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CONTENTS
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6 l The fifth round of Scottish Green Bus funding is the largest ever at £4.75m 7 l Souter Investments takes a stake in coach operator OnniBus.com in Finland 8 l Competition intensifies between Central Buses and Arriva Midlands between Lichfield and Tamworth 10 l The King’s Ferry reaches 10,000 passenger milestone in south west
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05 Comment 06 News 08 Bus News 10 Coach News 12 Regional News 14 International News 36 Big Picture 68 Last Stop 69 People
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An Anthony’s Travel Neoplan Tourliner was shown on BBC Breakfast last week, while Ensign’s Routemasters made it onto the Eurovision Song Contest
A
s I was about the leave the house for the of�ice on Friday morning, I received a text message from my mother announcing: ‘Richard Bamber on BBC Breakfast now.’ Richard is of course, better known as one of the faces behind Runcorn-based Anthony’s Travel. One of Richard’s modern Neoplan Tourliners was shown on BBC Breakfast TV as something of a model of best practice. With a smart driver behind the wheel, the nice clean coach was equipped with audible CCTV. That last point is signi�icant as in the BBC item, Paul Vodden author of the ‘The Vodden Report’ called for it to be introduced on dedicated school vehicles. Paul compiled the report using data from an online survey to assess bullying on dedicated school buses. His 11-year-old son Ben, took his own life after being bullied on a school bus. If you’re in the UK, you can watch the BBC item at www.live.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27337844?SThisFB. Read Paul’s report at www.kidscape.org.uk/ media/185773/the-vodden-report.pdf . Another recommendation is for ‘a properly trained adult or chaperone.’ The report makes what on the face it may sound like a valid point – that if a school trip is arranged, there has to be a ratio of adults to children on board. However, no such rules apply on a dedicated school bus. Often the only adult is the bus driver whose main job is to drive safely from A to B. The difference is that school journeys are routine – trips are by
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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. xxxxxxxx p18 Manchester’s �irst Voluntary Partnership agreement p8
Isle of Man Transport orders more Wrightbus Volvo B9TLs p9
All the winners from Coach £1bn forthe theUK Advanced p10 p7 Awards held in Manchester Propulsion Centre
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Around 26 vehicles promised atinStagecoach growth Germany p15 Traction buys Telford’s Group p14 INTERNATIONAL NEWS West Running Day p18
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their very nature, one-offs, meaning the risk score is higher. Operationally, recruiting part-time staff is becoming harder. Gone are the days of so-called ‘golden handshakes’ at 50, which provided a pool of people who fancied driving as a reason for getting out of bed each morning, as well as topping up their �inal salary pension. Creating a requirement for chaperons on regular school runs will only add the operators’ burdens. However, I do agree with the recommendation that ‘it should be made clear to all which agencies and individuals are directly responsible for resolving incidents on the school bus.’ It would seem easy for parties to absolve themselves of responsibility, with home-to-school transport sometimes being categorised as the ‘no man’s land’ before the start of the school day. The second bit of primetime TV coverage this past week has been that of Ensignbus’ inclusion in the UK’s entry to Eurovision. Love it or loathe it, Eurovision has certainly been great exposure. I immediately mentioned it on CBW’s social media. Perhaps Keith Payne was not wrong when on CBW’s Facebook page described it as “the best bit of bus advertising ever.” Gareth Evans Editor
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May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5 12/05/2014 20:06
NEWS B R I E F LY l NIGEL VOKES passed away very suddenly on April 22, aged 44. Before setting up Yorkshire Travel, he managed York-based Lawn’s coaches. He was latterly working as a mechanic for York Pullman. Nigel leaves a widow Sarah and four children. He is sorely missed by them, his wider family, work colleagues and friends. His funeral was held on Thursday (May 8). l NON-EMERGENCY PATIENT TRANSPORT SERVICE (PTS) ambulances will now be permitted to use bus lanes in Oxfordshire. As previously reported, talks have been on-going between the County Council and the South Central Ambulance Service after a campaign from pressure group Patient Voice. Emergency ambulances, along with buses and taxis, could already use bus lanes. l WRIGHTBUS is creating 130 news jobs at its factory in Antrim. The company is making a total investment of £14m in the expansion, with more than £10m earmarked for research and development projects. 70 of the new jobs are already in place and the remaining 60 will be added over the next two years. Announcing the latest investment, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: “In the last five years Wrights Group has undertaken a number of successful R&D projects that have significantly boosted its sales and international profile. This investment will further strengthen its product portfolio and its sales around the world.”
More Scottish Green Bus Funding
Lothian Buses acquired some Volvo 7900Hs as part of the fourth round of the Scottish Green Bus Fund The fifth round of funding is largest amount ever allocated, at £4.75m Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown has allocated a further £4.75m to the Scottish Green Bus Fund in a bid to introduce more new low carbon buses across Scotland over the coming financial year. This fifth round of funding is the largest amount ever allocated to the Fund and is expected to secure 40-45 new vehicles. Since the Scottish Green Bus Fund was launched in 2010, 126 low carbon buses have been purchased by bus operators. Bus operators, local authorities and regional transport partnerships across Scotland will shortly be invited to submit applications for funding. Transport Minister Keith Brown
said: “I am pleased to announce further financial support for the Scottish Green Bus Fund which sets out our commitment to the bus industry in Scotland. We have already awarded around £10m to bus operators for the purchase of low carbon buses since the scheme was launched in 2010. “The Scottish Government is committed to public transport and to our ambitious climate change target of reducing carbon emissions by 42% by 2020. “Low carbon transport benefits us all through an improved environment and a strong public transport network plays a part in this, as well as cutting congestion on the roads and making them safer for all users. It is encouraging to note that performance returns from bus operators indicate that new low carbon buses purchased under
the Fund are achieving significant savings in fuel and reduction in emissions.” The Scottish Green Bus Fund’s primary aims are to cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and accessibility and encourage modal shift. Feedback from previous rounds of the scheme has claimed significant fuel savings and reduced emissions. Gavin Booth, Senior Officer of Bus Users Scotland said: “Bus passengers in Scotland are very aware of the environmental issues that affect us all, and will welcome this latest round of the Scottish Green Bus Fund, which helps bus operators to invest in the latest emission reducing technology. “The Scottish Government has led the way in recognising that investing in the latest technology is paving the way for a greener and cleaner environment for everyone.”
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Souter Investments sets sights on Finland Souter Investments, the family investment office of Stagecoach Group Chairman Sir Brian Souter, has taken a majority stake in OnniBus.com, the Finnish intercity express coach business. The investment has been made by Highland Global Transport, Souter Investments’ transport arm which owns a portfolio of investments in many locations such as the UK, New Zealand, Poland and Turkey. Souter has taken a majority stake and all existing shareholders and managers
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are staying with the business. Highland Global Transport’s Global Transport Director, Roger Bowker, has joined the board of OnniBus.com as Executive Chairman. He previously enjoyed a long international career with Stagecoach Group and was a cofounder and CEO of Polish intercity express coach operator PolskiBus. com. OnniBus.com will use the Souter funds to develop a new national network of express coach services, acquire a new fleet of coaches, invest in its operational, web and customer service infrastructure, increase brand awareness and restructure OnniBus.com’s existing services as part of the new network roll-out. The first phase of OnniBus.com’s
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development will result in the creation of around 60 new jobs in Tampere and across Finland. Management, HQ and operational posts are currently being filled and driver recruitment will commence in the near future. Sir Brian Souter commented: “We are delighted to add OnniBus.com to our portfolio of global transport businesses. We believe there is a fantastic opportunity in the Finnish intercity express coach market and we see enormous potential in the OnniBus.com business as it seeks to establish a market-leading position.” Pekka Motto, Managing Director of OnniBus.com commented: “The investment represents a landmark for OnniBus.com. It will provide not only the support of a strong balance
Signs of recovery in April, says SMMT
The bus and coach market showed signs of recovery, up 35.5% in April to 843 units, said the SMMT. The purpose-built sector posted growth of 50% in the month with the year-to-date now down just 5.8%. The converted bus market continued to rise, up 21.9% to 390 units. “April saw a large number of bus and coach orders hit the road resulting in substantial growth in the month,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. “The sector enjoyed increases across the board with the purpose-built segment posting gains of 50% and converted buses rising by more than 21%. “The growth in April and recent market positivity has seen the rolling year rise 4%, an encouraging sign following the slow start in the year.”
DRIVING LIC
ENCE
REGISTRATIONS OF NEW PURPOSE-BUILT BUSES AND COACHES IN THE UK Marque
VOLVO BUS
Apr-14 Apr-13 YTD-14 YTD-13 85 67 271 360
ALEXANDER DENNIS 85 52 211 359 WRIGHTBUS
114 47 198 73
SCANIA
28 34 117 116
OPTARE
32 32 98 121
VDL
33 14 79 37
VAN HOOL
23 10 45 21
SETRA
2 0 44 12
NEOPLAN
17 9 35 30
MERCEDES
6 4 23 32
IRIZAR
15 1 22 7
OTHER IMPORTS
6 3 13 6
MAN
3 3 13 34
KING LONG
3 11 11 12
IRIS BUS
1 15 4 37
TOTAL BUSES AND COACHES 453
302
1,184
1,257
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sheet and access to substantial funds for growth, but also access to Souter’s invaluable experience, knowledge and expertise in the public transport industry.” Roger Bowker said: “Our experience has demonstrated that there is a demand for fast, modern and innovative intercity, express coach travel. With the introduction of new products and services, offering the consumer more choice, we can grow the market. “We believe that by investing in the OnniBus.com product, expanding our network of services and developing our web and customer service proposition we can persuade people to leave their cars at home and choose more environmentally friendly, sustainable public transport.”
Omnibus Society Snapshot Project
From June 7-16, 2014, the Omnibus Society is undertaking a data capture exercise, inviting every company which operates in Britain and Ireland to participate. The Operational Snapshot Project aims to create a snapshot of bus operations for a 10 day period to preserve, as much as possible, the details that can be assimilated. The scope of the project is to stretch from capturing the schedules, (working timetables, bus boards and drivers duties) for major operations such as those in London to the smaller networks. Former Omnibus Society President Sir Peter Hendy said: “In today’s electronic environment, a digital record of a sample few days of how UK bus services are run will be of great value for future historians. I hope the whole bus industry will support it.”
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May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7 12/05/2014 18:29
NEWS › BUSES SHARE WATCH Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, May 12. Optare saw the greatest proportional rise, while 21st Century saw the greatest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk
405.60p
Price: Year High: 471.00p Year Low: 371.10p
£120k
The price which BASE coach sales’ imported MOBIpeople Midi Explorers will start from
41
Number of entrants at this year’s 60th UK Coach Rally at Alton Towers resort
Competition hots up on Lich�ield – Tamworth corridor
+5.30 on last week
135.30p
Price: Year High: 224.30p Year Low: 90.30p
+0.50 on last week
1984.00p
Price: Year High: 2198.00p Year Low: 1363.00p
-43.00
275.50p
Price: Year High: 307.70p Year Low: 190.70p
366.80p
Price: Year High: 401.40p Year Low: 284.70p
0.24
Price: Year High: 0.43p Year Low: 0.21p
53.00p
Price: Year High: 58.50p Year Low: 42.50p
427.50p
Price: Year High: 620.00p Year Low: 375.00p
4.50p
Price: Year High: 13.00p Year Low: 4.50p
on last week
-0.60 on last week
Arriva responds to Central Buses’ competition as independent introduces new reward scheme -4.60 on last week
+0.005 on last week
+2.00 on last week
SAME on last week
-1.375 on last week
FTSE 100
6,837
Index: Year High: 6,866 Year Low: 6029
+15 on last week
8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 14, 2014 008_009_CBW1137_News Bus.indd 8
Central Buses Managing Director Geoff Cross saw the need for a direct service between Lichfield and Tamworth, and launched the xpre55 in January
Competition between two operators on the Lich�ield to Tamworth corridor has intensi�ied – after Arriva Midlands responded to Birmingham-based Central Buses’ direct service between the city and town respectively. Explaining the background to the competition, Geoff Cross, Managing Director at Central Buses, told CBW: “I was aware of routes 765 and 785 which Arriva operated and continue to operate between Tamworth and Lich�ield and have used it as a passenger on many occasions. It occurred to me one day that I could help the people out there. “I thought to myself that people were paying a lot of money on the service – even though they were not operating direct between Lich�ield and Tamworth, which appeared to be where the majority of passengers wanted to travel from and to. Our research showed that bus travel in Tamworth and Lich�ield was hardly cheap either, costing up to 60% more than it does in the West Midlands. “Therefore, on January 6, we launched xpre55 – a direct route
between Lich�ield and Tamworth and introduced an affordable range of tickets including a two-trip ticket valid for seven days, costing just £4.50. We also added some magic touches, such as brand new buses, a hand-picked team of friendly drivers and free WiFi. It’s been fantastic and we are delighted that so many members of the travelling public are using xpre55. “Of course it hasn’t gone unnoticed by Arriva. Since we started, Arriva has cut its fares and introduced four separate fare promotions between Tamworth and Lich�ield only. From April 28, Arriva started operating an express route themselves identical to xpre55, which is scheduled six minutes in front of our service.” In a letter to his passengers, Geoff pledged: “If you stick with us then we will stick with you. I am going to commit that our prices are frozen until at least 2016 so you can be reassured that high fares are a thing of the past. I am also going to offer you an incentive to stay with us. For every seventh journey you pay for, the eighth one is free. This applies to all of our other tickets and we will keep this going on an ongoing basis to reward and recognise our loyal customers. We will also continue to run our ‘Thank Crunchie It’s
Friday’ chocolate handouts along with other treats and surprises as we go along.” However, Geoff was keen to stress he acknowledged the nature of competition is such that operators can and will respond. “Competition is important. That’s something which works both ways. We’re always seeking to identify gaps in the market. Arriva has of course got a right to defend its patch, but ultimately, it boils down to the choice of customers.” Responding, Arriva Midlands told CBW: “Arriva Midlands and its predecessors have been serving Tamworth and surrounding areas for 100 years, providing a network of local bus services seven days a week from early morning to late evening. We have invested heavily in our Tamworth �leet over recent years. “In the 2013 Arriva Customer Survey we were delighted to receive 81% customer satisfaction – the highest across Arriva for our Tamworth services. “In a competitive environment it is not surprising that we would respond to another operator on a busy daytime route. It will be interesting to see how customers respond and to see if the market grows as a result of the competition.” www.coachandbusweek.com
12/05/2014 18:53
1975
The year Coastliner 700 was launched by Southdown Motor Services
Hants and Dorset gives DDA deadline warning Bus refurbishment specialist Hants and Dorset Trim is warning bus operators to bring their vehicles up to required Disabled Discrimination Act (DDA) standards in time for impending deadlines. “By January 1, 2015, all buses and coaches up to 7.5 tonnes must meet the required DDA standards. There is a significant amount of work needed to achieve this,” said Dave Clack, General Manager of Hants and Dorset Trim. “Buses not meeting these requirements will not be permitted to operate on certain routes. The concern is that many operators will leave it too late and create a bottleneck as the deadline approaches – and we are trying hard to prevent this from happening.” “We understand the current economic climate means that many bus operators are cutting bus replacement programmes - but they must still comply with these regulations or face taking buses off the road in 2015,” added Dave.
General Manager Dave Clack
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New CEO announced for Translink Translink has announced that water boss David Strahan will be its new Group Chief Executive, six months after outgoing Chief Executive Catherine Mason announced her intention to stand down, the Belfast Telegraph reported. The Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company made the announcement on May 6. The date which David will take up the new post is unconfirmed. Gordon Milligan will continue to act as interim Group CEO. Chairman John Trethowan said: “In David Strahan we are confident we have found a skilled and experienced individual and the right person to lead Translink, one of Northern Ireland’s most high profile businesses which provides an essential service to so many. “As a board we look forward to working with David Strahan, his executive team and all the staff
within Translink to continue the success the group has delivered over the past years.” Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy added: “Managing Northern Ireland’s public transport system is a very important position and I am confident that with his skills and experience David Strahan will make a valuable contribution to the work of NITHC over the coming years. I want to wish him every success in this new post.” Catherine Mason inherited record bus and train passenger numbers when she took up the role of Translink Group CEO in 2008. These figures fell during the recession, but have been recovering in recent years. David Strahan is currently CEO of Dee Valley Group, with the principal activity of supplying drinking water to customers in north east Wales and north west England.
Arriva’s buy-out of its joint venture Centrebus (Holdings) has secured regulatory approval from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), successor to the Office of Fair Trading and Competition Commission. Centrebus (Holdings) was formed in May 2008 to purchase K-Line Travel and Stagecoach Yorkshire’s Huddersfield operations. The bulk of the business, comprising the former 90-strong Centrebus fleet, was relaunched as Yorkshire Tiger last autumn. Another 32 vehicles which were part of the joint venture retain the longestablished K-Line name. The Hinckley operation reports to
Arriva’s Midlands. Reacting to the news, Martijn Gilbert, Business Director at Yorkshire Tiger told CBW: “We welcome the news that the CMA has cleared the completed acquisition. This doesn’t change our strategy for the business but does help to give longer term certainly to both employees and stakeholders. We now look forward to developing the business further and going from strength to strength.” Centrebus (Holdings) is separate from Centrebus Ltd, whose operations are in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Luton, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
Arriva’s Tiger will continue to roar
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B R I E F LY l DAMIAN GRAHAM has been appointed as Interim Managing Director of Network Warrington for the next six months. Damian has worked for the company for over 36 years and has vast experience and knowledge of how the company operates across all departments. His immediate role will be to undertake a review of all departments to ensure that the company remains sustainable for the foreseeable future. l THE OXFORD BUS COMPANY has announced fare increases of up to 20p for a number of city routes, as well as its London coach services. The last rise came in 16 months ago. The operator said city single fares for adults and children would rise by 10p, adult returns by 20p and child returns by 10p. Park and ride fares remained unchanged. Adult singles and returns on the X90 coach service will both rise by £1. The changes take effect from May 18. l STAGECOACH has confirmed its previously announced legal action against the Welsh Government is ongoing. A stagecoach spokesperson told CBW: “Correspondence is still being exchanged between the Welsh Government and the legal team working on Stagecoach’s behalf.” As this issue went to press on Monday May 12, the Welsh Government had not responded to CBW’s request dated May 1 for an update from its end and for a response.
May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9 12/05/2014 18:53
NEWS › BUSES RO A D WATC H n THE M42 JUNCTION 8 southbound link road to the M6 northbound will be closed overnight on Monday (May 19) for resurfacing. The work takes place between 2100 and 0600hrs during which time traffic will be diverted further south on the M42 to junction 6 where it will turn round and head north to junction 7 to join the M6. n THE HIGHWAYS AGENCY is to carry out overnight repairs on the M5 southbound near West Bromwich from Saturday (May 17). The two-week scheme requires full closures of the M6 junction 8 north and southbound exit slip roads, the M6 junction 9 southbound entry slip road and the M5 southbound between the M6 junction 8 and M5 junction 1. As the scheme progresses, it will require the M5 southbound to be closed between junctions 1 and 2, including the entry slip road at junction 1. The M6 southbound will also be shut at junction 10. All closures take place on weeknights, between 2130 and 0530hrs. n CONSTRUCTION of a new two-level junction on a notorious section of the A1 in Nottinghamshire between Markham Moor and the A57 (Worksop) is due to begin this week. Safety will be improved at what was hitherto the location of a 50mph limit enforced by Gatso cameras at Elkesley. Construction of the £7.4m scheme will take place on weekdays between 0730 and 1800hrs. n WORK WILL GET UNDER WAY this month on the A5-M1 Link Road improvement scheme, the Highways Agency has announced. Advance work on the ‘Dunstable Northern Bypass’ starts on May 27. The work will involve utility companies diverting some key infrastructure, including moving two overhead high powered electricity cables underground, and the relocation of gas and water pipes and fibre optic broadband cables. This will support the main construction of the link road and the new junction 11a, which is due to start by March 2015.
BASE to import MOBIpeople coaches
Leyland-based dealer has new relationship with Portuguese builder that draws on Marcopolo experience BASE of Leyland is to import midi and full size coaches bodied by MOBIpeople of Coimbra. It has already taken orders for the 29 to 33-seat 8.86m Midi Explorer based on a Euro 6 MAN TGL chassis and the MAN RR8 12.3m Explorer II 70-seater. First examples of both are expected to make their show debut at Euro Bus Expo in November. MOBIpeople with Antonio Catarino as General Manager was founded in 2008 and says that it’s “dedicated to manufacturing and commercialisation of bus bodies
of both. The first 70-seater is on a Euro 5 chassis. Under consideration is a heavier-duty Midi Explorer, also on the TGL that seats up to 41. It would be priced sub £135,000. 2014 has already been a good year for BASE. Sales up to May have topped the total for all of last year. Having placed all its Euro 5 build, it’s now taking orders for Euro 6. While upseating mid-life coaches to 70 seats has been a specialty in the past – some 350 converted – the focus is now on converting Volvo B7TL doubledeckers cascaded out of London to single-door and more seats. Belted DDA and non-DDA conversions are available seating up to 72 and 74 respectively
The King’s Ferry commuter service hits milestone One of The King’s Ferry’s commuter coach services is celebrating a milestone having made 10,000 journeys. It was also given a 100% satisfaction rating in its first six months of operations. The service was given the unanimous satisfaction by customers as part of an independent survey. All passengers rated the service which carries commuters by coach from pick up points in North Somerset to business areas in North Bristol as satisfactory or very satisfactory. The questionnaire, commissioned by the Department for Transport to evaluate the performance of the service, also revealed how the coaches have been taking traffic off the roads - reducing congestion. Each coach reportedly takes a mile of traffic off the roads. The majority of commuters said they had switched to using the coach after previously having made
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for the European market. “The Midi Explorer, which is initially being priced from £120,000 as a special deal will have a MAN TipMatic automatic gearbox, air conditioning and double-glazed as standard, and 3.2 cubic metres of luggage capacity. The Explorer II priced from sub £170,000 as a special deal can seat 70 or 57, has a ZF EcoLife automatic, also features air conditioning and double-glazing, and six cubic metres of luggage capacity. Antonio previously worked at Marcopolo’s now closed Coimbra factory and has recruited many of the staff formerly employed there. BASE, which has ordered two each for stock, has sold initial examples
The survey revealed 55% of passengers on the service had previously used their car the journey to work by car, while three quarters of respondents said they had access to a car but preferred to take the coach. The survey also found: l 91% of passengers were travelling to work; l 63% were using the service almost every day; l 55% had previously used the car; l 74% could have used a car to make the journey; l 69% were male and 31% were female; and l 100% of respondents were
either satisfied or very satisfied with the overall standard of the service. The commuter service, formed through a partnership between The Kings Ferry and North Somerset Council, has made an average of almost 1,800 passenger journeys a month. The Kings Ferry Commercial Director Danny Elford said: “It’s fantastic to see the commuter coaches proving so popular and our customers rating the service so highly, but we are not complacent. We are constantly looking for ways to improve and refine our performance to meet commuters’ needs and the results of this survey will help us to do just that.” All coaches are kitted out with reclining seats, air conditioning, power sockets and WiFi. They are also equipped with real-time tracking, allowing commuters to check the location of their service via web and mobile devices. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Eurotunnel installs UK mobile phone services For its 20th anniversary, Eurotunnel has installed British mobile telephone services inside the North Running Tunnel with the help of UK operators Vodafone, EE and O2 UK and the equipment supplier, AlcatelLucent, with services already
operational for Vodafone and EE. With the goal of improving services for customers, the fibre optic GSP-P retransmission system for 2G and 3G mobile telephone and internet is similar to that installed in the South Tunnel in July 2012 by the French
call made in London, Paris or elsewhere. It’s also possible for customers to use their mobile phones or tablets anywhere in the Channel Tunnel. Beyond the initial 2G and 3G services, Vodafone, EE and O2 UK envisage offering 4G in the future.
operators, in time for the London Olympic Games. However, that service only available while travelling from France back to the UK. Passengers can make calls throughout their crossing at a quality equivalent to a wireless
Greyhound makes changes to speed up journeys A change has been made to the route and timetable of Greyhound UK’s coach services. Greyhound journeys now run hourly between Bristol Airport and Cardiff and every two hours between Bristol Airport and Swansea. Some existing journeys have been extended to operate to and from Swansea University, specifically the 0845hrs departure from Swansea to Bristol Airport will begin at the University, while two journeys from Cardiff, leaving at 0725 and 1530hrs, have been extended to terminate at the University. To speed up journey times, Greyhound UK coaches will no longer call at the University of the West of England Campus in North Bristol or Bristol Bus Station. Instead, they will travel via Avonmouth and Ashton Gate on their way to Bristol Airport. Coaches now serve stops outside the Portway Park and Ride and on Winterstoke Road in Bristol just outside the Ashton Gate Stadium. This means end to end journey times will be up to 25 minutes shorter – depending on the time of day. Simon Cursio, Business Performance Director, said: “Since its launch in March 2013 the Swansea to Bristol Airport Greyhound service has gone from strength to strength. We’re seeing increasing demand for travel in both directions – both into Wales from the Airport and vice versa. The addition of new routes and services will no doubt increase the appeal for both business travellers
By no longer serving the University of the West of England campus or Bristol bus station, journey times should speed up by up to 25 minutes and holiday makers too, and we’d like to build on this moving forward. “Customers should note that in revising the new timetable we’ve taken steps to speed up the end to end journey times; avoiding some of the issues we’ve faced with congestion in and around Bristol. We believe these quicker journeys into and out of Wales will appeal to more people, while those wishing to travel to North Bristol from the Airport will still have the option to use the other services that operate
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in that area.” Pete Downes, Head of Commercial Ground Transportation at Bristol Airport, added: “We are focused on improving access to Bristol Airport for customers from across our catchment area. The Greyhound service forms an important part of our surface access strategy and these timetable changes improve what is already an excellent service for passengers in South Wales.” The changes were made to coincide with the launch of
summer flight schedules and follows the announcement of new routes and increased capacity by airlines operating at Bristol. The introduction of larger aircraft by Thomas Cook Airlines will deliver a 20% increase in the number of flight-only seats and holidays it offers from Bristol this summer, while Thomson and First Choice have announced plans to add four new routes (to Pula and Dubrovnik in Croatia, Marrakesh in Morocco, and Santorini in Greece) from summer 2015.
Quality mobile bus & coach engineers throughout the UK 01253 340565 www.wjftechnicalsupport.co.uk
May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 11 12/05/2014 14:33
NEWS › REGIONAL MIDLANDS LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL says it can no longer afford to support bus services which serve largely rural communities and has now agreed to slash its funding from £1.4m a year to £565,000 – according to the Leicester Mercury. Under the changes which will be implemented in the next 12 months, route 7 from Ashby to Nuneaton, via Measham and Atherstone will become twohourly between Measham and Atherstone. A community bus partnership will be set up to boost patronage by working with parish councils, shops, pubs and schools to promote the route. Services 23, 24 and 25 from Bottesford/Bingham to Melton, via Harby and Scalford will become two-hourly, but with a third vehicle to augment timetables. Route 44 from Kibworth and Fleckney to Harborough will be an hourly peak service and twohourly off-peak. The 100 and 128 from Leicester to Melton via Wreake villages will be two-hourly, with a retiming of morning departures and an additional late afternoon journey. Service 113 Melton to Oakham, via Somerby will also be the subject of a community bus partnership, as will the 129, from Ashby to Loughborough via Osgathorpe and Belton. Route 155 from Coalville to Castle Donington, via East Midlands Airport will become two-hourly and the 661 from Lutterworth to Gilmorton will be withdrawn, with alternative methods of service
KEY
SCOTLAND NORTHERN IRELAND REP OF IRELAND NORTH WALES MIDLANDS EAST LONDON SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST
delivery being investigated. The council said the Rural Rider Service from east Leicestershire villages to Melton, Harborough and Leicester would be “redesigned to incorporate demand responsive public transport.” However, the 55 and 56 from Melton to Grantham, via Buckminster and east Leicestershire villages will see no change.
THE NATIONAL EXPRESS Foundation has announced which community groups will receive its funding this year. In this wave of charitable awards, £20,000 will be given to assist six community groups across
the West Midlands in providing positive activities for local youngsters. Four groups from Birmingham will receive a combined £12,500, with Balsall Heath CATS using their funding to continue a disabled youth club; Urban Devotion Birmingham running after school clubs in Kingstanding; and Sutton Coldfield YMCA creating a Community Cohesion Hub. Alongside these community groups the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has received funding to run music composition workshops for talented youngsters who would otherwise not have access to tuition. They will be joined by two
community groups from the Black Country receiving a combined £5,000. Olio Youth Hub, a recipient of funding last year, has received further funds to develop its work with young people in Darlaston and buy new equipment for the centre. Krunch UK also received funding to create a music project for 40 young people in Oldbury. Finally, £2,500 has been given to Warwickshire charity Safeline to help them deliver their programmes helping young people to deal with and prevent the occurrence of abuse, gang violence and drugs. Trustees of the Foundation will announce funding for bursaries in partnership with local educational institutions in August. Anthony Vigor, Chairman of the Foundation, said: “These groups were chosen because of their strong impact in their communities and we hope this funding will help them continue and expand this work. I look forward to seeing these projects in action.”
NORTH
NETWORK WARRINGTON is to change a number of its service from June 2. The operator, which was formerly known as Warrington Borough Transport, said the changes are designed to simplify the network and allow efficiencies to be made where there are not enough customers travelling. The changes are among the most significant modifications the company has made in a number of years. Damian Graham, Interim
OAKHAM’S NEW BUS STATION was n formally opened on Wednesday (May 7) by 102-year-old local resident Tommy Suthern. A a regular bus user, Mr Suthern is also Rutland’s only living ‘Honorary Alderman’ in recognition of his service to the county – having twice been Mayor of Oakham and a County Councillor. The new station, which cost £700,000 to build, came in £150,000 under budget. Facilities include an indoor waiting area with WiFi internet connection, real-time information screens, toilets, cycle storage, an outdoor canopy for shelter and improved lighting. The project forms a key part of the £4m Travel4Rutland project, funded by the Department for Transport. It also includes the ShoreLink service connecting Oakham and Uppingham to Rutland Water as well as the WorkLink service for local shift workers. Leader of Rutland County Council, Cllr Roger Begy said: “I would also like to thank the small team at the council who have co-ordinated the
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project from start to finish. Not only have they delivered the new bus station on time, but their careful management and attention to detail has ensured that we have spent £150,000 less than originally planned. It does not matter that this is a government grant, it’s still public money and they worked to get the best value possible.”
Services have been operating from a temporary base in Catmos Street for the past five months as construction work has taken place to build the new station. It’s estimated that approximately 150,000 passenger journeys are made on buses in and around the Rutland area each year.
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Managing Director, said: “We have redesigned our network in certain areas to improve reliability and to better serve our customers’ needs. Some customers will just notice a slight timetable change, but for others we have changed the route or the service number. A list of changes can be found on our website.”
IN AN EFFORT to better establish the scale of bus lane infringement, Hull City Council is to trial the enforcement of bus lanes on two key arteries. From early June, three automatic number plate recognition cameras are to be used in Anlaby Road and Beverley Road. Depending on the results, the cameras could become a permanent fixture on both roads – and elsewhere across the city. Peter Shipp, Chairman and Chief Executive of EYMS told the Hull Daily Mail: “I am pleased we are getting a trial, but I would like to be clear about three points. “Firstly, we at EYMS have no wish to see motorists fined. We simply want bus lanes kept clear. “Secondly, several other towns and cities have bus lane enforcement. Indeed, Hull seemed to be the exception. “Thirdly, we would welcome anything that helps us cut delays and so run more efficiently.” Mr Shipp said, in the interest of fairness, the council should improve signs, so drivers are left in no doubt as to when the bus lanes are in operation. The cameras are being provided to the council free of charge for the duration of the trial. DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL has unveiled plans for a new, larger bus station for the cathedral city. The new bus station would be on the site of Hopper House, which would be demolished to make way for a new ‘flagship store.’ A three-day public exhibition of outlining the proposals for North Road recently took place, during which the new station’s modern glass design reportedly attracted criticism. However, Dave Wafer, the council’s Strategic Traffic Manager, told the Darlington & Stockton Times that the majority of the 300 people who attended the exhibition supported the scheme, with many saying “get on with it.” Mr Wafer said the facility would have to provide security for passengers and allow them to see buses coming, but there would be some screening. Sarah Robson, the council’s Head www.coachandbusweek.com
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of Economic Development and Housing, said: “If it’s new, there’s nothing wrong with it looking modern. We want to do something which is of its time and do it well.” Mr Wafer described the existing bus station as “pretty ugly.” He said in addition to empty shops, it also has capacity issues, a leaking roof and attracts anti-social behaviour. The local authority said it hopes to file a planning application this summer and that the project will be completed by the end of next year.
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
SOUTH WEST
FIRST WEST OF ENGLAND has reduced the price of its FirstDay Bristol (Inner zone) Family ticket to help support the City Council’s ‘Make Sunday Special’ events. The events taken place on June 1, July 6, August 3 and September 7. First will cut the cost of the family ticket from £8 to £5. The ticket allows unlimited travel for up to five people (maximum two adults) within the Bristol Inner Zone for one day. While roads in the old city are closed for the duration of ‘Make Sunday Special’ events, First said buses are still able to access the city centre easily on those days. Paul Matthews, Managing Director for First West of England, said: “We supported ‘Make Sunday Special’ last year and found that a number of people did travel into the city by bus for the events. We are therefore pleased to be involved once again and are showing our support by offering a discounted travel offer for families.”
WALES
CARDIFF BUS is celebrating an important milestone after its 50,000th m-ticket was purchased – just four months after the service was launched. The ‘iff’ app is available on iPhone and Android devices. Users can select their preferred payment method with debit, credit card or Barclays Pingit mobile checkout options and easy one-time registration of payment details. Peter Heath, Operations and Commercial Director of Cardiff Bus, said: “We’re always trying to find ways to improve the efficiency of our operations and provide an enhanced customer experience. The number of tickets purchased goes to show how important it is to continue to look for ways to make purchasing tickets as easy and as quick as possible for our customers.”
Speakers at the ACTO Summer Event on June 17-19 include Peter Heath, Operations and Commercial Director at Cardiff Bus, who will talk about the operator’s young persons’ concessions
2014
www.routemaster.org.uk
n May 26 Quainton Bus Rally Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton Rd Station, Nr Aylesbury. All buses & coaches welcome. Details available by from office@ bucksrailcentre.org . Visit www.
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
bucksrailcentre.org
n May 31 Stagecoach West Running Day, on the Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury network. www.stagecoachbus.com/
n September 10-11 Low Carbon Vehicle Event, Millbrook, Bedfordshire. 01509 635 750. www. cenex-lcv.co.uk
Running%20Day.aspx
n September 14 UK Bus Driver of the Year 2014 Blackpool. bdoy@ btinternet.com
n June 3 Don’t Travel Empty Seminar. York. 07833 570659 n June 8 Barry Festival of Transport Barry Island, South Wales. www.ctpg.co.uk n June 15 Welsh Coach Rally, Swansea. ntfwswansea.co.uk Contact Ashley Lovering 07814 958379 n June 17-19 ATCO Summer Event 2014, Cardiff. www.atco.org.uk n June 29 Reading Buses seventh annual open day Great Knollys Street depot 1100-1600hrs. 0118 959 4000 n June 29 Wessex Transport Society Bus Rally Ringwood, Hampshire. 01202 293245. mikepenny.wts@gmail.com
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 n October 28-31 International Bus and Coach Trade Fair Feria de Madrid Avda del Partenon, 5 28042 Madrid, Spain www.ifema.es n October 5 Bluebell Railway Vintage Bus Day. 01825 720800, visit www.bluebell-railway.com or email d.morgan52@btinternet.com n October 6–7 CPT Scotland Annual Conference. Cameron House Hotel, Alexandria. 0131 272 2150. www.cpt-uk.org
n July 5-6 North Norfolk Railway Bus Rally. Heritage bus service both days, transport festival on Sunday. Email bus@johnrstewart. co.uk for an entry form.
n November 4-6 Euro Bus Expo Expo 2014 NEC Birmingham www. eurobusexpo.com
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.
Send your event details to gareth.evans@ coachandbusweek.com
May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 13 12/05/2014 14:32
NEWS › INTERNATIONAL
Kraków tests Solaris Urbino 12 electric bus Poland’s second city will see the electric bus operate for 12 months POLAND Kraków City Transport has started testing a Solaris Urbino 12 electric. The bus is being leased for 12 months to assess its feasibility and efficiency, and if it’s found to be satisfactory, the operator is expected to introduce more. The 100% electric, zero-emission vehicle is fitted with a 210kWh battery which is charged overnight at the depot. It uses a 100kW battery charger, also provided by Solaris. Electric drive motors are mounted in the wheel hubs bringing down overall weight while increasing space inside the saloon. “Investing in sustainable transport and urban systems seems inevitable nowadays,” said
85 Solaris Urbino 12s for Milan
ITALY Solaris is delivering 85 Urbino 12s to Milan this year. The €22m contract signed with Azienda Transporti Milanesi (ATM) covers delivery and five-year servicing of the standard-length buses. In September 2013, ATM announced a tender for a frame order for 250 buses to be purchased within the next four years. The tender was won by Solaris and is the first order for the Polish manufacturer in Milan. All will be equipped with Euro 6 engines and they will be specified with a passenger information system and electrics for monitoring vehicle performance. Information about any faults that may occur during operation will be sent directly to the depot. “The new order for Milan is a prestigious distinction for our company,” said Martin Gruber, Solaris Executive Board Member for Sales, Aftersales, Marketing and Quality Assurance. “Solaris participated in the tender together with Italian companies. Despite that, ATM decided to choose an offer from the Polish manufacturer.”
Julian Pilszczek, CEO of Kraków City Transport. “Kraków keeps pace with this general trend and is actively involved in freeing the city from traffic congestion. Furthermore, airborne byproducts from exhaust systems are a major factor in the creation of smog in the city. We still do not give this subject enough attention.” The Solaris Urbino 12 electric will be tested on route 154 which runs from the main railway station to Prądnik Biały, the most northerly district in the city. Standard tickets will be accepted on board. It will provide a full day’s operation from one overnight charge. Solaris has already sold its electric buses in Klagenfurt (Austria), Braunschweig, Düsseldorf and Hamburg (Germany) and to Västerås (Sweden).
110 Temsa Avenue CNG buses for Istanbul TURKEY Istanbul Otobüs AŞ has taken delivery of 110 Temsa Avenue CNG buses. The Allison T350R transmission installed in the buses has six forward and one reverse gear and is equipped with fifth generation electronic controls. Continuous power is transferred smoothly during each gearshift while engine torque is multiplied at launch enhancing CNG engine performance, said the gearbox
manufacturer. As a result, Allisonequipped vehicles not only accelerate faster, but also perform more efficiently, it claimed. According to Abdullah Yasir Sahin, General Manager of Istanbul Otobüs AŞ, Allison’s technology complements CNG engines by enhancing vehicle performance. “We prefer more comfortable, economical and safer transportation models, therefore we gave preference to
Temsa’s Avenue CNG vehicles,” said Abdullah. “Allison fully automatic transmissions, with recognised CNG engine compatibility, were the inevitable option for continuous stop and start operations. “Our drivers feel comfortable because they can focus completely on the road. This, in turn, provides us many advantages in terms of reliable service and safety.”
Low fares introduced in Canberra AUSTRALIA Australian Capital Territory commuters have the opportunity to pay $1 fares to get work as the state encourages people to use public transport before the introduction of paid parking later this year. The low fares are being offered to people using Action buses before 0730hrs on weekdays. Minister for Territory and Municipal Services Shane Rattenbury said it was a great opportunity, particularly for those working in the Parliamentary
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Solaris Urbino 12 electrics are already operating in Austria, Germany and Sweden
Triangle, to give Action buses a go. “As paid parking is introduced in July, catching a bus to and from work will be an easy and cost effective option for commuters,” he said. “Encouraging commuters to catch the bus outside of the usual peak will have the added benefit of spreading bus capacity over a longer period of time to help make the journey to work even more relaxing.” The MyWay fare will be reduced to just $1 per trip until May
30 - with an adult passenger making a saving of $1.84 per trip. Commuters who recharge their MyWay card using Autoload or BPAY will make further savings, paying only $0.95 due to the 5% discount received for paying via these methods. Ahead of the introduction of parking charges, Action will be holding three lunchtime bus information sessions at the National Triangle to inform commuters about bus services in the area.
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Members invited to signup to a UITP Declaration on Climate Leadership BELGUIM In response to the call for action by UN SecretaryGeneral, Ban Ki-moon, UITP (the International Association of Public Transport) is inviting its members to sign up to a ‘UITP Declaration on Climate Leadership’ in support of September’s UN Climate Summit in New York. Launched by UITP’s Deputy Chairman of Sustainable Development, Ahmad Al Akhras at the UN Abu Dhabi Ascent, UITP is now calling on its members to show their leadership and commit to concrete actions to reduce emissions in their cities of operation and strengthen climate resilience. These commitments will be showcased at the Summit in September and show how UITP members are making cities better places to live and work through public transport. “I challenge you to bring to the Summit bold pledges,” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in the build up to the Ascent. “Innovate, scale-up, cooperate
and deliver concrete action which will close the emissions gap and put us on track for an ambitious legal agreement on climate change.” Ministers from across the globe heard in Abu Dhabi that by doubling its market share, public transport can make a real positive change to quality of life in urban areas. Taking cars off the road and offering sustainable mobility options will help cities reclaim their place as hubs for trade and business. Creating livable and sustainable urban environments also makes it possible to stabilise urban transport greenhouse gas emissions – despite the massive overall increase in the number of trips made in urban areas. UITP hopes that with the UN Secretary-General’s support and its members’ commitments, it will provide the inspiration needed to improve the domestic enabling conditions to shift investment to sustainable transport infrastructure.
Bergkvarabuss buys Volvo hybrids for Karlskrona SWEDEN Volvo Buses has received an order for 12 7900 hybrids from the city of Karlskrona. The buyer is Sweden’s largest privately owned bus operator, Bergkvarabuss. “After thoroughly examining the market for hybrid buses and checking out the various alternatives, we decided to go for Volvo,” said Göran Mellström, President and CEO Bergkvarabuss. “They offer a well thought-out, straightforward solution that meets our everyday operational expectations.” More than 1,350 Volvo electric hybrids have now been sold to customers in 21 countries. The possibility of simultaneously cutting fuel consumption, climate impact, noise pollution and exhaust emissions is of considerable interest both to public traffic authorities and operators, said Volvo. There are growing demands for reduced energy consumption in contracts for the purchase of bus-based public transport, and electric hybrids are the best alternative. Experience shows that this technology also meets high demands on operating reliability
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014_015_CBW1137_International News.indd 15
Euro 6 Volvo 7900 hybrid delivers 39% lower fuel consumption compared to a diesel bus equivalent and uptime. The 12 buses destined for Karlskrona will enter service in September. They will consume almost 40% less fuel than
a corresponding diesel bus. Emissions of carbon dioxide are cut by a similar amount. However, since they will run on biodiesel, the total climate impact will be lower.
Emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates are also extremely low, about 50% less compared with today’s cleanest diesel-powered buses.
May 14, 2014| COACH & BUS WEEK | 15 12/05/2014 17:47
INDUSTRY EVENT › UK COACH RALLY
Coach Driver of the Year is Steven Davies driving Prospect’s Volvo B9R Plaxton Leopard
C
oach Driver of the Year at the 60th UK Coach Rally held last weekend was Steven Davies who drives for Prospect Coaches (West) of Lye near Stourbridge. Steven was driving the very first Plaxton Leopard-bodied Volvo B9R, which was exhibited at Coach & Bus Live last October. He told CBW that he’d been driving for 39 years, but has only had a PCV licence for 14 months. A retired policeman who had worked in the traffic division and been a driving instructor, he’d always had an interest in larger vehicles and clearly relished his new role. “I never though I could win,” said Steven. “I’m over the moon. I’m grateful to the company for giving me the opportunity even though I didn’t have a track record.” Asked if he would be back next year to defend his title, he said: “That depends on the boss, but if we do, well have to do even better.” Prospect is marking its 50th anniversary. Its first coach was a Seddon in 1964. It’s the first
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Recognising the best
Andy Izatt reports from Alton Towers Resort on the 60th UK Coach Rally which this year attracted 41 entrants time it has entered the event. The Leopard, Steven’s regular drive, also secured the Concours d’elegance Top Standard Coach award, Plaxton trophy and Kirkby trophy for the top coach supplied by Plaxton Coach Sales. Coach of the Year was one of two vehicles entered by Cheslyn Hay-based Parrys
International Tours. A Neoplan P12 Starliner 2, it was one of three delivered earlier this year. The 14-metre coach, which was entered alongside a Van Hool TX17 Astron, seated 48 and had a rear kitchen. Kiel Joker Plus seats had screens for the Funturo in-coach entertainment system in the headrest rears and saloon mood www.coachandbusweek.com
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AWARDS
60th UK Coach Rally results COACH DRIVER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY WRIGHTSURE INSURANCE GROUP: Steven Davies, Prospect Coaches (West) COACH OF THE YEAR: Neoplan Starliner, Parrys International Tours MINI DRIVER OF THE YEAR: Ian Haines, Haines Minicoaches ALAN GOODWIN TROPHY (Highest placed coach operator in all classes): Paul S. Winson (Coaches) PETER BOSTOCK TROPHY Highest placed driver, Saturday tests: Matthew Winson, Paul S. Winson (Coaches) TOP TEAM OF THE YEAR: Mark Bostock & Mike Forshaw, Holmeswood Coaches WEST MIDDLESEX COACH OPERATORS ASSOCIATION TROPHY: (Runner up Coach Driver of the Year) Russell Cooper, Coopers Tours DIRECTORS CHALLENGE TROPHY: David Eyre, Robin Hood Coaches CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Top Mini/Midi: Stanley Travel Top Standard Coach: Prospect Coaches (West) Top Touring/Express Luxury Coach: Edwards Coaches Top Executive Coach: Go Goodwin Top Coach aged five years or older: Kenzies Coaches JOHN FIELDER MEMORIAL TROPHY Top coach, small fleet up to five vehicles: Everydays Travel
g
CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE MANUFACTURER AWARDS VDL Berkhof (Top VDL Berkhof): Falcon Coaches Scania (GB) (Top Scania): Paul S. Winson (Coaches) Neoplan (Top Neoplan): Leons Coach Travel Kassbohrer (Top Setra): DJ Thomas Coaches Plaxton (Top Plaxton): Prospect Coaches (West) Beulas: Holmeswood Coaches Kirkby (Top Plaxton Coach Sales coach): Prospect Coaches (West) Van Hool (Top Van Hool): Edwards Coaches Moseley (Top Moseley Van Hool): Edwards Coaches Volvo (Top Volvo Buses coach): Coopers Tours Mercedes-Benz: Dews Coaches Irizar (Best Irizar Integral): Clarkes of London SPECIAL AWARDS Peter Rogers (Top CPT Member): Parrys International Tours Cymru (Top coach from Wales): Edwards Coaches Tony Roose (Top coach from Scotland): Prentice Westwood The Fred Bibby Award (Best loved coach): Bensons Travel LTCOA MARTIN CORNELL (Highest placed LTCOA in all classes): DJ Coaches MAURICE WRIGHTSON MEMORIAL SHIELD (Sponsored by Stanley Travel drivers for the oldest employed driver participating): Michael Plucknett, Blakes Coaches HERITAGE AWARDS Carol Goodwin Memorial winner: Bedford VAS Plaxton, Go Goodwin Carol Goodwin Memorial runner-up: AEC Reliance Plaxton, Coopers Tours Carol Goodwin Memorial third place: Dennis Lancet 3 Duple, Go Goodwin lighting was as added attraction. It’s the fourth consecutive year that Parrys has secured Coach of the Year. It also won the Peter Rogers trophy for top Confederation of Passenger Transport member. See separate panel for details of all the winners.
Rain didn’t stop play
Highest placed coach in all classes was a Scania Irizar i6 of Loughborough-based Paul S. Winson which also secured the Scania (GB) trophy for the top Scania www.coachandbusweek.com
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For the second year running the UK Coach Rally organised by Coach Displays was held at Alton Towers Resort, a geographically central-location that makes the event much more accessible to many operators. The rally has a history the stretches back to 1955 when the first was held at Clacton. Cyril Kenzie, who has attended every one, was there lending his support again in 2014 - a remarkable achievement covering 60 events. Now 86, he wasn’t driving himself although one of his fleet, a Van Hool Volvo B12B was entered, winning Top Coach aged five years or older. Cyril’s enthusiasm remains undiminished. As he pointing out, everyday he gets up is a good day. Enthusiasm is what the UK Coach Rally is all
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INDUSTRY EVENT › UK COACH RALLY
When it started to rain it was usually time to find shelter. It didn’t make it any easier preparing vehicles for judging about. Long gone are the days when this was a major ‘showcase’ industry event. Now it’s a welcome opportunity for those in coaching to get together, relax, catch up with old friends and get involved in some spirited but friendly competition. Despite the persistent showers, some of them heavy that punctuated both days, everyone remained in good spirits and made the most of the occasion. The format was the familiar tried and trusted one starting at 0800hrs on Saturday morning with the 44.7-mile road run. Marshall of the
‘It’s the social side of this event that’s important. The rally is still an important date in the coaching calendar’ Top Mini/Midi was a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter conversion driven by Gabi Scott Course was Robin Hood Coaches’ David Eyre and there was some stunning scenery to behold. It wasn’t without incident for the 41 entrants that included some impressive triaxles with a Neoplan Tourliner of Hayes-based Symphony suffering a broken side window as it manoeuvred past other traffic. Competitors used Ordnance Survey maps 118 – Stokeon-Trent & Macclesfield and 119 – Buxton & Matlock to help them navigate the course. On their return they then participated in the driving heats to determine who would go through to the finals on Sunday when the traditional Directors 18 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 14, 2014 016_020_CBW1137_UK Rally.indd 18
Challenge was also held. An added attraction in recent years has been the heritage line up of which there were six entries this year. Two more, both AEC Reliances from the Go Goodwin fleet participated, one as a rally control, the other as an entrant in the main event. Webbs Coaches, Stratford-upon-Avon also entered a Setra S250. Special thanks go to Ann and Paul Cousins and their team of helpers for their enduring commitment, which was often tested as the rain came down. Ann and Paul were joined as directors of Coach Displays by John Cousins and
Steve Telling in 2011. Special thanks also go to Transport for London Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy CBE and North East Traffic Commissioner Kevin Rooney who repeatedly stepped out into what were sometimes grim conditions to make the awards on Sunday afternoon. They kept smiling throughout, as did the winners.
Strong trade support
Support from the trade was solid with BASE, Bus & Coach Glazing, Dawsonrentals, EVM, EvoBus UK, Irizar UK, MAN Truck & Bus UK,
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Swansea Coachworks New 16 seat Mercedes Sprinter with large boot and side lockers.
Used Mercedes Sprinter 311 16 seat luxury minicoach with brand new conversion
Based on the Mercedes Sprinter 516, we have designed a truly unique mini-coach. First of all we have added our coach style body extension to facilitate the luggage requirements, then we have created an interior capable of seating 16 passengers in extreme comfort but added the option of 4 tables, 2 double tables and 2 single tables.
Full luxury interior, luggage racks, forced air ventilation, rack reading lights, double glazed windows, curtains, luxury reclinning coach seats with armrest, full exterior body kit, full exterior re-paint. The vehicle can also be used as a 13 seat with 4 tables (as per picture) as seats are on coach type tracking. PHONE FOR MORE DETAILS. This is a brief description of this luxury vehicle
Once again you decide what options you require from a vast list available and then pick your own colours to match your requirements. One thing you can be sure about is that a Swansea Coachworks mini-coach stands out in a crowd.
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BUS & COACH
LAST VEHICLE AVAILABLE
IN THE SOUTH LTD.
2009 MERCEDES 0816D SITCAR BELUGA 2 AUTOMATIC & EURO 4 EMISSION LEVEL 25 Reclining seats, Full leather trim; Courier seat; AIR CONDITIONING; Double glazing; Power door; Drivers door; Fridge; Radio/CD/PA; DVD system; Large boot; Retarder; Choice of 4 identical vehicles.
Summerfield Avenue, Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9JF www.coachandbusweek.com
www.moseleysouth.co.uk Follow us @MoseleySouth on
Telephone (01823) 653000 Fax: (01823) 663502 Email: sales@moseleysouth.co.uk May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19
INDUSTRY EVENT › UK COACH RALLY Moseley in the South and Moseley (PCV), Plaxton, Scania (GB) and Volvo Bus all in attendance. Distinctive Systems, Confederation of Passenger Transport and Alton Towers took advantage of the marquee, a welcome refuge from the rain. The Scania trailer was equally popular for the same reason. On display was a 53-seat Irizar i6-bodied K360IB for Gastonia Coaches, Cranleigh, which, like Scania’s UK dealership, is marking its 50th anniversary. The coach was formally handed over on the Saturday. BASE showed one of its Volvo B7TL upseated double-decker conversions, which are increasingly in demand, and also released details of its new relationship with MOBIpeople in Portugal (See news story, p10). BASE General Manager Nick Dodgson pointed out that a MOBI coach will deliver the functionality operators are looking for. Dawsonrentals had a 57-seat Plaxton Leopard-bodied Volvo B8R while another B8R, this time with similarly configured Sunsundegui SC7 coachwork was exhibited by Volvo Bus. The associated Moseley dealerships brought along a DAF-powered VDL Bova Futura 2 FHD129.365PR for Andrew James and a former Parrys International Van Hool T917 stock vehicle. Plaxton had a Panther Cub 2-bodied Volvo B9R to show and a Panther 3 Volvo B9R bought by Weardale Travel. EVM brought along X-Clusive and Elegance Mercedes-Benz Sprinter conversions while Evobus UK had two and triaxle Euro 6 Tourismos to show. The emphasis from MAN was on used sales and as well as a Euro 6 13-metre tri-axle P20 Tourliner, there was a two-axle P21 in TopUsed colours. Simon Matthews, head of MAN’s used sales operation, said: “The introduction of our TopUsed package brings with it fresh strong branding and a clear message as to the quality of the pre-owned vehicles we are selling. The recent adoption of independent FTA checks ensures each vehicle undergoes a comprehensive inspection and will assure
Strong trade representation added an important dimension to the rally, both for new and second-hand sales
Ian Haines of Haines Minicoaches of Leatherhead was Mini Driver of the Year
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operators that MAN has moved right up the league in terms of places to go to find vehicles they can trust.” Irizar UK displayed two of its DAF (Paccar)powered integrals, an i4 59-seater and a 57-seat i6 for Johnson Bros. in Travelstyle livery. Sales Director Ian Hall explained that the dealership, which was founded only three years ago has now sold over 100 new coaches. It budgeted for 37 in 2014, has sold 47 and has another 15 in build. Then it will move to Euro 6. “We also sold 70% of our used vehicle stock this spring,” he said. “The success we’ve achieved comes from the work Steve (O’Neill) and I have put into it.” As long as customers want Euro 5 and Paccar can supply the engines, Irizar will build the coaches, he added. New staff appointments are Business Development Manager Julie Hartley previously with Expo Management and Chris Pike, formally of Moseley in the South and now Aftercare Manager. “I’m delighted to have the team we’ve now got,” said Ian. Along with others, he had high praise for Saturday night’s Diamond Jubilee Dinner Dance in the Stateroom organised by Alton Towers. “It was brilliantly staged,” he said, describing the theme as a mix of Versailles and a snowy winter palace. “I think it’s the best set meal I’ve ever had. The Baked Alaska was to die for. Alton Towers knows how to put on entertainment. “I was at the 40th, 50th and now the 60th rally and I still consider myself as one of the new boys. It’s the social side of this event that’s important. The rally is still an important date in the coaching calendar. It’s a great opportunity for people to get together.” Plaxton Marketing Manager Andy Warrender was another who enjoyed the Dinner Dance. Andy made the same point about the rally. “It’s a social event,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to talk to people in a relaxed environment.” He was also upbeat about coach sales observing that Plaxton at Scarborough is building more coaches now than it has done since 2007. n www.coachandbusweek.com
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SERVICE UPDATE › STAGECOACH SOUTH 700
All change Gareth Evans talks to Stagecoach South Managing Director Andrew Dyer about changes to the firm’s route 700 between Brighton and Portsmouth
The current branding seen here, which was introduced in 2010 when these ADL Enviro 400-bodied Scanias entered service, is to be refreshed with the arrival of the new double-deckers in August. DAVID BELL
O
n May 4, England lost one of its longest bus routes. After almost 40 years, passengers can no longer board a bus in Brighton for the four-hour, 20-minute slog to Portsmouth. Operated by Stagecoach, the 62-mile journey along the South Coast took in Hove, Worthing, Littlehampton, Arundel, Bognor Regis, Chichester and Havant. Mirroring to a certain extent the way the drivers duties are constructed, the 700 has been split into smaller, more manageable sections. The 700 has evolved from the hourly express service it was in the 1970s and 1980s when it took two hours 55 from end to end into a series of frequent local services which happen to join together. However, operating a local service of this length reliably is extremely difficult, as there is so much scope for delays to occur. Reliability has become increasingly difficult – particularly at the Brighton end, with traffic congestion and road closures resulting from protest marches becoming an everpresent hazard, impacting on passengers many miles further down the route. For example, why should passengers commuting from say Emsworth to Chichester suffer from delays in Brighton three hours earlier? As a result, Stagecoach is introducing a number of improvements to what is undoubtedly something of a flagship corridor. Put simply, it’s
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not a ‘mere’ route round connecting a housing estate with a town centre, it’s the 700.
History
Coastliner 700 was launched in 1975, by Stagecoach’s predecessor Southdown Motor Services, a subsidiary of the state-owned National Bus Company (NBC). In fleet terms it was operated by Park Royal and Roe-bodied Atlanteans and Bristol VRs. Southdown was acquired by Stagecoach Group in 1989. In 2006 the route, by now operated by Stagecoach South, was upgraded as part of a partnership between Stagecoach and several local authorities led by West Sussex County Council. The partnership, initially marketed as ‘Coastal Fastway,’ included the introduction of new vehicles and real-time information, with the aim of increasing passenger numbers by 50% in five years. Other improvements included bus priority measures at busy road junctions. By 2010 the service carried four million passengers a year. The 700 bus fleet became fully accessible in 2006, when Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Tridents and Darts were introduced. A brand new dedicated Coastliner 700 fleet was introduced to the route in 2010, with further new vehicles subsequently added in 2011 and 2012. These included ADL Enviro400-bodied Scanias and ADL Enviro300 single-deckers.
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Stagecoach South Managing Director Andrew Dyer estimates that less than 2% of the existing 700 passengers will be affected by the split but 98% of them will benefit from improved punctuality
FACTOIDS
About Stagecoach South l Stagecoach South provides local bus services across Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex, with some routes extending into Berkshire and Wiltshire. l Around 34 million passengers travelled on Stagecoach South’s 432 buses last year, across 115 different routes. l Based in Chichester, with local depots in Aldershot, Andover, Basingstoke, Chichester, Portsmouth, Winchester and Worthing, Stagecoach South is a major local employer, with nearly 1,100 members of staff.
Split sections
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Explaining the reasons for the changes, Andrew Dyer told CBW: “There are two big driving forces – the first of which is to improve punctuality. The second is to improve the frequency and seat numbers at the Portsmouth end. We’re increasing our Peak Vehicle Requirement (PVR) by seven at that end. It takes the total PVR on the route to 47. That’s getting to big city route PVR levels. It’s an unusual route because it’s 62 miles long. “At the Eastern end, the timetable between Brighton and Littlehampton, which offers a 10-minute frequency service, is completely unchanged other than benefitting from increased resources in the summer months to maintain punctuality. “Two buses per hour used to extend to Arundel. There are now three, so the frequency between Littlehampton and Arundel has increased. “Littlehampton was the one place on the route with the smallest amount of through traffic, hence it’s the location of the split. Operationally, Worthing depot will now run that entire Eastern end. Therefore, instead of having some buses running a mixture of shorts and longs, the eastern (Brighton) end will be self-contained. That’s the end where we have experienced the greatest problems with punctuality. It’s also the end which will see the introduction of new double-deckers in August, which will replace single-deckers.” The next section of route between Littlehampton and Chichester now runs every 20 minutes. Andrew continued: “With Bognor to Portsmouth being every 20 minutes, that means we’ve got two overlapping sections. Therefore, the very busy section between Bognor and Chichester will benefit from a frequency increase of 10 to 15 minutes, i.e. two 20-minute services. “The Chichester to Portsmouth section is increasing from being half-hourly to a 20-minute service. “By having these two overlapping sections, it minimises the need for passengers to change buses. The number of through passengers beyond Bognor is very small. It means operationally, Littlehampton to Chichester is
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SERVICE UPDATE › STAGECOACH SOUTH 700 self-contained.” In his familiar friendly yet blunt manner, Andrew added: “Overall, we’re meeting the two key objectives. Cynics may assume that by splitting the route into a Worthing to Bognor section, concessionary pass holders will have to swipe their card twice. The reality is the additional operational costs far exceeds that by a million miles. The whole thing is about driving growth – not �iddling local authorities. “The predecessor of the 700 was the 31, which started in the 1920s. The route’s roughly 90 years old. I suspect that in all those years, this is the highest level of service it’s ever had. “When the 700 was launched in 1975, it was a limited-stop service intended to complement the local stopping service it supplemented. Of course, it’s no longer limited stop – the only section that is is where it runs along the A27 between Havant and Portsmouth. “Running every 10 minutes between Worthing
and Brighton is actually better for users than alternating a stopper and a limited-stop service. “The road network on the south coast is slow, so there is little opportunity to make a limited stop service any faster. In any case, there is already a limited-stop service – it’s called the train. We see the 700 as complimentary rather than competing with the Southern railway service. “There are a lot of short journeys for which buses are attractive but on longer trips such as between Brighton and Chichester, the train is always going to be far more attractive as it’s quicker – unless you’ve got time or perhaps are a concessionary pass holder.” Passengers who want to travel across sections will be required to change bus at either Chichester or Littlehampton. A key point however, is that even though the route is being split, it’s still being marketed as a through service – and through tickets will continue to be available.
‘Cynics may assume that by splitting the route into a Worthing to Bognor section, concessionary pass holders will have to swipe their card twice. The reality is the additional operational costs far exceeds that by a million miles. The whole thing is about driving growth – not fiddling local authorities’
This August 2008 view of Western Road, Brighton provides a reminder of the previous generation of low floor double-deckers allocated to the 700 – ALX400-bodied Dennis Tridents
MARATHON ROUTES
Other English long-distance bus routes ● At 62 miles long, Stagecoach South’s 700 service was ‘up there’ in terms of route length, but what of the other long-distance bus routes? The panel below aims to provide an overview in order of length. For the purposes of this exercise, services operated using coaches such as Stagecoach’s X5 Cambridge – Oxford have been excluded, as have those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you know of any routes which have been excluded, please contact the editor.
X1 Peterborough to Lowestoft, via King’s Lynn and Norwich Operated by First Eastern Counties, the typical journey time for the whole 107 miles is around 4 hours and 45 minutes. ●
● 840 Leeds to Whitby, via York and Malton. A journey on Transdev Yorkshire Coastliner’s crosscountry service normally takes three and a half hours to complete the 83 miles.
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every hour, with an end-to-end journey time of three hours and 45 minutes. ● 843 Leeds to Scarborough, via York and Malton. Transdev Yorkshire Coastliner completes the 68 miles in about three hours.
National Express West Midlands’ 11A/C Birmingham Outer Circle is often cited as Europe’s longest urban bus service. TONY HUNTER X53 Exeter to Poole, via Beer, Seaton, Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Bridport, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Wool and Wareham. Marketed as the Jurassic Coast service, the 85-mile journey time takes four hours and 40minutes and is operated by First Dorset. ●
845 Leeds to Bridlington, via, Malton and Staxton. Transdev Yorkshire Coastliner’s 79-mile route takes three hours. ●
510 Wadebridge to Exeter, via Camelford, Launceston and Okehampton ●
● A trip of Western Greyhound’s scenic 72-mile route takes three and a half hours. ● X4 Peterborough to Milton Keyes, via Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and Northampton Operating to Stagecoach’s Gold standard, the 70-mile route runs
● 555 Lancaster to Keswick, via Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Operating throughout the year, this popular Stagecoach Carlisle’s route takes in spectacular Lakeland scenery. Running all year round, it takes two hours and 40 minutes to complete a trip, a distance of about 58 miles. ● 11A/C Birmingham Outer Circle For completeness, while far shorter than any of the other routes mentioned here, the National Express West Midlandsoperated service is included as it is often cited as one of Europe’s longest urban bus services. A full circuit on 27-mile route takes two to three hours to complete, depending on traffic conditions. It’s known affectionately among drivers as ‘the desert.’
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‘The three operational sections mean that if there is a road traffic collision or a parade in Brighton, it will make it easier for us to respond. However, up until the change, with vehicles running 62 miles from end to end, when things went pear-shaped, it was very hard to get the service back on track.’
In Portsmouth the Coastliner 700 now starts from The Hard Interchange at Gunwharf Quays. There have also been changes to route 23 in Portsmouth, which now operates via The Hard Interchange between Southsea and the city centre. This has replaced the 700 through Southsea and passengers can connect between the 23 and the 700. The 23 runs every 10 minutes throughout the day. Service 20 also now terminates at The Hard Interchange and connects with route 23. Keen to reassure the potential for inconvenience, Andrew explained: “We estimate less than 2% of our existing passengers will be affected by the split, but we believe 98% will benefit from improved punctuality. We’re going to minimise the inconvenience by having a
controlled interchange at Littlethampton, with supervisory staff present. That means overall, the majority of passengers will see a better service.” Asked about shelters, he said Stagecoach is working with West Sussex County Council to improve the waiting facilities.
Fleet
As discussed earlier, one outcome of the changes has been the increase in PVR. It takes 47 buses to operate the new Coastliner 700 in its revised form. A dozen new ADL Enviro400bodied Scanias will be introduced to Worthing depot from August. The new vehicles will be equipped with free WiFi – a feature which was introduced in 2012. This will continue to be provided by Icomera.
Single-deckers currently used on short workings at the Eastern end are to be replaced with doubledeckers from August. DAVID BELL www.coachandbusweek.com
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The current fleet is not equipped with tachographs, something which is unlikely to change any time soon. “Although the route is 102km (62 miles) long, no driver ever works more than 50km (31 miles). This allows the route to be operated under Domestic Drivers Hours regulations, in accordance with the Department for Transport’s 2008 guidelines,” explained Andrew. Turning to the question of how the 700 is monitored, Andrew said: “We’re monitoring the service now. We use ACIS for our AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location), which links into the real-time information system and we also use GreenRoad, so we’ve got two different tracing methods. “The three operational sections mean that if there is a road traffic collision or a parade in Brighton, it will make it easier for us to respond. However, up until the change, with vehicles running 62 miles from end to end, when things went pear-shaped, it was very hard to get the service back on track.”
Branding
Since its inception, the service has had its own livery. Having started with a simple coloured strip along the side of the NBC green Southdown livery, it is now far more distinctive. The familiar Stagecoach colour scheme is supplemented with the route description on the side, with individual buses having a livery related to a certain town along the route, and slogans such as ‘We took the Coastliner 700 to fun and fashion.’ Asked how the change of route will impact on the branding, Andrew said: “The current branding has been on the buses since 2010 when the last new fleet was launched. Those vehicles are coming up for their four-year repaint cycle, a policy we have at Stagecoach South. Therefore, we’re taking the opportunity to refresh the branding.” “Discussions are on-going as to which firm will be responsible for designing the brand,” he added. n
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INDUSTRY
GUIDE
FUEL MANAGEMENT & EMISSION CONTROL
Making fuel go further
There are a number of methods to reduce the frequency which vehicles have to return to the fuel pumps
This week’s Industry Guide examines various ways in which operators can reduce their fuel bill, from proven fuel additives to in�luencing driver behaviour
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A
lthough the price of fuel seems to have stabilised slightly over recent months and the Chancellor has con�irmed a fuel duty freeze is remaining through 2014, fuelling vehicles is still one of the biggest costs to any coach and bus operator. Any method of making fuel last longer is sure to be a sound investment and help to maintain the green image which much of the passenger transport industry is aiming for. There are a variety of ways to
approach this problem. One is simply the type of fuel which is used. Some types of fuel will burn more ef�iciently than others and take vehicles further. Additives can also be put into the mix, which can cause fuel to burn more cleanly or help reduce wear on engine parts and �ilters. Another approach is the way in which the vehicle is driven. Harsh braking, over-revving and idling all result in wasted fuel. A telematics system can help monitor drivers to make sure they are making every effort to keep the operator’s fuel bill down. The amount of
data these systems can provide nowadays allows this monitoring to be easily supplemented with incentive schemes. Drivers will feel less like they are being spied upon and instead know they will be rewarded for good driving. Systems are available to properly manage and monitor fuel use, making sure fuel stocks are accurately measured and preventing misuse or theft. There are also products on the market ensuring engines use the optimum amount of �luids, such as oil, to keep the engine running at peak ef�iciency. www.coachandbusweek.com
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ENVIROX
The Envirox range of proven fuel additives have many benefits to offer bus and coach operators seeking to reduce the impact of fuel price increases, as well as aiding Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) maintenance. Last September, Abellio made the decision to roll out use of the Envirox fuel saving additive to all of its UK bus operation, following a 12 month, 280 bus trial in its four largest London depots. Abellio follows in the footsteps of Stagecoach, which last year signed a new three-year supply agreement with Energenics. This will take the company into its second decade of using Envirox nationally. Announcing the new deal, Les Warneford, then Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “Fuel is one of our biggest costs. Basic prices are continuing to increase and bus operators across the UK have had to absorb a significant tax hike on their fuel since April last year… Our pioneering use of this innovative fuel additive in the UK has helped improve the sustainability of our operations, protect local air quality, improve fuel efficiency, and keep
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Envirox DPF Assist in use bus fares low.” Whilst fuel prices have risen, the cost of Envirox has remained stable such that it now adds well below 1% to the fuel cost. Energenics believes these economics make a compelling financial case when weighed against the proven fuel savings of 4 to 11%. No engine modifications are required to use the product, it has no negative impact on lubricant performance, and the dose rate of additive is extremely low. At higher dose levels, however, the active cerium oxide nanocatalyst in
Enviroxwill perform as an effective Fuel Borne Catalyst (FBC), a wellestablished class of fuel additives which have a proven history of regenerating Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs). Low Emission Zone requirements in London and elsewhere have led to many vehicles being retrofitted with DPFs. The introduction of Euro 6 emissions limits mean that most new buses and coaches will be factory fitted with a soot filter. However, operating problems with DPFs related to excessive soot blocking continue to be reported
especially in urban and some rural areas. Slow traffic speeds can mean the exhaust gases do not reach the necessary temperature for long enough to regenerate the filter. This means it may gradually block up with soot, leading to poor running of the vehicle. Fuel economy may also suffer as the engine has to work harder against the back pressure caused by soot build up in the exhaust system. Envirox DPF Assist is a proven Fuel Borne Catalyst (FBC) formulation that specifically addresses these issues. It works by: l Decreasing the level of soot particles produced during combustion. l Significantly lowering the temperature the exhaust gases need to reach to burn off the trapped soot particles in the DPF. l It also includes a strong dose of the detergent additive chemistry used by premium fuel retailers to clean fuel injectors and preserve optimal spray patterns.
T: 01865 233010 E: info@energenics.co.uk W: www.energenics.co.uk
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INDUSTRY
GUIDE
FUEL MANAGEMENT & EMISSION CONTROL ZF
ZF’s EcoLife automatic transmission is already widely recognised as a valuable contributor to fuel saving efforts in bus fleets, but the company is continually developing further strategies to optimise fuel usage. The most recent is the commercial release of ZF’s next generation transmission control software for EcoLife. One bus fleet operator, which set out to establish its own independent findings regarding the fuel saving benefits of EcoLife, recently shared with ZF Services UK the results of 14 months’ worth of real-life road testing in its vehicles. 28 new buses were bought in 2012 to operate the route, one half of them fitted with the ZF EcoLife transmission equipped with the updated
software, the other half with an alternative transmission option. The vehicles were driven daily by the same pool of more than 50 drivers, on the same route, so that operating conditions remained as identical as possible for the duration of the test. Using its new fuel data management programme to monitor fuel usage, the operator recorded a consistent 1.5 to 2.15% average fuel saving for vehicles fitted with ZF EcoLife, compared with vehicles employing the
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ZF’s AS-Tronic Lite transmission
alternative transmission. Neil Gladstone, Bus Market Sales Engineer at ZF Services UK, commented: “While 2% may not initially sound like a lot, over a contract period spanning seven years the cost saving for a fleet of this size is significant. It’s calculated to be more than £100,000 at current fuel prices, and that could certainly make the difference in whether a tender bid is competitive or not.” Another large fleet operator has conducted tests of a different nature with its EcoLife equipped vehicles, comparing the benefits of the improved transmission software with those of the previous software evolution. In this case, the fuel saving advantage of the transmission software was measured to be in the range 4.0 to 5.5%. Extrapolating that improvement for its fleet of 300 vehicles over seven years, the result represents a very impressive saving. There’s exciting news for ZF in the midibus sector too, following the recent announcement by Arriva of its £40m investment in
new buses for its core fleet. 40 of these vehicles are equipped as standard with ZF’s new automated manual transmission for the midibus market, the six-speed AS Tronic Lite. This is the first time the new transmission has featured on a vehicle for the UK bus market. A derivative of the proven AS Tronic used in many commercial vehicles, it is expected to provide a hybrid-matching 13% reduction in fuel usage and allow vehicles to qualify for the additional BSOG grant for ‘Low Carbon’ vehicles. “We’re excited about AS Tronic Lite contributing to a major reduction in operational costs for midibus operators,” said ZF’s Neil Gladstone. “With this latest news and ongoing EcoLife and AS Tronic Lite developments, ZF is demonstrating a long-term commitment to helping the UK’s bus fleets to achieve their fuel saving and emissions reduction targets.”
T: 01215 264441 E: info.zf-services-uk@ zf.com W: www.zf.com
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12/05/2014 13:51
CUMMINS
For Euro 6, Cummins’ class leading ISB engines have met the all of the stringent levels of particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen when measured on the World Harmonised transient and steady state test cycles. The more challenging On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) regulations have also been achieved. To do this they use proven engine technologies of cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Variable Geometry Turbocharging (VGT). The Cummins VGT is optimised for high torque and low speed capability, delivering significant performance and driveability improvements. It works as an exhaust brake, allowing the OEM to simplify its installation. The engine works with the
delivered class-leading levels of fuel economy with low AdBlue usage. For Euro 6, Euro 5 fuel consumption levels will be at least maintained, and AdBlue consumption reduced to around 2-3% of diesel. During the challenging Euro 6 development programme, Cummins’ engineers carried out more than 30,000km of product validation in challenging vehicle operating conditions in Spain and Scandinavia to ensure emissions compliance. Ambient temperatures ranged between 35C and -29C during the tests, which also took the vehicles to altitudes of more than 2000m. Not to be forgotten is the 8.9 litre ISL G natural gas engine, available from 250 to 320ps for alternative fuel bus applications,
The four-cylinder ISB4.5 engine is available up to 210ps for truck and bus use latest Cummins designed exhaust aftertreatment technology, combining a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to meet the ultra-low levels of emissions. The patented SCR design uses Copper Zeolite technology for very high conversion efficiency, even at low temperatures. The four-cylinder ISB4.5 engine is available up to 210ps for truck and bus use, with an excellent power to weight ratio and delivers a strong peak torque of 760Nm. The sixcylinder 6.7 litre ISB engine extends up to 310ps for coach installations, and 280ps for bus applications. Peak torque remains at a high level of 1100Nm. For Euro 4 and 5 Cummins adopted a very successful emissions strategy using SCR. ISB engines www.coachandbusweek.com
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with a peak torque of 1356Nm. It uses a combination of cooled EGR with stoichiometric combustion. Cummins cooled EGR lowers combustion temperatures and reduces engine out emissions and noise. Stoichiometric combustion, where fuel is burned completely, ensures an oxygen free exhaust. It enables the use of highly efficient three-way catalyst aftertreatment. The maintenancefree, three-way catalyst technology is an effective, simple, passive device, packaged as part of the exhaust muffler, providing consistent emissions control across the operating range. T: 01933 334200 E: cduksales@Cummins.
com W: www.cummins-uk.com May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 29 12/05/2014 17:45
INDUSTRY
GUIDE
FUEL MANAGEMENT & EMISSION CONTROL CAMERON FORECOURT
UK commercial fuelling specialist Cameron Forecourt has launched a new leading edge fuel monitoring device to provide data both at the depot and out on the road. The new FuelGuard system developed by technology experts Jigsaw M2M provides the ‘missing link’ in the fuel management chain by collecting essential fuelling data while vehicles are re-fuelling and on the move. Cameron Forecourt claims the system is ideal for coach and bus operators, bridging the information gap between visits to the depot. FuelGuard is an on-board device connected to the vehicle’s CANBUS which collects data at the point of fuelling. Following positive ID via the vehicle’s unique tag carried by the driver, the system ensures that the vehicle is physically present before any fuel is dispensed, with mileage information either entered manually by the fueller or polled from the vehicle automatically. Explains Martyn Gent, Cameron Forecourt Sales & Marketing Director: “Up to now there has been an information gap after vehicles leave the depot. However, the Jigsaw
fuel management system will ‘talk’ to the vehicle via FuelGuard on its return to poll information relating to fuel use since its last visit. “Spotting fuel gains from off site refuelling arrangements, such as cards, or identifying theft from the tank has been difficult even if accurate mileages are input, but the FuelGuard system monitors the vehicle’s fuel tank in real-time so that any sudden gains or losses are logged and reported on next time the vehicle refuels at the Jigsaw terminal.” Once information is downloaded, it can be accessed by authorised users from any PC or mobile device to allow examination of fuelling data for reconciling off-site fuelling, identifying rogue vehicles or pinpointing suspected theft. In vehicles without a CANBUS connection, the FuelGuard unit can be adapted to provide monitoring via tachograph or pulsed information.
T: 01226 742441 E: sales@cameronforecourt.co.uk W: www.cameronforecourt.co.uk
GROENEVELD
The general daily maintenance regime for a bus or coach involves checking the levels of various liquids, including diesel, water and of course oil. All bus and coach engines are fitted with a more or less accurate dip stick, usually indicating nothing more than a minimum and a maximum oil level. With most maintenance staff, when they check the oil level, if it is significantly below the maximum level, to be on the safe side they will top it up, in the mistaken belief that this is what the engine needs. Richard Hamper, Groeneveld’s UK Sales Manager for Bus and Rail Applications explained: “What we do is very simple. Every engine has its optimum oil level. It doesn’t need to be running at almost full. The Oilmaster unit will check with the sensor attached to the engine every time the engine is started. If the oil level is still at the optimum oil level as initially installed, the system will remain dormant. If it is low, then a half-litre of new oil is pumped into the measured chamber of the Oilmaster and then into the top of the engine. The system will check each time the engine is turned on
or off but will not pump again until the engine has been at rest for at least an hour. This keeps the engine running at around the optimum level, ensuring that the oil level never gets down towards minimum safe levels. Every measure and top up is accurately logged, so that operators can tell exactly how much oil an engine is actually using. “An alert system on the Oilmaster reservoir indicates when it is getting low and needs to be topped up. This might be once or twice a year, or even less. We have seen savings in oil usage of up to 20% in some cases, which is a huge benefit in itself. Buses fitted with Oilmaster assist in producing lower emission levels, which also protects the DPFs, and maintenance costs and maintenance times are reduced. The Oilmaster system also helps to protect the workforce by minimising how often they have to access the engine bay.
T: 01509 600033 E: info-uk@groeneveldgroup.com W: www.groeneveld-group.com
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www.coachandbusweek.com
12/05/2014 13:51
GREENURBAN
GreenUrban Technologies is a British company well-known for the design, manufacture, installation and ongoing support of exhaust emissions reduction products for the PSV sector. The company has worked with leading technology suppliers to produce its own innovatively designed ecotrap, which improves all makes of bus and coach to Euro 4 and its eco-noxt system which, thanks to the latest round of Clean Bus Technology Funding, is helping regional operators to achieve Euro 5 emission levels for older vehicles. Alongside this GreenUrban offers a comprehensive exhaust cleaning and refurbishment service, saving thousands of pounds for operators and making the lives of workshop and engineering managers less stressful. Filters and catalysts in sealed unit exhausts are threatened by blockage and contamination from oil ingress due to turbo failure; AdBlue calcification problems and soot build up. GreenUrban has the facilities and expertise to return
systems to full usage in a cost effective and timely manner: Collect and Return service; l Three to five day turnaround; l Condition reports prior to any work being undertaken; l Firm estimates with no hidden costs; and l All systems re-polished or painted before despatch. Whether you are looking to upgrade a bus or coach to comply with LEZ/CBTF regulations, needing to clean or replace damaged or worn out DPF’s or are having problems with sealed unit exhausts, GreenUrban can help. The company can also reduce fuel consumption by up to 15% whatever the operational profile. Speedy ROI and levels of saving are guaranteed so there nothing to lose. Advice is free and GreenUrban’s technical sales team are on hand to deal with any questions regarding the full range of products and services on offer. T: 01768 480111 E: info@greenurban.co.uk W: www.greenurban.co.uk
TUFFA
Tuffa UK is an expert in the design and manufacture of liquid storage tanks, rotationally moulded plastic and steel tank manufacturer for all liquid storage needs. For fuel oils, diesels, petrol, AdBlue, waste oils, bio fuels, lubricants, water, molasses, anti-freeze, chemicals, food storage and more, Tuffa has been manufacturing storage tanks up to 200,000 litres for more than 25 years. The company’s steel division can accommodate any customer requirements, including one-off and bespoke systems. Furthermore, with its highly skilled fabricator welders, operators will receive a steel product that will outshine any other. The company, located in the Midlands, is a family-run business and prides itself on its customer service, quality and proactive innovative approach to product design, research and development, production diversification opportunities and export. Designed in the interests of pollution control, typical applications for the Tuffa Tank range for vehicle fuelling are fuel
stations, a self-contained unit which include a submersible pump, meter, gauging, hoses, nozzle with all fuelling equipment housed in a cabinet to comply with regulations. A variety of equipment is available to suit all budgets. Tuffa also offers a range of other tanks for the storage of diesel, antifreeze, engine oil, lube oil, waste oil, fire protected oil storage, chemicals and AdBlue storage and more. Multi compartment tanks are also available to store different products and ARMCO barrier for extra protection if required. In addition to the standard product range, Tuffa has recently introduced its own innovative Fuel Monitoring System (FMS) with optional management option. The system can be managed by the user from Tuffa’s own web portal where an account can be created and a fleet managed to allow you to keep in charge of your fuel, and can be used with all liquids. T: 01889 567700 E: sales@tuffa.co.uk W: www.tuffa.co.uk
FOR ALL YOUR LIQUID STORAGE NEEDS TANKS UP TO 200,000L FOR FUELS, DIESELS, PETROL, WASTE OILS, ADBLUE, BIO FUELS, DE-ICER, LUBRICANTS, WATER, ANTIFREEZE, CHEMICALS & MORE
PLUS THE INNOVATIVE FMS: ALL IN ONE HIGH ACCURACY GAUGE AND BUND & OVERFILL ALARM UNIT
TEL: 01889 567700 • FAX: 01889 567600 SALES@TUFFA.CO.UK www.coachandbusweek.com
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May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 31 12/05/2014 14:38
INDUSTRY
GUIDE
FUEL MANAGEMENT & EMISSION CONTROL QUARTIX
Telematics systems are powerful tools for transforming day-to-day operations for commercial fleets across all sectors. The breadth of data provided by telematics proves to be an efficient and measurable way of reducing fuel consumption. Indeed, the benefits of vehicle tracking are evident for many operators looking to save fuel, time and money as well as improve the safety of their drivers and customers and reduce their CO2 emissions. There are two main axes to look at when working to lower fuel consumption: reducing idling time and improving driving behaviour. With the real-time tracking from Quartix, managers are able to tell at any time if a coach or bus is idling, and the daily and weekly reports provide idling details and totals for each vehicle. Cutting idling times can have a huge impact on reducing the fuel bill. Another key feature to help reduce fuel consumption is Quartix’s Driving-Style Monitoring suite. The module monitors and reports on harsh acceleration, braking and speeding, giving you the ability to make substantial fuel savings whilst dramatically improving the safety of your drivers and customers. Using a combination of GPS data and the sensitive ‘black box’ style monitoring built into the Quartix Telematics device, rapid acceleration and braking can be accurately recorded and processed. The management information is presented in simple and easy-toread graphical reports. Unlike other driving analysis systems, the Quartix Driving-Style feature is not connected to the vehicle’s CAN-Bus, which allows reliable driver comparisons across all vehicle types, makes and models. It also means the system is remotely configurable, does not need vehicle manufacturers’ approvals, comes at no additional cost and can be used on new and old vehicles alike. Drivers who accelerate and brake harshly cost a business much more than those who don’t for the same journey. Harsh braking not only wastes fuel and increases servicing costs (tyres, brakes etc.) but is also known to be a driving style which leads to an increased risk of accidents, which is why managers are now seeing monitoring good driving as a top priority. You can make real fuel savings by using the system and working with your drivers to improve driving
Quartix real-time tracking includes a number of key features which has seen it adopted by many successful operators
style and reduce idling times. Reducing top speeds by 10mph alone could cut 8-9% off the fuel bill, and modifying the acceleration and braking style could cut a further 6% off the bill. The savings mentioned above are made exclusively by improving driver behaviour – reducing idling will mean further savings. It is widely recognised that a diesel engine left running idle will consume around a gallon of fuel per hour, so cutting down on this practice could mean valuable cuts on the fuel front. To encourage their drivers to adopt a more economical and safer driving style, managers have found that using carrots, not sticks, often works best. Giving incentive to better drivers and rewarding top performers, who are easily identifiable thanks to league tables on the Quartix system, has shown to be one of the most effective ways. Without singling any drivers out, another method is to look at the driving scoring average across the fleet and working with the team to increase it. The publication of a recent survey of 1,000 UK business drivers shows that incentivising drivers is the best way to ensure fuel consumption is reduced. Nearly three-quarters of the drivers surveyed said savings were possible. Avril Palmer-Baunack, a well-respected figure in the
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fleet industry with a wealth of international experience in the insurance, automotive and logistics sectors, has been appointed nonexecutive Chairman of telematics supplier Quartix. “I am very pleased to join Quartix and excited by the potential that it has for further development in the UK and internationally,” explained PalmerBaunack. Avril Palmer-Baunack’s appointment as Chairman spells exciting times for Quartix, which also operates in the USA and France and is expecting further growth in the fleet and insurance sectors in 2014.
Furthermore, Quartix has released a new mobile app which enables users to view the real-time location of their vehicles and access the core features of the system whilst on the move. The app is free to download on the App Store, Google Play and Windows Phone Store. T: 0870 013 6663 W: www.quartix.net
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12/05/2014 14:22
JA ENVIROTANKS
The company manufactures tanks which hold up to 220,000 litres JA Envirotanks have been manufacturing storage tanks from 150 litres up to 220,000 litres in the centre of Birmingham for more than 150 years now. It is the market leader in the design and manufacture of enclosed bunded or single skin fuel storage solutions both for above and below ground use. JA Envirotanks can incorporate the necessary cabinets, fuel distribution pumps, pipework, valves, alarms, gauges, filtering, electrical wiring and lighting into our tanks to meet the needs of the user. In addition, the company can provide for BMS connection to your computer complete with
management systems. The company’s tanks are available in rectangular and cylindrical configurations which can be installed horizontally or vertically and manufactured in carbon steel or stainless steel, or to your specific footprint requirements if need be. The latest patented Bio Envirotank is specifically designed for storing bio fuels, having no internal structure to give easy access for cleaning and maintenance and thus avoiding the cost of expensive ‘confined spaces’ specialist cleaning.
Protection against particulate matter pollution and nitrogen oxides (NOx) is one of the hottest issues relating to tourist coach travel and urban public transport. By employing HJS’s SCRT systems, both forms of pollutant can be removed to a very high degree from vehicle exhaust emissions. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has reclassified diesel engine exhaust as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). The World
Health Organization stated that diesel fumes are more dangerous than was previously thought and that they have been reassigned to the same class of hazardous materials as asbestos, arsenic and mustard gas. Despite this, the use of diesel engines is still being promoted in all areas, because their inherent fuel efficiency means they make a significant contribution to reducing carbon (CO2) emissions. At the
HJS EMISSION
T: 0121 622 4661 E: sales@jaenvirotanks.co.uk W: www.jaenvirotanks.com
same time, measures to improve air quality and therefore the quality of life of those who live in urban areas need to be developed, optimised and implemented. Right now, 100 doubledeckers belonging to Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe, which already fulfil Euro IV, are being retrofitted with HJS’s SCR system, further reducing the level of what are particularly harmful NOx emissions. Specific requirements must be
met to enable these systems to be retrofitted in the buses. The system must be integrated into the available installation space without affecting the components already installed there. In addition, it is fully monitored by an electronic control unit and the information recorded is indicated on a display.
T: +4923 73 987 577 E: tech-support@hjs.com W: www.hjs.com
SCRT® Systems Approved for The Clean Bus Technology Fund Quality Emission Abatement Systems – Made in Germany
The HJS SMF® (Sintered Metal Filter) has enabled public transport buses to operate within Low Emission Zones throughout Europe for a number of years now. HJS are also pioneers of the innovative SCRT® retrofit solution to significantly reduce the level of harmful pollutants emitted by buses including Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). HJS SCRT® systems are TfL approved and meet the requirements of the Clean Bus Technology Fund 2014 Systems are modular in design with separate CRT and SCR units for easy maintenance Direct fit technology and Millbrook tested vehicle specific applications Manufactured in Germany to the highest OE quality standards
SCRT® – The most cost effective solution for cleaner buses
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May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 33 12/05/2014 17:44
INDUSTRY
GUIDE
FUEL MANAGEMENT & EMISSION CONTROL CENTAUR
Behind the Centaur badge is the 10-strong team which provides a first class customer support service across the UK and Ireland. With a list of customers which include the likes of Stobarts and DHL through to the independent operator, Centaur can tailor make packages to suite all budgets. With over 50 years’ experience, repeat custom is gained by friendly help and advice coupled with the professional approach maintained by all Centaur employees. One of Centaur’s major advantages over its competitors is the ability to provide a one stop shop, from tank testing to IT support. Centaur is
small enough to care but big enough to cope. Independently-owned Centaur fuel management limited now has over 2,500 active customers on its books, helping to manage fuel stocks and maximize fleet performance through online reports in real-time, giving 24/7 secure internet access to customer accounts and transactions. The ability to set daily limits and receive live alerts for abnormal usage Centaur puts the operator back in control of all fuel stocks.
T: 0870 757 6323 E: info@centauronline.co.uk W: www.centauronline.co.uk
Centaur helps manage fuel stocks for 2,500 active customers
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PAUL CLARK SERVICES
Paul Clark Services continues to be the preferred choice for quality engineering support services to the coach and bus industry, manufacturers and the NHS Ambulance Service Trusts, including specialist engineering services covering engine overhauls, repairs and many fixed price repairs for most modern bus chassis applications presently being operated in the UK. The type and complexity of the work PCS is now able to undertake means that it gives its customers complete flexibility in how these services are used to best effect for their own operation. The business continues to invest in customer services and quality systems, and has now been ISO9001 certified since March this year, with further business improvements, including online customer questionnaires accessible through our website www.paulclarkservices.co.uk, and is available now. Customer feedback is vital and helps continue to drive the business in the right direction. PCS also continues to invest in new engineering service support
vans, specialist equipment and is planning to relocate to bigger premises in the New Year, which will also include a fully functional commercial and bus workshop. The firm also plans to gain IRTEC workshop accreditation further strengthening its focus on quality. Training has always played a significant part in the success of PCS, such as working with ADL/ BAE systems training engineers to support hybrid technology vehicles. Over the next two years there are plans for the engineers to gain IRTEC accreditation, initially focusing on service maintenance technician and inspection technician levels, with further plans to develop key engineers to advanced and master technician. This is a major investment in training and will help ensure that the customer is provided with the highest level of services the business is able to provide. Paul Clark Services remains number one for engineering support to the coach and bus industry. T: 0845 6060 474 E: info@paulclarkservices. co.uk
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12/05/2014 14:31
701510-1137-Dawsons 12/05/2014 17:22 Page 1
THE BIG PICTURE It’s probably fair to say that last weekend’s UK Coach Rally at Alton Towers Resort was the wettest for years. Not that this dampened the spirits of those who were there because the rally is much more than just an industry business event. It’s one of the rare occasions that people from all levels of the coach industry can just get together and catch up with old friends. The heritage display attracted six entries, two of which were from Manchesterbased Go Goodwin which went one better by entering ‘Lady Carol’, a 1968 Duple Commanderbodied AEC Reliance in the main event. The two coaches it entered in the heritage display both won awards. The third place Carol Goodwin Memorial Trophy went to ‘Lady Suzanne’, a 1949 Duple-bodied Dennis Lancet 3 while winner of the Carol Goodwin Memorial Trophy was ‘Prince of Wales’, this 1964 Bedford VAS Plaxton Embassy. Andy Izatt photographed it in a rare moment of sunshine after all the awards had been presented.
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DELIVERIES ATLAS COACHES
London based, family-run coach operator Atlas Coaches has recently taken delivery a new Sunsundeguibodied Volvo B7R coach. The new vehicle, which was delivered during March, will be used for the company’s varied private hire work. “We required a new coach which would be flexible enough to be used across different aspects of our private hire business,” explained Darren Hill of Atlas Coaches. “Volvo met our requirements with the B7R due to its size, cost and performance. Volvo has a strong brand identity in relation to safety and performance and those factors are also paramount to us as an operator. In addition, the Sunsundegui body adds style to the functionality you get with Volvo coaches.” “Overall I’m very pleased because this new coach further boosts our fleet and affords us greater opportunities with our ongoing private hire services. With Volvo you also get good coverage in terms of back-up and support,” he concluded. The nimble, yet robust Volvo B7R
BUZZLINES
features the rear mounted Volvo 7.1-litre diesel engine, which offers low fuel consumption, low emissions and a long service life. A lightweight engine married with an uncomplicated chassis offers a low net weight, in turn creating a high passenger capacity of 53 seats and therefore optimised vehicle productivity. “Darren and Atlas Coaches were quite decisive as they knew exactly what they wanted and we were able to meet their requirements with every aspect,” explained Volvo Regional Coach Sales Manager, Jo Standbridge. “Vehicles are a major investment for any operator and the reassurance with Volvo is that we will always do our utmost to ensure that the coach stays where it belongs – on the road.” FACT FILE
CHASSIS/BODY Volvo B7/ Sunsundegui ENGINE Volvo 7.1-litre TRANSMISSION Volvo I-Shift SEATS 53 SUPPLIED Volvo Bus 02476 21050 www.
volvobuses.com/BUS/UK/EN-GB
Kent operator Buzzlines Travel says the 13.8-metre tri-axle it is running this summer won’t be the last integral it buys from Irizar UK. “The customer reaction has been fantastic,” said Operations Director Nigel Busbridge. “As they board, our passengers have, literally, said ‘Wow.’ Although I have to admit, we only bought this first one because it was the right coach at the right time.” Nigel said Buzzlines had made the decision to go for 14-metre tri-axles as a standard tourer, partly for the extra luggage capacity but also so it could get the passenger legroom it wanted: “We saw Irizar UK had this coach in stock with 61 seats, went to see it, and persuaded Irizar UK to down-seat it to 53 seats.” He added: “While it was already very well specified, with headphone sockets to every seat and 240V via a 3Kw inverter, we had the luggage racks rebuilt so all the passengercontrolled ventilation and lights were directly over the new seating pattern.” “They did a great job on the modification and I have to say, we
JAMIESONS Jamiesons Coaches on the Shetland Island of Yell, one of the UK’s most northerly coach operators, has taken delivery of the first Plaxton Leopard to reach the Scottish Islands. The flexibility of the 12.8m Volvo-based vehicle appealed to Lee Jamieson, a partner in the family firm. “We regularly choose Plaxton products and get good support for them,” he said. “We were looking to replace our Profile and in the Leopard we have a vehicle appropriate for a range of duties in our island environment. “Shetland is busy at present with construction work and the Leopard is equally at home on the corporate work this generates as it is on school trips and our tour programme. With the choice of the 53 seat option, it provides extra leg room which our
FACT FILE
CHASSIS/BODY Irizar i6 Integral ENGINE Paccar MX340 TRANSMISSION ZF AS-Tronic SEATS 53 SUPPLIED Irizar UK 01909 500514
www.irizar.co.uk
incorporates a rear mounted Volvo D9B 9.36-litre engine delivering 380bhp and Volvo I-Shift automated gearbox. Euro 5 is achieved through SCR technology. Externally, the Leopard is finished in white with Jamiesons Coaches branding in shades of blue and gold. It is further embellished with Alcoa Dura-Brite alloy wheels, gull-wing mirrors, chromed surrounds to the daylight running lights and a select registration mark. customers really appreciate as well as matching the capacity of our other large coaches giving us flexibility in operation.” The new Leopard features 53 Brusa reclining seats trimmed in a red patterned moquette with three-point seatbelts, armrests and integrated handrails together with a matching courier seat in the front entrance. The
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have started to love the dark blue metallic it was painted in so much, we’ve adopted it for other deliveries.” In its first week, the coach was out touring. “We have been extremely pleased with it and the seat spacing is perfect – even six-footers find they have plenty of legroom. We will definitely have more of these i6s for next season,” concluded Nigel. The coach has the DAF-Paccar MX340, 462bhp engine with ZF AS-Tronic autoshift gearbox. It has PB seats with middle armrests and magazine nets, remote alarm system, DVD system, on-board vacuum cleaner, toilet with hand dryer and high-powered Xenon headlamps. It joins a fleet of 21 vehicles at Buzzlines’ Lympne headquarters.
high specification continues with red soft trim, curtains and climate control incorporating a forward roof mounted Thermo-King air conditioning unit. Jamiesons Coaches have specified a DVD/radio entertainment system with public address facility and three monitors. Underneath the Plaxton coachwork, the Euro 5 Volvo B9R chassis
FACT FILE
CHASSIS/BODY Volvo B9R / Plaxton
Leopard ENGINE VOLVO 380 bhp, Euro 5 TRANSMISSION Volvo I-Shift SEATS 53 SUPPLIED BY Plaxton Coach Sales 01909
551166 www.plaxtoncoachsales.co.uk
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12/05/2014 14:23
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HORSEMAN A further four new Plaxton Panther coaches have joined the Berkshire fleet of Horseman Coaches. Based on successful operation of earlier Panthers, including five vehicles delivered in 2013, choosing the Volvo-based coaches made good business sense for Director of Operations James Horseman. “We have purchased nearly 30 new Panthers since 2006 so they have been well tested on all our operations,” he explained. “They have proved attractive to our customers and thoroughly reliable, therefore we didn’t hesitate in ordering another four 53 seat full executive Panthers for our 2014 fleet upgrade. We have a good working relationship with Plaxton built up over many years. We find them flexible to deal with and their products offer unbeatable value for money being both
reliable and competitively priced.” The new Panthers are 12.8m two-axle vehicles featuring 53 GTV reclining seats with all-age threepoint seatbelts, trimmed in moquette with contrasting leather headrest inserts and piping. A matching courier seat is installed in Plaxton’s easy access entrance with the driver benefiting from a Grammar fully adjustable seat. Passenger comfort is
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assured with climate control from a roof-mounted ThermoKing air-conditioning unit and deep tinted windows. Alongside the centre continental door is a low level washroom with fridge and servery area above. Underneath the proven stainless steel framed Plaxton Panther coachwork is the Euro 5 Volvo B9R chassis incorporating a rear-mounted Volvo D9B 9.36 litre engine delivering 380bhp and
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depot in the south of Reading, Berkshire. It was founded by Keith Horseman in 1977 and has grown to be a leading operator in the Thames Valley, with a current fleet strength of 70 vehicles, all to full coach specification. Plaxton products have featured in the fleet since the company’s formation, with 50 currently being operated, predominantly Panthers and Cheetahs. The fleet is used on a wide variety of work including school contracts, private charters, corporate shuttles and a tour programme across the UK and Europe.
Volvo I-Shift automated gearbox. Euro 5 is achieved through SCR technology. Externally, the new Panthers are enhanced with Alcoa Dura-Brite alloy wheels and feature Horseman’s bold red and blue branding on a white background. Horseman also specified a full internal and external CCTV system on the new vehicles. Horseman Coaches is a second generation family business based at a modern
FACT FILE
CHASSIS/BODY Volvo B9R / Plaxton Panthers ENGINE VOLVO D9B 380 bhp, Euro 5 TRANSMISSION Volvo I-Shift SEATS 53 SUPPLIED by Plaxton Coach Sales 01909 551166 www.plaxtoncoachsales.co.uk
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May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 39 12/05/2014 18:35
PROFILE › MORSE COACHES
Standing BY
values Morse Coaches has quietly gone about its business for more than 65 years. Andrew Morse talks to Andy Izatt about how he has built the business and taken it in new directions
B
uilding a team that can sustain and develop the business so the proprietor or proprietors are able to step back and enjoy some of the fruits of their labour is an objective for many family-owned operators. It’s something to which Andrew Morse at Sheriff Hutton-based Morse Coaches has given considerable thought. Andrew is doing his best to develop young, enthusiastic local people who will have the necessary skills to run his North Yorkshire-based business when he and Operations Manager wife, Diane feel the time is right to take more of a backseat. “I’m where I want to be,” explained Andrew. “For the time being I think our operation is at full capacity. It might be easier running 16 vehicles rather than the 21 we have now, but it’s essential we service our clients properly. However, I’ve always said, it’s not about the coaches. We’re only as good as our staff.” Including Andrew, there are 10 full-time employees and 15 regular part-timers. Typical of the long-term loyalty shown by many of them is Malcolm Sharman who, aged 66, still drives and has his own regular coach, a Plaxton Excalibur-bodied DAF SB3000 acquired from
Acklams Coaches of Beverley several years ago. “Everyone I employ deserves more money, but it’s what this industry pays,” said Andrew. “We try and look after our staff as best we can and that’s why they stay. It’s about knowing the person. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. “Our customers like being driven by nice people. I’m happy to train the right person to drive and that means being able to handle a vehicle with a gear lever. Everyone here can do that. They’re taught how to go up and down the box. My view is, if you can’t drive an old coach, you shouldn’t be driving a new one. There’s no point teaching someone just to give them a licence. They have got to want to do the job.”
Promoting young people
The young team that Andrew is developing includes his right-hand man, Team Leader, Robert Fairley who relocated from Dorset to Ampleforth several years ago. Robert’s girlfriend at the time was the daughter of a former Morse Coaches employee, which is how he came to work for Andrew. Liam Hayes who’s responsible for the workshop had originally come to the �irm on work experience and went to York College to obtain his engineering quali�ications.
Carrying an older version of the Morse Coaches livery is a Plaxton Excalibur-bodied DAF SB3000 that had been new to Acklams Coaches of Beverley 40 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 14, 2014 040_044_CBW1137_Morse Coaches.indd 40
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Jack Cartwright lived down the road from Andrew’s mother and has been working at the �irm since leaving school. He learnt to drive a PCV at Morse Coaches, passing his test just two months after obtaining his car licence, and is now Yard Manager. Then there are drivers like Ben Hart and Patrick Hodgson. Ben, a former printer, understands the bene�its of social media and has a good eye for the presentation of a vehicle, as does Patrick who also has the experience of running his own minibus operation. “They’re all great ambassadors for this company and for the industry,” said Andrew. “I’m the �irst to admit that I still need guidance myself sometimes, but it’s nice to share what you know. Having the right people around you is important. It’s what I enjoy. “I’ll continue to take time to develop them so they can run the company without me. There will come a time when it needs fresh faces. Maybe then I’ll just do driving. We’ve built something here and these lads should be having a share of it. They should be taking some of the responsibility.”
Three generations of family Morse Coaches was founded by Andrew’s grandfather, Hugh in 1948. Hugh was the
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Stillington village blacksmith. Like many villagers at the time, he had a reputation for being a bit of a wheeler dealer, but everyone knew him as a gentleman. Hugh’s enthusiasms included livestock. Horses were a consequence of being a blacksmith, but he also kept pigeons and dogs. He delivered the mail and made other deliveries as well. When a contract came up to the local school, he bought a minivan to operate it, soon replacing it with a minibus. Andrew’s father Norman joined his father in the family business on leaving school. Norman was quick to embrace coaching, he and his father’s �irst being a Commer. Norman had two brothers who, on their father’s death in 1975, each owned a third of the family holding at Stillington. Lawrence was a blacksmith at Rowntree’s of York while Hughie worked on the railways. Hughie became a partner in the family business, which by then was running three coaches. By the end of the decade it had grown to �ive and there were also two private hire cars. The preference was for Plaxton-bodied Bedfords and buying new when they could. “Personally I liked Duple because of all of the chrome,” recalled Andrew. “That’s until I realised how the bodies could rot.” School runs to Easingwold schools provided ‘bread and butter’ work, but Wallace Arnold would also hire vehicles during the summer. The Stillington-based �irm worked closely with local operators such as Gordon Moore (Stanley Moore & Son) of Wistow (later
and deregulation of the bus industry two years later were to have real consequences for the business. A portfolio of North Yorkshire County Council school work had been built up, but following deregulation, contracts were tendered for the �irst time. Morse Coaches lost virtually everything. Just one special needs contract using a car was retained. The �irm was strong with assets at the time so the Stillington holding and most of the coaches were sold enabling Hughie’s widow, Jessie to be paid out of the business and any outstanding debts cleared. Just two coaches, the AEC Reliance and a Bedford YRQ were retained. “Dad had been doing the lion’s share of the work,” recalled Andrew. “We knew things could be better for both of us. When we were on our own we could see more clearly what we could do.” Morse Coaches relocated to a haulier’s yard at Sutton-on-the-Forest for around 18 months before moving to the North Yorkshire County Council yard at Easingwold for a year, then to a Stillington farm owned by a friendly farmer. North Yorkshire contracts usually run for four years so, in addition to its special needs contract and some work for the Yorkshire Water Authority, the �irm survived mainly on private hire. When contracts were retendered in 1990, two were secured, one locally, the other serving All Saints Catholic School in York. The latter carrying faith children was renegotiated into a local service and continued for seven years,
Cawood) and John Dodsworth at Dodsworth of Boroughbridge. It also built business relationships further a�ield, Braithwaite’s in Cumbria being one. “They were all good friends,” said Andrew. “We bought vehicles from Gordon. In fact, we never had a bad one. When he packed up in 1999 we had two of his last – a Bova Europa and a Futura. He had to put a new engine in the Europa. It was a great vehicle, but in the end we couldn’t �ind a home for it. We used it for training and then we had to scrap it.” The coach that was to leave the greatest impression with Andrew was another that came from Gordon – a Plaxton-bodied AEC Reliance. It was a fast, well-built vehicle and a considerable step up from the Bedfords previously operated. “We’d only operated Bedfords,” said Andrew. “I used to help Gordon out at weekends and that’s when I �irst had the opportunity to drive the AEC. I’d not previously driven anything with so much power. The six-speed ZF gearbox was fantastic. It was a coach in a different league.”
the school eventually deciding to use its own minibuses. In the interim it provided valued income. Parents paid monthly and it was possible to claim fuel duty rebate. Additional work came on referral from York-based operator Watson’s. Andrew and his father explored buying the business, but Maurice Watson died before discussions were concluded. His partner, a nice lady called Pam Dunwell as Andrew recalled, gave Andrew the forward booking book – justi�ication for the purchase of a second Plaxton-bodied AEC Reliance and later, a Jonckheere Leyland Tiger. A 24-seat Mercedes-Benz minibus was acquired for a school contract along narrow roads along the top of Sutton Bank, the �irm having been asked to take on the work by North Yorkshire County Council. A replacement engine was required almost immediately. Acquired from Erith Commercials, it enabled the vehicle to give another eight years trouble free service before it was part-exchanged for a Toyota Optimo. Additional valued work came from the Tote which was looking for an operator to transport ladies employed in the York area to local racecourses. The ladies hadn’t been happy with the previous provider and Morse Coaches secured their blessing after just a week’s trial.
‘I don’t think the risks in this industry are reflected by the returns. If you didn’t love it, you’d be doing something else’
Father and son team
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040_044_CBW1137_Morse Coaches.indd 41
Andrew had joined his father and uncle in 1982, initially driving one of the private hire cars before passing his PCV licence �irst time when he was 18. However, Hughie’s death in 1984
May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 41 12/05/2014 16:06
PROFILE › MORSE COACHES
Memorable purchases include a former Shearings Plaxton Excalibur Volvo B10M and a reliable Bova Futura also acquired through Plaxton and previously operated by Bysiau Cwm Taf, Whitland
Current flagship is this Van Hool-bodied DAF SB4000 acquired from Galloway of Mendlesham. DAVID BELL
Inside one of the servery and toilet-equipped Plaxton Cheetahs that had been new to Logan’s “Running for the Tote was every other day in the summer,” said Andrew. “That was in 1999 when I bought Gordon Moore’s Europa. Everything he operated was immaculate and that was no exception. He was a good man and I learnt a lot from him.”
Securing good premises
Morse Coaches had continued to be based on the Stillington farm, moving to a yard with hard standing at Sutton-on-the-Forest when the opportunity arose. In 1999 what had become a six-vehicle operation – four full-size coaches, a 24-seater and a 16-seater – relocated to Sheriff Hutton Industrial Estate where it continues to be based today. Not only was an industrial unit purchased, a big investment for the business at the time, Andrew has subsequently acquired land behind that now provides parking for a much expanded �leet. Two years ago he extended the workshop area to accommodate a second inspection pit, and combined, they provide a modern wellequipped home for his operation. A C Morse was incorporated as a limited 42 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 14, 2014
040_044_CBW1137_Morse Coaches.indd 42
Recent purchases from David Fishwick have been a new Ford Transit and an Onyx-converted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Three Plaxton Cheetahs are operated including a coach bought new in 2007 company in 2002 when Andrew bought out his father. Norman continued to drive a minibus for a number of years and maintained a keen interest in what was going on right up to his death last year. Andrew’s wife, Diane became a shareholder in 2013. As far as possible, maintenance has always been undertaken in house. In the days when the �irm was based on the farm, a local lad, Malcolm Quill used to help Andrew. Another, Paul Thompson was to stay much longer. A gifted mechanic, Andrew recalled his versatility. He also drove and was good with customers. With the move to premises with the right facilities at Sheriff Hutton, Andrew felt con�ident to tender for additional North Yorkshire contracts when they were retendered in 2002. He secured three that included much of what had been lost in 1986. As well as secondary school transport, they incorporated carrying
children to the equivalent primary school, made possible by different start and �inish times. When those timings were brought more in to line, additional vehicles had to be sourced. A France’s Motors, Market Weighton Plaxton Paramount-bodied Volvo B10M was one that joined the �leet in 2003, but more notable were a pair of Excalibur-bodied B10Ms which followed two years later. Both had been new to Shearings, and were acquired like so many of the �irm’s vehicles, from Plaxton. Andrew feels they helped raise the pro�ile of the �leet at the time and remain in service today. A Premiere-bodied DAF SB3000 from Fourway Coaches of Leeds followed in 2006. Andrew had said he wouldn’t buy another DAF after mixed experiences, but the coach proved to be a good investment. “It’s got a four over four
Andrew’s wife Diane is Operations Manager and has been a shareholder since last year www.coachandbusweek.com
12/05/2014 16:06
‘It’s important to be proactive, but it has also got to be worthwhile. I’m a member of a rugby club that started using social media and that’s when I saw the potential’ – Andrew Morse gearbox,” he explained. “Not everyone can drive it, but I love it. We’ve sent it all over the country and bought more DAFs since.”
Significant expansion
More vehicles were required following a successful tender round in 2007. “I had to go for more contracts to make sure I got back what I already had,” said Andrew although he made clear that he’s never been interested in taking work from neighbouring local operators – people he respects and who have helped him over the years. Men like John Duff at Suttonon-the-Forest-based Reliance and Dave Perry of Perry’s Travel, Malton. Glenn Coaches of Wigginton is another, as is York Pullman. “I put in for 14 contracts and won 11” said Andrew. “That gave us 12 as we still had the Sutton Bank run. The new contracts were for eight years. I had six months to find the extra vehicles. That’s when I bought the land behind our unit so that we had somewhere to park them. We spent £14,000 on hardcore to provide firm standing.” Additional work also came from a local private school which, unhappy with its then provider, gave Andrew the opportunity to undertake transport for one of its weekends of sporting fixtures. Sufficiently impressed, he was made their regular supplier. The good relations that were fostered led to the opportunity to tender for a Dutch summer school which also used the college. Andrew showed them his latest addition, a LDV Convoy that he’d acquired new, and they were sufficiently impressed to give him the work. “We made sure we did a really good job,” he
HERITAGE
Andrew had the unit at Sheriff Hutton Industrial Estate extended to accommodate an additional pit said. “It brought a considerable amount of work – transfers from the airport and trips out. We were transporting 200 children in the summer for eight weeks. Our drivers are patient with the children. People see our vehicles about and everything developed from that. We got involved in more groups through word of mouth recommendation.” When Huntington-based Pearson’s Travel
A Futura, one of the Bovas that was acquired from Gordon Moore
Norman Morse joined his father in the family business on leaving school.
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040_044_CBW1137_Morse Coaches.indd 43
A Plaxton-bodied AEC Reliance that operated for Mid Warwickshire Motors
closed in 2010, Morse Coaches was reassigned two contracts by the local authority. It also gained a little work from Reliance when it decided to discontinue the coaching side of its business four years ago.
Vehicles of choice
As the fleet has grown, particularly after the 2007 contract wins, Andrew has made some astute purchases. Unusual because of where they came from were a well-presented Plaxtonbodied Dennis Javelin and Leyland Tiger bought from the RAF at Fylingdales. “They were beautifully maintained,” said Andrew. “Both had seatbelts. We kept them in the blue livery they came in. The Javelin was regularly used on private hire and we used the Tiger during the busy summer period as well.” Andrew has particular respect for Van Hool and several coaches with that coachwork have been added to the fleet over the years. A B10M was another former Shearings vehicle while there was also a B10MT tri-axle new to Harry Shaw. “Van Hool stands the test of time,” he said. “They don’t date.” Another Van Hool B10M, formerly of Robinsons Coaches of Appleby-in-Westmorland and dating from 1998, is still in the fleet having
Several LDV Convoys have been operated including this example bought new
May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 43 12/05/2014 16:07
PROFILE › MORSE COACHES Like many other operators, Andrew Morse holds Van Hool bodywork in high regard
been acquired unseen on the recommendation of Nick Dodgson at BASE. “It could be the best coach I’ve ever bought,” said Andrew. “It has been great.” More recent additions include another Bova Futura dating from 2005. “It’s been a nice vehicle now that we’ve got it right,” said Andrew. Another DAF-powered vehicle, an exWeardale Travel Ikarus-bodied DAF SB220 was acquired last year because one of the Sheriff Hutton school contracts required wheelchair access. A Van Hool-bodied SB4000 new to Galloway of Mendlesham is the current �lagship. Andrew knows Galloway Transport Manager, Richard Smith. “It’s probably the most practical type of coach on the market,” said Andrew of the SB4000. “It’s been a very good vehicle, and so much the better because it has a Van Hool body.” The �irst new coachbuilt vehicle in recent times was a 33-seat Mercedes-Benz Variobased Plaxton Cheetah in 2007. It was bought for additional Tote work transporting staff based in the Doncaster area. However, its lady cliental didn’t warm to it so Andrew went back to Plaxton and traded in the RAF Javelin for an older ex Logan’s Cheetah with 16 seats, tables, rear servery and a toilet. It was up-seated to 24 with the removal of the tables. Much more acceptable, it was immediately followed by another similar speci�ication Cheetah up-seated from 20 to 24, and a backup vehicle, a Plaxton-bodied Mercedes-Benz 709D 25-seater that came for just £2,500 from Moseley (PCV). 44 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 14, 2014 040_044_CBW1137_Morse Coaches.indd 44
‘It’s probably the most practical type of coach on the market’. said Andrew of the SB4000. ‘It’s been a very good vehicle’ Virtually indestructible, the 709D along with all three Cheetahs remain in the �leet. New additions supplied by David Fishwick last year were an Onyx-converted MercedesBenz Sprinter 516 and a Ford Transit, the survivor of several LDV Convoys that have been owned going in part exchange. Another of the LDVs had been part exchanged for a 10-plate Transit in 2012. Andrew is keen to develop the small vehicle side of the business, not least because it makes it easier to deal with changing passenger numbers on his contracts. He has built up a �leet of three eight-seat Ford Tourneos that run on private hire plates and he has started running private hire cars again – two are operated. They complement what has grown into a 16-strong �leet operated under the A C Morse O-licence. Frontline coaches have RAM Tracking, but Andrew is not convinced that there has been
Team Leader, Robert Fairley relocated from Dorset several years ago
any bene�it. He can see a time when insurance companies will insist on the installation of ‘angel eye’ type CCTV.
Looking to the future
“We have a website and the girls in the of�ice use social media,” said Andrew. “It’s important to be proactive, but it has also got to be worthwhile. I’m a member of a rugby club that started using social media and that’s when I saw the potential. “It’s important to look after customers. By giving them that little bit extra, I hope they return that by giving us just a little bit more work each year. We’re not going to ruin it for anyone else. It’s a two way street and I believe in being fair. “I’m prepared for 2015 when our contracts come up for renewal. One way or another we will still be here and have something to do. My father and uncle weren’t mathematicians, but they understood the importance of having assets. If we don’t win the work we will cut our cloth accordingly. Some of our staff will have retired by then and I’m aware of that. It maybe that we have a smaller �leet and we’ll put even more emphasis on improving quality. “I enjoy what we do when it’s going right – when all the vehicles start in the morning and go out and come back. It’s the best job in the world. When it goes wrong, it’s all about how you handle it. “With all the rules and regulations these days, there are easier ways to make a living. I don’t think the risks in this industry are re�lected by the returns. If you didn’t love it, you’d be doing something else, but we’ve been doing it for a while and we’ll be doing it for a while yet.” ■ www.coachandbusweek.com
12/05/2014 16:07
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Telephone Gemma Ireland on 01733 293247 or email gemma.ireland@coachandbusweek.com 46 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 14, 2014
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Llew Jones – 07795 347476 or steve@llewjones.com
2003 Mercedes Benz Setra
Volvo Olympian open top bus
2002 Volvo B7R Plaxton
2003 Volvo B12M Jonckheere Euro 3
49 seat with belts, 2 monitors, DVD, centre toilet, centre power door, cool box + boiler, leather headrests inserts, seat back tables, foot rests, good tyres, 6 speed ZF, LEZ box, tax and test ready to work.
This year’s allocation sold. Please check back in the Autumn.
53 seats plus courier, automatic, A/C, used only on tour work, removable vinyls, seat belts, available with new test. £39,000 Call Anthony Kelly
Tel: 01833 660471 paul.watson@btconnect.com
Bath Bus Company 01225 330444
PAB Tours – 0113 320 0780 ant@pabtours.com
48 x 3 point belted seats + crew, air con, saloon mounted WC, rear continental door, MOT November, option 53 or 55-seater with WC removed. £36,000 + VAT – CHOICE
1993 Volvo B10M Plaxton Premier
2002 Scania VanHool K124
2007 Scania K340/ Caetano Levante
1988 DAF MB230 Plaxton
Choice of 2, 49 leather reclining seats, ZF automatic gearbox and retarder, Hanover front, side and rear destinations, WC, air conditioning, PLS magic lift, low mileage, recently refurbished and can be used on National Express network until June 2016.
53 seats, automatic, very good condition for year, currently in dry storage, additional vehicle also available. £2,750
£65,000 + VAT each
PAB Tours – 0113 320 0780 ant@pabtours.com
45 seats, full DDA, ZF automatic gearbox, MobiTec destination, Cyberlyne CCTV with audio recording, choice of four.
£35,000 + VAT
POA
49 seats, automatic, good condition for year, available with new test, removable vinyls. Choice of 3. £11,995
PAB Tours – 0113 320 0780 ant@pabtours.com
49 exec, W.C., A.C., 7 speed C-Shift, MOT 30/9/14, excellent condition.
£45,000 Kingdoms Tours Ltd
01884 252646 / 07702 626542
yourbus – 01773 714013
Nigel McCree - 01509 502695
Telephone Gemma Ireland on 01733 293247 or email gemma.ireland@coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com
May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 47
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LDV 400 Convoy LWB
1999 Volvo Olympian Alexander
7HO
Concept conversion, COIF for 17 seats with 3 point belts, 5 speed gearbox, double rear doors, front entry door, exterior cassette tail lift, Class 6 MOT till Apr 2015, taxed till end Sept 2014, very tidy inside and out, one of 4 minibuses owned from new with full service history. £2,695
78 seats + 13 standing, automatic, limited to 90 Kph, seatbelts throughout, ideal for school trips and contract hire, Hannover displays.
£14,000 + VAT
Davian Coaches - 0208 807 1515
Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk
1998 Mercedes Sprinter
2004 Iveco Beulas
15 seats, front entry, Mellor conversion, MOT 16/5/14, very good condition, with tail lift.
£ 3,700
1998 Iveco 40 / 10 15 seats, front entry, MOT 22/8/14, very good condition.
£ 2,500
1995 Iveco 49 / 10 19 seats, front entry, power door, MOT 13/1/15, very good condition.
£ 3,000 Kingdoms Tours Ltd
2002 MAN 24.400 Tri Axle
49 seat executive, manual, centre toilet, climate control, DVD, MOT Feb 15, taxed July, drives superb, excellent condition, real head turner.
£19,950 + VAT ono – PX considered
Llew Jones – 07795 347476 or steve@llewjones.com
52 reg Optare Solo M920
Auto, 51 seat executive coach, WC, DVD, A/C, drinks boiler, fridge, etc, in exceptional condition for age, MOT July 2014.
£34,500 ono + VAT
01884 252646 / 07702 626542
Tel 01249 742000/07717 768315
2013 Ford Transit 300
2006 Transit Tourneo
MWB, 8 x M2 seats with diagonal belts + driver, 6 speed gearbox, front air con, PAS, radio/CD, twin side load doors, silver metallic, mesh cage partition from luggage area, balance of manufacturers warranty. £16,995
9 seater, tax till Jan, will have new MOT, 190,000 miles, runs well, front and rear air-con, tow bar. £3,500 + VAT
EnsignBus 01708 865656
Autoservice Pontypool Ltd 01495 757111
Hailstone Travel Ltd 0845 388 3848
2003 Mercedes Cheetah
2007 (57) MAN 18.360 Noge
2005 (05) Optare Solo 9.5m
51 seats + WC, DVD, two screens, A/C, MOT & tax, low mileage, one owner.
33 seats + 17 standees, Mercedes engine, DDA compliant, Hanover LED. £26,500 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk
1999/2000/2001 V/Y Reg Dennis Tridents
Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats. Why pay more for less. FROM £18,000 + VAT
29 passengers plus courier seat Tax till March MOT till February Large boot New clutch and turbo 33 seats, owned from new, re-con engine & gearbox in 2012, repanelled & painted in 2013, Hannover digital destination, MOT Dec 2014.
£15,000
Coach Services Ltd Tel: 01842 821509
£18,000 + VAT
Hailstone Travel Ltd 0845 388 3848
£75,000 ono
Manns Travel - 07796 695675
Telephone Gemma Ireland on 01733 293247 or email gemma.ireland@coachandbusweek.com 48 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 14, 2014
www.coachandbusweek.com
p49_CBW_1137 12/05/2014 16:54 Page 49
02 Setra S-315 GT HD
2002 Scania Irizar K114
6 cylinder MAN engine, manual 6 speed gearbox, 49 seater, continental door, fully air conditioned, many extras, full years MOT, part exchange considered. £40,000 o.n.o. FOR QUICK SALE
49 exec, W.C., A.C., 7 speed C-Shift, MOT 21/5/14, excellent condition.
Dennis Eastwood - 0121 788 8848
01884 252646 / 07702 626542
£43,000 Kingdoms Tours Ltd
Tel: 01823 653000 Moseley in the South
Luxury VW Crafter
2007, 16 seats, A/C, DVD, microphone, 135,000 miles, 7 months MOT, excellent condition.
£21,000
Slick Rides – 07823 770978
Plaxton Paragon
49 seats, manual Easyshift, PA system, DVD player, climate control, centre sunken WC, continental door, water boiler, p/plate, not subject to LEZ, sale due to fleet replacement.
49 seats plus courier, Volvo B10M engine, manual gearbox, red moquette with matching curtains, reversing camera, sunken toilet, stainless wheel disks, air con, aircraft lockers, MOT tested, excellent condition throughout.
£24,000 + VAT
Steve 0161 775 0800/07980 600597 operations@travel-master.co.uk
2001 Salvador Caetano B10M Enigma
2009 Mercedes 0816 Sitcar Beluga 2
25 leather trimmed seats with lap belts, courier seat, power plug door, air con, audio & DVD, fridge, drivers door, drivers electric window, reverse camera, digital tacho, Telma retarder. POA
2000 Volvo B10M Plaxton Panther
2008 (08) Iveco Daily Iris Bus
16 passenger seats, one council owner from new, low mileage, mint condition, PSV tested April 2015, COIF. POA
tel 07770 593835
MUST BE SEEN £28,750 + VAT
Dennis Eastwood - 0121 788 8848
1993 K reg DAF / Bova
70 seats + driver and crew, 3 point belts fitted, ZF auto, 3+2 seat config, air con, good great condition, inspection welcome, ready for work, sale due to fleet replacement.
£40,000 + VAT
Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk
70 seats, lots of new parts.
£15,000
Manns Travel – 07796 695675
2006 Volvo B12M
51/53 seat executive, WC, AC, auto, Berkoff LEZ, MOT 12/11/14, excellent condition. £79,000
01884 252646 / 07702 626542 Kingdoms Tours Ltd
2003 (53) VOLVO B12M 51/53 EXEC, W.C., A.C., BERKOFF, LEZ, MOT 12/11/14, EXCELLENT CONDITION £52,500 – MAY CONSIDER PART EX
Kingdoms Tours Ltd TEL: 01884 252646 / 07702 626542
2003 Ford Transit
17 seat factory minibus, 1 council owner from new, 115,000 miles, in superb all round condition, no dents anywhere, MOT until March 2015. £3,950 + VAT
tel 07770 593835
2008 Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragons
2007 Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragons
I-Shift gearbox, reclining seats, 3 point belts, air con, demountable wc, hot/cold water, fridge, owned from new and used on our own holiday programme, low mileage examples (approx 62,000km per annum), well maintained, all-over cream, price includes new MOT.
I-Shift gearbox, reclining seats, 3 point belts, air con, demountable wc, hot/cold water, fridge, owned from new and used on our own holiday programme, low mileage examples (approx 62,000km per annum), well maintained, all-over cream, price includes new MOT.
6 AVAILABLE – £99,000
Alfa Travel – 01257 248003
Contact your friendly Sales & Admin Executive Gemma Ireland Tel: 01733 293247 Fax: 0845 280 2927 Email: gemma.ireland@coachandbusweek.com
5 AVAILABLE – £88,000
Alfa Travel – 01257 248003
Telephone Gemma Ireland on 01733 293247 or email gemma.ireland@coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com
May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 49
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Ensig DOUBLE DECK 2000/2001 X/Y REG VOLVO B7TL’S
80 seats, Voith gearboxes, Euro 2 engines with traps, or full Euro 3 with traps, Plaxton President bodies, can be DDA with 78 seats.
LEZ COMPLIANT
Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats.
1999/2000/2001 V/Y REG DENNIS TRIDENTS
2006 55 PLATE VOLVO B7TL’S
Cummins Euro 4, 10.8M, 37 seats, new MOT.
1997 P REG VOLVO OLYMPIAN
2001 X REG MINI POINTER DARTS
2008 ENVIRO 200
ZF automatics, Wrights Gemini bodies, 69 coach seats, air-con, DDA, long MOT’s.
Volvo Euro 2 engine, ZF gearbox, Northern Counties body, 77 seats.
8.8m, 29 seats, converted to be DDA compliant, LEZ compliant, long MOT’s.
2001 SUPER POINTER DARTS
SWB, CCTV, particulate traps so LEZ compliant, Plaxton President bodies, dual door 62 seats or single door 71 seats.
1999 VOLVO B7TL’S
2001 Super Pointer Darts, Allison gearboxes, 11.3m, 41 seats.
2000 VOLVO B7TL’s
ZF gearboxes, single door, 82 seats fully seated or 80 seats as DDA compliant, supplied with new MOT and COIF, new batch just arriving.
2000 W REG DENNIS DART
Cummins B Euro 2 engine with trap, 10.1m, 36 seats, converted to be DDA compliant with accessibility certificate.
6 speed ZF manual, Van Hool, 55 seats.
1995 M REG VOLVO B10M
OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -
Juliette Close, Purfleet Industrial Telephone 01708 865656 Fax: 01708 8 Visit our website for current s
698896-1137-Ensign_Layout 1 12/05/2014 08:56 Page 2
nbus
K ER SPECIALIST 2008 EX DEMO ENVIRO 300
2001 Y REG TRIDENTS
Cummins Euro 5 engine, very low mileage (5,226), new MOT, 44 seats.
Cummins C series engines, Voith gearboxes, Plaxton President bodies, 78 seats.
Cummins ISB Euro 3 engines, Plaxton Pointer bodies, 2 door, can be converted to single door, 30 or 36 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant, 10.2m, ABS, long MOT’s.
2002 DENNIS DARTS
£18,000 + VAT
2003 03 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS
2007 VOLVO B12B’S
Euro 5, automatic, Plaxton Panthers, 12m, air-con, being converted to 70 seats, front wheelchair lift, Hanover LED’s.
Cummins ISC Euro 3 engines, DDA and LEZ compliant, 2 door 62 seats or can be single doored and upseated.
Mercedes Euro 4 engines, 9.2m, 33 seats.
ZF automatic, Northern Counties low height bodies, 77 seats, Volvo Euro 2 engines.
2009 OPTARE SOLO
2001/2002 DENNIS TRIDENTS
51 and 02 plate, Cummins Euro 3 ISC engines, LEZ, Plaxton President bodies, can be DDA, single door and 78 seats, or dual door 67 seats.
1999 T REG DENNIS TRIDENTS
Cummins C series engines, Voith gearboxes, Alexander ALX low height (13' 8") bodies, 76 seats, but can be upseated to 84.
1996 VOLVO B10MA ARTICULATED COACHES ZF automatics, 71 seats.
1997 VOLVO OLYMPIANS
2009 59 PLATE OPTARE
Mercedes, M710’s, Slimlines, 23 seats.
Cummins ISB engines, Marshall bodies, 25 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.
2002 DENNIS DARTS
1999 T/V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS
Cummins / ZF, Plaxton bodies, 62 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.
- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 8 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com t stock at www.ensignbus.com
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BEN WEAVER PSV
2005 05 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT WELFARE MINIBUS Red, 2.4 turbo diesel 125 PS, 5 speed manual gearbox, UV Modular conversion, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, analogue tachograph, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, electric plug front entry door, 1 ex local authority owner from new, 52,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 8,995 + VAT
2005 55 PLATE VOLKSWAGEN LT46 16 SEAT EXTRA LONG WHEELBASE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE SERVICE BUS 2.5 TDI, white, power front entry double doors with fold out wheelchair ramp, tracking for up to 3 wheelchairs plus 11 seated, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, analogue tachograph, panoramic glass, coach style seats, rear boot, overhead storage shelves, LEZ compliant, 285,000 kilometers/178,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 9,495 + VAT
PSV
2005 55 PLATE FORD TRANSIT MWB 9 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.4 90ps turbo diesel, white, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 3 wheelchairs, electric windows, power heated door mirrors, power assisted steering, remote central locking, AVS side door access step, overhead cab luggage tray, 25,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 8,995 + VAT
PSV
2008 58 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T5 15 SEAT WELFARE BUS Bluebird Tucana conversion, 2.5 TDI, blue, automatic gearbox, certificate of initial fitness, digital tachograph, PSV, this vehicle has a gross vehicle weight for 4100 kgs so can be driven without a D1 licence, tracking for up to 5 wheelchairs, electric front entry doors with fold out wheelchair ramp, reversing camera, LEZ compliant, 89,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 11,995 + VAT
2004 04 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT WELFARE MINIBUS White, 2.4 turbo diesel 125 ps, 5 speed manual gearbox, Chassis Developments conversion, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, 1 ex local authority owner from new, LEZ compliant, 92,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7,195 + VAT
2004 04 IVECO DAILY 35S12 13 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2300cc turbo diesel, light blue, Ratcliffe internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 3 wheelchairs, 21000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 month MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty, no VAT to pay £6695 NO VAT
PSV
2008 58 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T5 15 SEAT WELFARE BUS Bluebird Tucana conversion, 2.5 TDI, blue, automatic gearbox, certificate of initial fitness, digital tachograph, PSV, this vehicle has a gross vehicle weight for 4100 kgs so can be driven without a D1 licence, fold out rear wheelchair ramp, tracking for up to 5 wheelchairs, electric front entry doors with fold out wheelchair ramp, reversing camera, LEZ compliant, 82,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour £ 11,995 + VAT
2005 05 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT WELFARE MINIBUS Red, 2.4 turbo diesel 125 PS, 5 speed manual gearbox UV Modular conversion, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, analogue tachograph, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, electric plug front entry door, 1 ex local authority owner from new, 116,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7,995 + VAT
PSV
PSV
2003 53 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT WELFARE MINIBUS White, 2.4 turbo diesel 125 ps, 5 speed manual gearbox, chassis developments conversion, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, 1 ex local authority owner from new, LEZ compliant, 101,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6,795 + VAT
PSV
2003 53 PLATE IVECO DAILY IRIS 40C13 15 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Analogue tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, 2.8 turbo diesel 6 speed manual gearbox, white, panoramic glass, front entry door, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, 166,000 kilometers 103,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7,295
2003 03 REG IVECO DAILY 40C13 16 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, electric plug entry door, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 5 wheelchairs, analogue tachograph, 4200 kgs gross vehicle weight can be driven without D1 licence, LEZ compliant, 148,000 kilometers/92,000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6,295 + VAT
2004 53 PLATE IVECO DAILY IRIS 45C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Analogue tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, 2.8 turbo diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, white, front entry door, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, 189,000 kilometers/118,000 miles, very good condition condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6,995 + VAT
2002 52 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 15/17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS White, 2.4 turbo diesel, can be made into a 17 seater by adding 2 rear seats, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 5 wheelchairs, fold out side access step with twist out access grab handle, Advanced Vehicle Builders conversion, LEZ compliant, 148,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty REDUCED WAS £ 5,995 + VAT NOW £ 5,795 + VAT
2004 54 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT WELFARE MINIBUS White, 2.4 turbo diesel 125 ps, 5 speed manual gearbox, Chassis Developments conversion, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, 1 ex local authority owner from new, LEZ compliant, 95,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7,495 + VAT
PSV
2004 54 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT WELFARE MINIBUS White, 2.4 turbo diesel 125 ps 5 speed manual gearbox, Chassis Developments conversion, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, 1 ex local authority owner from new, 103,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7,295 + VAT
PSV
2004 04 PLATE MERCEDES SPRINTER 311CDI 17 SEAT LWB TRAVELINER 2.2CDI turbo diesel, white, analogue tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, alloy wheels, LEZ compliant, 161,000 kilometers, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7,995 + VAT
PSV
2003 03 PLATE VOLKSWAGEN LT46 13 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.5 TDI, white, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, currently fitted with 12 passenger seats, 4 more can be added to take 16 passengers, fully tracked throughout, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, tachograph, 72,000 kilometers/45,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6,695 + VAT
BEN WEAVER commercIals
2004 04 IVECO DAILY 45C11 16 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS White 2800cc turbo diese,l 6 speed manual gearbox, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 4 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, ex local authority owned, 147000 kilometers 92000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty REDUCED WAS £ 6,295 + VAT NOW £ 5,995 + VAT
2002 52 PLATE VOLKSWAGEN LT46 16 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.5 TDI, white, Ricon underfloor rear wheelchair lift, fully tracked throughout, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, analogue tachograph, panoramic glass, LEZ compliant, 226,000 kilometers/141,000 miles,1 local authority owner from new, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6,495 + VAT
PSV
2006 56 PLATE VOLKSWAGEN LT46 16 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.5 TDI, white, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 3 wheelchairs plus 5 seated, fully tracked, twin side loading doors with near side AVS electric access step, digital tacho, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, LEZ compliant, 101,000 miles/161,000 kilometers, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 10,495 + VAT
Gower Street, Sheffield, S4 7JW Tel: 0114 275 7076 www.minibuses-for-sale.co.uk
701473-1137-Ben Weaver 12/05/2014 17:16 Page 2
commercials PSV
2005 55 PLATE IVECO DAILY IRIS 45C13 13 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Analogue tachograph, electric front entry plug door with low access step, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 4 wheelchairs, 189,000 kilometers/118,000 miles excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 8,495 + VAT
2005 55 PLATE IVECO DAILY IRIS 45C13 13 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, electric front entry plug door with low access step, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, 166,000 kilometers/103,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 8,795 + VAT
PSV
2006 06 PLATE VOLKSWAGEN LT46 13 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.5 TDI, silver, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 3 wheelchairs, electric plug side entry door with electric access step, digital tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, LEZ compliant, 104,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 9,495 + VAT
PSV
2002 02 PLATE IVECO DAILY IRIS 40C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.8 turbo diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, white, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, panoramic glass, electric front entry plug door, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, 150,000 kilometers 95,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 5,695 + VAT
PSV
2006 06 PLATE VOLKSWAGEN LT46 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.5 TDI, white, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, fully tracked throughout, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, AVS side door access step, 92,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty REDUCED WAS £ 9,495 + VAT NOW £ 8,995 VAT
2005 05 PLATE IVECO DAILY 35S11 9 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2300cc 16v turbo diesel, white, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 1 wheelchair more can be added if required, Stanford conversion, 95,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 month MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 5,995 + VAT -
2002 02 PLATE VW LT46 16 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.5 TDi, white, Ricon underfloor rear wheelchair lift, currently fitted with 6 seats, fully tracked throughout, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, analogue tachograph, panoramic glass, 299,000 kilometers/187,000 miles. 1 local authority owner from new. excellent condition. supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty, photo taken prior to valeting REDUCED WAS £ 5,695 + VAT NOW £ 5,495 + VAT
2004 04 PLATE IVECO DAILY 65C15 WELFARE BUS WITH TACHOGRPAH COIF AND PSV 2800cc turbo diesel, currently fitted with 16 passenger seats, will take upto 22 passenger seats, access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 8 wheelchairs, 157,000 kilometers/98,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty REDUCED WAS £ 7,995 + VAT NOW £ 7,495 + VAT
2004 04 PLATE DAF LF45 40 SEAT BUS PLUS DRIVER AND CO DRIVER Automatic gearbox, white, 6.0 litre turbo diesel 180ps, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 4 wheelchairs, electric side entry folding door, electric windows, 147,000 kilometers/91,000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to fTA standards, very good condition REDUCED WAS £ 17,495 + VAT NOW £ 16,995 + VAT
2006 55 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MINIBUS 2400cc turbo diesel, white, analogue tachograph, electric front windows, remote central locking, electric door mirrors, towbar with butterfly step, 101,000 kilometers 63,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty REDUCED WAS £ 6,495 + VAT NOW £ 5,995 + VAT
2007 07 PLATE IVECO DAILY 40C15 11 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 3000cc turbo diesel, white, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, 4200 kgs gross vehicle weight, can be driven without d1 licence, remote central locking, electric windows, CD player, LEZ compliant, 106,000 miles with full service print out, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 9,495 + VAT
2003 03 REG IVECO DAILY 45C13 11 SEAT FRONT ENTRY LONG WHEEL BASE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel white, white, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, tachograph, LEZ compliant, currently fitted with 11 seats but can be made upto 17, 200000 kilometers, 124000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warrantry REDUCED WAS £ 5,795 + VAT NOW £ 5,695 + VAT
PSV
2004 54 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT WELFARE MINIBUS White, 2.4 turbo diesel 125 ps, 5 speed manual gearbox, Chassis Developments conversion, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, 1 ex local authority owner from new, 103,000 miles excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7,295 + VAT
2002 02 IVECO DAILY 45C11 11 SEAT FRONT ENTRY LWB WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS White, 2800cc 6 speed turbo diesel, analogue tachograph, ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, seats can be added to make into a 17 seater, LEZ compliant, 26,000 kilometers/16,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty, no VAT to pay £ 7,295 NO VAT
2004 54 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT WELFARE MINIBUS White, 2.4 turbo diesel 125 ps, 5 speed manual gearbox, Chassis Developments conversion, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, 1 ex local authority owner from new, 103,000 miles excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7,295 + VAT
PSV
2005 54 REG IVECO DAILY 65C15 WELFARE BUS WITH TACHOGRPAH COIF AND PSV 2800cc turbo diesel, metallic silver, will take upto 22 passenger seats, currently fitted with 6 passenger seats, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 8 wheelchairs, electric side enrty soor with fold out access step, CD player, 200,000 kilometers, very good condition,supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty REDUCED WAS £ 8,295 + VAT NOW £ 7,795 + VAT
2008 58 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T5 15 SEAT WELFARE BUS Bluebird Tucana conversion, 2.5TDI, blue, automatic gearbox, certificate of initial fitness, digital tachograph, PSV, this vehicle has a gross vehicle weight for 4100 kgs so can be driven without a d1 licence, tracking for up to 5 wheelchairs, electric front entry doors with fold out wheelchair ramp, reversing camera, LEZ compliant, 77,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 11,995 + VAT
PSV
2002 02 MERCEDES VARIO 614 21 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 4300 turbo diesel manual engine, Access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, 232000 klms/145000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty REDUCED WAS £ 6,695 NO VAT
2006 06 PLATE FORD TRANSIT LWB HIGH ROOF 11 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS WITH TACHO 2.4 90PS turbo diesel, white, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 3 wheelchairs, currently fitted with 5 passenger seats but can be made upto 10, digital tacho, electric windows, power heated door mirrors, remote central locking, 63,000 kilometers, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty REDUCED WAS £ 8,495 + VAT NOW £ 7,995 + VAT
All vehicles supplied with 12 months MOT/PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards and 1–3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty
2005 54 REG IVECO DAILY 65C15 WELFARE BUS WITH TACHOGRAPH COIF AND PSV 2800cc turbo diesel, metallic silver, will take upto 22 passenger seats, currently fitted with 14 passenger seats, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 8 wheelchairs, 166000 kilometers/104000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty REDUCED WAS £ 8,495 + VAT NOW £ 7,995 + VAT
698956-1137-Pembridge 12/05/2014 13:53 Page 1
FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES (12) 2012 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 135ps air-con, tacho, COIF/PSV £19,995 (12) 2012 Ford Transit 9 seat Shuttle twin side loading doors 18000 miles £12,995
D L O S
(10) 2010 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.4 diesel, six speed gearbox, tacho, 55,000 km £13,495 (58) 2008 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.4 diesel with six speed gearbox, 16,000 miles FSH £10,495 (56) 2006 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus, high back seats with three point belts, COIF/PSV £7,995 (02) 2002 Ford Transit 2.4 diesel 3.5 ton, automatic gearbox, 8 seats, inboard Ricon wheelchair lift, rear heating, tracking to take 3 wheelchairs, overhead lockers £5,995
OTHER MAKES
New Peugeot Boxer 16 seat 3.5 ton and 17 seat w/chair accessible minibuses, 2.2 diesel 120ps, six speed gearbox LEZ COMPLIANT From £24,750 + VAT
(60) 2010 Renault Master 3.5 ton GVW 17 seat minibus, 2.3 diesel, six speed manual, high back seats, tacho, 38,000kms, sat-nav £15,995 (60) 2010 Renault Master 9 seat Shuttel 2.3 diesel six speed, large boot, sat-nav, Bluetooth £10,495 (56) 2006 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat LWB minibus, 2.8 diesel, high back seats with three point seat belts, 19,000 miles only £9,450
OTHER MAKES
(56) 2006 Peugeot Boxer 3.5t on 17 seat minibus 2.8 diesel, high back seats with three point belts, 33,000 miles £8,995
D L O S
Renault Master 17 seat 2.8 diesel mini coach, full under floor luggage large boot, tachograph, COIF/PSV £5,995 + VAT
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
(62) 2013 Citroen Berlingo Automatic, 8,000 miles only, low floor, lightweight ramp, electric reals, high spec £12,850
(13) 2013 Renault Trafic LL29 Sport 9 seat, sat-nav, Bluetooth, six speed, 29,831 miles £16,950
(60) 2010 Renault Master 3.5ton 9 seat 2.3 diesel six speed, sat-nav, Bluetooth, tachograph, fully tracked floor, inboard lightweight ramp, 40,000 miles £15,995
(58) 2008 Renault Master MWB 2.5TD 6 speed, tracking for two wheelchairs, in board lift, aircon, rear heating, low entrance step, 62,000 miles, one owner £9,995 (07) 2007 Fiat Doblo 1.4 petrol, 11,500 miles only, five speed manual, three seats plus wheelchair space, low floor, lightweight ramp, electric reals, air-con £6,995
(06) 2006 Iveco Daily Iris Bus 16 seat, 2.8 litre, six speed, front entry drop step with power door, fully tracked floor, full power under floor tail lift, rear heating, 65,000 mile £10,995 (05) 2005 Citroen Dispatch 1.9 diesel, five speed manual, four seats plus wheelchair, low floor with lightweight ramp, 57,000 miles £4,495
D L O S
(53) 2003 Renault Master SWB 2.3 diesel, inboard Ricon lift,tracking for two wheelchairs, electric side step £5,995
Contact Graham Thatcher – email: sales@minibussales.co.uk
Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304
Pembridge House, The Park Business Centre, Plough Road, Goytre, Penperlleni, Nr Usk, South Wales NP4 0AL – 10 minutes from M4 motorway. Viewing by appointment only
Finance Contract Hire and Finance Lease Available. We deliver Nationwide. All vehicles prepared to VOSA standard COIF/PSV specialist
All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%
p57_CBW_1137 12/05/2014 15:55 Page 57
Call for details on our website conversions, upseating, refurbishment, and change of use conversion. Also vehicles available for hire short and long term.
www.staffordbuscentre.com email: martin@staffordbuscentre.com Telephone: 01782 791774 Mobile: 07803 222552 View our latest arrivals on www.staffordbuscentre.com
NEW MINICOACH CONVERSION TO A QUALITY USED VAN VDL SB180 MCV EVOLUTION
COIF + MILES 12 MONTHS PSV MOT 2010 59 REG AND ONLY 20K 16 COACH CURRENTLY FITTED WITH 25 BELTED SEATS SEATS ON TRACK FRONT ENTRY,LUGGAGE RACKS WITH SPACE FOR 2 WHEELCHAIRS DRIVERS LOCKER, NON SLIP FLOORING ALSO FITTED WITH TACHOGRAPH LONGER SERVICES NEWFOR TACHOGRAPH INSTALLATION OTHERS IN BUILD SO CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR “RARELY AVAILABLE” £25,450.00 POA
08 (08) IVECO IRIS BUS 50C15 17 SEAT INC DRIVER W/CHAIR ACCESS PLUG DOOR COIF/PSV £17,995
07 (07) FORD TRANSIT 85 T280S W/CHAIR ACCESS 8 SEATS INC DRIVER 85,270 MILES £10,495
07 (57) RENAULT TRAFFIC LL29DCI 115 9 SEAT MINIBUS 82,000 MILES £8,500 (CHOICE OF 2)
2006 (06) MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI TREKA 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESS 84,000 KMS COIF/PSV £17,995
07 (57) FORD TRANSIT 85 T280S WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE 8 SEATS INBOARD LIFT FULLY TRACKED FLOOR 78,000 MILES £9,450
2007 (07) VW CRAFTER TRANSPORTER 14 SEAT INC DRIVER WHEELCHAIR ACCESS £15,995
NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE 519CDI • ALTAS CONVERSION • 17 SEAT MINICOACH • DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS • FULL AIR CONDITIONING • POWER DOOR LOW ENTRY STEP
P.O.A. (PONTYPOOL) LTD
06 (56) VW LT35 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE 16 SEAT INC DRIVER FIT 3/4 WHEELCHAIRS COIF/PSV 64,000 MILES (CHOICE OF 2) £15,995
07 (57) RENAULT MASTER LH39 3.9T LUXURY MINICOACH 17 LEATHER SEATS DIGI TACHO ELECTRIC WINDOWS/MIRRORS £12,995
2013 (63) FORD TRANSIT 2.2L/140PS 9 SEATS MESH CAGE PARTITION TO LUGGAGE AREA £16,995
MULTIPART & LDV/MAXUS PARTS STOCKISTS
Tel: 01495 757111 Mob: 07850 739446 (Haydn) or visit our website www.minibussales.biz to view the above stock www.coachandbusweek.com
May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 57
701257-1137-Heatons FP 12/05/2014 17:23 Page 1
HEATONS MOTOR CO. WIGAN THE NORTH WEST’S PREMIER MINIBUS SALES, SUPPLYING NATIONWIDE FOR OVER 40 YEARS 09 LWB HIGHROOF RENAULT TRAFFIC
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
covered 35,000 miles, twin SLds with electric side step, Ricon internal clearway tailft, lots of Unwin tracking, full electric pack, 7 highback passenger seats, totally unmarked, metallic paintwork, excellent value £13,995
H
57 FORD TRANSIT 430
Lwb highroof, 8 passenger seats plus wheelchair spaces, lots of Unwin tracking, external Ratcliffe fully automatic cassette tailift, SLd with side step, good quality conversion, totally unmarked in every way LEZ £11,995
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
YT D A RE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
RK O OW PSV’d
PSV’d
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
05 PLATE IVECO 65C15
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
mellor coachbuilt, 24 highback passenger seats all on
05 FORD TRANSIT
07 MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI
Only covered 60,000 miles, features 15 highback passenger seats, lots of Unwin tracking, front low step entry, external PLS fully automatic tailft, totally showroom condition inside and out, fantastic value LEZ CHIOICE OF TWO – £13,995
58 IVECO 50C15 LWB HIGHROOF
quick release, external PLS fully automatic cassette
tailift, low mileage, new cOIF and 12 months PSV test.
PSV’d PSV’d
£9,995
04 MERCEDES SPRINTER UVG TREKA COACHBUILT
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
08 RENAULT MASTER MWB
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
TripTronic transmission, complete flat floor, COIF’d, only fitted with 8 passenger seats, powerdoor front entry, external PLS cassette tailift, must give excellent value £8,995 Only covered 30,000 miles, 8 highback passenger seats with 3 pointbelts, lots of Unwin tracking, SLd with cassette step, Ricon internal tailift, totally showroom condition inside and out £12,995
04 MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI UVG COACHBUILT
15/16 highback passenger seats with 3 pointbelts, complete flat floor, lots of Unwin tracking, power door front low step entry, air conditioning, external PLS fully automatic cassette tailift, 12 mths PSV test LEZ £9,995
A EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE A 58 PLATE RENAULT MASTER
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
mellor coachcraft body, 14/16 highback passenger seats with 3 point belts, lots of Unwin tracking, full length cant rail, Ricon internal clearway tailift, Powerdoor front entry, low miles, one council owner, COIF’d, just arrived in, excellent value £7,995 Lwb highroof fitted 8 highback passenger seats with 3 point belts, lots of Unwin tracking, only covered 58,431 miles, SLd with cassette step, external PLS fully automatic tailift, excellent example of this popular vehicle LEZ £7,995
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
54 MERCEDES VARIO 614
13 highback passenger seats or 9 seats plus 3 wheelchairs, external PLS fully automatic cassette tailift, low step front entry, fully colour coded, one council owner from new, looks and drives superb. LEZ £8,995
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
06 PLATE IVECO 50C14
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
covered 79,948 miles, features 13 passenger seats plus wheelchair space, lots of Unwin tracking with flat floor, full length cant rail, Powerdoor front entry, independent heater, external PLS fully automatic cassette tailift, panoramic tinted windows, cOIFed, totally showroom condition inside and out LEZ £16,995
06 IVECO 45C14
Euromotive conversion, 15/16 highback passenger seats in soft trim, 3 point belts, lots of Unwin tracking, fully carpetlined, front low step entry, external PLS cassette tailift, showroom condition inside and out LEZ £8,995
55 IVECO 45C13
covered 85,630 miles, lots of Unwin tracking, Powerdoor front low step entry, internal Ricon clearway tailift, excellent condition inside and out, cOIFed and LEZ compliant LEZ £7,995
07 FORD TRANSIT 430 LWB 140 PS
17 seat, lots of Unwin tracking, SLd with cassette step, external Ratcliffe fully automatic tailift, good quality minibus, Options conversion, one charity owner from new, these must give excellent value for money £9,495 LEZ
08 VOLKSWAGEN T5 BLUEBIRD AURIGA
mwb, only covered 41,000 miles, one owner from new, 8 14/16 highback passenger seats in coach moquette with highback passenger seats with twin SLds, cassette step, contrasting headlining, lots of Unwin tracking, powerdoor lots of Unwin tracking, Rolac wheelchair accessible ramp, front entry, 87,000 miles, automatic transmission, air automatic transmission, totally showroom condition inside conditioning, 12 months PSV test, tremendous value PSV’d LEZ LEZ and out, fantastic value £12,995 ALL PRICES PLUS VAT CHOICE OF 2 – £11,995 We guarantee quality vehicles, right prices, no pressure sales. Come and have a coffee while you browse at your leisure. Junction 23, M6 or 20 miles from Manchester/Liverpool airport. ALL PRICES PLUS VAT
HEATONS MOTOR CO. WIGAN
We guarantee quality vehicles, right prices, no pressure sales. Come and have a coffee while you browse at your leisure. Junction 23, M6 or 20 miles from Manchester/Liverpool airport.
HEATONS CO. WIGAN 53 Bickershaw Lane,MOTOR Abram, Wigan, Lancashire WN2 5PL 53 Bickershaw Lane, Abram, Wigan, Lancashire WN2 5PL
Tel: 01942 864222
Tel: 01942 864222 SEE OURSTOCK STOCKON ON OUR WEBSITE SEE ALL ALL OUR OUR WEBSITE www.heatonsmotorco.co.uk www.heatonsmotorco.co.uk
699786-1120-Eastwoods
7/3/14
14:03
Page 1
Plaxton Paragon – £28,750 + VAT 49 seats plus courier, Volvo B10M engine, manual gearbox, red moquette with matching curtains, reversing camera, sunken toilet, stainless wheel disks, air conditioning, aircraft lockers, MOT tested, excellent condition throughout, must be seen.
02 Setra – £40,000 o.n.o. for quick sale Model S-315 GT HD, 6 cylinder MAN engine, manual 6 speed gearbox, 49 seater, continental door, full air conditioning, many extras, full year MOT, part exchange considered.
EASTWOODS COMMERCIAL MOTORS LTD 229-241 Tyburn Road, Birmingham, West Midlands B24 8NB Telephone: 0121 328 5959 • Fax: 0121 327 3800
p60_CBW_1137 12/05/2014 13:40 Page 60
www.bbcommercials.co.uk
2013 FORD TOURNEO CUSTOM T300 2.2TDCI 155PS LIMITED ONLY 800 MILES £19,995
2012 FORD TOURNEO 125ps 9 SEATER MINIBUS DIESEL 29,000 MILES FROM NEW £14,995 NO VAT
2009 MERCEDES-BENZ TRAVELINER X/LWB 9 SEATER LUXURY MINIBUS 59,000 MILES £11,995
2011 FORD TRANSIT 115ps 17 SEATER MINIBUS EX-MoD COIF/PSV TEST DIESEL 56,000 MILES £11,950
2010 FORD TRANSIT 115ps TREND 12 SEATER MINIBUS 38,000 MILES WITH F.S.H DIESEL £10,995
2009 FORD TRANSIT 115ps 15 SEATER MINIBUS EX-COUNCIL COIF/PSV TEST 40,000 MILES WITH F.S.H DIESEL £9,995
2009 RENAULT TRAFIC 115ps LWB 9 SEATER MINIBUS 49,000 MILES DIESEL £9450
2006 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 16 SEATER MINIBUS WHEELCHAIR ACCESS EX-COUNCIL COIF/PSV 75,000 MILES £8,995
2005 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 16 SEATER MINIBUS WHEELCHAIR ACCESS EX-COUNCIL COIF/PSV £7,995
2006 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 MINIBUS WHEELCHAIR ACCESS EX-COUNCIL COIF/PSV DIESEL £6,995
2007 FORD TRANSIT 115ps 17 SEATER MINIBUS EX-COUNCIL 36,000 MILES WITH COIF/PSV TEST £8,995
60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 14, 2014
2009 RENAULT TRAFIC 115 DCI LWB 9 SEATER MINIBUS 73,000 MILES WITH F.S.H £8,995
2006/7 Scania K340 Caetano Levante
49 seats, rear floor mounted WC, automatic gearbox, air conditioning, DDA compliant
To arrange a viewing call 07760 771285
www.coachandbusweek.com
000000-1135-Connaught_Layout 1 28/04/2014 17:40 Page 1
New Euro 6 Ferqui Soroco Blue efficiency Euro 6 chassis with glass reinforced polyester body on a galvanised steel frame Available in 16 and 19 seat configurations Double glazing Air Conditioning Power Door Luggage boot 3 year warranty
2010 Iveco 45C15
2010 60 Reg Mercedes Benz 816D Cheetah
2010 59 Reg Mercedes 313CDi Sprinter
19 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, lowered entrance step.
29 high back seats plus courier, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, power door and large boot.
16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, low mileage.
2008 58 Reg Mercedes 515CDi Soroco
2006 56 Reg Mercedes Benz 616CDi Riada
2006 56 Reg Mercedes 413CDi Soroco
19 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.
23 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, curtains, DVD system, power door & large boot, new MB engine fitted.
16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, curtains, power door & large boot
2005 55 Reg Mercedes 814 Vario
2002 02 Reg Mercedes Benz 413CDi Soroco
24 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, luggage boot.
16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC reading lights, power door & boot.
2005 55 Reg Ford Transit Coach-built Optare Bonito 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, power door & large boot
Steve Peach
Tel: 01405 814064 Mob: 07836 551020 Email: info@connaughtpsv.co.uk Web: www.connaughtpsv.co.uk
p62_CBW_1137 12/05/2014 13:42 Page 62
Elite Travel Service Unit 12, Adwick Business Park, Adwick Park Court Adwick le Street, Doncaster DN6 7HD
! Setra 416 GTHD
PROFESSIONAL COACH CONVERSIONS ON NEW AND USED VEHICLES
Choice of three 2 x June 2009 – 1 x 48 + 1 x 49 reclining seats Euro 5, MOT April and February 15 £128,000 each + vat
• Professional conversions carried out to customer specification. • New and used vehicles converted. • Fully compliant for type approval as passenger carrying vehicle. • Conversion to any make or model. • Specialists in luxury mini-coach conversions. • Vehicles always available. In association with
1 x December 2006 - 49 reclining seats Euro 4, MOT March 15 £68,000 + vat All vehicles have, toilet, hot water boiler, seat back tables, seat nets, integrated fridges in front dash, radio PA, DVD player with two screens, centre isle carpet.
MINICOACHES ALBION HOUSE 16–18 ALBION STREET WILLENHALL WEST MIDLANDS WV13 21NJ TEL: 01902 631507 FAX: 01902 630791
Call today for more details of vehicles going into build or near completion. Used stock always available.
!
TEL: JOHN WORGAN 01302 721304
For further information and to arrange a viewing please call
Folkestone 01303 261870
Ensignbus
DOUBLE DECKER SPECIALIST
2009 Wrights Hybrids ●
● ●
● ●
● ●
VERY COMPETITIVELY PRICED! Juliette Close, Purfleet Industrial Park, Purfleet, Essex RM15 4YF Telephone: 01708 865656 Fax: 01708 864340 Email: sales@ensignbus.com Visit our website for current stock at www.ensignbus.com 62 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 14, 2014
www.coachandbusweek.com
p63_CBW_1137 12/05/2014 15:58 Page 63
Call for details on our website conversions, upseating, refurbishment, and change of use conversion. Also vehicles available for hire short and long term.
www.staffordbuscentre.com email: martin@staffordbuscentre.com Telephone: 01782 791774 Mobile: 07803 222552 View our latest arrivals on www.staffordbuscentre.com
MERCEDES 313 CDI SPRINTER LWB 2011 11 REG NEW MINICOACH CONVERSION TO A QUALITY USED VAN COIF + 12 MONTHS PSV MOT 16 COACH SEATS ON TRACK FRONT ENTRY,LUGGAGE RACKS DRIVERS LOCKER, NON SLIP FLOORING NEW TACHOGRAPH INSTALLATION OTHERS IN BUILD SO CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR £25,450.00
www.coachandbusweek.com
May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 63
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VUgYWcUW\gU`Yg#Wc#i_ 64 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 14, 2014
www.coachandbusweek.com
p65_CBW_1137NEW 12/05/2014 17:45 Page 65
2003 Volvo B12M Jonckheere Euro 3 48 x 3 point belted seats, 1 crew, air conditioned, saloon mounted w/c, rear continental door, MOT November 2014. £36,000 + VAT CHOICE Option to 53 or 55 w/c removed.
Nigel McCree Mobile: 07817 542113 Office: 01509 502695 or Nev Simpson Mobile: 07814 716149 Email: nigel@nigelmccree.com Insurance Stock updated weekly on the website:
www.nigelmccree.com SHORT OF CASH? RE-FINANCE YOUR VEHICLES WITH US – CALL 07736 850375
www.coachandbusweek.com
May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 65
p66_CBW_1137 12/05/2014 13:58 Page 66
BUSINESSES WANTED
Wanted
ENGINEERING SERVICES
Bus & Coach Businesses
Heaters • A/C Equipment Blowers • Motors • Radiators Silicone Hose • Ducting Wiper Equipment • Gas Struts
• Are you Retiring • Losing Money • Need Investment • or Just Had Enough
Tel: 01993 849522 Fax: 01993 706920
We have Interested Buyers, Cash Investors Waiting
Email: sales@thhs.co.uk
www.thhs.co.uk
Reply, in con"idence, to PO Box 490, Scarborough YO11 9FF
BUILDINGS
CHECKPOINTS
HEATING
UNIT 9 NIMROD BUSINESS PARK DE HAVILLAND WAY, WITNEY OX29 0YG
PARts
HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS
Bus Workshops - Secure Storage Supplied any width, any length Building to BS5590 - Doors high enough for Double Deckers - Finance available For further information phone
Formed in 2011 to support the UK’s PSV & CV operators with parts from Market leading OEM brands from World Wide renowned manufacturers
BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime
We off a comprehensive all makes parts program in:
ENGINES
THE CUMMINS ENGINE SPECIALISTS PARTS & SERVICE DIVISION
D.I.E.S.E.L. LIMITED OFFER A VAST RANGE OF SERVICES FOR ALL TYPES OF CUMMINS ENGINES FREE TECHNICAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT FULL OR 3/4 BUILT RECON ENGINES COMPETITIVE & COST EFFECTIVE SERVICE REPAIRS FIXED PRICE ENGINE REPAIRS/OVERHAULS COMPREHENSIVE PARTS STOCK – NEW AND USED ON SITE REPAIRS FULL ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS CONTACT US TODAY FOR ALL YOUR CUMMINS REQUIREMENTS TELEPHONE UK: 01708 859625 FAX UK: 01708 857630 EMAIL: SALES@DIESEL.UK.COM
Braking • Steering • Suspension Chassis Components • Transmission Filtration • Engine • Electrical Lubricants • Consumables EXPRESS PARTS DELIVERY
Master Part | Portland House | Dukeries Industrial Estate | Worksop | Notts | S81 7BQ
Contact Kerry Watson Tel: 01733 293488 Fax: 0845 280 2927 Email: kerry.watson@ coachandbusweek.com 66 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 14, 2014
www.coachandbusweek.com
p67_CBW_1137 12/05/2014 14:00 Page 67
REPAIRS
TRIM
COACH TRIMMERS LTD
Supplying the Bus and Coach Industry with quality seat retrims and interior refurbishment. Full floors re-laid and centre gangways. Collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK, seven days a week.
Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk
VEHICLE INSPECTION TRAINING
TRAINING
With driver CPC Course on average £78 + VAT per module, we are really competitive at £65 + VAT per module. BUT have you considered organising this training at your own premises* for 20 drivers, This would work out at £33 + VAT per person per module.
If you would like further information please call 01543 897505
Tel/Fax: 01751 472229
Specialist vehicle Inspection training with optional IRTEC
Visit our website: www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk
VEHICLE SPARES
Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd
TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE Contact Kerry Watson T: 01733 293488 F: 0845 280 2927 E: kerry.watson@coachandbusweek.com
TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY
Call 01226 723147 Night Service 01226 716479 Fax 01226 700199 Email wigleys@btconnect.com
www.twigley.com
www.coachandbusweek.com
May 14, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 67
In association with
NEWS › XXXXXX Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@coachandbusweek. com or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX
Monday: Press day goes smoothly until the internet decides to play up late in the afternoon. Tuesday: Catch up with admin. I’m delighted when a senior manager in a manufacturer responds to my request for a feature with a difference. Touch base with two members of our freelance team. Wednesday: Spend most of the day in the office writing. Head into the centre of Peterborough mid afternoon to the Brewery Tap. Meet Chris Wales for a long overdue catchup and interview him for a ‘Face to Face,’ which turns into a focus on the Coach Tourism Council – reflecting Chris’ life and his passion for promoting coach travel. Beaver away doing railway PR in a voluntary capacity in the evening and also respond to several CBW work emails. However, a police helicopter keeps me awake and scares our cat when it hovers nearby. Thursday: Another day in the office writing and working on news. Arrange a test drive of a Euro 6 coach and enjoy a catch up with the dealer’s PR man. Accompanied by Martin, Andy & James are with Nottingham City Transport (NCT) gathering material for our next superfeature issue. Friday: A hectic day in the office trying to get as much material ready for this issue as possible. Andy & James return from NCT later in the afternoon in high spirits, having enjoyed the familiar warm welcome and level of enthusiasm. Feeling very tired, I reluctantly call off my planned visit ‘back home’ to my parents.
Driver and bus retire at Swansea museum
First Cymru has donated a heritage open-top Bristol VR to Swansea Bus Museum in honour of a retired member of staff. Peter Nedin, 68, who volunteers at the museum, retired from First Cymru on March 28, having spent 45 years as a driver for the company. In that time he clocked up well over a million miles on the road – without ever having had an accident. Peter, and his friends at the museum, will now restore the bus to its former glory before putting it on display for all to see. It’s thought the presentation of a full size open top double deck bus is the first of its kind as a retirement gift. It certainly beats the standard carriage clock gift that so many people get when they leave active employment. Peter joined the bus industry 45 years ago in 1969 at the tender age of 20 and over the years has remained a model employee. He passed his driving test first time round at 17, and took his PSV test just two or three years later, before joining the United Welsh Bus Company. In all his years of service he was never involved in any form of blameworthy incident – maintaining a perfect driving record throughout. Five years ago he was given a medal by First Cymru recognising 40 years of safe, incident free driving and was also given the Road Operators Safety Council (ROSCO) Award for Safe Driver of the Year.
Justin Davies, Managing Director for First Cymru, said: “It was a sad day for us when Peter retired. We recognise though that after 45 years of working for us, five of which have been on a part-time basis, he wanted to spend more time doing the things he loves even more – restoring old buses. To help him with this we donated one of our oldest vehicles – which we had recently taken out of our fleet – to the museum in his honour. We hope he gets much fun and enjoyment restoring it back to its former glory.” Commenting on his gift, Peter said: “People had often joked that I should be given a bus because I’d worked for the company so long – but I never actually expected it to happen. It was such a shock and a great honour to be told the
old open topper would be donated to the museum in my name. It’s in really good condition for its age and it’s nice to be able to keep this in the area, helping to celebrate its history. “I had a fantastic career at First, and a great sending off when I left. I’m now enjoying retirement and wondering how I ever really had the time to go to work. I have plenty of little jobs to do around the house and have been enjoying days out here and there, alongside my work at the museum.” Registered ‘MOD 571P,’ between April 2011 until recently, the vehicle was used as the ‘Beach Bus’ on a service from Swansea to Limeslade/Bracelet bays. Prior to that it was used in Devon and Dorset.
A birthday gift with a difference A 16-page book called ‘A Very Special Family Party’ has been produced to mark the 60th birthday of Stagecoach co-founder and Chairman Sir Brian Souter. Illustrators have turned the company’s well-known brands – including UK Bus, megabus.com, South West Trains, East Midlands Trains and Supertram – into children’s characters in a fun story set at a ‘family’ birthday party for Sir Brian. Along with Sir Brian, characters such as Bobby Bus, Stanley Supertram and Molly megabus.com have been immortalised in cartoon form. The book, which was written by Stagecoach corporate affairs team member Lindsay Reid, is priced at £4 (plus postage) for a paperback copy. It is also expected that an electronic version that can be downloaded to Kindle will be available for £3.60. The finished product is now available to buy online at www.amazon.co.uk
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Peter is in his element with leaving present
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Centro welcomes visitors from Nigerian bus industry Centro recently hosted a VIP delegation out of Africa and in the UK as part of a study into the British way of doing things. The group from Nigeria was here studying the British bus industry as a model for developing a national strategy for their country. Centro officers gave presentations on ticketing, the Transforming Bus Travel initiative with operator National Express West Midlands (NXWM), and the UK bus market in general, plus a tour of the control centre and Birmingham city centre infrastructure. NXWM provided a bus and a visit to its Bordesley garage in Birmingham for a tour of their control centre and also gave a presentation about its partnership with Centro. Nigeria, one of the biggest and wealthiest countries in Africa, urgently needs to develop its network for it to keep pace with economic growth.
The Nigerian bus delegation with Centro officers during the visit to Centro House in Birmingham It has a population of 160 million people and while the Bus Rapid Transit system in the capital Lagos is well known it only operates on four corridors in a city with a population of 19 million. Dr Aminu Yusuf, Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Transport and Technology, said
BUSES
Based in Mertsham, Surrey we are looking for an experienced
General Manager
We are looking to strengthen our team by the addi�on of an experienced bus industry professional. A wide variety of opera�ons are undertaken by our Buses including School and Stage Carriage routes, in addi�on to private hires and contracts within the Surrey and London areas. Repor�ng directly to our Managing Director, the successful candidate will demonstrate excellent management and team leading skills, and have a sound knowledge of a similar bus opera�on . A CPC and PCV licence would be an advantage. A working knowledge of the Coach Manager system and Wayfarer would be desirable. In return we offer a compe��ve salary and benefits, along with a great working environment. Ini�ally please send a CV by email to opera�on@busesetc.com sta�ng your current renemuera�on package. Or call 07500 049061 and speak to Richard. This vacancy is due to internal changes and an immediate start will be offered to the right candidate.
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that in Lagos many stops at peak times can see more than 1,000 people waiting for buses to turn up. “At the moment we simply don’t have the capacity to meet demand as more people have jobs and need to travel on a daily basis, but the bus market has
remained fragmented with limited coordination, intervention and investment,” he said. “The UK is one of the best places in the world for us to learn.” The group had already visited TfL in London and the Intelligent Transport Solutions conference earlier in the week, and came to Centro as part of a seven day UK tour. Pete Bond, head of Transforming Bus Travel at Centro, said: “Feedback from the trip has been excellent, with the control centres here at Centro House and National Express being described as amazing. “The group intends to keep in touch with Centro and National Express as their ideas for policy develop. “The organisers have already told us they would like others from the Nigerian bus market to see the West Midlands and the level of customer focus given by the bus sector.”
BUSES
Based in Mertsham, Surrey we are looking for an experienced
Bus Opera ons Manager A wide variety of opera�ons are undertaken by our Buses including school and Stage Carriage routes, in addi�on to private hires and contracts. Repor�ng directly to our managing director, the successful candidate will demonstrate good management and team leading skills and have full knowledge of driver's hours and other legisla�on. A CPC and PCV licence would be an advantage. A working knowledge of the Coach Manager system and Wayfarer would be desirable. In return we offer a compe��ve salary and benefits, along with a great working environment. Ini�ally please send a CV by email to opera on@busesetc.com sta�ng your current renemuera�on package . Or call 07500 049061 and speak to Richard. This vacancy is due to internal changes and an immediate start will be offered to the right candidate. If you feel this is the job for you please get in touch now.
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RECRUITMENT & PEOPLE DEADLINES Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm CONTACT Ian Gillis T: 01733 293484 E: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com
First uses trans-Atlantic links to help pipe band Members of the ‘Cockenzie and Port Seton Royal British Legion Pipe Band’ have recently returned from a trip of a lifetime to New York where they were taking part in the city’s annual Tartan Day Parade and Tattoo. A 37-strong team made the trip, aged between 10 and 60, led by Pipe Major Rod Paton, who is a Painter at First Scotland East. In order to help reduce the costs of the trip, Rod approached the operator’s senior management team to see if the company could provide coach travel to and from Edinburgh Airport. The company agreed – and went one better. First Scotland East’s parent company, FirstGroup, is the largest provider of yellow school buses in North America. Therefore, the company arranged for a yellow school bus, complete with driver, to take the pipe band on a complementary New York sight-seeing tour whilst they were in the Big Apple.
Rod, 54, said: “The trip was absolutely fantastic. I started the Pipe Band in 2010 and could never have imagined that some four years later we would be performing at the Tartan Day Parade or the New York tattoo. It was a little nerve-wracking, but the entire band were tremendous – I’m extremely proud of each and every one of our members. He added: “I was delighted that First supported our trip by providing transport to Edinburgh Airport and laying on the yellow school bus. Being able to tour New York in a yellow school bus was a real thrill and was especially popular with younger members of the band – Central Park and Grand Central Station were two of the favourites.” John Gorman, Operations Director at First Scotland East said: “It was a wonderful opportunity for the band and I’m pleased that we were able to help.”
Pipe Major and First Scotland East Painter, Rod Paton.
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Epsom staff go Dutch Epsom Coaches staff and their families really know how to enjoy themselves, with over 40 taking advantage of a very special social club trip to Amsterdam. The very best transport and a great hotel, all at a subsided price were the prefect ingredients, combined with excellent weather. This is just one of many excursions and holidays organised by the ‘Inns and Out Club,’ the name for Epsom’s long-established social scene. Organiser Monalisa Cameron said: “Everyone had a good time, this really cements the great relationship we have with our staff team and very importantly their families.”
Epsom Coaches staff pose for the obligatory group photo
New role for Bus Users UK’s Gillian Merron Gillian Merron, Chairman of Bus Users UK (BUUK), is to take up a new role as Chief Executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the voice of the Jewish community in Britain. During her time at BUUK, the organisation has undergone immense change, becoming the designated body for passenger complaints under EU Passenger Rights Legislation in 2014, and launching Bus Users Scotland in 2013. Gillian also oversaw the appointment of a new Chief Executive, Claire Walters, who was tasked with undertaking a full strategic review of the organisation.
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Commenting on her new appointment Gillian said: “I am proud of the unprecedented advance made by Bus Users in becoming a more effective champion. The changes made leave the organisation everstronger as a professional representative of bus passengers and a clear voice to the industry, and to decision makers at all levels of government. “It is an honour to have served as Chairman and I will miss being a part of the transport world. I now look forward to taking up a new challenge, in serving my community in a key national role. I value the support and
friendship I have received, and remain committed to the practical view that bus services are vital to people and to prosperity across the UK.” Claire Walters said: “As a former Transport Minister, Gillian’s knowledge and expertise has been invaluable to Bus Users UK. Gillian has led us through one of the most transformative periods in the history of the organisation and has helped raise the profile of Bus Users throughout the sector. We wish her every success in her new role.” Gillian takes up her new post in July, before which she will be chairing the BUUK Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh on May 17.
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