour exceeded six days! So in two weeks we needed our drivers to work five nights – but it was illegal – and hence the extra cost of relief drivers. Just how stupid is that? Remember a London bus driver can drive 13 days continually but coach tours can’t drive short distances for

five nights. No other industry would allow this as they would be unable to carry out their business. The matter just does not receive the attention or the help needed, as more and more in the coach tour industry continue to suffer. Dave Parry Managing Director Parrys International Tours Ltd.

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13/01/2014 16:05

THE BIG PICTURE On pages 20-22 of this issue of CBW John Lidstone tells the story of Ensignbus’ rail replacement operation with c2c on part of the London Fenchurch Street – Shoeburyness line. As well as four standard Volvo B10M coaches, Ensignbus is using a pair of Plaxton Premiere Interurban-bodied Volvo B10MMA-55 artics and John’s picture captures just how smart these vehicles, which date from the mid-1990s, look. They were new to Stagecoach, which famously drafted in its fleet of bendy coaches on a Basingstoke, Hampshire-based rail replacement not long after they originally entered service. That was at a time when they were allocated to depots in the middle and north of England as well as Scotland. They made quite an impression.

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13/01/2014 16:05

INDUSTRY

GUIDE

VEHICLE PRESENTATION

Cardiff Bus’ Baycar service recently saw substantial renovation. TUDOR THOMAS

I Looking the business First impressions count and making the effort to keep the interior and exterior of vehicles looking the part at all times will help make the right one. This week’s Industry Guide looks at various products and services which operators can use to improve the presentation of their vehicles www.coachandbusweek.com

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t’s an old cliché amongst the public that buses are dirty and smelly vehicles. With new, cleaner engine technology, bright, professionally designed liveries and high quality seating becoming more commonplace, this is being gradually rectified. It is now important for operators to keep their vehicles looking the best they can, to avoid becoming ‘that company with the dirty buses.’ Getting vehicle presentation right starts with the exterior, ensuring buses are kept clean and glaring maintenance issues are taken care of. A variety of easy-to-maintain and environmentally friendly bus and coach wash facilities are on the market, along with some service providers happy to cover cleaning and maintenance. Wheels shouldn’t be ignored, with standout wheel nut safety products working wonders for the passenger’s peace of mind and often looking the part.

A standout livery is always a good thing, too. On the inside, good presentation has the potential to save money in the long run, whether it is more durable material on seat covers which looks better for longer, or better quality, more comfortable seating which potential vandals are more likely to respect. Certain seating materials are also far easier to clean, avoiding excessive man hours, cleaning materials or downtime, always a positive boon with tight budgets and peak vehicle requirements. When seats inevitably do wear out, skilled trimmers can refurbish them to make them look like new. Many of these companies are expanding to cover more than just seating, with coverage given to flooring in particular. There are also established ways and means of refurbishing seating without having to take the entire vehicle out of service.

January 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 39 13/01/2014 19:05

INDUSTRY

GUIDE

PASSENGER COMFORT & ENTERTAINMENT E-LEATHER

Greys of Ely has taken a new approach to displaying the ‘fasten your seatbelt’ logo on their latest coaches. The new 59 seat Irizar i6 and 29 seat Plaxton Panther vehicles are both fitted with embossed E-Leather headrests, eliminating the need for self-adhesive labels. Richard Grey, Managing Director of the Cambridgeshire based operator prides himself on the stylish yet understated appearance of their modern fleet of luxury coaches is impressed with the results, and plans to extend the use on all future vehicle specifications. “Stickers can fall off over time or get peeled off so we are continually replacing them,” said Richard. “In addition they can be unsightly when fitted to the window glass panels and obstruct the passengers view which can be particularly annoying when they have paid to see the views on touring holidays.” To combat the heavy wear traditionally seen on the passenger seat edges, E-Leather has also been fitted as piping. The material was supplied to the seat manufactures as cut lengths, eliminating wastage and reducing costs. Following its successful introduction into the bus industry in 2010, interest in fitting E-Leather within the coach sector has grown during the past few years. Morton’s Travel of Basingstoke were the first operator to use the material when they had two Bova Futuras upholstered in black E-Leather in 2011 and these have been followed by many coaching companies, most recently by Barnes Coaches of Swindon and Chalfont of Harrow. Churchill Coaches of Egham in Surrey and FirstGroup in Plymouth have both used E-Leather in the refurbishment of

Embossed E-Leather headrests

First Plymouth refurbishment of 10 year old seats using E-Leather

Greys of Ely is a keen advocate of E-Leather

40 | COACH & BUS WEEK | January 15, 2014 039_043_CBW_1120_Industry guide.indd 40

vehicle interiors to good effect. “It is very impressive what the seat trimmers are doing with our material,” said Carl Watkins at E-Leather, “particularly with coach seats, where the upholsterers have a chance to show off their undoubted skills.” Allan Vaulter, Managing Director of Moseley of the South has been a keen advocator of the use of E-Leather and quotes a recent example of when Chalfont Coaches of Harrow wanted the luxury of leather upholstery to compliment the smart exterior livery on their new MAN powered Van Hool TX16 Alicron coaches. “Chalfont chose E-Leather in order to save weight and money whilst still achieving the desired appearance. The upmarket upholstery in two tone grey not only looks good, it is hygienic, easy to maintain and will retain its shape and appearance for a long time to come.” E-Leather is an engineered material that weights up to 50% less than traditional leather, not only allowing a potential weight saving of up to 60kg per vehicle but saving several thousands of pounds per vehicle compared to a traditional leather interior.

T: 01733 843939 E: info@eleathergroup.com W: www.eleathergroup.com/bus www.coachandbusweek.com

13/01/2014 19:05

KARCHER

Although gantry or roll-over washes are the most efficient form of bus wash machine, sometimes their process time is prohibitive, particularly for very large fleets. It is here where the drive-through wash comes into its own, with wash times of around 1.5 minutes versus six or more minutes for its gantry cousin. For years, Kärcher, the world’s largest manufacturer of cleaning equipment, has had in its portfolio a range of bus wash machines including, one, two and three brush versions, but until recently did not have a four brush drive-through system. With this challenge in mind, a group of Kärcher R&D engineers set about designing a brand new drive through machine. Their objective from the outset was to produce a machine which was ultra reliable with very low maintenance requirements and consequently a much lower service cost. Having produced train washes in the past, the Kärcher engineers used some of their experience

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from this industry sector and opted to use hydraulics rather than a ‘traditional’ electro-mechanical approach. Emphasis had to be put on simplicity rather than complexity and the use of fewer moving parts. Lots of ‘blue sky’ thinking took place during the design process and after several initial ideas, the end result is a machine which utilises gravity rather than pneumatics to control brush pressure and hydraulics, foregoing the electric motors and gearboxes often used to rotate the brushes. In the summer of 2012, and after several prototypes, the TBD 4 was born; the UK’s first hydraulic bus wash. The first machine was installed in December 2012 in Stagecoach’s Hyde Road bus depot; one of the UK’s largest with a fleet of some 250 buses - a true test for any wash. The biggest headache for any drive-through bus wash is the regulation of driver speed which varies from driver to driver and Hyde Road was no exception. It became clear during the

trial that the bus wash had to be capable of handling all speeds without damage to the machine. Various modifications were made to the machine to address this and improvements in the initial design quickly followed. Since installation, the Hyde Road TBD has performed nearly 30,000 bus washes with a consistent wash quality throughout and zero mechanical breakdowns. Aside from significant enhancements in reliability and reduced service costs, there are a number of other benefits of the TBD. Energy Consumption - The TBD uses at least 20% less energy than traditional electro-mechanical machines Installation - The TBD can fit on a wash pad of 5m minimising space required. Installation takes less than one week and is very straightforward. Wash Height - Due to its design, the TBD brushes make full contact with the bus skirts at less than 15cm off the floor. Maintenance - Whereas traditional four brush machines have motors and gearboxes at

high level, the TBD’s are all at low level. For example if a brush motor requires replacement, on a TBD, it will take one man less than 20 minutes versus two men for 1/2 day on a standard drive through machine. The same applies for brush replacement. Hardware - The TBD is driven by a hydraulic motor which is contained in a power pack requiring a simple 20 amp supply. In September 2013, the TBD went into production in the UK. Kärcher also manufactures a wide range of ancillary equipment for the bus industry including water recycling - Any bus wash will also normally have a water reclamation system installed and Kärcher produces a wide range of systems to suit both small and large wash volume sites. Special water treatment facilities such as Reverse Osmosis and Liquid Leather are also available to minimise spotting and streaking on bus surfaces.

T: 01295 752000 E: enquiries@karcher.co.uk W: www.karcher.co.uk

January 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 41 13/01/2014 19:05

INDUSTRY

GUIDE

PASSENGER COMFORT & ENTERTAINMENT INTELLIGENT SURFACE SOLUTIONS

Buses and coaches provide a vital service to the public so it is important a fleet is properly maintained. Fleet operators recognise that the safety and comfort of their passengers, and success of their businesses, rest on the performance of their vehicles. This is just as true for fleet presentation as it is for vehicle maintenance. After three decades of providing daily support services to Public Transport Operators under the Tara Support Services Ltd banner, Adrian Phelan, who subsequently created Intelligent Surface Solutions (ISSIL), discusses the importance of protective surface treatments when it comes to fleet presentation. Fleet presentation problems vary but will often occur due to the tight time allowances given to cleaning the vehicles on a daily basis, meaning that vehicles tend to suffer from a build-up of dirt over time. Periodic deep cleaning is one solution, but it means vehicles are not presented to the pristine, high standard required in the time

periods between these cleans. The key is to get the vehicles’ more visible surfaces clean and keep them looking clean for longer. This is especially relevant when it comes to windows, bodywork and wheels. After trying different solutions over the years and undertaking research and development, ISSIL has turned to Ritec’s range of surface protection treatments. The proven ClearShield System for glass has in particular produced some outstanding long term results and has won numerous industry awards for the renovation, protection and maintenance of glass over the past thirty years.

42 | COACH & BUS WEEK | January 15, 2014 039_043_CBW_1120_Industry guide.indd 42

This System allows for existing glass and mirrors to be restored to an ‘as-new’ appearance before the protective ClearShield treatment is applied, providing an invisible ‘non-stick’ barrier to prevent dirt and other contaminants from bonding and etching. ClearShield glass typically reduces cleaning by 50% so minimises vehicle downtime. In addition, cleaner glass ensures optimum driver vision and promotes a more welcoming and secure environment. Ritec also offers the Ritecoat System which renovates, protects and maintains metal and painted surfaces, including vehicle bodywork and wheels. Like the ClearShield System, treated surfaces are ‘non-stick,’ resist staining and graffiti and significantly reduce cleaning time. ISSIL recognises that Ritec’s products provide highly costeffective solutions to protect new vehicles before they enter service, or to restore existing surfaces during routine cleaning / mid-life refurbishment programmes or at the end of the vehicle’s lease term. Current clients, including Arriva

and East Coast Mainline, are seeing significant reductions in cleaning time and costs with cleaner-looking windows, resulting in an enhanced fleet presentation. ISSIL focuses on the larger fleet operator with our own mobile service teams covering the whole of the UK and Ireland. In the near future it will establish certified ‘drop-off’ application centres within the larger cities during 2014 with the potential for some clients to opt for a dedicated team based at their own location. Significant cost savings in productivity over the life of the surface treatments provide a clearly visible return on client investment over a short period of time. There are also sound ecological reasons that justify having your surfaces treated because no harsh chemicals are needed plus the reduced water usage to maintain the surfaces. ISSIL provide additional services for both fleet and buildings to compliment the Ritec offering. T: 0845 450 0612 W: www.intelligentss.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

13/01/2014 19:05

LLOYD MORGAN GROUP

Compliance is certainly something to be taken seriously in the coach and bus industry. As we’re constantly reminded by reports coming in from public inquiries, there is a lot which operators need to stay on top of and it may be difficult for the smaller firms in the industry to both acquire the knowledge and ensure compliance procedures are properly followed through. Under these circumstances, it is a good idea to use a third party company to ensure vehicles and documents are in good condition when they are presented to the authorities. Lloyd Morgan Group provides vehicle inspection services, including standard 28-day inspections, external quality inspections and off hire inspections. This is ideal for operators who find their maintenance staff stretched, or would like a qualified, independent set of eyes to inspect their fleet. The company also provides compliance auditing, with

Features List 2013/2014 Below is the complete list of this year’s CBW issues showing current scheduled dates for Industry Guides. Dates are subject to change.

its own audit template for assessing engineering operation, workshops and general practice. Lloyd Morgan Group can also work to the customer’s own template, using the operator’s own paperwork for simplicity. The company also performs smaller paperwork audits, as a ‘there & then’, looking at improvements which can be made on the surface rather than digging deep. While Lloyd Morgan Group has grown at quite a rate in recent year, it maintains a concise, solid selection of products and services, which are geared towards serving operators of all sizes. It is the CPT’s compliance partner and also offers Driver CPC training and tachograph analysis services.

T: 01543 897505 E: info@lloydmorgan group.co.uk W: www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk

2014 1121 1122 1123 1124 1125 1126 1127 1128 1129 1130 1131 1132 1133 1134 1135 1136 1137 1138 1139 1140 1141 1142 1143 1144 1145 1146 1147 1148 1149 1150 1151 1152 1153 1154

Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance Compliance Services If you would like further information please call 01543 897505

1155 1156 1157 1158 1159 1160 1161 1162 1163 1164 1165 1166 1167 1168

Visit our website: www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

039_043_CBW_1120_Industry guide.indd 43

January 22

January 29

February 5 Telematics February 12

Training & Safety

March 5

Engines & Transmissions

February 19

February 26 March 12

Seating, Flooring & Interiors

April 2

Digital Technology

March 19 March 26 April 9

GARAGE Equipment

April 16

April 23

April 30

May 7 Tachographs May 14

Fuel Management & Emission Control

June 4

Ticketing & Cash Handling

May 21

May 28

June 11

Repairs & Refurbishment

July 2

Glazing & Entry Systems

July 23

Training & Safety

August 13

Security & Insurance

September 3

Rental Leasing & Finance

June 18 June 25

July 9

Vehicle Presentation

July 16

July 30 August 6

Engines & Transmissions

August 20 August 27 September 10

Seating, Flooring & Interiors

October 1

Digital Technology

September 17

September 24

October 8

Garage Equipment

October 15

October 22 October 29 November 5

Fuel Management & Emission Control

November 12 November 19 November 26 December 3

December 10

Ticketing & Cash Handling Repairs & Refurbishment

December 17

Senior Sales Executive Caroline Barnes 01733 293248 caroline.barnes coachandbusweek.com

Booking deadline Space should be booked no later than two weeks in advance

January 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 43 13/01/2014 19:05

DELIVERIES

FIRST NEW BUSES FOR WMSNT

Birmingham-based West Midlands Special Needs Transport (WMSNT) has introduced four new Optare Solo M9000SRs to Centro-tendered route 19 between Frankley and the Maypole. The buses have an enhanced saloon specification that includes leather seats and free WiFi. The route passes the new Bournville College at Longbridge and the WiFi has already proved popular with students.

“The vehicles are part of our on-going quest to provide reliable bus services throughout the West Midlands, but especially south Birmingham areas,” said WMSNT Operations Manager Des Rogers. “The bus services section of WMSNT now operates over 50 vehicles made up of Solos and Enviro200s.” WMSNT is the largest operator of its kind in the UK and the fourth largest in the world. WMSNT Holdings, a charitable company limited by guarantee with Companies House,

is also a registered charity. It has to comply with both Companies and Charities Act legislation. No directors are paid a salary and it has no shareholders. Any surpluses it makes from any of its activities must go back into running or improving its operation. “We’re here to support people who are less fortunate than the average person,” CEO, Peter Maggs told CBW, pointing out there is no intent to compete directly with commercial operators (Operator Profile: WMSNT,

GIBBONS COACHES

Family run for 20 years, Gibbons Coaches provides minibuses and coaches for hire, as well as offering a range of services from private hire to catering for customer-arranged holidays. In a striking metaltic bronze colour and with luxurious cream and brown leather seats, the latest addition to the Gibbons Coaches’ fleet is a brand new Setra ComfortClass 416 GT-HD. Adrian Gibbons, Director, commented: “From the moment his customers get into the coach, they experience the quality which will define the rest of the trip. It is nice to offer our customers a total Setra Holiday experience.” The new vehicle has 48 Voyage Supreme seats with a half-leather, half-fabric combination. Power is delivered by a Mercedes-Benz OM

FACT FILE

BODY/CHASSIS: Optare Solo SR ENGINE: Mercedes-Benz TRANSMISSION: Allison SUPPLIED BY: Optare 08434 873 200

www.optare.com

Passengers can stretch out with extra legroom, supportive seats and dark tinted windows. A drinks machine is also provided. Entertainment is delivered through the Professional Line 3 Radio/CD/DVD system and two flat-screen 19 inch monitors. The ComfortClass S416 GT-HD sold to Gibbons Coaches was supplied by Setra Coach Sales at EvoBus (UK). FACT FILE

BODY/CHASSIS: Setra ComfortClass 416

GT-HD ENGINE: Mercedes-Benz OM 457 LA 315

kW Euro 5 TRANSMISSION: Mercedes-Benz Go-

457 LA 315 kW Euro 5 engine and a Mercedes-Benz Go-240-8 8 speed PowerShift gearbox. Euro 5 emissions are achieved through Setra Blue-Tec

44 | COACH & BUS WEEK | January 15, 2014 044_045_CBW1120_Deliveries.indd 44

Issue 1109). “The West Midlands are second only to London for public transport provision,” he said. “What we’re here for is in the title of the organisation, but to survive we have to diversify.”

SCR technology, while a range of safety systems offer support to drivers including traction control with ESP, EBS and Brake Assist.

240-8 8 speed PowerShift SEATS: 48 SUPPLIED BY: Evobus UK 024 7662 6000 www.evobus.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

13/01/2014 13:50

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

CAVENDISH COACHES South Wales based operator Cavendish Coaches says its 12.2-metre Irizar i6 Integral is attention-grabbing for passengers. Director Steven Hollister said that, since delivery, the 51-seat coach has performed well on the road, delivering reasonable fuel economy but, most importantly, having a good image. “The customer feedback is good,” he said. “It was great value for money and has got on with the job.” Cavendish has a 15-coach fleet, working chiefly for tour operators such as Trafalgar and Newmarket. The tour

work is demanding and demands good passenger comfort. The DAF PACCAR powered i6 Integral delivered to Cavendish has a two-monitor DVD system, half-leather seats, privacy glass, drinks machine, and toilet. FACT FILE

BODY/CHASSIS: Irizar i6

Integral ENGINE: DAF PACCAR TRANSMISSION: ZF AS-Tronic SEATS: 51 SUPPLIED BY: Irizar UK 01909

500514 www.irizar.co.uk

GOLDEN GREEN TRAVEL

Family based Golden Green Travel located in Derbyshire, provides coach services for corporate travel, group travel and educational travel as well as offering luxury and affordable trips across the UK. In addition to its current fleet of eight to 49 seater Mercedes-Benz minibuses and coaches, Golden Green has invested in a new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo. Phillip Cowdery, Area Sales Manager, stated: “The Tourismo is Golden Green’s first new large coach to enter the fleet.” The new Tourismo purchased will now complement Golden Green Travels 100% Mercedes-Benz fleet. The new vehicle delivered to Golden Green Travel has 49 seats with leather headrests. Power is delivered by a Mercedes-Benz OM 457 (h) LA 260kW Euro 5 engine, coupled to a six-speed

automatic transmission. With regards to safety, a variety of systems providing support to drivers are fitted as standard, including ABS, Brake Assist and ESP. The vehicle will be used on private hire school trips and corporate travel, carrying tour operation livery. Passengers can stretch out in comfort, while being entertained by the Professional Line 3 Radio/CD/ DVD system, including two monitors. The new Tourismo

purchased by Golden Green Travel was supplied by Mercedes-Benz Coach Sales at EvoBus (UK). FACT FILE

BODY/CHASSIS: Mercedes-

Benz Tourismo ENGINE: Mercedes-Benz OM

457 (h) LA 260kW Euro 5 TRANSMISSION: Six-speed automatic SEATS: 49 SUPPLIED BY: Evobus UK 024 7662 6000 www.evobus.co.uk

ROVER EUROPEAN Rover European Ltd, of The Coach House, Horsley, Stroud, have taken delivery of two new Van Hool TX Alicron coaches. A 12.02m 42-seater Van Hool TX15 Alicron and a 13m 49-seater Van Hool TX16 Alicron have entered service with the Gloucestershire CoachMarque accredited operator. Both vehicles are powered by 400bhp MAN Euro 5 engines with six-speed manual transmission, linked to a ZF Intarder. Each have ASR traction control and carries a 400 litre fuel tank. Both coaches use TX reclining passenger seats with contrasting leather trim to headrests and piping, sideway sliding mechanisms, seatbelts, seat back tables, footrests, magazine nets and enhanced armrest finish. The courier seat is electrically operated. For passenger comfort, the vehicles carry climate control/air conditioning and a Webasto type pre-heater. Curtains line the side and rear windows, and the side windows are double-glazed with a light tint. The driver can control electrically operated roof vents and both the driver and courier have electrically operated sun blinds. The main difference between the vehicles on the inside is the toilet compartment. While the TX15 has a rear floor mounted toilet www.coachandbusweek.com

044_045_CBW1120_Deliveries.indd 45

compartment, along with a rear continental exit with powered door, while the TX16 uses a centre sunken toilet beside its centre continental exit with powered exit door. Both toilets are water flush. The TX15 has a servery unit to the rear with hot and cold water, sink, fridge and coffee maker, while the TX16 carries a water boiler to toilet top and cool box mounted on toilet side. For passenger entertainment, both coaches carry a radio, PA, CD system

with foot activated microphone and Bluetooth capability. A DVD system is coupled to flat-panel monitors. The driver has access to a navigation system and a colour reversing camera, which is coupled with an interior surveillance camera and displayed through a 5” monitor in the dash. Both vehicles feature Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, as well as pavement flood lights to assist

passengers boarding or alighting in the dark. FACT FILE

BODY/CHASSIS: Van Hool Alicron

TX15/TX16 ENGINE: 400bhp MAN Euro 5 TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual SEATS: 42/49 SUPPLIED BY: Moseley in the South

01823 653000 www.moseleysouth.co.uk

January, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 45 13/01/2014 13:50

AWARDS › UK COACH DRIVER OF THE YEAR

ow do you define a really great coach driver? It’s a question which has tantalised and baffled coach companies and their managers for years, trying to ensure they fill their yard with people who have that special combination of skills you need to do the job really well. After all, employers know that their drivers are truly their ambassadors – the fulcrum, if you like, upon which the future of their business depends. Successful drivers win repeat business. They enhance an operator’s name and reputation, too – not just with the satisfied customers, but also with the customers’ friends and colleagues. And in these days of the internet and social media, word can soon spread – about bad experiences too (often more quickly than the good!). We know about the bad, and we’ve all experienced it from time to time – grumpy, monosyllabic individuals, interested more in their own convenience and comfort than the customer’s, world-weary and cynical. Such staff can be aggressive with other road users and heavy-footed on the brake and the accelerator, making everybody’s ride less comfortable, and less safe – and costing their employer a fortune in extra fuel consumed. Such characters are often disruptive in the office, too. It’s an attitude of mind which can ruin many a trip or day out. Left unchecked, such behaviour can quickly ruin a business too. That said, the opposite – the true professional – is a joy to behold. Our top drivers are friendly, helpful, conscientious and mindful of passengers’ comfort and well-being. They have that very special combination of personality, professional skills and attitude which delivers a really special journey to coach customers – whether it’s an airport transfer or a 10-day tour, a day trip or a long weekend.

WANTED

Top Coach Drivers who can win! Chris Cheek from the UK Coach Awards talks about the special skills needed to be a really top class coach driver

At the UK Coach Awards, it is these people we want to hear about, from employers and coach industry customers alike. Our aim in life is to recognise and reward the very best in all aspects of coach operation, and to inspire others to follow the example of the winners. With drivers, we’re looking for an individual who can demonstrate the whole range of professional and customer care skills needed to make a real success of the job. And when you look back at our winners, you can see why they’re so popular and successful. It is perhaps significant that in both 2012 and 2013 our winners could not be present at the ceremony because they were away on tour on jobs where their customers had specially requested them.

In the case of our 2013 winner Mike Fitzgerald, his customers had nominated him for the award for no less than four years in a row. After three highly commended certificates, he made it to the winner’s podium this year. Mike has held a PCV licence for over 30 years, and has worked for Anthony’s Travel for the last seven years. His employers told us last spring that Mike’s appearance “is always immaculate along with any vehicle he is allocated”. And revealing the secrets of successful tour driving, they added, “His attention to detail when planning routes, rest stops and places of interest is exceptional.” When asked what the qualities were which made him a great coach driver, one of Mike’s customers summed it all up in five words:

Cochranes driver Billy Graham won the 2012 award

The UK Coach Awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Thursday, April 10 at the Mercure Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester 46 | COACH & BUS WEEK | January 15, 2014 046_047_CBW1120_Coach Drivers.indd 46

The 2013 winner was Mike Fitzgerald of Anthony’s Travel www.coachandbusweek.com

13/01/2014 18:17

l Save driving l Friendliness l Organisation l Punctuality l Adaptability.

In fact, thinking about it, that’s a pretty good summary of what our competition for Top UK Coach Driver is all about. A year earlier, our 2012 winner was another man with huge experience. Billy Graham had been a PSV driver for 32 years, starting with Northern, the local bus operator, in 1979 at the age of 23. He joined the team at Cochranes, a small family firm based in Peterlee in County Durham, in 1981. His boss Ian Cochrane told us: “We know that when Billy goes away on tour, our coach and the passengers are in the safest of hands. We trust him to look after our coach and his passengers impeccably because that is the caring professional he is.” As the company’s lead tour driver since 2002, Billy has trained and supervised many Cochrane drivers over the years, helping them to learn the ropes, including his boss Ian Cochrane, whom he partnered for three years. He is always keen to

The top drivers are helpful and mindful of passengers’ wellbeing pass on his vast amount of knowledge of both the UK and Europe. Learning more about the job is of course a vital ingredient – and the knowledge and experience which can be passed on from senior drivers to the newer recruits. A willingness to help and to mentor younger staff is a really valuable skill – and significantly it is common to all five of our Top UK Coach Driver winners since 2009. Ian Cochrane told the judges: “Billy is a people person and very quickly establishes a good

rapport with his colleagues, supervisors and passengers. He is confident and can put you at ease immediately, always aware of the needs of his passengers he is helpful and informative, always friendly and an entertainer with a great sense of humour.” So there we have but two individuals, illustrating the exceptional skills, commitment and sheer hard work delivered every day by thousands and thousands of coach drivers, as well as engineers, office staff and managers. All those people, devoted to getting people where they want to go, and giving them a safe and pleasant journey on the way and a jolly good time when they get there.

If you know of, or employ, somebody who you think fits the bill as a Top UK Coach Driver, then we would love to hear from you preferably by January 17. You can nominate them online at www. ukcoachawards.co.uk. Alternatively, you can email admin@ukcoachawards.co.uk or call 0870 900 1450. Coach operators can download the employer’s nomination form from the site too.

Previous Winners of this Award 2011 - Colin Morton Golden Boy Coaches, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire

With over 30 years’ experience at Golden Boy Coaches, Colin Morton’s professionalism, driving skill and friendliness means that he is the preferred driver for numerous clients – to the extent the firm sometimes has to decide which client to disappoint, when two groups want his services at the same time. His knowledge and experience is legendary and, as an excellent ambassador for the company Colin has appeared regularly at the UK Coach Rally and is entrusted with

Golden Boy’s flagship Van Hool Astronef coach. His positive attitude to training helps the company to influence its younger, less experienced drivers. A customer told us: “He always joins in with the fun so that you feel he is one of the party. His knowledge of routes and places is second to none.” Colin has held a PCV licence since 1980, and is described by his employers as a “Transport Manager’s dream driver”. Golden Boy staff continued: “He can be scheduled to any job and we know that it will be performed to the highest standard.”

2010 - Phil Bingham Hardings International, Redditch

Phil Bingham was the longest serving driver for Hardings Coaches, and held an exemplary record spanning over 30 years, never having had an accident nor given the company a moment’s concern. Sadly, after we announced the short-list on March 17, 2010, Phil Bingham passed away, after contracting cancer the previous December. However, both his widow Lesley and his employers were keen to allow his name to go forward to the final judging, and the management committee agreed. His award was collected by his widow Lesley on his behalf.

www.coachandbusweek.com

046_047_CBW1120_Coach Drivers.indd 47

2009 - Cass Winston Douglas Coach Choice, Wolverhampton

A customer from Hardings told us: “He oozes personality, and is such a good driver that there has never been an occasion when people really noticed the traffic situation.” His employers at Hardings told us that he was an inspiration to other drivers. “To achieve Phil’s success was a goal for many a new driver. He never ceased to help and support other drivers and colleagues in the coaching industry. He was meticulous, researching every tour, working out routes, everything he could possibly do to make each tour special for the passengers and a success for the company. “Phil was a true ambassador for Hardings and the wider coach industry, but he was also known for his tremendous sense of humour and fun. Phil was not only a brilliant driver, and an excellent colleague, he was a true friend.”

Cass has held a PCV licence for some 43 years, and worked for CoachChoice from 2002. At the time of the contest, he was in his last year before retirement, but still showed 100% commitment to our industry and to his job as a driver. He was in constant demand – in fact his boss says that he has so many requests for Cass that he wished he could clone him!

January 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 47 13/01/2014 18:17

REVIEWS › BOOKS

When a Lodekka isn’t a Lodekka They were amongst the last half cab double-decker designs produced at a time when rear-engined designs were seen as the way forward. This book charts the success or otherwise of the Lodekka also rans There has been plenty written about the Bristol Lodekka which achieved a build run of 5,217 over an almost 20-year production run. Its innovative design meant that many consider it to be a strong rival to the AEC-PRV Routemaster for the mantle of Britain’s ultimate half cab double-decker. Stewart Brown’s book for publisher Ian Allan entitled The Lodekka Alternatives looks at the low-height products from Britain’s other main bus chassis manufacturers that were produced during the 1950s and 1960s. None were a great success. Sales of the four conventional models, AEC Bridgemaster, Dennis Loline, Albion/ Leyland Lowlander and AEC Renown totalled fewer than 700 over 12 years – an average of less than 60 a year. Then there was the Guy Wulfrunian,

including the Wulfrunian. There are four chapters in what is mainly a picture book. Mike Eyre has worked his magic on most of the illustrations, many of them colour and the result is a visual treat. It’s a pity that more of the images haven’t been reproduced bigger. We’re indebted to photographers like Roy Marshall and Geoffrey Morant for their colour work at a time when relatively few were taking such pictures – and if they were, they were of poor quality. There are some useful appendices. Deliveries are listed by year and which operators they went to, and there are also details of demonstrators and their subsequent owners. Then there are chassis lists for the AEC Bridgemaster, AEC Renown, Albion/

the majority of which were withdrawn on expiry of their original seven-year Certificates of Fitness. Almost 350 Lodekkas were being built annually at that time. Stewart explains that comparatively few low-height double-deckers found new lives with smaller operators when they were withdrawn by their original owners. Industry operating costs were rising and there were widespread difficulties in recruiting staff. The Government was also encouraging the switch to one-person operation by providing a 50% grant towards the price of new vehicles. By the time these buses were being withdrawn, there was a bus preservation movement which ensured the survival of examples of all of the types covered in the book,

Leyland Lowlander and Dennis Loline – all valuable information. The book costs £22.50.

Ian Allan Direct, 12 Ethel Street, Birmingham, B2 4BG. Tel: 0844 245 6944, E-mail: enquiries@ ianallandirect.co.uk, Website: www. ianallanpublishing.com

Barrow past and present

Venture Publications, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 8EH. Tel: 01457 861508, E-mail: info@ venturepublications.co.uk, Website: www.venturepublications.co.uk

Number 29 in Venture Publishing’s Super Prestige series is Transport in Barrow in Furness by Harry Postlethwaite, priced £16.95. The book charts the complex story of public transport in a town that is relatively remote, situated as it is at the end of the Furness Peninsula in the North West of England. In 1877 there was a horse bus service which operated from Barrow Island via the town centre to Abbey Road. It was not a financial success and public transport really started with the tramway in 1885. What was a steam system was electrified and reopened in 1904. British Electric Traction operated

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vehicles, but was careful not to operate anything in Barrow livery. While the majority of the book’s pictures are black and white, there are some in colour towards the rear. Useful appendices list the vehicles operated by Barrow in Furness Corporation Transport, Barrow in Furness Borough Transport, the vehicles taken over by Ribble, the bus fleet of British Electric Traction Co & British Automobile Traction Co, the electric trams of Barrow in Furness Tramways and the steam trams. Overall a useful reference work that recounts bus operation in a part of the world that gets relatively little coverage.

the tram, introducing motor buses in 1915. Municipal bus operation commenced in 1923. The purchase of coach business, EN Hadwin of Ulverston in 1973 brought a different dimension to the fleet with the takeover of 10 coaches. Barrow Borough Transport Ltd (BBT) became an ‘arms length’ limited company in 1986, but bus deregulation was not kind to it and a creditor’s meeting in February 1989 indicated that if a purchaser wasn’t found, it would cease trading. A buyer wasn’t and BBT close with just two hours notice on May 26, 1989. Ribble, now owned by Stagecoach, bought the depot and 24

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it In Scotland the from seek to address. to spur activity link for system cannot is designed sort of transport transport some local publicthe funding allocation larger operators the to maintain With the seems like sector in a bid communities. funding dwindlesonce or community small and isolated minibus as support its rural services than a communityneed shopping many of who away from nothing more for people use as a chocolate backing may be enough any only lifeline – which is bad but as much attend. While very a job to and twice a weekmedical appointments or with is desirable or to attend anyone in educationcommunities community for demand teapot to support for rural if, long term, to wonder as customer form of you have into trouble for. Such operations Section welcome, will run are called to run under the services organisations regular would have could grow to to more and cope with this they and begin It to and potentiallyfull time staff emerging incur. minimum currently to employ 22 at the operators they need commercial vicious circle. point where overheads another face the it’s promoting seems like Editor Cole MINIBUS Martin

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NEWS › XXXXXX

Music about buses Monday James here. The first press day of 2014 goes reasonably well, although we’re held back a bit by late material out of our control. At home Laura and myself continue watching The Walking Dead, which has become something of a marathon after I got her hooked on it at the weekend. Tuesday Forge on with the CBW website at home at prepare for my trip for Birmingham the following day. Wednesday Board the train at Stamford station, which is incredibly pleasant compared to travelling from the Peterborough counterpart, to go to Birmingham and visit Travel de Courcey’s National Express operation ahead of an upcoming super-feature. I’m picked up in a NatEx-liveried Levante with the destination blind reading: “Welcome James Day CBW.” It certainly takes me by surprise. After the warm welcome, the three people I interview at the depot all seem very much in sync and the operation seems to have reached incredibly high standards for its size. After returning to Stamford I find the other benefit of the station – a much nicer journey home. Thursday It’s only me in the office for much of the day from the editorial department, with Andy and Martin in Milton Keynes for the morning and Gareth visiting Travel de Courcey in Coventry. Manage to get several pages sorted out while in the zone with my headset on. Friday Almost have to break out of my own house after accidently leaving the front door key in the office and finding the gate at the back to be quite stuck. Luckily I’m still just about slim enough to squeeze though, although I do find out later that I was attempting to open it outwards instead of inwards like I was supposed to. Derp. Finish off Legal News in the morning. Have a fairly in-depth meeting later on about the CBW website, for which I have a number ideas.

The Guardian’s music blog examined songs about buses last week, listing a number of songs recommended by the blog’s readers. Peter Kimpton wrote: “Listening to and choosing bus songs has been a lot like riding them – an epic journey of terrains, sights, sounds and smells. I’ve experienced lengthy uncertainty, frustrating delay and white-knuckle ride excitement. I’ve moved through the gears of every imaginable mood swing. I’ve felt tension and tedium, seen tragedy and romance, enjoyed surprises and humour, and endured heartbreak and regret. People arrive and depart, nominations are left behind, there have been some wrong turns and a few breakdowns – punctured by the occasional zedded song from the past. But above all this theme has been a vehicle for fantastic narratives – there really is something about a bus and the space around it that makes for a great story.” The post focused on songs from well known artists, rather than the usual

The article is written as though it is an ongoing bus journey, with the songs taking the forms of stops, routes and passengers.

‘wheels on the bus’ or ‘hail to the bus driver.’ The songs which made the cut to be listed on the blog were: ● Waitin’ for the Bus by ZZ Top; ● Roll Bus Roll by Jeffrey Lewis and the Junkyard; ● You’re Crazy for Taking the Bus by Jonathan Richman; ● Does this Bus Stop at 82nd Street? by Bruce Springsteen;

Dilbert

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● Magic Bus by the Who; ● Greyhound Bus by Oh Susanna; ● Double Dutch Bus by Frankie Smith; ● On the Bus Mall by the Decemberists; ● Twenty Seven Strangers by Villagers; ● Bus Stop by the Hollies; ● Trailways Bus by Paul Simon; ● Country Bus by Jake Thackray; and ● National Express by Divine Comedy

To read the full post visit www.theguardian.com/ music/musicblog/2014/jan/09/ readers-recommend-songs-aboutbuses-results. A YouTube playlist of the majority of the listed songs can be found at www.youtube. com/watch?v=eAyVNtBfF-c&list= PLGrBP8E0dm22LNdPzsKjR5Iy8e muoy--h, although Oh Susanna’s Greyhound Bus can be found at http://grooveshark.com/#!/

www.coachandbusweek.com

13/01/2014 19:47

RECRUITMENT & PEOPLE

In association with

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

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The closing date for applications is Monday 20 January at 5pm.

Janaury 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 69 13/01/2014 19:06

SHEARINGSHOLIDAYS Driver Itinerary Planner – European Coach Wigan

£20 - 25K depending on experience plus beneﬁts

Shearings Group is one of the UK’s leading tour operators providing holidays to over one million passengers travelling to hundreds of destinations throughout UK, Europe and beyond. Working within the operations team you will be responsible for compiling detailed driver itineraries for the River Cruise and European tour programmes, working closely with Product and Transport Managers to design practical and interesting itineraries in adherence with EU driver regulations. A comprehensive geographic knowledge of mainland Europe, good knowledge of driver hours and regulations, and an understanding of automated route planners of mainland Europe is essential. You will also have a sound knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel and excellent communication skills. Energy and commitment and an ability to work under individual pressure and as part of a team will be rewarded with a competitive salary and beneﬁts package. Please write with full CV and current salary details to Tracy Fearnley, Shearings Holidays, Miry Lane, Wigan WN3 4AG or email hr@shearings.com. Closing date 24th January 2014.

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Many thanks for assisting with the vacancy that we placed in Coach and Bus Week. We had a very good response to our advertisement for a Fleet Engineer and we have now employed a prime candidate into the position who is very qualified and fits the business model.

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NX recruits Martin Quail as Business Development Director National Express has appointed Martin Quail as Business Development Director in a move further strengthening its senior management team. Martin joins the �irm from risk management company Aon plc, where he was Partnerships Director. He brings with him a wealth of relevant executivelevel experience to his new role including, prior to Aon, over seven years with the RAC where, as Corporate Partnerships Director, he was responsible for leading their £180m turnover businessto-business division. Martin will be based in National Express’ Birmingham headquarters. With a track record of driving rapid and signi�icant growth this

appointment is seen as a coup for National Express as the company seeks to build on recent business successes, including a major deal with Ryanair and a partnership with The Post Of�ice. He said: “National Express is a great brand with an enviable heritage. My focus will be on driving the business forward by capitalising on untapped opportunities with partners and af�iliates and building on recent success. It is an exciting time to join the business and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the job and working with our partners.” In his spare time dad-of-three Martin is a keen sports fan and �itness enthusiast.

SPAL boosts its business with new business development manager SPAL Automotive UK, Worcesterbased arm of the global network of Italian manufacturers of specialist fans and blowers SPAL Group, has appointed Andy Clift as Business Development Manager for AfterMarket sales following a year of extraordinary growth. According to Managing Director Matthew Morris, the untapped potential for SPAL in aftermarket sales is huge and with the company projecting a further 25% growth in sales for 2014, the appointment of Andy Clift is key. “SPAL is one of the world’s leading providers of fans and blowers to markets as diverse as automotive, agricultural equipment, bus & coach and construction; the introduction of a new generation of brushless motors to supplement the extensive range of traditional ‘brushed’ motors, has enabled us to offer products that deliver higher performance, longer life and lower carbon impact, ultimately saving customers considerable cost,” he said. “This year we have made signi�icant inroads, particularly into the refrigerated transport After Market, and our vision now that Andy has joined us is to reach into fresh markets.” Andy, who joins SPAL from Dometic Group, worldwide supplier of products to sectors including automotive, marine

Andy Clift has joined SPAL from Dometic Group and refrigeration, has extensive experience and a strong track record in aftermarket sales. “The opportunity to join a fast-growing, forward looking company with ambitions to break into new markets is really exciting and presents an interesting new challenge for me,” commented Andy. “I can absolutely recognise the potential for SPAL, and am looking forward to building new relationships in SPAL’ s established marketplaces as well as breaking new ground.” www.coachandbusweek.com

13/01/2014 19:06

In association with

Plymouth Citybus wins IiP silver Plymouth Citybus has been awarded silver status following an independent assessment by Investors in People (IiP). The Silver award has been awarded to fewer than 600 organisations in the country, which is 2.82% of all organisations awarded the Investors in People Standard. In gaining IiP Silver, Plymouth Citybus becomes the first bus company in the South of England to gain the accolade. The standard is a framework of best practice, awarded to well-run organisations that meet set criteria such as learning and development, leadership skills and recognition and rewards of staff amongst others. Plymouth Citybus employs 443 people. The independent assessor interviewed employees on a variety of subjects to gauge opinion and identify evidence of how people feel about working practices at Plymouth Citybus.

The assessment review found particularly strong evidence that the company’s core values are understood by all, and people agree and believe in them. Most staff were able to describe how they demonstrate these values on a daily basis. There was also a strong recognition that staff have a clearer understanding of customer needs and wishes and a powerful team working ethic exists. People at Plymouth Citybus generally feel they are listened to, and their opinions and ideas are important. Richard Stevens, MD at Plymouth Citybus commented: “This follows on the achievement of IiP accreditation last year! Our ability to provide a high standard of customer service to our passengers is built on the skills of our employees, who are our greatest asset. We have all made a huge effort in contributing to gain this award, of which I am extremely thankful and proud

Ashley Banjo got behind the wheel of a bus as part of the show

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Cllr Vivian Pengelly, Lord Mayor of Plymouth presents Richard Stevens, Citybus Managing Director and Citybus Staff with the Investors In People Silver award of each and every one of our staff. Gaining IiP Silver just shows we are continuing to lead the way and be the best bus company in Plymouth.” Cllr Vivian Pengelly, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, said: “It is great to see Citybus continue to invest in the City. This time not through new vehicles, but through investing in its staff. It is a great achievement and something all

the staff at Citybus should be proud of.” John Telfer, MD of Inspiring Business Performance Ltd (IBP), the organisation that delivers Investors in People for London and the South, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Plymouth Citybus, and clearly shows continual improvement and development is a top priority.”

Drivers from Arriva’s Stockton depot became TV stars this week when they featured in a new Sky1 series focusing on teaching the town how to dance. Drivers Tan Rashid, Matthew Davey and Steven Hughes feature in Sky1’s Big Town Dance which was filmed last year but aired on January 8 at 2000hrs. In Ashley Banjo’s Big Town Dance, he started by bringing together people who had similar jobs but who had never met, from bus

drivers and street sweepers, nurses and teachers, to pub landlords and policemen. The show also saw the star of the show, Ashley, get behind the wheel of a bus. Arriva bus driver Steven Hughes, 48, was picked to perform in the ‘public sector dance troupe.’ The dad of five said: “It was an amazing experience, it really was. I’m someone who has never danced, never been interested, so taking part in something like this was once in a lifetime.”

Dancing on new TV series at Arriva, Stockton

Janaury 15, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 71 13/01/2014 19:06