Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1145 by Coach and Bus Week & Group Travel World

Bluebird Vehicles in administration p7

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�itting electronic devices is never going to be cheap and it’s hard work – it’s akin to re-wiring a house. There is also the cost of design and commissioning, which can soon tot up. On that basis, I assume the ‘cheap & cheerful’ system the Baroness has in mind would be internet-based – perhaps working off the bus’ existing WiFi (an increasingly common accessory) or the AVL kit. Or maybe even a standalone mobile phone-like device with a SIM, which would not have to ‘talk’ to other hard and software. Looking at the bigger picture, the Baroness is having to conduct something of a balancing act, i.e. recognising the needs of visually-impaired passengers, while understanding the costs to the industry and the importance of bus services to society as a whole. I believe she is to be commended for this – for it would perhaps be all too easy to criticise the industry. I was also impressed that the Baroness mentioned in particular, smaller operators on no fewer than two occasions in her speech. Yes, that’s right folks, it seems we’re fortunate to have a Minister who has an interest and understanding of the industry. On a �inal note, at the risk of sounding too big-headed, when I asked her if she read CBW, she replied at lightning speed: “Of course I do Gareth. We’re an of�ice of people who are interested in transport.” That told me!

Gareth Evans Editor

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The latest news, views, features, jobs, vehicles for sale AND MUCH MORE...

16/06/2014 19:18

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 3 07/07/2014 16:55

CONTENTS

18 26 28

38 40

PROFILE

Raymond and Nick Hornsby at Scunthorpe-based Hornsby Travel

AUDIO-VISUAL

Baroness Kramer on a mission at Guide Dogs Parliamentary Reception

INDUSTRY GUIDE

Vehicle presentation: Suppliers that have the equipment and knowledge that can help your business

NEWS FOCUS

Another Arriva Sapphire service is launched – route 12 between Rhyl and Llandudno

LEGAL

Review of the 2014 Traffic Commissioners’ Report with some outspoken views expressed

p18

Hornsby Travel celebrates a 100 Top Stories

Regulars

6 l Drug driving law moves forward with enforcement from March 2015

06 l News 08 l Bus News 10 l Coach News 12 l Regional News 16 l International News 36 l Big Picture 68 l Last Stop 69 l People

7 l Scarborough-based Bluebird Vehicles placed into administration

INBOX

Brylaine Travel’s Malc Wheatley with some strong views on Boston traffic congestion

8 l First converts single-deck route 12 to Platinum in Aberdeen 10 l Vario-based Plaxton Cheetah replacement will be a Mercedes-Benz Atego

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NEWS B R I E F LY l THE FIRST THREE Euro 6 New Routemasters, LT172, 173 and 188 are now in service on Arriva London contracted route 38/N38 (Clapton – Victoria). Another two silver New Routemasters, LT256 and LT271 have been delivered to Stagecoach London for service 8/N8 (Bow – Tottenham Court Road) where they’re also operating alongside seven buses in black Adidas advertising livery. The original silver New Routemaster, LT150 is operating on route 10 (Hammersmith – King’s Cross). l ACCORDING to the latest Notices & Proceedings for the Welsh Traffic Area, published on July 3, Clayton Jones has applied for a new eight-vehicle O-licence. If successful, the Operating Centre would be located at Cwmni Tafarn Treftadaeth Cyf, Heol Aneurin Plot 2, Penyrheol, Caerphilly, CF82 2PG. The Transport Managers would be Clayton Jones and David James Rowe. l NAT EX Dundee’s (NXD) Black Watch-branded Wrightbusbodied Volvo B7RLE no.2032 (SP61CUH) featured in the city’s Armed Forces Day celebrations on Saturday (July 5). Phil Smith, Managing Director of NXD said: “I’m pleased to unveil our Black Watch bus as a symbol of our support for the local regiment in time for Armed Forces Day 2014. We are proud of the work done by our armed forces. I feel this is a fitting tribute to all the hard-working men and women who serve with the Royal Regiment of Scotland.”

6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 9, 2014 006_007_CBW1145_News.indd 6

Drug Driving Law moves forward DfT confirms offences will be enforced from March 2015 – along with changes to the drink driving tests are carried out Tough new measures to crack down on the menace of drug driving moved a step closer on Thursday (July 3) after the government issued new guidance to healthcare professionals. The new offence of driving with certain controlled drugs, including some prescription drugs, above specified limits is due to come into force March 2, 2015. The guidance helps doctors and nurses start explaining the new rules in advance of the launch to reassure those patients who take prescription drugs that they will be able to drive safely without fear of being prosecuted. The new advice, which has been developed with support from the medical profession, advises general practitioners, doctors, nurses and health advisers on changes to the drug driving offence and what it means for patients. Police can already prosecute drivers if they are driving whilst impaired by drugs, including medicinal drugs. The new rules will mean it will be an offence to be over the specified limits for each drug whilst driving, as it is with drink driving. The limits for

the vast majority of medicinal drugs are above the normal doses. Unlike the existing ‘impairment’ offence, the new law provides a medical defence for patients who are taking their medicine in accordance with instructions – either from a healthcare professional or printed in the accompanying leaflet – provided they are not impaired. The guidance also advises patients who take legitimately supplied medicines to keep evidence with them in case they are stopped by police. This will help speed up any investigation into the medical defence and reduce the inconvenience to the patient. The new regulations will come into force at the same time as new equipment to test drivers for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside is expected to become available to the police. If a driver tests positive they will be taken to a police station where a further evidential test will be taken. If this is positive it will allow police to prosecute a driver for being over the limit. Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said: “The new guidance will help doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals explain the new drug driving offence and reassure their patients that provided they take their medication in accordance

with advice and are not impaired they can carry on driving just as they have always done. “The new drug driving law will make it easier for the police to tackle those who drive after taking illegal drugs or abuse medicinal drugs whether they are on prescription or available over the counter. “This new offence will be introduced alongside major changes to drink-drive laws. Taken together, these will give police the tools they need to prosecute those who risk the lives of others through dangerous behaviour and make our roads safer.” As previously featured in CBW1131, the limits for each individual drug were set out at the end of March. Changes to drink driving laws are also being introduced as

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Bluebird Vehicles placed into administration Scarborough-based Bluebird Vehicles has been placed into administration, making all 48 employees redundant. Gareth Harris, Howard Smith and Brian Green of KPMG were appointed as administrators to Bluebird Vehicles on July 2, 2014. Bluebird Vehicles designed and manufactured coachbuilt buses, converted vans and created specialised easy access vehicles for the public sector, including local authorities and healthcare trusts. A statement from KPMG said: “After experiencing a slowdown in trade and with no immediate pipeline of work, the company was unable to meet its financial obligations and the directors placed the company into administration. On appointment of administrators, all 48 staff were

One of the substances covered by the new rules is cocaine. DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY part of the Deregulation Bill. Significantly, the right for drivers who fail a roadside breath test to demand a blood or urine sample at the police station will be removed. This test can take place several hours later, which means some drivers who were over the limit when tested at the roadside could have time to sober up. New mobile breath testing equipment is also expected to be approved early in 2015, allowing police to take evidential breath tests at the roadside, helping to streamline enforcement and support police officers in making sure our roads are kept safe and free from drink and drug drivers.

Market firm for half year

According to the Society of Motor Manfucturers & Traders (SMMT), the bus and coach market held firm in the first six months of 2014. “The bus and coach market has reached the halfway point in the year with volumes up 3.4%, following a steady 0.3% growth in June,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. “The purpose-built sector recovered from a subdued May with a 19.1% rise, and although the converted bus market fell 16.8% in the month, year-to-date registrations have grown 13.5%. With overall volumes up 11.1% for the last 12 months, the signs remain encouraging for the second half of 2014.”

made redundant and the company ceased to trade whilst a buyer is sought for the business and assets.” Gareth Harris, Director at KPMG’s Restructuring Services team in Leeds, said: “Bluebird Vehicles experienced particularly challenging trading conditions with its order books having been severely impacted by reduced demand from the public sector. “We have been working closely with the management team to find a solution to the business’ financial challenges. However, with no immediate pipeline of work it was not possible to keep Bluebird Vehicles trading. We remain hopeful there may still be a purchaser for the business and assets and would encourage any interested parties to contact us as soon as possible.

“Salaries and wages have been paid in full for June and are therefore up-to-date and we have staff on site to assist the employees with any queries and claims.” Bluebird recently split its business in two – creating Bluebird Engineering Services. It is this side of the business which supplies neighbouring Plaxton with its body side frames and roof frames for ADL Enviro200 and Enviro400s. Bluebird Engineering Services is unaffected by the administration process at Bluebird Vehicles and continues to trade.

All asset sale enquires should be directed to Glyn Baddeley on 0113 231 3463. All creditor/general enquiries should be directed to Richard Starkey on 0113 231 3079.

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

JUN-14 JUN-13 YTD-14 YTD-13

ALEXANDER DENNIS 163 91 427 597 VOLVO BUS

46 67 372 499

WRIGHTBUS

37 31 305 151

SCANIA

33 35 189 188

OPTARE

22 31 134 165

VDL

3 11 88 62

VAN HOOL

9 8 68 43

MERCEDES

32 3 57 39

NEOPLAN

6 4 48 46

SETRA

1 0 47 12

IRIZAR

3 13 29 29

OTHER IMPORTS

4 1 28 11

KING LONG

1 4 18 16

MAN

1 0 15 37

IVECO BUS TOTAL BUSES AND COACHES

0 4 4 58 361

303

1,829

1,953

Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance Compliance Services

If you would like further information please call 01543 897505

Visit our website: www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk

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006_007_CBW1145_News.indd 7

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7 07/07/2014 17:53

NEWS › BUSES SHARE WATCH Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, July 7. National Express saw the greatest proportional rise, while Synectics saw the greatest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.lse.co.uk

429.80p

Price: Year High: 471.00p Year Low: 374.10p

-2.60 on last week

128.40p

Price: Year High: 146.10p Year Low: 91.40p

+0.50 on last week

2329.00p

Price: Year High: 2442.00p Year Low: 1465.00p

-38.00

270.50p

Price: Year High: 307.70p Year Low: 233.50p

380.70p

Price: Year High: 401.40p Year Low: 307.00p

0.22

Price: Year High: 0.36p Year Low: 0.21p

54.00p

Price: Year High: 58.50p Year Low: 42.50p

340.00p

Price: Year High: 620.00p Year Low: 302.50p

6.375p

Price: Year High: 10.50p Year Low: 4.38p

on last week

+9.50 on last week

+1.80 on last week

-0.005 on last week

+SAME on last week

-12.50 on last week

+0.125 on last week

FTSE 100

6,849

Index: Year High: 6,878 Year Low: 6,338

+101 on last week

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 9, 2014 008_009_CBW1145_News Bus.indd 8

£180

The price of Hornby’s first vehicle – a 10-seater Minerva

The seating capacity of Arriva Buses Wales’ new Sapphire ADL E400s

Second Platinum service launches in Aberdeen for First Bus Operator in process of rollingout Wrightbus-bodied Volvo single deckers which are being refurbished by Thornton Brothers

Passengers on First Aberdeen’s service 12 are to bene�it from a new Platinum-branded service. The launch comes six months after the operator unveiled its �irst Platinum service (route 19), which links the city centre with Culter and Tillydrone. The company has reported a rise in customer satisfaction and a 5% increase in passenger numbers, with more than 1,500 extra customers a week are using the service compared to 2013. Platinum was also of�icially named Scotland’s Best Bus Service at the Scottish Transport Awards in June. First Aberdeen is investing £250k and giving the Platinum treatment to Service 12, which operates every 10 minutes between Torry and Heathryfold via the city centre. The exterior and interior of 10 Wrightbus-bodied Volvo B7RLE single-deckers operating on the route are being completely refurbished by Thornton Brothers. Platinum Service 12 will become one of the �irst services in northeast Scotland to feature ‘next stop screens’ and ‘next stop announcements’ providing an extra bene�it to customers, especially new or infrequent bus users or passengers with sight or hearing issues. Other bene�its include leather seats, complementary WiFi and new interior vinyls with service

Duncan Cameron at the ‘premier’ information and places of interest on the route. 30 of First’s drivers will receive enhanced customer service training and will operate on the Service 12 route and the company will introduce a no quibble guarantee enabling customers to claim a free journey should they be unhappy with any aspect of the service. Service 12 customers can also access a dedicated Platinum website which features speci�ic travel information, ticket information, latest news and maps. The site is www.�irstgroup.com/ platinum. The �irst three Service 12 vehicles ‘premiered’ on the red carpet at First Aberdeen’s depot on July 4, ahead of their service debuts from July 7. A further seven vehicles will undergo transformation over the course of the next three weeks with all 10 vehicles on the road by July 28. Managing Director of First Aberdeen, Duncan Cameron, said:

“Platinum has been one of the bus industry’s success stories. In just six months it has delivered improvements in passenger satisfaction, is attracting more passengers and earlier this month was of�icially crowned ‘Scotland’s Best Bus Service’ at the Scottish Transport Awards. “Over the last two years at First Aberdeen the entire team has been working hard to improve our services and attract more customers on board. Platinum is the most high pro�ile, ambitious initiative that we’ve introduced and our most successful. Transforming another of our services into Platinum was an easy decision and I hope that customers using Service 12 will welcome the improvements.” “Going forward we will continue to invest in all our services and make bus travel better. Customers can look forward to further improvements over the next six months.”

C-317/12. In the assessment and the court ruling of what constitutes non-commercial carriage, the driver makes the journey only for his own purposes and no payment is made for the carriage per se. BCA explained that the UK authorities have exempted the Community Transport sector from this Regulation because nonfor-pro�it equals non-commercial, and the Commission con�irmed that pro�it or not-for pro�it is not a major factor – if payment is being made it is commercial. Concerns were raised by the

Commission over drivers without the D1E entitlement and no drivers CPC were being paid. BCA also asked if any other Association or representing body of the UK Passenger Transport Industry made a complaint to the Commission. The answer was reportedly a �irm no. The UK authorities have been challenged over this issue and have to respond to the Commission in August, In the meantime, the BCA legal team is preparing documents for a legal challenge in the courts.

Questions raised over not-for pro�it exemptions The Bus and Coach Association (BCA) visited the European Commission Transport Department on June 16, 2014. Present at the meeting was BCA founder Martin Allen and BCA members Derek Hemstock and Karen Magill. The main focus of the meeting was on EC regulation 1071/2009. BCA asked the commission to clarify their interpretation of the exemption of non-commercial carriage. The commission pointed the BCA to the Judgment of the European Court of Justice in Case

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07/07/2014 17:45

14%

The percentage of Transport Managers expected to retire within the next five years

Funding boost for Scottish bus industry Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown announced a second round of funding totalling £3m for the Bus Investment Fund (BIF) in a bid to improve Scotland’s bus services. Bus projects across Scotland can apply for up to £500,000 over two years from the Transport Scotland challenge fund. The Fund was set up to encourage partnership working to help improve services, standards and infrastructure for communities across Scotland. Last year 13 bus projects throughout Scotland received grants under the first round of the BIF totalling £4.2m. Projects ranged from the rollout of realtime passenger information in West Lothian, improved infrastructure such as new travel hubs in Aberdeenshire and the development of new community transport services such as Rural Transport Solutions in Dumfries & Galloway.

Transport funding of £385m for West Midlands

More than £385m of funding has been announced for road, rail and tram schemes across the West Midlands. The money, which has been awarded through the Government’s Local Growth Fund to the region’s three Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) – Greater Birmingham & Solihull, Black Country and Coventry & Warwickshire – will go towards a number of high profile transport projects. These include further Midland Metro tram extensions through Birmingham city centre and to the planned HS2 station in Eastside, upgrades to Wolverhampton and Coventry railway stations and improvements to M6 Junction 10 near Walsall. Subject to successful business cases, the funding will be used as follows: l £100m towards new tram extensions linking Birmingham New Street Station with Centenary Square, Broad Street and Five Ways and with the planned HS2 station in Eastside; www.coachandbusweek.com

008_009_CBW1145_News Bus.indd 9

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Epsom re-launches non-TfL bus services Epsom Buses has re-launched its provincial bus operations. From June 28, local nonTransport for London (TfL) routes E5, E9, E10, E16 and 408 were re-branded ‘Epsom Buses Silver Service.’ The Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Cllr Robert Foote, was present at the launch. Epsom Buses was originally launched in 1986 by Epsom Coaches. The firm has re-launched with seven new and refurbished Optare Solos, which have been given the fleet numbers EB01-07. A dedicated team of drivers will work on the routes. The services all radiate in and out of Epsom town centre, providing local links to Langley Vale, Stoneleigh and West Ewell not served by other routes. Each of the buses is named after a Derby Winner, further reinforcing the Epsom links, from a company that itself has been part of Epsom since 1920. All buses accept cash and will continue to do so despite London

l £35m towards Sprint – a rapid transit system using ‘tramstyle’ buses travelling west out of Birmingham city centre along Hagley Road to Quinton and southeast along the A45 towards the airport; A further £4.5m for the upgrade of Wolverhampton railway station and the surrounding area including a Metro tram connection; l £30m towards ‘congestionbusting’ improvements to M6 Junction 10; l £19m towards improving transport links from Coventry to UK Central/Birmingham Airport/ HS2; and l Nearly £5m towards transport improvements for the Longbridge regeneration area including an upgrade to the railway station, new cycle routes and bus interchange. Wolverhampton City Council Leader Cllr Roger Lawrence said: “If we are to safeguard and grow our economy then an efficient and affordable transport system is vital. Today’s funding announcement is a major step towards that goal and is warmly welcomed. “It also means we can now move forward on those schemes we have identified locally as being good for business, good for passengers and good for the environment.”

The Mayor, Cllr Robert Foote and Mayoress Rosemary Foote besdie the new Silver Service-branded Optare Solos Buses having gone cash free (see page 12). Epsom Coaches Managing Director, Steve Whiteway commented: “I was here when we launched Epsom Buses in 1986 and well remember the impact it had then, establishing routes that are today very much part of the community.

“Although the tough economic climate and increasing traffic has taken its toll on the frequency of some services, our investment in this revised network along with our staff and new buses will ensure a reliable and high quality service, run for local people by local people.”

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9 07/07/2014 17:45

NEWS › COACHES RO A D WATC H n GROUNDWORK has started on the project to ease traffic flow at the notorious congestion hot-spot that is Black Cat island, the junction of the A1 and A421 in Bedfordshire. The project involves a new road alignment to enlarge and widen the existing roundabout, improved drainage, new surfacing and installation of lighting columns and traffic lights. Scheduled to last for six months, the work will take place between 0730 and 1730hrs, Monday to Friday. There will not be any restrictions to traffic on the existing road until September as the work to widen the roundabout will be undertaken on the land next to the junction. Narrowing the lanes and occasional nighttime closures with diversion routes are planned for later in the year. n WORK TO IMPROVE M5 J4 (Lydiate Ash) starts this Friday (July 11). The £11m scheme will involve widening the roundabout and improving both exit slip roads. Two existing bridges across the motorway will need to be widened as part of the scheme. The M5 will be reduced to three narrow lanes where it approaches J4 and two lanes through the junction. At various points there will be speed limits of 50mph and 40mph. Completion is due next spring. n A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE has been reached on the £9million Hardgrove to Kinmount Improvement project in Dumfries and Galloway – as the new road fully opened to traffic last week. Despite one of the wettest winters in recent memory, the contractor made steady progress on the scheme and has been working with Transport Scotland to open the road at the earliest opportunity. The traffic switch from the old A75 to the new A75 will allow drivers to travel the new 2.2 miles of road between Carrutherstown and Upper Mains Farm, which will improve overtaking in both the east and westbound directions.

10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 9, 2014 010_011_CBW1145_News Coach.indd 10

Plaxton Cheetah replacement announced New model will be mounted on Mercedes-Benz Atego, with greater capacity Alexander Dennis (ADL) has announced that the replacement for its popular Mercedes-Benz Vario-based Cheetah will be mounted on a Mercedes-Benz Atego. While no further details have been released, more seats, more space and a significant increase in luggage capacity are promised. An automated manual gearbox option will be available for the first time. Production is expected to start in the last quarter of this year. “The new model builds on the outstanding success of Cheetah and owes much to the proven pedigree of what has long been the dominant market leader in this sector,” said ADL. “It promises to maintain all the virtues – value, economy and reliability – of its acclaimed predecessor and in addition, will offer even greater levels of capacity and comfort. It also continues the lengthy relationship with Mercedes-Benz, a partnership that has been successful over more than three decades.” Initial reaction is described as “very exciting” from the panel

of customers who have been introduced to the new vehicle, according to Director of Business Development, Kevin Wood. “Cheetah has been a massively successful model for us, regularly accounting for more than half the vehicles sold in the small coach category, so it was always going to be a tough act to follow. We’ve introduced customers to our design concepts over the past few months and listed to their views and opinions. Our engineering team have also worked closely with Mercedes-Benz, both in the UK and Germany, to fine tine the base platform and we firmly believe that

this gives customers exactly what they’ve asked for.” Customer demand for the final round of Vario-based Cheetahs has been very strong according to Kevin. “Even as popular as Cheetah has been over the years, the last 12 months have seen unprecedented demand and despite securing all remaining chassis available, we sold out with more than six months production still to go,” he said. “The new model promises to raise the bar for small coaches and naturally when you come to the end of such a successful product, customers are keen to see how you intend to follow it.”

17 staff have pleaded not guilty to conspiring to falsify drivers’ records at Newcastle Crown Court, The Journal reported. The Director of the Otterburnbased operator sat with employees which included bus drivers and administration staff, to jointly deny conspiring together to falsify drivers’ records between June 1, 2010 and May 13, 2013. The charges relate to tachograph charts. As well as the conspiracy charge, Snaith and her staff also faced a varying number of charges of making false records or not making a relevant record. To those, no pleas had been entered as CBW went to press. Alison Snaith and employee Stephen Clark also faced an allegation each of perverting the

on the July 9 and 10 and November 11, 2010 with intent to deceive investigating officers. The pair also entered not guilty pleas to those charges. At an earlier hearing at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, the charges were brought following an investigation by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA). The company itself, Howard Snaith and Partners, was also originally charged with conspiracy to falsify drivers’ records, alongside employee Martin Robinson, 53, but an application was made to dismiss the charges against them. Ray Wigglesworth QC, prosecuting, said a provisional trial date should be set for mid January 2015. Judge Brian Forster QC released Snaith and the employees on bail.

London Duck Tours (LDT) has announced the recommencement of its amphibious operation, which had an intended start date of July 8. During the last nine months the company has taken the opportunity to re-engineer the World War 2 DUKW amphibious vehicles, or ‘Ducks,’ to improve safety beyond legislative requirements. They were barred from the water after the buoyancy foam caught fire in one of the vehicles, but were never taken off road and the company proved to have a solid maintenance record when audited. Managing Director John Bigos said: “We would like to thank staff, customers and business partners for their enormous and continued support which has been undeniably uplifting during this uncertain period.”

The Vario-based Cheetah will be replaced by an Atego midi-coach

Howard Snaith denies charges DUKWS back course of justice. It was alleged Alison Snaith, who heads up to water they created false drivers’ records Howard Snaith and Partners, and

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07/07/2014 19:55

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Evo Travel invests in Euro 6 Tourismos Shepherd’s Bush-based Evo Travel has invested in its first two Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz Tourismos. Evo Travel runs a small coach fleet consisting of 100% Mercedes-Benz products. The two new Tourismos are equipped with 55 seats with Travel Star Xtra upholstery. Power is delivered by the Mercedes-Benz OM 470 hLA 290 kW engine, with a ZF EcoLife gearbox. The Tourismos also features ABS, ESP and brake assist, all fitted as standard. Entertainment is provided through the two 15inch monitors. Leather headrests, footrests, and air conditioning are also included in the vehicles’ specification. The two new Tourismos delivered to Evo Travel were supplied by Mercedes-Benz Coach Sales at EvoBus (UK).

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Phil White joins Shearings Group as Chairman

Shearings Group has appointed Phil White CBE as Chairman. Phil, who took the position on July 1, is currently Chairman of car retailer Lookers, student accommodation provider Unite Group and infrastructure services business Kier Group, as well as Non-Executive Director at Stagecoach Group and Vp. A chartered accountant, he has spent much of his executive career in passenger transport. His previous roles also include Chief Executive of National Express Group between 1997 and 2006. His appointment follows a management buyout of the business last month with the backing of Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Commenting on his appointment, Phil said: “I’m delighted to be joining Shearings at such an exciting time in its journey. With a recovering economy, an unrivalled proposition and a clear growth strategy, the Group is well placed

Phil White (left) with Shearings CEO Denis Wormwell to deliver on its ambitions. This is a business with both a proud past and a bright future.” Denis Wormwell, Chief Executive of Shearings Group, said: “Phil has a glittering track record and brings many years of board level experience across a diverse range of sectors. Following the

management buyout, his strategic counsel and guidance will be enormously valuable to the team as we implement our growth strategy and continue to take the business forward.” Shearings recently said it had grown passenger numbers by 2.6% to a record 1.05m in 2013.

NatEx names coach after Commonwealth Games athlete A South London squash player has had a National Express coach named in his honour as he prepares for the Commonwealth Games. The operator dedicated one of its coaches to Dulwich-man Adrian Grant after the 33 year-old athlete was selected to compete for Team England in the Games which take place in Glasgow this summer. National Express is an Official Partner of Team England and has been supporting English athletes by offering all medal winners from the previous games in Delhi Adrian Grant won a gold medal at the previous Commonwealth Games, for with free travel until the games which National Express has granted him free coach travel this summer. Adrian won a gold named after me, I can’t wait to to help him as he trains and medal there. see it rolling around London prepares for competitions. As a further show of support and I’m grateful for the support Adrian said: “I was really for Adrian, National Express National Express has given me. surprised and thrilled when I has extended his free travel on “A huge proportion of my heard I was going to get a coach its coach network by four years

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income goes on travel costs so my coach pass has been an amazing help to have for four years. It’s taken a lot of the stress out of preparations and I hope that I can repay National Express by winning a medal in Glasgow.” National Express UK Coach Managing Director Tom Stables said: “It is a great honour to name this coach after Adrian who has achieved so much in the run up to this summer’s Games. “We are thrilled to be able to support him in his training and preparation with a free coach pass and we wish him every success in the Games. “National Express is a proud sponsor and partner of Team England and we are set to carry Team England fans on our direct services right to the heart of Glasgow - the Games’ host city.”

Quality mobile bus & coach engineers throughout the UK 01253 340565 www.wjftechnicalsupport.co.uk July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 11 07/07/2014 19:55

NEWS › REGIONAL SOUTH EAST TRANSPORT MINISTER Baroness Kramer visited Oxford on June 30 to tour environmental transport schemes on an Oxford Bus Company Alexander Dennis (ADL) hybrid – which of course, was acquired with support from the Department for Transport’s Green Bus Fund. She met with leaders from Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company to learn about how they are working in partnership to achieve a reduction in transport emissions in the city and how Oxford has benefitted from DfT funding. Baroness Kramer said: “I was pleased to see how Oxford’s ambitions to cut carbon from transport have been supported by the government. “Oxford’s cleaner buses, car clubs and cycle hire scheme make it a more pleasant city and show just why we continue to support the drive for greener transport through a raft of funding and policy measures.” READING BUSES described its seventh annual Open Day as its best event yet, where over £4,000 was raised for local homeless support charity Launchpad on Sunday, June 29. The Open Day offered tours of the workshop and control room, a ride-through the bus wash, refreshments and entertainment provided by local businesses. Amanda Rose, Launchpad Marketing Manager, expressed her gratitude and thanked all who

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came in their droves and there was something for everyone as we had individuals, couples, families, enthusiasts, bus users and nonbuses users.” James thanked the sponsors, the local community who supported the event and acknowledged the efforts of the Reading Buses volunteers. He said: “This event could not work without the efforts of our wonderful volunteers who gave up their Sunday to help out. “Every year we ask our staff to contribute in this way and every year they step up to the plate. So it’s a huge thank you from me and the people of Reading.”

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

EAST

attended the Open Day: “We have been completely bowled over by the support of Reading Buses and the people of Reading. “We knew the day was popular, but it blew our minds to see how many people came along. We loved being part of the day as well.” The event, opened by Sarah Hacker, Reading’s Deputy Mayor Councillor, was a real community occasion and as the sun broke through the clouds, visitors arrived in their thousands. The ever popular behind-thescenes bus tours completely sold out, while the bus wash

ride-through was full from start to finish. There was something to entertain all ages with a treasure trail, tombola and raffle and face painting provided by local business Glitter and Sparkles. Refreshments came in the form of a cake sale, ice cream van and a popular BBQ supplied by Tilehurst Village Butchers. James Freeman, Reading Buses CEO, summed up the mood: “What a marvellous event it was. We had a word with the weather to keep the rain away and boy did it work. “The sun shone, the families

Manager said: “It’s great to be working with The Drifters again, especially on Independence

Day when they perform at the Sunderland Empire. Our Drifter route is really popular with our customers, especially since we introduced brand new buses with free onboard WiFi and next stop announcements. “The Drifter is a great connection to Sunderland for people from Seaham and Ryhope, as well as being a great way for the people of Sunderland to enjoy some free time in Seaham with its seafront attractions. You could be spending Saturday Night At The Movies or be Under The Boardwalk with the ‘Drifter’, or just enjoying a couple of The Drifters greatest hits!” The Drifter runs between Deneside, Seaham, Ryhope, Grangetown and Sunderland.

A FAMOUS BAND joined Go n North East to celebrate the American holiday of Independence

Day on July 4. The singing stars, pictured left to right Michael Williams, Daniel Bowen-Smith, Damion Charles and Ryan King, were appearing for one night only at Sunderland’s Empire Theatre and took time out to join the operator to mark Independence Day aboard its ‘Drifter’ bus route. Go North East is encouraging the people of Seaham and Ryhope to ‘take their independence’ as the Drifter bus route links them with Sunderland up to every 10 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes during the evening. Speaking at the celebration, Mark Ellis, Go North East’s Development

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THE BUS STATION in Boston will receive a small renovation after councillors agreed to foot the bill for improvements, the Boston Standard reported. Members of Boston Borough Council’s cabinet agreed to go ahead with a revamp, which is expected to cost £20,852. The work will remove all eight current shelters and replace them with two new ones – one at each end of the bus station – with a pedestrian walkway linking the two. Level access will be provided alongside new noticeboards for passengers and improved ‘Welcome to Boston’ signs. Cllr Richmond said the current facility is in a poor state of repair and attracts anti-social behaviour, but added that the cost of refurbishing the existing shelters was ‘prohibitive.’

LONDON

THE LONDON BUS network is now officially cashless. The move is expected to save Transport for London (TfL) around £24m a year. It was made because very small proportion of London bus passengers, just 0.7% paid for their fares in cash. A large proportion of these passengers only paid in cash because their Oyster card was running out of credit, which TfL has addressed using the ‘one more journey’ feature. This allows passengers to take a final trip if they do not have enough cash on the card, as long as the card is in credit.

TfL’S ROUTE 263 will be extended from July 26, travelling from Barnet Hospital to Highbury Barn. www.coachandbusweek.com

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NEWS › REGIONAL More than 700 people responded to a TFL consultation, with around 89% saying they were in favour of the move. The service is currently operated by Metroline.

WALES

PARK AND RIDE users in Swansea are being given the chance to extend their visit beyond the city centre after First Bus teamed up with Swansea Council. The operator is offering Park and Ride passengers unlimited travel on its buses in Swansea for an additional £1.50. The initiative has been developed to offer car users an alternative way to travel to places such as Mumbles and local parks. It will also be available for people travelling to the city to watch the International Paralympic Committee European Championship games in August, which are being held at Sketty Lane. Park and Ride costs £2.50 in Swansea for a car and up to five passengers, meaning the unlimited travel ticket costs £4.

NORTH

TRANSPORT FOR GREATER MANCHESTER (TfGM) has welcomed confirmation of the first tranche of a major longterm funding deal with the Government. The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced that the city had been successful in securing £50m of transport investments from the Local Growth Fund (LGF) for 2015/16. It is the first part of a longer-term deal with Greater Manchester that will result in more than £350 million invested in 12 major transport schemes between 2015/16 and 2020/21, including new transport interchanges, new roads, new bus priority measures and more trams for Metrolink. Greater Manchester is already set to receive £110m of Local Transport Block money (agreed in December 2013) and, under the new deal, an additional £154m of LGF money will be provided between 2016/17 and 2020/21. This funding unlocks a further £37m of local match-funding over the same period and supports hundreds of millions of pounds worth of wider economic regeneration across a number of key centres in Greater

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Manchester. Dr Jon Lamonte, Chief Executive of TfGM, said: “Today’s announcement is a huge validation of all the great things we are already achieving in Greater Manchester and puts us on a very firm footing for the future. “It clearly acknowledges our proven track record of delivering major transformational projects, on time and on budget, that have economic, social, health and environmental benefits at their very core: from the Metrolink expansion, to award-winning transport facilities and lowcarbon initiatives. “TfGM and Greater Manchester Combined Authority have long recognised the strong connection between an efficient, effective transport network and sustained economic growth: this major funding agreement allows us to continue the evolution of that process and take it to the next level. “Together with our local authority colleagues, we will now start progressing the schemes and initiatives which have been granted funding today.” Cllr Andrew Fender, Chairman of the TfGM Committee, said: “The success of our bid to government is testament to the compelling case we put forward and a clear symbol of just how important a healthy Greater Manchester economy now is to the nation as a whole. “We have the fastest growing economy outside London and, having built up to that over time, it is now essential for us to sustain that position. “With that comes the significant challenge of making sure our road and public transport networks have the capacity to support the accompanying, and everincreasing, travel demands both now and long into the future. “That’s why meaningful transport investment is a cornerstone of achieving Greater Manchester’s exciting ambitions. It is a crucial part of the jigsaw and I am delighted that the government has reaffirmed that so emphatically today. “It is equally important for us to have the authority and controls required to make our networks work as effectively as possible for businesses, for passengers and for communities and, again, it is very pleasing to see the government unlocking the door to a fresh conversation in this regard.”

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

This year’s EYMS Big Bus Day takes place on August 30

2014 n July 9 – 10 Ambulex trade show, Ricoh Area, Coventry, 01527 521 300 www.ambulex.com/

exhibition

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 13 Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Classic Bus Rally & Running Day. Toddington Station, Gloucestershire. www.gwsr.com n July 19 Walworth Bus Garage Open Day. Abellio London, 301 Camberwell New Road, Southwark, SE5 0TF 1100-1600hrs. www.abellio. co.uk n July 20 Alton Bus Rally. Anstey Park, Alton, Hants. www. altonbusrally.org.uk n August 30 EYMS Big Bus Day. Streetlife Museum, Hull 01482 222444 www.eyms.co.uk n August 31 Buses Festival. Heritage Motor Museum, Gaydon. 10 – 1700hrs. Contact: michelle. withers@keypublishing.com n September 7 Dartford Bus Garage Open Day. Arriva London, Central Road, Dartford, DA1 5BG 1000 – 1600hrs. www.arrivalondon.com

n September 14 Bus & Coach Wales Merthyr Tydfil n September 14 UK Bus Driver of the Year 2014 Blackpool. bdoy@ btinternet.com n September 21 Showbus 2014. Imperial War Museum, Duxford. www.showbus.com n September 25 Group Leisure Show Hall 8, NEC Birmingham. 01908 613323 http://leisureshow.com n September 25 - October 2 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show. Hannover, Germany. www.iaa.de n October 28-31 International Bus and Coach Trade Fair Feria de Madrid Avda del Partenon, 5 28042 Madrid, Spain www.ifema.es n October 5 Bluebell Railway Vintage Bus Day. 01825 720800, visit www.bluebell-railway.com or email d.morgan52@btinternet.com n October 6–7 CPT Scotland Annual Conference. Cameron House Hotel, Alexandria. 0131 272 2150. www.cpt-uk.org n November 4-6 Euro Bus Expo Expo 2014 NEC Birmingham www. eurobusexpo.com n November 4 – 7 QV Associates Introduction to Bus & Crew Scheduling course. Birmingham. 01905 613527. http://qv-associates. com

asot/come-to-meet-us-menu

n November 18 – 21 QV Associates Route & Timetable Planning course. Birmingham. 01905 613527. http://qv-associates. com

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

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

n September 9 Association of Trainers AGM. Birmingham. 01797 344251 www.asot.org.uk/index.php/

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NEWS › INTERNATIONAL

KMB withdraws its last 3+2 ‘decker Tri-axle Dennis Dragons given a public farewell HONG KONG Hong Kong’s largest franchised bus operator, KMB (Kowloon Motor Bus) withdrew its final bus with ‘3+2’ seating arrangement on Wednesday, June 25. At a farewell ceremony, a KMB engineer and bus captain shared with the public the features of the ‘3+2’ buses and their memories of operating such buses, recognising the contribution they made to the bus industry. The last 10m Dennis Dragons have latterly been allocated to the firm’s rural and feeder routes thanks to their flexibility and higher carrying capacity compared to other 10m doubledeckers. The routes included 64K Yuen Long (West) – Tai Po Market Railway Station, 15A Ping Tin – Tsz Wan Shan (North) and 80M Sui Wo Court – Kowloon Tong Railway Station. On their final day in service, three Dragons operated on service 80M. Prior to the 1970s, the ‘2+2’ seating layout was adopted as conductors needed room in which to perform their duties. In 1974, the ‘3+2’ seating layout in the form of foam-cushioned bench seats was first introduced on Daimler Fleetlines which operated with coin-collecting boxes. While the seat was wide

enough for three passengers to occupy, the space to be taken up by a single passenger was not specified. The seating layout was welcomed as it raised the bus capacity, meeting the needs of some busy routes with high passenger demand. The layout was subsequently used on a number of non air-conditioned bus models, including MCWs, Leyland Victory II, Leyland/Volvo Olympians and Dennis Dragons. Air-conditioning became more and more popular on different types of public transport as Hong Kong’s economy started to take off and customer expectations changed. Following successful trials in the 1980s, KMB introduced batches of air-conditioned double-decker tri-axles in the 1990s, including Leyland Olympians and Dennis Dragons, leading KMB into the era of airconditioned buses. To tie in with the luxurious image, KMB introduced the ‘3+2’ individual seat design on the upper deck, with a width of 380mm for each seat, a breakthrough which reflected KMB’s response to passengers’ desire for more comfortable bus journeys. As passengers’ body sizes increased, from 1995 the width of most seats was widened to 410mm for all new buses

purchased by KMB (and further widened to 440mm from 2002). At the same time, passengers were able to enjoy greater comfort with the introduction of the ‘2+2’ seating layout on both decks, which resulted in increased width in both seats and ailes. In addition, from 1997, headrests were added, providing better support for the passenger’s neck. “While many passengers prefer the comfort provided by the ‘2+2’ layout, some families like the ‘3+2’ seating arrangement, as three people can chat away in this configuration,” said bus captain Wu Kai-ho, who has driven buses with the ‘3+2’ layout for many years. According to So Hing-shun, KMB’s Assistant Principal Engineer (Operations): “Over the years KMB engineers have been working with suppliers to optimise the arrangement and design of bus seats and strike a balance between bus capacity and passenger comfort. Since 1990, we have introduced seats with leatherette and high-density emulsion cushions. The newest generation of seats introduced in 2013 saw the height of the seatback including headrest increased to 640-730mm. “Furthermore, there is a reclining angle of no less than 105 degrees between the seatback and the cushion. The ergonomic design of the seat contour, the headrest and the seatback inclination angle means that the new seats provide excellent support to passengers.”

Adelaide O-Bahn upgrade

AUSTRALIA Adelaide’s O-Bahn bus rapid transit system is to benefit from a $160m upgrade over the next three years. South Australia Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis revealed the figure while announcing the 2014-15 State Budget. The budget also includes $2.1m to crack down on fare evaders at the Salisbury and Noarlunga stations, including new ticket barriers and increased CCTV and $7.5m from 2015-16 for extra car parking spaces and facilities at Park & Ride sites. The latter will be sourced from revenue raised by the Transport Development Levy (TDL). Tom said the TDL is vital to building world-class public transport infrastructure that encourages more people onto buses, trains and trams, freeing up our roads into the city. An agreement has been reached with Parafield Airport Limited to lease land for a major extension of the Parafield station Park & Ride, with construction to start next year – according to Australasia Bus & Coach magazine. Tom commented: “More than 1,000 bus services use the O-Bahn system each day. This project will take these buses off one of the most heavily congested parts of our city, improving traffic flows and slashing travel times for commuters. “As our population grows, we are experiencing increasing congestion.”

Electric quick charge hybrid Volvo trial in Stockholm SWEDEN Stockholm is set to demonstrate and evaluate quickcharge hybrid buses. The eight Volvo 7900H singledeckers will be fast charged in six minutes at either end of their route, and are able to run for part of their journey on electricity alone. The vehicles also have a small diesel engine on board which kicks in when required. The trial is part of ZeEUS (Zero Emission Urban Bus System), an EU project being conducted in six European countries. Behind the demo project, which is co-financed by the EU, are Volvo Buses, SL (Stockholm Public Transport) and energy provider Vattenfall. The

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The quick-charge Volvo 7900Hs will run for part of their journeys on electricity alone but have a small deisel engine which can kick in quick charge stations are provided by Siemens Starting this autumn, the buses will enter regular operations for Keolis in the city on route 73, which travels through the heart of Stockholm, where they will remain in service until the end

of 2016. After this, the aim is for the vehicles to continue as part of regular commercial operations. Christer G Wennerholm, Traffic Commissioner and First Vice President of Stockholm County Council Executive Committee, said: “A modern and extensive

public transport system is essential in order to meet today and tomorrow’s environmental and sustainability targets. It is extremely gratifying that we now have the opportunity, as part of SL’s regular operations, to try out the very latest technology for further reducing our already low environmental impact.” The ZeEUS project is coordinated by the International Association of Public Transport, UITP. ZeEUS is jointly funded by the European Commission within the 7th Research and Technological Development Framework Programme, Mobility & Transport Directorate General. www.coachandbusweek.com

07/07/2014 15:24

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Setra expands ComfortClass 500 range GERMANY Two years after its market launch, Setra has introduced additional variants to its ComfortClass 500 coach range. Firstly, the 10.5m short S511HD is the newly born successor to the S411HD of the Setra TopClass 400 and is now also available with automated manual transmission as well as

rear door. At the other extreme is what Setra terms as its ‘super long variant,’ which comes in the form of the S519HD – a 71-seater 15m tri-axle. In between are the 12.3m long S515MD and the 13.1m S516MD. The Germany manufacturer describes these as ‘a new, low-

cost and �lexible entry into the world of private travel of the Setra ComfortClass 500.’ Both models are optionally available with all the familiar features from the HD variants of the ComfortClass 500. Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses said: “With the latest vehicle models, the Setra

ComfortClass 500 has entered a new dimension. We are very proud that the four new touring coaches will add extra economically attractive model variants to our range of premium buses. With new heights and lengths, they too will keep down the overall operating costs of our customers.”

A line up of ComfortClass 500 family – the S519 HD, S511 HD, S516 MB and S515 MD

Brisbane City Council upgrades bus network AUSTRALIA Brisbane City Council will spend millions of dollars on new upgraded buses under the AUD $2.9bn (£1.6bn) budget for 2014/15 released two weeks ago. According to Australasia Bus & Coach magazine, the budget includes $33.9m for 60 new air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible buses and $4.6m for improvements to the �low of buses at the Melbourne Street busway portal. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk says the budget focuses on tackling the impact of traf�ic congestion and managing the city’s �inances responsibly. “This budget focuses on the

New Stuttgart open top tour has started

GERMANY A new ‘hop on, hop off’ open top bus tour has started running in Stuttgart – which will operate all year round. Managed by StuttgartMarketing, the service is operated by Willms-TravelTourism. According to Omnibus Revue, the privately-owned �irm runs sightseeing tours in several

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priorities that ratepayers expect like modern and reliable public transport, congestion busting road infrastructure and the maintenance and enhancements of assets and services that the hallmarks of a new world city,” he said. The coming �inancial year will see the completion of major infrastructure projects including Legacy Way and the replacement of open level crossings with overpasses at Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge and Robinson Road, Geebung, and Graham says more than $200m (£11m) will be spent on projects such as Kingsford Smith Drive, Wynnum

German cities. Convertible MAN doubledecker buses are being used on the service for the �irst weeks. By late summer however, they are to be replaced with Mercedes-Benz double-deckers. Lasting 100 minutes, the tour starts and ends at the Tourist Information Centre (TIC), opposite the city’s main railway station. It takes in nine stops, including the Palace Square, the Mercedes-Benz Museum, the Pig Museum and Weissenhof Museum. Commentary is

Road Corridor Stage One project and an upgrade to Paradise Road, Larapinta. He added: “We are making a signi�icant investment in the future of Brisbane, to ensure we’re not just delivering what we need now but what is necessary for future generations. These projects have been identi�ied for future funding and delivery due to their capacity to make both immediate and long term positive impacts in the lives of residents.” There is also $2.1m (£1.1m) included towards the delivery of two new CityCats and $4.7m (£2.5m) for a new ferry terminal at Milton.

available in nine languages. Younger passengers are catered for with a dedicated children’s channel. The trip costs €15 per adult for a 24 hour period, which includes two accompanied children up to 14 years of age. Tickets are available at the Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH at the TIC on King Street 1a or at the Tourist Information Airport (Level 2, Terminal 3). They can also be bought online from www. stuttgart-citytour.de - in addition to on the bus.

More SBS Transit Volvo B9TLs

SINGAPORE After the award of 150 Volvo B9TL double-deckers in 2009, 300 in 2010, and a further 565 in 2012/2013, Volvo Buses has now secured an order for a further 415 from SBS Transit in Singapore. By 2017, 1,415 Volvo B9TL Euro 5 buses will have been delivered, all with Wrightbus bodywork. The chassis will be produced in Borås, Sweden, while bodywork will be assembled by ComfortDelGro Engineering from Wrightbussupplied kits in Singapore. Deliveries will commence in July 2015 and be completed by mid2017. SBS Transit has opted to equip the buses with Euro 5 Volvo D9 engines meeting legislation that has been enforced locally since January 2014. SBS Transit Chief Executive Of�icer, Gan Juay Kiat, said: “We are always looking for buses that are not only operationally ef�icient and environmentally friendly, but are also comfortable for our commuters. We are happy with what Volvo will be delivering to us and hope our customers will be too.” Steve Hedouin, Volvo Buses’ Region Singapore General Manager, added: “This order once again underlines the strong relationship built up between SBS Transit and Volvo Buses over many years of close partnership.”

July 9, 2014| COACH & BUS WEEK | 17 07/07/2014 15:24

PROFILE › HORNSBY TRAVEL SERVICES

A century serving the community Raymond and Nick Hornsby give Andy Izatt an insight into their family-owned business, Hornsby Travel, which has been delivering local bus services in and around Scunthorpe for 100 years

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cunthorpe-based Hornsby Travel is celebrating its centenary in 2014 and to mark the anniversary a special exhibition ran for six months at the North Lincolnshire Museum in the town. When it opened on January 21, visitors had a �irst view of a 1950s Dennis Lancet III with a later Thurgood body which was parked outside. Bought specially for the centenary, it looked stunning, freshly painted in the operator’s attractive livery. On Sunday July 20 there will be a ‘Centenary Day’ at Normanby Park near Scunthorpe. As well as vehicles from the Hornsby �leet, 18 classic buses are expected to attend. Some will run from Ashby along the �irm’s 100 year-old bus route to Scunthorpe before proceeding to the venue where the EYMS Brass Band will be performing and 90 guests have been invited for lunch. Hornsby Travel Club members will have afternoon tea and the park is open to the public. Believing it’s important to buy

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07/07/2014 15:22

This year’s intake, a new Plaxton Pantherbodied Volvo B9R and Enviro200 with the Thurgood-bodied Dennis Lancet III British when it can, Hornsby’s has loyally chosen Plaxton bodywork since 1955. Plaxton is sponsoring the event, as are some other longstanding business associates in the �ields of insurance, banking and accounting. A wellillustrated booklet, priced £3, has also been published charting the �irm’s history and is available from the operator at its 51-53 Ashby High Street, Scunthorpe, DN16 2NB of�ices and garage. “Local people view the park as theirs,” explained Hornsby’s Managing Director Raymond Hornsby about the Centenary Day. “It’s run by North Lincolnshire, which is a small unitary authority and that makes a difference. They and staff at the park couldn’t be more helpful.”

Focussed on buses

Hornsby’s 31-strong �leet is predominantly bus although there are six coaches - all Volvos except for a midi-sized 43-seat Dennis Javelin. Dennis Darts and Enviro200s predominate although there are also half a dozen DAF SB120s, three MANs and a pair of

Plaxton Primos. Most have been bought new, but there has been selective second-hand purchasing when the deal was right. “We tend to keep vehicles for life,” said General Manager Nick Hornsby, Raymond’s son. “Because of that we have complete vehicle knowledge. Our DAF Wrightbus Cadets do a fantastic job. We would have bought more if they had continued to make them.” In common with the experiences of other operators, running Primos has been more challenging. However, Plaxton undertook the necessary modi�ications and the two that remain in the �leet have settled on a hospital shuttle and village service. A third was only sold because Hornsby’s no longer had suitable work for it. While vehicles come and go, Raymond and Nick both remember a pair of rare Northern Counties-bodied Renault PR100 operated in the 1990s. “Brilliant vehicles,” is how Raymond described

them. “They were a little bit underpowered, but there were never any oil leaks. One had a threespeed Voith gearbox, the other a four-speed. Full air suspension and disk brakes meant the ride quality was excellent.” On the coaching side, it has been the Plaxtonbodied Dennis Javelin that has impressed over the years because of the combination of luggage capacity and reliability. Today, there are �ive mostly commercial routes operating Monday to Saturday that serve Scunthorpe hospital, the Asda store, Timberlands, Brigg and Broughton, and Ashby. Route 6 from Ashby to Scunthorpe is the oldest, the reason for this year’s centenary celebrations. It almost certainly is the longestestablished family-operated bus service in the country. PVR (Peak Vehicle Requirement) on all �ive routes is 10 with spare coverage of three. Another

‘We’ve always looked at the bigger picture and put that before personal gain,’ said Nick. ‘As a result Scunthorpe has enjoyed good stable bus services’

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PROFILE › HORNSBY TRAVEL SERVICES six buses operate on eight tendered routes or groups of services serving Keadby, Kirton, Brigg, Barton, Parklands, Whitton and Crowle. There’s also the Wolds Villager. “We’ve always maintained our bus services,” explained Raymond. “It’s something that we have always done well and because of that we have a good following of customers.” He described competition with Lincolnshire RoadCar, now Stagecoach, as having been “sensible” for many years. The operators compete on tenders, but accept each other’s day and weekly tickets. “We’ve always looked at the bigger picture and put that before personal gain,” said Nick. “As a result Scunthorpe has enjoyed good stable bus services and that has been for the good of the town. I like to see a job done well and at reasonable cost. I don’t like to see anything fall below a given standard.” Operational efficiency was enhanced in May following the adoption of OmniTIMES computer software. The disruption to schedules caused by

major roadworks in Scunthorpe lay behind the decision to buy, but the investment has quickly proved its worth. An extra bus is now scheduled and it has been possible to incorporate sensible breaks for drivers. “The cost of the system will pay for itself in a year,” said Nick. Added Raymond: “We’ve always had efficient scheduling, but this has made the whole process a lot easier.” Nick is active in the CPT (Confederation of Passenger Transport) regionally. Hornsby’s is a member of ALBUM (Association of local bus company managers), which Nick has found a valuable forum for keeping up-to-date with industry developments, not least real-time information technology. In a quality partnership with Stagecoach and North Lincolnshire, negotiations are currently ongoing over its introduction in Scunthorpe. It was through ALBUM and CPT that Nick learnt how to overcome an overheating problem plaguing the firm’s three MANs. Six Avid fans have been installed in the engine compartment

of each bus, improving airflow and making them both more reliable and 10% more fuel efficient. Of around 50 staff, 36 are full-time drivers and there are three regular part timers who do around 25 hours each a week. Driver CPC training has been provided by EYMS Group at Hull and Nick argues that it has raised professionalism in the industry and represents a valuable opportunity to update staff on what they need to know. “It’s important to keep training fresh and interesting,” he said. “The CPC is a cost to everyone so it’s a good thing. We still do our own in-house training. It’s usually a presentation on a February evening so staff know our latest thinking. We’re consciously working to keep them motivated. I want people to enjoy their work and take pride in working for us. Customers respond to happy drivers.” Green Road telematics has been installed in the fleet for around three years. As well as providing invaluable data on vehicle location, it has had a significant impact on influencing

HISTORY

100 years of Hornsby Travel Services Hornsby Travel Services is a familyowned bus and coach operator that now employs three generations of the Hornsby family. Raymond who drove his first bus in 1952 is the firm’s current Managing Director while his son Nicholas (Nick) is General Manager. Nick’s daughter Chloe works in the office having previously been employed in the car industry. Raymond’s grandfather, Arthur Hornsby was born in 1869, initially working for his father John Hornsby who farmed Emmanuel Farm at Crosby. Arthur later became a foreman at Frodingham Ironstone Mines were he continued to work until he was 76 years old. Arthur married Sarah Ann Goy in 1892. Eight years later he opened a cycle shop in High Street, Ashby, opposite the site of Hornsby’s current depot. Arthur and Sarah went on to have six children – daughters Florence, Lily, Minnie and Annie, and sons Joseph and Frank. Both boys were to become involved in the bus and coach business. Joseph was Raymond’s father. After riding in a car during a visit to Cleethorpes in 1914, Joseph persuaded his father to travel to Norwich to buy a 1910 Minerva 10-seater for £180. It was used to start the bus service between Ashby and Scunthorpe that has continued uninterrupted for

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100 years. Initially it operated on Friday and Saturday nights because Arthur and Joseph had day jobs. Joseph was a fitter and turner for the locomotives at the nearby steel works. The Hornsbys were competing with nine other operators on the route at the time. The business was initially called The Primrose Bus Company or Primrose Motors as the fashion of the day was to name bus companies after flowers. Primrose was chosen because Arthur had acquired a large quantity of yellow paint for the new body he had fitted to an ex War Department chassis in 1919. The Primrose name continued until 1948 when the family name was adopted. The first new vehicle, an American-manufactured Dearbourn charabanc seating 19, was bought for £750 from Grimsby Motors in 1921, Arthur becoming involved in the business full-time the same year. Overcrowding on vehicles was quite common, particularly during World War Two when Hornsby’s did a lot of work carrying servicemen and women from the many camps around Brigg. One of these return trips saw a 20-seat Ford carry as many as 55 passengers (Raymond counted them, his father was driving). Four crouched on the bonnet, three sat on the front and the rest enjoying close fellowship inside. Raymond recalled that sometimes there were even people hanging on to the open emergency exit. He described the family’s

characteristics as “stubbornness and always believing something better is just around the corner.” He took over the business in 1965 when his father wanted to retire, later buying out elder brother Leonard. Just how regulated the industry became is underlined by a story Raymond tells about the difficulties of introducing a new service in the early 1970s that would link newly

built estates at Bottesford with Scunthorpe town centre. He applied for the service and Lincolnshire RoadCar objected. RoadCar then applied to run the same service and Hornsby’s objected so a hearing was called at the Traffic Court. This took months to set up and was held in Lincoln at the Castle. The court was run in a very similar fashion to a criminal court with witnesses, including any

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‘Tourist boards spend millions trying to get us to go to different countries,’ said Raymond. ‘Then the border guards put everything in our way to make it difficult for us’

Three generations of the Hornsby family, Nick, Raymond and Chloe

The Thurgood-bodied Dennis Lancet III bought to mark the centenary interested potential passengers, being cross-examined. Proceedings were only scheduled for about five hours a day (plus an hour and a half for lunch) and the evidence was not finished by the end of day one. An adjournment was called for two months’ time. By that time most people had forgotten what had been said and eventually the Traffic Commissioner decided that

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it would be best if the two parties got together and sorted the matter out between them. This is what they would have done in the first place, given the opportunity, but nearly a year had been wasted. No bus service had been provided in the interim. Bus deregulation in 1986 removed many of these restrictions. Hornsby’s bought a dual-purpose Plaxton Derwent-bodied Ford in

driving styles with a consequent reduction in fuel consumption. Impressively, 15 drivers have achieved Green Road’s Fleet Elite status. Investment in a Merridale fuelling system provides another source of accurate data. “Our drivers have to be able to do everything, but some are also suited to coach driving,” said Nick. “Service drivers can have a rush, rush style and be heavy on braking. Coach drivers are much smoother, but Green Road has changed that. Our bus drivers are now much more considered. They’re more efficient, but are still maintaining the same timetable. It’s difficult to quantify, but I’m sure that change in behaviour has reduced wear on vehicles as well. There’s less kerbing and tyre scrubbing.” CCTV was installed in all buses last year. There’s a clear benefit in providing protection from any potential insurance claims and it’s now being progressively extended to the coaches. Hornsby’s tries to do as much maintenance as it can in-house and employs three qualified

1970, taking advantage of the New Bus Grant introduced by the 1968 Transport Act, but Raymond was all too aware of abuses of the system. “It does appear that some operators would use the dualpurpose bus on an extended coach tour, but the books would show that it had been on a bus service for that time,” he said. “What is not known are how many parties of people going on coach tours travelled on a number 17 bus (for example) because the book mileages had to balance, and never once complained.” New Bus Grant continued until 1980 when the amount of the grant started to reduce until it eventually ceased in 1985. “This pattern has continued with various other incentives such as the free travel for pensioners and disabled passengers where the reimbursement of a full fare to the bus operator has gone down from 90% initially to around 60% today with the operator paying 40% of every free fare,” he continued. “The Fuel Duty Rebate, introduced in 1965 is now called Bus Service Operators Grant and is continually reduced. The intention was to help bus operators keep fares down and make public transport cheaper. The bus industry feels successive governments have failed to understand the importance of the bus to the economy and infrastructure of the country.” From the 1980s the trading name Hornsby Travel was adopted with a

standardised logo. This was felt to reflect the diversity of the business at the time, which included travel agencies, summer express coaches, coach holidays, Jersey holidays by chartered aeroplane from Humberside Airport in conjunction with Appleby Coaches, and local bus services. The travel agencies were sold in 2000 when Raymond detected a downturn in custom. He retained ownership of the property, renting it back to the new owner which went out of business a few years later. He knew it was time to discontinue the Jersey holidays when it became cheaper to catch flights from Humberside to the Mediterranean. “Both ventures were very profitable for a while,” he said. “We had the good times, but you have to know when to pullout.” There have been setbacks, notably an arson attack on the garage in 1994, which destroyed six coaches and a double-decker although replacement vehicles were quickly acquired minimising the disruption. A heartening aspect was the way that several other operators quickly offered help, without mentioning payment, showing that a special bond exists between many operators even when they’re rivals. In deference to the past, a primrose has been incorporated into the firm’s logo in this centenary year. Continuing to be 100% family-owned, the firm now just refers to itself as Hornsby’s.

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PROFILE › HORNSBY TRAVEL SERVICES engineers. Chief Engineer is Rob Andrews who’s been with the firm for many years. Said Raymond: “Everything works from here. There’s very little dead mileage. If there’s a problem our mechanics can deal with it straightaway.”

Strong coaching tradition

Coaching used to account for a much greater proportion of the business. There were times when vehicles, often hired from other operators, would be parked nose-to-tail in nearby streets. On one occasion 20 coaches were needed to transport 900 people. Scunthorpe is a working class community with the town’s steel works employing 25,000 at its height. A day out to the seaside, paid for by weekly subscription, was the only holiday for many children and next to Christmas was the most exciting day of the year. It was also the furthest many people travelled. “There used to be a lot of pensioner, church and social clubs that organised their own trips,” explained Raymond who continues to look after the coaching side of the business. Nick runs the bus operation, which now accounts for around 85% of turnover. “We would be doing two or three jobs a day,” said Raymond. Not now. We have significantly reduced the number of coaches as a result, but still do private hire when we can. We provide transport for Scunthorpe United (Official) Supporters’ Club – up to three coaches at away games. “We try and react quickly to changes in the

Carrying the latest version of Hornsby’s livery, this 53-seat Plaxton Panther-bodied Volvo B9R is the latest addition to the fleet market. Our day excursion programme is big - around four a week between Easter and September. We go to the east coast seaside resorts and to the main towns with good shopping centres - places like Leeds and York. Then there’re scenic tours to Derbyshire and the Peak District. Predominantly its older people although the shopping trips attract younger ones as well. They’re popular mid-week as well as weekends.

Hornsby’s advertises in the local press and on its website. “We publish two excursion brochures a year,” said Raymond. “Sometimes it’s difficult to know what admission charges will be at attractions when you’re looking more than six months ahead.” Coach holidays in the 1980s and 1990s included destinations in Italy, Austria, Germany, France and Holland, but since then short breaks have become more popular, people taking them

FROM HORNSBY TRAVEL’S ARCHIVE

The first photograph of a Primrose Bus in 1919, an ex War Department Leyland painted yellow

The golden era of coaching, a church group that went to Blackpool

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1921 and the first new vehicle, an American-manufactured Dearbourn seating 19

The New Bus Grant dual-purpose Plaxton Derwent-bodied Ford bought in 1970

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p23_CBW_1145 07/07/2014 11:42 Page 23

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PROFILE › HORNSBY TRAVEL SERVICES

The DAF SB120 is well respected at Hornsby’s. There are six in the fleet, five Wrightbus-bodied and one with Plaxton Centro bodywork

One of two Alexander-bodied Leyland Olympians, this vehicle was new to Dublin Bus. The other was new to Lothian

A midi Plaxton-bodied Dennis Javelin in the fleet seats 43. It was on York Races work when photographed last year

in addition to their main holiday At around 70 departures a year, the holiday programme is now mostly UK focussed. It’s mostly organised in-house. Regular investment in new touring coaches continues, a Plaxton Panther-bodied Volvo B9R delivered this year underlining the point, but vehicles have to pay their way on a full range of work including contracts. “We used to go all over Europe, but that changed when air travel became so cheap,” explained Raymond. “Also people don’t want to spend three days on a coach getting to the Italian Riviera when they can fly. “Tourist boards spend millions trying to get us to go to different countries. Then the boarder guards put everything in our way to make it difficult for us. I thought the European Union was supposed to be open. Instead it seems to make it more difficult for business. “For the driver, there’s a lot of responsibility going abroad. Doing that sort of work well and making the right profit are two different things. I think there are operators that do it for the prestige without really counting the costs. For us there’s not really enough reward for the risk involved.” Membership of the firm’s Holiday Club is open to anyone paying three deposits per person before March 31. There is no need to specify which tours. That earns a 5% discount on the gross cost of every tour taken, free car parking and access to special offers.

While some destinations continue to be popular year after year, Raymond is always looking to introduce new attractions and is not afraid to recirculate some that have been popular in the past.

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E-tenders and e-auctions

North Lincolnshire tenders its school and taxi contracts via e-auction. To the relief of Raymond and Nick, that doesn’t apply to local bus services although they are e-tendered. E-auctions have driven Hornsby’s from much of the school contract market – seven or eight have been lost since the system was introduced - although there is a sense that staff at North Lincolnshire are concerned about maintaining good standards and that too many contracts are now with too few operators. A small number of school contracts are due to come up for retender in September when Euro 3 complaint vehicles will be required. A major round of re-tendering takes place next year. Hornsby’s still has half a dozen contracts and Raymond is conscious that, with DDA deadlines also looming, there will be additional costs when low-floor double-deckers must be used. Lower seating capacity is one issue. There’s already one in the fleet, an Alexander-bodied Dennis Trident, that’s also used on service work. Other double-deckers currently operated are a pair of older Alexander-bodied Leyland Olympians, but Hornsby’s is one of a select band of family operators that has bought new in the

Contrasts in coach styling. Around half a century separates these vehicles past – a Roe-bodied Leyland Fleetline in the late 1970s. The firm also works for local colleges such as John Leggott and North Lindsey Technical. Contracts are negotiated direct and, as these are institutions that want to attract students, they’re looking for quality and reliability as well as a good price. A recent win on the same basis has been De Aston, an academy in Market Rasen.

Adapting to change

“We don’t see any low hanging fruit,” said Nick about potential new market opportunities. “We want to keep the business we have, but we’ll be working on our marketing, particularly through the internet to promote our excursions, tours and private hire. We want those direct bookings.” Hornsby’s carries over a million bus passengers a year, but a concern is that retailers are moving out of Scunthorpe town centre. More upmarket shops are transferring to an out of town retail development at Glanford Park. It’s hoped that a new university technical college in the centre of town will compensate. Students will be able to use local buses and there will be no requirement for specialist transport. “We’ve experienced an increase in ridership among young people because car insurance is so high,” said Nick. “They’re much more bus savvy. “We coped with the 20% cut in BSOG because we’ve been able to balance it off with better fuel efficiency. As far as our tendered services are concerned, the council is paying us what we used to receive direct. I think it knows that it would start to lose services if it didn’t. The bus quality partnership creates regular dialogue and that’s so helpful.” “The margins are there, but it would be very easy to lose them,” he continued. “We’re always looking to be more efficient. It’s about using data accurately and efficiently. I don’t know what I would do without a spreadsheet. What we want are people to feel this company is theirs. To leave their cars at home and use our buses.” “Having a passion for the industry is important, but profit must always come first,” added Raymond. n www.coachandbusweek.com

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Guide Dogs 07/07/2014 13:11 Page 1

AV is just the ticket! Please get on board with talking buses! www.guidedogs.org.uk/talkingbuses @gdcampaigns Audio visual information systems make bus travel better for everyone. Change the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) to include such systems on all new buses.

REPORT › GUIDE DOGS PARLIAMENTARY RECEPTION

Minister calls for cheaper AV systems Gareth Evans reports on Baroness Kramer’s mission to find an affordable solution to audio-visual technology

hey kept coming and coming – the drone of chatter was interspersed only by the occasional bark from a friendly guide dog. The enthusiasm was undeniable – opinion appeared to be unanimous. More than 150 MPs and Peers joined Guide Dogs at a parliamentary reception in the Members’ Dining Room of the House of Commons on Wednesday (July 2) to hear about the need for Audio-Visual (AV) announcements to be available on all buses. The headline act was undoubtedly Baroness Kramer. The Minister of State for Transport declared: “I believe retro-fitting AV is vital – in addition to specifying it on new vehicles. Given the working life of buses, older vehicles must be equipped. “Guide Dogs was one of the first groups I met when I took up this role last autumn. I don’t need to be convinced of the benefits of AV, having previously served on the Board of Transport for London.” Of note to the industry, far from what some may regard as getting carried away, she said: “We recognise that small operators in particular are facing tough times. We don’t want them to start withdrawing services. “Why does it cost £2,000 to equip a bus with

AV when you can get it on your smartphone for 65p – with a choice of providers? We asked CPT if it could consult with its members to come up with a cheap and cheerful system – but we received no reply. “Therefore, I can reveal today that in September I will be launching a technology competition for students aged 14 to 18. We will challenge them to come up with ideas for a cheap and easy to fit system by November. Those shortlisted will be go before a ‘Dragons Den’ style panel, which will include representatives from operators, users and celebrities in this area. We will announce the winners in January. “The second stage will be to construct a prototype, which will be done in conjunction with a Small to Medium sized Enterprise (SME). The winning student will work with the SME and then hopefully opportunities will be available for them in future.” She concluded: “We want a price range that no bus company can turn down. We also want young people going into engineering and design to understand disability as ‘normal.’ “I recognise that when the cost is revealed, most operators become cautious. I see no reason for a gold-plated system. We’re turning to young people to come up with ideas which

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Guide Dogs CEO Richard Leeman with Baroness Kramer operators have not done. “This is a problem we’ve got to solve – and one I’m determined to solve.” Mary Creagh (Labour, Wakefield), Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, then took to the stand: “It’s great to see so many here. Last November I participated in a ‘swap with me’ event. It demonstrated to me how the lack of information makes you feel vulnerable.” Notably, Mary said: “We promise to keep working with you.” After thanking Mary, Richard Leeman, Guide Dogs’ CEO said: “Your support means a huge amount to us. The logic is clear – it’s not just for those with sight loss, it’s for tourists, new users

The event was attended by more than 150 parliamentarians www.coachandbusweek.com

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Why does it cost £2,000 to equip a bus with AV when you can get it on your smartphone for 65p – with a choice of providers? We asked CPT if it could consult with its members to come up with a cheap and cheerful system – but we received no reply and hence increased passenger numbers for operators.” Guide dog owner Dave Kent gave an emotive and powerful talk about using buses as an individual with sight loss. “The troubles began for us with oneperson operation. It was up to the driver to remember when we wanted to get off. It was difficult because not only was the driver now responsible for passengers, there were all the other things to consider – such as watching the road ahead. “It was a bit like the magical mystery tour, but for many visually impaired people, it was the tragical mystery tour. I’m fortunate I live in London, where we’ve got iBus. “Confident use is key – people become less isolated as they can move around, which brings both mental and physical health benefits.” He concluded: “A solution is available which will transform people’s lives – let’s make the UK somewhere to really shine.” Among the puppy walkers present, which without doubt served to lighten the www.coachandbusweek.com

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atmosphere, was Martin Mitchel, who was tending to charming golden retriever Bobbi. “I have the dog for a year. I paraphrase what I do – the weeing, the pooing and the chewing. After a year, the dogs are sent to the training school for eight to 10 months, depending on the dog,” he enthused. Commenting about the day, he said: “It’s great to give Guide Dogs a presence in parliament and increase exposure for the great work it does, which is 100% charitably funded. Parliamentarians have taken a great deal of interest and it’s been a privilege to explain the work of this great charity.” Representing Reading Buses was Marketing and Communications Manager Jake Osman, who said: “Reading Buses has done a lot of work with Guide Dogs. We’ve got 34 new buses that announce which service they’re on when they pull up at a stop. “We love the fact Guide Dogs always come to us for help – we seem to be regarded as a beacon. We want AV to be the norm. We’re not perfect by any means – our fleet is not yet

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100% AV-equipped. We’re also losing James Freeman, which is a huge blow to us, but hopefully we’ll take Guide Dogs’ message to Bristol.” “It’s great to see so many MPs here,” he enthused. As for the parliamentarians, Kate Green (Labour, Stretford and Urmston), who is also Shadow Spokesperson for Disabled People, explained to CBW her reason for attending: “I’ve been contacted by constituents about Guide Dogs’ campaign and I want to show my support. “Earlier this year, I took a bus trip blindfolded with a guide dog. I realised how scary it is to move around when you can’t see and how much you rely on a dog to orientate. However, a dog can’t read or speak English, so you need AV – that’s why I’m here. “I travelled on a Stagecoach bus between Urmston town centre and the Trafford Centre, a journey I know very well but after two to three minutes, I had no idea where I was. The experience was certainly interesting. “The driver was very good – he waited for me to get on and shouted when we’d reached our destination, but drivers already have a huge amount to think of.” A self-confessed “great supporter of AV” is Matthew Offord MP (Conservative, Hendon). “We’ve got a significant transport interchange in Edgware, which impacts on my constituents who have a disability. Health is a passion of mine. I tore my retina three years ago,” he explained. “It’s an important issue for many – I often meet people who have family or friends with sight problems such as Glaucoma. Today has been a great way of highlighting this issue to parliamentarians.” Fiona Bruce MP (Conservative, Congleton) also told CBW of her interest in AV: “Congleton has the only shop run by Guide Dogs. Meeting the people who run it on a regular basis has shown how full of life they are. Therefore, I feel adapting buses in what I see as a modest way will work wonders for them.”

Reflection

Speaking to CBW the following day, Jennifer Keen, Senior Public Affairs Officer at Guide Dogs, described the reception as “a fantastic event.” She added: “We were absolutely delighted at the attendance. We had over 150 parliamentarians present from across the political spectrum. “Dave Kent’s speech was very emotive. It helped those in the room to understand the issues faced when travelling with sight loss. “Baroness Kramer and Mary Creagh were great too. It was most interesting to hear about plans for the competition from the Baroness. It’s very important that the government recognises the importance of AV and is being proactive. “The competition is a step in the right direction but we feel a lot more needs to be done.” Asked what she meant by this, Jennifer replied: “We hope the competition will increase innovation in that area but what we really need is a commitment from government for all new buses to be AV-equipped.” n

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INDUSTRY

GUIDE

VEHICLE PRESENTATION

Attractive-looking vehicles go a long way. This Johnson’s of Henley-in-Arden Scania Irizar PB looks immaculate despite the autumn leaves which litter the surrounding coach park at Betws-y-coed

I Looking the business

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

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t’s an old cliché amongst the public that buses are dirty and smelly vehicles. With new, cleaner engine technology, bright, professionally designed liveries and high quality seating becoming more commonplace, this is being gradually rectified. It is now important for operators to keep their vehicles looking the best they can to avoid becoming ‘that company with the dirty buses.’ Getting vehicle presentation right starts with the exterior, ensuring buses are kept clean and glaring maintenance issues are taken care of. A variety of easy-to-maintain and environmentally friendly bus and coach wash facilities are on the market, along with some service providers happy to cover cleaning and maintenance. Wheels shouldn’t be ignored, with standout wheel nut safety products working wonders for the passenger’s peace of mind and often looking the part. A distinctive livery is always a good thing too. On the inside, good presentation has the potential to save money in the long run, whether it is more durable material on seat covers, which looks better for longer, or better quality, more comfortable seating which potential vandals are more likely to respect. Certain seating materials are also far easier to clean, avoiding excessive man hours, cleaning materials or downtime – always a positive boon with tight budgets and peak vehicle requirements. When seats inevitably do wear out, skilled trimmers can refurbish them to make them look like new. Many of these companies are expanding to cover more than just seating, with coverage extending to the full refurbishing. There are also established ways and means of refurbishing seating without having to take the vehicle out of service for long periods. www.coachandbusweek.com

07/07/2014 19:16

WILCOMATIC

Wilcomatic and sister companies Working Water and Wickham Gensol aim to supply a complete wash package for all types of buses and coaches, with a comprehensive range of wash equipment to suit most budgets. The range is designed to tackle any PSV, with high quality and cost effective automatic rollover and drive-through machines, jet washes and wash-down units, which are backed up by a nationwide network of 70 engineers and an equally comprehensive range of money saving and environmentally friendly supports systems, such as water recycling and rainwater harvesting. On top of the firm’s extensive bus and coach range is the two or three brush C5000 Magnum System, which can wash and rinse in a single pass, incorporating an efficient wheel washer if required. Wilomatic worked in partnership with German manufacturer Otto Christ, to develop the automatic rollover bus washing system, which is said to be able to clean any double or single decker in less than two and a half minutes. Unlike other drive-through

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Wilcomatic and its sister companies supply a complete wash package system, used in many depots, the gantry system moves swiftly along the vehicle at the correct speed as it remains stationary, removing the need to rely on drivers to maintain optimum speed throughout, whilst still ensuring large fleets can get

through the end-of-day washing in time. The system can be fitted with high-pressure water jets if required, which are convenient for precise wheel and sill cleaning. A combination of pressure sensors and precise programming

ensures brushes are guided around the front of each vehicle to avoid damage to the large wing mirrors, while still cleaning every inch. Where cost is a factor, the company has a range of high quality and cost effective drive-through machines, which ensure a spick and span front and rear. Additional services provided through Working Water include a water recycling system to improve environmental credentials and rainwater harvesting to reduce water bills. Wilcomatic also has a range of washes and wash-down systems suitable for smaller operators and to augment larger facilities. Kevin Pay, Managing Director at Wilcomatic, said: “Whatever the washing requirement, we have a system that can tackle it; just ask us. We don’t just sell equipment, we work with our customers to design the perfect system for them and then install the equipment to a high standard.”

T: 020 86495760 E: sales@wilcomatic.co.uk W: www.wilcomatic.co.uk

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 29 07/07/2014 19:16

INDUSTRY

GUIDE

VEHICLE PRESENTATION DRINKMASTER

Drinkmaster, a small and friendly drinks manufacturer based in Cornwall, has introduced a new and improved sealcup, which is beautifully branded and larger in size. The company has been making sealed, single-portion instant hot drinks for over 50 years, supplying products direct to coach and bus operators and individual drivers. A familiar face in the industry, its two product lines are ideal for delivering quality hot beverages to passengers. Drinkpacs are foul-sealed pods containing all the ingredients for a great tasting hot drink, with passengers simply required to peel back the foil lid, tip into a cup, add hot water and stir. Sealcups are insulated, with all the ingredients foil-sealed in the bottom of the cup, with passengers required to peel back the foil lid, add hot water and stir.

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Drinkmaster has recently announced a complete revamp of its popular sealcup drink, improved in every way, with low prices operators and drivers would expect when buying direct from the manufacturer. Not only are sealcups larger in size, but insulation means they are also cool-to-touch, easy to recycle

It doesn’t just look beautiful – sealcup is also cleverly made, with printer cardboard on the exterior, which has been bonded to a recyclable plastic cup inside, with an air cavity between the two. The design aims to keep the drink hot and the outside of the cup cool, so passengers are less likely to burn their hands.

and come at a low price, with a wide choice of tea, coffee, hot chocolate and soup. Drinkmaster believes ‘big is beautiful,’ with sealcup now made a little larger, a 9oz cup with 8oz fill, which is the perfect portion size. It’s a real thirst quencher which doesn’t leave buckets of cold coffee to dispose of. Sealcup has had a makeover, with the entire cup now beautifully branded, inside and out. The design is attention grabbing as it flexibly packs passengers’ favourite brands, making it easy to sell.

‘Great choice’ is the company’s strap line, as it always ensures a complete range of famous name teas, coffees, hot chocolates and soups is available. With the launch of the new sealcup, Drinkmaster has announced that it is now packing the UK’s number one coffee – Nescafé Original. Other brands available sealed-in-the-cup include Nescafé Gold Blend, Douwe Egberts, PG Tips, Aero Hot Chocolate and three varieties of Batchelors Cup a Soup. The sealcup has been specially designed to help the environment, with a built-in zip. Said to be a first for the drinks industry, when it comes to recycling the used sealcup, passengers simply need to unzip the outer sleeve and dispose of it with the rest of the cardboard. The plastic inner can be recycled the

The design aims to keep the drink hot and the outside of the cup cool, so passengers are less likely to burn their hands

same way as empty yoghurt pots. Low price equals an excellent margin, as companies can buy direct from the manufacturer. With that in mind, sealcups cost from just 20p to buy and can easily sell for £1. At such a low cost for a fully sealed drink, operators and drivers could even choose to give drinks away for free or sell them and keep the margin. Drinkmaster is happy to take small orders and deliver direct nationwide should it be required, usually within the next day. Sealcup is sold in multiples of 20 – two sleeves of 10 cups, making them easy to store and because it’s bought direct from the manufacturer, operators and drivers are assured that they are getting the best price possible. Drinkmaster works closely with Transvend to provide a range of 12v and 24v hot water dispensers to suit any vehicle. These aim to deliver hot, but not boiling, water designed to create a perfect drink, whilst staying within the bounds of health and safety. The company also offers hot water dispensers of all-inone machines for drivers’ rooms. Overall, convenience means companies won’t be left with sticky jars of coffee or sugar, as there’s no mess to clear up, with very little waste to dispose of. The amended portion size also means there is no need to get rid of any undrunk coffee. T: 0800 373 515/01579 342082, E: info@drinkmaster.co.uk o W: www.drinkmaster.co.uk

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07/07/2014 19:17

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INDUSTRY

GUIDE

VEHICLE PRESENTATION BRITANNIA WASHING SYSTEMS Britannia Washing Systems has worked in close affiliation with National Express Group (NEG) for over 30 years and is renowned for its reliability and longevity. It is for this reason that Mick Mullins, National Express Group’s Head of Property Bus & Coach, chose the company as his preferred and trusted supplier. National Express has over 20 washes installed across the UK, at main bus garages and some of the coach-owned operations. Indeed, it is a network which is continuing to expand with the company recently installing a new Britannia Streamline in its Walsall bus garage. A second system was also completely refurbished at the busy Black Country depot. Manufactured by Smith Brothers & Webb, Britannia Washing Systems offers exceptional wash quality, with the Britannia Streamline one of the most advanced in the company’s product portfolio. Simple to install and maintain, it is a four-brush drive through machine which washes all types of passenger-carrying vehicles,

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from minibuses to double deckers. Reflecting its suitability for operators who require rapid throughput, particularly when vehicles return to garage after peak periods, the machine has the capability of washing up to 80 vehicles per hour. Explaining the why NEG has remained loyal Britannia, Mullins commented: “I have found the Britannia Washing Systems to be nothing less than excellent.

We have tried other companies over the years, but have always returned to Smith Brothers & Webb. “Reliability is critical. For example, at Birmingham Central we have 180 buses returning to garage within a short timescale. We simply cannot afford to have a wash inoperative. In the event of there being a problem, Smith Brothers & Webb engineers are able to give immediate attention

National Express uses over 20 Britannia bus washes

to the washes and have immediate access to the parts, so there is limited downtime. It is an ideal partnership.” Smith Brothers & Webb is one of the oldest, best-known and well-respected names in the commercial wash market, with a pedigree spanning 70 years. The firm’s range has been designed to cope with high volumes of differing sizes of vehicles, with Britannia Washing Systems engineered and manufactured in the UK and exported around the world. Andy Barracliffe, Smith Brothers & Webb Director, commented: “We are proud to have such an esteemed name as National Express in our client portfolio. “The Group is one of our oldest customers – and as it has continued to grow, so have we. It has been a tremendous relationship and one which we hope will continue for many years to come.” T: 01789 400096 E: sales@sbw-wash.com W: www.sbw-wash.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

07/07/2014 19:17

MOTION PICTURE LICENSING COMPANY The Motion Picture Licensing Company is a welcome solution for any passenger transport operator who may find copyright an uncomfortable and confusing subject, with movie screenings on board coaches becoming something that customers have come to expect. The company assumes the lead in the compliance of motion picture copyright by providing legal access across five continents and more than 20 countries worldwide. For coach operators, film and television content via DVD or any other digital formats, including downloads, might be a great way to calm a pack of teenagers, or make a long haul seem shorter, but often appear unclear about the legalities of screening copyrighted material. The Motion Picture Licensing Company provides coach operators with the license and incentive to legally screen on behalf of over 450 major Hollywood studios, including Walt Disney Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, Paramount and Universal Studios. David Taylor, the Motion

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MPLC 

they have full compliance, even when vehicles are contracted to other users, including the driver. Home entertainment, DVDs and downloads are intended for private and domestic use only, as per the warning that appears before the film commences. When shown on board a coach or anywhere outside of one’s own home, this qualifies as a “public performance” under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Screenings are illegal unless

Picture Licensing Company’s Country Manager, said: “DVDs and downloads have become such a [big] part of our daily entertainment, we all take them for granted. “But many coach operators will not realise they are actually breaking the law when they show home entertainment DVDs and downloads without a proper copyright license.” With this in mind, it is the coach operator’s responsibility to ensure

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T: 01323 649647 E: coachuk@mplc.com W: www.themplc.co.uk

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Motion Picture Licensing Company

correctly licensed. The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) carries out regular investigations into copyright infringement and unsurprisingly, there are a significant number of penalties attached. Coach operators are used to having a license to play music on board coaches and some believed their Performing Right Society (PRS) for Music license also covers them for showing films. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Motion Picture Licensing Company offers a license to allow an unlimited use of personal or customers legally purchased or rented DVDs or downloads. The Umbrella License grants permission to companies and organisations to screen legally obtained film and television without the need to report titles, dates or times of exhibition. Coach operators pay a low annual fee with a discounted rate available to CPT members.

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Showing DVDs on board your coaches?   

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Home entertainment DVDs and downloads are protected by law. Showing them on your coach then  becomes a ‘public performance’ and requires a licence. The Motion Picture Licensing Company provides the simple MPLC Umbrella Licence®.

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It enables a coach operator to: • • • • •

Showing them on your coach Use your own legally obtained DVD’s or downloads t The Motion Picture Licensing Unlimited use, all year round, as often as you wish C I  No reporting of use or other administration  Select any titles from over 450 Hollywood and Independent Studios and Film Producers  One low annual fee based on the number of coaches 

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Showing them on your coach  on telephone 01323 649 For more information, you can contact the friendly MPLC licensing team 647, by email coachuk@mplc.com or visiting www.mplcuk.com  The Motion Picture Licensing

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INDUSTRY

GUIDE

VEHICLE PRESENTATION THORNTONS

Thorntons, based in Ashington, Northumberland, works closely with many bus operators nationally to help mould the branding of their �leets on certain routes. With 35 years’ experience in the commercial re�inishing market, the company has remained familyrun and now specialises in the bus market, with external speci�ic paint jobs becoming one of their specialties. Thorntons’ �irst request to paint a PSV in different liveries came from Go North East, which is known to be very keen on route branding and the speci�ic external presentation of its vehicles. Personalised touches include a tailored shopping list created for customers to pick and mix customised features for the internal of their vehicles. Many operators opt to customise not only the exterior on certain routes, but also the interior of vehicles, with many different options available. Typical choices include low-level LED lighting, with an overhead package if required. Thorntons aims to take drab wall panelling interiors, GRP mouldings

Thorntons can effectively transport double-decker buses and headlining and transform their appearance by re�inishing with a high quality paint product. All windows will be removed during the preparation process, should one choose the complete internal re�inish package. Plastic seat backs are often re�inished with sturdy seat frames, with matting agents and plastic primers used on seat backs to obtain a customised �inish.

New �loor coverings can be installed to the customer’s preference, with a deluxe choice of new moquette, E-Leather or leather trims to be �itted. Often, seats can be upgraded with the addition of padded headrests. Additional options, chosen by a few operators, see the installation of poles and grab rails with a metallic silver or gold �inish. Thorntons pushes itself further,

with the option to work closely with a company’s chosen design house or offering sound advice on the choice of customization to the vehicle. Recently, the company was commissioned by Arriva North East to carry out its second wave of Sapphire conversions, which recently featured in CBW. First Group Aberdeen has also partnered with the company to carry out the second wave of Platinum single decker conversions. Additional bene�its include personalised pick up of the vehicle by the �irm’s own load loaders, which operate on a non pro�it basis, in a bid to provide troublefree transport, no matter what the location. Overall, Thorntons demonstrate a strong understanding of the importance of excellent service and the customers desire to partner with a company that has the ability to �lexibly work with their current and future needs.

T: 01670 854500 E: info@thornton-t180.co.uk W: www.thornton-t180.co.uk

THORNTONS BUS REFURBISHMENT

• DDA conversions carried out • LED lighting • WiFi and real time information systems

DOUBLE & SINGLE DECKER BUS TRANSPORTATION

Contact: 01670 854500 Mobile: 07920 553443 Email: info@thornton-t180.co.uk www.thornton-t180.co.uk 34 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 9, 2014 028_035_CBW1145_Industry Guide.indd 34

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07/07/2014 19:17

S&G COACHWORKS

Based in Manfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, S&G Coachworks boasts the highest quality and standard in state of the art coach facilities, which can be offered to either existing or new customers, stretching as far afield as Scotland and Ireland. The company has over 25 years’ experience in the commercial vehicle repair and repaint industry, with fully trained technicians harbouring skills and experience to complete every job to a high standard. Whether it’s a small repair or a full restoration which is required, S&G Coachworks consistently recognise that the customer’s needs come first and foremost.

S&G Coachworks welcomes all types of work regardless of size, with customers ranging from large coach operators to small businesses. The firm has a fully equipped workshop, recently restored to ensure efficiency, including a brand new 20m-spray oven and paint mixing room. The company is known to specialise in all areas of vehicle paint and bodywork, from light cosmetic paintwork to full repaints and insurance jobs.

T: 01623 627653 E: sandgcoachworks@aol. co.uk W: www.sandgcoachworks.co.uk

Features List 2014

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

Issue Date

Product Focus Feature

1119

January 8

Passenger Comfort & Entertainment

1120 1121 1122 1123 1124 1125 1126 1127 1128 1129 1130 1131 1132 1133 1134 1135 1136 1137 1138 1139 1140 1141 1142 1143 1144 1145 1146 1147 1148 1149 1150 1151 1152 1153 1154 1155 1156 1157 1158 1159 1160 1161 1162 1163 1164 1165 1166 1167 1168 1169

January 15

Vehicle Presentation

January 22

January 29

February 5 Telematics February 12

Training & Safety

March 5

Engines & Transmissions

February 19

February 26 March 12

Seating, Flooring & Interiors

April 2

Digital Technology

March 19 March 26 April 9

GARAGE Equipment

April 16

April 23

April 30

May 7 Tachographs May 14

Fuel Management & Emission Control

June 4

Ticketing & Cash Handling

May 21

May 28

June 11

Repairs & Refurbishment

July 2

Glazing & Entry Systems

July 23

Training & Safety

August 13

Security & Insurance

September 3

Rental Leasing & Finance

June 18 June 25 July 9

Vehicle Presentation

July 16

July 30 August 6

Engines & Transmissions

August 20 August 27 September 10

Seating, Flooring & Interiors

October 1

Digital Technology

September 17

September 24

October 8

Garage Equipment

October 15

October 22 October 29 November 5

Fuel Management & Emission Control

November 12

November 19 November 26 December 3

December 10

Ticketing & Cash Handling Repairs & Refurbishment

December 17 December 24

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

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

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 35 07/07/2014 19:17

THE BIG PICTURE A high profile Exterion Media advertising campaign in London, that coincides with the World Cup in Brazil, has seen 32 New Routemasters painted black and given vinyling for Adidas. There are five livery variants with one bus for each of the countries that participated. Bus and Coach World at Blackburn painted 25 of the vehicles, Wrightbus undertaking the remainder. They’re operating on Arriva London contracted route 38 (Clapton – Victoria) and Stagecoach London service 8 (Bow – Tottenham Court Road) and the strong livery and number of vehicles involved is helping to create plenty of impact. Andy Izatt photographed this route 38 bus at Piccadilly Circus where there seemed to be a constant stream of them passing. Exterion Media is the main Transport for London Year of the Bus sponsor, a point made through vinyling that has been applied to a number of Transport for London contracted buses.

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07/07/2014 13:27

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07/07/2014 13:27

SERVICE UPDATE › ARRIVA BUSES WALES ROUTE 12

ne of the main competitors to bus travel along the North Wales coast is personal transport – yes, the good old fashioned car. However, it may not always be the answer to everyone’s travel requirements. Increasing fuel costs, combined with the cost of living forever going up, there could be a point where the car becomes uneconomical for your average commute to work or a leisure trip to the shops. Rail travel is another option. It may not always be as cheap, but on-board facilities such as air-conditioning, plug sockets, toilets and comfortable seating are certainly selling points for passengers. Arriva has tried to buck the trend on the conception of the average bus experience, by conducting extensive research including surveys, site visits and focus groups, with the main aim of attracting first-time users and reluctant bus users out of their cars and and on to public transport. The end result formed what we know as Sapphire, Arriva’s high-quality bus concept, with enhanced on board features such as E-Leather seating, free WiFi and audio-visual announcements, not to mention a no-quibble money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your journey. Sapphire is to be rolled out on a variety of routes throughout the UK this year, following

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Sapphire hits the

coast

Tom Harrison reports on the launch of Arriva Buses Wales’ £4m upgrade of route 12 on the North Wales Coast to its premium Sapphire standard

on from success of the inaugural Sapphire route – the cross-border service 1, which operates from Chester Railway Station to Wrexham Bus Station.

Launch of the 12

To celebrate continued investment in the North Wales region, Arriva Buses Wales hosted a special launch party at Rhyl Arena, with

Prince William and Kate Middleton lookalikes, school children from Bryn Hedydd and Christ Church schools as well as 20 brand new, highspecification Alexander Dennis Enviro400s in attendance to make sure guests and passers-by enjoyed a ‘right royal welcome’. Arriva advisors were on hand to talk about the additional benefits which the buses offer, including a commitment to deliver a punctual www.coachandbusweek.com

07/07/2014 17:52

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The new order on the 12s certainly make an impressive sight

Seating upstairs has a ‘2+2’ configuration

The new buses carry bilingual branding

Arriva Buses Wales staff with the Prince William and Kate Middleton lookalikes

and reliable service every 10 minutes. Visitors were also treated to music from a string quartet – while children’s entertainers offered face painting and balloons, as well as complementary ice cream all round, complete with aquamarine coloured sauce. The 20 new vehicles were lined up in fleet number order. They are Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double-decks. Power comes from a Cummins ISB6.7EV engine, coupled up to a six-speed ZF 6HP1203B transmission. It’s a combination which should provide smooth gear changes and effortless acceleration where needed – especially on the hills along the route. Externally the vehicles are very well presented and certainly stand out from the previous allocation. These comprised a mixture of Arriva’s standard Wrightbus-bodied VDL SB200 and Dennis Dart SLF saloons, along with Alexander ALX400-bodied DAF DB250 double-deckers originally hailing from London. All but three of the new buses are fully branded for the 12 service, with the remainder intentionally left unbranded to cover on other services where necessary – branding is applied in both English and Welsh. A feature which has become standard on Sapphire vehicles is the white LED display fitted to the front, with an amber side www.coachandbusweek.com

038_039_CBW1145_Arriva.indd 39

destination display and full-size rear amber destination display. The earlier examples or conversions had all-round amber LED displays.

Onboard

The first thing I noticed upon entering the vehicle is that the specification gave the vehicle a very airy feel. It certainly didn’t seem like a crammed urban specification, with seats occupying every nook and cranny. Instead, the sparse seating was inviting and there aren’t any tip-up seats in the wheelchair or buggy bay either to maximise comfort. They are in fact fitted with just 60 E-Leather seats. While the upper saloon is fitted with extra comfy coach-style seating in a very spacious 2+1 layout, the lower deck has the more standard 2+2 layout with conventional bus-style seating with headrests. The coachstyle seating is similar to what was specified on the refurbished Sapphire Alexander Dennis Enviro400s based at Wrexham. All 20 vehicles are equipped with 240v power points and USB ports to charge phones, tablets and laptops. They are also equipped with CCTV, free WiFi – as seen on an increasing number of the fleet – and LED saloon lighting. Hanover Displays’ audio-visual ‘talking buses’ technology is fitted. Information screens and speakers are fitted to deliver automated

next stop announcements. An impressive innovation, it offers passengers a clear and concise reminder of where they are on the route, bilingually in both Welsh and English. I found the additional opening windows on the upper saloon quite beneficial – yet another feature which may otherwise go unnoticed. The route does run alongside the North Wales coastline after all – who couldn’t resist sitting next to an open window whilst taking in the lovely fresh seaside air?

Route 12

Service 12 starts at Rhyl Bus Station, passing through Ty Gwyn, Llanddulas, Colwyn Bay, Penrhyn Bay and Craig y Don and then on to Llandudno’s West Shore. The frequency has been increased slightly. Previously the service was running every 12 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime, halfhourly of an evening, and every 20 minutes on Sunday daytimes. Now however, the service operates every 10 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime. Evenings and Sundays remain the same. n

For for details, including timetable information, visit www. arrivasapphire.co.uk/where-we-operate/ rhyl-llandudno/

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 39 07/07/2014 17:53

LEGAL › TRAFFIC COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT

Commanding fairness and compliance James Day trawls the Traf�ic Commissioners’ Annual Report, examining the positive observations and concerns raised within it The role of a Traf�ic Commissioner (TC) is one which requires a great deal of character. As a result of this, the annual report – what many might think to be a rather impenetrable document – actually makes quite interesting reading. Hearing about the frustrations and dif�iculties of the job and seeing the narrative of how services are changing in traf�ic areas under the TCs’ guidance is something which any operator should be giving their full attention. A big theme this year was Transport Managers. Several TCs commented on cases with

40 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 9, 2014 040_043_CBW1145_Traffic Commissioner.indd 40

seemingly absent, under-quali�ied or incompetent individuals in the role. It certainly looks like an area where operators must ensure they have their house in order and not underestimate the importance of the role.

Beverley Bell Senior Traf�ic Commissioner for Great Britain SPEAKING AS SENIOR TC, Beverley Bell highlighted the dif�iculties faced by her and many of her colleagues due to staf�ing shortages or a lack of administrative support. She thanked the various parties who help the TCs to do their jobs effectively. “I know that I speak for all TCs

when I say that resources are often stretched to breaking point, there is insuf�icient resilience and we are too often reliant on agency staff, in both the short and long term,” she explained. “This leads to a lack of continuity or proper knowledge of complex and important work. The procedures for recruiting staff are also cumbersome and far too protracted – or so it appears to me.” There seemed to be a hint of frustration in Beverley’s report. She detailed how she had sought to understand how O-licence fee income is being spent on providing the staff and the support necessary, but said this was not clear to her at the time of writing. “Current scheme accounts are in my view unnecessarily complicated, dif�icult to

understand, opaque and lacking in transparency,” she said. “In some cases they are also inaccurate and whilst these inaccuracies are now being remedied, it should not fall upon me to tackle this. That is the role of others within DVSA.” “During the DVSA launch, I did just wonder how the new organisation, with such large, diverse and competing needs, will be best placed to support us in the future. Consequently TCs welcome the Department’s Triennial Review, which will give all stakeholders a chance to re�lect on how TCs might be better supported – and how Alastair Peoples’ workload might be reduced. “The good news is that the Memoranda of Understanding between DVSA and TCs and between the Northern Ireland Transport Regulator and TCs have www.coachandbusweek.com

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Beverley focused on two key areas towards the end of her report. The first of these was to take the most serious operator and driver offenders off the road, put them out of the transport industry and ensure they do not return. “I know that my colleagues Sarah Bell and Kevin Rooney are working hard with the DVSA to ensure that they not only target, but also enforce against the serially and seriously non-compliant. I look forward to seeing how this emphasis continues once DVSA starts to take shape and I hope that it remains a high priority in accordance with their business plan.” The second focus was ensuring all buses are reliable and punctual. The Senior TC acknowledged that this is a mammoth task which will take time to achieve, given that there will be changes for all bus operators once the new Statutory Guidance Document on bus service reliability is finalised.

North Western Traffic Area – Beverley Bell

now been signed and this has made working practices easier and quicker. TCs are now working with other regulators to sign similar agreements and we have ensured that DfT officials have been kept informed at all stages. This joint approach is vital if we are to frustrate illegal activity as well as keeping the commercial vehicles, their drivers and the roads of Great Britain safe.”

Beverley Bell dedicated her report for the North Western Traffic Area to the memory of Peter Turner and Jim Hilton, both of whom she said had made a ‘tremendous contribution’ to the commercial vehicle industry. Peter, a vehicle examiner then health and safety officer for VOSA, passed away in July 2013, while Jim Hilton was an operator. Beverley Bell attended both funerals. She said: “These reflections remind me that I do not regulate in a vacuum and that continued and constant dialogue between regulator and operator is vital if we are to work together effectively.” Beverley Bell invited one of her deputies, Simon Evans, to contribute to the North West report, since much of her time had been taken up with the Senior TC role. Simon Evans raised a concern about the unmet (or more often incompletely met) expectations of nominated Transport Managers. “While the concept of systems

‘I know that I speak for all TCs when I say that resources are often stretched to breaking point, there is insufficient resilience and we are too often reliant on agency staff, in both the short and long term’ – Beverley Bell

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‘Disappointingly, there are still Transport Managers who continue to do little more than drink tea and shuffle charts’ – Kevin Rooney and processes to deliver compliant operation is frequently understood, the same cannot always be said for the secondary phase of how such systems are constantly quality assured and then refreshed on the basis of experience,” Simon explained. “Fully evidenced Quality Assurance measures deployed by proactive Transport Managers are surely a given in any operation, irrespective of its size.” “As a counter, it is pleasing to report that a noticeable trend has been towards the deployment of Transport Managers in the medium to larger concerns, in what might be called middle management. “These Transport Managers are appropriately placed in the company hierarchy so that they can be suitably close to day-to-day operations, but retain the clear and critical link through to the board, so that transport issues remain in sharp focus and may be escalated when required.”

Kevin Rooney North Eastern Traffic Area KEVIN ROONEY’S CANDID REPORT stepped back from providing a commentary on the statistics in favour of talking about frontline issues. In particular, the North Eastern TC was concerned about the quality of Transport Managers, as well as poor quality taxi operations wishing to run minibuses. “It seems people in the North East like to catch a taxi with all their family and friends,” Kevin said. “Applications for people wanting to run 14 – 16 seat minibuses as part of a taxi operation have filled my PI listings. Middlesbrough in particular must have an on-demand minibus service unrivalled in western Europe. “Sadly, the quality of operation is, across the region, poor. The means of operation is also sometimes a long way from being legal. Restricted PSV licence holders who operate through taxi companies

without proper control of either the vehicle used or the person driving it will not be licence holders for long. Licence applicants who attempt to avoid the rigours of a standard national licence by claiming an alternative primary occupation will continue to come under real scrutiny. “Disappointingly, there are still Transport Managers who continue to do little more than drink tea and shuffle charts – I had hoped to see an improvement from my observations in last year’s report. The DVSA examiners are now keenly alert to assessing the role of the Transport Manager and I have had many referrals where it is considered that the individual is divorced from the operation. “One notable case was an operator in Sheffield with a Transport Manager based in Manchester. Continuous and effective management was supposedly achieved by meeting every couple of months in a pub on the Snake Pass. That Transport Manager was disqualified, their hard-earned CPC now worthless.” Kevin highlighted the work which trade associations have been doing on the issue, in particular the well-attended events arranged by the CPT, where operators came to discuss how to fulfil the role properly. The TC also commended the deployment of some IT systems, which enable Transport Managers to properly manage large, dispersed fleets. “Many operators have asked me about the positioning of the Transport Manager within the business. In answering them, I am reminded of what Alan Sugar says to Apprentices before they find out which one of them will be fired – ‘who are you going to bring into the boardroom with you?’ If you are an operator and the wheels have fallen off or your drivers have been ‘at it’ and the task of operating compliantly has been failed, that person is your Transport Manager.”

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 41 07/07/2014 16:58

LEGAL › TRAFFIC COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT Richard Turfitt Eastern Traffic Area WITH GOVERNMENT FIGURES suggesting that between 500,000 and 750,000 commercial vehicle drivers are active in the marketplace, of which 16% of HGV drivers are over 60 and only 1% are under 25, Richard Turfitt expressed concern about the challenge for the industry to identify qualified and competent drivers. “It has been suggested that there may be scope for TCs to deal with driver offences more quickly than the criminal courts,” Richard added. “I can see that this might help the industry to weed out the weaker drivers. In the last year, the Eastern Traffic Area dealt with 235 vocational driver conduct hearings resulting in 108 vocational driver suspensions.” Richard also touched on concerns about staff shortages, in particular Transport Managers, with 14% of those currently qualified expected to retire within the next five years. The TC highlighted his work in engaging with trade associations (such as with the CPT Transport Manager initiative) to better equip operators through education. Richard said: “The dangers of ‘light touch’ financial regulation are now widely recognised. Traffic Commissioners aim instead for ‘right touch’ regulation. Performance cannot be measured in the number of cases heard. This would risk incentivising the targeting of easier cases away from the rogues who threaten business. The real challenge for any regulator is trying to put a value to the deterrent effect of any intervention. “I have continued to use my legal skills in support of the Senior Traffic Commissioner. Through the Statutory Guidance and Statutory Directions, we have demonstrated our commitment to transparent decision making - which other regulator writes a complete text book, publishes it for free and regularly updates it? “There can be no tension between the tribunal role and the obligations on us as regulators to engage with stakeholder education. As has been made clear on numerous occasions, trade representatives view this form of contact as essential to the interests of industry and in support of the commitment to independent decision making. Indeed, engagement and education are requirements of the Statutory

42 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 9, 2014

040_043_CBW1145_Traffic Commissioner.indd 42

Compliance Code on regulators, or how else can the duty to have regard to promoting economic growth be properly applied?” At the start of the year, a bus passenger survey identified parts of the Eastern Traffic Area as the region with the lowest overall satisfaction. Richard said he was pleased to note there had been an increase in the level of support offered by the DVSA in identifying poor punctuality since this. Another challenge which the TC highlighted was avoiding internal red tape which prevents decisions and the deployment of resources. “Operators have paid for this through their fees,” Richard said. “Where, as in this area, there is a backlog, the inability to fill posts has a direct cost to operators and applicants and thereby to the wider economy.”

Nick Denton South Eastern and Metropolitan Traffic Area NICK DENTON SAID IT HAD BEEN A busy year, with more operators than ever coming to his attention. This was partly due to an added enforcement effort from the London Industrial Heavy Goods Vehicle Task Force, supported by the DVSA, Transport for London (TfL) and the Metropolitan Police. Common themes were ignorance of how to monitor drivers’ hours rules when running vehicles with digital tachographs, absentee transport managers and inadequate driver defect reporting. “This year I have seen a large number of restricted operators who have had such vehicles for months or years, but who have no idea that they need an operator’s card to download from the vehicle unit, or how often they should do the downloads,” Nick explained. “Some standard licence holders have not been much better: they download their drivers’ cards but fail to download from the vehicle unit, thereby failing to detect missing mileage and driving without a card.” Transport Managers were yet again a primary concern, in what was becoming a common theme by this point in the report. Nick Denton said: “Absentee Transport Managers are at the

opposite end of the evolutionary spectrum to the giant panda, in that – sadly – there seems little likelihood of such Transport Managers becoming extinct any time soon (although I am working on it). “Transport Managers who put their name to a licence but who charge less than the legal minimum hourly wage and rarely if ever visit the operator’s premises should realise that they are failing to exercise their legal responsibility to exercise continuous and effective control over transport operations. They are liable to lose their repute and to be disqualified. Transport Managers should nail the question ‘continuous and effective control?’ on the wall above their bed and answer it every night.” Turning to driver defect

seriously and serially noncompliant operators, Nick Denton has continued to invite operators with less serious shortcomings to ‘preliminary hearings.’ “At these hearings in my offices, we can review what has gone wrong, what the operator is doing to improve and, as the Pope said to the Cardinal Inquisitor in Brecht’s ‘Galileo,’ ‘just show them the instruments’ [of torture],” Nick explained. “With other operators, rather than just issue a traditional warning letter, I have asked them to sign up to training courses and to agree to have their compliance systems audited by a suitably qualified person. “I have also addressed some of the seminars for noncompliant operators, which the

reporting, Nick had more frank comments to make. “I have lost count of the number of operators who present me proudly with hundreds of driver defect reports, not a single one of which reports a defect,” he said. “This simply indicates that the driver is going through the motions, ticking the boxes and jumping into his or her cab, without carrying out a thorough check. “I realise it cannot be much fun walking round an HGV at 0400hrs on a dark and wet November morning, but it needs to be done properly to keep vehicles safe and reduce prohibitions and fixed penalties to a minimum. The better operators I have seen have an incentive system for good driver defect reporting.” With such a large volume of operators coming to his attention and the TC having recognised that he and his deputies can only realistically hold a maximum of 350 PIs a year, which must focus on

DVSA have introduced: these seminars bring together 50 or so operators at a time. My message to them at the seminars is: you are being given the necessary information and help to comply and another chance to get it right. Seize it now, or else.” Following a new agreement with HMRC, the TC has been receiving regular information on operators found illegally using rebated fuel (red diesel) or carrying inadequately documented tobacco or alcohol (smuggling). In the latter part of the year, several PIs were held resulting in significant regulatory action, including revoked licences. This year Nick Denton also gained a standard international Transport Manager CPC, in order to gain a better understanding of the day-today issues faced by the industry. “In studying for the exam, I was impressed by the large body of knowledge which Transport Managers are expected to master and apply,

‘At these [preliminary] hearings in my offices, we can review what has gone wrong, what the operator is doing to improve and, as the Pope said to the Cardinal Inquisitor in Brecht’s ‘Galileo,’ ‘just show them the instruments [of torture]’ – Nick Denton

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often in pressurised conditions,” he said. “I also enjoyed studying with my fellow candidates, who were keen to acquire the qualification and armed with it, to run a good operation. “By definition, I am usually dealing with those at the least compliant end of the scale, so it was good to spend some time with people – representing the majority – who are both determined and able to get it right.”

Nick Jones West Midlands & Wales Traffic Areas NICK JONES REPORTED that there are signs of financial recovery in the West Midlands Traffic Area, seen in applications involving restricted licence holders. The TC said structural issues remained and he hoped the forthcoming Triennial Review would provide an opportunity to address the systemic problems which exist. With Nick Jones also the TC for Wales, his area of responsibility had the highest workload this year if considered on a combined basis, but he argued this was not reflected in the administrative support provided. “For much of the reporting year there have been only two permanent caseworkers dealing with the workload of the two traffic areas, much of the duties being undertaken by agency staff who, by their nature, can be very temporary,” Nick explained. “The period since centralisation of administrative support has demonstrated that small offices have issues relating to both varying standards and resilience. Hopefully the Triennial Review will address, for example, examination of whether the existing geographical traffic areas actually reflect the economic interests of the industry and the communities that they serve – the East Midlands being a case in point. “However, I also comment that despite some of my comments about administrative support arrangements being less than positive, relationships with individual Department for Transport (DfT) officials is, from my perspective, much improved. “During the reporting year I had my first cases where DVSA staff

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undertook some monitoring of bus timetable compliance. The exercise took place because the examiners had concerns as to both drivers’ hours and maintenance and wanted to test the extent to which the PSV operator was complying with registered services. “This was an interesting exercise as examiners ordinarily only ask a series of routine questions relating to planning for timetable compliance. As the same operator faced other issues relating to both maintenance and drivers’ hours, I asked whether the same examiners would accept broad brush explanations from operators as to how they complied with maintenance and drivers’ hours. The answer was that operators often claimed compliance but independent testing of compliance was always necessary. I am at a loss to understand why the same does not always apply to testing compliance with registered timetables. “I understand the need to work in partnership and I don’t begrudge any additional funding for hard pressed DVSA staff, however if there is to be an ultimate deterrence in the form of TC action, I am at a loss to understand how there will be a proper basis for action if the same approach is not taken to the testing of compliance with registered timetables.” On a more positive note, the TC praised the Birmingham Statutory Quality Partnership. He welcomed the fact that Centro is considering other Quality Partnerships in areas such as Wolverhampton.

Wales

Turning to Wales, Nick Jones said that his comments in the previous year were still accurate, meaning there had been a worrying lack of progress in addressing the non-compliance with legislation relating to the Welsh language. The concern was that if the issue was not addressed within 18 months, there could be a scenario where the Welsh Language Commissioner would be taking formal action against another regulator, or those that have duties to provide Nick Jones with administrative support. The Commission on Devolution has recommended consideration being given to a separate Traffic Commissioner for Wales, with a degree of accountability to a Welsh Minister and different to the existing accountability.

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“I feel constrained to point out that the existing arrangements for providing administrative support are not currently sufficient, this is in part due to out of date service level agreements where a review is long overdue,” Nick explained. Concerns previously expressed about the state of operations in Wales remained. This included lower levels of safety standards and a general lack of awareness of the TC’s role. In one recent case a third generation operator was told to report failings to the TC, to which she asked what a TC was. The operator was reportedly a long standing legitimate business – not trying to cheat the system, just possessing a lack of awareness as of his responsibilities.

Sarah Bell Western Traffic Area SARAH BELL ACKNOWLEDGED that there was a backlog of issues which had arisen as a result of a staffing shortage. This shortage has now been solved and the TC said that the outlook for the Western Traffic Area was very positive. The TC reported that there had been a number of applications for new entrants into the industry, not just ‘phoenix’ companies. There also appeared to have been an increase in the variation applications to expand in areas which had been struggling, such as those that support the construction industry. However, Sarah expressed disappointment at the number of sub-standard applications. She explained: “These range from circa 70% incomplete for variation applications and circa 80% incomplete for new applications. “There is some improvement as the previous figure was around 85%, which is in part due to changes made to the forms and guidance through the collaboration of TCs and the staff who support them. “It is time for industry and applicants to now pay positive attention to getting it right first time by reading the forms and guidance properly. It is trite to complain about perceived delays in the Central Licensing Office, while this unsatisfactory situation is ongoing.”

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Joan Aitken Scotland Traffic Area JOAN AITKEN SAID HER OFFICE was busier than ever, thanks to it becoming increasingly known by other agencies, the press and public, as well as preparing for the Commonwealth Games this July. She said media reporting of written decisions following PIs remains at a high level and allows industry and the general public to be aware of what is being done. The TC highlighted a case in 2012 in which she posed the question: “Do I have to wait until someone is seriously injured or killed before I can taken action against a licence?” which she answered in the negative and revoked the licence. “I was concerned that the pressure of advocacy and a trend in case law was focussing on the operator and operator’s survival, rather than emphasising that regulatory action can be preventative action in the interests of the wider community,” she said. “In my mind was that the thrust of the legislation and of the licence undertakings are the prevention of harms. It may seem obvious but needed to be posed and set against other tests used to balance regulatory action.” Sham Transport Managers were a theme for Joan as well, along with phoenix companies. There were also cases where false statements or non-disclosure of convictions at the time of application for a licence came back to bite years later. In one case, an operator was disqualified for omitting mention of serious convictions involving drugs and firearms. “Trust is at the heart of O-licensing and deceiving a TC at time of application or variation risks the licence,” Joan said. “We play our part in the disruption of crime and scrutiny of who will actually control a licence and the operation they’re under is an important part of our work. “In this connection I was pleased to be invited by Crown Office to a seminar on Serious Organised Crime to learn of the tools being used to undermine those who profit by crime.” The TC said fair competition remains a byword, stating the importance of ensuring operators do not cut corners for a commercial advantage. Full report and statistics at http://tinyurl.com/ner4zcg

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 43 07/07/2014 16:58

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

INBOX

Roadworks frustration The ‘Face to Face’ interview with Andy Campbell of Stagecoach East in this week’s edition (CBW1144) made interesting reading. In particular, his mention with regard to the impact of congestion causing roadworks on service reliability and sustainability. As a result, I have been tempted to write of our woes in Boston, Lincolnshire. As the largest independent operator in Lincolnshire, we run a total of 50 buses presently in and out of Boston to Spalding, Lincoln, Horncastle, Spilby/ Mablethorpe and Skegness – as well as the half-hourly inner town service. Traffic management in the town was for many years a joke, based on the need for a bypass. The problem being that no one seemed able to see that even with a bypass, there was a need for an inner infrastructure which could cope with traffic leaving a bypass for local destinations and amenities. Finally in 2008/09, the local authority awoke to this basic principle and realised that for very little cost in the scheme of things they would be able to implement some of those ideas to improve the infrastructure. The remodelling of Spalding Road and Liquorpond Street, which were constant pinch points, came about to everyone’s delight and it worked. Unfortunately, one basic issue continues to be ignored. We still only have one major river crossing – the Haven Bridge – and if anything happens either side of that bridge, the town is gridlocked to a total standstill for hours, as the local bolt hole via the Sluice Bridge and Argyle Street cannot cope with demand. This was the situation on Friday, June 20 when an unfortunate and tragic loss of a young life on the Spalding Road just after the lunch time peak did exactly that for approximately four hours. We were operating school services more than

Brylaine operates 50 buses across a large part of Lincolnshire notice which informs us it will take place for any five days in a two-month period or it will happen ‘as and when required.’ The highway managers have little to no sympathy for our plight and consider what they do to cause no problem, and they refuse to see the benefit of our being able to communicate with the managers of the contractors to further our education in these matters. Indeed, they excelled themselves in February this year, when they announced that one of our main arteries was to be closed for three days in a two-day period... We battle on.

the worst I have seen in 35 years at this job. Returning to the main issue, we had very little forewarning of this stupidity and could take no action in time to inform our customers. Please be assured that we quite clearly see and understand the requirement for maintenance of the road network and being operators of larger vehicles we are probably more guilty than most of causing the damage requiring repair. The issue is not the works themselves, as much as the inability to be able to plan and influence what we do to reduce the inconvenience to our passengers. It has long been a contention and I have brought to the attention of many a liaison meeting that the information we get regarding road works is either nonexistent, inaccurate or just unhelpful. There is little use in a road closure

two hours late. However, even this pales into insignificance compared to the largest issue threatening punctuality – the dreaded roadworks, or more specifically the lack of forethought and the total lack of information regarding the planning of road works. Our present dilemma is major work on our main artery – The John Adams Way. This being a main route to one of the busiest seaside resorts in the country, one would expect to steer clear of major projects during the summer months. Then to cap that, on Saturday June 28, some numpty decided to close the local diversion of Sluice Bridge and Argyle Street. Saturday is of course, the busiest day of the summer weeks due to change overs for holiday makers on the coast and popular traditional local markets. It was chaos and possibly

Malc Wheatley, Operations Director, Brylaine Travel By email

It should be noted that the opinions and views expressed by authors within CBW are not necessarily those of the Editor or its publisher Coach & Bus Week Ltd.

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

Stanley Travel 01207 237424 / 07768 126136

01884 252646 / 07702 626542 Kingdoms Tours Ltd

01404 47502/07790 966667 parnell-coaches@supanet.com

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

1999 Volvo B10M Berkhof Axial

2008 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 515 CDI

Brand New Wrightbus Streetlite

2002 Dennis Dart Caetano Nimbus SLF

40 seats, manual, air con, coffee machine, servery, courier seat, power door, radio/CD/PA, seat belts, toilet, TV monitor, LEZ compliant.

10 luxury leather seats with 3 point belts, auto, air con, tachograph, LEZ compliant, TV monitor, tinted windows, armrests, curtains.

40 seats, automatic, air con, LED front, side and rear destination, front manual ramp, DDA compliant, LEZ compliant.

30 seats, automatic, manual front, side and rear destination, electric ramp, CCTV cameras and recorders, assault screen.

£4,999 + VAT

£75,000 + VAT

£25,000

£19,500

£POA

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

www.coachandbusweek.com

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 47

p48_CBW_1145 NEW 07/07/2014 11:37 Page 48

VEHICLES

Call Gemma Ireland Tel: 01733 293247 E: gemma.ireland@coachandbusweek.com

1994 Volvo B9M Berkhof Excellence

Volvo Olympian Northern Counties Palatine 2

1999 Volvo B7R Plaxton Prima

Mercedes Cheetah

37 recliners with belts, crew seat, toilet, recent re trim, recent paint in black, power door, ZF manual gearbox, luggage racks with forced air, reading lights.

1998, 68 coach seats can be upseated to 73, power door, ZF gearbox, can also be seat-belted, new MOT, high speed diff fitted, new paint in to white.

70 re-trimmed coach seats, 3 point seat belts, luggage racks, forced air ventilation, reading lights, 6 speed manual, Telma retarda, 174,969 kms, radio/ cassette, excellent condition.

£9,000

£8,500

33 coach seats, 3 point belts, Mellor conversion, air suspension, Telma retarder, power door, 6 speed gearbox, luggage racks, reading lights, forced air ventilation, arm rests, curtains, DVD & monitor, boot, 262,996 miles.

Drew Wilson Coach Sales 0141 248 5524

Blythswood Motors 0141 889 9730

2005 LDV Convoy

2000/2001 X/Y Reg 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.

£5,500 – MAY PX

Parnells Coaches 01404 47502/07790 966667

2009 Iveco Daily

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.

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

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.

£18,000 + VAT

£POA

2001 Y Reg Tridents

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

EnsignBus 01708 865656

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

New EVM Sprinter Classic

2011 Volkswagen Crafter

22 seats + driver, automatic, power door, double rear doors, privacy glass, in-dash and saloon A/C, saloon heater, 3 stage entry step, luggage racks.

16 seats + driver, automatic, hinged entry door, double rear doors, in-dash and saloon A/C, saloon heater, privacy glazing, PA system.

16 seats finished in moquette, manual, white, large boot, double rear doors, panoramic windows, curtains, emergency exit in saloon, 63,500 miles.

EnsignBus 01708 865656

£18,000 + VAT

POA

£32,500 + VAT

EVM Direct – 01293 852025

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

1998 Volvo Caetano Salvador

2007 Mercedes Sprinter 515 CDI

2012 Ford Transit ELWB

2008 Iveco Beulas Cygnus

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.

17 seats, silver metallic, 6 speed manual, tacho, radio/CD player, electric front windows, electric power plug door, luggage racks, reading lights, drop well boot, COIF/PSV.

17 seats, medium roof, white, 6 speed manual, ABS, PAS, radio/CD, tacho, electric front windows, M2 seats with all age lap diagonal belts, grab rails to access doors, PSV.

£14,500 + VAT o.n.o.

£26,995

£16,495

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

Autoservice Pontypool Ltd 01495 757111

Tel: 01823 653000 Moseley in the South

2003 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.

Euro 3 engines, DDA and LEZ compliant, Plaxton President bodies, 65 seats 2 door or up to 78 seats single door. POA

EnsignBus 01708 865656 48 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 9, 2014

POA

8 passengers plus driver (COIF for 14 seats), front entrance with lowered step, 3 point seat belts, large tinted panoramic windows, MOT Sept, tax Oct 2014. MUST GO - BEST OFFER OVER £3,500 incl VAT

Tel: 01823 653000 Moseley in the South

Tel: 0121 788 8848 Marsden PTS Ltd www.coachandbusweek.com

p49_CBW_1145 NEW 07/07/2014 11:38 Page 49

www.coachandbusmarket.com

VEHICLES

2004 54 MERCEDES BENZ 814 PLAXTON BEAVER

2007 56 MERCEDES BENZ 813

2002 MERCEDES BENZ VARIO 814

2006 06 PLATE MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI FRONT ENTRY MINIBUS

29 seats, 4.25 turbo diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, yellow/green, COIF, analogue tachograph, PSV, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 10 wheelchairs, electric bi-fold front door, destination boards, 492,000 kilometers/307,000 miles, VGC, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to RTA standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty.

25 seats, 4.25 turbo diesel, Blutec 4 engine, 6 speed manual gearbox, white, Excel conversion, digital tachograph, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, electric plug front entry door, 119,000 kilometers/74,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to RTA standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty.

33 seats, 4.25 turbo diesel, automatic gearbox, white, COIF, analogue tachograph, PSV, access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 10 wheelchairs, electric plug front entry door, 136,000 kilometers/82,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to RTA standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty.

2200 CDI turbo diesel 130ps, 6 speed sprintshift automatic, 17 seats, air con, UV Modular conversion, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, COIF, tachograph, CD player, 107,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty.

£17,995 + VAT

£17,495 + VAT

£11,995 + VAT

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

2001 MAN Neoplan

2006 Scania Irizar Century

1995 Scania K113 VanHool Alizee

2004 Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse

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.

45 seats, full DDA, ZF automatic gearbox, MobiTec destination, Cyberlyne CCTV with audio recording, choice of four.

Contact Gary – 07930 377051

£90,000 + VAT Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

£17,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

yourbus – 01773 714013

2006 (06) Volkswagen LT46

2013 Ford Tourneo T300 2.2 TDCI 155ps

2005 Volkswagen LT46 VDL Kusters Conversion

2008 (58 reg) Renault Master

Manual, excellent body condition, 75% tyre condition, 68,000 miles, wheelchair access, diesel, 10 seats, excellent interior condition.

8 seats, 800 delivery miles only, silver, ABS, air conditioning, alloy wheels, CD player, heated seats, electric window and mirrors, manufacturers warranty.

16 seats, wheelchair access, 19,000 miles, low floor, one council owner, white, ABS, CD player, analogue tacho, year’s MOT.

12 seats, manual, 69,000 miles, excellent condition, 75% tyre condition, blue, full franchise service history, MOT 07/2015.

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.

£25,000 + VAT

£14,995 + VAT

£35,000 + VAT

£6,995

£19,500 + VAT

£13,995 + VAT

£7,450 + VAT

B&B Commercials 07836 756876

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

£40,000 + VAT o.n.o.

49 seats, automatic, good condition for year, removable vinyls, choice of 3, only one remaining. £8,950

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.

0113 320 0780/0035 386 8138165 Anthony ant@pabtours.com

Kingdoms Tours Ltd 01884 252646 / 07702 626542

yourbus – 01773 714013

www.coachandbusweek.com

Nigel McCree - 01509 502695

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 49

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VEHICLES

Call Gemma Ireland Tel: 01733 293247 E: gemma.ireland@coachandbusweek.com 1997 Volvo B10M Plaxton Premiere 3500

1999 Volvo Olympian Alexander

44 seats, manual gearbox, ex-driver training vehicle, test November 2014.

78 seats + 13 standing, automatic, limited to 90 Kph, seatbelts throughout, ideal for school trips and contract hire, Hannover displays.

7HO

£6,000 + TYRES + VAT

£14,000 + VAT

Go North East David Slater: 0191 388 3026

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

2006 Transit Tourneo

1999/2000/2001 V/Y Reg Dennis Tridents

9 seater, tax till Jan, will have new MOT, 190,000 miles, runs well, front and rear air-con, tow bar. £3,500 + VAT

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

Hailstone Travel Ltd 0845 388 3848

2007 Optare Solo SE 7.8m

27 seats, Mercedes engine, CCTV, Hanover destination.

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

2011 Mercedes Beaver 3

33 seats with 3 point belts, manual gearbox, CCTV, destination, MOT + tax, all white. 2 left.

33 seats with 3 point belts, manual gearbox, CCTV, destination, MOT + tax, all white.

£48,000 o.n.o.

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Dochertys Midland Coaches Auchterarder 01764 662218

2006 56 plate ADL Enviro School Bus

2006 (06) Caetano/ Volvo B12B

2003 Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 SLF 12m

57 belted seats, Cummins engine, CCTV.

£30,000 + VAT

£35,000 + VAT

49 seats, rear floor mounted toilet, air con, 1 year’s MOT, National Express spec, Hanover blinds.

Henderson Travel 01698 713007 or 07803 002603

Manns Travel - 07796 695675

44 seats + 27 standees. £22,000 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

2006 Volvo B12M Plaxton

2005 (55) Mercedes 814 Plaxton Cheetah

2007 VW Crafter CR50

2007 Renault Master LH39

13 seats, Kusters conversion, low, floor, 6 speed manual, ABS brakes, PAS, radio/CD, tacho, double opening power doors, tracking for 3 wheelchairs, 4 fold-away seats, M2 passengers seats with lap belts, fold out floor ramp.

17 seats, Tawe conversion, 6 speed manual, ABS brakes, PAS, radio/CD, tacho, electric windows, front lowered entrance step, M2 leather seats with lap belts, forced air, luggage racks with reading lights, front & rear DVD, COIF/PSV.

53 reclining seats, 3 point belts, air con, WC, TV etc, PLS lift, tracking for 4 wheelchairs, MOT Oct, this coach can be painted in to your livery.

33 seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, curtains, manual gearbox, very low mileage, LEZ, new MOT, owned by us from new.

£87,500 + VAT o.n.o.

£34,500 + VAT

Tel Adrian – 07717 768315

Cruisers Ltd – 01737 770036

50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 9, 2014

£39,995 ono

£15,995

£12,995

Autoservice Pontypool Ltd 01495 757111

Autoservice Pontypool Ltd 01495 757111 www.coachandbusweek.com

698956-1137-Pembridge 12/05/2014 13:53 Page 1

FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES (12) 2012 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 135ps air-con, tacho, COIF/PSV £19,995 (12) 2012 Ford Transit 9 seat Shuttle twin side loading doors 18000 miles £12,995

D L O S

(10) 2010 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.4 diesel, six speed gearbox, tacho, 55,000 km £13,495 (58) 2008 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.4 diesel with six speed gearbox, 16,000 miles FSH £10,495 (56) 2006 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus, high back seats with three point belts, COIF/PSV £7,995 (02) 2002 Ford Transit 2.4 diesel 3.5 ton, automatic gearbox, 8 seats, inboard Ricon wheelchair lift, rear heating, tracking to take 3 wheelchairs, overhead lockers £5,995

OTHER MAKES

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

(60) 2010 Renault Master 3.5 ton GVW 17 seat minibus, 2.3 diesel, six speed manual, high back seats, tacho, 38,000kms, sat-nav £15,995 (60) 2010 Renault Master 9 seat Shuttel 2.3 diesel six speed, large boot, sat-nav, Bluetooth £10,495 (56) 2006 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat LWB minibus, 2.8 diesel, high back seats with three point seat belts, 19,000 miles only £9,450

OTHER MAKES

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

D L O S

Renault Master 17 seat 2.8 diesel mini coach, full under floor luggage large boot, tachograph, COIF/PSV £5,995 + VAT

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

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

(13) 2013 Renault Trafic LL29 Sport 9 seat, sat-nav, Bluetooth, six speed, 29,831 miles £16,950

(60) 2010 Renault Master 3.5ton 9 seat 2.3 diesel six speed, sat-nav, Bluetooth, tachograph, fully tracked floor, inboard lightweight ramp, 40,000 miles £15,995

(58) 2008 Renault Master MWB 2.5TD 6 speed, tracking for two wheelchairs, in board lift, aircon, rear heating, low entrance step, 62,000 miles, one owner £9,995 (07) 2007 Fiat Doblo 1.4 petrol, 11,500 miles only, five speed manual, three seats plus wheelchair space, low floor, lightweight ramp, electric reals, air-con £6,995

(06) 2006 Iveco Daily Iris Bus 16 seat, 2.8 litre, six speed, front entry drop step with power door, fully tracked floor, full power under floor tail lift, rear heating, 65,000 mile £10,995 (05) 2005 Citroen Dispatch 1.9 diesel, five speed manual, four seats plus wheelchair, low floor with lightweight ramp, 57,000 miles £4,495

D L O S

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

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

Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304

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

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

All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%

698896-1145-Ensign_Layout 1 07/07/2014 17:23 Page 1

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 V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

2008 OPTARE TEMPO HYBRIDS

2002/3 52 PLATE DENNIS DARTS

2002 02 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS

1999 T/V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

Cummins ISB Euro 3 engines, Allison gearboxes, 10.7m, 37 seats.

2 door, 30 seats, long MOT’s.

Cummins ISC Euro 3 engines, Plaxton bodies, DDA and LEZ compliant, 78 seats.

Cummins / ZF, Plaxton bodies, 62 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.

2001 SUPER POINTER DARTS

2009 OPTARE SOLO M850

Mercedes engine, Euro 4, 26 seats, Mobitech LED’s, DDA.

2001 Super Pointer Darts, Allison gearboxes, 11.3m, 41 seats.

70 SEATS

2007 VOLVO B12B’s

Euro 5, automatic, 12m, front wheelchair lift, Hanover LED’s, converted and certified with 70 seats and 3 point belts. £80,000 each Only 3 available.

8.9m, 26 seats plus 3 tip-ups, long MOT’s.

2007 ENVIRO 200’s

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

698896-1145-Ensign_Layout 1 07/07/2014 17:27 Page 2

nbus

K ER SPECIALIST 2009 SCANIA OMNICITIES

Euro 5, Voith automatic, 2 door 36 seats, LED destination, single door conversion available.

2001 Y REG TRIDENTS 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

2000 W REG DENNIS DARTS Cummins / Allison, 39 seats.

Gardner engine, manual gearbox, ECW lowheight body, 60 seats, new MOT on sale.

1961 BRISTOL LODEKKA

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.

£18,000 + VAT

2003 03 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS

Cummins ISC Euro 3 engines, DDA and LEZ compliant, 2 door 62 seats or can be single doored and upseated.

2000 X REG VOLVO B7TL’s

Euro 2, LEZ compliant, Plaxton President , CCTV, dual door 62 seats or single door 74 seats.

SLF, ZF gearboxes, Wrights bodies, 44 seats, long MOT’s.

1998 VOLVO B10BLE’s

89 seats, air-con, toilet, MAN engine, ZF gearbox.

2005 NEOPLAN SKYLINER

1996 VOLVO B10MA ARTICULATED COACHES ZF automatics, 71 seats.

2009 WRIGHTS HYBRIDS

65 seats, dual door, can be converted to single door, latest Wrights hybrid drive, brand new battery pack, cooling pack, and Cummins Euro 5 engine, body upgraded to Gemini 2, over £100k spent on upgrade. COMPETITIVELY PRICED

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

p54_CBW_1145 07/07/2014 16:51 Page 1

p55_CBW_1145 07/07/2014 15:40 Page 55

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 OPTARE SOLO M920 2004 04 REG Mercedes engine, Alison gearbox, 31 seats +21 standing, MOT April 2015, repainted white £19,450 Choice of 3

MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER 2

2004 54 reg LWB fitted with 20 high back coach seats on tracking but could take 32 if recertified, will take upto 10 wheelchairs, also has accessibility cert, re painted and long MOT

£14,950

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

OPTARE SOLO M850 2000 W REG 2 with coach seats and 1 with bus seats All with ramp for DDA etc All at £6,000.00

MERCEDES 413CDI PLAXTON PRONTO 2006 56 reg 16 seat coachbuilt accessible PSV bus, choice of 2 with low miles £16,950 or rent for £350 per week (4 weeks min)

FORD 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 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

MERCEDES 814D VARIO 32 highback seats with 3 point belts, rear hideaway wheelchair lift, manual gearbox, long test £14,950 FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT FACTORY BUS March 2009 09 Reg Only 17,000 miles from new, 6 speed gearbox, electric windows, tacho, etc, COIF booked £12,750

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 IVECO DAILY 45 15 LWB HIGH ROOF 2005 55 REG 16 seats wheelchair accessible with power door, new MoT £6,950 DENNIS DART PLAXTON SUPER POINTER 47 fully belted seats, ideal for schools £8,950 DAF PLAXTON PREMIER 1996 PP Fitted with 55 seats, automatic gearbox, new MOT upon sale £9,950 MERCEDES 814D VARIO 2004 04 REG 32 high back seats 3 point belts manual gearbox £14,450 MERCEDES SPRINTER 313CDI 2011 11 REG 16 seat, new conversion, PSV, COIF and MoT, low miles £23,950

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 55

702623-1145-Connaught DPS_Layout 1 07/07/2014 14:19 Page 1

Brand New coach-built Mercedes 519 CDi Euro 6 Ferqui Soroco 16 leather high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, AC, DG, reading lights, DVD system, power door, large boot, metallic paint.

2010 Iveco 45C15 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, lowered entrance step.

2010 VW Crafter AUTO 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, drop step, coach back end and large luggage boot.

D L SO 2008 58 Reg Mercedes 515 CDi Sprinter 19 high back leather trimmed seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, lowered entrance step, coach back end, low mileage.

2007 07 Reg Mercedes 515 CDi Sprinter 16 high back leather seats, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, DVD, fully carpeted, coach back end, large boot, low mileage.

2007 56 Reg Iveco 45C14 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, curtains, reversing camera, power door and boot.

2007 07 Reg Mercedes 515 CDi Soroco 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, DG, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.

2006 06 Reg Mercedes 815D Unvi Riada 29 high back seats plus courier, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, power door and large boot.

2006 56 Reg Mercedes 413CDi Soroco 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, curtains, power door & large boot.

2005 55 Reg Mercedes 814 Vario 24 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, luggage boot.

2005 05 Reg Mercedes Benz 413CDi Soroco 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, reading lights, power door & boot.

1999 S Reg Mercedes 814 Plaxton Beaver 33 seats, 3 point belts, power door, manual gearbox, new test.

Tel: 01405 814064

Steve P Mob: 07836 5510 Web: www.conn a

702623-1145-Connaught DPS_Layout 1 07/07/2014 14:51 Page 2

New Euro 6 Soroco from Connaught PSV • Mercedes-Benz 516CDi Euro 6 Chassis available in 16 and 19 seat conﬁguration with courier seat option • Coach built with galvanised steel frame and glass reinforced polyester body • Stylish lines with new facelift Mercedes front end incorporating factory ﬁt day running lights and fog lights • Exterior colours to order • Double glazed dark tinted windows • Power door • Three way entrance steps • Mercedes-Benz 7Gtronic or manual gearbox • Choice of interior seating options and trims • Vogel full real leather option • Distinctive coach rear with cantilever boot lid • Large fully lined and heated luggage boot

e Peach 1020 Email: info@connaughtpsv.co.uk n aughtpsv.co.ukc

701915-1143-DrewWilson 07/07/2014 17:04 Page 1

DREW WILSON coach sales

1996 VOLVO B10M JONCKHEERE DEAUVILLE 53 recliners with belts, power door, ZF manual gearbox, double glazing, tinted windows, carpets and curtains, recent respray, 716,699kms. £17,500 + VAT

1996 VOLVO B10M KONCKHEERE DEAUVILLE 51 recliners with belts, crew seat, ZF manual gearbox, rear floor mounted toilet, boiler, fridge, curtains, luggage racks, reading lights with forced air ventilation, tinted windows. £17,500 + VAT

2006 MERCEDES CHEETAH 33 seats, 3 point belts, telma retarder, power door, luggage racks, reading lights, forced air ventilation, Purmo heating, mileage 355,340kms, Mot May 2015. £45,000 + VAT

1999 DENNIS JAVELIN CAETANO CUTLASS 70 Cogent seats with belts, 6 speed ZF manual, power door, luggage racks, forced air, reading lights, CCtV system fitted, 330,000 kms, one owner, new test. £21,500 + VAT

MERCEDES 408CDI LWB MINIBUS KVC CONVERSION Manual gearbox, power door, large boot, fridge, DVD player, two monitors, only 1 owner since new, 120,000 kms genuine mileage, new paint in white. £15,000 + VAT

2001 VOLVO B10M CAETANO ENIGMA 51 reclining seats, toilet, curtains, air con, ZF auto, 990,150kms, double glazing, radio cassette, PA, sunroof, luggage rack, reading lights, power door, Mot January. £25,000 + VAT

2004 MERCEDES VARIO 814D OPTARE NOUVELLE SR 433,355kms, 33 coach seats, 3 point seatbelts, curtains, air con, luggage racks, forced air, reading lights, large boot, Purmo heating, power door, manual gearbox, Mot Nov. £23,500 + VAT

2002 SCANIA VAN HOOL ALIZEE T9 49/53 recliners with belts, crew seat, air con, luggage racks with reading lights, carpets and curtains, ZF auto box, reconditioned engine fitted, very tidy condition. £35,000 + VAT

2001 MERCEDES CHEETAH 33 seats, 3 point belts, air suspension, telma retarder, power door, luggage racks, forced air ventilation, tinted glass, Purmo heating, mileage 347,332kms, Mot october. POA

2007 MERCEDES PLAXTON BEAVER 3 33 high back seats with 3 point belts, power door, luggage racks, side wheelchair ramp, manual gearbox, Mot till November £33,000 + VAT

2008 MERCEDES 816D PLAXTON CHEETAH 29 coach seats with 3 point belts, double glazed, air con, large boot, power door, 6 speed manual, DVD/CD/radio/ PA, new/paint, LEZ compliant, new Mot, 293,718 kms. £75,000 + VAT

2000 VOLVO B10M CAETANO ENIGMA 49 recliners plus crew seat with belts, power door, recent retrim, overhead luggage rack with reading lights, ZF manual, centre sunken toilet, Mot till september. £22,000 + VAT

2005 MERCEDES 518D ESKER TOURING 41 seats plus crew, lap belts, reading lights, power door, radio cassette/CD, DVD/monitor, analogue tacho, air con, Euroliner wheel trims, immaculate condition. £45,000 + VAT

1998 VOLVO OLYMPIAN ALEXANDER BODY 79 high backed coach seats, seat belts fitted, Volvo engine, Voith automatic gearbox, power door, new Mot, choice of 2. £12,750 + VAT

2004 OPTARE SOLO MERCEDES ENGINE 27 seats, wheelchair accessible, destination equipment, power door, auto, on sale due to fleet upgrade. Also available 2005, 2006 & 2007, some with belts. Also slimline model available. £20,000 + VAT

2002 MERCEDES VARIO 814D BEAVER 2 33 high backed coach seats, 3 point belts, manual gearbox, luggage racks, 489,308kms, power door, hopper windows, FsR destination, rear boot. £12,000 + VAT

2004 SETRA S315 GT-HD ZF As-tronic, full luxury executive, leather headrests, seat back tables, magazine nets, clean and tidy. CHOICE OF TWO £54,950 + VAT

2008 MERCEDES VARIO 517D BEAVER 2 31 coach seats, 3 point belts, Allison automatic, luggage racks, side wheelchair lift, power door, hopper windows, rear boot, side locker, digital tachograph. new Mot, new repaint. £41,000 + VAT

1994 VOLVO B9 BERKHOF EXCELLENCE 37 recliners with belts crew seat, toilet recent re trim, recent paint in black, power door, ZF manual gearbox, luggage racks with forced air reading lights. £8,500 + VAT

2009 MERCEDES TOURISMO Automatic tiptronic gearbox, 53 recliners, crew seat, centre continental door, air-conditioning, 3-point belts, doubleglazed, power plug door, carpet, curtains. £115,000 + VAT

2001 DENNIS DART SLF Max capacity 65, power door, new Mot, Hanover front, rear and side destination, manual wheelchair ramp, all seats in good condition, very clean and tidy, choice of 2. WITH BELTS £7,500 WITHOUT BELTS £5,000 + VAT

2003 SCANIA IRIZAR CENTURY 49/53 recliners with belts, rear sunken toilet, hot water boiler, power door, air con, aircraft lockers, ZF auto gearbox, reading lights, long Mots, choice of 3 available. £35,000 + VAT

DAF IKARUS 70 Cogent seats with three point belts, power door, crew seat, freshly re painted into white, ZF automatic, long Mot, ideal school bus. £17,500 + VAT

1996 VOLVO B10M PLAXTON PREMIERE 350 51 reclining coach seats, lap belts, offside rear toilet, servery, fridge, 6 speed ZF gearbox, radio cassette, reversing camera, cctv, forced air, reading lights, tidy condition, current Mot. £12,000 + VAT

CHOICE OF OVER 350 VEHICLES • OPEN 7 DAYS 08.00-18.00

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.DREWWILSON.CO.UK Tel/Fax: 0141 248 5524 • Mob: 07764 200444 • Email: drew@drewwilson.co.uk Mob: 07827 325474 • Email: graham@drewwilson.co.uk

700211-1145-Dawsons 03/07/2014 15:23 Page 1

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VUgYWcUW\gU`Yg#Wc#i_

For more information you can contact Gemma at gemma.ireland@coachandbusmarket.com or on 01733 293247

60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 9, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

p61_CBW_1145 07/07/2014 12:31 Page 61

www.bbcommercials.co.uk

2013 FORD TOURNEO CUSTOM T300 2.2TDCI 155PS LIMITED ONLY 800 MILES £19,995

2012 FORD TOURNEO 125ps 9 SEATER MINIBUS DIESEL 29,000 MILES FROM NEW £14,995 NO VAT

2009 MERCEDES-BENZ TRAVELINER X/LWB 9 SEATER LUXURY MINIBUS 59,000 MILES £11,995

2011 FORD TRANSIT 115ps 17 SEATER MINIBUS EX-MoD COIF/PSV TEST DIESEL 56,000 MILES £11,950

2010 FORD TRANSIT 115ps TREND 12 SEATER MINIBUS 38,000 MILES WITH F.S.H DIESEL £10,995

2009 FORD TRANSIT 115ps 15 SEATER MINIBUS EX-COUNCIL COIF/PSV TEST 40,000 MILES WITH F.S.H DIESEL £9,995

2009 RENAULT TRAFIC 115ps LWB 9 SEATER MINIBUS 49,000 MILES DIESEL £9450

2006 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 16 SEATER MINIBUS WHEELCHAIR ACCESS EX-COUNCIL COIF/PSV 75,000 MILES £8,995

2005 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 16 SEATER MINIBUS WHEELCHAIR ACCESS EX-COUNCIL COIF/PSV £7,995

2006 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 MINIBUS WHEELCHAIR ACCESS EX-COUNCIL COIF/PSV DIESEL £6,995

2007 FORD TRANSIT 115ps 17 SEATER MINIBUS EX-COUNCIL 36,000 MILES WITH COIF/PSV TEST £8,995

2009 RENAULT TRAFIC 115 DCI LWB 9 SEATER MINIBUS 73,000 MILES WITH F.S.H £8,995

2006 Volvo B12M Plaxton Wheelchair accessible

This versatile coach has 53 reclining seats with three point belts, air con, WC, TV etc. The coach has a PLS lift mid way on the near side and tracking for 4 wheelchairs. MOT Oct 14, would renew. This coach can be painted in to your livery.

£87,500 + VAT o.n.o.

Tel Adrian – 07717 768315 www.coachandbusweek.com

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61

07 (57) RENAULT MASTER LH39 3.9T LUXURY MINICOACH 17 LEATHER SEATS DIGI TACHO ELECTRIC WINDOWS/MIRRORS £12,995

2012 (12) FORD TRANSIT ELWB MEDIUM ROOF 135PS COIF/PSV 58,327KMS £16,495

2007 (07) VW CRAFTER TRANSPORTER 14 SEAT INC DRIVER WHEELCHAIR ACCESS £17,995

07 (57) FORD TRANSIT 85 T280S WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE 8 SEATS INBOARD LIFT FULLY TRACKED FLOOR £9,450

MULTIPART & LDV/MAXUS PARTS STOCKISTS

(PONTYPOOL) LTD

P.O.A.

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

NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE 519CDI

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

07 (07) FORD TRANSIT 85 T280S W/CHAIR ACCESS 8 SEATS INC DRIVER 85,270 MILES £10,495

08 (08) IVECO IRIS BUS 50C15 17 SEAT INC DRIVER W/CHAIR ACCESS PLUG DOOR COIF/PSV £17,995

07 (57) RENAULT TRAFFIC LL29DCI 115 9 SEAT MINIBUS 82,000 MILES £8,500

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2011 Mercedes Beaver 3 33 seater, 3 point belts, manual, cctv, destination, MOT + taxed, all white, 2 coaches left.

£48,000 ono

Dochertys Midland Coaches - Auchterarder 01764 662218 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 SPRINTER 313 CDI 2011 11 REG

90K MILES, WITH NEW CONVERSION TO MAKE A 16 SEAT NEW MINICOACH CONVERSION TO A QUALITY USED VAN COIF + 12 MONTHS PSV MOT MINI COACH, FRONT ENTRY, INTERNAL LUGGAGE RACKS, 16 COACH SEATS ON TRACK CAN HAVE TACHOGRAPH FRONT IF REQUIRED, COIF AND ENTRY,LUGGAGE RACKSMOT, DRIVERS LOCKER, NON SLIP FLOORING MUST BE SEEN, CHOICE OFTACHOGRAPH BLUE OR RED INTERIOR NEW INSTALLATION

FROM £23,450.00 £25,450.00

OTHERS IN BUILD SO CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR

www.coachandbusweek.com

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 63

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1997 Vo l v o B10M P l a x t o n Pre m ie re 3500

2003 Volvo B12M Jonckheere Euro 3 48 x 3 point belted seats, 1 crew, air conditioned, saloon mounted w/c, rear continental door, MOT November 2014. £36,000 + VAT CHOICE Option to 53 or 55 w/c removed.

Nigel McCree Mobile: 07817 542113 Office: 01509 502695 or Nev Simpson Mobile: 07814 716149 Email: nigel@nigelmccree.com Insurance Stock updated weekly on the website:

www.nigelmccree.com SHORT OF CASH? RE-FINANCE YOUR VEHICLES WITH US – CALL 07736 850375

• 44 seats, manual gearbox • Ex-driver training vehicle • Test November 2014

£6,000 p l u s t y re s a n d VAT Contact David Slater at Go North East on

0191 388 3026

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 64 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 9, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

p65_CBW_1145 07/07/2014 12:38 Page 65

M O C . T E K R A M S COACHANDBU

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Contact Kerry Watson Tel: 01733 293488 Fax: 0845 280 2927 Email: kerry.watson@ coachandbusweek.com ADVERTISE FROM ONLY £30 PER WEEK

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Booking Deadline – 5pm Thursday week prior to publication. Copy Deadline – 12 noon Friday week prior to publication

BUSINESSES FOR SALE

Wanted

ADVISORY SERVICES

Bus & Coach Businesses

PCV & LGV AID

We have Interested Buyers, Cash Investors Waiting

• VOSA related problems? • Help that isn’t over-priced

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

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

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SPECIAL OFFER WITH THIS ADVERT First visit FREE – just expenses & coffee

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

• Doors high enough for Double Deckers

• Finance available Phone for further information

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime CHECKPOINTS

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CHANGING YOUR FLEET?

Contact Malcolm Harrison Auctions

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auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS

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Heaters • A/C Equipment Blowers • Motors • Radiators Silicone Hose • Ducting Wiper Equipment • Gas Struts

Tel: 01993 849522 Fax: 01993 706920 Email: sales@thhs.co.uk

www.thhs.co.uk

UNIT 9 NIMROD BUSINESS PARK DE HAVILLAND WAY, WITNEY OX29 0YG

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 65

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CLASSIFIEDS

Call Kerry Watson Tel: 01733 293488 E: kerry.watson@coachandbusweek.com

ENGINES

INSURANCE

THE CUMMINS ENGINE SPECIALISTS PARTS & SERVICE DIVISION

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

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

Formed in 2011 to support the UK’s PSV & CV operators with parts from Market leading OEM brands from World Wide renowned manufacturers

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

We off a comprehensive all makes parts program in:

• ATF Lanes • MOT Bays • Vehicle Lifts • Brake Testing Equipment • Column Lifts • Inspection Pits • Repair and 6 Monthly Service Inspections

Braking • Steering • Suspension Chassis Components • Transmission Filtration • Engine • Electrical Lubricants • Consumables EXPRESS PARTS DELIVERY

Tel: 01386 244758 Mobile: 07538 218194 www.commercialgarageequipment.co.uk Email: sales@commercialgarageequipment.co.uk

LICENCE CHECKS

DRIVING LICEN CE

Driver Licence Checks

If you would like further information please call 01543 897505

Visit our website: www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk

66 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 9, 2014

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

GARAGE EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS

Experts in Commercial Garage Equipment www.bwsequip.co.uk BWS (0117) 9530381

REPAIRS

P C R COMME RCIAL BODY WORKS • 15M & 5M COMPLIANT SPRAY BOOTH • INSURANCE APPROVED • REPAIRS AND PAINTWORK • REFURBISHMENTS • METALLIC AND PEARL FINISHES 01507 523980 / 07733 885582 paulclarkrepair@aol.com paulclarkrepair.co.uk HORNCASTLE, LINCOLNSHIRE

www.coachandbusweek.com

p67_CBW_1145 07/07/2014 12:41 Page 67

www.coachandbusmarket.com

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

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TRIM

High quality bus & coach retrims

blackpool trim shops

With over 45 years expertise, we guarantee to beat any other quote. Call us on 07968 717115 or email us at: sales@blackpooltrimshops.co.uk

TRAINING COACH TRIMMERS LTD

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.

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

Tel/Fax: 01751 472229 VEHICLE SPARES

cts

CPC Nat / International Driver CPC Digital Tachograph Drivers’ Hours Tachograph Analysis

Whalley

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CPC Management Courses “everyone knows someone who has done their training at Whalley” Tel: 01254 248177 Clitheroe, Lancashire info@whalleytransportstudies.co.uk

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE

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TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY

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

www.twigley.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 67

In association with

NEWS › XXXXXX Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@coachandbusweek. com or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX

The Cute Corner: Bobbi

Monday: Press day. The usual hectic day, which is made a good hour longer thanks to a server fault first thing. Tuesday: Admin day. In the name of efficiency, try to squeeze every last minute out of a day by getting three jobs done in the same area in a single day – only to then find one of them is actually a week later. Feel a prat and tell my team as much but put it down to the familiar Tuesday tiredness ‘morning after’ feeling. Wednesday: Head to Gatwick airport by rail for a trip on Fastway, more of which in a future issue. Attend Guide Dogs’ parliamentary reception in the House of Commons. Going through the airport-style security checks, one of the staff is on my wavelength. “If there’s any uncollected property, you’ll find it on ebay this weekend,” he jests – helping to keep the mood light on a hot day. Come away very much on a high. Thursday: A busy day with a lot to get through my mental checklist, which has been live since 0530hrs. Write up my Guide Dogs copy and chase news. Also help James, Amy and designer Ian with sister monthly tourism title Group Travel World, which is on press. In the evening, enjoy a telephone catchup with an industry friend who is moving back to Peterborough. Friday: Start early in the office and have a chucking out session – while ideas whizz around in my head. James and I update our spreadsheet for forthcoming issues. Andy is out on the road.

68 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 9, 2014 068_CBW1145_Last Stop.indd 68

It’s been some weeks since we featured a photograph of a charming four-legged friend on this page, so here goes. What’s more, there is an industry connection. How do you help win people’s hearts and minds? Coffee, cake and cute animals are almost a surefire way – and that’s exactly what Guide Dogs did in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon during its Parliamentary Reception about audio-visual bus announcements. Editor Gareth jested that Bobbi, the pup seen here, could have been homed several times over. Lapping up the seemingly endless stream of hugs, photographs and strokes, she also found time to be affectionate to one of her fellow guide dogs, the name of which Gareth didn’t manage to catch. Aww...

Record-breaking marathon bus journey for schoolboy A 16-year-old schoolboy has broken the record for the fastest journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats by public bus, The Telegraph reported. Adam Mugliston spent four days and £170 on tickets travelling 1,167 miles on 36 different buses to beat the previous record by nearly a day. He spent months poring over bus timetables to plan the quickest route and set off on his journey to mark the completion of his GCSEs. Adam said: “I’m pretty knackered and glad to be home now. I got hardly any sleep, getting in after midnight and up again to get the bus before 0600hrs. “It was all worth it though. It was a great trip.” Adam, from Suffolk, started his journey on the number 1 bus from

Land’s End to Truro on Monday (June 23) at 0721hrs, making overnight stops at Premier Inns. Four days, 10 hours and 44 minutes later he stepped off the X97 at John O’Groats. He came close to missing a bus change on his second day as the number 801 from Cheltenham to Moreton-in-Marsh was running late. He only had nine minutes to spare before he had to board the 22 to Stratford-upon-Avon. Adam has a passion for public transport and hopes to work in the industry after university. He said: “Buses have always been my thing and I read about people trying the challenge so I thought I’d give it a go but do it quicker. After all, why not? “I’d love to work in scheduling

transport. That has been an issue while planning this trip.” The previous record was set by James Aukett, who works for Transport for London’s London Buses. He completed the journey in five days, seven hours and 25 minutes in 2011. With Adam shaving so much time off a record set by someone who works in the industry for a living, he may well have a bright future in scheduling. Adrian Cole, Membership Secretary of the Land’s End John O’ Groats Association, said he had not heard of anyone coming close to Adam’s time before. He said: “Four days beggars belief. His predictions on bus times must have worked out well. “From my experience on the buses – and I work for a bus company – that is really quite impressive.” Adam’s route included a trip on the 843 Yorkshire Coastliner, one of the longest bus routes in the country, from Leeds to Scarborough.

www.coachandbusweek.com

07/07/2014 19:23

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

First EC bikers raise £1k for charity A group of First bus employees who rode their motorbikes hundreds of miles on the longest day of the year have raised £1,000 for charity. The group, which was spearheaded by Colin Hartley, who works for First Eastern Counties, travelled 984 miles from Ness Point to Land’s End over two days to raise awareness and funds for the Royal British Legion Riders’ Branch. Colin who works as a Depot Supervisor at First’s Lansdowne Road and Vulcan Road depots, was joined by his wife, Christine, Norwich bus drivers Alan Brenkley and Adrian Kemp – together with their wives, and Colin’s brother in law Jimmy Sturman, who is also a Relief Standard Bearer. Colin, who lives in Loddon, said: “We had a brilliant time and I would like to thank everyone who donated. We stopped at First bus depots along the way and everyone we met was so friendly.

Have you got something you would like to say or appear in Coach & Bus Week? We’re keen to broaden the editorial coverage to reflect what you think. If you have something that you would like to see included, whether it be an article, news story, or considered opinion, please let us know. The magazine is only as good as its readers and we’d be delighted to hear from you.

The obilgatory group photo at Lands’ End We hope to take part in another challenge next year.” They have raised £1,000 for the Riders’ branch of the Royal British Legion. The cause is particularly close to Colin’s heart as his grandfather served in the army during the First World War and his father during the Second World

War. Colin also served as a driver specialist in the army for 12 years. Hugo Forster, General Manager of First Eastern Counties said: “We always encourage our staff to take part in fundraising events for charity and I would like to congratulate Colin and his team on their efforts.”

Contact Editor Gareth Evans, Tel: 01733 293243 or email: gareth. evans@ coachand busweek.com

Software Consultant Flexible Location £ Competitive

Trapeze Group UK Ltd is a leading software supplier to the public transport industry. From buses to trains to taxis, our systems help to make public transport a safer, more convenient and pleasurable experience. We are currently recruiting for a Software Consultant who will be primarily focused on Trapeze Duty Allocation Software (DAS). The Consultant will be responsible for providing technical consultancy services to potential and existing Trapeze customers and additionally the wider Trapeze business. The Consultant will work with developed specifications based on user requirements and will take responsibility for ensuring that the software is fully tested against the agreed user requirements specification prior to release. Once our product is in place, the Consultant will be expected to further support our customers by providing a first class post-sales service via the telephone or remote access and by conducting on-site customer class room based training.

Opportunities have arisen to join our Engineering Department, maintaining North Devon’s luxury fleet of modern coaches.

Applicants will need to be able to work as part of a team and on their own.

Workshop Foreman

We are looking for a fully qualified, enthusiastic, hands-on individual with previous PCV/HGV workshop experience. Good rates of pay, with overtime available if required. Based at our modern, purpose-built workshop in Barnstaple.

We are looking for a conﬁdent and analytical individual with an organised and disciplined approach to work and an ability to communicate with all levels of staff. Applicants must be commercially aware and have a good knowledge of the UK passenger transport market, including the beneﬁts of IT solutions for this market. The successful candidate will have proven experience in training and documentation, as well as experience of technical software. Knowledge of relational database management systems (Progress, SQL, Oracle) is essential

Commercial Vehicle Mechanic We require a fully qualified Commercial Vehicle Mechanic. Previous PCV experience would be an advantage but not essential, as additional training will be given. Good rates of pay, with overtime available if required. Based at either our Barnstaple or Merton depots.

The role could be based at home or any of our UK ofﬁces. Travel throughout the UK is a requirement, so a clean driving licence and ability to travel is a must.

Assistance with accommodation can be arranged for successful applicants.

As an employer we are committed to cultivating a friendly and exciting working environment. We offer great beneﬁts; dedication to identifying talent; and huge investment in staff development. For further information or to apply, please contact Human Resources at mycareer@trapezegroup.com www.trapezegroup.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

069_071_CBW1145_People_Recruitment.indd 69

Please apply in writing with full CV, in strictest confidence, to: Mr C Laughton, Engineering Director, Taw and Torridge Coaches Ltd, Coney Avenue, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 8QJ. Email: chris@tawandtorridge.co.uk

July 9, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 69 07/07/2014 19:28

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

Would you like to be part of a global, diverse company that transports millions of people every day? First Bus are currently recruiting for self-motivated individuals who have a flexible approach to work and who are keen to support others in making a difference to our dynamic business. Skilled Fitter | Weymouth & Yeovil Full Time, flexible hours on Rota (shift work) Skilled Mechanics | Slough Full Time, 40 hours per week (shift work) Lead Technician | Slough Full Time, 40 hours per week Competitive Pay - Excellent Pension - Career Development To apply, please log onto www.firstgroup-jobs.com Closing date: 15th July 2014

Ben Werth joins Mistral Ben Werth has been appointed Commercial Manager at Mistral Bus & Coach. He reports to Steve Low, Chief Operating Of�icer, who said: “With nearly 20 years of experience within the bus and coach industry, Ben brings with him a knowledge of our sector which makes him a real asset to the business. “As Commercial Manager, Ben will be responsible for the ongoing development and management of the sales activity within Mistral Bus & Coach. He is initially tasked with establishing a dedicated used bus sales activity which will be located at the Alexander Dennis Limited site in Anston, Shef�ield.” Ben joins Mistral from Pontefract-based Moseley (PCV) Ltd where he was Sales Administration and Marketing Manager. Commenting on his new role, Ben said: “I am thrilled to have joined Mistral at this exciting time and look forward to becoming an integral part of the Mistral Bus

Ben Werth and Coach team. “Our relationship with Alexander Dennis Limited goes from strength to strength and offers operators a complete all encompassing solution with regards to their sales, rental and �inance requirements.”

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Great Yarmouth bus driver celebrates 40 years John Wells, who drives for First Eastern Counties, is celebrating 40 years behind the wheel. He joined the firm as a conductor on a summer contract. “They asked if I wanted to stay on and the rest is history. I couldn’t go straight into driving – in those days you had to work your way up,” he said. “I have never been out of work and I am lucky that I am still healthy enough to do the job. I enjoy what I do – I like to be out and about meeting people.” During his time with the company, the 71-year-old who lives in Great Yarmouth, has driven long haul coach services to London and Birmingham. Despite four decades of service, John, who has two daughters and six grandchildren, has no plans to hang up his keys just yet. “Buses have changes a lot since I first learnt to drive. The gear stick

Des Evans leaves MAN

MAN Truck & Bus UK has announced the departure of its CEO Des Evans following recent illness. In mutual agreement with his colleagues on the UK board and in Munich, it has been agreed that he would be unable to continue his duties. MAN says that Des is credited with many significant advances in the UK business. He will now go on leave, stepping down with immediate effect. Until a suitable successor is found, his duties will be undertaken by the board of directors. A close colleague, Director UK

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Arriva appoints Novadata for CPC training

Novadata MD Su Winch John Wells started as a conductor, before progressing to driver used to be a big steel rod and now all of the buses are automatic,” he added. “I am very lucky in the 40 years I have been on the road, I have never been involved in any major accidents.” Hugo Forster, General Manager

for First Eastern Counties, said: “I would like to congratulate John on his long service – 40 years is remarkable. Our success is down to people like John who continually work hard to give passengers better journeys and I would like to thank him for his commitment.”

Des Evans, stepping down as MAN Truck & Bus UK CEO with immediate effect Aftersales Vince Welsh, said: “Everyone involved with Des, be they customers, work colleagues

or suppliers will want to wish this larger-than-life character a speedy and full recovery.“

Novadata has been appointed to provide Management CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) training programmes for Arriva. The first two courses were completed with an outstanding 94% pass rate. “Management CPC training with Novadata has been a straightforward and successful process,” said a spokesperson for Arriva. “Novadata delivered the courses at our own premises, in highly informative and interesting sessions that helped our Managers to absorb and retain the knowledge that they needed to pass their examinations – and also supplied all the necessary course materials.” Su Winch, Managing Director, Novadata commented: “At Novadata we pride ourselves on our trainers, all of which have extensive industry experience and the ability to create a relaxed and pleasant training environment, whether at our own accredited training centre or the clients own premises. This, together with the high calibre of candidates which Arriva put forward, helped to ensure the outstanding results that Arriva requires and deserves.”

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