Coach & Bus Week : 1138 by Coach and Bus Week & Group Travel World

Volkswagen completes Pennine Motors Euro 6 M-B Citaros for calls it a day p8 Germany’s steepest route p14 Scania takeover p8

First marks Westcliff 100 p36

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ibuses ● CV Show mincato ● New Fiat Du

xxxx

Yutong TC12 delivered to Cropley Coaches

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CONTENTS

24 26

ALBUM Conference

Lothian Buses hosts the major industry event in Scotland for the �irst time

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Cover Story...

Heritage send off for rail replacement

News Focus

Ensignbus has marked the end of what has been a long running rail replacement for c2c by running a selection of heritage vehicles last Sunday

Legal Update

Amongst cases reported is one where CCTV evidence from the bus helps Stagecoach to defend itself from a claim brought by a passenger

MINIBUS

29 30 38

p24 p16

Comment

When it comes to new minibuses, not all manufacturers are in a rush to embrace Euro 6 as Martin Cole outlines

VEHICLES

Fiat launch

The latest evolution of the Fiat Ducato, unveiled by Fiat Professional

News

Mountain Goat offers ‘Lux in the Lakes’, luxury chauffeur-driven tours to be run under the Park Tours brand

CLASSIFIEDS

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003_CBW1138_Contents.indd 3

P65-67

A full range of industry products and services to choose from.

JOBS

P69-70

The first for recruitment with the latest industry jobs and new recruitment every week. www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs

Top Stories

CV Show

The Citroën Relay made its world debut at the CV Show and there were numerous other developments in current minibus platforms as well as a selection of coachbuilt vehicles and conversions on display

P47-64

The no.1 website for buying and selling your coaches, buses and minibuses. Now with over 1,000 more vehicles to choose from. www.coachandbusmarket.com

Regulars

05 Comment 06 News 08 Bus News 10 Coach News 12 Regional News 14 International News 36 Big Picture 68 Last Stop 69 People

6 l Cropley Coaches, first operator to order a Yutong TC12 from Pelican Engineering, takes delivery 8 l Volkswagen has completed Scania takeover deal. It now has 90.5% of the Swedish manufacturer’s share capital 10 l The London Tourist Coach Operators Association (LTCOA) gives its verdict on the provision for coaches at London Heathrow Airport’s new Terminal 2 May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 3 19/05/2014 19:46

000000-1138-Airconco 19/05/2014 17:36 Page 1

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

EDITORIAL Publisher Jonathan Taylor 01733 293240 jonathan.taylor@coachandbusweek.com Editor Gareth Evans 01733 293243 gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com Features Editor Andrew Izatt 01733 293482 andrew.izatt@coachandbusweek.com Digital Editor James Day 01733 293244 james.day@coachandbusweek.com Art Director Ian Blaza Contributors Martin Cole, Jonathan Bray, David Bell, Tony Hunter, Steve Hodgson

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & EVENTS Advertising & Marketing Manager Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com Kerry Watson Assistant Advertising Manager 01733 293488 Kerry.watson@coachandbusweek.com

Wright Group MD Mark Nodder cited Google’s development of a driverless car at the ALBUM conference. STEVE JURVESTON

Driverless buses?

Senior Sales Executive Caroline Barnes 01733 293480 caroline.barnes@coachandbusweek.com Sales & Admin Executive Gemma Ireland 01733 293247 gemma.ireland@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Production June Barnard 01473 858761 june@adsproduction.co.uk

SUBSCRIPTIONS & CIRCULATION Subscriptions & Circulation Manager Samantha Noble 01733 293240 samantha.noble@coachandbusweek.com Subscriptions Executive Lorraine Jackson 01733 293483 lorraine.jackson@coachandbusweek.com Annual subscription rate for 51 issues: UK £85, Europe/Eire £140, USA and RoW £295 ONLINE £44.95 www.coachandbusweek.com Cover picture: John Lidstone 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 Stagecoach upbeat in trading update p12 FINANCIAL NEWS

Rail blockade enhances Improved �inancial results at Shearings p10 Nat Ex bookings p11 COACH NEWS

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UITP Declaration on ADL’s global expansion Leadership as itClimate goes for growthp15

Network Warrington welcomes new MD p9

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Central Buses and Arriva go head-to-head p8

BUS NEWS

s you will probably gather when you read my write up on p16, I enjoyed myself at the ALBUM (Association of Local Bus Managers) conference in Edinburgh last week. Among all the friendly chit-chat were some developments which caught my eye, interesting items seemingly buried in the presentations by those from the bus manufacturers. Notably Scania con�irmed it is building a gas bus double-decker for the UK market, which will be unveiled later in the year. Then, here was Volvo’s plug-in coach and electric double-decker. I’m sure there will be some interesting things to look at the IAA show at Hannover in the autumn. In his familiar down to earth manner, Mark Nodder, Managing Director at Wrights Group made the interesting point that car technology tends to be 10 years ahead of bus. With that in mind, he talked about how Google developed in secret a driverless car. In a recent Financial Times article, Google revealed it’s vehicles have travelled up to 200 miles in one go without a driver having to take the wheel but are currently tested with two people in every car, both to monitor and to take control when necessary. Chris Urmson, who leads Google’s self-driving

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New product NEWS ● Edwards coaches development suffer vandal attack at Alexander ● 2014 UK Bus Dennis p44 Awards underway 001_CBW1136_Cover.indd 1

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Wednesday May 14, 2014 | Issue 1137 |

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DELIVERIES

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NEWS ● Fifth round of Scottish Green Bus Fund announced ● Souter Investments buys operator in Finland p8

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car project, was quoted as saying: “One of the big motivators for our team is safety. 90% of the cause of accidents is human error. We can have a huge impact here. This is a real opportunity . . . we are not done yet but we are on the way.” Interesting stuff. Taking both Chris’ and Mark’s comments, driverless buses would be interesting. A guided busway possibly, but in everyday service? Hmm... Still, whoever would have thought 50 years ago that the Docklands Light Railway, with its driverless trains would exist? Anyway, I would like to thank the organisers of ALBUM for putting on such an excellent event. I know I’m not alone – for that view was echoed by suppliers and delegates alike. Indeed, I didn’t hear a single negative comment. It was truly a credit to the team at Lothian. It will surely be a tough act to follow. On a separate note, condolences from us all here in the CBW of�ice go those involved with the coach crash near Loose. Our thoughts are with you at what is without doubt a very dif�icult time. As always, we at CBW don’t carry photos of the scene as we don’t wish to add to the distress.

Gareth Evans Editor

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May 21 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5 19/05/2014 20:22

Wright Group MD Mark Nodder cited Google’s development of a driverless car at the ALBUM conference. STEVE JURVESTON

Driverless buses?

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 Stagecoach upbeat in trading update p12 FINANCIAL NEWS

Rail blockade enhances Improved �inancial results at Shearings p10 Nat Ex bookings p11 COACH NEWS

p32

xxxxxxxx p18

UITP Declaration on ADL’s global expansion Leadership as itClimate goes for growthp15

Network Warrington welcomes new MD p9

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Central Buses and Arriva go head-to-head p8

BUS NEWS

£1bn for the Advanced

Propulsion BASE with Centre p7 MOBIpeople p10

Suffolk Bus Puntuality Improvement Partnership p9

Around 26 vehicles promised at Stagecoach West Running Day p18

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New product NEWS ● Edwards coaches development suffer vandal attack at Alexander ● 2014 UK Bus Dennis p44 Awards underway 001_CBW1136_Cover.indd 1

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Wednesday May 14, 2014 | Issue 1137 |

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Changes to charges and facilities proposed NEWS for coaches announced by VisitBlackpool p10 001_CBW1135_Cover.indd 1 12/05/2014 20:09

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DELIVERIES

● Plaxton Leopard Volvo B9Rs for Aziz Coach Service p34

NEWS ● Fifth round of Scottish Green Bus Fund announced ● Souter Investments buys operator in Finland p8

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28/04/2014 17:56

May 21 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5 19/05/2014 19:23

NEWS

Cropley is first with Yutong TC12 Lincolnshire operator was first in the UK to order a Chinesebuilt Yutong LTC12 John Cropley of Fosdyke, Lincolnshire-based Cropley Coaches, the first UK operator to order a Yutong TC12, took delivery of his coach last Tuesday. John had it vinyled on Friday and it under took its first hire, a day trip to Boulogne, on Monday this week. Its next commitment is a Spanish tour starting on Saturday. The demonstrator, test driven by CBW at the beginning of the year (Issue 1123, February 5) is now in service with Hamilton Coaches of Uxbridge. For John Cropley, it wasn’t just the build quality of the demonstrator that had impressed. It was Castlefordbased Pelican Engineering’s willingness to provide the 24/7 aftersales support he needs to run his 13-coach operation. Between 150 and 200 overseas school coach movements for a variety of providers are undertaken annually and that’s on top of local mostly school private hire and 10 home-to school contracts. Vehicle utilisation is high so any downtime is a concern. With its extensive experience of the haulage industry, Pelican understands that. When John phoned the dealership about a minor fault on the Yutong last Thursday evening, it offered to send a service engineer immediately. John was happy to wait until the next morning and the engineer was on site at 0700hrs. When it was discovered that another part was required another engineer was at Fosdyke within two hours. Apart from a Caetano Optimo

6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014 006_007_CBW1138_News.indd 6

Cropley’s Yutong TC12 looks particularly smart in the operator’s livery V, a 22-seater bought new and one of the last to enter service, the Cropley line up was entirely Volvo – a mix of 12m and 13m B7R, B9R, B12M and B12B – until the Yutong arrived. A Plaxton Profile, up-seated to 70 by Cogent, is proving to be a very popular hire, but the remainder of the fleet is standardised on Sunsundegui – mostly 49-seaters with toilets, but also 53, 55 and 57-seaters. Most have been bought new, John usually updating annually, and two are wheelchair lift equipped. John’s 12m Yutong TC12 has a 51-seat specification with a centre sunken toilet, continental door and air conditioning. Seat moquette is an attractive red design that’s complemented by similarly coloured racks and ceiling.

“The build quality of the Yutong is on a par with a Setra,” said John, who also runs a Great Wall pick-up. Grays in nearby Holbeach is a Great Wall dealer. “It’s that wellbuilt. It’s the attention to detail that impressed me and there are some interesting features. When you shut the toilet door, the toilet automatically flushes. ”There’s a lot of commitment from the dealer and manufacturer to make this work. There’s a team from Yutong that have been here for weeks finding out what operators think. They asked my son Chris his views when he went up to Castleford.” The Cropley coach operation was founded by John’s grandfather, Randolph in 1920. It has been a limited company since 1961. John’s

father Len died in 1980 and what was then a three-Bedford fleet was run by his widow Pat until 1985 when John and his wife Sandra took over. They have now been joined in the business by Chris and the firm operates from purpose-built, smartly-presented premises that include a two-bay workshop that John had built over five years. Each stage was only completed when the necessary funds to finance it had been generated. John said that when he and Sandra took over the coaches, they said they would only give it a go if they could do the job right. Today’s smart, modern turnout is testament to that and there’s a waiting list of drivers who want to join.

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Fatal coach incident in Cornwall

Google launches comprehensive public transport information service Google has updated its of�icial Maps app to include every transport link in Great Britain for the �irst time. The app had covered London and some areas of south east England in terms of transport links, but the new update expands to the rest of the country as well as Scotland and Wales; including every bus, tram, train and ferry route available. The new public transport service launched on May 14. The updated Maps now has schedules for more than one million public transport stops around the world, as well as timetables for more than 17,000 routes, covering more than 1,000 transport operators. The update also colour codes routes relevant to how they appear on physical maps to make them more familiar, and it covers the desktop version of the app as well as the mobile version that runs on the Apple iOS and Android platforms. Transport data specialists ITO World partnered with Google to help implement the system. ITO World is enriching, converting and serving information on more than 17,000 separate routes across England, Scotland and Wales for Google’s new public transport service, which is being powered by its

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Google’s new system is powered by ITO World’s Transport DMT system. Seen here is a visualisation from the company, displaying two hours of journeys from Maidstone Barracks railway station in Kent new Data Management Platform, Transport DMP. Minister of State for Transport, Baroness Kramer, said: “Government and transport operators have worked together closely over the past decade to make transport data available and to develop journey planning services like Traveline and Transport Direct. “Public transport in Google Maps builds on this work. The development of applications by the private sector using transport data helps us plan journeys whilst on the go.” Commenting on the news, Giles Fearnley, Managing Director of First Bus, said: “This is great news for Britain’s bus users and an important development for the bus industry. Given the tremendous reach and exposure of Google Maps, a huge number of people will now be able to access accurate and easy to understand public transport information.

“The use of new technology is critical as we continue to improve our services and encourage more people to use the bus. I hope that when users access Google Maps and search for public transport options they will realise that catching the bus is a reliable, cost effective and convenient means of travel.” David Tattersall, Product Manager for Public Transport in Google Maps, said: “This is the single largest and most comprehensive update we’ve ever done to our public transport coverage anywhere in the world, so it’s something we’re really proud of. “One of the things we realised with public transport is that it can be a really bewildering task for a lot of people if you’re not familiar with what bus stop you should go to, where you should get off, things like that. We set out to make public transport a lot easier for people living in England, Scotland and Wales.”

Two women died and 48 people were injured when a coach crashed into a wall in Morval near Looe in Cornwall on Tuesday, May 13. Eight passengers, who were on an Age Concern trip from Exmouth, Devon, were taken to hospital and are thought to be critically injured. All 50 passengers were believed to be over 60 years old. The coach was part of Carmel Coaches’ Exeter operation. The �irm’s website went down after the accident and remained down as CBW went to press, with the message: “Carmel Coaches extends our deepest sympathies to those involved in today’s accident. We are co-operating with the authorities in the investigation of this tragic event.”

Eurocoaches livery competition

Yate, Bristol-based Eurocoaches has invited school children aged between 11 and 18 to design a livery for one of its coaches. The winner will receive an iPad for themselves while the school they attend will receive £250 for the art department. All that the operator requires is that the Eurocoaches logo appears in the livery in some form, but it can be modi�ied. “Keep an eye on our Facebook page at facebook.com/eurotaxis. ltd to see some of the entries,” says the operator. “Final day for entries is June 16, 2014. The winner will be announced on June 20. One entry per student.”

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7 19/05/2014 14:57

NEWS › BUSES B R I E F LY l TFL’S ROUTE 136, which hitherto ran between Grove Park and Peckham was extended to Elephant & Castle from May 10. As a result, it now takes the same route as the 343 service. More buses have been added to the 136 to maintain the frequency – which is a bus every 10 minutes Monday to Saturday daytimes and every 15 minutes in the evenings and on Sundays. Route 343 runs every six to seven minutes Monday to Saturday daytimes and every 10 minutes during the evenings and on Sundays. l THE IRTE AWARDS at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham celebrated the achievements of the top-scoring irtec-licnensed technicians. They included George Gray from National Express Dundee and Robert Steel from London Borough of Redbridge. l THE FIRST LONDON UNITED electric Optare MetroCity entered service on route H98 last Friday. It’s one of four electric MetroCitys that will be evaluated by the operator as part of ongoing Transport for London (TfL) trials. Another two similarly powered buses are due for Arriva in June. Two BYD electrics entered service on routes 507/521 last December and TfL is in discussions with other manufacturers about providing more electrics. l STAGECOACH has cut energy consumption at its 110 bus garages in the UK following the introduction of an upgraded energy management system provided by Vickers Electronics. Results show that the technology has helped Stagecoach to save around 55,000 tonnes of CO2 in the past 10 years. A recent sample of results from 19 Stagecoach depots showed a reduction in energy consumption of around 46% when comparing the summer months (June, July and August) of 2012 with the same months in 2013. Stagecoach has invested more than £2.2m in the Vickers system and it is claimed it has saved more than £7.8m in energy bills in the 10 years that the different systems have been in place.

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014 008_009_CBW1138_Bus News.indd 8

2.4bn

Number of passenger journeys made in London in the 2013/14 financial year

£2.5bn

Money spent revamping Heathrow’s Terminal 2

Volkswagen completes Scania takeover Deal is reached giving VW 90.5% of Scania’s share capital, allowing it to ‘squeeze out’ minority shareholders Volkswagen (VW) has crossed the ownership threshold needed to squeeze out minority shareholders of Scania, the Financial Times reported. VW said that a Skr200 a share offer to Scania minority shareholders, first tabled in February, had obtained acceptances which would give it 90.5% of Scania’s share capital when combined with shares VW already owns. Under Swedish law VW is therefore able to squeeze out remaining Scania shareholders and delist the company. The German group broke the 90% barrier after Swedish pension fund Alecta, the fourth-biggest shareholder in Scania with 2.04%, reversed its previous opposition to the offer. Although VW fully controls Munich-based MAN, Scania operates under an arm’s length

principle. This led to a ‘complex and laborious decision-making process,’ hampering the pursuit of common projects and parts sharing. The offer to buy out Scania shareholders will cost VW up to €6.7bn, which it will fund by issuing up to €2bn in new preference (nonvoting) shares, up to €3bn in new hybrid capital, and by dipping into its €17.7bn cash reserves. There was concern in Sweden that VW’s takeover would lead to a loss of jobs and industrial expertise. VW responded by promising not to cut jobs or close plants, pointing to a tradition of preserving the identity and independence of its 12 brands within the VW Group. “We are pleased that Scania shareholders accepted our highly attractive offer to the necessary extent,” said Martin Winterkorn, VW Chief Executive. “We can now take the next logical and consistent step in our strategy to create a leading commercial vehicles group.” Before its offer, VW controlled 89% of Scania voting rights and 63% of its share capital.

Pennine Motors closes business Pennine Motor Services ceased to trade as a bus company after close of business last Friday, May 16. The firm operated 14 Denis Dart buses and employed 19 drivers. The first low-floor vehicle was purchased four years ago. Six Skipton-based routes were operated providing links to Malham, Carleton, Embsay, Settle and around Skipton. The main service to Burnley had experienced competition from Transdev Burnley & Pendle for several years. Company Secretary Maurice Simpson said that the decision to close “is due to the free travel payments from North Yorkshire Council being reduced by 20% and another bus company running too many buses on our main bus route between Skipton and Barnoldswick. “I am sure you will appreciate that this has been a very difficult decision for myself and my family as my grandfather founded the business in 1925 together with his brother and brother-in-law, but unfortunately it is no longer financially viable. “I would like to thank all our loyal

Pennine started introducing low-floor buses four years ago. DAVID BELL customers for their unwavering support over the last 88 years.” Norman Simpson, Maurice’s father and the driving force behind the business for many years, died in June 2011. Norman had never made any secret of the fact that the Simpson family’s other business interests had been subsidising the bus company for some years. He had continued to

operate out of a strong sense of social responsibility to the local community, a view shared by Maurice. Richard Jackson, Development Director of Transdev which has been competing against Pennine told the Blackburn Citizen: “We are greatlt saddened to hear of the possible demise of such an established company.”

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1,400

Total number of Fiat Professional dealerships

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One of 40 new ADL-bodied Scanias delivered to Nottingham City Transport this year. DAVID BELL

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SHARE WATCH Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, May 19. 21st Century saw the greatest proportional rise, while Go-Ahead Group saw the greatest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.lse.co.uk

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Grayson e-drive success with Alexander Dennis ADL (Alexander Dennis) has recently had several large orders placed for new single and double deck buses including 201 Enviro500s for Singapore-based transport operator SMRT, and 94 Enviro400s and 40 Enviro200s for Arriva’s UK Bus business. The Enviro500s are equipped with Grayson’s energy saving e-drive, which replaces the more traditional hydraulic system. E-drive is designed to give operators a high level of control

Bus Users UK criticises CC remedies

Bus Users UK has challenged the call for longer registration times made by the Competition Commission. Responding to the Department for Transport’s consultation on the implementation of the Commission’s bus registration

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008_009_CBW1138_Bus News.indd 9

of fan speed and temperature; the fans on the Grayson system only need to be operated on full power when conditions demand it. Customers have reported fuel savings of up to 15%, with reductions in noise levels also reported. The module requires minimal maintenance, therefore further reducing costs and vehicle downtime. The cooling module will soon be used on the Enviro200 and Enviro400 modules. These new remedies, CEO of Bus Users, Claire Walters, argued the move could be counter-productive for passengers. She said: “Imposing a three month delay or longer for new services to be introduced or for changes to be made to improve existing services, hinders operators from being responsive to the needs of passengers. “We understand that local authorities need time to organise replacement services where services are being

spec buses will be rolling off the line later this year. The e-drive system is also available as a retro�it option for older vehicles. Stuart Hateley, Grayson’s Managing Director said: “We’re proud to be associated with such a remarkable UK industry leader, and to be such an integral part to the production of their buses is amazing. We have sustained a brilliant long term partnership with ADL and we look forward to this continuing into the future. ” withdrawn. There also clearly needs to be an adequate notice period for anyone affected by changes to a service. However, making passengers wait unnecessarily for improvements while putting up with unreliable or poor services isn’t in anyone’s best interests. “We’d like to see more discretion given to Traf�ic Commissioners to enable services that bene�it passengers to be introduced in a shorter timescale.”

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on last week

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9 19/05/2014 15:32

NEWS › COACHES RO A D WATC H n THE M1 at junction 19 (A14) is to be shut between 2100 and 0600hrs next week as part of the ongoing upgrade of the notorious congestion hotspot. The southbound carriageway will be shut between the exit and entry slip roads on the nights of Tuesday 27 and Wednesday May 28, while the northbound carriageway will be closed between the same points the following two nights. Traffic will be diverted along the M6 north to junction 1 where it can turn around and rejoin the M1. n THE M54 will be closed between junctions 1 and 2 near Wolverhampton for eight nights from Tuesday (May 27) – four nights westbound followed by four nights eastbound – from 2100 to 0600hrs. Traffic will be diverted via the A460 and A449 or vice versa. n THE A64 is being resurfaced between High Hutton and Golden Hill junction, Malton, North Yorkshire this week. Work on the two-mile stretch will take place overnight between 2000 and 0600hrs. A convoy system of traffic control is in operation, with a temporary speed limit of 40mph in place, dropping to 10mph while the convoy system is operating. The Highways Agency said there may be a need to close the Barneygate Lane junction during the work. A diversion route will take traffic via Low Hutton Lane into Huttons Ambo when this is required. The task is scheduled for completion by June 13. n WORK TO WIDEN the northbound carriageway of the M6 around junction 32 at the interchange with the M55 (Blackpool) began last week. In the first phase of traffic management for the work, there are daytime hard shoulder closures and overnight lane closures on the M6 and M55 around the interchange. The traffic management for the scheme will change from Friday, May 29 in a second phase of the project when overnight slip road and carriageway closures will be needed.

LTCOA verdict on new Heathrow Terminal 2 LTCOA raise concerns about lack of pick-up bays and poor signage, although the airport immediately moves to correct some of the issues The London Tourist Coach Operators Association (LTCOA) was invited to tour Heathrow’s new Terminal 2 (T2) to view the new facilities and allow its members to give their insight to the staff at the airport. The tour started at the Central Bus Station from which a tunnel takes groups straight to the main concourse.

An attractive terminal

LTCOA provided an overview of the new terminal: “Everything in T2 has been designed and built on a grand scale. Wide access routes and masses of space mean that the airport’s customers will not feel crushed and squashed into narrow spaces. With an anticipated 20 million passengers per annum this will be a welcome change from the overcrowded, old, drab 1950’s built T2. “We were told that everything had been designed with the customer in mind; planned to make the best possible experience. For passengers arriving by road at the departures level, there is one large doorway accessed by just one similarly large crossing serving the various lanes of the forecourt. For our visit much of the external space was still ‘work in progress.’ “The Departure Hall is airy with clear wayfinding. At the time of our visit it was full of thousands of ex-lost property suitcases neatly lined up for one of the many trials and dry runs taking place to ensure that T2’s opening runs as smooth as clockwork. It is clear that a great deal of thought has gone into ensuring that there is no repeat of the problems and poor publicity that beset the first days of T5. With the planned soft start – one airline only for the first two weeks then more being added a few at a time – we should hope to see only good press for this opening. “Having passed through passport control and the usual security

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checks, the airside space is light, airy and packed with every kind of retail outlet you might hope to see – including John Lewis – I believe this is the first partnership store in an airport. This space also boasts a number of art installations, but nothing to compare with Richard Wilson’s massive ‘Slipstream’ sculpture to be found on the main concourse. The main concourse is semi open air and entirely designed and built around the ‘Slipstream’ statue. At over 70 meters long and weighing over 77 tonnes, Slipstream is an impressive sight. “For inbound passengers the immigration hall is vast and the baggage carousels commodious. We were promised touchdown to carousel in 20 minutes. “So far it’s looking like £2.5billion well spent.”

Concern for coach operators

However, through the eyes of a coach operator, LTCOA drew a very different conclusion. It reported: “The good news is that the drop off bays (two) are situated on the upper level in Lane One right outside the main concourse. Not by the door but at least passengers do not have to cross roadways to get into the terminus; the pickup bays (threeish) on Level Zero are situated in Lane One outside the main concourse. Not by the door but

at least they do not have to cross roadways to get to the coaches. And that is the end of the good news! “There are just three pick up bays, situated at the end of Lane One so waiting passengers will be exposed to the elements. The three bays are actually one bay which is long enough to accommodate three coaches, but the road layout is such that the only way to get three coaches in there is if at least one of them reverses into the bay – on the forecourt of an airport terminus. Did anyone do a risk assessment on that? “So at peak times when there

Concerns were raised about a substantial reduction in coach pickup bays at the new Heathrow terminal. GOOGLE STREETVIEW www.coachandbusweek.com

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Heathrow adjusts

will be a need to keep all bays continually occupied, realistically the best position will be two coaches and a minibus. Let us not forget that the old, and smaller, T2 had six coach pick up bays and there were times when that was not enough. “The pavement between the exit doors and the coach bays is severely restricted by a series of security bollards. Frankly large groups will not accept being crushed with their luggage trolleys into this space, they will just walk out in the roadway – and the risk assessment on this one? “Inside things were worse. In

the luggage hall, the electronic signboards give information about Onward Journey Information – under coaches it says ‘for national destinations and coach information, including connections to some rail stations.’ What they mean is those vehicles on scheduled services which have more facilities that a regular bus – National Express for example. Nothing for Charter Coaches/ Group Travel. “After customs passengers come out onto the concourse – there is a sign that shows the way to the exit. Once they have come outside there is a sign showing the

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LTCOA, said: “We’re very pleased Heathrow has taken our feedback on board with regards to the signage – they even asked ‘what wording shall we use’ and we believe they’re running with the wording we suggested. “However, the pick-up facilities remain a concern. T2 is looking to increase the number of passengers going through it by 150%, yet has effectively less than half the pick up bays. With T1 closing slowly and merging into Terminal 2, it’s going to get even worse. “We appreciate that there is competition for curb space, but all we want to do is get passengers out of the airport as quickly as possible. “Our thanks to Heathrow’s Landside Team for inviting LTCOA to visit and for hosting such a comprehensive tour. Also to London Mini Coaches for transport and the White Hart, Harlington for a superb supper after the tour.”

way to Heathrow Express, other terminals, buses, underground and car parks. That’s all. “The lift offers on Level Zero (the one they want) ‘Buses, taxis, overheight vehicles, motorcycles and a smoking area.’ The lift also offers Level -1, which for our customers this looks far more promising, ‘Central Bus Station’ and there is an excellent tunnel link, but if our customers were to make their way to Central Bus Station they will be well and truly lost.”

LTCOA was offered a comprehensive tour of the new terminal, to see what was happening and voice their concerns

Join the group

The representatives from LTCOA were very vocal about the �laws at the new T2, with their host taking plenty of notes. He indicated that some of the points could be easily remedied and others were beyond his control. The airport appeared to take the feedback on board, telling LTCOA that the digital signage in the baggage hall would now include directions for group travel, with instructions to go to bus stops 1 and 2 on the arrivals forecourt. Sue Reynolds, Chairman of the

The �irst �lights are due to land at T2 on June 4 and Her Majesty the Queen of�icially opens The Queen’s Terminal on

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LTCOA pointed out the signage around the new terminal was inadequate for groups using chartered coach services www.coachandbusweek.com

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Baggage from lost property was being used for trials to make sure the terminal was operating smoothly

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www.primeps.com May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 11 19/05/2014 15:24

NEWS › REGIONAL MIDLANDS

KEY

TANAT VALLEY COACHES is revising the route of one of its longestablished bus services to provide direct links between Ellesmere and Whittington to the Orthopaedic Hospital for the first time. From Monday June 2, service 449 is being changed to provide a brand new daily direct link between Whittington and the Orthopaedic Hospital, which will save those travelling from Whittington to the hospital the inconvenience of having to change buses in Oswestry. Furthermore, the revised route passes the entrance to Park Hall Farm which will allow families from Oswestry, Whittington and Ellesmere the chance to leave the car at home and go by bus. Existing passengers from Ellesmere will still be able to reach Oswestry in under 30 minutes. Although the route will no longer operate along Oswestry’s Whittington Road, it will serve the entrance to Jasmine Gardens. Mike Morris, Managing Director at Tanat Valley Coaches said: “We are introducing this change as a result of customer demand – something we as a local, family-run company take seriously. “Not only does it make it easier for people to get the Orthopaedic and Park Hall Farm, it means our existing service remains an attractive option to get from Oswestry to Whittington and Ellesmere.”

A MINI-ROUNDABOUT was to blame for traffic gridlock in Northampton on the day the town’s new £7m North Gate bus station opened, a report by the Chief Executives of the Borough Council and Northamptonshire County Council has found. According to the report, while the interchange managed the peak of bus traffic in the morning rush hour well on Monday, March 3, with no significant problems, by 1100hrs traffic was at a standstill. The road layout on Bradshaw Street included a mini-roundabout at the exit from the interchange. This required buses to give way to traffic coming up College Street, or from King Street / the Park Inn, or doing a u-turn coming East along Bradshaw Street, a manoeuvre particularly relevant to Private Hire Vehicles (PHV) dropping off at the interchange. During the morning rush hour, this had not caused a problem as 12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014 012_014_CBW1138_Regional News.indd 12

there was little traffic along College Street or out of King Street, but this increased significantly midmorning. At this point, traffic which took precedence over buses was clogging up Bradshaw Street to the point where buses coming out of the interchange couldn’t move out on to Bradshaw Street easily. As exit from the interchange began to block, this led to queuing within the interchange. Shortly afterwards it became difficult for buses to enter the interchange at all. This led to queuing up Greyfriars, which then blocked the exits from Sheep Street meaning traffic coming up the Drapery or out of Bradshaw Street could not do so. Engineers removed the offending roundabout that evening. The costs associated with the highway improvement works needed amounted to £15,000. The report concluded: “The project was designed over three years ago. The designs were seen by the relevant professionals and partners over that period from all organisations involved. None of these professionals recognised the potential or actual risk posed by the mini-roundabout. Given this extensive spread of involvement no one individual or organisation can be simply held responsible for this oversight.” The report can be found at www. northampton.gov.uk/bus-stationgridlock-report .

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

LONDON

TWO MORE ARTISTS have n enjoyed a ticket to ride on Yellow Buses, recording what

they see in a pioneering project – and more are required. Anita Lawrence and Jan Roe are following in the footsteps of Denise Poote who was the first to gain a residency on the fleet, in January, and hit the national headlines. At the end of the year an exhibition is planned to show off art created on the buses by a variety of artists. Anita and Jan have been using Glo smartcards to travel around Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch recording the characters and the sights they see. They have travelled together and separately sketching and

drawing in their varying styles. Jan said: “For me it’s about looking at the characters. I teach visual studies for animators so it’s about movement, different perspectives, story-telling and how people negotiate space.” Anita said: “I try to remember the colours because I add to some of the art later on, and I look at the shapes in an abstract way. I’d encourage anyone to sketch as they travel.” Both artists said they had enjoyed speaking to the passengers and will now complete their works. Jenni Wilkinson, Yellow Buses’ Head of Marketing, said: “This project has become enormously popular not just with the artists but with the passengers.”

LONDON’S BUS NETWORK carried more passengers in 2013/14 than in any year since 1959, with over 2.4 billion journeys made – TfL said. In addition, Tuesday, April 29 saw the highest number of buses operating on the capital’s roads since 1953 with a record 7,961 buses – 266 more than usual. Half of all the bus journeys made in England each year take place in London and the capital’s buses travelled 491 million kilometres in passenger service in 2013/14. Bus ridership grew by 69% between 1999/00 and 2013/14 and the number of bus kilometres operated increased by 41%. The continued population growth in the capital is expected to see usage of London’s buses increase by around 7% by 2020/21.

EAST

FIRST ESSEX has donated travel tickets to help young people affected by homelessness,

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addiction and a range of needs. The company has given 50 First Essex day tickets to the Canvey Island Youth Project, an organisation which works with people aged between 11 and 25 who have different needs and dependencies. The project offers befriending services and counselling, drug and alcohol work and mentoring for those in need. The tickets are valid for the whole day and passengers can benefit from unlimited trips on First services in Essex. Danny Jones, General Manager for First in South Essex, said: “The Canvey Island Youth Project is a remarkable organisation which delivers vital services for young people in the area. We are more than happy to support them by donating the travel passes.”

SCOTLAND

STAFF, PATIENTS AND VISITORS to Borders General Hospital have been benefitting from improved bus services after First Borders introduced new services on April 21. Three new hospital services, called H1, H2 and H3, operate every 20 minutes and are specifically designed to complement shift patterns and visiting times. They also provide a more direct and reliable service. Buses begin operating at 0635 and finish at 2223hrs and link the hospital with Galashiels, Melrose, Tweedbank and Langlee. A Day Ticket, which offers unlimited travel, is available for just £3 and a range of single, return and child fares are available too. Managing Director of First Borders, Paul McGowan, said that the numbers of people using the service were encouraging: “Our H1, H2 and H3 services have been operating for just over three weeks, but already we’re noticing an increase in passenger numbers. “We’ve worked closely with NHS Borders so that our new timetable better reflects visiting hours and shift patterns. I’m delighted that our new services are off to a good start.”

SOUTH WEST

A NEW £3M transport hub is to replace the old bus station in Gloucester as part of a wider revamp of the area. New shops and restaurants, as well as a modernisation of King’s www.coachandbusweek.com

012_014_CBW1138_Regional News.indd 13

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Square, are being planned in a bid to breathe new life into a this part of the city. The £60m project is being managed by developer Stanhope PLC after agreeing a deal with Gloucester City Council in 2012. Local enterprise partnership GFirst has awarded the developer a conditional offer of £3m to build the new hub. The money will come from the Gloucestershire Infrastructure Investment Fund. A planning application is to be submitted by the developer by then end of the year. Cllr Paul James said: “The vast majority of the funding is now in place so the project has the green light to go ahead. This latest funding will give Gloucester the bus station it so desperately needs.”

NORTH

THE DRIVER OF A BUS which hit a 91-year-old woman on a pedestrian crossing at Bolton bus station has been disqualified from driving for a year. As well as the ban, Adrian Bass has had his professional vocational entitlement revoked by a Traffic Commissioner (TC), The Bolton News reported. In April, Bass was found guilty of driving without due care and attention by Bolton Magistrates, after they heard that pensioner Dora Birch had to have her leg amputated following the incident on November 2 last year. The matter was reported to the TC’s office by Bass’ former employer, First, which provided CCTV footage of the incident at the bus interchange in Blackhorse Street. Deputy TC Patrick Mulvenna was shown the footage which revealed the woman was on the crossing before Bass turned into the bus station. Mr Mulvenna concluded that an offence of this kind, leading to a serious injury, indicated Bass had fallen short of the professional standards required of someone holding a licence to drive buses and coaches professionally. The First group had previously terminated his employment after reviewing the footage and Bass had subsequently been driving for South Lancashire Travel before the TC’s ruling. He must now apply for the restoration of his vocational licence before he can drive a bus or coach again. He may also appeal the current decision.

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Expected at the Stagecoach West Running Day is this Bristol SC4LK

2014

altonbusrally.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 August 31 Buses Festival. Heritage Motor Museum, Gaydon. 10 – 1700hrs. Contact: michelle. withers@keypublishing.com 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/ Running%20Day.aspx

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

n June 3 Don’t Travel Empty Seminar. York. 07833 570659

n September 14 Bus & Coach Wales Merthyr Tydfil

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 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 July 12–13 Routemaster 60. Finsbury Park, London. Organised by the Routemaster Association, the event will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of RM1. www.routemaster.org.uk n July 20 Alton Bus Rally. Anstey Park, Alton, Hants. www.

n September 14 UK Bus Driver of the Year 2014 Blackpool. bdoy@ btinternet.com

n October 6–7 CPT Scotland Annual Conference. Cameron House Hotel, Alexandria. 0131 272 2150. www.cpt-uk.org n November 4-6 Euro Bus Expo Expo 2014 NEC Birmingham www. eurobusexpo.com

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

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 13 19/05/2014 20:24

NEWS › INTERNATIONAL

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New Mercedes-Benz Citaros for Germany’s steepest bus route

Euro 6 Citaro on steepest bus route GERMANY It’s only 6.5 kilometres long, but Germany’s steepest bus route on the 1,834-metre high Kehlstein Mountain where the Eagle’s Nest is located is used by around 3,700 passengers a day. Kehlstein is in the Berchtesgaden Alps and there are gradients of up to 24% on the route that test both driver and vehicle. Regional bus company Regionalverkehr Oberbayern GmbH (RVO) has added three Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz Citaros to the fleet that it operates on

the Kehlstein route. To mark the entry into service of the vehicles, Tammo Voigt, Head of Public Transport Fleet Sales at MercedesBenz Bus and Coach, symbolically handed over the key to Nicolaj Eberlein, Division Manager Transportation/Marketing at RVO. The Kehlstein route has been operated by RVO since June 1976 on behalf of the BerchtesgadenKönigssee tourism region. Some 300,000 visitors a year use the service. The journey time to ascend the Kehlstein is only about 15 minutes. The high mountain road is on average just 3.5m wide and has an elevation change of 770m from its lowest to highest points. Vehicles go through five tunnels

(total length 273m). Operation is seasonal, typically commencing in mid to late May and ceasing in late October. Extreme weather conditions need to be anticipated at all times. At peak times, up to 14 buses are in simultaneous use. There is only one passing place on the entire route. While vehicles travelling down towards the valley stop and wait for those going uphill to pass, passengers are able to enjoy a view of the Königsee. The Mercedes-Benz OM936 engines in the new buses deliver a torque output of 260kW (354 hp). Maximum torque of 1,400 Nm is reached as early as 1,200rpm and the four-speed automatic transmission is precisely tailored

to the route. The overall gear ratio of 6.21 means that the lower gears take into account the route’s specific topographical features and retarder performance is significantly boosted on descents. Painted red, the Citaro Ü models also cope with the high number of passengers. Two electric pivotand-slide doors ensure the flow of passengers is smooth at stops. There is also space inside for a wheelchair. All passengers must be seated before the driver negotiates the steep mountain road. Separate roof-mounted air-conditioning systems ensure that the passenger compartment and driver’s station are maintained at the right temperature.

MOROCCO National Express Group-owned ALSA has officially started its urban bus service for the city of Tangiers. As reported by CBW at the time, the new contract was awarded and temporary operations began late 2013, but ALSA officially began running services in Tangiers on May 2. This is the company’s third operation in a

Moroccan city, after Marrakech, which started in 1999, and Agadir, which began in 2010. The Spanish operator will manage the urban services for the next 10 years, with an initial fleet of 118 vehicles. It expects to carry 30 million passengers a year through a network of 26 urban and 17 metropolitan routes.

For the roll-out of this operation, it has invested €20m and created 325 jobs. A new fleet, which will be extended to 155 vehicles, consists of Scania and Tata buses, with bodywork manufactured at two factories in Casablanca, Morocco. For the maintenance of its fleet, new facilities have been built on a 30,000 square meters site next

to Tangiers University. During its construction, over 220 employees were given training in driving skills, safety and customer service. ALSA says it’s incorporating important new elements such as real-time passenger information screens at stops, on-board GPS trackers, which feed back to a control centre, and contactless smartcards.

The route in Germany may be only 6.5kms long, but buses have to traverse gradients of up to 24%

Nat Ex-owned ALSA begins urban bus operations in Tangiers

14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014 014_CBW1138_International News.indd 14

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19/05/2014 12:39

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May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 15

CONFERENCE › ALBUM 2014

A sound

selection

of speakers

Gareth Evans reports on the popular annual conference for the Association of Local Bus Company Managers, which was held in Edinburgh last week

hen a group of busmen descended on the Scottish capital, it wasn’t hybrids, smart ticketing or Euro 6 which proved to be the talk of the town – it was the trams. In something parallel with an Omnibus Society trip, delegates took photos and sampled a ride on the light rail system, which was undergoing staff training ahead of the start of public services on May 31. With good-natured banter about supporting a ‘rival’ mode of transport, the tram was running with the sort of professionalism one would expect from Lothian Buses. “When we started to think about this event, we felt we had the perfect opportunity to put delegates in the heart of an urban transport system – with our buses and trams,” enthused Ian Craig, CEO at Lothian Buses. As he revealed it was first time the ALBUM conference had been held in Scotland, Ian thanked the organising team, which included Bill Devlin, Sarah Boyd and Clare Bridson. The three core themes of the conference were motivate, integrate and innovate.

Speakers

l BUS MANUFACTURERS

Four leading lights from respected bus manufacturers were brought together for a podium discussion. This comprised Jonas Strömberg, Sustainable Solutions Director at Scania, Edward Jobson, Volvo’s Environmental Director, Mark Nodder, Managing Director at Wrights Group and Ken Scott, ADL’s Engineering Director. Edward began by explaining how Volvo took the “radical step” of making hybrid the firm’s standard product two years ago. He also talked about Volvo’s transport system, which provides a full bus rapid transit package. While he did not detail them, one of his slides showed a 9700 plug-in coach and an electric 7900 doubledecker – which appeared to be indicative of interesting new developments. Mark Nodder said he wanted to consider innovation in a broader sense: “For our businesses to stay healthy, they have to 16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014 016_022_CBW1138_ALBUM.indd 16

innovate. “For more than a century, Kodak was a model of best practice. In 1975 it patented the first digital camera but failed to understand the significance of digital. Instead, it fought Fuji on the price of film. Kodak rushed into introducing photobooths – that too was a wrong decision. In 2012 it filed for brankruptcy protection. “My point is that photography is a lesson to our industry – what happened to them could easily happen to us. “The smartphone is now the camera of choice. The same device can also be used to obtain bus fares and travel information, so your competition isn’t necessarily your neighbour. “Batteries come from China as that’s where the metals are. Firms like BYD started as battery manufacturers but are now building cars, buses and HGVs. Cars are normally a marker for where buses will be in 10 years. Google has developed a driverless car. I think something is going on. “Back at the ranch in Ballymena, the crunch changed everything. It caused us to re-evaluate. We made strategic decisions to develop complete vehicles and reduce reliance on our core home market. “We also recognised innovation needs to go beyond the product. Passengers want a

reduce our need for energy. Batteries, he argued, are a costly way of reducing energy and CO2. “We’re developing Euro 6 hybrids – field testing is currently underway in Sweden and Italy. We plan to have them on sale later in the year. While he recognised hybrids and electric

relationship. They’re connected – they decide what’s of value to them. “My message is let’s not have a Kodak moment. Let’s stretch ourselves – let’s integrate to offer a collaborative approach and change catching a bus into a lifestyle choice.” Jonas Strömberg, focused on alternative fuels. “We foresee a diesel shortage,” he explained. “Demand for the fuel is increasing in both the EU and developing countries. Therefore, we’ve got to develop alternatives. We’ve also got to

buses are important for the future, he said they are “no silver bullet.” “Due to the diesel shortage, bio-fuels will have an important role for quite some time,” he continued. “Concerns about land use for bio-fuels are not valid as so much land in Europe which could be used for food production is being allowed to go to waste. Indeed, the abandoned land is equal to the area used for all global bio-fuel production.” Interestingly, he revealed: “The new Scania gas

‘We hope to announce a gas double-decker for the UK market in the near future. A diesel hybrid won’t necessarily be for the UK market initially’ – Jonas Strömberg, Sustainable Solutions Director at Scania

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19/05/2014 15:59

motorway network, which has been talked about since the 1950s. “Then there is the Aberdeen peripheral road, which will provide a route around the city. Upgrading the A9 is priority. Going beyond the scenic tourist route, it’s a vital corridor to Inverness. We hope it will be dualled throughout by 2025. However, the big jewel in the crown in the new Forth Crossing, which is due to open at the end of 2016.”

l GAVIN HASTINGS

The popular former Scotland Rugby Union player talked about how to motivate a team. “I’m a survivor of the amateur era – where we all had jobs and played rugby a weekends,” he enthused. “I’m going to tell you why elite sport is relevant to your industry – fierce competition, winning by the smallest of margins, dealing with success and recovering from failures. “How are elite athletes and business leader different? It’s the development of mental toughness. They excel when the heat is turned up – and they’re able to bounce back from setbacks with determination to succeed. “Teamwork is all about getting people to work together, and play on their respective strengths and weaknesses. It’s very important to celebrate success with your colleagues. It’s vital to have vision too – set goals along the way.”

l INTEGRATION – TRANSPORT FOR EDINBURGH

engine is on 40% thermal efficiency – whereas its diesel counterpart is on 42%. We hope to announce a gas double-decker for the UK market in the near future. A diesel hybrid won’t necessarily be for the UK market initially.” Concluding, he said: “Cleaner fuel doesn’t mean less congestion – a properly designed bus system is required to achieve that. It’s a political rather than practical problem. Technically and commercially it’s possible to be carbon neutral by 2030.” ADL’s Ken Scott talked about the all-new Enviro 400 and how it has been developed using the ‘ABC’ approach outlined in last week’s issue. During the Q&A sessions, Gareth Mole of Cardiff Bus asked when collision avoidance systems will be available on buses. Edward Jobson replied: “We plan to introduce it from 2015 – it’s on coaches already.” With all the talk of different technologies, David Morris of Herefordshire indepdent operator DRM asked what provision there is for rural buses. “Hybrids are not an option for Bromyard,” he added. Jonas believed “Bio-diesel is the future for rural services.” Mark Nodder stressed: “Let’s not forget diesel engine technology has still got a long www.coachandbusweek.com

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way to go yet.” Thomas Knowles asked about seating capacity on Scania’s gas double-decker. Jonas replied: “I hope we will be able to show you something interesting soon. I can’t say too much more for now.”

l DAVID MIDDLETON

Keen to strike a chord with the audience, Transport Scotland’s CEO began by saying: “I’ve always been impressed with bus people as they like to have fun – they like to enjoy themselves at the margins of serious discussions.” He added: “I became CEO in 2009. It’s a rewarding and exciting role, which is challenging at times. “We’re fortunate the Scottish Government has seen investment in transport as a priority to enable the economy to perform better over time. “We’ve assisted with Green Bus Funding. The latest tranche (CB1137) will bring us up to over 120 buses,” he enthused. Turning to roads, he said: “The completion of the M74 round the south sides of Glasgow is now relieving congestion in the area. The M80 upgrade is also almost complete and we’re still doing and about to do the east side of Glasgow. That will finally complete the Central Scotland

Cllr Lesley Hinds and Sue Bruce, Chief Executive, City of Edinburgh Council talked about the delivery of the tram – which as it well-known, as not been without its challenges. “I’ve been Transport and Environment Convenor for last two years,” explained Lesley. “Delivering the tram to a revised timetable and budget was a real challenge. I took an interest in transport because of my frequent visits to continental Europe, particularly Hamburg. I couldn’t understand why in the UK public transport always seemed to be put in after developments – in stark contrast to our European neighbours. “I’ve tried to develop a good relationship with Lothian Buses – it’s a trusted provider by local residents. I also wanted to ensure Lothian Buses was the tram operator – which was vital if we were to have integration. We’ve recently brought together all bus operators in the city – I don’t think it’s been done before. We discussed how we can work together on a range of issues, such as stop. We’re now going to meet regularly.” She also explained how Transport for Edinburgh had been created to oversee the city’s bus and transport services. In addition to council members, the body includes executive directors of Lothian Buses on its board, thereby drawing on their expertise. Sue talked about the story of Edinburgh trams so far. “When I joined the council on January 1, 2011, the project was in a mess – it had come to a standstill. The council’s arms-length company, Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (TIE) went into mediation with the contractors. Although it was decided upon before I joined, mediation was certainly the best course of action as it avoided a lengthy court process. May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17

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CONFERENCE › ALBUM 2014 THE SPEAKERS

Jonas Strömberg

David Middleton

Sue Bruce

Edward Jobson

Gavin Hastings

Mark Nodder

Claire Walters

Ken Scott

Lesley Hinds

rising. “We know it’s also been key to securing £850m of investment in the redevelopment of the St James Centre.” In the Q&A session, Richard Delahoy asked: “Are you saying the original project was fundamentally wrong and undeliverable? Sue replied: “Since I started in my role, we’ve had zero disputes. A lot of it was about understanding and respecting mutual interests – that of protecting public funds and profit margin. “There have been calls in Scotland for a Public Inquiry but I’m not sure it would deliver anything new. In a secret location we’ve got 14 terabytes of forensically accountable data on it. “As Leslie outlined, it’s miles over budget but in my opinion, the budget was insufficient in the first place. A lot of money was wasted on arbitration too. Since January 2011 we’ve spent less, although to be fair, TIE bought the hardware.”

Lesley said: “I believe the project was wrong – the fine details were not ironed out before the contracts were signed. Politics were a factor too.” Peter Shipp of East Yorkshire Motor Services asked how the revenue is to be collected. Lesley responded: “We’re promoting the fact that people must have a ticket before boarding. We’ve learned a lot from other cities such as Dublin. We’re having ‘inspectors.’ Based on Dublin’s experiences, you’ll always get some people who will refuse to pay beforehand – so it’s about getting them to understand they will be fined £10 for failing to do so.”

“The project had reached an impasse. We all agreed the contracts had reputational, financial and legal risks. We’ve still got the same contract, but we changed the method of approach – it’s more grown up. We worked on a fixed price for the section from the airport to Haymarket, which was principally off-street. The stretch from there into the city centre was on mediated price owing to the unknowns underground. We hope to get it extended to Leith in due course – as was the original plan. To get the project moving, the council took on the risk of moving utilities. “From the day I started to mid September 2011, I spent virtually seven to eight hours a day on the tram project. “A key thing was the disband TIE – the council took on responsibility instead. During that time, we’ve had the enormous task of trying to re-win public trust.” She said property values on the route are

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l CLAIRE WALTERS, BUS USERS UK

Appropriately enough for the ‘motivate’ theme, the Chief Executive of Bus Users UK (BUUK) gave an upbeat presentation entitled ‘From the Passengers Point of View.’ “Bus operators seem to have a tough time

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getting coverage in the mainstream press – unless things go wrong,” she said. “Many operators don’t have the resources to employ a dedicated PR person or someone who manages their social media. At BUUK I’m aiming to motivate you into having a closer relationship with us. We’ve been investing in social media – we’ve been targeting journalists in particular. “Whenever everything else breaks down, who picks up the tab? Buses. We will help you promote your positive news stories. “You’ve invested huge sums in greener buses, DDA compliance, RTI etc. We agree with what you need to do – we watch what happens in the industry, but see it from a passenger point of view. We participate in judging some of the UK Bus Awards’ categories. Some of you may only have had contact from BUUK when dealing with complaints – or you may perceive us as a bunch of cranks. “Things are changing at BUUK. We’re in the process of becoming far more positive. While we will still deal with complaints, we will listen to both sides of the story. BUUK exists to champion bus services. We all want to see more people travelling by bus “We also all want to see more bus priority measures. Our campaign for this year is entitled ‘Give the bus a chance.’ If you know something is going on in your area, contact us. We can get involved. “We’ve been much more vocal in recent times on cuts – especially in Worcester and Cumbria. We were misquoted as saying the local authorities concerned were breaking the law and that we were planning to take legal action. What we actually said was that the actions were not within the spirit of the legislation. On the plus side, it gave us a load of coverage. “To be fair, with a few notable exceptions, most local authorities want what’s best for passengers. BUUK can campaign and work behind the scenes – we can give them an exit strategy to save face when the impact of cuts begins to bite. “During the recent consultation on service registrations which result from the Competition

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Commission’s findings. We listened to the concerns of operators who want to implement service improvements. Having to wait three months to change a service which is not working is utter madness. As an independent body, we can say that. “Similarly, we pointed out that the proposed European Passenger Rights legislation, as planned, which would have involved paying out huge financial sums for incidents, would lead to higher fares. “However, we’ve tried in vain to point out the error of his ways to the Mayor Liverpool. If he

‘Well done to the organisers – they’ve done Lothian proud. Everyone is so helpful. I’ve made so many new friends here. We all have to help each other in this industry – word of mouth recommendations are invaluable’ – Richard McKenna, McKenna Bros

ever wants a way out, we’re here to help. “We champion bus travel and get people to talk to you via ‘your bus matters’ events. Amazingly, the majority of surgeries are not moaning sessions. “If something does go wrong, our complaints service is there – we’re not here to hit you round the head. Our aim is to get passengers back on board – to make them feel they’ve been heard. They may not listen to operators, but hopefully

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they will take onboard what we say. We try to get them to understand your point of view – it’s the fault of the water board for the disruption and you’re just as frustrated.” Claire stressed: “Offering people recompense can go a long way to getting the aggrieved back on board. Saying sorry and giving them a free day ticket is easier and costs less in management time. We now tend to get more complex complaints. When we get involved, we’re dealing with bigger issues. “One of our issues is operators don’t shout about the service they provide. Please do tell people when you invest or win awards. It helps to alter negative perceptions. “All too often we see stories on bus cuts where the media focus on the disadvantaged and disabled. Bus services affect everyone in society. For the vast majority, buses are the only alternative to cars.” “I doubt we would get Clarkson out of his car,” she mused. She continued: “Seriously though, with Spring now here, can you ensure your bus heaters are turned off please? That will save several complaints. “Although Bus Passenger Survey suggests many are happy with journey times, it would be interesting to know the views of non-users. There are other barriers to non-users, such as when someone asks a driver a question and that information is displayed in several places. That person needs a bit of hand holding. You can’t just say ‘It’s on the front.’” Concluding, she asked: “What can BUUK offer operators? We can help you understand how passengers feel about your services, such as doing mystery shoppers or conducting bespoke surveys. “Wherever possible, we will push for multioperator ticketing, while recognising the administration difficulties for smaller operators. Promoting doesn’t have to cost the earth – we would also ask suppliers and manufacturers. “Listen to all feedback – emails, tweets, phone calls and nutcases – it’s all customer research.”

Friendly faces promoted the Transport Benevolent Fund May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19 19/05/2014 15:59

CONFERENCE › ALBUM 2014 celebrating yet. “London remains a our main market. We are continuing to talk to the DfT about supporting the purchase of green buses.” Rob was enthusiastic about the Far East. “We’ve got six tri-axle ADL Enviro500 Hybrids going to Hong Kong in July or August. Hong Kong’s requirement for double-deckers will be massive, so we’re hoping the timing will be fortuitous. ADL is extremely strong in Hong Kong.”

l EP MORRIS

“We’ve had a great time,” commented Edward Morris. “We’ve seen lots of operators who have been interested in our operational performance module, which integrates informations from controllers through to complaints, incidents and driver management. We’ve also caught up with customers. Murrayfield is a great venue. We’ve all been well entertained.”

l FUELINK

Actia’s Robin Edwards and Richard Haynes

Suppliers

The presence of exhibitors not only helps support the event financially but also provides added interest and boosts networking.

l ACTIA

Along with its telematics system, Actia was promoting its full range of electronics, multiplex and dashboard, which it now calls a driver control centre. Appropriately, Actia Group has also supplied the on-board systems for the Edinburgh trams, including the CCTV and passenger displays. Asked about the event, Robin Edwards said: “The ALBUM conference seems to be getting bigger. Lothian has certainly put on a good show. With the trams entering public service on May 31, it’s timely. Being here is a great way of connecting with the industry – it’s a more specialist event and it also allows us to have our finger on the pulse in terms of the presentations, which is vital for a supplier.”

l ALLISON TRANSMISSIONS

Jim Coleman, Area Manager for the UK and Russia was also upbeat about the event: “ALBUM is a great organisation. The organisers have done a fabulous job of planning an interesting range of topics with the right mixture of business and fun. It certainly provides a laid-back environment for people to do business.”

International News pages, RATP has tendered for 1,000 new buses for delivery over the next three years. “Iveco Group has won two out of the three contracts through its two brands – Iveco Bus and Hueliez – two and one respectively. However, the precise composition of the orders remains to be confirmed – be it hybrid or CNG – but we understand the majority will be hybrids. Deliveries are expected to start in the fourth quarter of this year. “We’ve already got an order for 80 18-metre hybrid artics, which was confirmed last year. For us, this is the project launch of hybrid for Iveco. The new bus is to be launched at the forthcoming Paris show. It’s great for us – because what Paris does, the rest of France tends to follow suit.” As for the UK, Rob said: “It is disappointing there has been no Green Bus Fund 5 but the Office for Low Emission Vehicles’ announcement was encouraging – £30m to support green buses. However, it has not been disclosed how it will be used, so we’re not

“Its our third time at ALBUM – we previously attended the events organised by EYMS and NCT. Like Lothian, those two operators are customers, so we wanted to attend to support them,” enthused Robbie MacInnes.

l GRAYSON THERMAL

“We’ve had a great time here,” remarked Andrew Hateley. “We already deal with the likes of Reading Buses and Lothian, so our presence here is not about selling something new – it’s more about being here to support them.” On display was a new product – a hybrid cooler. Benefits include easier maintenance and reduced fuel consumption, an average of 6%, it is claimed.

l HANTS & DORSET TRIM

The renowned Eastleigh-based repair and refurbishment specialist launched a USB charger for discreet fitment to seats at the event. Dave Clack, General Manager took up the story: “We’ve secured two orders for it over the couple of days. While Tuesday was quiet, Wednesday was fantastic. That socket really peaked people’s interest.”

l ALTRO

The Hertfordshire-based flooring supplier used the conference as a launchpad for 16 colours into its wood range. The firm also plans to launch a metallic range at Euro Bus Expo. Paul Leigh, Key Account Manager explained: “We wanted to gain feedback on our early versions. We’re also looking at new patterned flooring.” Overall, he said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. It’s an amazing venue. Murrayfield is unique. It’s great to see so many people supporting the industry. Edinburgh is such a beautiful place too.”

l BAE SYSTEMS

Rob Lindsay said the firms big news was RATP in Paris. “As you’ve reported in your 20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014 016_022_CBW1138_ALBUM.indd 20

Init’s Pawel Mobszynsk and Jens Mullack www.coachandbusweek.com

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CONFERENCE › ALBUM 2014

A range of new and used vehicles was displayed outside, including ADL’s new E400

Ticketer launched its new handheld ticket machine

l INIT

Todd, who said: “The layout of the exhibition area means delegates have not been going offsite. The speakers have been great too. They’ve obviously been engaging as when the speakers have been on, the trade area has emptied.”

Pawel Mobszynski enthused: “It our second time at ALBUM but we’re regulars at other key events such as ATCO and the NEC shows. “We’re promoting AVL. Nottingham City Transport uses our smartcard validator product, AVL and on-board passenger information and audio-visual information. A number of buses are also equipped with passenger counting.

l KNORR BREMSE:

“It’s our first time here,” said Jignisha Sehdev. “We decided to attend after hearing a lot of positive comments about it. It’s been well organised. In terms of numbers, it’s quality rather than quantity. It’s certainly been a fun and exciting way to establish and build on relationships.”

l McKENNA BROS

Richard McKenna said he had enjoyed his time at the event. “People have been saying lots of nice things about my dad (Vince), who passed away in December. “Well done to the organisers – they’ve done Lothian proud. Everyone is so helpful. I’ve made so many new friends here. We all have to help each other in this industry – word of mouth recommendations are invaluable. It doesn’t matter how big a company is, we treat them all the same.”

l OPTIMUM OILS

Bob Stoker described being at ALBUM as “Highly enjoyable.” “It’s a lovely venue,” he added. “Having people going round in a circle is an excellent idea. It’s good attend events like this to both meet customers and understand their concerns about pressures on their business.”

l SCANCOIN

“It’s been a very good conference,” enthused Jeff Carr, Managing Director. “Attendance has been strong, delegates have been good and the content 22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014 016_022_CBW1138_ALBUM.indd 22

has been well put together. The ‘extra curricular’ activities have also been well thought out. “The annual ALBUM conference is an invaluable part of our events calendar. It’s good to see independent operators are becoming more involved in ALBUM – that’s vital to ensure its future survival as an organisation.”

l TICKETER

Another supplier which launched a new product at the venue was Ticketer. Josh Mann enthused: “We’ve been demonstrating our new handheld ticket machine, which has attracted a lot of interest. “It’s got all the functionality of an on-bus machine – including the fact it’s ITSO-compliant and that it’s fitted with GPRS, meaning it’s always online. It also benefits from the same interface, so no additional staff training is required. “We’ve also been demonstrating our scheduler adherence. While a lot of systems report on timeliness, the difference here is that ours provides timetabled information to the driver. An early running warning will appear on the ETM if the driver is running ahead of schedule. We can therefore help to eradicate early running. Timetable information is shown for each individual stop – as opposed to just the timing points displayed on the running board. You could put times for individual stops on running boards but you would swamp the driver with information. Displaying that information on an ETM allows it to be updated in real-time. Times can be displayed with actual vs timetabled. “Also accessible is timetabled information for each stop, which allows drivers to answer queries from passengers. We’re very excited about it.” Overall, Josh remarked: “We’ve been so busy – only in the down times when the speakers have been on stage have we been able to catch our breath.” This was echoed by his colleague Bradley

l TIMESPACE TECHNOLOGY

The Huntingdon-based CCTV supplier unveiled a new product – LANLink Version 4 Software. Compatible with X200, X300 and V400 CCTV recorders, LANLink is a web-based depot WiFi system for downloading vehicle CCTV footage, route information and auditing vehicle CCTV. Henry Heylen said: “For improved CCTV management efficiency, we have just released automatically downloaded camera snapshots and DVR status provide a daily audit of the fleet CCTV system, identifying obscured cameras and monitor, camera or GPS device failures. Footage requests are entered by date/time or GPS location/geo-fencing and are downloaded when the vehicle is present in the depot. Running on a depot PC and connected to the depot WiFi, existing DVRs can be added to the LANLink system simply by connecting a WiFi bridge to the X200, X300 or V400 recorder.” He described LANLink as the “perfect complement” to Timespace recorders, providing wireless audit support and recorded footage retrieval. Overall, he said: “This is our third year at ALBUM. It’s a good event to support – we’ve caught up with existing customers and hopefully found clients.”

l TOOLCOM SUPPLIES

Now a parent company of Berner, the workshop equipment suppliers’ stand attracted a great deal of interest – for it resembled part of a garage stores. Billy Dalgeigh said: “Lothian is one of our big customers. It’s our first time at the ALBUM conference. We wanted to support Lothian. Everyone talks at the same down to earth level. We’ve made many new friends.” n www.coachandbusweek.com

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NEWS FOCUS › ENSIGN C2C RAIL REPLACEMENT

Rail replacement PR The �inale of four-month rail replacement job involving National Express Group-owned train operating company c2c was marked using heritage vehicles to supplement modern buses and coaches, reports Gareth Evans. All photography by John Lidstone The �inal day of c2c’s mammoth rail replacement job was celebrated in style on Sunday (May 18) – with something of a running day. As featured in CBW earlier this year, rail replacement services have run every weekend from late January – the bulk of the work being to renew the junction at Pitsea, where Londonbound routes from Southend diverge, the ‘main line’ heading straight to London via Basildon and a loop diverts nearer the estuary via Tilbury. Ensignbus acquired 71-seater former Stagecoach Plaxton

Premiere Interurban bodied-Volvo B10MA-55s to operate some of the services, supplemented by low �loor double-deckers. Asked about the future of the articulated coaches and whether they would be available to potential buyers, Peter Newman of Ensignbus replied: “We’re keeping them for now as we’ve got other work lined up. They have done extremely well for us.” Back to Sunday, Peter Newman took up the story: “The idea came from both us and c2c. To make it more interesting, we decided to put a variety of coaches and buses out. It’s a

fairly long route in mileage terms and it also allows double-deckers to run. Normally all stops journeys are operated using double-deckers, while the express trips are run by coaches and articulated coaches. “All passengers had a great time – they could choose a modern coach, a low-�loor bus or something from a bygone era. It was just a bit of fun. Everyone enjoyed it – there were no complaints as far as I am aware. In fact, people were waiting for particular vehicles. “Sundays attract a different sort clientele to mid week – they’re primarily leisure travellers. We had a lot of families – some

children had never seen a Routemaster for example. Although it was very busy thanks to the glorious sunny weather, we had plenty of capacity. That’s the key thing – everyone enjoyed themselves. “Vintage vehicles acted as spares – they ran in addition to the normal allocation, operating as duplicates. Put another way, we didn’t replace what would normally be a low-�loor bus. “The event created a lot of smiles. If you’ve got to run rail replacement, make it fun and make your passengers smile if you can.” Notably, former Crosville Bristol RE saw its �irst public service in 30 years. As local resident John Lidstone noted: “It’s been a long time since an RE has passed my house. It sounded great. It’s no surprise that it attracted a lot of interest – most journeys on it were packed once word got round.” ■

1 24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014 024_025_CBW1138_Bus News.indd 24

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1. Routemaster RMC1513 was a real talking point, particularly among families, with some children never having seen an RM

2. Owned by Ensignbus driver Paul Ashman, this Bristol RE only passed its class 6 MOT on Friday. It’s been restored as Crosville ‘ERG53’ 3. MCW Metrobus M1 was the first of its kind at London Transport 4. Now part of the Talisman fleet, this Van Hool has been restored in the livery of its old operator 5. Ex Southend Transport Leyland Fleetline no.233 returned to its former stomping ground. Peter Newman said: “It’s always a popular draw. I think it’s the colours.”

6. New to Blazefield, Alexander Royale-bodied Volvo Olympians are used by Ensignbus on private hire and emergency rail replacement.

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May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 25 19/05/2014 20:18

LEGAL UPDATE

CCTV helps dismiss injury claim Stagecoach successfully defends liability over passenger injury caused by anti-social youth’s actions

Steven Meyerhoff from Backhouse Jones provides this week’s Legal Update

In a case entitled Victor Cridland vs Stagecoach (South) Ltd (QBD) (2014), the claimant had been a passenger on a Stagecoach South double-decker bus. A youth was proceeding on a push scooter ahead of the bus on the road. Another vehicle was proceeding in the opposite direction preventing the bus from overtaking the scooter. The bus driver slowed down to 11mph when he was a car length behind the youth. The driver sounded his horn to make the youth aware of his presence. However, the youth’s unexpected reaction was to make a gesture which appeared to be to throw his scooter into the air and motioning to throw it at the bus’ windscreen. Instinctively, the driver braked hard to avoid that happening. The claimant was thrown forwards and suffered injury. The youth then carried on and disappeared from the scene. Evidence was given by a number of passengers and there was a CCTV footage from the bus. The court preferred the driver’s evidence – as opposed to that for the claimant and it was consistent with the witnesses who agreed that the accident was caused by the youth. If the driver had not sounded the horn, then the youth would have carried on blocking the path of the bus. The youth was aware of the bus but chose to remain in the road. His reaction was a threat of violence and the court found the driver’s reaction to be reasonable. He was not speeding at the critical point as he had slowed down and braked. It was the youth’s gesture which caused him to brake hard – the accident was caused by the youth’s anti-social behaviour in making the gesture that he made. As a result, the claim was dismissed. In a separate case, a claim arising from a road traf�ic accident in which a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross a dual-

26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2013 026_CBW1138_Legal Update.indd 26

Stagecoach’s CCTV evidence proved invaluable in helping to win. While this notice was spotted on the upper deck of a Stagecoach Cambridge double-decker rather than a Stagecoach South-operated vehicle, the wording contained within it illustrates the point all too well carriageway was dismissed as the driver had done all that she could to avoid the collision. The case, which was called Horner vs Norman (2013) QBD, the pedestrian’s expert evidence that the friction of the road meant a reasonably competent driver should have avoided the collision, was rejected. The court also decided it was more likely that the pedestrian tried to beat the traf�ic. The driver had reacted twice to the pedestrian’s presence and she had braked as hard as she could. Her actions were found to be those of a reasonably competent and prudent driver.

Employers liability case ruling

In a case entitled Gary Johnson vs Warburtons LTD [2014] EWCA Civ 258, the claimant had driven an articulated lorry for four years. On the day of the accident, he was required to drive a rigid lorry for delivery to retailers. He had rarely driven this type of lorry. However, when the claimant left the lorry, he came down facing forwards and did not hold the handhold. His foot slipped off the bottom step and fell into a gully

breaking his ankle. The claimant argued that the steps without any handrail were unsuitable and posed an inherent risk of injury or the steps were so unsafe that drivers should have been trained to use them and the handhold. The court held that no accident had ever occurred in this manner for the defendant before, which had operated a �leet of 760 rigid lorries for over 20 years. There was evidence that the Health and Safety Executive had positively approved the steps. The Judge was right to �ind they were not dangerous. Further, a published guide stated that the handhold was optional. It was open to the Judge to accept the defendant’s contention that no training was needed because the need to take care was obvious. The claim was dismissed.

Court costs increase

Court fees increased on April 22. While some are staying at the current rate, issues fees for claims over £1,500 (not online) are increasing and some are big increases – £120 to £240 for claims between £3,000 and £15,000 and £245 for claims between £5,000 to £15,000 to a whopping £455. On the �lip side, allocation and listing fees have been abolished although hearing fees have increased.

Backhouse Jones acts for clients in the private and public sector, both national and international operators from one to several thousand vehicles. Backhouse is absolutely “industry speci�ic”. Whilst the company can trace its heritage to 1819, it only represented it’s �irst Road Transport Operator in 1930. The explanation for this is that the �irst transport act was only introduced in 1930. The Independent Chambers Guide describes Backhouse Jones Limited as a specialist company with a national reputation for “�irst class strength, experience and understanding of the transport industry”. ● Contact: 01254 828300. Visit www.backhousejones.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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MINIBUS The essential read for Minibus Operators

May 2014

As detailed overleaf, Fiat launched its new Euro 5+ Ducato last week

New platforms hold back on Euro 6

he run up to the Commercial Vehicle Show, the show itself and last week’s launch of the new Fiat Ducato, has seen the likes of Renault, Citroen, Nissan. Iveco and Fiat all bring out revised versions of their existing products, yet with Euro 5+ emissions. They plan to bring in Euro 6 in January 2015 – so why such a short spell for Euro 5+? Mercedes-Benz moved directly to Euro 6 with its revised Sprinter and Ford has done the same with its Transit range. Citroen maintains its policy has always been to wait until the very last minute before introducing emissions technology to ensure customers get the bene�its of the very latest developments. This may seem like sound judgement, but it makes one wonder if it’s purely down to exploiting cheaper pricing in a bid to

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attract increased sales and market share. Euro 6 comes with a hefty price hike. The new Fiat Ducato is just £350 more than the outgoing model, despite all the improvements, increased technology and higher level of standard speci�ication. It certainly makes these vehicles a better value option and may well lead to increased sales for a while if buyers are tempted by the pricing. Volkswagen’s promised replacement for the CR model is not due until 2016 and therefore will move directly into Euro 6 compliance. However, it pans out, those seeking a replacement vehicle in the immediate future can be assured whichever model they choose will represent a signi�icant advancement in value for money, performance and ef�iciency. Martin Cole MINIBUS Editor

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 29 19/05/2014 15:28

MINIBUS VEHICLE LAUNCH â&#x20AC;ş FIAT DUCATO

New generation Fiat Ducato The latest evolution of the popular Ducato has been unveiled by Fiat Professional. Now in its sixth generation, it has notched up 2.6 million sales since it was first launched in 1981 and has been regarded as a benchmark in Europe and in the 80 international regions in which it is now on sale, including Russia, Middle East, Australia and Latin America, as well as North American where it is marketed under the RAM brand. Martin Cole travelled to Milan for the launch

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The 2014 Fiat Ducato 150 Multijet

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iat Professional proclaims the new exterior styling of its new Ducato brings ‘sophisticated car design’ to the light commercial vehicle segment, conveying a strong sense of dynamism, quality, safety and robustness. Held at the Fiat Chrysler proving Ground in Balocco, the launch revealed the new models which are all currently compliant with Euro 5+ emission requirements and ready for the move to Euro 6 in January 2015. Scant details were available on just what form the emission controls will take but it was indicated there would be a choice, depending the application of the vehicle. Fiat Professional suggested an SCR system using urea (AdBlue) would be supplied for passenger carrying models while a low pressure EGR system would better suit some other applications. More information will be available later in the year as to what exactly is being implemented. Outlining Fiat’s credentials, the Head of Fiat Professional EMEA Area, Henrik Starup, said the company had been producing commercial vehicles since 1903. Fiat Professional had been formed in 2007 with a strong customer focus to cater for an increasingly specialised and dedicated market which oversaw development, production, marketing and support. It had a global footprint for all its light commercial vehicles from 500-2,000kg carrying capacity which were now produced in six plants in five countries around the world. 2013 saw a total of 431,000 vehicles sold with Ducato responsible for 133,000 of the total – giving Fiat professional an 11.6% market share. Popular in the minibus sector for building specialist applications, rather than conversions, it has also been a phenomenal hit with motorhome builders and has a commanding 75% of the market. The new model is destined to increase this as it has been developed, in conjunction with AL-KO, to include a new chassis interface requiring just six bolts to attach it to the rear of the cab unit – a move which will also benefit small bus builders. This coincides with the introduction of the ‘Fiat Professional for Converters’ initiative where conversion companies are invited to join a programme providing information, guidelines and technical specifications via a dedicated website, backed up by a team of specialists who are on hand to answer any queries or help solve any issues converters may have. The initiative benefits any company involved in the conversion of Ducato models for specific purposes. Henrik Starup claimed Fiat Professional now had 1,400 dealers, 3,100 service points and 2,600 sales outlets as the manufacturer was continually moving to put increased support in place for its products. He pointed out since the Ducato’s introduction in 1981 as the first panel van with a unibody construction, subsequent

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 31 19/05/2014 16:03

MINIBUS VEHICLE LAUNCH › FIAT DUCATO

The new Ducato cab interior and dash layout

Alternative interior conversion features luggage racks

generations had seen the availability of the first all-wheel-drive models in 1990, the first common rail diesel engines in 2002 and the first front wheel drive models with 17 cubic metres of load space in 2006. The new generation had now been enhanced with improved aerodynamics for increased efficiency and the improvements represented a Euro 700m investment over five years.

entry-level 2.3 MultiJet II 110bhp are as low as 170g/km with an impressive fuel economy figure of 44.1 mpg on the NEDC cycle. The 2.3 MultiJet II 130, which produces 130bhp and 320Nm of torque, and the 2.3-litre MultiJet II 150, with 150hp and 350Nm of torque, both claim to return even better economy and emissions figures when equipped with optional Start&Stop – just 164g/km and 45.6 mpg for both engines. The 130bhp model is predicted to become top-selling model in the UK in the panel van market. The heavy-duty, 3.0 MultiJet Power 180, with 180bhp and 400Nm of torque, has CO2 emissions of 203g/km and returns 36.7 mpg on the NEDC cycle. All models are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while the ComfortMatic transmission (Automated Manual) is available on all but the entry-level 2.3-litre unit. The use of composite materials in the rear suspension is one contributor to reduced weight and increased payload. An exhaustive test programme for the 2014 Ducato saw it trialled extensively throughout the world. This has resulted in body and chassis reinforcements, improved braking and performance and enhancements to the lifespan of the suspension and clutch. Ducato now boasts the best Gross Vehicle Weight (up to 4.25 tonnes); best weight on the rear axle (up to 2.5t) and best van payload (up to 2.1t) of the ‘single rear wheel’ segment. The new high-tech content includes state-ofthe-art safety and driving assistance devices, as well as new infotainment systems. All versions continue to offer an electronic stability control (ESC) system as standard, but it now integrates a rollover mitigation system, to increase comfort

New features

Head of Product Planning at Fiat Professional, Luca Marengo, said the new Ducato had been specifically engineered to improve durability, robustness, efficiency and to deliver reduced running costs. It came with a considerable amount of new technology content and the improvements were mainly customer-driven. They included reinforcement to key areas of the bodywork, vastly improved door hinges, reduced brake wear and reduced noise. The top mount for the front suspension had been revised, clutch durability improved and kerb weight reduced – which was down by 20kg on chassis cabs. Fuel consumption had fallen due to aerodynamics, fitment of lower rolling resistance tyres and installation of new Multijet engines in 2.0, 2.3 and 3.0-litre options (2.3 and 3.0 litre only for the UK market). Fuel consumption had been reduced by around 10% down to 5.8 litres/100 km. The all-new front end features DRL headlamps, (daytime running lights) with optional LEDs, and a bolder grille design which is available in satin silver or piano black, as well as a new three-part front bumper which helps to reduce repair costs. A new bonnet, skid plate and alloy wheels enhance the revised exterior style.

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Ducato passenger entrance features an automatic boarding step Inside, the new Ducato offers two cabin environments – Classic or Techno – delivering different levels of refinement. New seats offer car-like comfort levels on all models, while other enhancements include large cup holders and a new, segment-exclusive multi-function tablet holder which can safely secure any one of a variety of devices such as smartphones to tablets, as well as normal pads of A4 paper, making it ideal for work tickets. Fiat Professional’s work to reduce emissions and improve economy by 10% across the Euro 5+ engine range means emissions for the

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and protect the load from unexpected motion, in conjunction with Load and Centre of Gravity Detection (LAC), Hill Holder, Anti-slip (ASR) and Electronic Braking Assistance (EBA) systems. For greater manoeuvrability and enhanced driving comfort, dual-mode Servotronic power steering continues to be offered as standard. Further driving assistance systems are available as options, such as Traction+ (complete with Hill Descent Control), lane departure warning system and road sign recognition system. Developments in the �ield of infotainment offer Bluetooth technology and MP3 playback as standard and top-of-the-range ‘Technico’ versions include a �ive-inch colour touchscreen, reversing camera, built-in navigation and DAB digital radio. Fiat has also provided a ‘gateway’ via the CAN-bus electronics allowing vehicles to interface with any third-party telematics or �leet management system. New rear light clusters, with double side lights employ Pulse Width Modulation technology to improve lamp life. Fiat claims the new Ducato offers the widest front-wheel-drive range on the market: with 10,000 variants available to customers across its commercial vehicle, passenger transport and chassis conversion ranges. It has eight different load capacities, ranging from eights to 17 cubic metres of load space, four lengths and three different heights. Five lengths are offered for the chassis cabs, one more than the current range.

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Large, well positioned mirrors give excellent vision

Substantially strengthened door hinges

Driving impressions

transmission. For this size of vehicle the 2.3-litre 150bhp is more than adequate. It was almost effortless to drive, extremely quiet in operation, accelerates smoothly and briskly if called upon, steered and handled exceptionally well and stopped quickly when required to do so. The package generates a feeling of control and con�idence – seeming to glide along. Vision is excellent except for a blind spot

Two versions of the Ducato in minibus form were available for test drives and were almost identical except for the power rating. One was a 150bhp equipped with eight passenger seats and leaving a useful area in the rear to stow luggage. The second was a 180bhp version with seven passenger seats – having only a single seat beside the driver. Both versions featured the Comfortmatic automated manual

Fiat predicts its Ducato 130 Multijet will be the top-selling UK model

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May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 33 19/05/2014 16:03

MINIBUS VEHICLE LAUNCH › FIAT DUCATO created by the B pillar combined with the door frame which makes pulling out of angled junctions difficult. However, the large, well positioned mirrors do help considerably thanks to a wide viewing angle which is quite helpful as long as the vehicle is carefully positioned. Driver and passenger comfort is excellent. The passenger seats are firm and well formed with good legroom. Suspension on the driver’s seat adds to the comfort level and there is plenty of adjustment to suit all sizes aided by a steering column with adjustable reach and rake. The Comfortmatic gearbox can be operated as an automatic or switched back to manual just with a nudge to the side. One of the safety factors now available controls hill descent and is helpful through monitoring the speed against the incline. It can intervene by changing to a lower gear and giving braking assistance to help prevent overspeeding and risk of losing control. Aids can be turned off by a switch on the dash. Another aid serves to warn of lane departure and uses the rearview camera to monitor if the vehicle moves across white lines. It only functions at speeds over 37mph to cater for low speed manoeuvring and give an audible warning when it detects a white line is crossed. Sound is emitted from a speaker to the right or left – dependent on which side the line has been crossed. It does not sound the alert if the indicator is operating at the time. The same rearview camera also assists with reversing as it places an overlay of two lines on the picture, displayed on the navigation system screen, showing where the sides of the vehicle are. In conjunction with optional rear parking sensors it makes reversing into gaps an easy process and also gives a clear indication of any pedestrian who may stray into the danger area. A forward facing camera is linked to a sign recognition system which can read speed or hazard warnings and alerts the driver by displaying the appropriate icon on the screen.

Optional parking sensors mounted in the rear bumper

Rearview camera mounted in the high-level brake light unit

Ducato 180 Multijet

The larger 180bhp version differs only in the amount of power available and the need to control its delivery. The Comfortmatic gearbox helps by making the changes at the most appropriate point, but used harshly, the rapid acceleration and slower change than manual selection leads to a distinct break in progress. To get the best from the automatic setting, a steadier throttle application is far more beneficial and will give passengers a much

smoother ride. It develops 400Nm of torque and does not need to be revved high to get good performance. Under most circumstances the additional power of the 3.0-litre engine is unnecessary although this could depend on the sort of terrain it is expected to operate in. A much larger base vehicle with 16 passengers aboard, luggage and possibly a trailer behind would maybe make better use of the excess. Used sensibly, the Ducato 180 can be as delightful to drive as the smaller 150 version. Both vehicles were fitted with attractive alloy wheels which enhance the appearance. The 180 version also had electrically heated driver and front passenger seats. Service intervals for all engines in the Ducato range have been extended to 30,000 miles.

Pricing

Ducato 180 rear view

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Pricing for the UK Fiat Ducato range begins at £19,995 – just £350 more than the outgoing model and sufficiently easy to recoup due to the 10% reduction in fuel consumption. The new Ducato offers far more than its predecessor for a minimal price increase and, it seems, is giving customers a great deal more value for money. The beefed-up bodywork, door hinges, suspension, clutch and brakes indicate its residual value could also improve considerably which therefore will reduce total cost of ownership. n

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THE BIG PICTURE On Friday (May 16), First Essex commemorated the centenary of the establishment of Westcliff-on-Sea Motor Services. The culmination of months of special work saw star Westcliff-on-Sea 1939 veteran Bristol K5G ‘AJN 825’ make the trek down from North Essex to help celebrate the launch of Hadleigh Depot’s Plaxton Presidentbodied Transbus Dennis no.33191, registered ‘LT52XAB’ in its specially prepared Westcliff-on-Sea Motor Services red and cream livery. The heritage livery applied to the ex London bus almost seems to disguise its age – it’s doesn’t seem that 60 years separate the two buses in this delightful scene by John Lidstone.

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19/05/2014 19:45

MINIBUS › NEWS

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Mountain Goat offers ‘Lux in the Lakes’ Luxury chauffeur-driven tours to be run under Park Tours brand Lake District tour operator, Mountain Goat, has launched a new luxury touring experience under the banner of ‘Park Tours,’ an operator it acquired in 2014. Mountain Goat, which won Cumbria Tourism’s ‘Tourism Experience’ award last year, is using the Park Tours brand to promote luxury, chauffeurdriven tours in a Mercedes-Benz Viano, which has just been added to the �leet. The new service offers clients collection from an airport,

railway station or other convenient place and a number of tour options from which to choose. These can be based in the Lake District, or further a�ield. The clients can choose their own itinerary, which will be individually priced for them. Accommodation options in a range of graded accommodation can be suggested from Park Tours’ partner hotels, including the four-star Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, formerly home to Beatrix Potter. A completely bespoke experience can be created by the Mountain Goat team, whether guests wish to go walking,

satisfy a desire to shop, learn to cook, visit local food artisans or explore a hobby such as painting or birdwatching. Added extras can also be included in the experience, such as champagne and chocolatedipped strawberries, a picnic of traditional Lakeland delicacies, or some mouth-watering Grasmere Gingerbread. The launch of the service has been customer-led, with various clients having expressed a desire to explore the delights of the Lakes, northern England and Scotland, with expert guides, but on a private and luxury basis. Creating a number of bespoke

packages for international clients last year has led to the creation of the new luxury tour option in 2014. Mountain Goat’s Robin Tyson says: “We have listened to what some customers wanted and have developed a solution to offer to them, which will comprise a luxury, idyllic experience from beginning to end. “With airport collection and drop-off, expert landscape interpretation from chauffeur/ guides and activities delivered by trusted partners, we believe we have the ultimate, ‘luxury in the Lakes’ experience.”

Mountain Goat’s new MercedesBenz Viano operates for Park Tours ‘Lux in the Lakes’ programme.

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Golden Boy takes delivery of three new Turas 800s

Golden Boy now operates six Vario-based Turas 800s Golden Boy Coaches of Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire has taken delivery of three more Turas 800 models. The latest deliveries, all based on the Mercedes-Benz 818 chassis, are two 29 seat and one 33 seat variants. The company now operates six of these MercedesBenz Vario-based Turas 800 models and one Sprinter-based Turas 500 which features 16 seats and four tables. Commenting on the latest deliveries, Alan White, of supplying Noones’ dealer Minis

to Midis, said: “The decision by Golden Boy to purchase three more units clearly demonstrates confidence in the product and reflects the close working relationship which has developed between us.” Noones and Minis to Midis are now establishing a stock of aftermarket parts in Hoddesdon, including glass, in conjunction with GB Fleet Maintenance, Golden Boy’s service division, to enhance the service support already offered to customers.

Turas 800 trio for Streamline

The midi coaches were supplied by Minis to Midis Three new Noone Turas 800 midicoaches have recently been delivered to Streamline of Maidstone as part of the company’s fleet upgrade programme. All based on Mercedes-Benz 816 chassis with six-speed manual gearboxes and supplied to order by Minis to Midis. Two feature 29 seats plus courier, with the third a 33-seater. Fainsa Gala seats, Autoclima airconditioning, dark tinted doublewww.coachandbusweek.com

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glazed side windows and Bosch radio/cd/pa/dvd were all specified. With the benefit of over 70 years’ experience in the passenger transport industry, Streamline has established an highly regarded reputation as one of Kent’s premier taxi, private hire and airport transport service providers. The company has achieved remarkable growth, having acquired additional operational facilities in West Malling.

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 39 19/05/2014 12:53

MINIBUS › NEWS

Nissan launches low emission NV400 Improvements include a single Euro 5, 2.3ltr turbo diesel engine option Nissan has announced improvements to its NV400 range including a low emission Euro 5 engine and a number of specification upgrades on both panel vans and factory-built conversions. The four versions of the chassis turbo engine have been replaced with a single 2.3 litre turbodiesel engine which boasts an improvement in fuel economy and sees the NV400’s CO2 emissions fall by 8g/km. The updated variants are claimed to maintain their nimble performance and generous load space, with the improvements

New Minis to Midis support agent for NW England

Minis to Midis has appointed a new support agent covering the northwest of England. Eye Commercials, based just off the A580 at Haydock and headed by Bill Flanagan, brings the number of appointed agents to seven for customers in Scotland, England and Wales. As well as general bodywork support, Eye Commercials offers specialist expertise in electrical, electronic and diagnostic services. Along with Minis to Midis’ main agent, GB Fleet of Hoddesdon, staff from Eye are also being trained in the service and repair of Autoclima air-conditioning systems, as fitted to the Noone Turas model range, in association with Brian Noone Ltd, which is the newly appointed Autoclima agent for Ireland. Michael Noone of Brian Noone Ltd, said: “Bill Flanagan has worked with us in the past and brings additional expertise to the service network.”

meaning the NV400 becomes an increasingly viable option to businesses looking to reduce the emissions from their fleet. Additional specification now included on the E grade panel van as standard includes deadlock, power mirrors, front electric windows, FM audio system with MP3 / iPod compatibility, USB / AUX socket input and Bluetooth connectivity, cargo floor load mounting hooks and immobiliser and alarm. All panel vans now have a Thatcham approved Category 1 alarm and SE grade panel vans benefit from remote control locking with a three-button key. Furthermore, all rear-wheel drive panel vans and chassis now come with twin back wheels.

Repeat Turas 800 delivery for Wings Luxury Travel

Wings has added a second Turas Following successful operation of a first Noone Turas 800 delivered in July 2013, Wings Luxury Travel has taken delivery of a second 29-seater model. Built to order, the latest addition is based on the Mercedes-Benz 818 chassis with five-speed automatic gearbox and features leather-trimmed Brusa Create 110 coach seats fitted with seat back magazine nets and fold down tables, courier seat, dark tint double-glazing, in-dash and saloon

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Nissan’s new NV400 range

air-conditioning by Autoclima, front coolbox and cinema lighting. An illuminated ‘Welcome to Wings’ sign adorns the entrance steps of the base white vehicle with distinct and familiar livery. Wings Luxury Travel Limited is a family owned company based near Heathrow Airport, specialising in the provision of high quality minibus and coach services for the past 32 years. The company operates Mercedes-Benz based

vehicles throughout London and the near South East, providing a high quality service to a wide range of clients. General Manager Bill Gritt said: “We have a long standing relationship with Alan White of Minis to Midis and were very impressed with the first Turas 800 delivered last year. This latest addition further enhances our fleet of smaller high specification coaches.”

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Ford reduces price of older Transit spares

Ford has reduced the price of selected parts for Transit and Transit Connect models more than four years old by up to 58%. The move follows the recent launch of Motorcraft 4+ from Ford – a parts and service package targeting drivers of commercial

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vehicles and cars aged four years and older. Jon Wellsman, Ford of Britain Customer Service Division Director, said: “Small businesses need to watch every penny, and these price cuts on regular service parts will bring savings customers really notice. Ford commercial vehicle dealers offer top quality parts installed by trained technicians – now at an even more competitive cost.” A replacement clutch slave

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cylinder on a 2000–2006 Ford Transit is now up to 58% cheaper – a saving of up to £210. The Ford and Ford Motorcraft value range parts available at a reduced price also include: l Brakes: brake discs and linings; l Filters: oil filters, air filters, diesel fuel filters; l Clutches / flywheels: clutch kits, clutch release bearings and dual mass flywheels; and l Running gear: wishbones /

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control arms, wheel bearings. These reductions come as Ford is completing the launch of its redesigned and expanded Transit range in Europe, including the all-new Ford Transit, Ford Transit Custom, Ford Transit Connect and Ford Transit Courier, which offers much improved cost of ownership. With this new initiative in place, customers with older Transit and Transit Connect vehicles can also benefit from reduced ownership costs.

Turas 800 for Hamilton based H and S Coach Hire

H and S Coach Hire based in Hamilton, near Glasgow, has recently taken delivery of a 33-seater Noone Turas 800 based on a Mercedes-Benz 818 chassis with six-speed manual gearbox. Featuring half-leather Fainsa Gala seats, Autoclima airconditioning, dark tint doubleglazing, front coolbox and Bosch radio/cd/pa plus large boot

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and side lockers, the new model has been set to work on a range of private hire and corporate duties. Although most of the H and S team have been in the industry for over 20 years, the company itself was first established in 2006 from humble beginnings with a small sevenseat minicoach. The fleet has expanded to satisfy customer

demand and now encompasses minicoaches to full-size executive coaches. Flexibility and a high standard of service ensure a strong level of repeat business, with the company always aiming to exceed customers’ expectations. David Smith, Director, commented: “We are extremely proud of not only our fleet but our values. Family values count

here and all of our drivers are specially selected. “We would never provide a vehicle we wouldn’t be happy travelling in ourselves. The Turas 800 fits perfectly with our ethos.”

H & S Coach Hire can be contacted on 01698 422179 or info@ hscoaches.co.uk. Visit www. hsminicoaches.co.uk

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 41 19/05/2014 12:53

MINIBUS SHOW REPORT › CV SHOW

CV Show sees new Citroën Relay world debut Martin Cole reviews the UK’s largest commercial vehicle exhibition which saw numerous developments in current minibus platforms and a good selection of both coachbuilt minibuses and conversions

his year’s event saw Citroën reveal its latest generation Relay for its inaugural public appearance. An official product launch is scheduled for June and the first new models will be available on general sale in September. Citroën claims Relay brings class-leading payloads and load space practicality; squaresided load compartments; wide load decks; and some of the lowest load deck heights in its class. The new Relay also delivers higher levels of standard equipment, extended service intervals, up to 15% more fuel efficient engines and lower emissions – as well as a new range of options to improve safety and comfort. The new model is highly distinctive, with a stylish new front end and large high-mounted headlights incorporating daytime running lights. It also includes a striking new grille and chevron design, as well as a large, multi-piece front bumper to minimise accident damage and reduce repair costs. Citroën has applied the latest technology and materials to raise the reliability of high stress usage items such as doors and suspension. As a result, the body structure incorporates multiplepoint reinforcement to raise rigidity, improve durability and also to lower noise levels. High use, high stress items such as the rear doors have been reinforced and stronger door hinges are now used. Similarly, the sliding side

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The new Citroën Relay revealed for the first time

The Citroën Relay dash

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load doors have benefited from strengthened rails, re-designed runners and improved door locks – all of which raise durability and security standards. Underbody improvements include redesigned shock absorber mountings for reduced road noise. Braking performance has been optimised with dimensional and tolerance changes. These have reduced operational noise as well as improvising braking performance. Citroën’s advanced HDi diesel engines are said to offer significantly improved fuel consumption, with up to 15% better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Panel vans in the 3.0 - 3.5 tonne gvw sector return a combined cycle fuel economy of up to 42.8mpg

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and sub-200g/km CO2 emission figures. Service intervals have been extended up to two years or 30,000 miles. All Relay panel vans feature Citroën’s unique Trafficmaster SmartNav intelligent satellite navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking, which provides further operational cost savings and efficiency gains. Improved levels of comfort stem from new cab trim and a new dashboard layout, a dual passenger seat, incorporating a drop-down desk unit, standard electric windows and electrically operated and heated door mirrors – plus DAB radio. There are also steering-mounted audio controls and a Bluetooth system. The steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach. In-cab storage areas include a glovebox,

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dash-mounted document clip and various open or lidded compartments on the dashboard large door pockets, storage space beneath the passenger seat and in a 22-litre overhead compartment. Both the cab and load compartment are equipped with 12v power points and interior lighting within the cab has been increased. A multi-function trip computer is included in the electronic instrument display. Citroën says the larger internal body dimensions, including load width between wheel arches of 1420mm and side door widths of up to 1,250mm, increase its practicality – especially with Relay’s low load deck height. More standard equipment is supplied than in the previous model – plus higher levels of driver and crew comfort, with seats trimmed in dark grey and black and red twill seat cloth, a re-styled dashboard which can incorporate a five-inch colour LCD screen for the media system and optional reversing camera. Further safety options employ advanced technology. The standard ESC system can be upgraded with Intelligent Traction Control and Hill Descent Control. A Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is also available, which uses a camera mounted in the rear-view mirror to recognise whether the driver has drifted across lane markings without indicating – which generates both an audible warning as well as a visual one via the instrument panel. LDWS engages at speeds over 37mph and is optionally available on all models except the Relay 40 heavy versions, where it is standard specification. An optional reversing camera coupled with parking sensors in the rear bumper is also available. The camera unit is positioned next to the high position third brake light and transmits images to a five-inch colour LCD screen in the dashboard. The parking camera overlays the image shown, with guidelines to make manoeuvring easier in confined spaces. Tyre pressure sensors and additional LED front lighting can also be specified. A variety of option packs are available. They include: l ‘Look Pack’ with LED daytime running lights, front fog lights & full wheel trims; l ‘City Pack’ with rear parking sensors, reversing camera & electrical folding/heated door mirrors; l ‘Comfort Pack’ which includes auto rain sensitive wipers, auto air-conditioning, suspended driver’s seat & leather steering wheel; l ‘All-Road Pack’ with Intelligent Traction Control & under body protection; and l ‘Safety Pack’ with Lane Departure Warning System, passenger air bag and tyre pressure sensors. As well as increased practicality, Citroën says the Relay delivers a wide range of other financial benefits – including combined cycle

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 43 19/05/2014 12:57

MINIBUS SHOW REPORT › CV SHOW

Ford’s new Transit Jumbo minibus offers up to 17 seats

Ford Transit minibus interior

fuel economy figures of up to 42.8mpg, low CO2 emissions and extended service intervals of up to two years or 30,000 miles (whichever comes first) for normal operations. It has has a flexible warranty of two years/ unlimited mileage or three years/100,000 miles (whichever comes first). All new panel vans are equipped with Citroen’s unique Trafficmaster telematics platform. This includes Smartnav intelligent satellite navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking. It also gives operators an option to specify Fleet Director, a low-cost real-time fleet management system.

Ford

Ford exhibited examples of its new Euro 6-compliant 17-seater Transit Jumbo minibus and its smaller Tourneo which seats up to eight passengers. The new Transit Jumbo minibus is being made available in three lengths – the short wheelbase model catering for up to 11 passengers, the medium wheelbase version for up to 15 and the long wheelbase model up to 17. Each offering is available in either ‘Base’ or ‘Trend’ specification, depending on the level of trim and additional equipment the customer requires. Base models feature: an automatic start/stop system, powered entry step, rake and reach adjustable steering column, radio with remote stalks, Bluetooth, remote central locking, power windows, eight-way adjustable driver seat with armrest, dual passenger seat with underseat storage, passenger seat with foldout table; glovebox with A4 file storage, two 12v power points, ESP/EBS/Hill Start Assist, EDCC – electronic dynamic cornering control, emergency brake warning, spare wheel, and a

44 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | May 21, 2014 042_046_CBW1138_MINIBUS_Feature.indd 44

Vauxhall Movano for the England soccer team support duties Ford ‘easy-fuel’ capless fuelling system. The higher specification Trend models have all of the above plus: front and rear airconditioning, front and rear parking sensors, heated windscreen, powered, heated and folding mirrors, automatic headlights and wiper function, front fog lamps, cruise control, Ford SYNC with emergency assistance, leather trimmed steering wheel and gearshift knob, lockable glovebox, projector-style headlamps with static cornering lights, privacy glass from aft of the B pillar, and reclining seats in the saloon. Minibus models are available with the latest

2.2-litre engine rated at either 125 or 155bhp. The Tourneo Custom, which has always been a popular passenger or driver shuttle, is based on the Transit Custom and available in either seven or eight passenger format. Customers can select 100, 125 or 155bhp versions of Ford’s 2.2 litre Duratorq engine. According to Ford, the chassis dynamics have been developed to offer a rewarding driving experience, while car-like interiors and stylish modern exteriors are aimed at broadening appeal. Fuel consumption is said to average 43.5mpg. A longer wheelbase option is now available which offers larger boot space and is likely to be

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warmly welcomed by the transport sector as its practicality gains a big boost. The latest version offers the most car-like driver area available and a feature-packed cockpit which includes Lane Keeping Alert, Driver Alert, Ford SYNC with emergency assistance, driver and passenger airbags plus eight-way adjustable seats. Reclining rear saloon seating is now lighter and easier to remove or install. There are 30 possible seating configurations to suit specific applications. Bodywork carries a 12-year anti-perforation warranty. Its sub-2.0m height means it can access many parking areas denied to taller vehicles.

Vauxhall

GM Coachwork Peugeot Boxer interior

PLS AccessLite featuring rear boarding step option

GM Coachwork’s Peugeot Boxer with inboard lift

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042_046_CBW1138_MINIBUS_Feature.indd 45

While much of the attention on Vauxhall’s stand was directed towards the new Vivaro, the larger Movano became the focus of attention as it appeared in a special England football team livery to denote the manufacturer’s prestigious sponsorship agreement with the Football Association. Former England goalkeeper Ray Clemence also made an appearance on the stand during the show. The England Team-liveried Movano featured Vauxhall’s in-house specification interior with raised seating platforms on either side of the aisle. Fabric covered seating in two-tone grey featured lap and diagonal seatbelts and overhead parcel racks were installed on either side. LED lighting is a recent addition which is non-intrusive and more powerful – creating a much brighter saloon when they are switched on.

Treka Bus

Treka Bus took an independent stand this year, displaying Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz Sprinterbased versions of its Treka 16 and Treka Van. Treka Van is the new name for the conversion. Treka 16, the coachbuilt model, retains its modular construction composite body with powered entrance door and manual fold-out entrance step. The body gives a raised flat floor which can accommodate up to six wheelchairs, with boarding via an underfloor passenger lift at the rear. Moulded coving panels contain ducting for blown air, air-conditioning and electrics. More moulded panels in the driver’s area neatly house switch banks for all the onboard facilities. The model on display was equipped with 16 Phoenix seats. Built to comply with National Small Series Type Approval, it carries a five-year warranty. Treka Van, also configured for 16 passengers, had space for 14 Phoenix seats or up to six wheelchairs in the saloon with two seats beside the driver. Saloon seats were equipped with lap and diagonal seatbelts and mounted on NMI quick release fittings. Moulded cove panels were installed with a broad moquette centre stripe

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filling the centre roof. It featured an automatic PLS Access underfloor lift with an integrated step. Treka Van is also compliant with National Small Series Type Approval and subject to a fiveyear warranty.

Eberspacher

The bulk of the remaining minibus exhibits were, as usual, displayed on stands hosted by vehicle heating and air-conditioning specialists Eberspacher and Webasto. Eberspacher MD Vince Lee said: “While we don’t have much which is new or exciting for the minibus sector, there will be some new products available later in the year – but I’m not at liberty to divulge exactly what they are.” However, he was delighted by the support given by key customers represented on the stand and extremely proud to have acquired one of the Army’s new Foxhound armoured personnel carriers for display. Valued at just under £1m, the Foxhound was the most expensive vehicle at the show and had been equipped with some sophisticated bespoke Eberspacher climate control developments. Unfortunately, due to the vehicle containing some highly classified communications equipment, it had to be kept locked during the show. Designed as a replacement for the Snatch Landrover, Foxhound is vastly superior in its resistance to attack from small arms and roadside IEDs. It’s ‘V-shaped’ underbody acts to deflect much of any explosive force. It can continue to drive even if an explosion removes any one of the four wheels – allowing the occupants to move to safer ground immediately. Euromotive was one of the exhibitors on Eberspacher’s stand with its accessible Volkswagen Crafter conversion. This offers up to 16 seats or can carry up to six wheelchairs thanks to its raised flat floor. Additional features included soft trim, a Ratcliff Palfinger underfloor passenger lift and a power operated entrance door with an AVS entry step.

Mellor

Mellor Coachcraft displayed its 14-seat Fiat Ducato 150-based accessible minibus incorporating a lowline AL-KO chassis. Side entry via a wide two-door entrance leads directly to a flat floor. A folding boarding ramp is provided to assist passengers unable to climb steps or to bridge any gap between the vehicle and pavement. Wheelchair boarding is via the rear doors using an an internal folding ramp. The low floor floor height means the ramp has a shallow angle allowing easy manual loading of wheelchair passengers.

Nu Trak

Nu Trak, now part of Wright Group, said there was mounting interest in its StreetLitebased product. This can, in its 9.5m form,

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 45 19/05/2014 12:57

MINIBUS SHOW REPORT › CV SHOW

Stanford Coachworks ‘Sensory Bus’ Monaco conversion for London Hire accommodate a maximum of 37 seated passengers but was displayed with 14 seats in its raised rear section which leaves a vast low and flat floor for five wheelchairs or electric scooters. A Nu Trak spokesman said the company was still seeking a name for the vehicle and running a competition to help find a popular title. There is a shorter, narrower version at 8.8m due in the near future which the company says has sparked considerable interest from prospective buyers. It would have a few less seats and space for four wheelchairs.

Stanford Coachworks

Stanford Coachworks presented a special ‘Sensory Bus’ version of its LWB Sprinter-based Monaco, created in an accessible, hi-spec, flat floored guise for London Hire. Equipped with 19 seats on NMI quick release fittings, it could also be configured to seat three passengers and accept up to six wheelchairs – or anywhere in between. Like conventional Monaco conversions, it incorporates wood-effect flooring, carpeted entrance area and plush trim with LED mood lighting, a driver partition and brushed-silver textured handrails which were complimented by silver seatbelts. While its colour scheme, both inside and out, was somewhat unusual, it created a very harmonic, almost serene, visual impact.

EVM

More minibuses were present on the Webasto stand – obviously sporting climate control equipment manufactured by Webasto. EVM exhibited a Sprinter X-Clusive based on a 519 Cdi with 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox, a

46 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | May 21, 2014 042_046_CBW1138_MINIBUS_Feature.indd 46

panoramic glass roof, 16 leather upholstered reclining seats and two tables. A video monitor was mounted on the rear partition and a another drop-down unit installed at the front. CCTV monitoring was included and full length luggage racks installed. External appearance was enhanced with EVM’s chrome pack and body styling kit.

Illuminated entrance steps and carpeted entry area on Monaco

GM Coachwork

GM Coachwork displayed an accessible Peugeot Boxer with 13 seats or the capacity for five passengers and two wheelchairs. It featured a drop-down step at the entrance and an inboard Braun passenger lift at the rear. GM Coachwork also had a Vauxhall Movano present on the LEX Group stand. It is producing similar examples for LEX to offer its customers through its lease hire schemes.

London Hire Monaco interior

Oughtred & Harrison

Oughtred & Harrison displayed a short wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with six seats and a wheelchair space. It was equipped with A PLS AccessLite underfloor passenger lift, luggage racks and large storage pens for stowing wheelchair tiedowns and restraint systems.

VB Airsuspension

VB Airsuspension said it was currently finalising the development of updated systems to upgrade all the new vehicle platforms. The conversions, either full-air or coil spring assisted, offer improved handling, stability and ride comfort while increasing safety and reducing costs through prolonged component life. n

Eberspacher roof mounted minibus air conditioning unit

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19/05/2014 12:58

LAST month on

7,470 POTENTIAL BUYERS VISITED THE SITE WITH 54,606 VEHICLE AD VIEWS were your vehicles among them? Source: google analytics, APRIL 2014 - full stats available on request

Operators - advertise your vehicles for sale on coachandbusmarket.com from just 35p per day with a Market Unlimited package from just ÂŁ129 +VAT per year. Unlimited online vehicle-for-sale advertisements on coachandbusmarket.com Up to 4 per week of 5x1 print advertisements in Coach&BusWeek magazine Half price recruitment ads in Coach&BusWeek magazine 3 annual digital subscriptions to coachandbusweek.com

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p48_CBW_1138 19/05/2014 14:08 Page 48

2005 LDV Convoy

2000 Volvo B7TL’S

2008 Mercedes Sprinter Executive

Front entry coach built, large panoramic windows, wood dash, Euroliner wheel trims, very tidy inside and out,12 months MOT, this is the intercooled high power model, drives superb, low mileage.

ZF gearboxes, single door, 82 seats fully seated or 80 seats as DDA compliant, supplied with new MOT and COIF, new batch just arriving. Why pay more for less. FROM £20,000

10 seats + driver, DVD stereo system, air con, tables, inverter, leather seats, huge luggage space, black tint rear windows, very good, clean condition, LEZ, ready for work.

£5,500 – MAY PX

£18,000 + VAT

2001 Y Reg Tridents

Cummins C series engines, Voith gearboxes, Plaxton President bodies, 78 seats. Why pay more for less. FROM £18,000 + VAT

Parnells Coaches 01404 47502/07790 966667

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Steve 0161 775 0800/07980 600597 operations@travel-master.co.uk

2009 Iveco Daily

Euro 6 EVM Sprinter

Mercedes Benz Sprinter

2008 Mercedes Benz Vario

16 moquette seats with 3 point belts, white, manual, single panoramic privacy glazing, forced air, wheelchair tracking, right hand emergency door, reading lights and air vents, 90,000 miles, very clean.

7 G-Tronic automatic gearbox, double rear doors, privacy glass, 16 comfort class seats, virtual leather and fabric, in-dash and saloon A/C, saloon heater, luggage racks with strip lights.

Sliding side door with electric entry step, 16 seats + driver, in-dash aircon, saloon aircon, optional extras – body colour bumpers, luggage racks, body style pack, wheelchair lift, 3 year warranty.

Manual gearbox, double rear doors, 24 moquette seats + driver, bonded windows, single glazing, forced air, 71,879 miles, rear emergency exit doors, Buckingham seats, under dash box, 2 roof vents.

EnsignBus 01708 865656

£18,000 + VAT

£32,500 + VAT

£27,000 + VAT

EVM Direct – 01293 852025

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

1998 Volvo Caetano Salvador

2005 05 Reg VW LT35 95 TDi LWB

2008 08 reg Mercedes Sprinter

2008 Iveco Beulas Cygnus

16 seats, drives well, low mileage, 5 gears, front entry, non-PSV, CD player, skylight, MOT April 2015.

Newish conversion, 12 months PSV, taxed, COIF, 5 speed box, panoramic tinted windows, CD player.

£14,500 + VAT o.n.o.

£4,900 – MAY PX

£POA – MAY PX

49/51 rec seats, 3 point belts, courier seat, auto, power plug & continental doors, air con, double glazing, audio & DVD, reverse camera, powered luggage lockers, floor mounted toilet, low mileage. POA

01833 660471 / 07730 486708 paul.watson@btconnect.com

01404 47502/07790 966667 www.parnell-coaches.com

Tel: 01823 653000 Moseley in the South

2000/2001 X/Y Reg Volvo B7TL’S

1997 Volvo B12R VanHool Astrobel

2004 Mercedes OC500 18.36 Touro

Iveco Daily

Auto, 71 reclining seats, twin courier seat, driver & crew doors, centre powered entrance, double glazing, air con, audio & DVD, servery with boiler & fridge, toilet, n/s & o/s doors to luggage compartment.

49 reclining seats with armrests, seat back tables, & footrests, courier seat, Plug entrance door, double glazing, air con, CD & DVD, drinks machine & fridge; centre sunken toilet, continental exit, digital tachograph, manual transmission, retarder.

8 passengers plus driver, front entrance with lowered step, 3 point seat belts, large tinted panoramic windows, flat floor with lots of tracking, 2.8ltr diesel manual, 2 fire extinguishers + first aid kit, 113,000 miles, MOT Sept, tax Oct 2014.

POA

NOW £4,200 including VAT

Tel: 01823 653000 Moseley in the South

Tel: 0121 788 8848 Marsden PTS Ltd

49 reclining seat with seat belts, mid toilet, centre door, monitor + DVD, radio + cassette, courier seat, tax and tested, fitted with air con but needs belts and re-gas.

80 seats, Voith gearboxes, Euro 2 engines with traps, or full Euro 3 with traps, Plaxton President bodies, can be DDA with 78 seats. Why pay more for less. FROM £20,000 + VAT

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Telephone Gemma Ireland on 01733 293247 or email gemma.ireland@coachandbusweek.com 48 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

p49_CBW_1138 19/05/2014 14:08 Page 49

2001 MAN Neoplan

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

53 plate Mercedes Cheetah

2003 Volvo B12M VanHool Euro 3

2005 DAF VanHool

29 passengers plus courier seat, tax till August, MOT till June, large boot, low emission exhaust fitted. £18,000 + VAT

49 belted seats + crew, retrimmed seats & side panels, air con, monitor, radio/PA, saloon mounted WC, rear continental door, MOT November. £39,999 + VAT

48 seater executive, air con, rear mounted WC, very good condition, tested until October 2014. £78,000 + VAT

Contact Gary – 07930 377051

Hailstone Travel Ltd 0845 388 3848

2004 Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse

2006 Scania Irizar Century

£25,000 + VAT

Nigel McCree - 01509 502695

Shaw’s Coaches Tel: 01977 661214

1995 Scania K113 VanHool Alizee

1997 Dennis Javelin GX300 Berkhoff Axial 53 seats Manual New respray in white New screen Engine fault and misted side bays, taken in PX.

Auto, one year’s MOT, 49 seats: new 70 Cogent seats on order and the conversion will be carried out shortly, so pick your own trim.

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

Offers + VAT to clear

yourbus – 01773 714013

£100,000 + VAT Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

£21,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

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

01833 660471 / 07730 486708 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

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

£40,000 + VAT o.n.o.

49 seats, automatic, good condition for year, available with new test, removable vinyls. Choice of 3. £11,995

49 exec, W.C., A.C., 7 speed C-Shift, MOT 30/9/14, excellent condition.

NOW £39,000

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.

PAB Tours – 0113 320 0780 ant@pabtours.com

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 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 49

p50_CBW_1138 19/05/2014 14:07 Page 50

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

D L SO

52 reg Optare Solo M920

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

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

£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 50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014

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p51_CBW_1138 19/05/2014 16:21 Page 51

BURGHFIELD COACHES LTD AUCTION Saturday 7th June 2014, 1pm Viewing Friday 6th June 2014

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

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

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

2008 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.

6 AVAILABLE – £99,000

Alfa Travel – 01257 248003

Burghfield Farm, Mill Road, Burghfield, Reading, RG30 3SS

Due to Cessation of Business

2002 Mercedes Ferqui 35 Seat Coach 2006 Mercedes Plaxton 33 Seat Coach 2006 Mercedes 814 33 Seat Coach 1996 Mercedes Plaxton 32 Seat Coach 1993 Mercedes Plaxton 32 Seat Coach 2001 Renault Master 9 Seat Welfare Bus 2001 Renault Master 7 Seat Welfare Bus 2001 Renault Master 4 Seat Welfare Bus 2003 Ford Transit 7 Seat Welfare Bus 2001 Ford Transit 15 Seat Welfare Bus 2001 Ford Transit 8 Seat Welfare Bus 2000 Ford Transit 15 Seat Welfare Bus 2003 Ford Transit 16 Seat Minibus 2003 Ford Transit 14 Seat Minibus 2002 Ford Transit 16 Seat Minibus 2002 Citreon Relay 16 Seat Minibus 2001 Peugeot Boxer 8 Seat Minibus 2 x Mercedes Sprinters for Parts Qty Garage & Yard Equipment to include – (To be Sold at 10am) 2 x Portable 4 Post Lifting Systems, Vehicle Wash, Pressure Washers, Axle Stands, Welders, Workbenches, Grinders, Beam Setters, Oil Heaters, Ladders, Vices, Jump Packs, Metalworking Equipment - Guillotines, Pillar Drills, Presses, Formers, Hacksaws, Jump Packs, Misc Jacks/Dispensers/Tools, ETC ETC

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

1993 K reg DAF / Bova

Contact Charlie Foyle or Graham Johnson on 01630 674326 www.malcolmharrison.co.uk • auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk All overseas and first time buyers not known to the auctioneer must lodge £1000 refundable deposit on registration by cash/credit/debit card.

70 seats, lots of new parts.

MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS

Manns Travel – 07796 695675

2002 Scania Irizar K114

49 exec, W.C., A.C., 7 speed C-Shift, MOT 21/5/15, excellent condition.

NOW £37,000

2000 Volvo B10M Plaxton Panther

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.

£24,000 + VAT

£15,000

2006 Volvo B12M

51/53 seat executive, WC, AC, auto, Berkoff LEZ, MOT 12/11/14, excellent condition. NOW £65,000

Kingdoms Tours Ltd 01884 252646 / 07702 626542

Steve 0161 775 0800/07980 600597 operations@travel-master.co.uk

01884 252646 / 07702 626542 Kingdoms Tours Ltd

2003 (53) Volvo B12M

2001 Salvador Caetano B10M Enigma

2007 Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragons

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.

51/53 seat executive, WC, AC, Berkoff, LEZ, MOT 12/11/14, excellent condition. NOW £44,000 – MAY CONSIDER PX

01884 252646 / 07702 626542 Kingdoms Tours Ltd

£40,000 + VAT

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

5 AVAILABLE – £88,000

Alfa Travel – 01257 248003

Telephone Gemma Ireland on 01733 293247 or email gemma.ireland@coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 51

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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. From £18,000

LEZ

COMPLIANT

Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats. From £17,000

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

2005 MINI POINTER DART

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.

Cummins Euro 3 ISB engine, 8.8m, 29 seats, Hanover LED’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. From £20,000

Cummins ISB Euro 3 engines , 10.7M, 37 seats, new MOT, Hanover LED’s

2002 DENNIS DARTS

2009 OPTARE SOLO M920’S

33 seats, Mercedes engines, Mobitech LED’s, long MOT’s.

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -

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

698896-1138-Ensign_Layout 1 19/05/2014 13:31 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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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

Kingdoms Tours

2002 Scania Irizar K114

• 49 seat executive • WC • A/C • 7 speed C-Shift • MOT 21/5/15 £43,000 £37,000

2002 Scania VanHool K124 • 49 seat executive • WC • A/C • 7 speed C-Shift • MOT 30/9/14 £45,000 £39,000

2006 Volvo B12M 2003 (53) Volvo • 51/53 seat exec B12M • WC • A/C • Auto • Berkoff LEZ • MOT 12/11/14 £79,000 £65,000

• 51/53 seat exec • WC • A/C • Berkoff LEZ 12/11/14 £52,500 £44,000

ALL COACHES ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION INSIDE AND OUT. PRICES REDUCED TO SELL – NEW COACHES ARRIVING

Kingdoms Tours Ltd 01884 252646 / 07702 626542 56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

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

701473-1137-Ben Weaver 12/05/2014 17:15 Page 1

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

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

p60_CBW_1138 19/05/2014 16:29 Page 60

! Setra 416 GTHD 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 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.

These vehicles must go due to new deliveries. All sensible offers considered ! For further information and to arrange a viewing please call

Folkestone 01303 261870

60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014

Elite Travel Service Unit 12, Adwick Business Park, Adwick Park Court Adwick le Street, Doncaster DN6 7HD

PROFESSIONAL COACH CONVERSIONS ON NEW AND USED VEHICLES • 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

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

p61_CBW_1138 19/05/2014 16:30 Page 61

2003 Mercedes Benz Setra

49 reclining seat with seat belts, mid toilet, centre door, monitor + DVD, radio + cassette, courier seat, tax and tested, fitted with air con but needs belts and re-gas.

1998 Volvo Caetano Salvador

£14,500 + VAT o.n.o. £40,000 + VAT o.n.o. Tel: 01833 660471 Mobile: 07730 486708 Email: paul.watson@btconnect.com

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 DENNIS DART PLAXTON POINTER "MPD" 2001 Y reg, 29 seats with new 3 point belt installation, wheelchair ramp in step so DDA, Eminox exhaust to Euro 4 LEZ/RPC

Choice of 4 £9,950

DENNIS DART PLAXTON SPD “SUPER POINTER”

1998/9, 41 seats, direct from Cardiff Bus.

Choice from £4,450

DOUBLE DECKERS AEC ROUTEMASTER No 1747 FOR RESTORATION. With AEC engine, 95% complete and does run, no seats, been a playbus & office, just waiting for new use. Offers around £18,950 VOLVO OLYMPIAN NORTHERN COUNTIES “LOW HEIGHT” BODY 1998 R REG. Volvo engine/ZF gearbox, 76 seats plus 8, can be belted if required. CHOICE OF 2 £7,950 VOLVO OLYMPIAN ALEXANDER BODY 1996 N REG. 78 seats with belts, long or new MoT, one repainted white, currently taxed so ready to work. FROM £7,750 SINGLE DECKERS ADL ENVIRO 300 2006 56 REG. SLF BUS - dual use options, with 60 x 3 point belted seats, use on bus services or school contracts. Phone for spec and price DENNIS DART PLAXTON "SUPER POINTER" 1998 S REG. Direct from Cardiff Bus. Currently being seatbelted for schools etc, will be 41 seats, uprated engine and gearbox, painted belted etc FROM £8,450

www.coachandbusweek.com

OPTARE SOLO M850 2000 W REG

OPTARE SOLO M780 SLIMLINE 55 and 06 reg fully repainted into plain white From £27,950

2 with coach seats and 1 with bus seats All with ramp for DDA etc All at £6,000.00

FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT FACTORY BUS

MERCEDES 815D VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER 2

Dec 2009 59 reg with only 26k miles Will have new COIF and PSV test, tachograph etc Ready to go £14,950.00

2008 58 Reg, 33 coach seats with belts, manual, power in-swing door, destination. Ideal purpose bus.

£35,950

DENNIS DART PLAXTON MINI POINTER “MPD” Y REG. 29 seats, DDA destination equipment. Choice of 4 £6,950 (Euro 4 and beltable) DENNIS DART CAETANO CUTLASS. Step entrance with 38 seats and 3 point belts. Ideal school contracts etc. £3,450

PSV TRANSITS 15-17 seats, available for short term rental. Rent for one week, month or year. Up to you. Always available. Phone for details IVECO 45/15 2005 55 REG. 16 seats, power door, powerful 3.0 ltr engine. £7,950 MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER 2 2002/3 52 REG. 28 removable H/B seats on tracking, tail lift, PSV tested, auto gearbox, choice of many, very presentable. £11,950 MERCEDES 413D SPRINTER 2004 04 REG. Extra long body with 16 seats and huge full height boot, COIF and long MoT. £11,950

MERCEDES 814 VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER 2 2004 54 REG. Fitted with 20 seats on tracking, and up to 10 wheelchairs, PSV, COIF and MoT, manual gearbox, power door, destination etc. long wheel base so could go to 32 seats. £14,950 OPTARE SOLO M 920 54 REG. 33 seats, all wheelchair accessible/DDA. £29,950 OPTARE SOLO M 920 Y REG. 33 seats, all wheelchair accessible/DDA. £9,950 OPTARE SOLO M920 1999 (PP). 33 seats with belts + tip ups, fully repainted, long test. £8,950 OPTARE SOLO M 850 X REG. 29 seats, all wheelchair accessible/DDA. £6,950 OPTARE SOLO M 850 W REG. 29 seats, all wheelchair accessible/DDA. £6,250 OPTARE SOLO M920 1999 PP. Currently out of test and no seats (don’t ask) runs fine £3,000 VW LT 46. Extra long wheelbase and super low floor, currently only 8 seats but could be 16-20 seats or make superb accessible camper. CHOICE OF 2 FROM £5,500

SOLD

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Pennine Motor Services 52 PLATE DENNIS DART PLAXTON 37 seats, 10.7 metre, DDA, four available. £21,500 + VAT 02 PLATE DENNIS DART PLAXTON 37 seats, 10.7 metre, DDA. £18,000 + VAT 51 PLATE DENNIS DART PLAXTON 37 seats, 10.7 metre, DDA, four available. £18,000 + VAT W PLATE DENNIS DART PLAXTON 39 seats, 10.7 metre, three available. £5,500 + VAT R PLATE DENNIS DART PLAXTON 41 seats, 9.8 metre. £2,000 + VAT

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.

LEYLAND LEOPARD TOW VEHICLE £8,000 + VAT

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:

Pennine Motor Services, Skipton, North Yorkshire

01756 795515

www.nigelmccree.com

SHORT OF CASH? RE-FINANCE YOUR VEHICLES WITH US – CALL 07736 850375

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 21, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

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

2008 ADL ENVIRO 200 SLF 38 seats. £45,000 + VAT

2000 DENNIS DART SLF 40 seats with belts. £5,950 + VAT

2008 OPTARE VERSA SLF 38 seats. £55,000 + VAT - choice

2003 TRIDENT SLF ALEXANDER 63 seats £12,000 + VAT – choice 72 sts + refurb £25,000 + VAT

2003 ADL ENVIRO 300 SLF 44 seats. £22,000 + VAT

2002 DENNIS DART SLF 30 seats. £8,500 + VAT

Southdown PSV Silverwood Snow Hill Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EN

www.coachandbusweek.com

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 63

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BUS & COACH

IN THE SOUTH LTD.

NEW IN STOCK

2009 MERCEDES 0816D SITCAR BELUGA – AUTOMATIC CHOICE OF 3 IDENTICAL VEHICLES – EURO 3 25 Leather trimmed reclining seats with footrests, magazine nets, armrests & seatbelts; courier seat; Plug entrance door; Double glazing; AIR CONDITIONING; Radio/CD/ P.A audio; CD player with drop down monitor; Fridge unit; Large boot & side lockers; Reverse camera; Retarder; Digital tachograph. Summerfield Avenue, Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9JF 64 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014

www.moseleysouth.co.uk Follow us @MoseleySouth on

Telephone (01823) 653000 Fax: (01823) 663502 Email: sales@moseleysouth.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

p65_CBW_1138 19/05/2014 18:04 Page 65

BUSINESSES WANTED

ADVISORY SERVICES

PCV & LGV AID Real help for Transport Operators

• Struggling with compliance issues?

• PCV & LGV have over 30 years experience

• VOSA related problems? • Help that isn’t over-priced SPECIAL OFFER WITH THIS ADVERT First visit FREE – just expenses & coffee

07534 571709 / 01292 269777 pcvandlgvaid@gmail.com

Bus & Coach Businesses

• Are you Retiring • Losing Money • Need Investment • or Just Had Enough

We have Interested Buyers, Cash Investors Waiting

Reply, in con"idence, to PO Box 490, Scarborough YO11 9FF

CHECKPOINTS

AUDIO & VISUAL

GARAGE EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

Experts in Commercial Garage Equipment

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

www.bwsequip.co.uk BWS (0117) 9530381

UK and Ireland Distributor

www.autosound.co.uk Tel: 0044 (0)1274 688990

Wanted

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

Unit 4, Lister Street, Dudley Hill, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD4 9PQ

AV EQUIPMENT

CMS BRADFORD - WEST YORKSHIRE

Coach Multimedia Systems

AUDIO/VISUAL/SECURITY SYSTEMS, LCD/LED MONITORS, DVD/HDD PLAYERS, REAR VIEW CAMERA SYSTEMS, MICROPHONES, CCTV, DIGITAL/SATELLITE SYSTEMS, USB CONNECTIVITY ALL SYSTEMS PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE OF THE UK WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

• ATF Lanes • MOT Bays • Vehicle Lifts • Brake Testing Equipment • Column Lifts • Inspection Pits • Repair and 6 Monthly Service Inspections Tel: 01386 244758 Mobile: 07538 218194 www.commercialgarageequipment.co.uk Email: sales@commercialgarageequipment.co.uk

Phone: 07933 47 48 48 Email: Andy.Baxter@coachmultimediasystems.co.uk www.coachmultimediasystems.co.uk

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

BUILDINGS

• Bus Workshops • Secure Storage

• Supplied any width, any length

• Building to BS5590

• Doors high enough for Double Deckers

Contact Kerry Watson Tel: 01733 293488 Fax: 0845 280 2927 Email: kerry.watson@ coachandbusweek.com

• Finance available Phone for further information

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime www.coachandbusweek.com

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 65

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CRAIG TILSLEY Suppliers of Reconditioned

ENGINES

Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527 Fax: 01782 791316

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

TRAINING

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

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

ENGINES

SEATS & TRIM

MAN VOLVO CUMMINS SCANIA DAF ETC

All aspects of coach interior re-trim carried out to a high standard at competitive prices! Tel: 01253 696033 info@westcoasttrim.co.uk Burton Road, Blackpool FY4 4NW

Contact Kerry Watson T: 01733 293488 F: 0845 280 2927 E: kerry.watson@coachandbusweek.com

REGISTRATIONS

£750 70 RXG AXZ 15 DXZ 10 JXI 52 KNZ 25 PJZ 19 REZ 25 SJZ 50 UKZ 40

£350 AXZ 171 CEZ 828 GRZ 212 IAZ 949 MCZ 232 SBZ 343 VIW 848 WJI 454 YIB 252

£50 EXZ 8224 EXZ 8225 EXZ 8226 GRZ 4750 GRZ 4751 HRZ 1816 HRZ 1817 KIG 7220 KIG 7221

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

£50 LIG 9851 LIG 9852 LIG 9853 MIG 3870 MIG 3871 MIG 3872 RFZ 1686 RFZ 1687 RHZ 5661

£50 RHZ 5662 SFZ 5793 SFZ 5794 SHZ 1762 SHZ 1763 SNZ 7181 SNZ 7182 SNZ 7183 TNZ 4452

£50 TNZ 4453 TUI 9881 TUI 9882 UUI 7401 UUI 7402 UUI 7403 VJZ 8551 VJZ 8552 VJZ 8553

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

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.

66 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014

Transport Managers CPC Course – New & Refresher New Operators Course Drivers CPC

Venue: West Thurrock, Essex or we can come to you

01708 867564 info@wright-training.com www.coachandbusweek.com

p67_CBW_1138 19/05/2014 16:43 Page 67

TRIM

VEHICLE SPARES

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales

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

OUR SERVICES: •

Tel/Fax: 01751 472229

TYRE EQUIPMENT

DISMANTLING/SPARES:

Recovery

•

Refurbishment

•

Repairs

•

Fault finding

•

Export to foreign markets

• • •

• •

Testing

Engine/gearbox rebuilds Buying & selling vehicles

• • •

Reconditioned engines

Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares

•

Windows

•

Seats

•

Windscreens

Repairs

Finance repossession and storage

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

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

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR

VEHICLE INSPECTION TRAINING

If you would like further information please call 01543 897505

Specialist vehicle Inspection training with optional IRTEC

Visit our website: www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

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

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 67

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

First York training gains momentum First is working with City of York Council and the Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM), to help improve the safety of York’s roads and has already put six of their young drivers through the Momentum training as part of their commitment to staff and passenger safety. The Momentum scheme was launched in 2012 when City of York Council became the first ever local authority to join forces with the UK’s leading road safety charity, offering drivers between the ages of 17-26 the chance to sign-up for the free assessment. First bus drivers, Daniel Osguthorpe and James Clough, both had their Momentum assessments last week. Daniel, said: “I found the course very interesting. I felt as though I was back on my driving test on a very challenging route. I certainly learned a few lessons that were pointed out by the examiner and I am very interested in further training.

First York staff enjoyed their Momentum training James said: “The examiners feedback made me feel comfortable and confident in my driving skills, the session was challenging but very enjoyable.” Keith Thompson, Staff Development Coach for First York, said: “I feel very proud after receiving feedback from the examiner which was complimentary about the standard of driving he had seen so far from

our young drivers. As a member of IAM for 10 years, I’m fully aware of the benefits of this course and with the support of City of York Council and First York I’m encouraging our drivers to pursue further training and develop their own ‘Skills for Life.’ For more details about the course, visit www.york.gov. uk/transport/Road_safety/

Roeville get Richard on Board

Roeville Computer Systems says it pleased to welcome Richard Andrews to the Board of Directors. Richard joined the company as a Network and Operating Systems Engineer in 2003 and went on to lead the Web Development Team, shaping the future and delivery of the highly successful WebRes e-commerce web product. Richard was promoted to Operations Manager in 2012 and has now been appointed to the Board as Operations Director and will be looking after much of the day to day running of the software business. It’s been a good year for the Andrews family as Richard’s wife Kelly has also completed her degree and is set to further her career in teaching.

proud to be

www.coachandbusweek.com

069_71_CBW1138_People_Recruitment.indd 69

the really good bus company

May 21, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 69 19/05/2014 19:45

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

Operations Manager Westbourne Park Depot Tower Transit Operations Limited is a part of the Transit Systems Group based in Australia. The new London based business was established in 2013 and employs over 1600 staﬀ across three sites and operates 420 buses. We are now looking to recruit an Operations Manager for our Westbourne Park Depot. As part of the Senior Team you will contribute to the proﬁtable running of the Depot, managing aspects of its operations and support functions ensuring that key performance indicators are achieved We are looking for an individual with previous experience of leading and managing a team, but more important is your enthusiasm and passion for working in a forward thinking company. A CPC in Passenger Transport would be a distinct advantage. Minimum salary £45,000 but this will depend on experience. If you are interested please apply with a full CV and covering letter to Sonia Gentles, HR Assistant, Tower Transit, Westbourne Park Bus Garage, Great Western Road, London, W9 3NW or via email to sonia.gentles@towertransit.co.uk. More information can be found on our website www.transitsystems.com.au/tower-transit or contact us on 0207 243 5372. Closing Date - 09 June 2014

Going Gold with Payroll Giving Arriva London has been awarded the Gold Payroll Giving Quality Mark as another 15 of its 5,000 staff members signed up to Payroll Giving. With such a diverse workforce it means that over 120 charities bene�it, from well-known national or international ones to very local causes. Payroll Giving has been relaunched in Arriva London this year and underpins its Year Of The Bus celebrations. The initiative encourages employees to give to their chosen charity direct from their payroll which is tax-ef�icient for both employee and charity. With many more staff signing up each week, Arriva London says it is the largest operator in London to have achieved the gold quality mark. Caroline Ward, People and Change Manager said: “We are all very proud to have achieved the gold standard, its testament to the hundreds of our staff

who take the trouble to support causes close to their hearts. It highlights the importance Arriva London places on working closely with colleagues to support their activities in both the local and wider community. “A new online employee rewards portal has meant that it’s easier for staff to sign up and choose exactly where their money goes. So many people have a good cause to support, payroll giving makes it really simple and we pledge to continue to promote this hopefully achieving the platinum award in 2015.” In addition to publicity and garage roadshows, Arriva is holding quarterly draws where four members of staff using payroll giving are picked at random to earn an extra £250 for their chosen charity. The year will end with an opportunity for a number of staff to promote their chosen charity on top of a bus in The Lord Mayor’s Show.

Book one week, get a second week

Get your vacancy seen by quality candidates

half price and a third week

free!

n Full Colour as standard n All vacancies

posted to www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs n Details of all vacancies posted to our Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin pages Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com 70 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 21, 2014 069_71_CBW1138_People_Recruitment.indd 70

www.coachandbusweek.com

19/05/2014 19:45

New Managing Director for Volvo Buses in India Volvo Bus Corporation has appointed VRV Sriprasad as the new Managing Director of Volvo Buses India. Sriprasad has 28 years of experience in the commercial vehicle industry. He takes over from Manish Sahi. Sriprasad is a highly recognised professional in the Indian automotive industry with 28 years in various positions, including direct and retail sales, setting up of green field projects, new brand & product introductions and manufacturing. His recent assignment for six years was with Daimler India Commercial Vehicles. He has also worked for the Eicher Group. “Sriprasad brings him with an all-round and in-depth understanding of the commercial vehicle market. His passion to contribute to change in the commercial vehicle industry,

his commitment to create value for customers as well as for passengers fits very well with Volvo Buses’ mission in India. I look forward to seeing Volvo Buses expand its role in the Indian bus industry in the years

to come,” said Akash Passey, Senior Vice-President, Business Region International, Volvo Bus Corporation and Chairman of the Board of Volvo Buses in India. VRV Sriprasad will report to Akash Passey. He takes over from Manish Sahi, who has taken the position as Director – International Business, Volvo Buses India. Besides current export opportunities in Region International, Manish will also focus on export possibilities to Region Europe and Region Americas. Volvo Buses in India is a market cluster covering the South Asian countries of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives. At present, exports from the production facility in Bangalore take place to South Africa and future plans include increased spreads to new markets.

The Dearman Engine Company is strengthening its team as it prepares for its liquid-air engine to begin on-vehicle testing, with the recruitment of Nick Owen to the position of Chief Technology Officer. Nick is currently with E4tech (UK) Ltd, and will join Dearman at the start of June. Nick has worked at E4tech for the last two years, an industry and government consultancy, where he was responsible for the commercial and technical activities in the low carbon vehicles sector. During this period he has worked closely with Dearman on a number of projects including a review of markets and technology development risks

and has also provided support for the development of the company’s engineering plans. Prior to E4tech, Nick spent more than 20 years at Ricardo, including a number of years as Project Director of Research and Collaboration, responsible for the planning, execution and exploitation of Ricardo UK’s R&D portfolio. This had a budget of £10m a year, attracted £5m a year in grants and collaborative funding, involved up to 50 project partners and had a strong focus on low carbon technology. Nick will begin his new role at the start of June, and will be responsible for the planning

and delivery of the company’s engineering research and development activities. Toby Peters, CEO of the Dearman Engine Company, said: “Nick’s experience and understanding of the project is second to none, and he was the natural fit to support the development of the technology as we approach the first on-vehicle trials this summer. “We have had a number of business successes recently, including a grant of almost £2m from the Technology Strategy Board’s IDP10 program, and recognition in the ERTRAC report, and having the right team in place has been vital for that.“

VRV Sriprasad, Volvo Buses India

Former Ricardo Director joins the Dearman Engine Company

www.coachandbusweek.com

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Adrian swaps buses for bikes First Essex Managing Director, Adrian Jones, will swap buses for bikes this summer when he takes part in the London to Brighton bike ride. The annual event, which is held in support of the British Heart Foundation, will take place on Sunday, June 15. The 52-year-old, along with a group of friends and his son, Daniel, 26, will cycle the 54mile long route from Clapham Common to Marine Parade. Adrian said: “A friend of mine said he was going to do it so I thought I would join him. I like doing different challenges and I am a huge supporter of the British Heart Foundation. “I’m really looking forward to the day. I have been training during the week and going for longer bike rides at the weekend.” Adrian is no stranger to challenges, however. In 2013, he took part in the London Marathon and together with a colleague managed to raise more than £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. He hopes to raise hundreds of pounds for charity by taking part in the ride. To sponsor Adrian visit: www.justgiving. com/adrian-jonescyclechallenge

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