Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1164

APPEAL COURT TO CLARIFY RULES ON DISABLED BUS USE

SHORTER ELITEi FOR VOLVO ELECTRICS FOR LOTHIAN BUSES COASTRIDER X7

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Modern day classic

MINIBUS this week...

Whippet’s Oz buyer p6

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Gas delivering p22 17/11/2014 20:00

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

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www.coachandbusweek.com ISSN: 1351-3877 © 2014 Coach and Bus Week Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors. This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors.

The opinions and views expressed by authors and contributors within Coach & Bus Week are not necessarily those of the Editor or its publisher Coach and Bus Week Ltd.

The vehicle repainted, LT60 pays homage to the 60th anniversary of the Routemaster

Remember your roots

M

y fondly remembered old Welsh language teacher, Mr Richards, always used to tell us never to forget our roots. “Always remember where you have come from,” he would tell us. An ‘exile’ I may now be in Peterborough, but I still speak my mother tongue to my father almost every day.

What’s this got to do with the industry? I tend not to get too hung up about bus and coach liveries but like Huw Richards, I think it’s nice when operators paint one of their vehicles in a traditional colour scheme – particularly when they do so with a modern twist.

With that in mind, I was delighted when Go-Ahead Group-owned London General contacted me as this issue went to press on Monday to tell me it had unveiled what it rightly called ‘a striking one-off New Routemaster (NRM),’ adorned in a livery similar to that used by the capital’s buses in the early 20th century.

While mostly traditional London red, the vehicle also includes large areas of white, separated by black coach lines and carries gold leaf ‘General’ logos on both sides and the rear (see attached images). The colour scheme was designed in-house and takes account of the NRM’s flowing lines. I think you will agree that it really suits the vehicle, particularly on the offside, with the glazed staircase.

Repainted as part of Transport for London’s (TfL) ‘Year of the Bus’ celebrations, the vehicle has been operating from Stockwell Garage on the iconic route 11 between Fulham Broadway and Liverpool Street since Monday (November 17). It is one of 30 NRM’s on the service, which London General said carries 23,000 passengers a day.

Go-Ahead London Managing Director, John Trayner, hit the nail on the head when he said: “Year of the Bus has rightly celebrated the important job we do and repainting a modern classic for use on a high profile service such as route 11 is a nice way to round this event off.”

In case you are unaware, the London General Omnibus Company, often called ‘The General,’ was the capital’s principal bus operator between 1855 and 1933, when it became part of the newly created London Passenger Transport Board, or London Transport (LT) as it was more commonly known.

Although the London General name fell into disuse, it was re-adopted in 1989 when LT split its bus business into 10 main operating companies, in advance of privatisation, which came in 1994. The firm was acquired by Go-Ahead in 1996.

Gareth Evans Editor

King Long would like to thank all those who attended our show on 4th–6th November. All the King Long road shows have been an unprecedented success. The King Long roadshows will be a feature each year with additional venues and locations making it even more accessible and easier for local operators to attend, view and test drive all of our King Long models. Also watch out for a special Christmas King Long Show – with an EXCLUSIVE offer!

All enquiries please call Ray McNally on 07827 894446 or sales on 02476 363 004 www.coachandbusweek.com

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November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 3 17/11/2014 20:15

CONTENTS

18 20 22 28 34

LEGAL NEWS

Formal warning for Arriva Midlands

INSIDE TRACK

Towering above p6

Merlin shares his thoughts on political agendas

TECHNOLOGY An in-depth look at Stagecoach North East’s Sunderland gas refuelling station

INSIGHT

A gallery of vehicles from one of the Channel Islands, Bailiwick of Jersey, where narrow roads mean there are length and width restrictions

OPINION

Phil Tonks compares the ‘London-style’ bus model with what is on offer in the provinces

MINIBUS

39 40 46

COMMENT

EBE was a huge success for minibus exhibitors

NEWS

54

The latest minibus news from across the county

EURO BUS EXPO

MINIBUS INTERIORS

An inspirational gallery of minibus interiors that were on show at EBE

Martin Cole reviews a selection of minibus exhibitors at EBE

Regulars 06 l News 12 l Regional News 16 l International News 44 l Big Picture 84 l Last Stop 85 l People

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Top Stories 6 l Australian Tower Transit buys family operator Go Whippet 8 l A legal battle that will result in the clarification on the rules on disabled bays on buses 10 l Stagecoach invests £2.4 million in a fleet of eight luxury coaches for its Coastrider X7 route in Scotland

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17/11/2014 12:31 17/11/2014 19:25

NEWS B R I E F LY ● ARRIVA BUS & COACH expects to offer the first right-hand drive examples of Van Hool’s Macedonian-built EX range from next year. The first should be at Coach & Bus Live 2015. It expected that, ultimately, the whole range will be available.

It’s also to offer the Euro 6 VDL SB200 with a MCV-bodied demonstrator expected. ● WESTERN GREYHOUND is for sale. The well known West Country firm based at Summercourt near Newquay with routes in Cornwell and stretching into Devon had a turnover for the year ending September 30 of around £7.9m.

It operates from a freehold and three leasehold depots and workshops. Expressions of interest were required by November 14. ● FIRST BUS depots across South Yorkshire are taking part in national Road Safety Week this week, part of a national campaign coordinated by Brake. As part of the campaign, representatives from First Bus depots will be running a number of ‘Exchanging Places’ events.

The events involve cyclists and pedestrians being given the opportunity to sit in the bus cab and learn about their blind spots first hand. ● IT’S REPORTED elsewhere that Mike Cooper, Arriva Deputy CEO and MD Mainland Europe has left his position. CBW was awaiting confirmation from Arriva as we closed for press.

Mike joined Arriva as Managing Director, UK Bus in 2005 after being Commercial Director at EasyJet. He became Deputy CEO in January 2013. ● VOITH TURBO is to supply 98 DIWA 864.5 automatic gearboxes to Alexander Dennis for installation in Enviro500s that are being supplied to Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB). The gearboxes are for half the 196 buses announced in a £50m deal at Euro Bus Expo. James Louey, KMB Commercial Director said: “When choosing transmissions we take into account total lifecycle costs – not just initial price.

We carried out extensive tests for fuel savings and we found that Voith is economical to operate.”

Tower Transit adds Go Whippet

Go Whippet has been operating in Cambridgeshire for 95 years Australian-based Tower Transit Group continues to expand with the purchase of the old-established family operator, Go Whippet of Swavesey in Cambridgeshire.

Whippet Coaches trading as Go Whippet has an O-licence for 44 vehicles based at Swavesley and additional outstations for single vehicles at Corby and Peterborough as well as two at St Neots.

A spokesman for Tower Transit told CBW: “We are looking forward

to running the business.”

Go Whippet had been run by three generations of the Lee family since it was founded in 1919 by Henry Lee, a bicycle salesman from London who moved to Graveley in Huntingdonshire. His �irst coach was a converted American ambulance.

Based in Hilton for many years, the business moved to a depot at Fenstanton by the A14 road in 1977. Stagecoach moved into those premises in 2009 with Go Whippet

Adjusted pro�it before tax was £33.3m compared to £19.6m in 2013 for the six months to September 30 says FirstGroup.

Reported Group revenue decreased by 10.9% in the period to £2,941.1m principally re�lecting the end of revenue support in First Great Western and First Capital Connect, a reduction in First ScotRail subsidy, non-recurring revenues from UK Bus operations sold or closed in the prior period and foreign exchange translation.

Average price increases achieved on First Student contracts in America were approximately 4.5%, that set against a retention rate of 90% on those contracts up for bid. Revenue at First Transit was $687.7m, 9% higher in US dollar terms re�lecting a number of contract start-ups. At Greyhound it was up 2.7% at $527m.

Talking about UK Bus the

statements says: “In the �irst half, like-for-like passenger volumes increased by 2.1% as a result of our efforts to stimulate volume growth in part through selected fare rebasing and improved quality of service.” It makes the point: “The UK Bus transformation programme continues to move forward in line with our step by step programme to restore double digit margins over the medium term.” Operating pro�it increased to £16.9m and operating margin increased to 3.8% despite £1.8m of restructuring costs taken to adjust operating pro�it in the �irst half which should not recur.

“Now that the major network redesigns and selected fare rebased actions have taken place in UK Bus, we are in a better position to cover off cost in�lation through annual price increases, underpinned by continued cost ef�iciencies,” says FirstGroup.

Pro�its up at FirstGroup

6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014 006_007_CBW1164_News.indd 6

relocating to a modern depot at Swavesey.

Service C from Somersham to Cambridge city centre on the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway is operated as are local routes throughout north Cambridgeshire.

The �irm also runs a number of school and college contracts.

Summer only services operate to coastal resorts such as Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Felixstowe, Cromer, Hunstanton, Clacton-onSea and Southend.

Stagecoach: ‘Satisfactory’

In its latest trading update Stagecoach says that the overall pro�itability of the Group remained satisfactory: “There has been no material change to our expected adjusted earnings per share for the year ending April 30, 2015.”

Like-for-like revenue growth over the 24 week period ending October 12 of 3.2% at the UK Bus Division excludes revenue earned from contracts to provide transport for the Commonwealth Games.

Passenger volume growth on an equivalent basis was 0.7%.

Higher commercial revenue has contributed most to overall revenue growth, with concessionary, tendered and school revenue also growing. The UK Bus division saw 14.5% growth over the same period while for the �ive months ending September 30, it was 3.5% in North America. www.coachandbusweek.com

17/11/2014 17:37

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Gas Bus Alliance: Sea change

The Gas Bus Alliance (GBA) is seeing a ‘sea change’ in attitudes in favour of gas propulsion. GBA’s Tony Griffiths told CBW that the Alliance has been approached by a number of OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in recent months. “We’re seeing a groundswell of interest,” he said.

GBA has been involved in the installation of five gas refuelling stations since November 2013.

In the context of the bus and coach industry Arriva’s refuelling stations at Darlington and Runcorn were GBA projects, as were Go-Ahead’s (Anglian Bus) at Beccles and Reading Buses.

The development by Scania and Alexander Dennis (ADL) of a gas-fuelled double-decker is likely to attract considerable interest because the technology is so simple, argued Tony.

He highlighted a presentation at Euro Bus Expo where Reading Buses Chief Engineer John Bickerton said that, compared to diesel and diesel-electric hybrids, his gas-fuelled ADL Scania singledeckers were the most reliable in the fleet.

“Gas is delivering everything we said it would,” said Tony. “Getting utilities in to a concrete base has been hard, but infrastructure is not an issue.”

GBA has partnered with SGN (previously Scotia Gas Networks).

Tony added that there has been considerable interest in the Crouchland Farm, West Sussex anaerobic digestion plant in which GBA is a partner.

“All the bio-methane that comes from there is ours, ” he explained.

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‘Strong progress’ at National Express “Profit before tax in the third quarter of the year was nearly 15% higher than the same period last year,” says National Express Group.

Commercial revenue at the UK Bus division grew by 4% in the period, with concessionary revenues 3% higher, and passenger numbers up 1% in the year to date. More than 250 vehicles will be replaced over the next 12 months.

At UK Coach a good summer performance saw core express passenger numbers rise by 2%.

With last year’s major distribution wins now fully embedded, year to date core express revenue is up 5%. “We have signed a new

Birmingham 20-year vision

A white paper from Birmingham City Council setting out its 20-year vision for improving transport was launched by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin last week. Birmingham Connected, previously known as Birmingham Mobility Action Plan, aims to make the city safer and easier to travel around reducing congestion and promoting more sustainable forms of transport.

Initiatives include the completion of a £1.2bn public transport network within 20 years, allowing people to travel across the city in high quality vehicles in safety and, at busy times, faster than they could by car.

This would include creating vibrant community spaces across the city, says the city council.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “I am delighted to be launching this new white paper

distribution agreement with easyBus to utilise our core express services and are progressing a number of growth and contract opportunities in our airport business,” says the company.

In North America, the Memphis conversion contract is now National Express’ largest school bus contract, growing three-fold on renewal this summer. Starting successfully in August, the contract has helped drive 3% underlying revenue growth in the period.

In Spain, domestic passenger volume was up 1%, reversing an earlier adverse trend.

Intercity coach performance was

particularly good, with improved customer confidence evident and continued success from the roll out of revenue management on rail-competing routes – on the latter, average passenger volume was 2% higher in the period than the previous year and revenue has recovered to the prior year level.

“Net debt at the end of September was £50m lower than in September 2013 and we remain on track to deliver our target free cash flow of £150m in 2014,” says the company. “We are deploying capital selectively to protect and grow the business, investing in replacement fleet as required.”

Transport Minister Patrick McLoughlin with Birmingham City Council Leader Sir Albert Bore which is vital for Birmingham to continue to grow and prosper. The government has put transport at the heart of its long term economic plan, because the future

of successful cities depends on efficient transport that can connect people with jobs, link communities with services and attract new investment.”

November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7 17/11/2014 17:37

40

NEWS SHARE WATCH Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, November 17. Optare saw the greatest proportional rise, while Synectics saw the greatest proportional drop.

Most figures obtained from www.lse.co.uk

460.70p

Price: Year High: 476.50p Year Low: 374.10p

+1.50 on last week

120.00p

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-1.60 on last week

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367.90p

Price: Year High: 401.40p Year Low: 339.50p

-30.00 on last week

-2.10 on last week

The number of ADL Enviro300SG-bodied Scania K270UBs at Stagecoach North East

2.3m

The width restriction for buses on the island of Jersey

Appeal court to clarify rules on disabled use of buses ‘Bay of contention’ may �inally be cleared up

A woman’s refusal to move a pushchair with a sleeping baby from a bay on a bus used by wheelchair passengers – causing a disabled man to have to leave the vehicle – is at the centre of a test-case legal battle in the court of appeal.

Three appeal judges are being asked by FirstGroup to decide whether wheelchair passengers should have priority over all other passengers to use the space as a matter of law.

The judges heard that the company had a policy of “requesting but not requiring” non-disabled travellers, including those with babies and pushchairs, to vacate the space if it was needed by a wheelchair user.

However, as featured in CBW at the time, a judge at Leeds county court ruled that the policy was discriminatory and in breach of a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people.

The ruling was made in the case of Doug Paulley, a wheelchair user from Wetherby, West Yorkshire, who was denied access to the bus after the woman with the sleeping baby refused to move.

Doug won £5,500 in damages against FirstGroup, after the judge, Recorder Paul Isaacs, declared that the company should have taken measures to ensure he was not at a disadvantage when he tried to get on the bus.

The judge said it had been parliament’s decision to “give protection to disabled wheelchair users and not to non-disabled mothers with buggies.”

On November 11, Martin Chamberlain QC, for FirstGroup, appealed against that ruling. He said it was an example of a long-running problem on public transport that had produced con�licting court decisions and bus operators were now seeking legal clarity.

First Group had appealed because of their need to know “what they are legally required to do and how,” he said. The case also affected “the expectation of disabled people to be able to access public transport.”

Giles Fearnley, Managing Director, First UK Bus said: “There were two con�licting judgments in 2013 regarding priority access to the wheelchair space on buses. We appealed so that everyone – bus companies and users alike – can achieve some clarity in this key matter.

“Our policy is to clearly ask

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SAME on last week

McGill’s is using its new Mercedes-Benz Citaros on ClydeFlyer services -2.50 on last week

+0.125 on last week

FTSE 100

6645

Index: Year High: 6,878 Year Low: 6,196

+43 on last week

Citaros for Blackpool Transport and McGill’s Blackpool Transport is to buy 10 Mercedes-Benz Citaros. The buses, due for delivery in March, will have 45 leather seats each, charging points and free WiFi. Bob Mason, Director of delivery at Blackpool Transport, said: “This is a really major investment and is really positive for the company and for everyone in Blackpool.

We haven’t purchased brand new

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014 008_009_CBW1164_News.indd 8

vehicles since 2010, but we have to keep investing in the �leet.”

In Scotland, McGill’s Bus Services has taken delivery of 14 Citaros that are being used on ClydeFlyer routes between Largs and Dunoon and Glasgow city centre.

Each bus has 41 seats �inished in part leather-fabric upholstery with the McGill’s logo stitched into

each headrest. There’s also woodeffect �looring and LED lighting.

Ralph Roberts, McGill’s Managing Director said: “These buses will be the �irst Euro 6 �leet in Glasgow city centre and the technology – which gives a 95% reduction in NOx emissions over the Euro 5 – is great news for the city, pedestrians, passengers and the environment in general.” www.coachandbusweek.com

17/11/2014 17:36

3.2%

The like-for-like revenue growth at Stagecoach UK Bus

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£25m fund for rural charities’ minibuses

It is hoped the appeal ruling will clarify the position over who gets priority for the bay. TFL other customers to make way for wheelchair passengers. We remain strongly committed to that policy and to helping wheelchair and other disabled customers to the best of our ability.

“However, bus drivers do not have any legal power to instruct or force customers (which can include the elderly and parents or guardians with children) to vacate the space used by wheelchair

users. To ask drivers to apply this policy without any legal power would place them in an impossible position.

“We recognise how important it is that bus services are accessible to all customers, indeed we are leading the industry in improving bus travel for disabled passengers.

We’ve presented our case and look forward to learning the outcome of the appeal.”

Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown has announced that Glasgow City Council is to take forward a pilot on improved school bus signage.

High-visibility signs with improved features will be trialled on certain school buses in the region as part of the pilot.

The Scottish Government will

provide evaluation support to Glasgow City Council in order to build a robust evidence base assessing the benefits of enhanced school bus signage.

Transport Minister, Keith Brown, said: “There can be no greater responsibility than the protection of our young people and we are committed to keeping them safe on the journey to school. We recognise that enhanced school bus signage can play a key role, yet the power to legislate in this area rests with Westminster and we are disappointed that the UK Government has refused

New school bus signs for Glasgow

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Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced that community groups from across the country will receive additional support. £25 million will be made available to provide hundreds of new minibuses to community transport operators in rural and isolated areas.

The new fund means that organisations who already provide a service to the local community can bid for a minibus.

Smaller operators and those who help out in rural areas will be favoured in the scheme.

Patrick McLoughlin said: “I Iknow how important community bus providers are and how much they matter. These groups help keep rural communities alive and independent.”

Bill Freeman, Chief Executive of the Community Transport Association, said: “Our own our requests to take action or to devolve the necessary powers to Scotland.

“The Scottish Government is taking forward a range of measures to improve the safety on dedicated school transport.

Thankfully the risk of children being seriously injured on bus journeys is small.

“We have undertaken a range of work to promote best practice in this area, including encouraging local authorities to embrace highvisibility signage and I am pleased Glasgow City Council has agreed to undertake this pilot. These

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research shows that many organisations, particularly smaller ones serving their immediate neighbourhoods, struggle to put aside money to replace vehicles.

“This will enable them to improve the lives of many vulnerable and isolated people by offering them accessible and affordable transport.”

The fund is focused on existing voluntary and third sector organisations that already have a permit to run not-for-profit services of benefit to the local community.

Each bidder can apply for one vehicle and will need to undertake that the vehicle will be used only for voluntary services and will not be used to compete for bus service contracts.

This new scheme sits alongside the government’s strong commitment to commercial bus operators, which is a growing industry. Full details of how the scheme will operate and the information charities will need when applying will be set out shortly. efforts can build on our work to improve safety measures, such as our plans to make seatbelts a legal requirement on all dedicated school transport following devolution of the necessary powers from Westminster.”

Cllr Alistair Watson, Executive Member for Land & Environmental Services, Glasgow City Council, said: “The number of children injured on Glasgow’s roads has been falling in recent years.

However, any casualties on our roads is still too many which is why Glasgow City Council is leading the pilot for this scheme.”

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November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9 17/11/2014 19:53

NEWS

Stagecoach invests £2.4m in Coastrider X7 The luxury coach service on the east coast gets an upgrade Stagecoach East Scotland has unveiled an eight-strong fleet of Plaxton Elitei-bodied Volvos for its high-profile Coastrider X7 route.

They’re the first built to 13.5m with 62-seat and a wheelchair space.

Representing an investment of over £2.4m, the fleet of new luxury coaches will begin operating on Monday (November 24). They replace Volvo Plaxton Elites on a route that has seen several upgrades.

The X7 currently operates along the coast between Aberdeen and Dundee, serving Stonehaven, Montrose and Arbroath and runs hourly every day.

The new coaches, which have more seats, will be introduced to the route later this month and will offer additional capacity as well as a range of modern features.

Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director, Stagecoach East Scotland said: “Our new vehicles are the latest in luxury coach travel and feature leather reclining seats, airconditioning, free WiFi, on-board charge points, an on-board toilet and bike racks with space for five bikes.”

The new Plaxton Elitei coaches have dedicated bike racks within

The first 13.5m Elitei Volvos were unveiled to the public last week the luggage hold area, allowing five bikes to be safely secured during the journey. Stagecoach also plans to extend the popular route into Perth from the same date which will serve three hospital sites as well as provide additional stopping points in Dundee.

Speaking about the revised

route, Andrew continued: “The Coastrider X7 has been very popular since its launch in 2011 and we’ve added extra journeys as the route has grown over the years. The extension of the route will provide great new links for so many people travelling to college and university, city centres,

hospitals sites and will of course continue to provide relaxing journeys along our beautiful coastline.”

Stagecoach has held numerous launches to showcase the new vehicles and provided route information to the communities the route will serve.

Reading launches its new £2million ADL double-deckers Reading Buses has launched seven new ADL E400 Euro 6 buses for its claret 21 route between the town centre, the university and Lower Earley. The latest investment has helped to reduce the fleet’s average age to under four years.

To mark the investment of £2m in new buses, the company joined the Vice Chancellor for a ribbon cutting ceremony. The new vehicles brought a ringing endorsement from Sir David Bell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading.

Sir David commented on the ‘special partnership’ that the University of Reading has established with Reading Buses and the commitment of the company to keep investing in the fleet which has helped to grow passenger numbers to and from

Pictured at the launch are: Martijn Gilbert, Sir David Bell and Tony Pettitt the campus, adding “and long may it continue.”

As is now becoming the Reading Buses standard, all the

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buses have audio/visual next stop announcements, external destination repeaters and free WiFi.

Tony Pettitt, Reading Buses Director of Resources, revealed passenger numbers have risen every year since the partnership began over six years ago – including an overall 10% increase last year and a great start to the new academic year with a 22% increase already this term compared to last year.

He added: “Not only have we invested in new vehicles on the claret routes, but have increased the frequency between campus and the town to every five minutes and have claret buses running 24/7.

“This has seen the night traffic on the route increase by nearly 400% when compared to the old N21 which had one journey Monday to Thursday and three early morning journeys Friday and Saturday.” www.coachandbusweek.com

17/11/2014 20:01

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Mistral confirms £4m ADL order Mistral Bus & Coach has confirmed orders valued in excess of £4m for 34 vehicles supplied by Alexander Dennis.

The two businesses have recently signed a three-year agreement to work together in the retail coach and bus market to offer customers an inclusive service covering both vehicles

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purchase and finance/rental options.

24 of the vehicles are current model Enviro 200, Euro 5, service buses that are due to be delivered over the next six months to a number of operators including TLC Travel in Bradford, ACE Travel in Liverpool, West Midlands Special Needs Transport in Birmingham and Hanson’s in Stourbridge.

All of these operators already operate the Enviro product and these repeat orders demonstrate the continued popularity of the

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Enviro range with independent operators across the country.

Mistral has also ordered 10 new Cheetah XL mini-coaches in advance of the formal launch next year.

The new Cheetah XL will be available for rent from Mistral from April onwards.

Operators have also benefited from the close relationship between Mistral’s Asset Finance business and ADL’s retail bus and coach team, with a number of deals this year having been funded via this partnership.

National Express renews Wembley Stadium deal

National Express has signed an agreement with Wembley Stadium to remain as the venue’s official travel provider for the next four years. Both organisations have enjoyed a relationship spanning back to 2007 when the worldfamous redeveloped stadium was unveiled.

Wembley Stadium Managing Director Roger Maslin said: “We look forward to the continuance of this successful relationship and encourage people where possible to choose public transport to get to the stadium.”

Rotala restructures its divisions

Rotala Plc has announced it is working towards changing its internal legal entity structure.

The purpose of this is to create what will be, in effect, four operating divisions within its

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010_011_CBW1164_News.indd 11

Tom Stables, Managing Director for National Express and Roger Maslin, Managing Director for Wembley Stadium group structure. Each division will operate from its own legal entity.

The North West, which is represented by the Preston Bus business will be unaffected. The West Midlands business will all be consolidated into the Diamond Bus Company Ltd legal entity, and the company will be renamed ‘Diamond Bus Ltd.’ Flights Hallmark Ltd will become ‘Wessex Bus Ltd,’ and will contain the South

West business operated from Avonmouth and Keynsham depots.

The Heathrow business will be moved into what is currently a dormant subsidiary, and will be called ‘Hallmark Connections Ltd.’ The firm’s Wessex Bus operation has appointed Simon Cursio to the newly created role of Managing Director. He was previously Business Performance Director at First Cymru.

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Bus driver suspended for 21 days for mobile use

A bus driver who was filmed using a mobile phone while driving has been suspended for 21 days by the Deputy Traffic Commissioner for the North East of England.

Jonathan Frost, of Greystones Road, Sheffield, was called to a conduct hearing last month after his actions were caught on film and reported in the media.

Jonathan, who failed to attend the inquiry before Elizabeth Perrett, had his professional driving licence suspended from October 24 to November 14.

The incident was filmed on April 17 this year while Jonathan was driving on the M17 service, which runs from Dore to Jordanthorpe.

The Deputy Commissioner also considered a previous offence from April 2012, when Jonathan was given six penalty points for using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks.

His suspension from professional driving took effect at 2359hrs on October 24 and ended at 2359hrs on November 14.

“Before that he was Commercial Director for First’s West & Wales region,” Trevor Wolloxall, Rotala’s Group Human Resources Manager told CBW. “That role encompassed the Wessex region and helped Simon gain an understanding of Bristol and the surrounding areas, a strength he will bring to Wessex Bus, along with his commercial expertise and passion for customer service.”

November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 11 17/11/2014 19:44

NEWS › REGIONAL SOUTH EAST THE THREAT OF BUS STRIKE action has been suspended at Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company (B&H).

Industrial action due to take place on November 15 and 19 has been called off and discussions between B&H and Unite the Union have led to an improved offer to the 919 drivers and engineers at the company.

The revised offer went to ballot with Unite members, with a recommendation from the trade union. The result of the vote is expected to be announced on Thursday, November 20.

Martin Harris, Managing Director of B&H, said: “We have had challenging but constructive negotiations with Unite. I am delighted that we are able to advise customers that services will operate as normal. I am optimistic that this dispute will soon be settled.”

In a statement, Unite Regional Officer Janet Henneysaid: “The additional discussions have been very difficult but also very productive. We believe we have now reached an offer which our members will be interested in and have therefore postponed the planned industrial action to allow our members to vote on it.”

SCOTLAND

KEY

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

NORTH PASSENGER NUMBERS on bus services to and from Europarc in Cleethorpes have risen sharply over the past year, according to figures.

Since May, passenger figures on the 1, 2 and 20, operated by

Stagecoach Lincolnshire, have risen to 16.8% based on last year’s figures. Since the introduction of the Saturday service in June, usage has risen by 25%.

Officers from North East Lincolnshire Council’s regeneration services partnership with Cofely have been working with the owners of a new

TWO OF SCOTLAND’S n greatest pioneers in medicine and chemistry are being

celebrated by First Bus in eyecatching new bus designs that are taking to the roads of West Lothian.

The profiles of Sir James Young Simpson, the Bathgate-born obstetrician who discovered the anaesthetic properties of chloroform; and James Young, best known for his method of distilling paraffin from coal, will feature prominently on both the side and rear of 18 new First Scotland East buses.

The new bus designs were given the stamp of approval by pupils from St Mary’s Primary School in Bathgate last week.

The new Wrightbus MicroHybrids are the result of a £2.6m investment. They will operate on services 20, 21 and 22, which link Livingston, Broxburn and other towns and villages in West Lothian with Edinburgh.

Paul McGowan, Managing Director of First Scotland East,

said: “Both James Young Simpson and James Young were true leaders in their respective fields and left their mark on the local area.

“We wanted to celebrate their achievements on our West Lothian services and recognise those connections to the towns and villages we travel across regularly.

“We are continuing our drive to improve our services and attract more people onto our buses and

12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014 012_013_CBW1164_Regional News.indd 12

these ‘Pioneer’ vehicles will be the best and most eco-friendly in the First Scotland East fleet.

Passengers can enjoy pleasant, more comfortable and smoother journeys and keep connected on the move with our free WiFi, helping us to leave our mark too.”

Pictured here are: Michael Connarty MP, Graeme Morrice MP, Paul McGowan MD of First Scotland East, Cllr Tony Boyle and Cllr Alex Davidson

restaurant at Europarc to help them implement a travel plan for their staff.

Farmhouse Inns opened the Beechwood Farm, last month and staff have been informed about the transport options available to them and the benefits of sustainable travel. They were also given taster vouchers to try out the Europarc bus service.

Cllr David Watson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Housing, said: “More than 25 businesses have premises at Europarc and about 2,000 people work there. As businesses grow and more companies locate there, we need to make sure people can reach the site for both work and leisure.

“Employers will consider transport links when deciding where they want to set up and with this bus service growing it is encouraging to see passengers using the service.

“The introduction of the Saturday service has been successful, by seeing a further increase to passenger numbers.”

STAGECOACH has introduced a fleet of Stagecoach Gold-branded buses in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

The six Alexander Dennis Enviro400 buses, which will run between Sheffield, Chesterfield and Matlock, are part of a £1.2m investment.

Operating on Stagecoach route X17 in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, the fleet is the first Stagecoach Gold to be introduced in the region.

The fleet was launched at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium during a special event attended by stakeholders from Sheffield, Chesterfield and Matlock.

Paul Lynch, Managing Director, Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: “We’re extremely proud to introduce these fantastic vehicles on the X17 route between Sheffield, Chesterfield and Matlock.

“It’s a long, busy route and has been growing really well over the last few years, attracting lots of new passengers.

“We wanted to make it even better and came up with the idea of Stagecoach Gold.

“It’s been used by Stagecoach in other areas of the country with success so we are delighted to bring it here.

“The vehicles have handpicked staff, smart leather seats and WiFi and they are beyond any buses we, or any other operator, has in this region. It’s a further boost for this wonderful service.” www.coachandbusweek.com

17/11/2014 19:53

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SCOTLAND FIRST GLASGOW accepted Euros from fans going to and from the city centre and Celtic Park for the European Championship quali�ier on Friday, November 14.

The currency was accepted on First Glasgow services 2, 60, 60A, 61, 255 and 240, which run to and from Argyle Street, Trongate and the stadium.

Single tickets cost £1.95 or £4.10 for a FirstDay ticket, allowing unlimited all day travel. Drivers accepted €3 for a single journey or €6 for a return.

WALES

FIRST CYMRU has unveiled nine free podcasts, which it has made to add another dimension to travel on its interurban Cymru Clipper network.

The podcasts, which vary in length from 14 to 27 minutes, have been created to give those travelling in and around South Wales some extra inspiration about the places to go by bus.

Talking about the podcasts, Managing Director of First Cymru Justin Davies said: “These podcasts offer another dimension to travel on the Cymru Clipper network.

They provide an audio guide to the areas that people are travelling through, and having been downloaded onto a smartphone, mp3 player or other similar device, people can listen to them while they’re on the move.

“They are ideal for visitors to the area, who want to �ind out more about the places they’re travelling through. They’re also great for local residents – more often than not, people don’t realise how much there is to see and do on their doorstep. For instance, did you know it was easy to pick up the Richard Burton trail around Port Talbot having arrived in the town by bus? Or that Aberdullais Falls, Margam Castle and Neath Castle are all easily accessible by public transport?”

LONDON

TRANSPORT FOR LONDON has started a public consultation on two proposals to add to its bus services in the Chiswick Business Park.

The consultation, which runs until December 19, will consider extending the current 70 bus route via Acton to Chiswick Business Park to allow access from the north side.

The second proposal is to add two bus stops to the 27 bus route, which has its terminus inside the park. www.coachandbusweek.com

012_013_CBW1164_Regional News.indd 13

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Two years ago, TfL extended the 27 route providing access to the park from the south and installing a terminus. The Business Park is also served by routes 237, 267 and H91 at Gunnersbury Station.

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

SOUTH WEST

BUS SERVICES across South Somerset could be reduced, with some withdrawn entirely under county council proposals, the Yeovil Express reported.

Somerset County Council is urging residents to have their say on the proposals in a consultation.

It says cuts from central government leave it no option but to review services.

The Donyatt to Crewkerne number 9 service the council operates would be withdrawn and replaced with Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) – known as the Slinky service. The Bishopswood to Ilminster 608 service, which runs on Thursdays, would also be withdrawn and replaced with DRT. The council is also proposing to withdraw subsidised funding for the Ilminster to Martock area DRT which links to N10 on Saturdays, and cut 50% of the funding for the Chard to Yeovil number 99 service.

A spokesperson said: “Our consultation states that where we are proposing to withdraw our Saturday services, the weekday service will remain unchanged.

“We acknowledge that there is some signi�icant use of the 99 on Saturdays, which is why we are proposing to continue with 50% of our funding.

“The low use category relates to bus services which we are proposing to convert to DRT services, as these are all, by their very nature, poorly used services.”

Cllr Harvey Siggs, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “The ongoing and harsh reality we face as a county council is that our central government funding to run local services is being reduced, which leaves us no option but to review all our services.

“These plans are about making our supported bus services more effective, particularly where there are currently low levels of passenger use. We need as many people as possible who use these bus services to come forward and have their say before the consultation closes on Monday, December 29.”

The consultation can be completed online at somerset.gov. uk/bussurvey.

The 2015 UK Coach Awards will be held in Manchester on April 23

2014 ■ December 6 Ensignbus Christmas Bus Special Vintage buses through Lakeside www.

Manchester. www.ukcoachawards. co.uk

ensignbus.com

■ May 3 – 4 Friends of King Alfred Buses Running Day Winchester www.fokab.org.uk

■ December 6-7 The Christmas Cracker Museum of Transport Greater Manchester Boyle Street, Cheetham.

0161 205 2122 http://gmts.co.uk

■ May 11 – 13 ALBUM AGM & Conference Carden Park Hotel, near Chester www.albumconference2015. com

2015

■ June 7 Southdown Centenary Rally, Southsea Common www.southdown100.co.uk

■ January 24 Northampton Transport staff reunion Monks Park Working Mens’ Club, Northampton.

Contact organiser Matt Cooper by email on ntfirstreunion@gmail.com or by phone 07816 116283.

■ January 24 – 25 Excursions 2015 Alexandra Palace, London. www.excursions.org.uk ■ January 29 CPT Annual Dinner Lancaster London Hotel, Lancaster Terrace. Contact Ling Tang on 020 7257 2502 or email lingt@cpt-uk.org.

■ March 18-19 Young Bus Managers Network Conference Nottingham. www. youngbusmanagers.org.uk ■ March 25-27 Busworld Asia, Suzhou International Expo Centre, China. www.busworld-asia.com ■ March 28 South East Bus Festival, Kent Showground

www.facebook.com/southeast busfestival

■ April 14 –16 CV Show 2015 NEC, Birmingham 020 7630 2102.

Email enquiries@cvshow.com www. cvshow.com ■ April 18 – 19 UK Coach Rally Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire 01753 631170. www.ukcoachrally.co.uk ■ April 19 Spring Bus and Coach Gathering (formerly Cobham Rally).

London Bus Museum. 01932 837994 ■ April 23 UK Coach Awards, Mercure Piccadilly Hotel,

■ June 21 Welsh Coach Rally National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. For details, call Ashley Lovering on 07814958379.

■ June 28 Wessex Transport Society Bus Rally. Lorry park, Ringwood, Hants. Contact Mike Caldicott 01202 293245 or email mikepenny.wts@gmail.Com ■ July 12 Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Classic Bus Rally & Running Day, Toddington, Gloucestershire. www.gwsr.com ■ August 2 Thames Valley 100 Celebrating the centenary of the start of bus services between Reading and Maidenhead by the forerunners of the Thames Valley Traction Company. www.tvagwot.org.uk ■ September 5-6 UK Bus Driver of the Year National Final, Blackpool. www.bdoy.co.uk ■ September 9 – 10 Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle Event Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire www. cenex-lcv.co.uk ■ September 30 – October 1 Coach & Bus Live 2015 Halls 19 & 20, NEC, Birmingham www. coachandbuslive.com ■ October 16 – 21 Busworld Kortrijk Kortrijk, Belgium http:// kortrijk.busworld.org

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

November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 13 17/11/2014 19:53

NEWS

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Lothian to lead the way on electric Partnership will see the UK’s first Volvo electric recharging system introduced in Edinburgh Volvo and Lothian Buses have agreed to introduce 24 Electric Hybrid buses onto route 30 in Edinburgh. Lothian is the first UK operator to place an order for the new 7900 Electric Hybrid single-decker, which was officially launched at the IAA show in September.

Formerly known as plug-in, the electric hybrid combines Volvo’s familiar hybrid technology with an electric recharging system at each end of the route. The result is much extended battery-only operation without losing any of the flexibility associated with the regular Volvo hybrid.

On route 30, the charging stations will be located in Musselburgh and Clovenstone. The charging station is to be manufactured by Siemens – although in line with the ZeEUS (Zero Emission Urban Bus Scheme), it will be able to re-charge other manufacturer’s buses. A mock-up of the technology formed part of Volvo’s stand at the recent Euro Bus Expo.

Impressively, Volvo said a bus can go from flat to fully charged in just

Depledge Lothian’s Chairman

Tony Depledge has been appointed Interim Chairman at Lothian Buses following the resignation of Ann Faulds as Director and Chairman of Lothian Buses and as a Director of Transport for Edinburgh (TfE).

In a statement, Tony said: “I am keenly aware of the great strengths and achievements of Lothian Buses.

We now need to work together to repair and rebuild the leadership of the organisation so that it will continue to provide excellent public transport for the communities we serve. Our priority is to work together to deliver a successful and integrated public transport system for the city.

“To help us the City of Edinburgh Council will offer assistance to the company as we work our way through the challenges encountered in recent weeks. I welcome this support and I know that we’ll be able to maintain a strong and secure company.”

Route 30 is currently operated by hybrid 7900s. STUART MONTGOMERY six minutes – although route 30 allows for re-generative power.

The project is timed to follow the introduction of the bus into series production in late 2015 or early 2016. The achieved fuel saving is estimated at almost one third less diesel consumption, relative to hybrid buses. Lothian Buses will also benefit from another significant innovation installed on the new vehicles – geo-fencing.

This technique uses the bus location to alter vehicle behaviour.

This includes limiting speed near schools, or particularly prevalently in this project, switching to

Crash fraudsters convicted

A former Finglands inspector who arranged a collision between a double-decker and a car in a £500,000 ‘crash for cash’ scam in Manchester, has been jailed.

Asan Akram helped orchestrate a crash between the bus and a Mercedes-Benz car on Wilmslow Road in February 2011 in an attempt to claim from insurers.

At Manchester Crown Court, Akram was sentenced to 16 months. Tariq Iqbal, who was driving the Mercedes, was given a 12-month prison term suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out 250 hours’ unpaid work. Both men admitted conspiring to defraud the insurer of the bus, QBE. The convictions came after

14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014 014_CBW1164_News.indd 14

battery operation for zero-tailpipe emissions when running through Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA).

There are three AQMAs on the route – at Saughton to Balgreen (1.7km); The Exchange in the city centre, to Commonwealth Pool (4km); and Braunton Theatre to Newbigging (1km).

The overall targets for the project are to reduce air quality emissions, noise and energy costs. This is in accordance with the Local Transport Strategy of Edinburgh City Council and the ‘Switched On Scotland: Adoption of Plug-In QBE referred suspicions about 29 claims it received following the collision to the City of London Police’s insurance fraud enforcement department in January 2012.

The material passed to detectives included CCTV footage which showed the bus travelling along when Iqbal’s Mercedes performed an emergency stop, causing the bus to slam into the back of it.

Akram, who had worked as an incident inspector for Finglands, was arrested in December 2013.

Iqbal, 42, was held in June 2012.

Investigators concluded Iqbal deliberately hit the brakes of his car to cause the crash while Akram acted as the ‘insider’ who would produce a report to try to convince the insurer that the incident was genuine. Officers found that when he compiled the report, Akram did not follow the firm’s protocol by flagging the incident to senior managers.

Vehicles’ roadmap from Transport Scotland.

Phil Owen, Volvo’s Bus Sales Director said: “Electric hybrid allows vehicles to run on electricity for reasonable distances. It gives operators flexibility. In battery mode, the buses can run up to 50kph (31mph). The maximum distance before a re-charge is required is 7km (4.3 miles).”

Phil added: “It’s a commercial project between us and Lothian Buses. The technology complements the existing transport system in that it support the tram. Vehicles are to be bought rather than leased.”

The current peak vehicle requirement is 18 but it that figure is due to rise to 22 owing to a planned increase in frequency – hence the three spares.

Ulf Magnusson, Senior Vice President, Business Region Europe at Volvo Bus Corporation commented: “This project highlights our Electromobility Programme of increasing the use of electricity in urban buses without losing the versatility of the modern low emission Euro 6 vehicle. I would like to thank Lothian Buses for their confidence in us and we totally support their aims for the city environment.”

It also emerged during the investigation that he was later sacked from Finglands for lying about previous convictions on his job application form.

Phone records showed that Akram and Iqbal had been in contact more than 100 times in the days leading up to the crash.

Detective Constable Mark Reynolds, who led the police probe, said: “This was a long-running and complex investigation which has ultimately proved that Akram and Iqbal meticulously planned to commit insurance fraud on a massive scale.

“The fact that their attempted scam put lives at risk by causing a crash with a packed doubledecker bus on a busy road at night was inconsequential to them.

“They wanted half a million pounds from an insurer and were prepared to go to any length to get it.” www.coachandbusweek.com

17/11/2014 19:09

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NEWS › INTERNATIONAL

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ADL Enviro500 in Mexico City Mexico City trial introduces ADL’s Enviro500 doubledecker to Latin America MEXICO A 120-seat Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro500 is being trialled in Mexico City on the historic, inner-city section of the Reforma route. Guillermo Calderón, Managing Director of operator Metrobus, said it was important to constantly seek new transport solutions with the potential to ease traffic congestion, reduce pollution and give passengers an exciting new experience. He commented that the bus meets all of the criteria for a new-generation of transport and he looks forward to seeing the results of the month-long trial.

Gustavo Marqueta, ADL’s Business Development Director, commented: “This is an exciting time for us. We have been

Metrobus is using the ADL Enviro500 on the inner-city section of the Reforma route in Mexico City working intensively in export markets for some years and have experienced a definite up-surge in interest surrounding doubledeck buses. We are delighted to be working on this groundbreaking partnership with

Metrobus and the City, and I look forward to a positive outcome. In short, double-deck buses simply make sense. They are now well beyond the novelty factor with transport authorities around the world recognising that they provide a unique, appealing transport solution – and one that generally increases passenger ridership and revenue.

“Our Enviro500 is also lowentry which makes access easy for both the elderly and mothers with young children,” he continued. Couple this with the fact that the turning circle of the vehicle is best-in-class and it becomes evident why the Enviro500 is the best-selling high capacity, three-axle double-deck in the world. Our challenge now is to learn from the forthcoming trials and to work with Metrobus and others to fine-tune and customise the perfect vehicle for Mexico City.”

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More Solaris InterUrbinos for Italy

ITALY Biella operator, Azienda Trasporti Automobilistici Pubblici delle Province di Biella e Vercelli (ATAP), has purchased 15 InterUrbino 12s, its first Solaris buses. Delivery is expected around the end of the year.

Power for the InterUrbino 12s comes from Euro 6 Paccar MX-11 engines developing 271 kW. Up to 54 passengers are able to travel in each vehicle which has an airconditioned saloon and reclining seats fitted with adjustable armrests. An electric lift is fitted next to the central doors. Under floor luggage capacity is 5.2 m3.

Solaris has recently finalised an agreement with Ferrovie AppuloLucane, the regional operator from the coastal city of Bari for five 12-metre Solaris InterUrbinos. It has delivered almost 350 buses and trolleybuses in Italy, supplying operators in Ancona, Bari, Bologna, Cagliari, Genoa, Naples, Parma and Rome among others.

Scania generates record coach and bus sales in Norway NORWAY Public transport operators in Norway are increasingly choosing Scania as a supplier of buses and related services. Order bookings so far this year amount to 235 buses and coaches, which is an all-time high. The company says the success is due to a combination of comfortable and reliable buses, which can be operated using alternative fuels including hybrid drive, and services that guarantee low operating cost and high capacity utilisation of vehicles.

It became clear that 2014 would be a record year after Scania in Norway signed an agreement for delivery of a total of 99 buses and coaches in city and intercity

DeinBus insolvent

GERMANY Intercity coach operator DeinBus.de looks set to have become the latest victim of the highly competitive scheduled coach market. It comes after National Express Group shut its

configurations to a consortium of operators in the Eastern Norway region (Østlandet). The order includes buses of the Scania Citywide LE model and the intercity coaches Scania OmniExpress and Scania Higer A30.

Olav Dårflot, Manager for Bus and Coach Sales at Norsk Scania AS, said: “We are reaping the rewards of long-term, target-oriented work.

Scania’s market position is stronger than ever, with a broad product and service offering. This is confirmed by the appreciation we receive from operators as well as their drivers and passengers.”

In the increasingly important service market, Norsk Scania is achieving success through repair City2city operation last month.

DeinBus was the subject of preliminary insolvency proceedings last week – although under German law, the firm has been allowed to continue to operate.

However, some less well-used services and journeys have been withdrawn with immediate effect.

16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014 016_CBW1164_International News.indd 16

and maintenance contracts, among other things, which are tailored to individual operator needs. A steadily increasing share of the operators are also choosing Scania Fleet Management as a system for follow-up and monitoring of their bus fleets.

Scania has a broad range of buses and coaches for city and suburban networks and also for intercity and charter services. The company’s own model range consists of Scania Citywide, Scania OmniExpress, Scania Higer A30, Scania Touring and Scania Metrolink – the latter is manufactured and sold in India.

In addition to this, a number of models are offered, which are body-built by independent

In a statement, the company said efforts are ongoing to rehabilitate the firm. The official reason for the bankruptcy petition is indebtedness.

Passenger numbers on scheduled coaches have also been boosted by the ongoing national rail strike, resulting in increased demand.

The liquidator appointed by

partners. The majority of these buses and coaches are covered by the same service commitment as Scania’s internally developed models.

Scania claims to have the market’s broadest range of engines for alternative fuels. The buses and coaches can be delivered with engines for natural and biogas and other commercially available biofuels such as rapeseed methyl ester (RME) and ethanol. The first bus featuring hybrid drive was recently unveiled – Scania Citywide LE – which is also available in a configuration for biodiesel operation. The first hybrid buses will be delivered to Norway during the spring of 2015.

the District Court, Christian Feketija said: “I think DeinBus is a worth preserving and I will do my utmost to contribute to this preservation.

“Efforts are now being focussed on swiftly finding an investor for what is an insolvent entity. Our coach operator partners have vowed to help us get through this. The glass is half full.” www.coachandbusweek.com

17/11/2014 14:11

p17_CBW_1164 17/11/2014 16:20 Page 17

BUCKINGHAM 3 & 2 • Ideal for 3 & 2 configurations • Ergonomic design for maximum support, comfort and legroom • Tried & tested: fitted into many new coaches as OEM • Full range of legs and fitting options make the Buckingham ideal for upseating to 70+ seats • Lighter weight makes easier for installation Prime Passenger Seating Limited 6/7 The Apex Centre, Clywedog Road South, Wrexham Industrial Estate, Wrexham LL13 9XS Telephone: 01691 898 665 Fax: 01691 770 798 Email: johnm@primeps.com

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November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17

LEGAL NEWS › ARRIVA MIDLANDS

Arriva Midlands receives formal warning Failings in complaints systems and issues with the RL1 service see it called to PI, but the operator’s positive response spares it from a more severe decision. James Day reports Arriva Midlands has been issued with a formal warning by Fiona Harrington, Deputy Traffic Commissioner (DTC) for the North West of England, following failings in its complaints service and the operation of one of its temporary services. While the DTC found the operator’s response to be very positive, she reiterated the importance of Arriva Midlands providing an improved service in the future.

Background

Arriva Midlands Ltd is the holder of a standard national PCV O-licence, currently authorising the operation of up to 140 vehicles and from its operating centre in Ascot Drive, Derby.

The DTC had received various complaints from a passenger.

Having considered these complaints and the operator’s responses and explanations, as well as correspondence received from the council, the DTC called the operator to Public Inquiry (PI) to consider the substance of the complaints and consider whether there were concerns regarding the reliability of the operator’s services and whether there were proper arrangements in place to maintain the operator’s vehicles in a fit and serviceable condition.

The passenger’s complaints related to the reliability of service RL1 in Derby, and focused on the failure of the operator to run the service on two occasions on January 29, 2014, following a change in vehicle and then an apparent breakdown of the replacement bus on that date.

The operator accepted that it had, at the time, failed to deal with the complaint directly, and assured the DTC that it would now do so.

The PI focused on the reliability of RL1 service. The operator described the route and it was explained that it is partly financed

by Derby City Council on a de minimis basis.

It was introduced by Arriva Midlands at the council’s request due to a closure of the London Road Railway Bridge in Derby. The structure was being completely replaced and, as a result, most of the bus routes which normally travel between the city centre and the bus and railway stations would no longer be able to serve both destinations. The council decided to introduce a temporary shuttle bus between the bus station and the railway station for the duration of the bridge replacement works.

Working in partnership with Arriva Midlands, the RL1 service was introduced in August 2013 when the bridge first closed. It was initially planned that the new bridge would open in September 2014. However, due to various problems this was delayed until November.

There was a slight re-route in January 2014 in response to

the passenger. Arriva Midlands provided its own management monitoring data, for what it described as ‘missing mileage’ for the RL1, which included reasons openly provided by the operator for failings in the provision of the RL1 service from January to October 2014. The response given included a number of mechanical problems, as reported by drivers, and failure to operate the service while these were resolved.

The PI considered these in detail, including consideration of: any failings in the maintenance systems of the operator that may have contributed to or caused the failures recorded; the shortcomings in the understanding of drivers that may have caused the misreporting of problems as mechanical defects; the records kept by drivers and maintenance staff concerning the defects and the rectification of the defects; and the operator’s arrangements to respond to problems in service provision in an effective and timely manner, particularly taking into account the challenges of the closure of London Road, given the particular location of the operator’s depot.

passenger feedback to serve the London Road Community Hospital.

The city council confirmed to the DTC that it had only received complaints about the service from one passenger. The council said it was happy with the service provided and explained it had been well received. It is currently carrying 8,000 to 9,000 customers a month.

However, the DTC was concerned by the matters identified by

The DTC said: “I have noted that the city council has confirmed in writing that they are happy with the service provided and that it has generally been well received by passengers and that the operator states that it has received no other complaints in relation to this service. This does not however, I find, detract in any way from the clear inconvenience that would have resulted to passengers when the service failed to operate.

The RL1

‘No one is suggesting that there will not be problems in service. It is how the operator avoids them, mitigates them happening again, and deals with them when they arise’

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“The incident of January 29, and the complaint made has, I find, clearly been investigated thoroughly by the operator up to Board level. The schedule provided by the operator referenced by me in this decision clearly shows failings in the provision of the RL1.

Simon Matthieson, Area Director East for Arriva Midlands, has however, been able to give detail to me of each apparently mechanical defect reported by drivers at the relevant times and actions taken.

“I am satisfied that each vehicle involved had completed maintenance inspections at the required intervals and that the drivers completed and recorded a walk around check before using the vehicle, which are all important and essential parts of a preventative maintenance regime.

“It is difficult for me to ascertain if some defects were maintenance system related or defects that may have arisen in operation without advance notification. For example, the ‘exhaust back box dropped,’ or ‘the exhaust hanging off and the bus sent back to depot.’ Having heard the operator’s evidence, I do not consider the record to show, on balance, any significant failing in any of the operator’s maintenance systems and I am satisfied that proper arrangements are, or will www.coachandbusweek.com

17/11/2014 19:09

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A ‘contingency bus’ is being stationed at Derby bus station to respond to operational problems in that area requiring a replacement vehicle

shortly be, in place to comply with the fundamental licence undertaking to keep all vehicles fit and serviceable, taking into account particularly the age of the fleet and in particular the vehicle dedicated to the RL1 service.”

Improvements necessary

The DTC said Arriva Midlands had identified improvements in various systems which have been implemented and are now to be implemented.

There has been an improvement in the complaints handling process at the depot and at Arriva’s Luton Central Customer Services facility, to ensure the complaint and its resolution is clearly described and that the complaint is clearly resolved before a case is closed.

There were items of further driver training that the operator identified, which is an ongoing matter. This includes further driver familiarisation training for vehicles; problems experienced in use which may be incorrectly recorded as defects preventing use and that the driver should continue to operate the service if a ticket machine fails. The DTC expressed disappointment that there had been failures in the operation of the vehicle in terms of alarm www.coachandbusweek.com

018_019_CBW1164_Legal News.indd 19

systems, or use of a particular piece of machinery in the vehicle in question, that had led to a report of the vehicle being unable to start when a mechanic was able to turn up on site and deal with it quickly.

Further driver training and fitter training in the recording of defects has also been undertaken. There has also been a reduction in the safety inspection intervals from 42 days to 35 days for all vehicles.

Arriva Midlands is making changes to the routes and timetables, providing flexibility in the type of vehicles required to service all routes, and increasing the percentage of spare vehicles at Derby. This is nine buses over the 70 peak vehicle requirement.

A ‘contingency bus’ will also be placed at Derby bus station to respond to operational problems in that area requiring a replacement vehicle. Part of the concern for the DTC was how the operator dealt with and reacted to operational problems which arose.

“No one is suggesting that there will not be problems in service. It is how the operator avoids them, mitigates them happening again, and deals with them when they arise,” the DTC said.

Arriva Midlands is also providing further training for maintenance staff and management by an

industry recognised training provider (IRTE).

The DTC added: “That further training combined with the reduced inspection interval is, I consider, a very positive move to further improve the quality of the maintenance of the vehicles to avoid problems in operation.”

Complaints

Reflecting on the improvements Arriva Midlands is making, the DTC continued: “I am disappointed, in particular, in the failings in the operator’s customer complaint process in terms of this particular complaint. While explanations were given to the passenger through Derby City Council, he has received no direct response from Arriva.

“He (and other passengers on the services affected) were clearly impacted by Arriva’s failings.

Having made a complaint, which is made out by Arriva’s own data in terms of a change of vehicle and then a failure to operate the service, he has failed to receive a direct response.

“This is directly contrary to Arriva’s assurances that passengers are important to them.

I accept that misunderstanding at the Arriva complaints centre led to this serious failure, and that there was an underlining

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intent to respond on the part of the operator, but that failed to be followed up appropriately due to misunderstanding on the part of the complaints handler.

“So while I understand that there was a system problem, it has been identified and it is now being addressed for other passengers, nonetheless the passenger still remains without an answer to the complaint that he originally made.

“I accept the submissions made that the operator has investigated the provision of service RL1 this year in detail and that it has proactively identified improvements which are merited by the findings.

“I am trusting it to continue to review the quality of customer service and service reliability from Derby depot, as supported by the national Arriva organisation, so that passengers can rely on the advertised services and trust the operator to respond effectively and in a timely manner to operational difficulties experienced. This has highlighted the value of the investigation undertaken by the operator and the PI. “These issues are vital issues for customer trust, satisfaction and confidence in the operator and its services.”

Decision

The DTC concluded: “I have considered what action, if any, is appropriate in relation to the failures to operate the services as complained of. Having considered all of the above, particularly the lessons that have been learned by the operator from this exercise – and I am trusting that they have been learnt and that will be to the benefit of all its passengers in future – I consider that the appropriate order is a formal warning concerning the failings in its complaints service and the operation of the RL1.

“I do not want in any way to suggest that a formal warning is a ‘soft’ decision in relation to this particular operator. I consider that it has taken this PI very seriously and I am trusting that it will take the warning equally seriously and understand that a lot of trust is being placed in it by me acting as regulator in relation to this particular matter. If that trust proves to be misplaced, in the event of further complaints and issues regarding reliability, then more serious action may result.

“I am however, as it were, drawing a line today and trusting Arriva Midlands to understand that it has to get things right in future.” n

November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19 17/11/2014 19:09

PROFILEINSIDE › AIRLINKS TRACK AIRPORT › MERLIN SERVICES

New political agendas If Quality Contracts weren’t enough, Merlin despairs at the new enthusiasm for city mayors

I

n my first musing, I reported on the dangers to the bus industry of localism and the wrong people stepping forward in local politics if they had disdain of privately run buses, however satisfied their customers.

I did this in the wake of the Scottish Independence Referendum and in the knowledge that two key issues were about to come to a head, being the political vote on Quality Contracts by the North East Combined Authority and the decision about the future of bus lanes in Liverpool.

Whilst it was a foregone conclusion in the latter case that some way would be found for the Mayor to abandon most, if not all of the city’s bus lanes, having refused to hold meaningful dialogue with the companies affected and anybody who supported them, I must confess to having hoped that common sense might have prevailed in the North East – despite the renewed excitement in some quarters for extended local political control and tax raising powers. This despite independently researched passenger satisfaction surveys yielding results over 90% which other industries would die for, and the fact that dialogue had taken place and very seriously thought out counter proposals presented.

It appears that in both cases, some politicians do not like to be confused with facts, especially in the run up to elections.

In Liverpool, even the consultant’s report admitted that some journeys now take longer for both buses and cars and that journey times are now significantly less predictable and for the worse.

Meanwhile, we are all aware that politicians simply do not read reports of around a thousand pages in length, less still are they likely to comprehend the financial assumptions often hidden away in them. It is sincerely to be hoped that if they are as fatally flawed as

Passenger satisfaction surveys yield results over 90% in the North East which other industries would die for. STEVE HODGSON the operators state that they will hopefully cripple the North East decision when under the scrutiny of the Quality Contracts Board.

I must confess to being disappointed that the Senior Traffic Commissioner is not dealing with the case personally, as I would welcome hearing her subjecting Nexus staff to the sorts of school matronly tirades to which bus managers have been a victim if their services have not been up to the requisite punctuality standards! What must not be allowed to happen is a ‘sit on the fence’ decision which allows Quality Contracts to be nodded through as an experiment ‘because there are pros and cons of doing so’ which I have heard said. At the end of the day, Sir Brian Souter is right that if the politicians want to control the bus companies again, then they have to pay the full market price for reacquiring successful businesses.

As a reminder of the bad old days of political control, I offer you an anecdote from that era when MAP (Market Analysis Project) was being carried out. This was the first real significant attempt in the 1980s to update and tailor bus service provision to passengers’ needs

20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014 020_CBW1164_Merlin.indd 20

with not just on bus surveys and many days’ worth of comparative ticket machine data, but also household surveys to look at latent or suppressed demand. The local ‘Corporation Transport’ (let us call it) was also invited to participate and allowed the surveys to take place and be analysed and its complementary urban network be redesigned.

When the results emerged and a really sensible redirection of resources to strengthen the best corridors and the retention but frequency reduction on a secondary corridor were proposed, its manager looked panic stricken.

He could not argue the design logic but his first response was “You can’t do that, Councillor ‘Snooks’ lives on that service and he is Chairman of the Highways and Public Transport Committee and very close to the Leader.”

And indeed he couldn’t and didn’t do it (and all the passengers on his best services either paid more or had a less frequent service than was justified as a result)!

Does anybody remember Low Fell Coaches that was able to break the mould of Tyne and Wear PTE forcing all the trunk routes from the

‘You can’t do that, Councillor ‘Snooks’ lives on that service and he is Chairman of the Highways and Public Transport Committee and very close to the Leader’

south of the river to be terminated at Gateshead in order to force people on to the Metro?! Their customers appreciated that people do not like to change unnecessarily.

As if Nexus and Liverpool were not bad enough on their own, Baroness Kramer’s speech at Euro Bus Expo must have dismayed or angered a large proportion of the day’s attendees. Apparently an elected Mayor in Greater Manchester ‘will help create a more integrated and coordinated public transport strategy’ aping the so called benefits in London. Her use of the words ‘if supported by the public’ are also interesting in that the provincial great British public have so far shown no enthusiasm for such appointments when asked. That is without them having seen examples of the autocratic decision-making processes which can follow or indeed the malpractice and corruption which similar figureheads have shown tendencies towards in many mainland European countries!

The first Mayor of Doncaster and the current Mayor of Liverpool are not friends of public transport either and I hear little enthusiasm in Bristol either where the train lobby is very strong.

Coach operators to London must wonder how it is that the cycling fraternity are seemingly considered more important to London’s economy than coach tourism where its parking is set to be reduced. Another Mayoral obsession!

Meanwhile, back at the Show, there was no announcement about a new tranche of Green Bus Funding allowed for with the £500m set aside for Ultra Low Emission Vehicles between 2015 and 2020.

Perhaps that will go in the small print as a sop to the bus industry when the full details of the £15 billion road building ‘revolution’ are announced and the billions proposed for new high speed rail links in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, because one thing is certain. Local Authority budgets for buses are only going to be reduced as a result of successive governments’ illogical detestation of revenue versus capital spending.

My didactic advice echoes your Editor in saying all you can do is to try and educate your local MPs but I always found getting them to turn up or stay long enough was the hardest part. n www.coachandbusweek.com

17/11/2014 09:59

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TECHNOLOGY › STAGECOACH SUNDERLAND GAS STATION

Delivering for gas Andy Izatt visited Stagecoach North East’s Sunderland gas refuelling station just as it became fully operational using CNG supplied from the national grid

S

tagecoach North East at Sunderland has the largest gas bus operation in the country. Of 40 recently delivered ADL Enviro300SG-bodied Scania K270UBs, 17 are Euro 5, the remainder Euro 6 – the only Euro 6 gas buses in the UK. The gas bus allocation is just under half the depot’s complement of 89, all single-deck and mostly just a few months old meeting a PVR (Peak Vehicle Requirement) of 79. Diesel buses include 35 ADL Enviro200s of which 21 were delivered in 2013, half a dozen MAN A66s with Enviro200 bodies, four Plaxton Pointer Darts and a similar number of MAN Alexander ALX300s. The latter are the survivors of a much larger fleet largely replaced by the gas buses earlier this year.

Stagecoach had selected three potential sites for its first permanent gas refuelling station and Sunderland was chosen because of the layout of the depot, close proximity of a national grid gas main and electricity supply. Because of the volume of gas required – equivalent to supplying 1,200 domestic properties – a full size main was essential so the additional piping required would represent a significant cost. The existing demands of other local gas users also needed to be taken into consideration.

The refuelling station not only had to have sufficient capacity to supply the required number of vehicles, it needed to also be capable of doing it within the operator’s normal ‘fuelling window’. In Stagecoach North East’s case, that was the eight hours from 1700hrs to 0100hrs.

Like everything else Stagecoach does, the introduction of the gas fleet has been carefully planned and executed so it’s only now that it’s started to be refuelled using CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) from the national grid. Up to now a temporary LCNG (Liquid CNG) station has been used. That and maintenance have been executed with the minimum disruption to normal garage procedures, critical to the successful operation of the buses so far and all helping to prove the viability of the technology.

Engineering Director Gary Chisholm 22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014

022_026_CBW164_Stagecoach.indd 22

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Stagecoach North East has a fleet of 40 ADL Enviro300SG-bodied Scania K270UBs at Sunderland

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022_026_CBW164_Stagecoach.indd 23

November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 23 17/11/2014 09:57

TECHNOLOGY › STAGECOACH SUNDERLAND GAS STATION

Refuelling gas buses takes no longer than their diesel counterparts

PROFILE

About Gary Chisholm

Gary Chisholm, North East of England born and bred, was appointed Engineering Director at Stagecoach North East in June. His industry career started in 1989 as an engineering apprentice with TMS (Trimdon Motor Services). His father was a coachbuilder with the firm, his mother a conductress who later became office based at Trimdon Grange. She would go directly from there to give birth to Gary in 1972.

In 1990 TMS was sold to Caldaire, owner of United, its Tyne and Wear Omnibus Company subsidiary having been sold to Go-Ahead Group the previous year but immediately sold on to Busways.

By the age of 21, Gary was a Chargehand Fitter, but after redundancy in 1999 he went to work for Sunderland-based Redby Coaches as Workshop Foreman for a year before joining Busways, bought by Stagecoach in 1994. As Engineering Supervisor he worked at all of Stagecoach North East’s depots before becoming Engineering Manager, first at South Shields and then Stockton. From there he moved to Scotland as Engineering Director of Stagecoach West Scotland in September 2013.

“The industry is definitely in the blood,” said Gary. “I spent a lot of time at work with my dad during school holidays and he would persuade my mam to let me go to Plaxton’s or Duple with him sometimes instead of school. You definitely wouldn’t get away with that these days.”

24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014 022_026_CBW164_Stagecoach.indd 24

The temporary liquid CNG storage tank with the cryogenic vaporiser and 300bar storage cylinders behind explained that Stagecoach North East operates 474 vehicles from depots in Walkergate and Slatyford, Newcastle as well as South Shields, Teesside, Hartlepool and Sunderland.

Although the administration building at Sunderland, Stagecoach North East’s head office, dates from 1967, the fully equipped engineering facilities and running shed were originally built by PTE-owned Busways as a central works in 1986 and remain impressively clean and modern looking.

The engineering department is amongst the neatest and best organised this correspondent has ever seen, thanks to constant attention to detail from Engineering Manager and Technical Engineer for the North East, Kim Teasdale.

A fully equipped workshop cuts its own replacement side panels as required and vehicles are repainted by hand on a three-year cycle. There’s also an automated underfloor chassis cleaning facility and extensive stores that even include an automated storage dispenser for small parts. There are 14 12-metre pits interconnected within two maintenance areas and an ATF (Authorised Test Facility) lane used for the operator’s own vehicles.

Two compressors have been installed and there’s space for two more

Gas bus operation has come a long way since the trials that took place in the mid-1990s. Fuel quality could be an issue then and most of the engines were conversions rather than purposebuilt.

There are governors and a meter where the national grid gas main connects with the refuelling station

Why bio-methane?

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17/11/2014 09:57

‘Everyone is happy with the product from the MD down... Personally I think they could be the way forward’ – GARY CHISHOLM. The depot was originally built by PTE-owned Busways as a central works in 1986

Engineering Manager and Technical Engineer for the North East, Kim Teasdale

Richard Barski from Roadgas The problem with the fuel was that gas mains were often old cast iron pipes and if the joints were not kept moist they would leak. ‘Dosing’ helped overcome the problem, but it would also contaminate the fuel, potentially adversely effecting engines.

Much of the national grid pipe network has since been replaced using polyethylene while the current generation of gas refuelling stations use the latest technology to carefully monitor and filter the supply to ensure purity. Engines in today’s buses, whether they’re Scania, MAN or Cummins, are also purpose-built.

The current generation of gas buses can run on either CNG or bio-methane. Richard Barski, Managing Director of Scania’s gas refuelling infrastructure partner Roadgas, explained that for bus operators, the green ‘renewable energy’ credentials of bio-methane are very attractive.

It’s Stagecoach’s choice and has been that of the other ‘new generation’ gas bus operators, Reading Buses and Arriva.

There are now six anaerobic digestion plants around the country daily injecting around 120 tonnes of bio-methane into the national grid.

More plants are planned. It’s impossible to deliver that fuel directly to the bus operators.

They use whatever comes out of the gas main, which will be more than likely Natural Gas, but that’s offset by buying green gas certificates which trace the bio-methane purchased through the supply chain. Although the initial infrastructure is more expensive, Richard made the point that, overall, grid gas costs less per kilogram than liquid gas sources.

Roadgas is a Nottingham-based company with a quarter of a century’s experience of designing, www.coachandbusweek.com

022_026_CBW164_Stagecoach.indd 25

building, installing and maintaining gas refuelling stations and equipment. Supplying numerous bespoke CNG (grid gas), LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and LCNG installations around the country, its customers include Tesco, B&Q, Sainsburys, Coca Cola, Camden Council, Bulmers Cider, Leeds City Council, Veolia and now Stagecoach. It has worked abroad as well.

Roadgas builds high pressure gas transport trailers and storage banks as well as dispensing systems. It maintains what it constructs for customers as required and can own and operate a site if that’s the preference. Scania can supply a standalone finance package through Scania Finance (Great Britain) covering the infrastructure cost. The vehicle operator is free to buy fuel from whichever supplier offers the best price.

“We want to build long-term relationships with customers,” said Richard.

“When we make an installation we try and source everything in the UK. That’s where the electronics are made and we build the storage tanks and some of the components ourselves.”

From LCNG to CNG

Installing the refuelling infrastructure for a grid-fed gas station takes time – six to nine months not least because of the involvement of at least two utilities – so in Stagecoach’s case a temporary LCNG plant was installed by Roadgas so that operation of the buses could start as soon after the first batch were delivered as possible. That was February 24 this year on routes 16 (Hastings Hill – Red House Estate) and 20 (Fawcett Street – Pennywell). Service 3 (Doxford Park – Hylton Castle), 4 (Doxford Park

– Downhill) and 13 ( Doxford Park – Town End farm – Hylton Castle) followed when the Euro 6 buses were delivered a few weeks later.

LCNG was supplied to Sunderland three times a week by tanker at -161 degrees centigrade and just 8bar pressure. Weight sensors under the onsite storage tank enabled Roadgas staff back at Nottingham to monitor supply levels.

A cryogenic pump then pumped the liquid into a heat exchanging cryogenic vaporiser that converted it into gas. It was then stored in banks of cylinders at 300bar – the same ‘fast fill’ SM22 storage cylinders now holding the gridsupplied CNG. Each storage module comprises 22 cylinders.

Keeping the gas at high pressure is essential to ensure it successfully decants into the tanks on the vehicles where it’s stored at a lower pressure of 200bar. Pressure levels are controlled through the dispenser, important because as the gas goes into the vehicle it warms up.

Gas from the national grid is supplied at very low pressure, just 0.075bar which is one of the reasons why such a large supply main is required. Consequently two compressors – that’s more economic than having one large one – have been installed to bring the gas up to the necessary 300bar.

A pair of governors, a meter and shut off equipment marks where the supply comes in from the national grid and a specially-built 500kva substation provides the necessary electricity supply to power the whole operation.

Collectively the infrastructure investment at Sunderland including the temporary LCNG plant has been around £1m.

November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 25 17/11/2014 09:57

TECHNOLOGY › STAGECOACH SUNDERLAND GAS STATION Meeting all requirements

Gas refuelling is now properly integrated into the normal diesel refuelling, sweeping out and washing procedures at Sunderland where there are six shunters employed. The gas refuelling point had been located between the gas station and the refuelling shed for diesel buses, but, coinciding with the switchover to grid-supplied gas, it has been moved inside adjacent to the other fuel pumps. As before, there are two hoses so fuelling can continue in the event of one failing.

Storage and compressor capacity needed to be sufficient to deliver the necessary fast fill.

Installing a slow fill station was not considered because it would have required refuelling points for all the buses and there’s insufficient space. The same compressor capacity would have been required regardless. What has been installed is sufficient to service the 40-strong fleet and there’s space within the secure fenced facility for additional compressors if more vehicles are introduced.

As part of its maintenance contract Roadgas has installed web-based technology at the installation that continually monitors what’s going on from Nottingham. That’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week and covers every aspect so the customer does not become involved in the day-to-day operation of the site.

Most of what’s required can be done remotely including isolating a problem if there is one, but a service engineer will be dispatched when required. Monthly inspections are carried out regardless. In the event of an emergency ‘E-stops’ are strategically located around the refuelling infrastructure that shut everything down at the press of a button.

One change that needed to be made to the refuelling shed had nothing to do with gas, rather the wheelbase of the Scanias, which is slightly different to the MANs they replaced.

That changes the turning circle so a pillar by the entrance was removed to make it easier to

There are strict HSE regulations covering every aspect of gas bus operation and maintenance manoeuvre vehicles adjacent to the pump.

There are strict HSE (Health and Safety Executive) regulations covering every aspect of gas bus operation, whether it’s fuelling or maintenance. Gas rises so in the event of a leak there needs to be sufficient roof venting to allow it to escape. Fortuitously the Sunderland depot buildings already had louver roof venting so that has been wired into an alarm system to automatically open should gas be detected.

Audible and visual alarms will also be activated.

Much smaller piped roof vents have been installed, as has flame proof LED lighting.

A ‘sniffer test’ is carried out to ensure a gas bus is leak free prior to being driven over a workshop pit. The results are recorded. Once in position, prominent signage is placed at the front and rear of the vehicle although the distinctive blue livery

Passengers have been so impressed there has been an over 3% increase in numbers on routes 26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014 022_026_CBW164_Stagecoach.indd 26

carried by the Stagecoach Scanias is probably just as much an indicator.

Kim Teasdale, a supervisor and nine fitters have all received special training so that they can work on the buses. Some of that was from Scania (Great Britain), but Swagelok which supplies much of the specialist piping on the vehicles also contributed. Risk assessments have also been revised. Kim pointed out that Scania’s Washington dealership has been very responsive.

Positive feedback

“It’s good to be involved in such an exciting project,” observed Gary. “When I left Stagecoach North East last year to go and work for Stagecoach West Scotland we were talking about setting up the gas bus operation then.

Now it’s happening. Refuelling takes no longer than with a diesel bus and the vehicles are extremely reliable. We have periods when there are no vehicle breakdowns.

“Feedback from drivers has also been very good. There’s no special rota. All our drivers are type trained when we get new vehicles. They like the power and smoothness of the ride.

Passengers have been so impressed we have seen an over 3% increase in numbers on the routes using the buses.

“The North East has a good reputation for dealing with engineering issues. Kim is very methodical and we have the best engineering team. We have other low carbon technology buses – 26 Enviro400 hybrids based at Walkergate – but I would say that the gas buses are more reliable. There are no real issues with them. Early indications are that they’re a better alternative.

“The engines might have spark plugs instead of fuel injectors, but they’re still just engines.

The lubricants are the same, as are most of the parts. They’re still under warranty so it’s too early to draw any conclusions on costs, but what’s important is that they’re just another bus. Everyone is happy with the product from the MD down. Personally I think they could be the way forward.” n www.coachandbusweek.com

17/11/2014 09:57

000000-1164-RWT 17/11/2014 17:43 Page 1

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Y R E L L GAINSIGHT › JERSEY

Small, but perfectly formed

CT Plus (Jersey) trading as LibertyBus operates six ADL Enviro400s that were bought new when the island’s bus services were taken over from Connex in January 2013.

They operate service 15 between the airport and St Helier

Andy Izatt reports from Jersey

T

he Bailiwick of Jersey is located off the coast of Normandy, France and is the largest of the Channel Islands.

A British Crown dependency, it’s a self-governing parliamentary democracy not part of the United Kingdom although the UK is responsible for its defence. While not part of the European Union it’s treated as being part of the European Community for the purpose of free trade.

Narrow roads mean there is a 2.3m width and 9.3m length restriction on vehicles normally allowed to operate although P30

permits have been issued for double-deckers allowing their operation on specified roads for the first time in many years.

However, most of the island’s bus and coaches have to comply, something that has particularly impacted on the low-mileage, but aging coach fleet. Almost extinct anywhere else in the British Isles, Leyland Swifts are common place and there’s a notable number of the otherwise rare Cannon Hi Line.

With the right product, there might well be an opportunity for a dealer or manufacturer. Judging by what BASE announced at EBE it’s ready with the right solution.

Above: When it rains, Char-A-Banc of St Helier’s Leyland Tiger PS1 can provide appropriate protection for passengers Right: Largest coach operator on the island is Tantivy Blue Coach Tours with a maintenance base at St John. Two unusual CAMO Minerva-bodied Renaults PP180s are operated Bottom right: Rarely found elsewhere in the British Isles, the Leicester Carriage Builders-bodied Cannon Hi Line made an ideal coach for Jersey where most are found. Waverley Coaches operates six

28 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014 028_032_CBW1164_Jersey Gallery.indd 28

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Signature Coaches based near Jersey airport specialises in chauffeur cars and mini and midi coaches, but bought its first full size coach, a 43-seat Leicester Carriage Builders Cannon Hi Line last year. It has subsequently added another

Char-A-Banc of St Helier operates this part open top former London Transport ECW-bodied Bristol LH on tours of the island. As can be seen wet weather protection is provided if necessary

CT Plus (Jersey) bought 33 Optare Solo 33-seaters for the start of its new route franchise in January 2013. Frontline buses, one of them leaves the Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Etacq terminus of route 22

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028_032_CBW1164_Jersey Gallery.indd 29

November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 29 17/11/2014 10:01

Y R E L L GAINSIGHT › JERSEY

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Tantivty Blue Coach Tours has three Elme-bodied Leyland Swifts, the only ones on the island, although one is now withdrawn

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Still operating on school services are 10 step entrance Plaxton Pointer Dennis Darts that came from Connex, but were new to JMT

Above: Something of a tourist attraction itself is Char-A-Banc of St Helier’s former JMT (Jersey Motor Transport) Leyland Tiger PS1 with Reading coachwork, rebodied by Vernon Priaulx for Guernseybus in the early 1990s and later operated by Mac Tours, Edinburgh and Ensignbus Left: The four Fiat Ducanobased Bluebird Orions bought by CT Plus (Jersey) when it took over the island’s bus services in January 2013 now seem to see little use

30 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014 028_032_CBW1164_Jersey Gallery.indd 30

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November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 31

Y R E L L GAINSIGHT › JERSEY

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The sails livery adopted by CT Plus (Jersey) was chosen as the result of a public vote. The 12 sails on each bus show a parish crest

Above: A reminder of a previous generation of island coach is this 40-seat Duple Dominantbodied Bedford SB5 stored by Waverley Coaches at its La Collette, St Helier base Above right: The Tantivy Blue Coach Tours fleet includes 14 Wadham Stringer-bodied Leyland Swifts some of which are often parked at the Living Legend tourist attraction. These three came respectively from Blue Coach Tours, Luton & District and Armchair Right: One of 14 29-seat Caetano Nimbus-bodied Darts taken over by CT Plus (Jersey) from Connex makes its way through the centre of St Helier.

Another 18 similar 41-seaters were retained as school buses 32 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014 028_032_CBW1164_Jersey Gallery.indd 32

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17/11/2014 10:04

OPINION › BUS REGULATORY REFORM

Re-regulating

buses: a game of two halves?

Likening running buses to a game of football, seasoned West Midlands-based transport campaigner Phil Tonks looks at the differences to the passenger of the much-trumpeted ‘London-style’ bus model to that on offer in the provinces

I

t was the great Bill Shankly who said of the beautiful game, “football is a simple game made complicated by people who should know better.” And so, maybe, the same could be said about bus services.

The public transport trade press has been punctuated in recent times by stories related to plans by various parties to ‘re-regulate’ the provision of our buses.

If the object of a game of football is to simply get the ball into your opponent’s goal, the half and full-time ‘waf�le’ by ‘experts’ often clouds the issue. Buses too are essentially simple.

Provide a timetable, turn up at the stop on time, get the passenger to their destination. Of course there is far more to it than that, but essentially that’s what it is.

So I often wonder if the time I spend reading the Nexus plans for a Quality Contract (QC) in the North East are minutes I shall never get back. They talk about ‘passenger bene�its,’ ‘local policy objectives’ and ‘proportionate in its impact on communities.’ Is this buses made complicated?

As a passenger, the simplest thing I want is the bus to turn up on time. I can �ind nothing thus far in the QC plans to suggest that traf�ic congestion will be effectively tackled to give the bus an advantage.

On top of all of this, Nexus appears to be hell-bent on imposing this regime on an area 34 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014

034_036_CBW1164_Phil Tonks.indd 34

which boasts some of the best passenger satisfaction �igures in the country. Where are all these disaffected bus passengers screaming for something better?

Regional devolution

And then we have Ed Miliband. The Labour Leader has stumbled upon buses in his latest policy pledge to bolster his general election campaign. He claims that buses outside London currently “fail to serve the public interest.” Eh? Ok, my experience might be skewed somewhat by the fact that I live in a PTE area, but my local day-to-day experience of using buses is that the timetable is good for my needs.

It is congestion that screws things up. The commercial bus network, topped up by Centro tenders, serves my ‘interest’ perfectly well. And I know that, seeing the vast majority of it is provided commercially, I am not, as a taxpayer, exposed to any unnecessary �inancial risk. The nice bus company has also been buying some new buses, and will continue to do so for the next �ive years, providing job security for a lot of people and providing a comfortable, pleasurable travelling experience for me, the passenger.

Win-win, I think they call it in management speak.

Now, I know it’s not like that everywhere. I travel all over the country sampling differing levels of service, and, yes, it isn’t all roses in

the garden. I’ve often wished the frequency is higher, especially when you get out into the green and pleasant areas. This is a different ball game, but inevitably with a similar end result.

In city/urban areas like the West Midlands, frequencies are usually good enough for most journeys. Operational Managers at bus operators are usually savvy enough to provide supply to demand. On some housing estates, a 30-minute frequency is adequate enough for the demands of the mostly concessionary pass holders’ needs. On key arteries into the city centre, a �ive-minute frequency is required to cope with demand. That’s how it works. It isn’t essentially dif�icult. Even I get it as a humble passenger.

So what would a QC do to so enhance the passenger’s lot in the North East? Perhaps ‘cross-subsidise’ pro�its from these wellperforming city services to provide new links to areas that need bolstering? It all sounds very good, but how long before someone (either a local Councillor after votes or some Clarksonesque petrolhead) points out that there are buses rolling around ‘carrying fresh air’ (I’ve never heard THAT one before…). And with Councillors holding the reigns of power in such a scenario, I’ll leave you to work out what happens next.

Stagecoach’s MD in the North East Phil Medlicott concludes it’s “putting politics www.coachandbusweek.com

17/11/2014 09:56

According to Phil, London’s bus network is “brilliant” – but it’s by no means perfect. A Go-Ahead London ADL Enviro400 and a Wrightbus-bodied Volvo B7TL cross Vauxhall Bridge on July 19

for them – but the commercial model (with honourable exceptions) mainly delivers for the travelling British public.

The elephant in the room is the ‘top up’ system of tendered services. The local authorities have ever-dwindling amounts of money to throw at this. When David Cameron promises everyone a ‘tax cut’ as part of his election goodies, this is the inevitable consequence – a further squeeze on public services. So maybe Nexus has a point when it sees the likes of Stagecoach, Arriva and Go-Ahead pocketing it on high-frequency city routes, leaving them to top up from a nearly empty piggy bank on evenings and weekends.

But a QC – and transfer of risk of millions of pounds to the taxpayer is an extremely high price to pay for this – and what about the aforementioned busy bodies who will still moan when they see ‘empty’ buses riding around as a result of all of this?

What makes London brilliant?

before passengers.” I agree with him. Buses are a simple game – turn up on time and carry passengers to where they want to go. I’ve never heard a passenger talk about how the industry is governed – they aren’t interested, and neither should they be. It’s all about the simple experience of using buses – and the customer satisfaction results appear to suggest reasonably good times in the North East.

Ian Morgan knows a thing or two about decent bus services. The current Chairman of bus industry lobby group the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), he is the cofounder of Wellglade, which is the parent of Trent Barton – a company I implore anyone employed in the bus industry to spend a day riding their services. They are one of Britain’s leading bus operators – and a million miles from Ed Miliband’s assertion of ‘failing to serve the public interest.’ He says: “Surely (it’s) the most important thing – are customers happy or not?”

I’m quoting senior bus people here – and of course they would say that, wouldn’t they?

They’re there to make a profit, and they do it through supply and demand. The one thing I would throw at private operators as a downside is that they make changes to their services too often, but on the whole, most of them know what they are doing. Some local Councillors think they know better when it comes to bus services – often because there are votes in it www.coachandbusweek.com

034_036_CBW1164_Phil Tonks.indd 35

What about London? The argument goes something like ‘if London can have such brilliant bus services, why can’t the rest of us?’

London IS brilliant. I never tire of the capital’s bus services and always look forward to a ride on the network whenever I’m down there. But let’s break this brilliance down: l High frequency buses.

I know wherever I go in the West End my service will have a high-frequency. But hang on. Actually, most of Birmingham also has this.

I’ve stood at bus stops in London for 20-plus minutes and three have come together, just like Birmingham – and London has far more bus priority than my city. Then they have a strange phenomenon of promptly terminating routes via some computer-generated voice booming over the bus. That rarely happens in the West

Birmingham enjoys high-frequencies like London but in Phil’s experience, doesn’t suffer from buses being turned short with the same regularity November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 35 17/11/2014 09:56

OPINION › BUS REGULATORY REFORM

Cashless payment and Oyster cards not being easy to obtain are two of London’s bad points, in Phil’s opinion Midlands compared to London. ● Oyster cards.

I have this wonderful bit of kit on a card no bigger than the palm of my hand that gives me freedom to use the buses, tube, some trains and trams in London. But hang on. If I buy a Network ticket in the West Midlands, I’ve got… exactly the same freedom. The only advantage London’s Oyster has over my Network West Midlands ticket is that the credit doesn’t run out after, say, a week or a month. We have ‘Swift’ as an equivalent, but it’s taking an age to get the same bene�it mentioned as Oyster. However is this so insurmountable?

Is London really that good?

Passenger satisfaction

to travel Birmingham to Euston, walk ‘next door’ to St. Pancras and hop on my Eurostar.

However, a problem at the West Midlands end saw me unexpectedly using Chiltern’s service to Marylebone instead.

Not having planned to use my Oyster, I hadn’t brought it with me, so ended up using the tube from Marylebone to St. Pancras at some extortionate price for a single trip. I had actually wanted to use the 205 bus instead. Where do I get an Oyster quickly? How much credit do I have to put on it? Could I transfer any unused credit onto my ‘normal’ Oyster when I got home? All too dif�icult. And I suspect I’m not the

London’s cashless bus system is also an interesting move. For regulars, it’s a boon. Hop on with your Oyster or ‘wave and pay’ debit card and it’s all so simple and quick. You can �ill a double-decker very quickly when people aren’t faf�ing around with change – ask National Express West Midlands in Birmingham’s peak.

They and their predecessors have been doing this since the 1970s with their ‘exact fare’ policy.

But hang on. Having ‘no cash fares’ on London buses has one major �law – occasional users. I found this to my cost only last month. On my way to Germany via St. Pancras, my plan was

‘Trent Barton ... are one of Britain’s leading bus operators – and a million miles from Ed Miliband’s assertion of ‘failing to serve the public interest’

London actually doesn’t score so well as other parts of the country when it comes to satis�ied bus passengers. Why is our capital’s bus network not running away with the league title?

It has its own ‘Brian Clough and Peter Taylor’ management team in Sir Peter Hendy and Leon Daniels. They seem to me to be getting it right, but as discussed ad-in�initum amongst transport people, London is so unique in its governance and make-up, it would seem dif�icult to replicate its success elsewhere in the country for myriad reasons. Maybe London passengers are just more �ickle than the rest of us.

36 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014 034_036_CBW1164_Phil Tonks.indd 36

only one to fall foul of having to use the bus at very short notice. The man in the Underground station said I could have ‘waved my debit card’ on the bus instead, but my card is not enabled to do this – and isn’t due to be reissued for another couple of years yet.

That’s a long-winded way of pointing out that, maybe, London isn’t all that glitters after you take the wrapping off – and provincial areas shouldn’t always use the argument that London is so much better than their own local offering when it comes to buses.

Conclusion

Could the country’s bus operators do better?

Undoubtedly. In the North East, the ‘big three’ have been working hard to come up with (now rejected) proposals to counter the QC threat. It shows that improvements can always be made.

However, I’m just not convinced a QC is the answer to bus passenger’s needs. Deregulated bus services aren’t perfect, but 28 years after the Thatcher administration gave us the ‘free-for-all’ (outside London), the industry has matured. Opponents may point to falling passenger numbers, but we need to delve much more deeply into reasons why this is.

Until we have politicians local and national who can see the long-term picture, and are willing to take the often unpopular short-term measure of removing road space from cars in favour of buses, we will remain in this political posturing state of promising something that, actually, fails to deliver when push comes to shove.

Buses, like football, is a simple game. Why are we trying to make it more complicated when we know the answers already? ■ www.coachandbusweek.com

17/11/2014 09:56

699347-1129-Unwin

7/3/14

14:01

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699493-1164-EVM 15/11/2014 14:44 Page 1

The essential read for Minibus Operators

November 2014

MINIBUS New products at the show included the Sitcar Voyager, which is to be available from the associated Moseley companies

Birmingham – bright spot of the year Minibus buyers turn out in force at the industry’s big show – Euro Bus Expo 2014

D

elighted exhibitors at this year’s Euro Bus Expo, held at the NEC, were unanimous in declaring the event a huge success.

While not all enquiries can ever be turned into con�irmed orders, the response from show visitors was regarded as extremely positive – and by some as unprecedented.

The outcome seems likely to bene�it just about everyone who had vehicles on display. To make it more interesting there were quite a few new and exciting entries to the market, notably from Ferqui, Turas, Sitcar, Plastisol, EVM and Mellor Coachcraft. It was certainly heartening to hear exhibitors saying they had experienced considerable numbers of visitors – not just there to look but with many prepared to do deals and purchase new vehicles.

Since the end of 2013 and throughout this year there have been signs the overall market was improving and operator con�idence growing, but this development is certainly a marked change from previous years following the recession and a long period of dif�iculty in obtaining �inance. While the national economy is far from ‘out of the woods’ as it continues with austerity measures in a bid to balance the books, the minibus sector appears to have thrown off the shackles and is forging ahead.

Martin Cole MINIBUS Editor

www.coachandbusweek.com

039_CBW1164_MINIBUS_Opener.indd 39

November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 39 17/11/2014 09:54

MINIBUS › NEWS

Mellor partners with UNVI for accessible 33-seaters 10T Atego offering to swell Mellor Coachcraft range Mellor Coachcraft is to develop a 33-seat wheelchair accessible vehicle based on the UNVI Voyager GT. As detailed in last week’s CBW (p42), the Voyager GT model is built on a 10 tonne Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz Atego chassis featuring rear air suspension.

Mellor’s Managing Director Geoff Hudson said the company would import the bodied chassis as a part completed shell and then install a flat floor with seat tracking instead of the sunken gangway on UNVI’s own coach specification models. The coachstyle rear moulding is being adapted by UNVI to allow fitment of large rear doors to facilitate wheelchair accessibility via an underfloor passenger lift in place of the current coach boot and rear

luggage compartment.

Geoff commented: “Customers seeking a replacement for Mercedes-Benz Vario-based products seem quite attracted to the prospect. The Voyager is an attractive, modern design and well put together. We are retaining the offside driver’s entrance door as access to the seat is not particularly good from inside the coach and the emergency exit door is being relocated. I think one significant detail is the use of large but sensible drivers’ mirrors.

They are perfectly adequate and will be inexpensive to replace in comparison to most modern coach-style mirrors.”

The Mellor-finished Voyager GT is expected to retail around the £130,000 mark, depending on customer specification.

For more details, call Mellor Coachcraft on 01706 860610.

Visit www.mellor-coachcraft.co.uk.

Abacus sales and support for Politenica

Cambridgeshire-based Abacus Transport Products is to provide sales, back-up and aftermarket support services for the range of vehicle seating produced by Italian manufacturer Politecnica.

Abacus has over 30 years of experience in the vehicle seating market and this move extends its range considerably, particularly in the luxury and executive sectors where it can now supply high quality, attractive reclining seats which meet all the latest European specifications.

The Politecnica range covers all bus, minibus, minicoach or coach applications.

Frank Riola (right) of Abacus Transport Products seals the sales and support agreement for Politecnica with Francesco Formicomi Following discussions at the recent Euro Bus Expo at the NEC in Birmingham, both companies

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forged an agreement which sees Abacus take responsibility not just for new sales, but also for

any warranty issues and for rapid supply of any replacement parts in order to reduce vehicle off-road time.

Abacus director Frank Riola enthused: “We will look after the whole of the UK and Ireland providing support and back-up for Politecnica customers. This includes a substantial stockholding of components such as seat back tables, magazine nets, armrests, seatbelts and other fittings.”

He added: “Significantly, it means operators can contact us directly and obtain what they need immediately. Furthermore it will reduce downtime considerably as operators will not need to chase up support from the vehicle manufacturer or from Italy.”

For more details, call Abacus Transport Products on 01476 710700 or visit www.abacus-tp.com.

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Oxford Minibus & Coach takes EVM Classic

Mellor Coachcraft will convert UNVI Voyager GT bodyshells into 33-seat accessible vehicles

The Oxford Minibus & Coach of Birmingham has taken delivery of a new 22-seat EVM Classic.

Based on a Euro 6 MercedesBenz Sprinter 516 Cdi, it features the 163bhp engine, coupled to a seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox.

The operator also opted for an EVM plug-type electric door with manual emergency release and exterior key lock facility in conjunction with an integrated three-stage entry step with LED strip lights.

The vehicle retains its original windscreen and employs standard OEM side glazing which is heat insulated and tinted in privacy grey.

Original Mercedes-Benz 270-degree glazed hinged rear doors were also retained and EVM’s lightweight removable partition was specified to allow closing off a boot area to rear of saloon after sacrificing a few saloon seats. Two rows of seats at the rear are mounted on NMI quick release seat fixings to allow for down-seating.

Two full-length brushed aluminium luggage racks incorporate strip lighting and blue

Brusa Crete 80 seats set the airy interior off LED night lights with individual passenger service units.

In-Dash air-conditioning is supported by a Mercedes-Benz saloon air-conditioning system via seven directional outlets in the centre roof cowling. Saloon heating is aided with a heater booster.

A Mercedes-Benz Sound 15 upgrade was given to the Bluetooth-ready radio/SD/USB system with saloon speakers integrated in the luggage racks. A PA system with hand microphone was also added.

Passenger seating is the Brusa Crete 80, featuring three-point seatbelts, folding armrests to

aisle sides and upholstered in real leather with piping cord and contrasting stitching.

Additional features include EuroLiner wheel trims, front fog lights integrated into the bumper, body moulded side skirts in matching vehicle colour and colour coded bumpers and side mouldings.

The Oxford Minibus & Coach fleet includes luxury vehicles ranging from minibuses to full-size coaches which enables it to cater for groups of all sizes. The company covers everything from wedding travel and corporate events, to airport transfers and day trips.

Pontefract.

Lorry driver Kevin Ollerhead, 45, crashed into the back of the vehicle, shunting it 50 yards along the road and into a barrier, leaving it lying on its side across an exit slip road.

Kevin, of Lincoln Crescent, St Helens, Merseyside, was found not guilty of causing the death of Bethany by dangerous driving after a trial at Leeds Crown Court last month.

He told the court he was a professional driver and there was nothing he could have done to avoid the collision.

Judge Kearl said to James: “Had your coach not been struck by the heavy goods vehicle driven by Mr Ollerhead, it would have been by someone else, if there had not

been an intervening miracle. This was, quite literally, an accident waiting to happen.”

The court heard that James had suffered two mini-strokes in 2009 and 2011 and had an IQ of 71, with poor concentration and memory, when he was assessed after the crash.

He was granted a new threeyear licence in 2011 and did not inform the DVLA about his medical conditions.

Sam Green, mitigating, said James’ mental impairment meant he did not realise he should not have been driving.

Sam said James, who had one previous conviction in February 2012 for using a mobile phone while driving, had an “overwhelming sense of guilt.”

Six years for minibus driver in M62 hen party crash A minibus driver has been jailed for more than six years after a crash that left a young woman dead and many of her friends injured as they travelled to a hen party.

Bethany Jones, 18, was on her way to Liverpool with a group of friends when the bus they were in was hit from behind by a lorry on the M62 in West Yorkshire.

Minibus driver James Johnson, 64, pleaded guilty to causing Bethany’s death by dangerous driving at an earlier hearing at Leeds Crown Court.

The court heard that the 24-seater coach driven by Johnson had mechanical problems and was travelling extremely slowly along the motorway when the crash happened.

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James failed to take any action to avoid the collision, ignoring warnings from passengers and other road users, who were sounding their horns, and failing to leave the motorway at the exit, pull on to the hard shoulder or use his hazard lights.

Sentencing him to six years and eight months in prison, Judge Guy Kearl QC said: “Your passengers were 20 females aged between 18 and 59 years.

“Each of them had put themselves in your hands to carry them safely to their destination.

They trusted you with their lives.”

The speed of the coach gradually slowed to a crawl until it was travelling at just 5.5mph in the nearside westbound lane of the M62, just after junction 32, near

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MINIBUS › NEWS

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Avantgarde set for Shetland operation Popular 19-seat EVM minibus is latest addition to Johnson Transport’s fleet Johnson Transport, based in Brae in the Shetland Isles, has taken delivery of an EVM Avantgarde Sprinter with 19 passenger seats.

It is based on Euro 6 MercedesBenz Sprinter 516 Cdi with a 163 engine and seven-speed 7G-Tronic gearbox. It retains its original windscreen but was fitted with an electric plug-type entrance door and EVM’s three-stage entry steps with LED strip lighting and stainless steel inserts. Stepped, curved double glazed side windows, tinted in privacy grey were also installed.

A rear partition in the saloon and full depth drop boot create ample luggage space with a raised floor and boot pedestal which is accessed via the original hinged rear doors which have 270-degree opening. A pair of luggage racks in the saloon provide further storage space and these are finished in brushed aluminium and incorporate LED strip lighting, blue LED night lights and individual passenger service sets.

In-Dash air-conditioning combines with forced air ventilation ducted through service units in the luggage racks. A heater booster unit provides saloon heating.

Johnson Transport also opted for a Bluetooth-ready Audio 10 upgrade radio/SD system and a PA

EVM’s three-year unlimited mileage warranty was a key selling point for Johnson Transport with hand microphone.

The 19 reclining seats are Brusa Crete 100 units with three-point seatbelts, folding armrests to aisle sides and trimmed in Epengle moquette with leather headrests.

Additional enhancement included EVM body moulded side skirts, colour coded bumpers,

side mouldings and front grill in matching vehicle colour.

Johnson Transport is a family business, established during 1950 in Brae. It provides public service bus routes in both the north and central Shetland, as well as school transport routes. It also provides transport services to Scatsta

Airport and the Sullom Voe Oil Terminal as well as operating private and corporate hire services in a range of different vehicles.

Gary Johnson claimed to be very impressed by the Avantgarde indicating EVM’s three-year unlimited mileage warranty had been a key selling point.

EVM launches five-year Mercedes-Benz unlimited mileage chassis warranty EVM has introduced a full fiveyear unlimited mileage chassis warranty on all its new MercedesBenz Sprinter-based vehicles.

The company said peace of mind and strong residual values when the time comes to trade up have always been a high priority for its customers, and EVM believed this would be reinforced by the addition of the five-year warranty

package.

All new Mercedes-Benz vanbased products sourced through Mercedes-Benz UK or their dealerships are covered by a threeyear manufacturer warranty. EVM applies the extension PowerGuard warranty for year four and five.

Launched at the recent Eurobus Expo exhibition the scheme features:

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l Unlimited Mileage Warranty. l Unlimited Claims. l Complete Vehicle Warranty. l Roadside Breakdown Assistance & Recovery. l Replacement Vehicle Contribution. l Mercedes Benz Supported. l National Recognition. l Europe Wide Support l Transferable to new owner.

Commenting on the new package, EVM Sales Manager Peter Flynn said: “Show visitors were very impressed by the new warranty package and it proved extremely popular.

“It has led to the generation of a significant number of very strong enquiries which we believe will translate into vehicle orders over the coming weeks and months.”

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17/11/2014 10:00

THE BIG PICTURE Another unusual small vehicle photographed by David Bell is this open-sided Optare MetroRider, which operates for Island Rover Coach Tours of St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Isles of Scilly. It was new to Blackpool Transport, hence the North Pier destination. Island Rover also has a rare Barnard-bodied Austin CXB new to Guernsey Motors in 1948 and a Plaxton Pointer-bodied Volvo B6. Amongst other vehicles used was a Leyland PD2 open topper for five seasons from 2005, but subsequently returned to owner, London Bus Export Company of Lydney. Island Rover advertises two tours that depart from Holgateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green, one at 1015hrs, the other at 1330hrs. The morning tour is designed to get back to Hugh Town in time for participants to catch the midday boat to the Island of Tresco. It gives day trippers the opportunity to visit two islands in one day.

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17/11/2014 10:00

MINIBUS › EURO BUS EXPO MINIBUS EvoBus’ MercedesBenz Sprinter City 45

Minibus market on the move

T

his year’s Euro Bus Expo at the NEC marked a welcome return of operator con�idence. Strong enquires and a number of orders were the general result for the majority of exhibitors. There were also some new models on show which added to the overall interest.

Noone/Minis to Midis

The joint Noone/Minis to Midis stand representing the Turas-branded products was the partnership’s largest to date and designed to cater for the entire range incorporating the three newest models – the Mercedes-Benz Atego-based 900, and 700, a very stylish Iveco 70C17. The latter, arguably the most attractive looking minicoach in the show, generated some keen interest, although most of those verging on placing orders said it would be subject to a test drive as the product is so new.

Alan White of Minis to Midis said response

Euro Bus Expo reveals a vibrant minibus market as operator con�idence returns – Martin Cole reviews what was on show to the Turas 900 had been “unprecedented.”

Initial con�irmed orders prior to its launch had settled at 20 but the show boosted this �igure to 45 – more than doubling the number and pushing delivery dates for any new orders into May 2015.

Based on the 9.5t Atego 918L chassis the new 900 measures 9.0m long and not only seats 33 passengers with comfortable legroom and a generous gangway, it also has a huge boot offering six cubic metres of luggage space.

Noone is developing a 900 variant called the Turas Ecoline. An ideal bus platform as a school bus, it’s expected to arrive in March 2015.

The Iveco-based Turas 700 is built on the 7.2t 70C17 and can seat up to 27 passengers

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plus a courier. It comes with a four-year chassis warranty and offers up to �ive cubic metres of luggage space in a large coach-style rear boot.

Other examples on show included various adaptations of the popular Turas 500 conversions on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis.

These included a 16 seat executive model equipped with four tables, a 19-seat version and a 22 seater.

EvoBus

EvoBus UK also made a strong showing by displaying its complete range of factory-built minibus products together for the �irst time.

A delighted Marcus Watts said he was amazed at the response from visitors and con�irmed a

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which seats 13 passengers in the raised rear section and up to four more on tip-up seats in the low middle section, depending on whether a wheelchair is aboard. It also has a large manually operated boarding ramp to facilitate wheelchair access.

EVM

EvoBus’ Sprinter Mobility entrance

EvoBus’ Sprinter Mobility 15-seat accessible minibus

Paul O’Connor, PLS Operations Director, Mike Simmonds, CEO Mobility Networks and Adam Beck, PLS MD number of orders had been taken at the show.

“The show vehicles have a really high specification carrying all the new safety options including collision prevention, lane departure warning, blind spot assist and automatic headlamp assist,” he said.

“Despite the additional cost of these systems, customers have been keen to buy and this is the first time we have sold vehicles at a show.

“Having just recently secured a deal with the Library Service in Northern Ireland, we are looking at doing at least 130 vehicles this year.

We have some very strong enquiries to chase up over the coming weeks so things are looking extremely positive.”

Exhibits on the EvoBus stand included a

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Sprinter Transfer 11/12-seat general purpose minibus with a large rear luggage space created by a tubular steel partition incorporating a half height shelf. There was also a coach specification Travel Touring with 19 seats and lateral seat movement to create extra width for increased comfort once all passengers are seated.

For the accessible transport market a 15-seat Sprinter Mobility was shown. It featured a PLS underfloor passenger lift, 270 degree opening rear doors and was equipped with Phoenix Blenheim seats mounted on NMI lockables in Unwin floor tracking.

Attracting considerable attention this year was the Sprinter City 45 lowfloor minibus

EVM’s stand featured a selection of its popular Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based conversions and also the new coachbuilt Grand Tourer.

Carrying Rainham Coach Company livery, the Grand Tourer was equipped with 19 seats, luggage racks, coach-style rear and boot, airconditioning and tinted double-glazing. It was based on the 519 Cdi Bluetec platform.

Also prominent on the stand was a Sprinter X-Clusive for BM Coaches with a coach-style rear and large drop boot. An Avantgarde 19-seater for Airlynx Express, on a 516 Cdi Bluetec which was equipped with standard rear doors and a towbar. This was the last in a batch of six supplied to the company which comprised a mixture of 16, 19 and 22 seats. A 22-seat Elegance for KB Coaches completed the show stand line-up.

EVM’s outside exhibition featured a 22-seat Classic for ECO Cabs of Hexham, Northumberland.

Sales Manager, Peter Flynn, said: “With over nine vehicles sold during the three days of the show and a whopping 400 requests for quotations on new vehicles, this was one of the busiest show’s ever for EVM. “Our new Grand Tourer attracted huge interest with its 19-seat plus courier layout in combination with a huge boot and side lockers, proving itself a match for the needs of most operators. We expect to see a lot more of these in the coming year!

“Our new five-year warranty was the talk of the show. Not only a first for EVM but a first for the industry, the possibility of protecting their vehicle for a full five years with a full Mercedes Benz chassis warranty proved irresistible to all visitors to the stand. We are are now delighted to announce that for 2015 we will also be extending our conversion warranty to three years.”

Moseley Group

Moseley Group’s mini and midicoach offerings in past years have been catered for respectively by the Sitcar-bodied Beluga and Marlin models on Mercedes-Benz Vario and Atego chassis.

This year sees the start of significant change, with the Beluga and Marlin disappearing from the line up and replaced by a Sitcar Voyager sitting on a lighter 7.2t Iveco 70C17 chassis.

Powered by a 170bhp Euro 6 engine, it was equipped with 25 Lazzerini reclining seats in a well-appointed saloon. The larger option sees the introduction of the Indcar Next which is available on a 10t Atego chassis with up to 33 seats or on a 12t chassis with up to 37 seats. A

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MINIBUS › EURO BUS EXPO MINIBUS

Interest in the Turas 900 was “unprecedented” – according to Alan White. While there were 20 orders prior to its launch, that figure reached 45 after the show

Altas displayed this Sprinter 519 Cdi Tourline built in Lithuania

Another popular vehicle on EVM’s stand was this 19-seat Avantgarde

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EvoBus had its largest ever display of minibuses in one place

This 22-seat EVM Elegance is destined for KB Coaches

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glass roof option is available on the Next and it has a special feature allowing the fast removal of the rear five seats and sliding the partition forwards. This increases luggage capacity from just under six cubic metres to just under seven cubic metres.

A coachbuilt Sitcar Mercedes-Benz Sprinter/ Trend XL/Spirit also made an appearance to gauge customer reaction. Karl Moseley said it had attracted some interest but was deemed too expensive to compete in the UK coachbuilt sector. It is not a product the company will take on board.

He added: “Now we have also taken on Beulas there is a small coach option in the range called the Gianino. If customers are interested in this, it can be supplied with up to 31 seats.”

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Connaught PSV

Connaught PSV revealed the new Ferqui F5 for the first time in the UK. Based on a Mercedes-Benz Atego, it can seat from 34 to 38 passengers. Connaught’s Steve Peach said the vehicle had been given a good reception with orders for three taken at the show and a number of strong enquiries where the outcome will be subject to a test drive.

Joining the new F5 were two popular versions of the Sprinter-based coachbuilt Soroco, a 19seat version for Bestway Travel which is to be followed by a second example very shortly. The other Soroco for Amersham & Windsor Carriage Company was a high-specification 16-seat version and the seventh this year for the same customer. They are all direct replacements for minicoach conversions.

Steve Peach added: “It has been a very good show for us. There was good footfall and we had a lot of solid enquiries in addition to a few orders. Quite a lot of those interested in the F5 have requested test drives – as you would expect with such a new vehicle. I’m told it runs quietly but I haven’t had the chance to drive one myself yet, so until we get a demonstrator out there I can’t say how it feels or how noisy it is – which is always a concern with front-engined vehicle.”

Mellor Coachcraft

Mellor Coachcraft’s surprise exhibit was an Orion Lite which weighs in at just 4.2t and is therefore beneficial to organisations where driver licensing can be problematic. The Fiat Ducato-based Orion Lite is 7.5m long and

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MINIBUS › EURO BUS EXPO MINIBUS

The rear access for GM Coachwork’s Sprinter – one of 20 vehicles for NHS Lothian 2.2m wide and can seat up to 16 passengers. Its lowfloor saloon and rear entrance doors means wheelchairs can be boarded via a lightweight folding ramp which provides a shallow boarding angle.

Managing Director Geoff Hudson said: “We’ve had a very positive reaction to Orion Lite and some keen expressions of interest. It is, however, built to a specification and does not offer much in the way of options as its weight is right on the edge. If customers try to insist on many extras it will take it into a different category. For customers wanting additions, we can supply the Orion Plus which can seat up to 20 passengers or the Orion Stage Carriage which has a 22 passenger capacity.”

Accompanying the Orion Lite on the stand was Mellor’s more conventional 16-seat Sprinter Accessible with a flat saloon floor, fold out access step and rear passenger lift. This can carry up to six wheelchairs and was the company’s current demonstrator.

Plastisol

Plastisol exhibited its composite-bodied lowfloor CM Mission which employs a Fiat Ducato driveline. Conventional versions of the Mission are to be marketed through vehicle conversion specialist Oughtred & Harrison.

They are being supplied as shells and O&H will trim and equip the vehicles according to customer requirements. An electric version of the Mission is nearing completion in Holland and this will be handled direct by Plastisol UK. Plastisol said it had received a lot of positive feedback from visitors who were attracted to the Mission’s functionality and the prospect

Mellor Coachcraft’s flat floored Sprinter Accessible with 16 seats or six wheelchairs

Rescroft’s CT Space seating

Denise Barton and Jeff Casswell of GM Coachwork

of lower whole life costs. The composite body, which is both lightweight and strong, carries a lifetime warranty and Plastisol calculates its customers would save considerable outlay by retaining the vehicle in service and rebuilding or replacing driveline components as necessary – avoiding the short-term vehicle replacement cycles attached to traditional vehicles.

The full-size coach rig that included three Access lifts demonstrating entry points which can be achieved on a coach at either side front entrance, bottom-locker or ski-locker locations for safe lifting and lowering of wheelchair passengers. Lifts included the EQ model, the latest evolution of PLS’s Ski-locker Lift where handrails have been enhanced to ensure smoother, easier deployment and storage. A front entrance, fully automatic, two-piece coach cassette platform with PLS Magic Floor provides seamless transfer from roadside to raised passenger deck for wheelchair users.

CEO Mike Simmonds said: “With the synergy between Mobility Networks’ global

Mobility Networks

Mobility Networks Group displayed accessibility products for bus and coach application highlighted by a demonstration rig showing the latest Access passenger lifts from PLS alongside ramps, door opening systems and escape hatches.

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MINIBUS › EURO BUS EXPO MINIBUS connections and the strength of the PLS brand in the UK, I am delighted to say Euro Bus Expo has been a success for us. We’ve been busy all three days explaining PLS service and maintenance packages which are designed to deliver cost effective, efficient support for fleet managers. Our skilled nationwide team has the capability and expertise to meet all servicing requirements from annual services to LOLER testing so VOR time is minimised, irrespective of fleet size or type.”

TBC

Tax & Bus Conversions exhibited a Volkswagen Crafter conversion equipped with an additional passenger entry step, 16 seats, flat floor and an internal split-platform passenger lift. These vehicles are available through TBC or via the Volkswagen dealer network. TBC said it was very pleased with response from show visitors.

Connaught’s 16-seat Ferqui Soroco

Red Kite

Red Kite is currently specialising in Peugeot Boxer-based minibuses aimed at the school transport sector. Two key models in its range are the SportLight – which accommodates from nine to 15 seats or the SportMaster which seats from nine to 17. Both can be engineered to accommodate wheelchair lifts.

The rear styling of a Sitcar Voyager

GM Coachwork

GM Coachwork displayed a 12-seat accessible Mercedes-Benz Sprinter which was one of 20 it is supplying to NHS Lothian. It can also be configured with six seats to create two wheelchair spaces. PLS Access rear passenger lifts had been specified on all 20 vehicles. Two new members of the GM Coachwork team were at the show – Jeff Caswell, who will be covering a large area of southern England either side of the M4 corridor, and Denise Barton, who is Administration Supervisor.

Sitcar Voyager-bodied 7.2T Iveco 70C17

Ferqui’s new F5 based on the Mercedes-Benz Atego attracted three orders on Connaught’s stand

Koller Engineering

Koller launched its latest mounting system for wheelchair and passenger security.

Nexxus is claimed to be the only combined restraint system with a 200kg rating and can accommodate tie downs plus a double inertia reel system with a third point cant rail capability. Nexxus is both lightweight and compact and is formed from a high-grade extrusion process.

Rescroft

The Indcar Next

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Rescroft’s wide range of transport seating was centred around its lightweight folding CT Space units which can be slid along the vehicle tracking without the need for removal in order to create some room for wheelchairs. The concept was widely acclaimed by the market when the seats were first launched but was slow to develop into sizeable orders. Rescroft says the situation has now turned around and

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Altas

Lithuanian vehicle converter Altas showed a high specification 190bhp Euro 6 MercedesBenz Sprinter Tourline 519 Cdi Bluetec. The company produces a wide range of minibus and minicoach models to address all market sectors and has been present at a number of key European shows over past 12 months.

Altas builds a range of conversions, including ambulances.

The UK dealer currently selling the Altas Tourline is AutoService of Pontypool. It is priced at £69,000.

Features on the Tourline included a sevenspeed automatic 7G-Tronic gearbox, air suspended driver’s seat, cruise control, digital tachograph, electric front windows, electric mirrors, central locking, hi-vis front windscreen with electric sun visor, electric power door with heated glass and low step entry with grab rails for ease of access. Internally, the windows were panoramic double-glazed, tinted side windows, with full drawn curtains.

There were 16 M2 Innova leather upholstered reclining seats with side shift and arm rests, two mahogany trimmed tables with cup holders, four 12volt computer power points and a USB point. There was also a fridge with storage drawer, drink glassware cupboard and luggage racks complete with reading lights and speakers.

Entertainment was provided by a Blaupunkt multimedia system, which comprised a digital radio, DVD player, USB port, SatNav, reversing camera and Bluetooth connectivity – in addition to a wireless microphone. A rear fixed DVD screen and a remote powered front DVD screen were also onboard.

Not to be forgotten was the 11.5 kW Alex air-conditioning system, twin convector heaters, dropwell boot, reversing camera, reverse alarm and a tow bar. n

CT Space seats are selling fast.

Q’Straint

Whitstable, Kent-based Q’Straint’s latest development is a double inertia occupant belt.

It features a durable metal casing to withstand heavy duty use which contains separate belt reels and is ideal for making use of third point cant rail fixings now required under recent legislation for transporting wheelchair passengers. The reels are designed to lock if a hard, sharp pull occurs and they also automatically lock if the vehicle is on a slope of 15-degrees or more.

Part of the Sure-Lok range, the units incorporate Positive Locking Indicators which provide a quick visual check to ensure correct installation of the anchorage points. Belts are different colours – blue and black – to avoid confusion between lap or shoulder belts when securing a passenger.

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The Turas 700 on an Iveco 7.2T 70C17 chassis drew much attention

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MINIBUS › EURO BUS EXPO INTERIORS

Gems inside Gareth Evans shares a selection of minibus interior photos from Euro Bus Expo, which may prove to be a source of inspiration

F

ollowing on ‘The inside story’ in last week’s issue looking at the full-size buses and coaches, it was felt timely to share some interior views of the minibuses at Euro Bus Expo. The diverse range of specifications reflected their intended roles – from the ultra classy Turas 500 acquired for corporate charter work with Solihull-based Silverline to the Mercedes Sprinter City designed for urban bus use.

This smart interior belonged to the Sprinter Travel Touring 45 on the Mercedes-Benz stand.

The 19 Travel Star seats were equipped with three-point seatbelts

The executive specification of the Turas 500 for Silverline of Solihull, displayed on the Minis to Midis and Brian Noone stand

Left: Mellor Coachcraft’s Orion Lite weighs in at just 4.2t, but can seat up to 16 passengers Right: Connaught PSV displayed this Ferqui Sorocco with its attractive, contemporary interior

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2002 Volvo B12M VanHool T9

Manual, 49 seats, WC, fridge, boiler, radio/PA, DVD, monitor, air conditioning, MOT December.

2009 Bova Futura FHD

Automatic, 53/55 seats, centre sunken toilet, centre continental door, radio/PA, DVD, 2 monitors, boiler and fridge, MOT May 2015.

2011 Volvo B9R Plaxton Panther

2011 Bova Futura Classic FHD

Automatic, 61 seats, drinks machine, 3 point belts, radio P/A, CD player, air conditioning, MOT Dec 2015.

12m, 49 seats, ZF auto, sat-nav, centre toilet, power continental door, A/C, 2 monitors, radio/PA, CD, DVD, on-board vacuum, Euro 4, MOT March 2015.

£POA

£POA

£POA

£POA

Moseley Distributors Ltd Tel: 01236 750501

Moseley Distributors Ltd Tel: 01236 750501

Moseley Distributors Ltd Tel: 01236 750501

Moseley Distributors Ltd Tel: 01236 750501

2003/03 Mercedes Sprinter 413 CDI UVG Treka

2002/02 Mercedes 814 Vario Plaxton Beaver 2

2008/08 LDV Maxus 3.5T 95 LWB (euromotive) Welfare

17 seater, welfare/accessible, Sprintshift, front entry, power door, COIF, tacho, MOT, 160,000kms, very good all round order.

29 seater, automatic, tacho, big MOT, power door, 283k.

6 seater, internal AMF-Bruns chair lift, full tracking, Eberspacher, AVS, A/C, 103K.

£7,450 + VAT

£11,950 + VAT

£6,495 + VAT

B&L Coaches 0208 363 8572 or 07971 785390

B&L Coaches 0208 363 8572 or 07971 785390

B&L Coaches 0208 363 8572 or 07971 785390

2008 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 311 CDI

New EVM Sprinter X-Clusive

New EVM Sprinter

16 seats with 3 point belts, 6 speed manual, luggage racks, double rear doors, saloon air con, parking sensors, saloon lighting, 138,80 miles.

16 seats + driver, automatic gearbox, Plug type power door, coach back, large drop boot, in-dash and saloon A/C, 2 x saloon tables, panoramic windows, monitor and DVD, bumper spoiler.

17 high back seats in Automotive trim, 3 point seat belts, Euro 6, manual gearbox, metallic silver, saloon sliding door, air-con, colour coded bumpers and trim, 3 year Mercedes Benz UK warranty.

2009 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Minicoach

16 moquette seats, automatic, manual entry as well as saloon sliding door, luggage racks, full drawn curtains, double rear doors, monitor/DVD.

£19,500 + VAT

£POA

£40,000

£32,000 + VAT

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

www.coachandbusweek.com

November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 55

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VEHICLES

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

1996 Scania Irizar Century

1994 Volvo B10M Plaxton Premier 350

1999 Volvo B7R Plaxton Prima

2010 Scania K360 Omni Express

67/70 seats, luggage racks, curtains, 3 point belts, reading lights, power door, double glazing, ZF automatic gearbox, DVD monitor, tinted windows, Telma Retarda, air conditioning, underfloor lockers.

49 reclining coach seats, lap retractable belts, N/S/R floor mounted toilet, ZF auto, tachograph, power door, aisle carpet, radio/CD, air con, newly retrimmed seats, curtains, new repaint in white, double glazed.

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.

51seats + courier, 3 point seat belts, plug door, double glazed side windows, air con, rear floor mounted toilet, powered continental door, radio/PA/CD audio system, DVD, monitor, water boiler, fridge, reverse camera, integral retarder, automatic, alloy wheels, digital tacho.

£17,500 + VAT

CHOICE OF 2 – £9,000 + VAT

£25,000 + VAT

£POA

Drew Wilson Coach Sales 0141 248 5524

Drew Wilson Coach Sales 0141 248 5524

Drew Wilson Coach Sales 0141 248 5524

Tel: 01823 653000 Moseley in the South

1998 Dennis Dart ALX200

2000/2001 X/Y Reg Volvo B7TL’S

2006 BMC Falcon

2001 Y Reg Tridents

37 seats or 33 plus 1 wheelchair, manual ramp, Cummins engine, Allison auto gearbox, power door, new MOT, very tidy.

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

40 seats, low floor bus, Cummins engine, MOT January 2015, ideal vehicle for school bus conversion, in daily use. £11,950 +VAT ono

£4,500 + VAT

Drew Wilson Coach Sales 0141 248 5524

Cummins C series engines, Voith gearboxes, Plaxton President bodies, 78 seats.

Why pay more for less.

FROM £18,000 + VAT

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Travelsure 01668 219291 / 07919 215905

Low Floor Euro 6 Sprinter 516 or 519

New EVM Sprinter 516 Classic

2011 Volkswagen Crafter

New EVM Sprinter 516 Classic

Maximum seating capacity of 22 mixed between seating/standing and wheelchair, multiple drop box combinations for luggage storage.

Euro 6, GTronic gearbox, silver, new EVM plug type door, saloon privacy glazing, decorative curtains, 22 seats, Euroliners, EVM chrome pack, Mercedes Benz saloon air con.

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

Euro 6, GTronic gearbox, white, new EVM plug type door, saloon privacy glazing, decorative curtains, 22 seats, Euroliners, EVM chrome pack, Mercedes Benz saloon air con.

EnsignBus 01708 865656

£POA

£55,500 + VAT

£32,500 + VAT

£54,750 + VAT

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

1998 Volvo Caetano Salvador

2013 Ford Transit ELWB

New Mercedes Sprinter 519 CDI

2008 Iveco Eurorider 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.

6 speed manual, radio/CD, digital tacho, electric front windows, heated front windscreen, steering column radio controls, heated rear windows with wash/wipe system, tinted saloon windows.

17 seats, Atlas conversion, Euro 5, 6 speed manual, ABS brakes, ASR, ESP, PAS, digital tachograph. Can be seen at Eurobus 2014.

53 seats + courier, 3 point seat belts OR 49 reclining seats with ONE wheelchair position, plug door, air con, wheelchair lift & access, radio/PA/CD, DVD & monitor, fridge, continental door, driver’s safe, cruise control, digital tachograph, integral retarder, automatic.

£14,500 + VAT o.n.o.

£17,995

£POA

£POA

01833 660471 / 07730 486708 paul.watson9@btconnect.com

Autoservice Pontypool Ltd 01495 757111

Autoservice Pontypool Ltd 01495 757111

Tel: 01823 653000 Moseley in the South

2006 Volvo B12M

2011 Iveco Eurorider Plaxton Panther

2011 VDL Bova Futura FHD 127.365PR

New Mercedes 513

61 seats + courier, 3 point belts, Plug entrance door, double glazing, air con, radio/PA/CD audio equipment, DVD system coupled to drop down monitor, panelled rear, Webasto heater, wired for CCTV, curtains, carpets, reverse camera, retarder.

53 seats + courier, lap seat belts, Plug entrance door, double glazing, air conditioning, radio/PA/CD audio equipment, DVD & twin monitors, Webasto heater, curtains, carpets, reverse camera, retarder.

I-shift, 12.8m long, Hanover LEDs, centre wheelchair lift, rear toilet and server, LEZ and DDA compliant. £POA

EnsignBus 01708 865656 56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014

£POA – CHOICE

£POA – CHOICE

16 + driver high back seats, rear leaf spring suspension, sliding door, 6 speed gearbox, luggage pen, courier seat, air con, roof vent, electric windows, central locking, steering wheel controls, electric side step, Ad Blue, radio, SD card slot/USB, digital tacho.

Tel: 01823 653000 Moseley in the South

Tel: 01823 653000 Moseley in the South

Blythswood Motors 0141 889 9730

£POA

www.coachandbusweek.com

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www.coachandbusmarket.com

VEHICLES

2000 MAN VanHool EOS 90

Mercedes Benz UNVI Touring

48 reclining seats plus courier, WC/washroom, double glazed windows, forced-air ventilation, radio/CD and PA system, clean condition, MOT Jan, 640,000 kms.

Atego chassis, air suspension, 41 Esteban Ergos seats with 3 pt belts, in Holdsworth moquette, courier seat, air con, double glazed, radio/CD/PA, large luggage capacity, new test.

£21,500

£POA

Coachtraders - 01501 744000

2001 MAN Neoplan

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 516 CD Unvi Vega GT

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 516 CDI Unvi Vega LUX

18 passenger seats, air conditioning, double glazing, manual or automatic gearbox option, radio/CD/PA system with microphone, large rear luggage boot plus side locker, reversing camera.

16 passenger seats, air con, double glazed large panoramic windows, large rear luggage boot, radio/CD/PA system with microphone, manual or automatic gearbox, electric powered entrance door.

£POA

£POA

Coachtraders - 01501 744000

Taylors Coach Sales Tel: 01638 780010

Taylors Coach Sales Tel: 01638 780010

2006 Scania Irizar Century

1995 Scania K113 VanHool Alizee

New Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516cdi

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.

Contact Gary – 07930 377051

£90,000 + VAT Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

£17,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

19 seats, power door, panoramic d/g windows, in-dash A/C, saloon forced air, large luggage space, bulkhead and deep drop boot, UK chassis, 3 yr unlimited mileage warranty. £POA

2001 Renault Master Rohill

2003 Mercedes Vario 614D

2002 Volvo B7R Plaxton

2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 515cdi

16 seats with three point belts, 6 removeable seats with tracking for wheelchairs, manual entry ramp, low floor with kneeling facility, destination blind, Webasto, 5 speed manual, radio/cassette, tacho, used daily, MOT Dec.

15 removable seats, or 6 wheelchairs, 5 speed manual, external wheelchair ramp, tachograph fitted, very clean condition, MOT May 2015.

UNVI Vega conversion, 16 seats, large d/g windows, A/C, saloon forced air, large boot space, deep drop boot, 190k miles, good condition, new test, can re-paint at extra cost. £24,950 ono + VAT

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

Coachtraders - 01501 744000

£2,700 + VAT

£5,100 + VAT

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

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

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

PAB Tours – 0113 320 0780 ant@pabtours.com

2011 VW Crafter CR50 TDI L MAXI H-R

Vauxhall Vivaro Combi SWB

2006 Mercedes Sprinter 311 CDi LWB

2008 Mercedes Sprinter 311 CDI LWB

16 seats, front entry, luggage racks with blown air and reading lights, show curtains and large boot area. £32,500 + VAT

8 seats, luggage space in the rear, diesel.

Choice of 07 to 60 reg.

FROM £5,995 + VAT

Side loading door that would have been present when it was a commercial van, seats are full size coach seats with 3 point lap and diagonal belts. £17,995 + VAT

16 seats, front entry, luggage racks with individual reading lights and blown air system, rear A/C, digital tachograph and rear top sliding windows. £18,995 + VAT

UK Minicoaches – 01902 631507 sales@ukminicoaches.co.uk

UK Minicoaches – 01902 631507 sales@ukminicoaches.co.uk

UK Minicoaches – 01902 631507 sales@ukminicoaches.co.uk

UK Minicoaches – 01902 631507 sales@ukminicoaches.co.uk

1993 Volvo B10M Plaxton Premier

2002 Scania VanHool K124

2003 Mercedes Benz Setra

1988 DAF MB230 Plaxton

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.

Coachtraders - 01501 744000

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

£40,000 + VAT o.n.o.

53 seats, automatic, very good condition for year, currently in dry storage, additional vehicle also available. £2,750

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

Kingdoms Tours Ltd 01884 252646 / 07702 626542

01833 660471 / 07730 486708 paul.watson9@btconnect.com

PAB Tours – 0113 320 0780 ant@pabtours.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

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VEHICLES

Call Gemma Ireland Tel: 01733 293247 E: gemma.ireland@coachandbusweek.com 2002 52 reg Volvo B12B Jonckheere Mistral 50

2009 Iveco Beulas

7HO

ZF auto, 53 seats, air-con, monitor, radio, fridge, alloy wheels, RPC/LEZ compliant, MOT February 2015, taxed Sept 2014, good condition.

£28,000 + VAT

55 seats on 2 axles, LEZ Compliant, 12.7m, 1 owner since new, full exec, MOT March 2015, in daily use, choice of 2. £78,500 +VAT ono

Diamond Coaches 01243 870010 / 07711 868976

Travelsure 01668 219291 / 07919 215905

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

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

2006 Transit Tourneo

2004 Dennis Tridents

2007 Mercedes 515 Sprinter

2006 Renault Master PCV

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 ISC Euro 3 engines, LEZ compliant, DDA compliant, Alexander ALX400 bodies, dual door 67 seats or single door 77 seats.

Auto, CD/radio, electric windows & mirrors, remote locking, automatic glass door, Webasto a/c & heating system, custom boot area, service history, MOT May 2015, local charity run bus.

15 seats, 69,500 miles, automatic, one previous owner.

£8,250 NO VAT

Hailstone Travel Ltd 0845 388 3848

£POA

£8,995 + VAT

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Colin Hill – 01579 382826

Crystals Coaches Ltd Tel: 07971 000111

Optare Solo Slimline

2005 55 PLATE MERCEDES SPRINTER 416CDI 16 SEAT MINIBUS

2003 53 PLATE MERCEDES SPRINTER LWB 313CDI MINIBUS

2005 55 PLATE IVECO DAILY IRIS 45C13 13 SEAT MINIBUS

2200 CDI turbo diesel 160ps, 6 speed Sprintshift automatic gearbox, red, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, fully tracked, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, 107,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty.

2.2 CDI turbo diesel 130ps, silver, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 5 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, 132,000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty.

Analogue tachograph, electric front entry plug door with low access step, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 4 wheelchairs, 189,000 kilometers/118,000 miles excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty.

Mercedes engine, 3 point seat belts, low floor, wheelchair access and tacho. Sale due to loss of contracts.

£20,000

£10,995 + VAT

£7,495 NO VAT

£7,495 + VAT

gillandersabbeycars@yahoo.co.uk

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

2006 Volvo B12M Plaxton

2004 Mercedes Sitcar Beluga

2012 Ford Transit ELWB

2006 Mercedes Sprinter 413 CDi

29 seater plus courier, arm rests, seat belts and reclining seats, A/C, entertainment/PA system, excellent example of year.

6 speed manual gearbox, ABS with EBD brakes, PAS, radio/CD player with steering column controls, heated front windscreen, front air con.

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.

£87,500 + VAT o.n.o.

Tel Adrian – 07717 768315

Luxury minicoach, 17 seats incl. driver, Excel conversion, COIF/PSV.

£POA

£16,995

£18,995

Cannon Bus 07436 536259 wcannon@btconnect.com

Autoservice Pontypool Ltd 01495 757111

Autoservice Pontypool Ltd 01495 757111

58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014

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p59_CBW_1164 17/11/2014 14:36 Page 59

www.coachandbusmarket.com 2010 (59) Scania Omni

VEHICLES 2003 (53) Volvo B12M

COMPANY CLOSURE VOLVO B10M

LEYLAND TIGER

52 seats, automatic MOT & taxed 52 seats, semi-automatic, MOT & taxed £4,000 + VAT – MUST BE SOLD £2,200 + VAT STRAIGHT TO WORK GO TO WORK TOMORROW 51 seats executive, full auto, air con, long or new MOT on sale, part exchange considered for 33 seat mini coach or 70 seat school coach.

£127,500 ono

Peakes Coaches – 07773 793239

Volvo Double Decker

77 seats, full MOT until June 2015. £3,500 + VAT

51/53 seat executive, WC, AC, Berkoff, LEZ, MOT 12/11/14, excellent condition.

NOW £44,000 – MAY CONSIDER PX

01884 252646 / 07702 626542 Kingdoms Tours Ltd

1998 Dennis Javelin Caetano Cutless

Recent 70 seat conversion (not Cogent), manual gearbox, 11 months MOT, ideal contract vehicle, excellent fuel economy, sale due to fleet upgrade.

Possible px for 33 seater or newer coach.

£15,000 + VAT

0115 940 4466

Wilkins Travel 01639 852600 wilkinstravel@hotmail.co.uk

2002 Bova Futura

2002 Iveco Beaulas

DAF engine, air conditioned, twin monitors, DVD, toilet, boiler, fridge, Eminox-LEZ, 49 seats, green cloth trim, manual gearbox, ready to go, MOT March 2015.

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

2002 Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10.1m

2003 Dennis Trident Alexander

27 seats + 30 standees, Hanover LED. £8,500 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

62 seats + 20 standees, Cummins euro 1V / ZF. £15,500 + VAT – CHOICE Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

2009 (59) ADL Enviro 200 8.9m

1996 Caetano Optimo

Automatic gearbox, air conditioned,

• 18 seats

twin monitors, DVD, toilet, boiler, fridge,

• MOT January 2015

49 seats, Euro 3, MOT March 15.

29 seats + 17 standees, Cummins euro 4, Mobitec destination, fully DDA compliant, CCTV cameras, 12 months MOT. £59,750 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

L.J. Edwards Coach Hire 07974 369570 / 01323 440622

2003 MAN Neoplan Starliner

2011 Iveco Plaxton Panther 2

Euro 5, ZF auto, 57/61 seats, A/C, 3 point belts, crew seats, low mileage, good condition, MOT May 2015.

• Good runner

£40,000 + VAT

£25,000 + VAT

L.J. Edwards Coach Hire 07974 369570 / 01323 440622

L.J. Edwards Coach Hire 07974 369570 / 01323 440622

2003 Volvo B12M Jonckheere Euro 3

59 plate Ford Transit

48 x 3 point belted seats + crew, air con, saloon mounted WC, rear continental door, MOT November 2014. £POA – NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED

17 seats, full MOT until September 2015, great runner and clean inside. £7,950 + VAT

51 new seats, A/C, TV/DVD, toilet, walk-in kitchen, towbar, good condition, MOT May 2015.

£31,500 + VAT ono

£127,500 + VAT ono

Nigel McCree - 07817 542113

0115 940 4466

01487 843333 / 07834 97751

01487 843333 / 07834 97751

2002 Volvo B12B Berkhof Axial

2007 Ford Transit LWB

2006 Bova Futura 12.7m

2009 Iveco Plaxton Panther

£12,000 + VAT

ZF auto, 53/55 seats, A/C, 2 x TV/DVD, centre sunken toilet, continental door, crew seat, excellent condition, towbar, new 12 month MOT.

Euro 5, ZF auto, 61 seats, A/C, 3 point belts, crew seat, reverse camera, good condition, MOT March/April 2015. Choice of two.

Crystals Coaches Ltd Tel: 07971 000111

£85,000 + VAT ono

£99,995 + VAT ono

01487 843333 / 07834 97751

01487 843333 / 07834 97751

46/50 reclining blue/red patterned seats, white re-spray, air con, toilet, Webasto, fridge, TV/DVD, PA, new MOT. £25,000 + VAT

01245 401541 / 07792 627364 www.coachandbusweek.com

Wheelchair accessible, 40,000 miles, FSH, blue with grey interior.

Choice of two vehicles.

£3,500 + VAT

November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59

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VEHICLES

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

2008 LDV Maxus 3900 2.5CDI

2009 Ford Transit T430 2.4TDCI

2010 Ford Transit T430 2.4TDCI

2012 Ford Transit T430 2.2TDCI

105PS, 17 seat Minibus, twin side doors, CD Player, electric mirrors & windows, power steering, remote locking, Certificate of Conformity.

100PS rwd 17 seat minibus, digital tachograph, side door, CD Player, electric windows, power steering, remote locking.

115PS rwd LWB 17 seat minibus, side door, electric windows, CD Player, power steering, remote locking, six speed gearbox, digital tachograph.

135PS rwd LWB 17 seat minibus, side door, electric windows, CD Player, power steering, remote locking, six speed gearbox, digital tachograph.

£4,500 (Guide price)

£9,500 (Guide price)

£11,500 (Guide price)

£12,500 (Guide price)

www.auctioneers.co.uk Tel: 01685 377818

www.auctioneers.co.uk Tel: 01685 377818

www.auctioneers.co.uk Tel: 01685 377818

www.auctioneers.co.uk Tel: 01685 377818

Iveco 16 seater front entry luxury mini coach

2005 Mercedes 814 Vario 29 seater

2009 VW Transporter

MAN 14280 or Mercedes Benz 1524L Unvi Touring

PSV MOT’d, tidy coach, very nice coach interior, large dropwell boot separate from passengers.

Power door, 3 point belts, forced air, very nice luxury coach, extremely low mileage, reliable and economical, LEZ compliant.

T32 130, 2.5TDI, 6 speed manual gearbox, air-con, CD player, semi high roof, side loading door, 2 rear seats with grey leather throughout, lowering suspension for rear folding ramp, tracking and winch fitted, only 35,196 miles, MOT June 2015.

Seating up to 43 passengers, air conditioning, double glazing, continental door, 7.7m2 luggage capacity, DVD & monitor, courier seat.

£4,999

£20,999 + VAT

£9,995 + VAT

£POA

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

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

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

Taylors Coach Sales Tel: 01638 780010

1992 Setra 215 HD

2001 Setra 315 GTHD

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 516 CDI Unvi Vega EX

2009 Iveco Library Bus

53 seats, MAN engine, MOT Nov 2015.

49 seats, full executive, Merc V8, LEZ compliant, MOT Apr 2015 .

19 passenger seats, air conditioning, double glazed panoramic windows, large rear boot, radio/CD/PA system, manual or automatic gearbox option, electric power door.

Euro 5, superb example, as new, all keys and manuals, only 29,000 miles warranted, direct council, viewing on site in Manchester.

£5,000 ono

£28,000 ono

£POA

£25,000 o.n.o.

Call Ken – Belle Coaches 01728 830414/07887 898425

Call Ken – Belle Coaches 01728 830414/07887 898425

Taylors Coach Sales Tel: 01638 780010

Tel: 0161 223 3882 juliej@stoodley.co.uk

2007 Reg VW CR50

2000 X Reg Optare Solo M920

51 reg Mercedes Sprinter Mobile Workshop

2000 W Reg Bluebird School Bus

£16,500 + VAT

Re-fitted with 37 fully belted bus seats, re-painted into white, ideal school buses. £9,950 + VAT

MWB, twin wheels, various extras, split charge system etc, good MOT, ready to fill with consumable and go. £2,950 + VAT

60 coach seats, not used since test, fully re-painted. £6,950 + VAT

Stafford Bus Centre 01782 791774 martin@staffordbuscentre.com

Stafford Bus Centre 01782 791774 martin@staffordbuscentre.com

Stafford Bus Centre 01782 791774 martin@staffordbuscentre.com

Stafford Bus Centre 01782 791774 martin@staffordbuscentre.com

2005 Scania K114 Berkhof Axial

2002 52 reg Mercedes 814D Vario Beaver 2

2005 (55 reg) Mercedes Vario 814 LWB

2004 Mercedes Sprinter 311D Traveliner LWB

Owned from new with 33 highback coach seats with three point seats belts, destination equipment, manual gearbox, interior luggage racks and rear luggage boot, power door, MOT Dec 14.

19 reclining seats, quality conversion, air-con, large boot, LEZ compliant Euro 4, 281,000km, FSH, owned from new, MOT Nov 2015.

16 seats, LEZ compliant, 161,000km, PSV MOT Sept 2015, analogue tacho, good reliable coach in good condition.

Stamford quality conversion, to 15/16 seats, Palfinger underfloor tail lift, only 60K miles, tacho, no expense spared – must be seen.

12.8 metre, 55 seat executive, automatic, air con, centre sunken WC, clean & tidy. £50,000 + VAT

Nigel McCree - 07817 542113

£16,750 + VAT

£18,950 + VAT

£6,595 + VAT

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

Rainham Coach Co Ltd, Kent 01634 852020/07850 657653

Rainham Coach Co Ltd, Kent 01634 852020/07850 657653

60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

p61_CBW_1164 17/11/2014 14:37 Page 61

www.coachandbusmarket.com

VEHICLES Ford Transit 17 seat minibus

WANTED MERCEDES COACHES

Scania Irizar Century K114

1999 to present year,16 to 35 seats, finance settled, with or without MOT, accident damage etc.

CONTACT TIM FOR AN IMMEDIATE DECISION

Immaculate condition throughout, in-dash air conditioning, recent new clutch and flywheel.

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

2002 Scania Irizar K114

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

£11,500

53 seats (no toilet) ZF auto. 480,000 km. Good tyres, good condition, ready for work. LEZ Eminox exhaust, recent service. Sale due to purchase of another coach.

£46,000

keith.cabincoaches@gmail.com

Cabin Coaches Tel: 07725 252402

1999 MAN Marcopolo 18.310

2006 Citroen Relay

2006 VW LT35 TDi

6 speed manual, ideal 70 seater conversion vehicle, recent new gear cables and recon gearbox, no MOT but 95% prepared, unfortunately it has four misted side windows.

Wheelchair accessible, 17,500 miles, one previous owner, MOT Apr, Eberspacher heater, Ricon walk-thru tail lift.

Wheelchair accessible, 64,000 miles, one owner, FSH, white with grey interior.

Choice of four vehicles.

NOW £37,000

£POA

£8,500 + VAT

£7,800 + VAT

Kingdoms Tours Ltd 01884 252646 / 07702 626542

Wilkins Travel 01639 852600 wilkinstravel@hotmail.co.uk

Crystals Coaches Ltd Tel: 07971 000111

Crystals Coaches Ltd Tel: 07971 000111

Volvo B10M

Volvo B10M

Volvo B10M

Volvo B7R

55 seats, two available. £POA

53 seats, several M reg coaches available. £POA

57 seats. £POA

55 seats. £POA

Howard Snaith - 01830 520609 howardsnaith@btconnect.com

Howard Snaith - 01830 520609 howardsnaith@btconnect.com

Howard Snaith - 01830 520609 howardsnaith@btconnect.com

Howard Snaith - 01830 520609 howardsnaith@btconnect.com

Luxury VW Crafter

1999 Dennis Dart SLF

10 Reg VW Crafter CR50

2006 Volvo B12M

2007, 16 seats, A/C, DVD, microphone, 135,000 miles, 7 months MOT, excellent condition.

33 seats + 19 standing + wheelchair space.

Manual wheelchair ramp. Fully DDA Compliant.

Choice of 2 – MoT May and July 15. £11,850 + VAT

Auto, PAS, LWB, O & H conversion, side loading door & step, 16 high back seats plus driver, m2 tracked floor, Ratcliff underfloor tail lift, tacho, 40,827 miles.

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

NOW £65,000

£21,000

Chalkwell Coach Hire 01795 423982

P.O.A.

andy.bates@chalkwell.co.uk

H.W. Pickrell – 01268 521033

01884 252646 / 07702 626542 Kingdoms Tours Ltd

2006 ADL East Lancs Esteem

2001 Scania L94UB Wright

2004 Dennis Enviro 300 Service Bus

2013 Volkswagen Transporter

25 seats, automatic, air con, manual front and back destination, electric middle ramp, CCTV cameras, assault screen, LEZ compliant.

44 seats, automatic ZF gearbox, LED front, side & rear destination, front manual ramp.

8 seats, manual gearbox, air conditioning, 3 point inertia seat belts, plain silver with no previous livery. £21,500

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Slick Rides – 07823 770978

£POA

£12,995

44 seats, automatic gearbox, LED front, side & rear destinationm front manual ramp, DDA compliant, MOT until May 2015. £24,995

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

www.coachandbusweek.com

November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61

698896-1164-Ensign_Layout 1 17/11/2014 12:43 Page 1

Ensig

DOUBLE DECK E 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

These buses can be seat-belted

LEZ COMPLIANT

Cummins ISC Euro 3 engines, LEZ compliant, DDA compliant, Alexander ALX400 bodies, dual door 67 seats or single door 77 seats.

2004 DENNIS TRIDENTS

1995 VOLVO OLYMPIANS

Cummins L10 / ZF, Alexander low height bodies, new MOT’s.

8.8m, 29 seats, Cummins Euro 4+ engine, Hanover LED’s.

2002 02 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS

2001/2002 51/02 PLATE DENNIS DARTS

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

1999 V REG DENNIS DART SLF

Cummins / Allison, Plaxton Pointer body, 10.1m, 34 seats, MOT June 2015.

2009 ENVIRO 200

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

Cummins C series, Voith gearbox, 84 seats, low height 13 feet 8”, new MOT.

1999 DENNIS TRIDENT

2003 53 PLATE DENNIS DART SLF’s

10.1m, Cummins ISC Euro 3 engines, 36 seats, LEZ and DDA compliant.

Cummins Euro 3 / Allison, Plaxton Pointer bodies, dual door, 30 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant, can be converted to single door.

Cummins Euro 3 / Allison, Plaxton Pointer II body, 29 Seats, Hanover LED’s, 8.8m.

I-shift, Plaxton Panther, 51 seats, toilet, air-con, LEZ compliant.

2003 DENNIS DART MPD

2002/3 DENNIS DARTS

2005 VOLVO B12B

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY - B

Juliette Close, Purfleet Industrial Pa Telephone 01708 865656 Fax: 01708 86 Visit our website for current sto

698896-1164-Ensign_Layout 1 17/11/2014 12:43 Page 2

nbus

K ER SPECIALIST Volvo Euro 2 engine, Voith gearbox, Alexander RH part open top, 74 seats.

1997 VOLVO OLYMPIAN

2001 Y REG TRIDENTS Cummins C series engines, Voith gearboxes, Plaxton President bodies, 78 seats.

1999 T REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

Cummins C series engines, ZF gearbox, East Lancs bodies, 74 seats, long MOT’s

2010 OPTARE SOLO SLIMLINE

Cummins Euro 5 engine, 28 seats, Mobitec LED’s. 8.8m long slimline, long MOT.

£18,000 + VAT

2001 & 2002 DENNIS TRIDENTS

ISC Euro 3 engines, DDA and LEZ compliant, Alexander ALX 400 bodies, 62 seats dual door or can be upseated and converted to single door.

2000 X REG VOLVO B7TL’s

Cummins Euro 4 , Voith gearbox, East Lancs body, 9.4m, 26 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.

Euro 2, LEZ compliant, Plaxton President , CCTV, dual door 62 seats or single door 74 seats. £9,000 + VAT

2001/2002 DENNIS TRIDENTS

2001 Y REG DENNIS DARTS

2007 ENVIRO 200

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.

Cummins / Allison, Alexander ALX200 body, 37 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant, 10.7m, long tests.

2005 NEOPLAN SKYLINER

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

1996 VOLVO B10MA ARTICULATED COACHES ZF automatics, 71 seats.

2006 VOLVO B12M

I-shift, 12.8m long, Hanover LED’s, centre wheelchair lift, rear toilet and server, LEZ and DDA compliant.

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

000000-1164-Blythswood 17/11/2014 15:33 Page 1

703666-1164-Moseley Beulas 17/11/2014 15:27 Page 1

Beulas Mythos 13.2m / 13.7m / 14.4m Super high â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3.78m + air conditioning MAN RR4 chassis 440bhp / 480 bhp

MOSELEY (PCV) LTD Elmsall Way, Dale Lane South Elmsall Pontefract West Yorkshire WF9 2XS

Tel: 01977 609000 Fax: 01977 609900 enquiries@moseleycoachsales.co.uk www.moseleycoachsales.co.uk

701829-1164-Ben Weaver 17/11/2014 16:53 Page 1

BEN WEAVER LEZ

2007 07 MERCEDES 816 PLAXTON BEAVER 2 33 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE BUS 4.25 turbo diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, silver, cerificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 10 wheelchairs, electric b-fold front door, 172,000 kilometers/107,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to RTA standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 24,995 + VAT

PSV

2006 06 PLATE MERCEDES BENZ 616CDI SPRINTER LOW FLOOR ACCESSIBLE SERVICE BUS 2.7CDi turbo diesel 160ps engine, 6 speed automatic, double electric front access plug entry doors, rear emergency exit door, fold out wheelchair access ramp, low floor with tracking for upto 3 wheelchairs, COIF for 15 seated plus 1 wheelchair or 13 seated plus 3 wheelchairs, analogue tachograph, PSV tested, ex local authority owned, 147,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV, fully serviced to RTA standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £19,995 + VAT CHOICE OF 2

PSV

2006 06 PLATE MERCEDES BENZ 616CDI SPRINTER LOW FLOOR ACCESSIBLE SERVICE BUS 2.7CDi turbo diesel 160ps engine, 6 speed automatic, double electric front access plug entry doors, rear emergency exit door, fold out wheelchair access ramp, low floor with tracking for upto 3 wheelchairs, COIF for 15 seated plus 1 wheelchair or 13 seated plus 3 wheelchairs, analogue tachograph, PSV tested, ex local authority owned, 166,000 miles, very good condition supplied with 12 months PSV, fully serviced to RTA standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £19,995 + VAT CHOICE OF 2

2008 57 PLATE VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER FRONT ENTRY WELFARE BUS 2461cc TDI turbo diesel 161ps, 6 speed automatic gearbox, white, rear air conditioning, underfloor rear wheelchair lift, fully tracked, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, digital tachograph, electric front entry plug door, AVS electric side entry step, CD player, electric mirrors, rear blinds, currently fitted with 13 seats but 8 more can be to make 21 seats inc driver, 92,000 kilometers/57,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 16,995 + VAT

PSV

PSV

2004 54 MERCEDES 814 PLAXTON BEAVER 2 29 SEAT WELFARE BUS 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 £ 13,995 + VAT

PSV

2007 57 PLATE IVECO DAILY 50C15 AUTOMATIC 14-17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR MINIBUS 3000cc turbo diesel, automatic, COIF for 15 passengers, digital tacho, electric front entry plug door with fold out step, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, flat floor, currently fitted with 14 seats but additional seating can be added, LEZ compliant, ex local authority owned, 133,000 kilometers/83,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 13,795 + VAT

PSV

2007 07 PLATE IVECO DAILY 50C15 AUTOMATIC FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR MINIBUS 3000cc turbo diesel, automatic, COIF, digital tachograph, PSV, electric front entry plug door with fold out step, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, flat floor, currently fitted with 10 seats but additional seating can be added to make into 16 passenger seats, LEZ compliant, ex local authority owned, 97,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 12,495 + VAT

2008 08 PLATE NEW SHAPE MERCEDES SPRINTER 311CDI LWB 11 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2200 CDi turbo diesel 110ps, 6 speed manual gearbox, white, Frank Guy conversion, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 3 wheelchairs plus 8 passengers, uplift skylight, CD player, electric mirrors, currently fitted with 10 passenger seats but 4 more can be added to make 14 passengers, 172,000 miles but looks and drives like 72,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 13,995 + VAT

PSV

2005 05 MERCEDES 814 25 SEAT WELFARE BUS 4.25 turbo diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, Frank Guy conversion, blue, certificate of initial fitness for 16 passengers, analogue tachograph, PSV, PLS Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 8 wheelchairs, electric bi fold front door, fold out side access step, 150,000 kilometers/93,000 miles, ex local authority owned, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to RTA standards, 1 months parts and labour warranty £ 13,495 + VAT

PSV

2007 07 PLATE IVECO DAILY 50C15 AUTOMATIC FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR MINIBUS 3000cc turbo diesel, automatic, COIF, digital tacho, electric front entry plug door with fold out step, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, fitted with 9 seats but additional seating can be added, remote central locking, electric windows, CD player, LEZ compliant, ex local authority owned, 100,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 12,495 + VAT

PSV

2005 55 PLATE MERCEDES SPRINTER 416CDI 16 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2200 CDI turbo diesel 160ps, 6 speed Sprintshift automatic gearbox, red, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, fully tracked, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, 107,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 10,995 + VAT

BEN WEAVER commercIals

2005 55 VW TRANSPORTER T5 15 SEAT WELFARE BUS WITH COIF PSV Bluebird Tucana conversion, 2.5 TDI, metallic blue, automatic gearbox, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, gross vehicle weight of 4100 kgs so can be driven without a D1 licence, fold-out rear wheelchair ramp, tracking for up to 5 wheelchairs, electric front entry doors with fold out wheelchair ramp, alloy wheels, LEZ compliant, 166,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour £ 8,995 + VAT

2008 58 PLATE FORD TRANSIT XLWB JUMBO HIGH ROOF 11 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.4 turbo diesel 115ps, 6 speed manual gearbox, frozen white, tracking for up to 5 wheelchairs, currenlty fitted with 8 passenger seats but can be made up to 16 passnger seats, 65,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 13,995 + VAT

2007 57 PLATE IVECO DAILY 50C15 AUTOMATIC FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR MINIBUS 3000cc turbo diesel, automatic, COIF, digital tachograph, PSV, electric front entry plug door with fold out step, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, flat floor, currently fitted with 10 seats but additional seating can be added to make into 16 passenger seats, LEZ compliant, ex local authority owned, 81,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 13,795 + VAT

PSV

PSV

2005 05 MERCEDES VARIO 814 16-24 SEAT WELFARE BUS 4.25 turbo diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, Frank Guy conversion, green, Certificate Of Initial Fitness for 16 passengers, analogue tachograph, PSV, PLC Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 8 wheelchairs, electric bi-fold front door, fold-out side access step, 169,000 kilometers/105,000 miles, ex local authority owned, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to RTA standards, 1 months parts and labour warranty £ 12,995 + VAT

2007 07 PLATE IVECO DAILY 50C15 AUTOMATIC FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR MINIBUS 3000cc turbo diesel, automatic, COIF, digital tacho, PSV, electric front entry plug door with fold out step, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, flat floor, fitted with 10 seats but additional seating can be added, remote central locking, electric windows, CD player, LEZ compliant, ex local authority owned, 76,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 12,995 + VAT

PSV

PSV

2005 55 PLATE MERCEDES BENZ 614 VARIO 20 SEAT MINICOACH Onyx conversion, analogue tachograph, certificate of initial for 19 passengers, PSV’D, electric plug front entry door, coach style velour seats, overhead luggage racks, large boot, uplift skylight, waiting for full respray, can be painted into any colour of your choice, supplied with 12 months PSV, fully serviced to RTA standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 11,995 + VAT

2007 07 PLATE IVECO DAILY 50C15 AUTOMATIC FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR MINIBUS 3000cc turbo diesel, automatic, COIF, digital tachograph, PSV, electric front entry plug door with fold out step, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, flat floor, currently fitted with 10 seats but additional seating can be added to make into 16 passenger seats, LEZ compliant, ex local authority owned, 121,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 11,795 + VAT

PSV

PSV

2006 06 PLATE VOLKSWAGEN LT46 13 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.5 TDI, silver, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 3 wheelchairs, electric plug side entry door with electric access step, digital tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, LEZ compliant, 104,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 8,795 + VAT

2005 05 PLATE VOLKSWAGEN LT46 16 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.5 TDI, white, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, fully tracked throughout, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, COIF, PSV, electric plug side entry door, analogue tacho, LEZ compliant, 106,000 kilometers/116,000 miles, one local authority owner from new, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 8,495 + VAT

Gower Street, Sheffield, S4 7JW Tel: 0114 275 7076

www.minibuses.co

701829-1164-Ben Weaver 17/11/2014 16:53 Page 2

commercials PSV

LEZ

LEZ

CHOICE OF TWO 2003 53 PLATE MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WELFARE MINIBUS 2200 CDi turbo diesel 130ps, 6 speed Sprintshift automatic gearbox, white, UV Modular conversion, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, fully tracked, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, LEZ compliant, CD player, 155,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7,995 + VAT

2004 54 PLATE IVECO DAILY 65C15 25 SEAT WELFARE BUS WITH TACHOGRAPH COIF AND PSV 2800cc turbo diesel, white, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 8 wheelchairs, currently fitted with 22 passenger seats, 2 more can be added to take 24 passengers, analogue tacho, certificate of initial fitness for 22 passengers, PSV, overhead luggage storage, LEZ compliant, 1 local authority owner from new, 93,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7,995 + VAT

PSV

2003 53 PLATE MERCEDES SPRINTER LWB 313CDI WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.2 CDI turbo diesel 130ps, silver, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 5 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, 132,000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty. £ 7,495 NO VAT

PSV

2003 53 PLATE IVECO DAILY 65C15 16 TO 23 SEAT WELFARE BUS WITH TACHOGRAPH COIF AND PSV 2800cc turbo diesel, metallic light green, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 8 wheelchairs, currently fitted with 16 passenger seats, 6 more can be added to take 22 passengers, analogue tachograph, COIF, PSV, overhead luggage storage, 132,000 kilometers/82,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6,995 + VAT

PSV

2005 54 PLATE VOLKSWAGEN LT46 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.5 TDI, white, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, fully tracked throughout, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, COIF, PSV, analogue tachograph, LEZ compliant, 187,000 kilometers/116,000 miles, 1 local authority owner from new, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7,495 + VAT

PSV

2003 53 PLATE IVECO DAILY IRIS 40C13 15 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Analogue tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, 2.8 turbo diesel 6 speed manual gearbox, white, panoramic glass, front entry door, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, 166,000 kilometers 103,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6,495

PSV

2005 55 PLATE IVECO DAILY IRIS 45C13 13 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Analogue tachograph, electric front entry plug door with low access step, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 4 wheelchairs, 189,000 kilometers/118,000 miles excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7,495 + VAT

PSV

2002 02 PLATE (ON PRIVATE REG) MERCEDES SPRINTER 411CDI 17 SEAT MINIBUS/MINICOACH 2.2CDi turbo diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, silver, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, overhead storage with reading lights and forced air, curtains, sunroof, CD player, 313,000 miles, good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6,995 + VAT

2006 06 REG IVECO DAILY 40C14 13 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 3000cc turbo diesel 140ps, 6 speed manual gearbox, white, COIF for 12 passengers, analogue tacho, current PSV expires 3rd April 2015, tracking for 4 wheelchairs, Ricon underfloor rear wheelchair lift, LEZ compliant, fold out side door, access step, 4200kgs gross vehicle weight so can be driven without a d1 licence, 151,000 kilometers/94,000 miles, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7,495 + VAT

PSV

2004 04 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT WELFARE MINIBUS 2.4 turbo diesel 125 ps, 5 speed manual gearbox, Chassis Developments conversion, COIF, PSV, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, 1 ex local authority owner from new, LEZ compliant, 92,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6,995 + VAT

PSV

2004 53 PLATE IVECO DAILY 65C15 16 TO 23 SEAT WELFARE BUS WITH TACHOGRAPH COIF AND PSV 2800cc turbo diesel, metallic light blue, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 8 wheelchairs, currently fitted with 10 passenger seats, 6 more can be added to take 22 passengers, analogue tachograph, COIF, PSV, 214,000 kilometers/134,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6,495 + VAT

PSV

2003 53 PLATE VOLKSWAGEN LT35 11 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.5 TDI, blue, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, fully tracked throughout, tracking for up to 3 wheelchairs, ex local authority owned, 51,000 mile,s very good condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 6,295 + VAT

PSV

2002 52 PLATE VOLKSWAGEN LT46 16 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.5 TDI, white, Ricon underfloor rear wheelchair lift, fully tracked throughout, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, analogue tachograph, panoramic glass, LEZ compliant, 226,000 kilometers/141,000 miles,1 local authority owner from new, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 5,795 + VAT

2004 04 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT WELFARE MINIBUS White, 2.4 turbo diesel 125 ps, 5 speed manual gearbox, Chassis Developments conversion, COIF, PSV, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, 1 ex local authority owner from new, LEZ compliant, currently fitted with 8 seat seats but more can be added to make up to 16 passenger seats, 144,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 5,695 + VAT

2004 04 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT WELFARE MINIBUS White, 2.4 turbo diesel 125 ps, 5 speed manual gearbox, Chassis Developments conversion, COIF, PSV, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, 1 ex local authority owner from new, LEZ compliant, currently fitted with 11 seat seats but more can be added to make up to 16 passenger seats, 151,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 5,395 + VAT

2002 02 PLATE IVECO DAILY IRIS 40C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.8 turbo diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, white, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, panoramic glass, electric front entry plug door, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, 150,000 kilometers 95,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 4,995 + VAT

2004 04 IVECO DAILY 45C11 16 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS White 2800cc turbo diese,l 6 speed manual gearbox, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 4 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, ex local authority owned, 147000 kilometers 92000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 4,995 + VAT

2002 52 PLATE FORD TRANSIT 12 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS White, 2.4 turbo diesel, Euromotive conversion, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 4 wheelchairs, LEZ compliant, 142,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 4,795 + VAT

2003 03 REG IVECO DAILY 45C13 11 SEAT FRONT ENTRY LONG WHEEL BASE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel white, white, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, tachograph, LEZ compliant, currently fitted with 11 seats but can be made upto 17, 200000 kilometers, 124000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warrantry £ 4,795 + VAT

02 51 IVECO 50C13 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE BUS 2.8 turbo diesel, white, Frank Guy conversion, Access rear wheelchait lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, analogue tachograph, sunroofs, ex local authority owned, 150,000 kilometers/94,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 4,495 + VAT

All vehicles supplied with 12 months MOT/PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards and 1–3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty

p68_CBW_1164 17/11/2014 14:23 Page 68

NEW UNVI VEGA EX MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER

NEW UNVI VOYAGER GT MERCEDES BENZ ATEGO

NEW UNVI TOURING GT MAN OR MERCEDES BENZ

Seating up to 19, A/C, large boot

Seating up to 34, manual/auto

Seating up to 45

102 BECK ROAD, ILSEHAM, ELY, CAMBS CB7 5QP TEL 01638 780010 | FAX 01638 780011 TAYLORCOACH@LIVE.CO.UK

WWW.TAYLORCOACHSALES.CO.UK VEHICLES AVAILABLE FOR SHORT AND LONGER TERM HIRE

www.staffordbuscentre.com email: martin@staffordbuscentre.com Telephone: 01782 791774 Mobile: 07803 222552

View our latest arrivals on www.staffordbuscentre.com VDL SB180 EVOLUTION

FORD TRANSIT FACTORY 16/17 SEAT BUS

2009 59 reg SLF bus currently fitted with 25 belted bus seats and 2 x wheelchair pens but could be re seated with extra seats, only covered 27,000 kms from new £45,950

59 reg with 38K miles, tacho, new COIF and PSV MOT £12,950 Also 10 reg £13,950 Others also available

MERCEDES 616 CDI SLF BUS 2006 06 reg Up to 15 seats and 3 x wheelchairs, COIF, ex local authority so very nice, high spec, choice of 2. £17,950

SOLD

MERCEDES SPRINTER 313CDI 2011 11 REG 16 seat, new conversion, PSV, COIF and MoT, low miles £23,950

ADL ENVIRO 300 2006 56 REG. SLF BUS - dual use MERCEDES 814 VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER 2 2004 options, with 60 x 3 point belted seats, use on bus services 54 REG. Fitted with 20 seats on tracking, and up to 10 or school contracts. PHONE FOR SPEC AND PRICE wheelchairs, PSV, COIF and MoT, manual gearbox, power DENNIS DART CAETANO CUTLASS. Step entrance door, destination etc. long wheel base so could go to 32 £14,950 with 38 seats and 3 point belts. Ideal school contracts etc. seats. £3,450 IVECO DAILY 45 15 LWB HIGH ROOF 2005 55 FORD TRANSITS 15-17 seats, available for short term REG. 16 seats wheelchair accessible with power door, £5,950 rental. Rent for one week, month or year. Up to you. new MoT Always available.

Phone for details DENNIS DART PLAXTON SUPER POINTER. 47 fully £9,450 MERCEDES 413D SPRINTER 2004 04 REG. Extra belted seats, ideal for schools long body with 16 seats and huge full height boot, COIF DAF PLAXTON PREMIER 1996 PP. Fitted with 55 and long MoT. £11,950 seats, automatic gearbox, new MOT upon sale £9,950

SOLD

SOLD

68 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014

ADL ENVIRO 300 2002 reg Currenty fitted out as exibition / classroom, very low miles, very good condition, see website for details £17,950 VOLVO OLYMPIAN ALEXANDER 1999 V reg 78 seats, far above average condition new test, Volvo engine £9,950 Also 1998 at £7,950

VW CR50 WITH STANFORD CONVERSION 2007 07 REG. Very expensive and high spec conversion by Stamford who are recognised as the best in the industry, fitted with 14 high back seats with 3 point belts, Palfinger hideaway tail lift and capacity to carry up to 9 passengers and 2 wheelchairs, it has only covered just over 60k miles from new and is in outstanding condition, all paperwork and spare keys, ready to go £17,950 OPTARE SOLO M850 2000 W REG. One remaining with 23/25 coach seats with ramp, DDA etc £4,950

VDL SB180 2010 59 REG Cummins 6 ISB engine with MCV evolution body, only 20k miles £POA

www.coachandbusweek.com

702678-1164-Moseley Dist 17/11/2014 12:46 Page 1

704567-1164-David Fishwick 17/11/2014 13:56 Page 1

THI IS A SNAPSHOT OF OUR LATEST STOCK THIS 2009 FORD TRANSIT TREND 17 SEAT MINIBUS

VW LT46 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS

Standing apart from the usual sea of white and silver vehicles on our forecourt is this ice blue Ford Transit Trend Minibus. With just 1 owner from new and only 81,200km on the clock, it’s in excellent mechanical and cosmetic shape throughout. The high specification includes; cruise control, 6 speed gearbox, VDO Digital Tachograph, twin front airbags and a 62mph speed limiter – whilst Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme, automatic headlights and excellent quick clear heated windscreen make all the difference in adverse weather both in terms convenience and passenger safety.

The Volkswagen LT46 is an extremely dependable vehicle built to handle high mileages and heavy use – forming an excellent base for this 16 seat minibus conversion which includes a motorised external cassette style wheelchair lift and 14 high back rear passenger seats that can be configured or removed as needed to offer maximum flexibility. The side door features an extending drop step, and dual seatbelts are fitted for additional passenger safety. Supplied freshly serviced, with a full 12 month’s MOT, our comprehensive in house warranty for total peace of mind and priced to sell!

£14,495 + VAT

£11,495 + VAT

RENAULT MASTER 17 SEAT MINIBUS

LDV MAXUS 15 SEAT MINIBUS Offering excellent value for money, the LDV Maxus factory 15 Seat (14 + Driver) minibus uses a proven Di 2.5l turbodiesel engine, with this particular example having some rare features including; driver and front passenger airbags, a rear load step and detachable towball.

Amongst the last to be registered, this is probably the finest used example we've seen in recent years and a real testament to the previous owner who has kept it in amazing condition throughout!

Unsurprisingly it's covered just 44,000 miles and is ready for many more.

Supremely comfortable both for the driver and 16 passengers, this Renault Master factory minibus features an attractive 2 tone cloth interior, with the high roof design allowing the seats to be raised from floor level to provide a drop aisle and room for overhead luggage racks with switchable courtesy lighting. A motorised side door step aids entry and exit, whilst the vehicle is also fitted with a digital tachograph showing just 14,000km, alongside a Bluetooth stereo with USB/AUX input, stalk controls and speakers throughout.

£6,995 + VAT

£18,495 + VAT

VAUXHALL MOVANO 17 SEAT MINIBUS

MERCEDES SPRINTER 17 SEAT LUXURY MINICOACH

Vauxhall's Movano is built on the same FWD platform as the Renault Master; making it easy to drive, extremely refined at motorway speeds and cost effective to run, whilst the extended wheelbase allows for single rear wheels to be pushed into the corners and limit cabin intrusion. This example benefits from the addition of AirConditioning both front and rear, delivered through the parcel racks to each passenger for maximum comfort in all weathers. Finished in Silver, with just 30,000 miles on the clock and feeling very much like a small coach it’s ideal for short and long haul use.

A rare opportunity to own a year old coach-built Mercedes with significant saving against the price of a new vehicle, this 516 Sprinter was originally built by ourselves for the NHS to enable staff transportation between sites and remains in exceptional condition throughout having covered 48,000 easy miles.

Equipped in the usual fashion with: 16 comfortable passenger seats, full length luggage racks (with forced air and reading lights), large panoramic windows, Webasto Diesel rear heater, a carpeted boot, cruise control and Bluetooth ready stereo with steering wheel controls.

£17,495 + VAT

£38,995 + VAT

Also a massive stock of used vehicles please visit the website or call

WWW.DAVIDFISHWICK.COM

704567-1164-David Fishwick 17/11/2014 13:56 Page 2

PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS

FORD TOURNEO TREND 9 SEAT MINIBUS We have just received into stock a number of pre-registered Ford Transit Tourneo Trend 9 seat minibuses, all with delivery mileage and a high standard specification that includes front air conditioning, fully integrated Bluetooth stereo, ESP with Curve Control and the latest Euro 5 DuraTorque TDCi engine capable of upto 43.5mpg. It’s also got a full complement of 6 frontal airbags that give an NCAP 5 star safety rating, striking looks both inside and out and a high quality finish that make it the ideal choice for corporate private hire use, airport runs etc. All at a price that really demands consideration!

£19,995 + VAT

DELIVERY MILEAGE VEHICLES

FORD TRANSIT TREND 17 SEAT MINIBUS The big brother of the Transit range offers increased flexibility with seating for upto 16 passengers in total comfort. Utilising much of the same technology found in the Tourneo, these large minibuses are proving to be hugely popular and disappearing off the forecourt faster than we can replace them! The Trend specification is the smart choice, with significant amounts of added kit (including cruise control, air-con, parking sensors, Ford SYNC Bluetooth stereo and VDO tachograph) it represents excellent value for money when compared against the base variant - with our fantastic Pre-Registered deals giving you that factory fresh experience without the pricetag.

£26,995 + VAT

704749-1164-Gavel 17/11/2014 13:00 Page 1

702534-1164-Connaught_Layout 1 17/11/2014 14:38 Page 1

Brand New coach-built Mercedes 516 CDi Euro 6 Ferqui Soroco 19 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, AC, DG, reading lights, power door, tow-bar and boot.

Brand New Coach-built Mercedes Atego Ferqui F5 34, 36 or 38 high back seats, 3 point belts, air conditioning, double glazing, reading lights, power door, curtains, large boot. Orders now being taken.

Brand New coach-built Mercedes 516 CDi Euro 6 Ferqui Soroco 16 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, AC, DG, reading lights, power door, and large boot.

2013 Mercedes 516 CDi Soroco 16 high back leather seats, 3 point belts, AC, DG, DVD system, power door, large boot, metallic paint, balance of manufacturers warranty.

2011 Mercedes Benz 516 CDi Sprinter 16 high back leather trimmed seats, 3 point belts, air conditioning, forced air, reading lights, large boot, metallic paint, low mileage.

2010 Mercedes 516 CDi Soroco 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, DG, forced air, reading lights, power door and large boot.

2010 Mercedes 515 CDi Soroco 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, DG, forced air, reading lights, power door, metallic paint and boot.

2008 58 Reg Mercedes 613 Vario 24 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.

2008 58 Reg Mercedes 816 Unvi Riada 29 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, power door and large boot.

2007 57 Reg Mercedes Soroco 16 high back leather trimmed seats, 3 point belts, AC,DG, forced air, reading lights, power door, 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.

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

Steve Peach Tel: 01405 814064 Mob: 07836 551020 Email: info@connaughtpsv.co.uk Web: www.connaughtpsv.co.uk

p74_CBW_1164 17/11/2014 16:57 Page 74

74 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

701915-1164-DrewWilson 17/11/2014 15:28 Page 1

DREW WILSON coach sales

2003 MERCEDES VARIO 614D 24 coach seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks, forced air ventilation, reading lights, large drop well boot, curtains, aisle carpets, manual, slam door, new paint, 418,273 kms. £16,000 + VAT

1998 VOLVO OLYMPIAN Alexander Body, Volvo engine, Voith automatic gearbox, 81 seater, power door, front destination, tacho, seatbelts.

2006 VW TRANSPORTER T30 LWB 9 seats with belts, sliding door, electric windows, 6 speed manual gearbox, current MOT.

1999 DENNIS PLAXTON MINI POINTER 29 seats 17 standees 1 wheelchair, ramp, Cummins engine, Allison auto box, power door, current test.

£7,000 + VAT

£5,000 + VAT

£4,000 + VAT

1994 TOYOTA CAETANO OPTIMO 3 GL 22 coach seats with belts, power door, manual box, new paint in white, current MOT.

2007 57 WRIGHTS GEMINI 2 68 leather seats, single door, CCTV cameras, Volvo B7TL engine - Euro 4, Voith automatic gearbox, low mileage.

£5,000 + VAT

2008 MERCEDES VARIO 814D PLAXTON CHEETAH 29 coach seats, crew seat, 3 point belts, new MOT, 289,000kms, manual, air con, large boot plus side locker, luggage racks, forced air, reading lights, power door. £69,000 + VAT

£89,500 + VAT

1999 IVECO BEULAS STERGO E EURORIDER 51/55 reclining seats, toilet, 84,118kms, new MOT, double glazed, manual, repainted white, large luggage space, boiler, fridge, radio/cd/PA, very tidy condition. £17,500 + VAT

1997 SCANIA IRIZAR CENTURY 51 reclining seats, toilet, lap retractable belts, crew seat, comfort shift, double glazing, tinted windows, power door, air con, repainted in white, tidy condition, 199,039kms. £10,000 + VAT

2002 DENNIS DART MPD PLAXTON MINI POINTER 29 seats, 17 standees, 1 wheelchair, wheelchair ramp, 107,424 miles, Cummins engine, Allison auto, fSR LED destination, retrimmed interior, power door, tidy condition, MOT’d. £10,000 + VAT

2009 MERCEDES 816 PLAXTON CHEETAH 29 coach seats with 3 point belts, double glazed, large boot, power door, 6 speed manual, DVD/CD/radio/ PA, new/paint, LEZ compliant, new MOT, 293,718 kms. £73,000 + VAT

2004 DAF 1160 – 340 BOVA FUTURA FHD 51reclining seats, centre sunken toilet, continental door, fridge / boiler, DVD & monitor, air con (just serviced) , analogue tachograph, recent respray into white, taxed £52,000 + VAT

2007 IVECO DAILY 16 coach seats, luggage racks, skylights, walnut dash, Euroliners, radio/CD, 297,454 kms

1999 MERCEDES 612D VAN CONVERSION 16 seats with belts, Unwin tracking, electric wheelchair lift, manual gearbox, new test.

£9,000 + VAT

1998 DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PREMIERE 320 70 coach seats, Cummins engine. MOT March 2015, 417,119kms, radio cassette, 6 speed Zf manual gearbox, power door, double glazed, tinted windows, tidy retrimmed interior. £23,500 + VAT – PX CONSIDERED

£3,500 + VAT

1999 VOLVO B10M PLAXTON PREMIERE 350 49/55 recliners with belts, Zf manual, air con, Eminox LEZ fitted, reduced pollution certificate, power door, recent paint into white, tested till March 2015. £19,000 + VAT

1999 DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PREMIER 350 70 reclining seats, lap belts, centre toilet, boiler and servery, 6 speed Zf gearbox, luggage racks, forced air, reading lights, power door, very tidy, 843,751kms, new MOT. £19,000 + VAT

1998 DENNIS DART ALX300.

37 seats or 33 plus 1 wheelchair, 292,643 miles, manual ramp, Cummins engine, Allison auto gearbox, power door, new MOT, very tidy £4,500 + VAT

2005 MERCEDES VARIO 814D 24 seats + crew seat, KVC conversion, manua, 241285 kms, 3 points belts, rear boot, fully trimmed interior, full body skirt kit, immaculate condition. £20,000 + VAT

2005 MERCEDES VARIO 814 PLAXTON CHEETAH 33 seats, 3 point seat belts, radio/PA/CD/MP3, large boot & side locker, analogue tacho, repainted in white, full new trim, new MOT, excellent all round condition. £40,000 + VAT

2006 MERCEDES BEAVER 2 814D 33 coach seats, automatic, luggage racks, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE, 3 point seatbelts, power door, SIDE LIfT, Purmo heating, destination front, side and rear. £25,000 + VAT

1989 VOLVO B10M VAN HOOL 57 seats with lap retractable belts, luggage racks, reading lights, forced air heating, manual, crew seat, power door.

121,446kms, new test, new retrim, repainted in white. £5,000 + VAT

2003 IVECO INDCAR MAXIM 11 29 seats with belts, courier seat, CD/PA system, curtains, large boot, tinted windows.

2007 MAN 18-360 BEULAS CYGNUS 49 /53 reclining seats with leather headrests, centre demountable toile, centre continental door,radio/CD/DVD with 2 monitors, reversing camera, air con/climate control. £75,000 + VAT

£19,950 + 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

p76_CBW_1164 17/11/2014 14:25 Page 76

EUROCOACHES chris@crystalscoaches.com Tel: 01622 872302 Mobile: 07971 000111

S

K12 EUR Volvo B12B Caetano Enigma 2005 MoT Nov-15, 707k, 49 seats, LEZ, automatic gearbox Price £45k + VAT •••••• K11 EUR Volvo B12B Caetano Enigma 2005 MoT Nov-15, 713k, 49 seats, LEZ, automatic gearbox Price £45k + VAT •••••• TAX 1X Volvo B12M Sunsundegui Sideral 2003 MoT Sep-15, 462k, 49 seats, LEZ, manual gearbox Price £35k + VAT •••••• R7 EUR Volvo B12B Sunsundegui Sideral 2004 MoT Sep-15, 513k, 49 seats, LEZ, automatic gearbox Price £40k + VAT •••••• K7 EUR Mercedes Setra S315 GTHD 2003 MoT Feb-15, 756k, 48 seats, LEZ, manual gearbox Price £35k + VAT •••••• K6 EUR Mercedes Setra S315 GTHD 2003 MoT Nov-15, 401k, 48 seats, LEZ, manual gearbox Price £35k + VAT •••••• K3 EUR Mercedes Setra S315 GTHD 2005 MoT Aug-15, 659k, 48 seats, LEZ, automatic gearbox Price £55k + VAT •••••• K10 EUR Mercedes Setra S415 HD 2004 MoT Apr-15, 680k, 48 seats, LEZ, automatic gearbox Price £50k + VAT •••••• K8 EUR Volvo B12M Vanhool Alizee T9 2005 MoT Mar-15, 525k, 49 seats, LEZ, automatic gearbox Price £65k + VAT •••••• OO 7056 Mercedes Setra S315 GTHD 2000 MoT May-15, 706k, 48 seats, manual gearbox Price £25k + VAT Part Ex for newer ••••••

07970 096 262

D L O

Renault Master PCV 2006

Renault Master LM35 2008

15 seats, 69,500 miles, automatic, one previous owner

Wheelchair accessible, 75,000 miles, air con, Ricon tail lift, white with grey interior

£8,250 NO VAT

£10,450 + VAT

Ford Transit LWB 2007

Citroen Relay 2006

Wheelchair accessible, 40,000 miles, FSH, choice of two vehicles, blue with grey interior

Wheelchair accessible, 17,500 miles, one previous owner, MOT Apr, Eberspacher heater, Ricon tail lift

£12,000 + VAT

£8,500 + VAT

VW LT35 Tdi 2006

VW Movano 2004

Wheelchair accessible, 64,000, miles, one owner, FSH, choice of four vehicles, white with grey interior

Wheelchair accessible. 97,000 miles, FSH, Ricon tail lift, White with blue interior

£7,800 + VAT

£6,450 + VAT

Wheelchair accessible vehicles wanted immediately. Cash settlement Part exchange welcome – viewing by appointment please Crystals Coaches Ltd. Hale Street, East Peckham, Kent TN2 5HL

Nigel McCree

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.

Direct from SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS fleet with full service history.

£POA – NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED Low Value Part exchanges will be considered

Nigel McCree Mobile: 07817 542113 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

76 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

p77_CBW_1164 17/11/2014 14:24 Page 77

www.coachandbusweek.com

November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 77

p78_CBW_1164 17/11/2014 16:59 Page 78

VEHICLES AVAILABLE FOR SHORT AND LONGER TERM HIRE

www.staffordbuscentre.com email: martin@staffordbuscentre.com Telephone: 01782 791774 Mobile: 07803 222552 View our latest arrivals on www.staffordbuscentre.com

RENAULT MASTER TRI AXLE BUS

WITH CRAZY LOW MILES OF ONLY 20,000, BUILT TO CARRY 16 SEATED PASSENGERS OR UP TO 7 WHEELCHAIRS, POWER ENTRANCE DOOR, TACHOGRAPH, NEW MINICOACH CONVERSION TO A QUALITY USED VAN MANUAL FOLD OUT REAR RAMP, CAMERA, NO COIF +REVERSING 12 MONTHS PSV MOT 16 COACH SEATS ON TRACK EXPENSE SPARED WHEN BUILT, FULLY REPAINTED INTO FRONT ENTRY,LUGGAGE RACKS WHITE AND MOT TODRIVERS MARCH 2015, CAN PSV WITH LOCKER, NONBE SLIP FLOORING TACHOGRAPH INSTALLATION COIF NEW IF REQUIRED OTHERS IN BUILD SO CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR £25,450.00 £14,950.00

2005 05 MERCEDES 814 25 SEAT WELFARE BUS 4.25 turbo diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, Frank Guy conversion, blue, certificate of initial fitness for 16 passengers, analogue tachograph, PSV, PLS Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 8 wheelchairs, electric bi fold front door, fold out side access step, 150,000 kilometers/93,000 miles, ex local authority owned, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to RTA standards, 1 months parts and labour warranty £ 13,495 + VAT

2005 05 MERCEDES VARIO 814 16-24 SEAT WELFARE BUS 4.25 turbo diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, Frank Guy conversion, green, Certificate Of Initial Fitness for 16 passengers, analogue tachograph, PSV, PLC Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 8 wheelchairs, electric bi-fold front door, fold-out side access step, 169,000 kilometers/105,000 miles, ex local authority owned, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to RTA standards, 1 months parts and labour warranty £ 12,995 + VAT

2004 54 MERCEDES 814 PLAXTON BEAVER 2 29 SEAT WELFARE BUS 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 £ 13,995 + VAT

2005 55 PLATE MERCEDES BENZ 614 VARIO 20 SEAT MINICOACH Onyx conversion, analogue tachograph, certificate of initial for 19 passengers, PSV’D, electric plug front entry door, coach style velour seats, overhead luggage racks, large boot, uplift skylight, waiting for full respray, can be painted into any colour of your choice, supplied with 12 months PSV, fully serviced to RTA standards, 1 months nationwide parts and labour warranty

2007 07 MERCEDES 816 PLAXTON BEAVER 2 33 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE BUS 4.25 turbo diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, silver, cerificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, PSV, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 10 wheelchairs, electric b-fold front door, 172,000 kilometers/107,000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to RTA standards, 1 month nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 24,995 + VAT

BEN WEAVER commercIals Gower Street, Sheffield, S4 7JW

Tel: 0114 275 7076

www.minibuses.co 78 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014

£ 11,995 + VAT

www.coachandbusweek.com

p79_CBW_1164 17/11/2014 14:42 Page 79

Contact The Sales Team Tel: 01733 293484 Fax: 0845 280 2927 Email: Ian.Gillis@ coachandbusweek.com

ADVISORY SERVICES

AUDIO & VIDEO

Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance Compliance

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

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

CMS BRADFORD - WEST YORKSHIRE

Coach Multimedia Systems

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

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

BUILDINGS

CHECKPOINTS

If you would like further information please call 01543 897505

Visit our website: www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk

BUSINESSES WANTED

Wanted

Bus & Coach Businesses

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

We have Interested Buyers, Cash Investors Waiting

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

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

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

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime www.coachandbusweek.com

The Sales Team T: 01733 293484 F: 0845 280 2927 E: ian.gillis @coachandbusweek.com

November 18, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 79

p80_CBW_1164 17/11/2014 14:43 Page 80

CLASSIFIEDS

Call The Sales Team Tel: 01733 293488 E: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

CLEANING PRODUCTS & SERVICES

ENGINES

E & E Potts Ltd

The complete transport washing solution

FULLY AUTOMATIC UNDER CHASSIS WASHING TO MOT STANDARDS

• No operator • No Health & Safety issues • No damage to vehicles • No MOT returns WNV-systems specialise in manufacturing, installation, chemical supply and after sales servicing of commercial vehicle cleaning systems, automatic under chassis washing, pressure wash systems, automatic top washes, water reclaims & rain water harvesting throughout the UK using our nationwide engineers.

A WNV-systems fully patented under chassis wash will result in your chassis cleaned for less than £2.20 and completed in 25-35 minutes.

Our systems are fully programmable to wash a full range of commercial vehicles.

Contact us for a free site survey, quotations or more information.

Tel: 0208 641 5601 Email: geoff@wnv-systems.com www.wnv-systems.com

DOOR PARTS

DIESEL ENGINE RECONDITIONER

Specialists in Cummins, Perkins, Caterpillar, Mercedes Commercial, Volvo, MAN, DAF, Scania.

All Engines are Dynamometer and Smoke Emissions Tested.

Full Engines, Long Engines and Short Motors Available.

Cylinder Heads, Blocks, Crankshafts, Camshafts, Pistons, Turbochangers, Gaskets and Bearings always in stock.

Call us today on 0161-737-4666 Email: eepottsltd@aol.com Engine House, New Thomas Street, Salford, M6 6WF

ENGINES

EQUIPMENT

MAN VOLVO CUMMINS SCANIA DAF ETC

GARAGE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Specialists in Brake Testers & Column Lifts www.bwsequip.co.uk BWS (0117) 9530381

ENGINES

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

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

80 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 18, 2014

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

p81_CBW_1164 17/11/2014 15:43 Page 81

www.coachandbusmarket.com

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

REGISTRATIONS

REPAIRS

Express Coach £750 80 HXE AEZ 17 BCZ 85 KNZ 25 LIG 59 PAZ 64 RUI 46 SBZ 37 UKZ 40

£350 AJZ 686 EIG 525 JDZ 585 MCZ 646 PCZ 909 RDZ 868 SBZ 343 UKZ 919 WJI 848

£50 FXZ 2072 FXZ 2073 GXZ 7471 GXZ 7472 HRZ 5825 HRZ 5826 IRZ 2804 IRZ 2805 IRZ 2806

£50 LIG 6270 LIG 6271 LIG 6272 MIG 9521 MIG 9522 OIG 1301 OIG 1302 RHZ 5661 RHZ 5662

£50 SFZ 5793 SFZ 5794 SHZ 5602 SHZ 5603 SHZ 5604 TNZ 2262 TUI 9914 TUI 9915 UNZ 3142

£50 UUI 7481 UUI 7482 UUI 7483 VJZ 8502 VJZ 8503 VJZ 8504 WJZ 4091 WJZ 4092 WJZ 4093

Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ Tel: 028 6638 7124 · www.speedyreg.co.uk · sales@speedyreg.co.uk

Repairs

ESTABLISHED 1982

• Re-spray & refurbishment specialists • 70 seat conversions • All insurance work undertaken • Accident damage specialsts • 33 seat mini coach conversions • All aspects of exterior and interior work undertaken

TEL: 01751 475215 expresscoachrepairs@hotmail.co.uk

REPAIRS

SEATBELTS

BHIuk News

BHIuk are pleased to announce that the construction of its longawaited pull test plant is now underway with completion expected during December 2014.

See our website www.bhiuk.com for more information.

Sorry that we missed you at the NEC show, but we have been concentrating our efforts on this new project.

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

Monday: Press day for the Euro Bus Expo review content. Despite Andy, Art Director Ian and I having worked our weekends, it’s a late finish – leave the office at 2100hrs. Zzz...

Tuesday: A hectic day writing the Dudley’s Coaches feature for a forthcoming issue. I organise some visits for the weeks ahead, including a vehicle test drive, operator profiles and face to face interviews.

Wednesday: A busy day in the office writing. Catch up with a friendly London coach operator.

With the help of Andy and Jade, update the content spreadsheet for the weeks ahead. Andy & I are are particularly tired. I tell Andy he looks how I feel. Amy muses: “He always knows how to make you feel better, doesn’t he?!” All good fun.

Thursday: Another day in the office writing. A lady calls about our office phone package. She asks: “Just out of interest, what sort of handset have you got?”

I can’t resist replying: “Errm.. It’s got buttons.” She doesn’t say anything, so I add: “I guess that wasn’t very helpful?” It gives my colleagues a chuckle or two.

Friday: A hectic day trying to get as much material as possible designed and proof read. Keep an eye on several news stories which are in the process of breaking. Catch up with a member of a large operator’s PR team and discuss some feature ideas.

With extreme reluctance, decide against going ‘back home’ to visit my parents Welsh borderland as I feel too tired to drive.

NCT donates bendy bus to primary school Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has given its final bendy bus to Alderman Pounder Infant School in Chilwell.

NCT Marketing Manager Anthony Carver-Smith took up the story: “We’d seen that the school was looking for a bus and as the bendy bus is a large space all on one level, as opposed to the two floors of a double-deck, we thought it would make a safe and ideal library for primary school children.

Everyone at NCT has a soft spot for our bendy bus, so we were only too pleased to see it survive the scrap heap for such a fantastic cause.”

Head Teacher Julie Hemsley was delighted with the donation: “We thought we’d be lucky to actually find a bus to buy, but to be offered one for free has totally exceeded our expectations. We cannot thank NCT enough for such a generous donation and the children and their families can’t wait for their new bendy library bus to be on the school grounds and open.”

Registered ‘FP51EXN,’ fleet number 702 was withdrawn from the Go2 Uni 4 service at the end of June.

the bus will make an excellent seat of learning, we wondered whether it will it make the children more articulate?

One thing’s for sure, there will be no bending the rules...

Futuristic London bus appears in Blizzard game James Day spotted this futuristiclooking London bus in preview footage for an upcoming videogame.

Recently, the renowned video game company Blizzard (who James happens to be a big fan of) held its annual convention, Blizzcon, in California, where it launched its first brand new franchise in 17 years. The game is called Overwatch, and is essentially a team-based shootem-up taking place on a near-future earth.

It was massive news for the gaming industry, but James spotted something bus-related as he browsed some of the game’s launch footage.

One of the characters unveiled was a dual pistol-armed cockney woman who can teleport, and so one of the first in-game arenas shown is a battle on London’s streets. Part of the scenery on this map is a London bus, pictured here.

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The donation means that the £40,000 grant awarded to the school from the Ministry of Defence can now be spent on books and IT equipment.

In the CBW office, we felt that while

The vehicle caught James’ eye as it seems to be a futuristic hybrid of a New Routemaster and a BYD eBus. The front looks similar to a double-decker version of the singledecker BYD, while the rear looks almost exactly the same as the New Routemaster.

It is interesting that the developers chose to use a vehicle which is strikingly similar to some recently introduced vehicles for their new game, which James felt showed

remarkable attention to detail. By contrast, other games set on London streets have used multiple copies of the same traditional Routemaster, all of which had the exact same number plate.

One key difference we should probably note, however, is that the bus doesn’t have any wheels and is actually hovering a short distance above the ground. The next development for London’s buses? You saw it here first.

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

Stagecoach driver celebrates 50 years’ service Sir Brian Souter, Chairman of Stagecoach, paid a surprise visit to Tyneside to honour a bus driver who has achieved 50 years’ service.

Joe McBeth, 68, from Denton Burn, started his working life at the local Co-op dairy at the age of 15 where he spent the next three years. Deciding that this was not the career for him, he joined the local bus operator in November 1964 as a conductor and quickly became a driver at the age of 21.

Since then Joe has worked at the company’s Slatyford depot in Newcastle, driving customers along the roads of Newcastle for half a century, and was taken by surprise with the presentation alongside his co-workers.

On receiving the award, Joe said: “It was a real shock to see Sir Brian Souter in the canteen and I was thrilled when he presented me with an award. Being a bus driver is one of those jobs that gets into your blood. The people I have met over the years have made it a very interesting career and despite my age I have no plans to retire, although I have cut down to three days a week!”

Sir Brian Souter, Chairman and

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.

Sir Brian Souter surprised Joe McBeth by visiting the depot to honour his service co-founder of Stagecoach Group, said: “This is a very special event to celebrate and it is quite unique to meet someone who has worked for the same company for 50 years. I’d like to

thank Joe for the commitment he has shown and for all of his hard work during that time.”

Joe was presented with a specially engraved award and travel vouchers.

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

over 60 JOBS ONLINE FOR YOU TO BROWSE

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

Stagecoach Winchester staff play their part for Children in Need It’s not often you find your bus driven by Toy Story’s ‘Woody’ but bus passengers in Winchester had a nice surprise on Friday (November 14), when their regular drivers traded in their uniforms for fancy dress to raise cash for one of the biggest fundraisers in the charity calendar.

Members of staff from Stagecoach South’s Winchester depot decided to wear fancy dress or onesies to work, in aid of Children in Need.

Collection buckets were available on the buses to give passengers the chance to donate.

“I’m really proud of the effort my team put into fundraising for this terrific cause,” said local Operations Manager, Martin Gibbon. “It’s good to have some fun and raise money for such a good cause. I would like to thank our passengers, and our staff, for their continued support.”

Peter Oliver joins Go South Coast as Commercial Manager Go Ahead-owned Go South Coast has appointed Peter Oliver as its new commercial manager.

The firm, which operates morebus, Bluestar, Southern Vectis, Salisbury Reds, Damory, Tourist Coaches and Hants & Dorset Trim, is welcoming Peter from south west company Plymouth Citybus.

“I am delighted that Peter has joined our team here at Go South Coast,” said Managing Director, Andrew Wickham.

“He comes to us with a wealth of experience and I look forward to seeing him build on the relationships we have

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Essex bus driver is the safest

Peter Oliver joins from Plymouth Citybus

with customers and partners - including local authorities throughout the region.”

Peter began his involvement with the bus industry as a driver in 2000 and has carved a successful career since culminating in his latest role.

“I am really excited about my new appointment and in being part of the continuing journey at Go South Coast,” said Peter.

“I’ll be looking at identifying new business opportunities, improving pricing structures and cementing the partnerships we have with all our stakeholders.”

A bus driver from Essex has been crowned one of the safest on the country’s roads.

Michal Kudla, a Chelmer Valley Park & Ride driver for First Essex, has achieved a perfect score on the DriveGreen telematics system.

A DriveGreen ‘traffic light’ monitor is fitted to vehicle dashboards on every one of First’s buses, which helps show the driver how well they are driving.

Points are given for each event and the fewer points a driver has, the better their DriveGreen score is.

Michal, who has been a driver with First for six years, previously played professional ice hockey for Slovakia for six years.

The 36-year-old said: “I wanted to be a bus driver because I wanted to do something different. I have two children and wanted a job which would fit in around them.

“My driving is good because I am very articulate – it’s the little things which make a difference. I have won awards for my driving in the past.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/11/2014 20:13

More jobs available online – see our brand new website

Arriva Darlington Depot secures IIP Gold accreditation Arriva North East’s Darlington Depot is celebrating after securing IIP Gold accreditation. This places the local bus depot in the top tier of companies to work for, as only 3.5% of UK businesses hold this prestigious standard.

The standard is described as an achievement of ‘world class best practice’, and means that the depot is considered to have consistently demonstrated the highest standards of people management and development.

Nick Knox, Area Managing Director for Arriva North East, said: “As a business our people are key to delivering millions of customer journeys every year. In essence they make the ‘everyday’ simply happen and the Gold IIP status really recognises these efforts.”

John Rochford, General Manager for Arriva’s Darlington Depot , added; “The

Staff from the depot presented a double-decker bus adorned with a giant gold medal to celebrate

staff are all delighted; we’re so proud to serve the communities in and around Darlington. In line with our strategy we have embraced new technologies such as the gas buses on several local services, premium Sapphire Service 7 to Durham, and, with our partners Darlington Borough Council next stop announcements on a number of routes, seeking to go above and beyond our passenger’s expectations.

“We will shortly be launching further premium routes from Darlington. It’s so powerful seeing everyone’s hard work and dedication making a real difference to the customer experience. I just want to say a big thank you to the whole depot, it’s an amazing accolade for us.”

To celebrate, engineers, drivers and supervisors presented a double decker bus with a very special IIP Gold medal.

Harry Shaw Coaches appoints new Coach Operations Director Coventry-based Harry Shaw has appointed Kevin Brown as its new Coach Operations Director. Kevin joins Harry Shaw after a 20-year spell with another well-known firm Woods Coaches of Leicester.

Part of his role will be to help drive the business forward and further develop an already busy operations centre to be able to cope with both current demands and future growth.

Commenting on his role Kevin said: “I am really looking forward to the challenges that this role brings. When John and Robert Shaw contacted me, I was delighted to accept the position.

Harry Shaw Coaches is a first class operation with a great reputation and I am thrilled to be able to play a part in its continuing growth.”

Robert Shaw said: “This is a new role

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Kevin Brown

for our business. Our continuing growth means we needed someone with Kevin’s experience and once we were aware that Kevin was available we

were keen to speak to him.

“Kevin enjoys a first class reputation in the industry and both John and I are very pleased to have him on board.”

Rossendale Transport appoints new Managing Director Lancashire bus operator Rossendale Transport, which trades as Rosso, has announced that Philip Charles Smith has been appointed to the position of Managing Director of the municipally-owned operator.

Phil Smith, as he is better known in the industry, will bring with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in the transport industry which will be of great benefit to the Haslingden-based company, its employees and customers.

Currently Managing Director at National Express Dundee, Phil will take up his position on January 5, 2015. Before moving north of the border to Scotland in June 2011, he was Operations Director at Stagecoach North West between October 2007 and May 2011. There, he was responsible for overseeing service delivery across Lancashire and Cumbria..

In a statement, the company said: “Rossendale Transport welcomes Phil Smith and thanks everyone for their continued support during the coming weeks and months as they continue to work together in the best interests of the business. We would also like to offer our thanks to the Executive Directors for their management of the business during recent months and they look forward to a successful working relationship with Phil Smith and the whole of Rosso’s employees and customers.”

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