Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1041 by Coach and Bus Week & Group Travel World

Wednesday June 20, 2012 Issue 1041 | ÂŁ2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

Charity trek receives magic donation from Lucketts Travel p8

SOCIAL MEDIA: How Cardiff Bus and trent barton made it into the top 100 p20

Inside this week...

Minibus

BUS:

Green light for BRT upgrade for Leeds Bradford route p6

TOP DRIVER:

2011's UKBA driver award revisited plus 2012 voting info p22

for recru i

JOB ADV tment EVERY WERTS EEK

Travel de Courcey: leading the charge p16

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THIS WEEK

Coach & Bus Week is published by Rouncy Media, 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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In the wrong lane

read with interest the Government’s plans on changes to the careless driving enforcement, which will see fixed-penalty tickets replace ‘bureaucratic’ court cases. While I welcome the plans to a certain degree, I also have a number of reservations. If you’ve driven coaches for a living, you’ll be only too familiar with so-called ‘middle lane hoggers’ who frustratingly refuse to allow you to pass. With cruise control whacked on, lane discipline can be an alien concept. Similarly, those who drive far too close up your rear, try to cut down the side of your coach while you’re swinging it into an entrance or negotiating a roundabout... Frankly I feel it’s a dangerous move to rely on merely the word of a police officer. Human nature dictates there will always be good and bad – some will inevitably interpret events in a manner which differs from the recollection of others. Such offences are rarely clear cut and one can’t help fear the result will be a stream of stories about drivers being

‘hard done by’. It’s easy to picture the scene – a driver has been pulled over and tries to explain the alleged event as they saw it, only to be met with an arrogant attitude from an officer who claims the only option is to challenge it in court. A driver will then inevitably have to face a magistrate(s) who will treat the word of an officer as sacrosanct. Therefore I feel that to cover both parties fairly, it should be a requirement the evidence should be caught on camera – the sort we’ve all seen on fly on the wall TV documentaries such as ‘Traffic Cops’. With the number of officers set to be further reduced, the plans could place further pressure on Police. On that note, if you’re interested in such matters, have a read of the writing of the anonymous ‘Inspector Gadget’ on his popular Police Inspector’s Blog (inspectorgadget. wordpress.com). Gareth Evans Editor

CONTENTS 4

The latest from across the coach and bus industry in the UK

First fast-charge electric buses in the UK launched in Coventry

Kings Coaches profile, new Sprinter first drive and latest Minibus news

Lucketts charity trek, new vehicle for D & H Harrod Coaches

Cardiff Bus and trent barton make it onto Social Brands 100 list

A Bluebird Orion Plus, the first minibus to feature on Big Picture

VDL Citeas for Finland, Siemens hybrid buses for Vietnam

A look back on 2011’s winners and nomination details for this year

A lighthearted look at the industry. Plus Gareth’s Diary!

What’s happening across the country’s regions. Plus Events Diary

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

Canadian-based TRAXX Coachlines offers overseas work to UK drivers

News

Coach News

International News Regional News

News Focus

Social Media

UK Bus Awards Deliveries

Minibus

Big Picture

Last Stop

People

For all the latest industry news and information, register with us online at:

www.coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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news

“Coventry is the birthplace of the car and cycle industries and we are delighted to be creating another transport first for the city. ” Mike De Courcey

briefly Widening of two sections of the M25, in Hertfordshire and Essex, has been completed. An extra fourth lane has been added in each direction between J16 (Uxbridge/M40) and 23 (South Mimms/A1) and between J27 (Epping/M11) & 30 (Thurrock/A13). Thieves have stolen three large mechanical tool boxes valued at about £50,000 from Munro’s of Jedburgh. The incident happened at the site in the town’s Bongate between 2230 on Sunday June 10 and 0445hrs the following day. As well as the tool boxes and their contents, a quantity of parts and tyres was also taken. Last month about £3,000 in cash was stolen during a break-in at the firm’s Oakvale Garage. The DfT is looking at how it can best access specialist advice on the practical issues faced by people with disabilities when travelling. The review of Non-Departmental Public Bodies in 2010 recommended the Disabled Persons’ Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) be abolished as part of wider goals to increase accountability, reduce duplication and improve transparency. However, the DfT believes some of DPTAC’s functions should be maintained. Consultation is being held to outline a number of options for securing future advice should the decision be taken to abolish DPTAC. The consultation closes on September 14, 2012 and can be found on the DfT’s website at: www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/ dft-2012-21/. The funeral service for Bob Pillbeam will take place at 1115hrs on Friday July 6 at Merland Rise Church, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 5JG. The family request donations rather than floral tributes, with cheques made payable to ‘Princess Alice Hospice’ (PAH) and either offered on the day or otherwise by post to the Funeral Director at Stoneman Funeral Service, 11 Shelvers Hill, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 5PU, marked ‘R. Pilbeam. The PAH cared for dear Bob in his final days and supported him and his family over the past months. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Operator Update p16

Ann Gloag and Backhouse Jones rally across Europe Industry support gathers for charitable 1,500 rally Stagecoach co-founder and NonExecutive Director Ann Gloag is taking part in a rally across Europe to raise money for charity. Ms Gloag will take part in the Banger Rally in July, which will see her drive from Lille to Barcelona, to raise money for a unit for abandoned babies at Kenya Children’s Home in Nairobi. She and her team will drive a 1999 Vauxhall Astra on the 1,500 mile journey which will pass through seven countries and one principality. Ms Gloag said: “I wanted to do

something completely different to help raise awareness and funds for the abandoned babies. “Babies are often left at our gates in plastic bags or brought to us by the police after being found in the street. “We try to provide the best care we can at our unit and, thankfully, around 80% of the babies are adopted by Kenyan families and the rest are cared for in our orphanage until they are 18. “My foundation provides the core funding for all the Kenya Children’s Home projects but we are always looking for more people to become involved. We are hoping our pink and white Astra will do us proud

The Backhouse Jones team get behind their newly painted 2002 Ford Mondeo ahead of the 1,500-mile trek across Europe

Red faces at Hull CC over P&R contract Hull City Council has admitted it ‘could have handled things better’ over the award of its flagship park and ride contract. The council awarded the contract to CT Plus two years ago. It has now emerged the local operator, Hull-based East Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS) had submitted a lower tender – it was £65,000 lower than CT Plus. Press reports of the council scrutiny meeting say Group Transport Manager Graham Hall said quality issues had been given

more weight than cost when the two bids were being assessed. He said: “We could only evaluate on what was in the tender documents in front of us on the day. We took on board what each bid contained in terms of the services they would provide and scored accordingly.” The weighting system used in the tender evaluation process was

CT Plus started operating the contract in February 2010 with BMC Falcons (pictured)

and that lots of people will get behind our teams and raise enough money to fund the Abandoned Baby Unit for a year.” Ms Gloag is part of a team named The Gloag Girls. Also competing is The Backhouse Boys, featuring Ian Jones and Jonathon Backhouse, directors of Backhouse Jones Solicitors. Ian said: “I’m delighted to be part of raising money for such a worthwhile cause. I hope as many people as possible show their support for the cause by donating via our justgiving pages. “Seven countries in four days is a challenge but I’m confident we have a banger to be reckoned with and we’ll beat the girls!” Backhouse Jones’ Julia Davies expressed the firm’s appreciation to JP Travel, who provided the paintjob on their 2002 Mondeo at short notice. The Middleton-based operator applied the same spraying technique it uses for its buses. Julia added: “And it worked a treat.” The Gloag Girls’ justgiving page can be found here: www.justgiving.com/ gloaggirlsbarmytobarcelona while The Backhouse Boys’ page is accessible from this link: www.justgiving.com/ backhouseboysbarmytobarcelona

70/30 in favour of quality. Mr Hall said: “The decision to go for 70/30 was done as the P&R was a flagship contract. We didn’t want an operator to win on price but then to offer a poor quality of service. I think the learning point is the need to give more specific information on what we are looking for in any future contract. “We need to look at how we can explain to people how they can give us the information we need to make a qualitative judgment.” He said the offer by CT Plus to support community transport services in Hull was made after the contract had been awarded. The story prompted irate comments in the local press, with people responding strongly in defence of EYMS.

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B&H to move HQ and depot Brighton and Hove (B&H) is relocating from its depot and headquarters on Conway Street, Hove, marking the end of an era dating from the 19th century. B&H plans to move to the site occupied by The Argus newspaper in Crowhurst Road on the industrial estate in Hollingbury. An offer to purchase the lease of the four-acre site has been accepted and a planning application is due to be submitted soon to build the new bus garage and offices. B&H MD, Roger French said: “We’ve completely outgrown Conway Street. It’s unsuitable for modernday maintainance and

servicing. The outdated offices also badly need replacing. Brighton and Hove is a compact city constrained by the Downs and the sea. It’s hard to find a replacement site which gives us scope for our expansion plans for the next 20 years. All our depots are now completely full so we must plan for the future. “In the meantime we are also finalising plans to lease a warehouse in Newhaven Port to relieve pressure on maintenance space at Whitehawk depot. It is hoped to bring this to fruition in the coming weeks. The current site for the outstation will be unaffected.” With the scheme being selffinancing, the plan is conditional upon securing planning permission, not only for the new Hollingbury depot but also the redevelopment of Conway Street.

Two London bus workers have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for their quick thinking and brave actions during the summer disturbances. Kenneth Martin, a Night Traffic Controller for London Buses and Peter Middleton, an Area Controller for Arriva were recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty and will both receive MBEs. At the height of the disturbances, Kenneth continued his role as Night Traffic Controller in south east London. He was deployed to the Brixton area shortly before events escalated. Despite his own vehicle coming under attack, he

continued to assist passengers and bus drivers helping to get them to safety. Kenneth also then went out to recover a number of abandoned buses in the area returning them to garages. Not only did this prevent the buses from being damaged in the street, it also ensured they were ready for service the next day. Through his actions, he provided a remarkable service to London’s buses and passengers. Kenneth and his Night Traffic Controller team were recognised at TfL’s London Bus Awards held in March this year. Peter was injured when the peaceful demonstration outside Tottenham Police Station escalated. Despite this, he returned to Arriva’s Tottenham Garage where he took charge and organised other controllers in moving buses away from the disturbances as they spread, whilst keeping the buses running. He set an outstanding

Industry personnel honoured

GoAhead Group-owned Brighton & Hove currently has a Wright Streetlite on demonstration, as pictured here by Pat Stringer example and performed a crucial role in a very challenging situation, putting himself at risk to ensure the safety of others. TfL’s Commissioner, Peter Hendy CBE, said: “The honours are both well deserved recognition for the actions and efforts of the individuals concerned and also of their colleagues throughout the network. “I am proud beyond measure of the staff of TfL and our contractors who maintained our services through the worst civil disturbances in living memory. They demonstrated courage and professionalism, and through determination and bravery, they managed to keep the city moving and our users safe. TfL – and London – carried on because of the heroic actions of individuals such as Kenneth and Peter and I congratulate them on their awards.”

Kenneth Martin commented: “I am overwhelmed to be awarded an MBE and would like to share it with all my colleagues who worked so hard to keep passengers safe and London moving during such a difficult time.” Peter Middleton, said: “It is a real honour to receive this award. I feel I am accepting this for all my colleagues who were working that evening.” The University of Glamorgan’s Emeritus Professor of Transport Stuart Cole has also been awarded a CBE for his services to transport. He said: “It was a huge surprise to get a letter marked ‘personal’ from the Cabinet Office. It’s not every day you receive a letter like that” Professor Cole has been working in the transport industry for nearly 40 years. His experience spans local government, private sector roles.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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1884

news › BUSeS

The year the first bus depot opened on Conway Street, Hove

briefly Municipally-owned Reading Buses hosted a visit from a group of 25 Swedish bus industry professionals. The group, which comprised operators, local authority officers and journalists, told Reading Transport’s Chief Executive Officer James Freeman they wanted to visit Reading because they felt the operator was a “beacon of good practice in the British bus industry”. The visitors took a trip on Premier Route 17 to Wokingham Road and return. The group also wanted to learn about ‘profiling of the network’ as well as Reading Transport’s hybrid bus policy. According to James Freeman: “Our visitors left having formed a strong impression that our people are our greatest strength. They were very impressed and thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Reading.” Transport for London has rerouted route 307 to serve Barnet Hospital. As a result, it no longer serves the western end of Wood Lane and Arkley Hotel. The timetable remains unchanged, running on a 10-minute weekday frequency. Clare Kavanagh, Director of Performance for London Buses, said: “We received many requests from local residents and passengers to improve connections to Barnet Hospital. We listened to these requests and are pleased to now be able to provide a direct link to the hospital.” Passengers in York using more than one bus operator’s service within the city will soon be able to purchase a single ticket for the whole of their journey. The Labour-run local authority said the introduction of the new multioperator ticket follows months of negotiations between it and nine local bus companies. The authority said it was also working to replace paper-based tickets with a single electronic smart ticket. Set to be launched on July 1, the All York ticket will be valid across all city services. Welcoming the news, Councillor Dave Merrett, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This is a first milestone, following many months of negotiations, on the road towards a simpler, more user friendly bus service for York.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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WYITA approves plans for First’s LeedsBradford upgrade Local authorities have provided £74,000 to support the project, which aims to stimulate economic growth and provide a sustainable transport system for West Yorkshire First is working in partnership with West Yorkshire ITA (WYITA), Metro, Leeds City Council and Bradford Metropolitan District Council, to establish the first phase of a rapid transit service between Leeds and

Bradford. It is hoped the project will be implemented at the end of October this year. First is launching the service as part of a long-term project with WYITA, Metro and Leeds and Bradford Councils to help deliver local policy objectives, including economic growth and contributing towards the air quality agenda. The project also aims to achieve growth in public transport use on the key commuter route as part of

ftrs previously used in York will be refurbished before going into service

All change in Borehamwood: Sullivan takes over route 550 A lengthy chapter in the transport history of Borehamwood and Elstree closed on Saturday June 9, and a new one opened on Monday, as the bus service to Bushey and Watford changed hands - and number.  Route 550, operated by Arriva, ran for the last time on Saturday June 9. The final journeys were made without ceremony. Arriva was the direct successor to London Country, and before that London Transport, which between them had operated the service under various numbers for nearly

80 years. For the past year, it had been extended to provide a through service to Hemel Hempstead, but a number of factors – including reduced funding for passenger transport from the county council and the rising cost of fuel – led to Arriva’s decision to pull out of the town. Happily, South Mimms-based independent Sullivan Buses, which already runs the town’s network of ‘B’ buses, and route 398 to Potters Bar, has stepped in to fill the gap. In doing so, it has revived the service

a progression to a more sustainable overall transport system in West Yorkshire. CBW understands that while the agreement is not a Quality Bus Partnership, it is thought the welcome relationship between the organisations could progress as such. First is to re-deploy the ‘Streetcar’ (or ftr) buses currently used on service 4 which will revert to conventional bus operation, but in line with requests from passengers in the area, will extend from Waterloo in Pudsey to Thornbury Barracks and Highfield Green. The Streetcars previously in use in York will receive an interior refurbishment including leather seating, ticketing systems and free Wi-Fi, as well as an external refurbishment that will include a bespoke livery to signify the importance of the two cities Leeds and Bradford. They are replacing Wright Gemini double-deckers. Other benefits include a sevenminute Monday to Saturday daytime service and enhanced customer service training for staff will also take place. The local authorities have also supported the project and at a West Yorkshire ITA meeting on Friday

A Sullivan Buses Caetano Dart working route 306 number 306 under which the link to Watford was run until the 1990s. Sullivan has already been providing evening and Sunday journeys to Watford on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council under the route number 551 and these will be combined with the

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The ranking of trent barton on the Social Brands 100 list June 15 an initial £74,000 was earmarked for improvements to street infrastructure on the route. Future phases of the project will consider the feasibility of new bus priority schemes to speed up and reduce the variability of journey times on this important corridor. First has committed to reinvest any surplus resources as a result of these developments into further frequency and network enhancements. Dave Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First in the North of England, said: “This is an exciting strategically important project which will bring significant economic and social benefits to Leeds and Bradford. We look forward to strengthening the agreement between First, WYITA, Metro, Leeds and Bradford Councils to help us achieve our joint aim of achieving passenger growth leading to a more sustainable transport system in West Yorkshire.” Metro Chairman Councillor James Lewis said: “As well as the refurbished buses, many shelters and bus stops along the route in Armley, Stanningley, Thornbury and Bradford Moor will be updated and given raised kerbing to allow level boarding for customers. This important development on the corridor between Leeds and Bradford and the improved service will help reduce congestion by offering an attractive alternative.” Cllr Val Slater of Bradford District Council said: “In recent years, we’ve seen patronage over the route increase to the point where over a third of travel-to-work journeys along this important corridor are made on bus services.”

306 next month. Dean Sullivan told CBW: “We are very pleased with the initial results of the first week of operation. Customer reaction has been encouraging and confidence in the new service is growing. “Following requests from the local council, the 306 will be fully integrated into our Borehamwood local bus services from August. The 306 will be extended over sections of the existing Borehamwood local bus network. This will create new links from the North and South Borehamwood area to Watford.” Call Sullivan Buses on 01707 646803. Visit www. sullivanbuses.co.uk

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June 20, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7

£74k

Local authority funding allocated to street improvements on the Leeds-Bradford corridor

SHARE WATCH

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, June 18. Optare saw the greatest proportional rise while FirstGroup experienced the biggest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

282.30p

Price: Year High: 334.80p Year Low: 241.00p

Newport Transport has agreed a deal with Chepstow Racecourse to provide race day bus services for race-goers. The deal will see the municipallyowned firm run a shuttle service from Chepstow Railway Station to the Racecourse via the town’s bus station on race days. The firm will also run a service from Newport to the course from the city’s railway station. Return fares charged will be £3 in Chepstow and £5 in Newport. This is the first time Chepstow Racecourse has agreed a partnership with a major operator to run a service on every race meeting to the Racecourse. Scott Pearson, MD of Newport Transport, said: “This is an exciting new partnership for Newport Transport, one which underlines our desire to be a true regional provider of public transport. Already this year we’ve operated the Six Nations park and ride service in Cardiff and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Chepstow Racecourse to provide new travel opportunities to its visitors.” Pictured are Scott Pearson, Newport Transport MD, Rebecca Joy, General Manager of Chepstow Racecourse join bus driver Aaron Price.

Newly branded ‘ECT Charity’ praised for leading CT Shadow Secretary for State for Transport, Lilian Greenwood MP, Stephen Pound MP and Leon Daniels, Managing Director, Surface Transport (TfL) helped unveil ECT Charity’s new brand. The trio were unanimous in their praise for ECT Charity’s achievements in using transport not just as a way of building community wellbeing but also improving people’s lives. More than 100 guests attended a special ‘Summer Celebration’ event held at ECT’s headquarters in Greenford, west London, including staff, customers and partners from across the charity’s operations in London, Cheshire, Milton Keynes and Dorset. ECT Charity Chief Executive Anna Whitty said she was “incredibly proud” of the commitment, loyalty and expertise of her team. Lilian Greenwood MP, Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Regional and Local Transport, said: “ECT Charity is aware of the huge challenges the community transport sector faces, especially issues around social

208.90p

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ECT operates in London, Cheshire, Milton Keynes and Dorset inclusion. They have devised an integrated partnership approach, which certainly gives food for thought about how public services should be delivered – making sure they are procured in the right way, especially without sacrificing quality for cost.” Leon Daniels of TfL, said: “ECT Charity has shown that an integrated community transport model works. It is efficient and steps up to provide a solution, especially in the challenging economic times we are facing.”

66.55p

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+2.10 on last week

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FTSE 100

5,491

Index: Year High: 6,104 Year Low: 4,791

+59 on last week

www.coachandbusweek.com

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8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

news › coaches

briefly CPT has been advised of some important updates to various European LEZs. Germany Erfurt announced an LEZ to start on October 1, 2012, with a Euro 4 standard. Wiesbaden announced an LEZ to start in December 2012, with a Euro 4 standard. Cologne has confirmed it has extended its LEZ area from April 1, 2012 and tightened the emissions standards from January 1, 2013 to Euro 3 and from July 1, 2014, to Euro 4. Lisbon’s LEZ also tightened and extended on April 1, 2012 to Euro 2 in the inner area and to Euro 1 in the outer area. Major maintenance works to Pont Abraham Roundabout were due to start June 19. These essential works include the waterproofing of two bridge decks which will be carried out, subject to weather conditions, over two weekends. Lane closures will be in place between 2000 on the Friday and 0600hrs the following Monday. As soon as the waterproofing work is complete the re-surfacing work will follow and be undertaken during nighttime only. This will require road closures on the M4 between junctions 48 and 49 and on the A48 between Pont Abraham and Cross Hands. Signed diversion routes will be in place. When the westbound diversion is required it will be established after 2200hrs to allow for the passage of ferry terminal bound traffic. The eastbound diversion will be established after 2000hrs. The diversions will be removed by 0600hrs. The works are due to be completed by Thursday July 19, 2012. Johnsons Coaches has welcomed two colonies of bees to its conservation area. The new arrivals are settling in well in the area next to its depot in Henleyin-Arden, the size of which is equal to its car park. The company has also planted 3,000 trees and wildflowers. Johnsons made the decision to welcome the bees as they are under threat worldwide due to viruses against which they have no natural defences. Johnsons claims without honeybees the environment would be dramatically diminished. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Lucketts Travel donates a touch of magic to charity trek David Luckett drove an Executive People Carrier to help keep the walkers safe on their journey Lucketts Travel lent its help to a group of magicians who took part in a charity trek last month. The 2012 Magic Trek saw a group of South Coast magicians from the Portsmouth and District Magic Circle walk 115 miles to London, via Brighton. The destination was Magic Circle HQ, with the aim to raise cash for the Anthony Nolan Trust. David Luckett MBE, Chairman of Lucketts Travel, wasn’t one of the walkers but did travel all the way with them. He was at the wheel of an Executive People Carrier, providing help and support for the magicians on their way to London. His help was crucial on busy A roads, acting as a shield against passing traffic with a large warning sign on the rear of the vehicle. Trek organiser Sean Lobhand

said: “Without David’s help it would have been too dangerous for us to complete the walk. His contribution was essential, allowing us to walk safely at the side of busy ‘national speed limit’ roads where there wasn’t a pavement.” Lucketts Travel supplied the people carrier free of charge to the magicians for their sponsored trek, with David also donating his time

David Luckett provided help and support for the whole 115-mile journey

and £200 for the charity. He said: “It’s always great to be able to use our expertise to help others raise money for good causes. As a family firm we always like to get involved with worthwhile events in our local community.” The Anthony Nolan Trust helps save the lives of people with blood cancer and over six days the group of nine magicians managed to raise £5000 in sponsorship for its essential work. Starting in Portsmouth the magicians stopped at Bognor Regis, Shoreham by Sea, Lewes, East Grinstead and South Norwood before completing the final stage near Euston.

For more information about The 2012 Magic Trek visit www.magictrek.org.uk n For more information about Anthony Nolan visit www. anthonynolan.org n Lucketts Travel’s website can be viewed at www.lucketts.co.uk

New addition for Harrods Coaches

Harrods Coaches, based in Downham Market, Norfolk, has added a new vehicle to its fleet. The operator has taken delivery of a Volvo B12B Van Hool executive coach with I-Shift transmission. Derek Harrod, Director, told CBW: “We normally go for Van Hool or Jonckheere coaches. We just find they are a better overall product.” The 49-seat coach, which arrived last week, is now part of the company’s 14-strong fleet and will be used for day excursions, British and Continental holidays and private hire. King’s Lynn Signs were responsible for the updated vinyl writing present on the vehicle. D & H Harrods was started

Harrods’ new B12B pictured at Barnsdale Garden Centre near Rutland Water by Herman Harrod in 1927. It provided a variety of services including trips to darts and dominoes matches, church outings, group outings to London - and was still a one-vehicle business when he

died in 1965. Today the business is still operated by the Harrod Family.

For more information visit www.harrodscoaches.co.uk

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“I don’t like having to pay any money to the government unnecessarily and this was a good way to get round it.” Alan King King’s Coaches

June 20, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

Operator Profile p38

Licence curtailment for Battersby Silver Grey

Two new arrivals for Mainline Coaches

Harrison’s Coaches (Morecambe), trading as Battersby Silver Grey, has had its licence curtailed to 35 vehicles from 40 following a Public Inquiry (PI). Deputy TC Simon Evans made the decision after irregularities were found regarding drivers’ hours. Evans said: “These are serious defaults for an established company which surprises and dismays me. When as many as 11 drivers over a five-month period failed to record their positioning journeys, that amounts to ‘wholesale failure’. “It is disappointing to find both transport managers and the staff member responsible for training are also implicated in the offences.” He added: “However, this is the first PI which has been faced by the operator. There has been IT investment to seek to improve the position so errors do not occur as quickly and go unchecked. “I dispose of the matter by directing a curtailment of the licence to 35 vehicles, the maximum number of vehicles to be covered, on an indefinite basis.”

Mainline Coaches of Gilfach Goch, South Wales, has recently taken delivery of a further two Scania Irizar 12.2-metre PB executive specification coaches. The latest vehicles are both based upon Scania’s 13-litre K400 EB4x2 chassis with fully automated Scania Opticruise gear selection system. The coaches will be supported by Keltruck, which will manage the two-year repair and maintenance programme. Mainline Coaches’ MD Chris Mainwaring said the company bought its first Scania Irizar PB in 2004 because the product design would have bags of customer appeal which, he added, applies just as much now as it did then.

Freestones Coaches moving forward

Norfolk-based coach company Freestones Coaches has invested £300,000 in a new 61-seat Scania Irizar i6. The 14-metre tri-axle executive coach is expected to come into service in September. Gloria Feeke, company owner, said: “I think purchasing the new vehicle is going to send out the message we are a company which is moving forward and I think it’s good that in these times of trouble it’s good to know there are people who are successful. “It’s part of a longer-term plan. We do take a lot of effort in sitting down and planning for the future.

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Bowens was greeted by the media and VIPs at its Keukenhof Gardens visit

Bowens coach part of significant milestone A Bowens coach driver and his passengers had a pleasant surprise on May 14 when they arrived at Keukenhof Gardens in Holland. As the coach entered the gardens it was greeted by the media and a host of VIPs from Keukenhof, as it was revealed the Bowens coach was the 10,000th to visit Keukenhof We just take one step at a time and move it forward.” The company is also currently replacing its white livery with a more distinctive silver and red. Alan Huggins, Freestone’s Commercial Director, said the move would make the brand more recognisable. The operator has also moved away from the school transport market, now working solely on trips and excursions within the UK and internationally. Huggins said: “We are aware the train system is not what it should be and there’s an alternative now. We can be in London in three hours. If you travel to London [by train] you stand for half the journey. I think that’s where we win. People now want a quality service - they want to be picked up and looked after. I suppose that’s why we have been busy.” Visit Freestone’s website at www.freestonescoaches.

co.uk

this year. The occasion was extra special as it has been 10 years since the site has had so many coach visits in one season. The VIPs presented driver Garry Gibson with a large bouquet of flowers, while the passengers were delighted to receive a host of goodies and packet of flower bulbs each and were asked to pose for the cameras. Bowen Travel offers five departures to the Dutch Bulbfields in 2013 all including its Door to Door Home Collection Service. For more information on Bowens visit www. bowentravelgroup.com

Mainline Coaches’ two new Scania Irizar 12.2-metre PBs

Newcastle and London Olympic events information Important information has been published regarding certain Olympic events in Newcastle and London. Events at the Sports Direct Arena, Newcastle (formerly St James’ Park) are as follows: Thursday July 26 (1430 start), Sunday July 29 (1700), Tuesday July 31 (1430), Wednesday August 1 (1430), Friday August 3 (1430) and Saturday August 4 (1700hrs). The first four of these involve two matches one after the other. Local roads will be closed from three hours before the first match kicks off until one our after final whistle. For operators bringing spectators to the matches, coach parking is at Newcastle College, just off Scotswood Road, from where there will be a signed walking route. For London, a ‘Temporary

Road Changes’ planning tool is available, enabling road users to see how areas will be affected. This can be viewed at http://tinyurl. com/83cbxxg It has also been advised that the Olympic Route Network (ORN) will change on road event days. These events are: July 28, Cycle Road Race (Park Lane closed), July 29, Cycle Road Race (Park Lane closed), August 4, Triathlon (Park Lane closed), August 5, Marathon, August 7, Triathlon (Park Lane closed), August 12, Marathon. For more information on Olympic events in Newcastle email newcastletraffic@london2012. com or frances.shieber@ newcastle.gov.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

18/06/2012 20:54

10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

news

Premiere Buses rolls out m-ticketing service Operator partners with My Mobile Tickets to introduce a zero-capital investment mobile phone ticketing service for all of its passengers. Premiere Buses, operating in the Nottingham area, has partnered with Hampshire-based mobile ticketing provider My Mobile Tickets allowing its passengers to use mobile phones as their bus ticket. Premiere passengers can sign up for the service enabling them to purchase tickets online and download them directly to their mobile phones. The service covers most tickets currently offered by the operator and passengers can also maintain a “mobile wallet” which allows them to get tickets ondemand using an SMS text message when they decide they want to travel, without the need for cash. Matthew Poole, Director of Technology for Mobile Onboard – the company behind My Mobile Tickets – said: “This is a straightforward but feature-rich mobile ticketing product for transport operators, requiring no capital investment, no modification of ticket machines and no installation of new equipment. We have specifically made this product accessible to smaller operators by removing the barriers normally

Makeover for First Aberdeen’s Bus Fleet

First Aberdeen has announced its entire bus fleet is set for a makeover as part of a wider ranging plan to invest in its services and improve bus travel for First Aberdeen customers. Two double deckers from First Aberdeen’s 150 strong fleet were on display last week at the company’s King Street depot parading a brand new purple, lilac and white livery. First Aberdeen is investing around £300,000 to www.coachandbusweek.com

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associated with mobile ticketing. “If you look at the mobile ticketing systems available, most require barcode scanning or nearfield touch technology, along with real-time communication with a central system and sometimes mobile apps must be downloaded. The per-bus cost of implementing this makes it too prohibitive for smaller operators. “All we’re doing is moving the paper ticket onto a mobile phone to offer convenience, flexibility and a wider range of payment options to the customer.” Passengers need to go through a sign up process at mymobiletickets. com and within a few minutes

they can have their one-off single or monthly season ticket loaded onto their phone. They can pay by debit or credit card or by PayPal and optionally top-up their mobile wallet for future on-demand purchases. Passengers only need to sign-up once in order to buy tickets from any of the partnered operators. There is no need to download any app so the system can be used by almost any handset around today. Ian Brough, Business Development Manager for Premiere, said: “The concept of buying and displaying bus tickets on your phone is a very attractive one and there are many obvious advantages to this service. All

Premiere Buses claims the system has been extremely well received update its fleet in the new colours and improve the interiors of many of its buses. The two buses have entered service sporting the new livery, which for the first time for many years, features local Aberdeen branding. Operations Director of First Aberdeen, Duncan Cameron, said: “I think the two buses look fantastic. I’m delighted with the results and very much looking forward to seeing the rest of our fleet undergo this transformation.” Duncan Cameron also spoke about other plans for the business: “The new livery is part of an overall plan to improve our customer proposition in Aberdeen. We are in the process of conducting a network review, which following

consultation with customers and stakeholders, we hope to launch in September. The aim of that review is to improve the network and encourage more passengers on board our buses. I’m looking forward to unveiling the details later in the Summer. “We hope to invest in some brand new vehicles early next year. In the meantime, our punctuality and reliability figures are extremely good – it’s an exciting time for First Aberdeen.” Meanwhile, Jason Grant, First Aberdeen’s Coach Builder, will have the colossal task of refreshing many members of the Aberdeen fleet. “I really like the new design,” said Jason. “It gives our buses a bit of a re-fresh and I think it makes them look more appealing.”

customers who have used the system continue to do so and we have no negative feedback. “The key benefits are customers can buy the tickets via the web which eliminates the need to carry cash and the chances of losing your mobile phone are much less than a flimsy paper bus ticket. From a company perspective we want to offer our customers as many opportunities to use our services conveniently to improve ticket sales and reduce cash handling.” Matthew Poole added: “While it’s true operators cannot ignore smartcard technology, particularly with respect to eligibility for subsidies, it can be a costly and time-consuming business to get up and running. Our mobile ticketing compliments smartcards by requiring zero capital investment, while having the ability to integrate directly in real-time, with operators’ back end systems, if required, through our powerful e-commerce platform. “Furthermore, issuing smartcards to visitors and tourists, as an example, can be expensive, and the My Mobile Tickets provides a great alternative. That said, the advent of NFC-enabled smartphones over the next few years means we are already continuing the development of our product to support this technology in the very near future.” For more information about visit http:// mobileonboard.com/ mymobiletickets. Twitter: @mymobiletickets

It will take Jason around 40 hours to complete a single decker and 60 hours a double decker. “It’s a long process, but very satisfying,” he said. “I take a great deal of my pride in my job – it’s important to me and the company for our buses to look good and help attract passengers.” The new livery programme for First Aberdeen forms part of an overall FirstGroup strategy to provide new liveries for its entire 8,000 bus fleet across the UK.

Visit the First Aberdeen online at www.firstgroup. com/ukbus/aberdeen. You can also share your thoughts of the makeover via First Aberdeen’s recently launched twitter feed, @FirstAberdeen

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12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

news › international

48 VDL Citeas to Veolia Transport Finland VDL continues to expand its market share in Scandinavia FINLAND VDL Bus & Coach is to supply 48 Citeas to Veolia Transport Finland. 10 are SLE-129/255 (two -axle) models and 38 are XLE145/310 (tri-axle) models. This is Finland’s largest ever order for tri-axle Citeas. Since January 2012 VDL has sold over 100 Citeas in Finland, considerably increasing market share in Scandinavia. Veolia Transport Finland will deploy the buses in Helsinki from December 2012, operating services between the city centre and the northern parts of the city. All are fitted with DAF Euro 5 engines with EEV technology. The Citea’s lightweight construction results in economical fuel consumption and low emissions of harmful gases. During the design phase of the bus, safety and comfort for passengers and the driver were given top priority. The Citea also provides a highly ergonomic and comfortable driver’s area. They have LED interior lighting and high, comfortable seats. The Citea Low

Hydrogen hybrid bus pilot program in Austin

USA The Proterra fuelcell bus is about to enter service in Austin, Texas. Capital Metro and the University of Texas Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) is to launch a hydrogen hybrid bus into operation among the UT shuttles as a part of a yearlong demonstration to test and further refine fuel-cell technology for public transport. Partners recently involved in the project held an event to celebrate the launch of the zero-emission bus into passenger service this month. The Austin demo represents the second phase of the project supported through the Federal www.coachandbusweek.com

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Entry is available in four lengths and consequently provides a wide range of possible transport roles and configuration options. Veolia Transport Finland opted for two different length variants. The SLE129 is 12.9m long and has 40+4+1 seats. The triaxle XLE-145 is 14.5m and has 49+4+1 seats. Rémi Henkemans, Managing Director of VDL Bus & Coach, said: “Following on from the success

of the Citea LLE and Citea XLE in Scandinavia, this order, which also includes some Citea SLEs, is a tremendous breakthrough. “Our collaboration with Veolia, now also in Finland, means our market share in Scandinavia has substantially increased. We are proud VDL public transport buses are becoming more and more popular in an increasing number of countries.”

Veolia Transport Finland opted for two different VDL Citea variants Transit Administration’s (FTA) National Fuel Cell Bus Program and managed by the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE). The program aims to significantly improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The bus previously operated in Columbia, S.C. The prototype bus, built by Proterra from the ground up as a zero-emission bus, has plug-in rechargeable batteries, a hydrogen fuel-cell system and an efficient all-electric drivetrain. Water vapor is the only emission. The bus will be fuelled daily at a hydrogen station on the JJ Pickle Research Campus. The station allows for the on-site generation, compression, storage and dispensing of hydrogen. Data collected during the trial will be reported back to the FTA and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for further analysis.

Navistar milestone – 100,000th IC Bus produced USA Navistar, Inc. and IC Bus have celebrated a milestone with the 100,000th bus built at the Tulsa, Oklahoma Bus Plant. The 100,000th bus was presented to Student Transportation Inc. (STI) and accepted by the company’s founder and CEO, Denis Gallagher. Student Transportation, Inc. is North America’s third-largest school bus operator and a customer of Navistar and IC Bus. Tulsa Bus Plant currently employs over 1,200 staff who manufacture, on average, 50 to 75 buses a day. When the plant opened in 2001 it had just 400 employees. John McKinney, President of Navistar Global Bus and IC Bus said: “Because of the hard work and dedication of our Tulsa employees, IC Bus is far and away the industry leader not only in pure sales volume, but in product quality.” Mr Gallagher said: “Converting this plant from a former airplane factory to now making the one of the world’s safest school buses is a testament to private enterprise. There is a lot which goes on behind the scenes of a daily event – the transportation of children.”

Siemens agrees Vietnamese hybrid bus partnership Vietnam Siemens Vietnam and Hanoi-based Vietnam Motors Industry Corporation (Vinamotor) have entered into a cooperation agreement to apply Siemens Elfa hybrid drive technology for local service buses in Vietnam. . Siemens will supply all necessary components and provide technical support, while Vinamotor will prepare the platform and manufacture remaining parts of the bus for operational readiness. With conventional local service buses, braking energy is simply converted into heat and lost. With Elfa hybrid technology however, a prototype of which will be built this year, the braking energy is converted into electrical energy by the generative operation of

the traction motor and is fed into an energy storage device – high-performance capacitors or batteries. The stored energy is reused when starting and accelerating. Depending on the storage capacity of the system, the bus can also be driven purely electrically, especially in inner city areas and at bus stops. As such, it is claimed the operating companies can benefit from significant fuel cost savings of up to 50% and reduce impact on the environment through lower exhaust emission. In addition, passengers can benefit from noticeably quieter operation due to a smoother start and acceleration of these buses.

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14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

news › REGIONAL

SCOTLAND

A new bus route will see services return to the Craigentinny and Fillyside areas of Edinburgh. The new deal came about during negotiations to find replacement services for those withdrawn by First Bus to several East and Midlothian communities. The number 129, which will be run by Eve Coaches, based in Dunbar, will link the Ocean Terminal shopping centre in Leith with Seton Sands. In 2008, the shortening of Lothian Buses’ number 12 service meant the public transport network between Leith Links, Craigentinny/ Fillyside and Portobello was lost. Edinburgh city council transport convener Lesley Hinds said: “I’m delighted that by working with East Lothian we have been able to engineer a solution.”

KEY

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

NORTH

Stagecoach is due to introduce the X33 service between Ambleside and Ravenglass, which will run twice daily linking the central lakes to West Cumbria. The service, part of the £6.9m Go Lakes scheme, aims to help cut the amount of Co2 emissions and encourage responsible travel around the Lake District. The project is funded by Cumbria County Council, the Lake District National Park Authority and Cumbria Tourism and runs to the year 2015. Buses will run from July 21 to September 9 and allow attractions like Muncaster Castle to capitalise on summer visitors. Andy Chafe, public relations manager at Muncaster Castle, said: “We did and do support the scheme. We don’t want thousands of people coming from the central Lakes by car. “We believe in sustainable transport and tourism and this is one of the first developments which really fits the bill. This will help develop the outlying areas but also help locals who don’t have their own transport. We need more things likes this and things like trains on a Sunday which will help develop the area.” Steve Ratcliffe, Director of Planning and Partnerships at the Lake District National Park, said: “This is a really unique programme. It is unique because of the partnership behind it and because it is orientated towards the visitor. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Other sustainable travel projects elsewhere in the UK have focused on residents. This programme is about inspiring visitors that they can change their behaviour. We are trying to get to the point where people can forget about their car while they are in the Lake District because using sustainable transport will be easy and fun.” Mark Holroyd, South Copeland Tourism officer, said: “This fantastic new service will provide a much needed link to disperse visitors into South Copeland from the honeypot areas of the central Lake District. It will bring lots of benefits to our local tourism businesses by bringing day visitors and their bikes into the area by sustainable transport.”

MIDLANDS

A night service will return to the west side of Worcester for the first time since funding was withdrawn last May, when Worcestershire County Council withdrew its subsidy to several services to save £2.5m. City and county councillor Richard Udall has secured the return of weekday evening bus services to St John’s and Dines Green from Worcester city centre and Worcestershire Royal Hospital. He has funded the 12-week trial with £1,600 from his divisional fund of £10,000 – a pot of money made available to all county councillors to support projects

which benefit their communities. The new 31E service is provided by First and operates from Monday to Thursday. Friday and Saturdays are already subsidised by the county council. It is hoped the service will help student nurses and evening shift workers at the hospital to get home safely, as well as benefit other people working late or going out in the city centre. Cllr Udall said: “This service will prove a lifeline to many residents. They have been seriously inconvenienced by the cuts. It will be a significant improvement both for their convenience and safety.” Ady Culpin, of First, said: “We would stress that we do need people to use the service and then it may become a commercially viable option for the future.” Stratford’s Park & Ride service is undergoing a couple of changes in preparation for a new rail station which is due to be built next year, called Stratford Parkway. It is extending its operational hours to include evening journeys and the existing 222 and Park & Ride service will become two separate routes, numbered 221 and 222. Nigel White, Project Manager for Stratford Park & Ride, told CBW: “The changes are being led by the forthcoming Parkway scheme which is due to commence in 2013. “The service changes are an attempt to get people to the town

and to the station. “This is the best way to utilise the Local Sustainable Transport Fund we received from the government. We aim to build up a market and attract potentially new customers. People will hopefully stay longer in the town centre with the extended evening journeys.” He added: “We’re hoping to build up bus patronage and entice people away from using their car. It’s about building up awareness.” Evening journeys will run every 30 minutes between the Stratford Park & ride site and the town centre with the last return journey departing Bridge Street at 2315hrs. Evening journeys to town will operate as service 221, giving evening services for the Justins Avenue area. The 222 will operate every 30 minutes between the Park & Ride site and Trinity Mead, via Timothy’s Bridge Road, Masons Road, Morrisons, the town centre and Bridgetown. Additional buses will operate between the Park & Ride and the town centre to provide a bus every 10-15 minutes depending on demand. The 221 will operate between the Park & Ride site and the town centre, via Birmingham Road to the Maybird Centre, back along Birmingham Road then via Justins Avenue, Blue Cap Road, Blackthorn Road, St. Mary’s Road, Mayfield Avenue, St. Gregory’s Road, Warwick Road and the gyratory. Across town journeys can be made by remaining on the 221 or 222 bus at the Park & Ride site, e.g. Trinity Mead to the Maybird Centre or Justins Avenue to Morrisons or the rail station. A through ticket will be available. In addition, the 221 service will no longer be routed along the narrow roads of Elm Road and Woodlands Road due to the problem of parked cars. The bus will now travel the whole length of Justins Avenue. The section of the 221 route between the Yard of Ale on Justins Avenue and the bottom of St. Gregory’s Road will now be ‘Hail & Ride’. Some fares will be changing from the same date. A standard single fare of £1.10 adult/70p child will be introduced for most journeys (some existing cross town fares to/ from Trinity Mead/Bridgetown will remain at £1.50 adult/£1.00 child). Return tickets have also been standardised.

18/06/2012 16:09

Coach & Bus Week takes a look at the big issues where you live in our round-up of the regions. If you’ve got a local issue you would like us to cover, contact James Day at james.day@rouncymedia.co.uk.

SOUTH WEST

Buses which run between Bristol and Weston-superMare have been fitted with leather seats and free Wi-Fi to attract more passengers to the service. Six buses on the X1 route have been given the upgrade at a cost of £150,000. Some of the cash has also been spent on increasing the frequency of the services from every half hour to every 20 minutes. The upgrade has been funded by ‘kick start’ cash obtained by North Somerset Council through the Government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund, plus money from First. The buses are the first in the area other than the Bristol Airport Flyer to benefit from improvements and others could follow if more cash can be secured from the DfT’s Better Bus Areas initiative. The cost of using the X1 service has also been cut by 5p to £6.40 a day for an adult return fare and to £7 a day for a First Day ticket, which enables passengers to use buses across the Bristol area

Stagecoach North East workers have helped raise almost £3,000 for local charities after taking part in a number of races and marathons across the country. In the last few weeks, members of staff have taken part in the London Marathon, the Sand Dancer 10k race, the Marathon of the North and the North Tyneside 10k race. From Stagecoach’s Sunderland depot, marathon regular Sean Smith took part in the London Marathon and raised £1,000 for Macmillian Cancer Support, while seasoned runner Peter Wilkinson took part in the Marathon for the North. He raised £300 for Coping With Cancer. From Walkergate, Operations Manager David Wakefield ran the London Marathon and raised £250 for Scope and administration officer Julie Baldwin ran the North Tyneside 10k run. She raised £300 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Their efforts come just weeks after drivers and engineers from the Sunderland and South Shields depots, along with supportive family members, competed against each other in the South Shields 10k Sand Dancer run in aid of for The Grafters Club, the specialist burns unit at Newcastle’s Royal

bus network. A number of fares between key destinations have also been reduced and around 26,000 homes along the route are being sent information, offering them a free journey on board the newly improved buses. Marc Reddy, Regional commercial and business growth director for First in the South West and Wales, said: “These special touches do make a difference and we expect that both the commuters and leisure travellers using this service will appreciate the difference this makes.” North Somerset Council executive member for transport Councillor Elfan Ap Rees said: “We hope this improvement, which is supported by our investment in dedicated bus lanes and new live information at bus stops en route, will usher in a new era of bus transport and encourage local residents and visitors to the area to switch to regular bus travel between Weston and Bristol, avoiding congestion and parking issues as well as the increasing personal fuel costs.”

June 20, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 15

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

The Very Best of London Buses is taking place on October 21 this year at the London Bus Museum in Brooklands. The event will feature 50 years of Routemaster buses

2012 n June 19-21 ATCO Summer Conference. Jury’s Inn Hotel, Birmingham. www.atco.org.uk n June 22 CILT Wales National Transport Awards lunch. Cardiff City Hall. 01446 451227. www.ciltuk. org.uk/pages/regions/wales n June 22-24 Titfield Thunderbolt Weekend. A celebration of the 60th anniversary of the filming of the famous Ealing Studios comedy film ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’. North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham, Norfolk. 01263 820800.

www.nnrailway.co.uk

n June 24 Hollycombe Bus & Coach Rally. Hollycombe Working Steam Museum Iron Hill, Liphook, Hampshire. 01428 724900. www.

hollycombe.co.uk

n July 1 Reading Transport Great Knollys Street Open Day. 11 – 1600hrs. 0118 959 4000. www.reading-buses.co.uk n July 15 Alton Bus Rally & Running Day. Mid Hants Railway, Alton, Hampshire. www.watercressline.co.uk

Victoria Infirmary which helps children through rehabilitation after suffering serious burns. Collectively they raised over £1,200. All fundraising efforts were supported with additional contributions from Stagecoach North East. John Conroy, Managing Director, Stagecoach North East, said: “We are very happy to support the fundraising efforts of our staff. On behalf of the company I want to say a big well done to everyone who has participated in runs over the last few weeks.”

n July 16-18 TPM. The tenth annual conference of the Transport Practitioners Meeting (TPM) will be held at the John Moores University, Liverpool www.ciltuk.org n August 3-5 Bedford OB GetTogether. South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester, GL7 5QB. Contact the organiser Tim Wootton by email on tim@tjcs.freeserve.co.uk. Visit http://www.bedfordob.com/ n August 27 The National Association of Road Transport Museums gala day. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk

n September 6 Association of Trainers AGM. Steele Road, Wembley Julia@asot.org.uk 01797 344251 n September 8-9 UK Bus Driver of the Year, Blackpool. Call competition secretary Bill Holmes on 01303 251462. www.bdoy.co.uk n Sept 9 Amberley Bus Show. Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, West Sussex. www.amberleymuseum.co.uk n September 16 Showbus. Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire. www.showbus.com n September 20-27 IAA Commercial Vehicles. Hannover. +(00)49 30897842. www.iaa.de n October 14 Midland Red Centenary of the Reintroduction of Motorbuses. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk n October 18 CILT Annual Awards for Excellence Dinner. London. 01536 740104. www.ciltuk.org.uk n October 21 The Very Best of London Buses. Brooklands, Surrey. Featuring 50 years of Routemaster buses. London Bus Museum. www.londonbusmuseum.com n November 6-8 Euro Bus Expo. NEC, Birmingham. 01926 834790. www.eurobusxpo.com n November 20 UK Bus Awards London Hilton Park Lane. www.ukbusawards.org.uk

2013 n Jan 1 New Year’s Holiday Open Day. Oxford Bus Museum. www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk

Do you have an event to promote? Send details to gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

RegionalNews.indd 15

18/06/2012 16:10

16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

operator update › travel de courcey

£120 Estimated fuel cost savings per bus per day

www.coachandbusweek.com

DeCourceyElectricBus.indd 16

18/06/2012 17:23

Number of minutes taken to fully charge the vehicle

June 20, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17

Number of years the Lithium Ion/Magnesium Phospate batteries are expected to last

Another automotive first for Coventry James Day reports on the launch event for Travel De Courcey’s fastcharging electric Optare Versa bus, with Norman Baker in attendance

he weather just about held out for Travel De Courcey’s Optare Versa EV electric bus launch at the War Memorial Park in Coventry, where the Coventry Park & Ride south shuttle is based, running at 12 minute intervals. There was a large media turnout, even after the story had been covered on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday, June 12, which included representatives from the BBC, ITV and some radio stations. It was testament to the influence of Travel De Courcey, one of the largest independent bus operators in the West Midlands. The whole event will no doubt give the industry some very positive exposure. The launch is a partnership between Travel de Courcey, Coventry City Council, which owns the Park & Ride South site, and Centro, which is responsible for bus transport in the West Midlands. The three vehicles are the UK’s first large fast-charging electric buses, making Coventry a rather appropriate place to launch them - as the birthplace of the British automotive industry. They are a £1m investment; Travel De Courcey invested £400,000 in the project, a further £300,000 was provided from the first round of the Green Bus Fund and Centro,

DeCourceyElectricBus.indd 17

Above: Mike De Courcey is rightly proud of the new buses. Left: One of the new Versas is seen manoeuvring at War Memorial Park the West Midlands ITA, contributed £100,000. Coventry City Council met the cost of installing the electric charging infrastructure, while Optare conducted two years of research and development. The drivetrain in the Optare Versa EV is an Enova Systems P120 ‘Zero Emissions’ Electric Vehicle drive system with summation gearbox. This provides 120 kW of power and 650 Nm of torque. Energy storage is provided by 56 Valance maintenance-free Lithium Ion/Magnesium Phospate batteries. During service recharging is provided by an on-board charging capability using

www.coachandbusweek.com

18/06/2012 17:23

18 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

operator update › travel de courcey

Left to right: Geoff Inskip, Mike de Courcey, Bob Wildman, Lynnette Kelly, Norman Baker and John Horn. Below: De Courcey logo embossed in E-Leather regenerative braking. De Courcey expect the vehicles to take 40 minutes to charge, using ABB’s Terra 51 fast charging station and run for several hours. Electric charging points at the War Memorial Park in Kenilworth Road enable all three buses to run at peak times, with batteries being re-charged overnight at Travel de Courcey’s main depot in Rowley Drive, Coventry. Optare claims full charge at off-peak electricity prices costs as little as £6.40. They stand at 11.1 metres long and can carry up to 40 passengers. All are equipped with audio and visual bus stop announcements (not in use on the day) CCTV and a driver management system to monitor standards. The electric buses have a special livery which was designed by Blake Cotterall, helping to emphasise the environmentally friendly nature of the vehicles, along with the custom made E-Leather upholstery on the seating, with the Travel de Courcey logo embossed on the back of the www.coachandbusweek.com

DeCourceyElectricBus.indd 18

headrests. The vehicles’ registration plates are personalised as YJ12GW(X/Y/Z). All three buses were on display at the memorial park, where the attendees were shown the charging points, interiors and inner workings of the vehicles. After a while, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Norman Baker, arrived on board one of the existing Travel De Courcey Park & Ride vehicles. Speaking at the launch, he said: “This is a great event for Coventry and for the bus industry, using cutting edge British manufacturing. “The vehicles are very attractive and go towards meeting the aims set by the Department for Transport – they cut carbon bigtime. “This project has used funding from the first round of the Green Bus Fund, so expect many more great projects like this to surface as the money rolls out.” “The West Midlands is in the vanguard of a green transport revolution which will mean better

“I congratulate Centro and Travel de Courcey for their forward thinking approach which will pay dividends for their passengers and for the environment.” Norman Baker, MP Transport Minister

journeys for passengers, less noise and air pollution and lower carbon emissions. I congratulate Centro and Travel de Courcey for their forward thinking approach which will pay dividends for their passengers and for the environment.” Managing Director Mike De Courcey was a designated driver for the day and drove one of the vehicles personally to the Coventry Transport Museum where they were lined up for photographs. There were many jokes to be heard about his BBC appearance, where he was seen driving the bus, charging the bus and sitting on the bus all in the space of a few minutes – certainly a hands on approach. He said: “Coventry is the birthplace of the British car and cycle industry and we are delighted to be creating another transport first for the city as part of our desire to be at the forefront of our industry. “The launch of the electric buses marks one of the most significant

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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek

Smart interior gives a contemporary feel (above); Front and rear styling & branding (above right); and this is what lies beneath the bonnet (right) developments in the 40-year history of Travel de Courcey and highlights our commitment to pioneer innovative and green technology for the benefit of our passengers and the environment.”

CBW Verdict

The vehicle was exceptionally quiet. Onboard, aside from the noise of chatty journalists and invitees, the only sound was a strange Star Trek warp drive-esque sound when the vehicle accelerated (one person remarked Mike De Courcey was showing the vehicle had good acceleration). From the roadside, the only noise was the sound of the wheels on the road surface – it was quite difficult to tell when the vehicle was powered. Specially designed E-Leather seats and a very smooth ride made the vehicle a comfortable place. The park and ride route has a significant amount of traffic and was very stop-start, especially when leaving the city centre. This should be an ideal environment for

DeCourceyElectricBus.indd 19

the regenerative breaking systems featured on the vehicles to work well. The Versas did seem to be stirring some interest. Members of the public at the Park & Ride site seemed intrigued, asking many of the attendees. I noticed some questions came from the usual sceptics about electric vehicles – “Yes it’s green but how long does it take to charge?” They seemed surprised to hear how fast it can be done for a vehicle of its size.

The charging point is located next to the coolant filler on the bodyside

Travel De Courcey’s electric bus: comments

Centro Chief Executive Geoff Inskip: “This is a significant milestone for public transport in Coventry and we are proud and delighted to have played our part. “It will do much to encourage new vehicle technology and stimulate the market for low carbon buses, an industry in which the UK is a world leader and to which we at Centro aspire.” Cllr Lynnette Kelly, Coventry City Council’s Cabinet Member for City Development: “The new electric buses are a clear demonstration of how new technology can be used to provide visible and user friendly services. “The city is proud of its growing reputation for low carbon transport and the launch of the new service shows how the city is taking a lead role in innovation and environmental matters. It is one of

a number of high profile projects that puts Coventry in the national limelight.” John Horn, Sales Director at Optare: “The Versas at 11.1 metres are not only the largest electric buses supplied to a UK operator, but another first is the fast change system which allows for the vehicles to operate all day without the need to return to the depot.” Bob Wildman, General Manager, Travel De Courcey: “Once again Travel De Courcey is setting the pace for high standards of passenger service and the introduction of the latest vehicles and technology.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

18/06/2012 17:24

20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

SOCIAL MEDIA

trent barton updates its social media feeds at all hours of the day and night using staff smartphones – even on Christmas Day

Bus brands in the Social Media Chart Having written a couple of features on how to get social media working for you in recent weeks, Coach and Bus Week’s self-confessed IT enthusiast James Day looks at the results of the Social Brands 100, which held trent barton and Cardiff Bus in high regard www.coachandbusweek.com

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ardiff Bus and trent barton have been featured on a social brands list of the top 100 social media brands in the UK. trent barton were given a rank of 29, ahead of Google, Virgin, MTV, Orange and Dell, while Cardiff Bus were ranked joint 45th overall with BBC and BlackBerry. Innocent, a fast-moving consumer goods brand, most famous for making smoothies, topped the list. The list was announced on May 29 and was followed by a presentation in London which brought together the Social Brands 100 to discuss the ranking and what makes a brand social. The listing is based on effective use of social media rather than just sheer size of follower base or readership.

Cardiff Bus The @cardiffbus Twitter feed was initally launched by Cardiff Bus back in 2009 and since then has grown a steady list of followers which currently stands at just over 5,000. Its Facebook use was ranked fourth out of the hundred firms. The timing of Cardiff Bus’ Twitter

launch coincided with a period of particularly heavy snow. Twitter proved very useful in allowing the municipally-owned operator to communicate service changes, delays and cancellations on an as-ithappened basis. Victoria Rees-Price, Marketing Manager at Cardiff Bus, said: “Using Twitter during the heavy snow conditions acted as a great launch pad for us to experience the effectiveness of Twitter in helping us to communicate with our customers during difficult times. We knew every possible communication tool would be crucial if we were to keep our customers up to speed on what was happening and the latest updates on their services. “Since then both Twitter and Facebook have evolved naturally and have played crucial roles in helping us to keep our customers up to date not only during periods of bad weather, but also during major events in Cardiff and when there are bad traffic accidents or diversions. We can provide real-time updates and inform our customers what is happening on our network – or around the city on

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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek the whole.” Since 2009, Cardiff Bus has been using both Twitter and Facebook on a daily basis to communicate with passengers. As well as offering upto-the-minute details on its service, Cardiff Bus also promoted a series of competitions and offers via its Twitter and Facebook feeds and a popular feature has been its ‘Iff you were here…’ item which encourages followers to upload pictures of themselves on holiday with their iff smart card. The result is that Cardiff Bus has developed a friendly online voice via its Twitter and Facebook feeds which interacts with followers and provides responses to comments and queries in real time. A glance at the @Cardiffbus Twitter feed shows the majority of tweets are in reply to user queries, while a number of messages from the company are retweeted comments from passengers. Victoria Rees-Price added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been named on the Social Brands 100 list. It really is a testament to the hard work we’ve put in as a team to build our online presence and create a ‘voice’ for Cardiff Bus. Our social media channels have become key for us in communicating instantly with all our stakeholders, and responding instantly to their needs. “We’ve had a fantastic response to our Twitter and Facebook feeds and it’s been great to see the steady increase of followers We look forward to continuing to develop this great work in the future and thank all our customers for their support.”

TRENT BARTON trent barton LIVE is the brand used across the operator’s social media platforms. Each of the sites are manned by several members of the trent barton team, along with their regular day jobs. Many of the updates are often done from a Blackberry and trent barton said it had been known to post and tweet at all hours of the day and night, on Christmas Day and even whilst a team member’s wife was enduring labour. The trent barton LIVE Twitter feed is similar to Cardiff Bus in that it is most frequently used to respond to its followers. It also makes frequent use of the hashtag #trentbartonland to stimulate discussion. The Facebook wall for the operator is used in a similar way, but importantly it does not appear to be linked to Twitter,

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Cardiff’s social media presence took off in the disruption of winter 2009

Shining examples: Cardiff Bus’ Facebook Page (above) and trent barton LIVE (sic) Twitter feed (below) both look appealing to their target audience

Social Brands 100: a synopsis

Social Brands 100 was created by social specialist agency Headstream in 2011 as an initiative to identify and acknowledge those brands leading the way in the use of social media in what has been dubbed “the social age’. It is now in its second year and claims to be one of the leading rankings of social media performance. The Social Brands 100 report provides detailed insights, case studies and data about the activity which marks out high performing social brands. It can be used to benchmark social media performance across multiple sectors and types of company.

keeping the posts to Twitter specifically tailored for it. On the trent barton LIVE blog, the firm stated: “Our view is that there are thousands who enjoy communicating [through social media], so it’s vital we join them on their chosen platform to do so. We share the view of proactive service providers that complaints are ‘nuggets of gold’. Learning from them is vital. Being able to discuss our performance in a public and open forum is extremely useful. We’d rather people did that to our faces (so to speak) so we could help put things right, rather than just tell their mates down the pub.” trent barton’s former Head of Communications, Melvyn Hopwood, remains one of the key architects and was commonly quoted as saying that trent barton often ‘punched above its weight’. trent barton was ranked second when it came to the its use of Facebook in creating constant dialogue with customers. Alex Hornby, Commercial Director, commented: “We really believe the internet is a great way to talk to customers, especially with so many people using Twitter and Facebook on their phone while they are out and about. “Social media perfectly complements our more traditional ways of engaging with customers, including meeting as many as we can face-to-face.” Alex continued: “Our services are shaped by the needs of users and we try and do all we can to let them know what’s happening. At the same time we want to make it as easy as possible for them to tell us how we can continue improving. “We are delighted to be ranked above so many well-known names and it shows we are at the forefront of the social media revolution.” The trent barton LIVE blog can be found at http://trentbartonlive. blogspot.co.uk/ The full list can be seen at http://socialbrands100.com/

■ Cardiff Bus Twitter: @cardiffbus ■ Cardiff Bus Facebook: www. facebook.com/cardiffbus ■ trent barton Twitter: @ trentbartonlive ■ trent barton Facebook: www. facebook.com/trentbartonlive ■ Social Brands 100 Twitter: @ socialbrands100 www.coachandbusweek.com

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22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

UKBA › NATIONAL BUS DRIVER

Nominate your top national bus driver An overview of who triumphed in the award for Top National Bus Driver at last year’s UK Bus Awards plus details on how to place an entry for the 2012 competition

he 17th UK Bus Awards (UKBA) takes place at the London Hilton Park Lane on November 20, 2012, and with the deadline fast approaching to nominate the Top National Bus Driver, CBW takes a look at who impressed the public in 2011. The Chris Moyes Memorial Award for Top National Bus Driver is presented to the driver who has best demonstrated excellent performance from the customer perspective in the 12 month period to the end of May each year. Entrants need to stand out from the crowd by going that extra mile, providing what passengers see as the ideal driver. Important traits include being friendly, helpful, conscientious and mindful of passengers’ comfort and well-being. Nominations for 2011’s award were received directly from employers and by members of the public via the website which was launched last year – www. topnationalbusdriver.co.uk

2011 Results

Winner Trevor Owen Stephensons of Essex – Rochford, Essex When he received the award, Trevor Owen had worked for Stephensons for just a little over two years, having started his bus career with London Transport in 1980 – though he worked outside the industry between 2004 and 2009. Stephensons told the UKBA: “Not only is he a helpful and valued employee, but the volume of praise he receives from our customers is at levels we have never experienced before. As well as being permanently friendly and cheerful, he will always go that extra mile to help a customer with a problem.” His customers praised him for www.coachandbusweek.com

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being “always cheerful, helpful and friendly”, while another said: “I always feel totally safe when he is the driver”. A third said they had “never ever had such a wonderful driver”. UKBA’s mystery traveller also agreed, saying that in 55 years of riding on buses, Trevor had given him the best ride he had ever had. Stephensons were so proud of Trevor’s achievement they put a full-length photo of him holding his trophy on the back of one of his regular buses.

Runner Up Ian Grebby trent barton - Langley Mill, Nottinghamshire trent barton believes Ian is a shining example to his colleagues and a delight to his customers, adding: “His amazing, top flight consistent performance is something that comes naturally.” “I still enjoy being a bus driver after 12 years,” he said. “The best part of the job is helping customers to have a really good journey, and see them leave with a smile.” Ian also scored highly in the mystery traveller checks, with one report noting he even manages to smile when he’s under pressure because the service is delayed.

employers in South Yorkshire: “A model professional with an exemplary record for safety and customer service in a tough working environment. Her shining moment came when chosen as the company’s Superstars champion for professionalism beyond the call of duty during the blizzards last year.”

Highly Commended Tony Horler Oxford Bus Company – Oxford, Oxfordshire Tony joined Oxford Bus Company after a career in the farming industry. Not only is he one of the company’s best drivers, he is their most economic, according to OBC. “His people skills are an example to everyone. He loves his job and radiates that joy to everyone. He is much loved by his colleagues and especially his passengers.”

Highly Commended Stephen O’Hara Lothian Buses – Longstone Garage, Edinburgh Stephen O’Hara has worked for Lothian Buses in Edinburgh for over 12 years, receiving many commendations from his employer and passengers. “He is an exemplary member of our team,” Lothian said, “and our overall winner of our company Driver of the Year Award in 2010. Stephen always goes that extra mile to offer first class customer service to our customers.” Highly Commended Kevin Wood trent barton – Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire trent barton believes Kevin is a pleasure to work with and is a role model to drivers everywhere. He is always eager to help out and do whatever is asked of him. He attracts countless customer comments, and consistently scores well in audits. This led to the crowning achievement of winning his employer’s Driver of the Year 2011 – a victory Kevin dedicated to his depot colleagues.

Judging process

UKBA welcomes nominations from employers, bus passengers or bus user groups and other organisations. The competition relies on elements which include the

Highly Commended Paul Ferry Arriva North East – Blyth, Northumberland Paul lives with his partner, Stephanie, and two young children Callum and Olivia. At the time of commendation he had worked for Arriva for four and a half years and has had many commendations from customers during this time. Highly Commended Jane Greenacre First South Yorkshire – Olive Grove Depot, Sheffield Jane Greenacre is a perfect example of a bus driver, according to her

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nominations, information and endorsement from the driver’s employers, the consent of the driver concerned and a judging process whereby a panel of independent experts examines the nominee and the information provided by the employer. Judges then go on to choose a short list of drivers to put forward for the finals. These drivers are then checked by a mystery traveller to evaluate customer service standards and professionalism. The winner is selected from the short list and announced at the UKBA ceremony. Time is running out to nominate your favourite driver, with entries closing on June 30. Any licensed PCV driver in fulltime employment on registered local bus services outside London who has been in continuous employment for the 12 months ended May 31, 2012 can be nominated. To nominate online go to www.topnationalbusdriver. co.uk/content/online-nomination The present UK Bus Awards scheme was launched as the Bus Industry Awards in 1996 and is currently running its seventeenth annual competition. The scheme is operated and financed by an independent notfor-dividend company, the Bus Industry Awards Ltd.

Judges’ Overall Verdict: “Our quest to find Britain’s top bus driver involves the verdict of customers, employers and our mystery travellers in a three-way check on standards and service delivery. The competition goes from strength to strength and 2011’s nominations came from members of Bus Users UK and the wider general public through our dedicated website. We were delighted with the response from the site in its first year, and this is reflected in the high standards of this year’s competition.”

Criteria and Entry Requirements:

Trevor Owen pictured on one of his regular buses (above); Lothain Buses’ Stephen O’Hara (below left); and Arriva NE’s Paul Ferry (below right)

Where drivers are nominated for this award, their employers will be contacted by the UKBA, and asked to: n Endorse the nomination and supply further information about the employee n Obtain the nominee’s consent to their name being put forward for the award. Entrants will be assessed by the judges on their technical and professional skill. Evidence of this will be required from their employers and could include: n The nominee’s accident record n Number and duration of safe driving awards won by the nominee n Technical and professional skills, as evidenced by such items as internal driver assessment reports or marks achieved in driving competitions n Disciplinary record n Public Commendations

Trevor Owen with his Top National Bus Driver award (left); Trent Barton’s Kevin Wood and runner up Ian Grebby (above); and First South Yorkshire’s Jane Greenacre (right) www.coachandbusweek.com

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DELIVERIES

MOTTS TRAVEL Motts of Aylesbury has taken delivery of a new VDL Jonckheere-bodied Volvo B9R coach with bodywork and liveried specifically for its Crusader Holidays business. The new vehicle joins Motts’ 55-strong fleet, which includes over 30 vehicles built on Volvo chassis. “We’ve had Volvo B9Rs before,” explained MD

Roger Mott. “The vehicle has excellent lightweight characteristics and strong driving qualities, more traditionally associated with larger coaches. We also felt it offered the perfect balance of power, fuel economy and comfort to ideally position it as a touring coach under the Crusader Holidays banner.” “Volvo is a manufacturer we know and trust through past experience,” he added. “We know the level of quality

and service we get, but more importantly we know that the vehicles are reliable.” The coach is equipped with 53 leather-trimmed seats, a fixed centre toilet, airconditioning, two TV monitors, DVD player and a fridge. The vehicle also features a reversing camera. Sporting the attractive blue and white Crusader livery, the vehicle has also chosen to carry the cherished registration plate ‘MT12 MTT’.

WELSH’S COACHES West Yorkshire-based Welsh’s Coaches has continued to invest in its fleet with the acquisition of another Setra S416GT-HD. “We’ve had a long and successful history with Setra and our customers have

FACT FILE

Chassis/body Volvo B9R/VDL

Jonckheere

Engine Six-cylinder Volvo D9B,

380BHP

Transmission 12-speed I-Shift Seats 53 Spec Touring Supplied by

Volvo 02476 210250 www.volvobuses.com/bus/uk/ en-gb

John Welsh collects his new coach from Bob McGarry, EvoBus Regional Manager Setra, at the Coventry dealership

WHITELAWS of STONEHOUSE Well-known Scottish operator Whitelaws Coaches of Stonehouse has taken delivery of three ADL Enviro 200s to operate on the firm’s extensive local services in South and North Lanarkshire. The new buses form part of an order for eight, the remainder of which will be delivered shortly, according to ADL. Sandra Whitelaw, the company’s Managing Director, said: “The Enviro 200 is an impressive bus and has excelled as part of our fleet over the past 12 months. We look for style, comfort, reliability and economical operating costs. It provides all of these attributes, along with ease of access and

become accustomed to the ride quality, reliability and comfort associated with our Setras. We’ve found Setra coaches to be best for whole life costs and fuel economy,” said owner John Welsh. “It’s a hard business to be in at the moment so we need first class service provision which we get from EvoBus and unrivalled reliability which

engines, connected to Allison S2100 five-speed automatic transmissions. On board features include a nine-camera Synetics CCTV system with five-inch monitor and T1000 recorder supplied by LOOK – not forgetting the LED saloon lighting and Mobitec destination equipment. The high back belted seats are manufactured by Lazzerini and are upholstered in E Leather. FACT FILE

Chassis/body ADL Enviro 200 Engine Cummins EEV

superb back-up from ADL. “As I’ve said previously, one of the outstanding features of this vehicle is its exceptional fuel efficiency, compared to other vehicles

operating on the same routes and with similar seating capacity. Fuel costs are a significant concern, so we had no hesitation in buying more Enviro 200s.”

The new vehicles are 10.8 metre-long models with 39 seats. Mechanically, they are powered by Cummins ISBe four-cylinder 160ps EEV

Transmission Allison auto Seats 39 Spec E Leather-covered seats Supplied by

ADL 01483 571271 www.alexander-dennis.com

For all the latest industry news and information, register with us online at:

www.coachandbusweek.com

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Have you taken delivery of a new vehicle and want to tell the world about it? Email all the details and pictures to cbwinbox@ rouncymedia.co.uk

we get from our Setras.” The new coach is a high specification 48-seater which will be used to expand its own brand of European and UK tour holidays. Measuring 13.02 metres long, the ComfortClass model is fitted with Galaxsee glass double glazing, Webasto heating, ComAir roof mounted air conditioning and a brand exclusive Audio/ Video system from Bosch with DVD/CD and two 19-inch monitors. FACT FILE

Chassis/body Setra S416GT-HD Engine Mercedes-Benz OM 457

LA 428hp Euro5

Transmission Mercedes-Benz

GO-240-8 eight-speed PowerShift Seats 48 Spec Touring Supplied by

Evobus UK 024 7662 6000 www.evobus.co.uk

DJ THOMAS Neath-based tour operator DJ Thomas has recently purchased a new tri-axle Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus coach for use on the firm’s international holiday programme. The impressive looking vehicle, which made its official debut at April’s UK Coach Rally in Peterborough, is the second new Volvo 9700 acquired by the South Wales operator. Indeed, it was the company’s experiences with their first new 9700, which persuaded them to specify Volvo again. “We liked the simplicity and fuel economy of our first 9700,” explained DJ Thomas Managing Director, Richard Thomas. “It performed well on our tour operations and our drivers liked it because of the handling and the

accessibility of the dashboard controls. “Volvo’s dealership at Wales and West provide us with excellent back-up and support and we’ve dealt with Volvo Bus Regional Sales Manager, David Stevenson, over the course of a 10 year period, so we have built up a great trust and understanding. “As a company we like the Volvo product,” he

continued. “We’ve got a fleet of 27 vehicles, 18 of which are now built on the Volvo chassis. We’ve implemented an exciting new business venture in terms of our international holiday tour programme and we were looking for a stylish, reliable coach to support our operations and the 9700 certainly met those requirements.” Onboard features

include 53 leather-trimmed seats, with three point belts, a sunken toilet, two TV monitors, a DVD player, sound system, airconditioning and a reversing camera. The coach also carries the cherished “DJ12 DJT” registration plate. Established in 1954, last year the firm broke new ground with the launch of its own coach holiday and tour business, which included the opening of a town centre shop in Neath. FACT FILE

Chassis/body Volvo 9700 Engine Six-cylinder Volvo

13-litre D13C

Transmission Volvo I-Shift Seats 53 Spec Touring Supplied by

Volvo Bus UK 02476 210250 www.volvobuses.com/bus/uk/ en-gb

www.coachandbusweek.com

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minibus The essential read for Minibus Operators

June 2012

p38 p28

p36

Fair on fuel?

he report in this edition of Minibus on the fuel-saving capability of the higher gearing option for Mercedes-Benz Sprinters highlights a positive step towards reducing fuel bills. However, the price at the pump for fuel remains steadfastly high despite a huge drop in the oil price per barrel – now well below $100 from having been as high as $165. There is no sign of any desire from government to instigate a drop in fuel prices relative to lower cost of crude. No doubt this lack of action is allied to the huge amount of additional revenue it is generating as a result. Perhaps it time to effect a windfall tax on the exchequer and impress on those responsible we

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CONTENTS

should ‘all be in this together’ as a continuation of current policy just underlines the sceptic view which believes the bulk of taxation is little more than licenced banditry. Maybe they should consider directing some of this additional money into a revised BSOG scheme which would promote the continuation of marginal bus services. Loss of vital rural links and an inability for people to travel to and from work via bus will only perpetuate an increase in car ownership. Martin Cole Editor

News

New DRT service for South Staffs; and sixth Stanford Coach Works VW Crafter for MS Society

The Big Picture

A Bluebird Orion Plus in a sunny Scarborough

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

New rear axle option with higher gear ratio and reduced engine speed put to the test

Operator Profile

A look at Lincolnshire family-run minibus operator King’s Coaches of Stickney

www.coachandbusweek.com

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news

The passenger seating capacity of King’s Coaches smallest PHV

Trafficmaster: security award winner for Citroën Safety and security are key to live telematics from Trafficmaster Trafficmaster’s Smartnav telematics package, fitted standard to Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay models, has played a key role in Citroën winning the Van Fleet World Honours Security Award. Alongside efficiency-enhancing intelligent Smartnav satellite navigation with dynamic traffic avoidance, Citroen’s Trafficmaster package includes Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking. Trackstar plays a key role in the near 100% recovery rate for stolen Citroën LCVs. Each of the Citroëns recovered had been stolen when the driver had momentarily left the vehicle unattended with the keys in – or the thieves had broken into the driver’s home and stolen the keys. Thanks to Trackstar the Police have been able to recover the Citroën van virtually every time – in one instance just minutes after it was stolen and in another case from Poland. For those few vehicles remaining unrecovered, Trafficmaster will continue to monitor for them until they are returned to their owners. To date over 60,000 Citroën Berlingo, Dispatch and Relays have been fitted with the advanced Trafficmaster Smartnav and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking telematics package. Pat Gallagher, Trafficmaster’s

London Diala-Ride driver rewarded

A minibus bus driver who steered his elderly passengers away from danger during the London riots has been rewarded for his bravery. Steven Boyle, 54, a TfL Dial-aRide driver in Wimbledon, received

Director of In-Vehicle Products, explained: “More and more LCV operators are now appreciating not only the productivity gains that Trafficmaster Smartnav brings, but also – as Citroën’s success in the Van Fleet World Honours proves - Trackstar’s major security benefits. The standard fitment of Trafficmaster’s Smartnav/Trackstar telematics package has resulted in Citroën Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay panel vans being amongst the most economical and secure for UK businesses.” The benefits of fitting a Trafficmaster Smartnav package in Citroën’s LCVs include: n the equivalent of 6,500 working

days regained in 2011 due to congestion avoidance n up to 12% improvement in fuel economy n up to 10% reduction in vehicle running costs n up to 33% reduction in driver stress levels, with an associated reduction in risk and safety gains n greater vehicle security n touch-screen emergency call facility Trafficmaster’s Smartnav system not only provides in-depth navigation, it also plans the route to avoid traffic congestion. It does this using live traffic information gathered from Trafficmaster’s unique network of 5,000 roadside

Trafficmaster’s SmartNav includes the Trackstar stolen vehicle tracker an award for actions above and beyond the call of duty after rioters tried to smash their way onto his bus on the evening of August 8. Steven was sitting at a set of traffic lights at the bottom of Tulse Hill Road, Brixton, when a group of masked men began to violently attack his bus. He said: “There were about 15 to 20 masked men trying to rip the doors off and get onboard but luckily the doors were locked.

“I don’t know what they wanted to do but it was a very frightening.” Keeping a cool head, Steven slowly made his way through the crowd of rioters to take his three elderly passengers to safety. He said: “I was worried more about the ladies than my safety. Whatever I would of had to have done, there was no way that I was going to let them come to harm.” The passengers were shaken

400

The number of users who have signed up for South Staffs Connect cameras and real-time road speeds, to calculate the quickest route to the required destination. If congestion occurs after the vehicle has started on the journey, Smartnav will instantaneously work out all the viable alternatives and calculate the route with the shortest journey time. The driver can then select the new route with one touch of the screen. Last year, this facility saved Citroën LCV drivers the equivalent of more than 6,500 working days while the latest installations also gain an emergency call icon on the touch screen which allows the driver to summons assistance after an accident, a medical emergency or a breakdown. Pat Gallagher added: “The Trafficmaster telematics package is worth some £2,000 per year, per vehicle in terms of increased productivity and lower running costs. Add to this the benefits of the unique 24/7 Personal Assistance service; enhanced safety and security; driver stress reduced by up to a third in real-life operation and you can see Smartnav provides a significant benefit.” Trafficmaster’s Smartnav package comes with the low cost option of Fleet Director, its realtime fleet management package. It provides fleet managers with a full range of services. These include optimised routing on multi-drop runs, live vehicle reporting, twoway messaging and vehicle or driver management reports. The system can record when vehicles arrive and leave specific locations as well as highlighting if the vehicle has been used at weekends or out of hours. by the incident but came to no harm and, keen to not let it affect those who use the service, Steven returned to work the next day. Steven, who lives in Epsom, collected the award in a ceremony at City Hall hosted by TfL but was keen to say he was only doing his job. He added: “It’s a pleasure to come to work and help anybody I can. It is a genuinely great job and I am glad to help the community.”

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2009

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The year West Wales DRT service Bwcabus was launched

Bwcabus gets thumbs up Bwcabus is quite clearly the heart of the rural community like a community hall on wheels. These are the potent words of praise from Older Peoples’ Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira, after she took a trip with passengers in deepest Ceredigion discovering that for some Bwcabus was “the most important public service in their lives.” The Commissioner wanted to chat with passengers and council staff about the Bwcabus network’s continuing success, helping people travel around more remote parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. “What struck me was once again, how something we wouldn’t traditionally see as being one of our top priorities was, in fact, seen by older people themselves as one of the most important public services in their lives, “ added Mrs Rochira. Bwcabus has been providing on-demand transport for residents of rural parts of the Teifi Valley since its launch in August 2009. The project is a partnership between

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire county councils, Traveline Cymru and the University of Glamorgan with funding from the Welsh Government and the European Regional Development Fund. The service aims to improve access to key services for rural communities such as travel to work opportunities, giving better opportunities for jobseekers and improved opportunities for those seeking health care. It is being widely upheld as a

model exemplar for development elsewhere in the country as part of the National Transport Plan. Carmarthenshire County Council has secured a total of £2.95m of external funding to help develop the Bwcabus concept and provide a sustainable public transport system in the long term. This integrated transport service, has won awards and received national acclaim, and now has expanded operations to the areas of Lampeter, Llanybydder, Felinfach and Llangeithio.

Older Peoples’ Commissioner for Wales Sarah Rochira enjoys taking a trip on Bwcabus with regular passengers

Marcopolo maps big future for Volare

Brazilian coachbuilder Marcopolo has underlined its confidence in a strong future for minibuses by announcing plans to invest around £10m in a new production plant which will focus on its Volare brand. Marcopolo signed an agreement with the state government of Espirito Santo to open the new plant in Sao Mateus. It hopes to begin producing vehicles in the second quarter of 2013. Shares in Marcopolo gained 1.2% as the local stockmarket reacted to the news. Share value stood at 9.02 reais by the close of business in Sao Paulo and, so far, has risen 27% this year.

Marcopolo Senior bodywork was sold in the UK by BASE Analyst Renata Faber at Banco Itau BBA wrote in a note to clients: “The production of these minibuses in two different plants reduces the company’s operational risks. The current plant is already producing at near full capacity.” Volare minibuses are currently produced at Caxias do Sul. The

range is powered by Euro 5 engines and offers a broad selection of builds from basic people shifters to touring or executive specifications. The body style remains almost identical to the Senior model which was previously built by Marcopolo in Portugal and offered for sale in the UK through BASE Coach Sales.

Sixth SCW Crafter for MSS delivered to North Norfolk Stanford Coachworks handed over a new Volkswagen Crafter Maxi to the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s North Norfolk division on May 28. Bob Mann, Transport Manager and Laraine Bingham, Chairwoman of LAMS (Life and MS), the day centre of North Norfolk Multiple Sclerosis Society, accepted the keys from David Hardacre of Stanford Coachworks at the community centre venue, Southrepps Village Hall near Cromer, Norfolk. The manual six-speed CR50 Maxi 4325mm wheelbase minibus with extra high roof, extra long body was funded by a considerable donation in 2011 from Donald Belsom, a Fakenham resident, whose wife had MS. The PLS GXI wheelchair lift, fitted between the two floors, which fully unfolds automatically, was a real eye opener and consequently a feature which needed to be maintained for the final vehicle. The minibus accommodates 15 seats plus driver and includes a semi-recessed low profile Unwin tracking system on a SCW M2 tested floor allowing the removal of 14 seats, securing carriage of three wheelchair passengers. A internal sound system, Eberspächer climate control, subtle lighting and a factory white finish with Multiple Sclerosis Society livery were specified. The bus will be used within the North Norfolk area to transport members to the LAMS day centre which meets every Monday. It is the sixth wheelchair accessible minibus supplied to Multiple Sclerosis Society divisions over the past two years. Stanford Coachworks has developed a significant presence within the Charity market and become the preferred supplier for Age UK. Sales to date have taken the company as far afield as the remote Scottish Islands.

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news

New DRT service for South Staffordshire County’s second demand responsive service signs up 400 users in first three weeks A new Demand Responsive Travel (DRT) service in South Staffordshire has signed up 400 users in its first three weeks. South Staffordshire Connect, as it is known, operates two buses in the north and two in the south of the district. The former includes Penkridge, Cannock and Codsall, while the latter covers Pattingham, Wombourne and Kinver. The service is being operated on behalf of Staffordshire County Council (SCC) by Community Transport, a national social enterprise. As well as being funded by the SCC, the £300,000 annual cost to run it is also being met by South Staffordshire Council and a consortium representing local doctors as a response to cuts in rural bus routes by commercial operators. For part of the day the service

will take social care users to day care facilities. After that, people in ‘isolated’ areas can ring up and book the bus in advance to arrive at a pre-agreed time to take their right to their destination or another transport connection. Users are charged £2,

The launch of the South Staffordshire Connect DRT service is viewed as a potential future model for the whole of the county’s rural services

Citroen upgrades Business Class warranty package Citroën LCVs are now available with a new no-cost ‘Upgrade to Business Class’ extended four year warranty, servicing and Citroën Assistance package. Participating Citroën dealers and Business Centres are offering the no-cost ‘Upgrade to Business Class’ package on any Euro 5 Citroën Nemo, Berlingo, Dispatch or Relay ordered by qualifying customers and delivered by July 31, 2012. Scott Michael, Citroën’s Commercial Vehicle Operations Manager, commented: “Prior to the introduction of the ‘Upgrade to Business Class’ programme we carried out extensive consultation

or £1 with a Your Staffordshire Card. Cllr Mike Maryon, SCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “It is a hard fact that commercial bus operators are reducing services as many in rural areas do not make a profit

with our dealers to develop the optimum package to meet the needs of our LCV customers particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Now, with ‘Upgrade to Business Class’, Citroën customers are able to purchase not just competitively priced, wellequipped LCVs with class-leading fuel efficiency and low emissions, but they can also take advantage of all the benefits of a comprehensive four year motoring package.” The no-cost Citroën ‘Upgrade to Business Class’ package includes: n 4 years/60,000 mile servicing (whichever comes first), allowing customers to have their LCVs

serviced annually over this period n 4 years Citroën Assistance (provided by the AA), with Roadside Assistance, At Home Assistance, Recovery, Onward Travel and European cover n Warranty extension to 4 years/120,000 miles (whichever comes first)

Integrate with finance

The ‘Upgrade to Business Class’ package can also be used by Citroën LCV customers in conjunction with a Citroën Finance Lease product. This is a popular finance solution for many business users including partnerships, limited companies, self-employed and sole traders. With Citroën Finance Lease, the customer pays a monthly rental on an LCV for the contract period, which can be up to 60 months.

any longer. We as a County Council can’t go on subsidising buses which aren’t financially viable and aren’t providing value for money. Therefore the Council is trying new ways of providing alternative public transport to try to help those residents who are not served by commercial operators, to improve their mobility and quality of life. “South Staffordshire Connect is an attempt to use vehicles already providing transport for social service reasons to be used to provide a pre-booked bus service in between their social care commitments. We’re hoping that if successful, this could be a model for all of rural Staffordshire in future.” The new service is open to anyone living more than 800 metres from an hourly bus route, and anyone with a mobility issue who struggles to travel on regular bus services. The service will be continually reviewed to ensure the balance between social care use and the booking facility is right. Visit http://www. staffordshire.gov.uk/ transport/publictransport/ buses/South-StaffordshireConnect/South-StaffordshireConnect.aspx and www. communitytransport.org

The benefits of a Citroën Finance Lease include: n Low initial outlay (usually three or six months in advance) and a fixed monthly cost, with the option to reduce the monthly rentals using a final ‘balloon’ facility n VAT efficiency. If the customer is VAT registered, the VAT element of the rental is reclaimable n Flexibility. Agreement terms can be tailored to meet individual customer’s business needs n Inclusion of Vehicle Excise Duty throughout primary rental period Scott Michael adds; “In a tough economic climate, we believe our new ‘Upgrade to Business Class’ package provides a range of benefits for SMEs. These companies drive the UK economy and the ‘Upgrade to Business Class’ package offers them great benefits.”

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Eberspächer Climate Control

A comfortable environment whatever the weather Simple to use, effective in performance and reliable in operation, an Eberspächer climate control system is automatic temperature control at its best.

A WORLD OF COMFORT

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THE BIG PICTURE

The Orion Plus from Scarboroughbased Bluebird Vehicles, pictured here by Martin Cole in one of the car parks looking across towards Mountâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay, offers full lowfloor accessibility and can potetially seat up to 22 passengers. It employs the popular Fiat Ducato Maxi front-engined powertrain which incorporates the ComfortShift automated manual transmission. Bluebird adds its own lightweight lowfloor chassis and installs a composite flooring system which also cuts down considerably on weight. A shorter 16-seat version, Orion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rather than Orion Plus, is also available and these can be specied in Community Transport configuration with rear access doors and a folding boarding ramp. Because of the very low chassis frame and its lowering air suspension system, the boarding ramp offers a very shallow approach angle - making it much easier for wheelchair users and/ or assistants to get them aboard and also much safer when they disembark. Orions are in service with TfL dial-a-ride and are attracting interest from rural service operators.

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FIRST DRIVE › SPRINTER 313TL9

Sprinter 313 TL9 gears up for further economy A new rear axle option with a higher gear ratio offers considerable fuel economy improvements through reduced engine speed. Martin Cole reports

n a bid to make its 2012 Sprinter even more cost effective and economical, Mercedes-Benz has added the option of a rear axle with a higher final drive ratio. The AR2 axle has 3.923:1 which enables the vehicle to cruise at motorway legal limits with reduced engine speed – thus cutting fuel consumption and the resultant emissions. This optional axle availability can be specified now and seems ideally suited to Sprinter operators who generally carry lighter loads or those who spend a great deal of time on motorway networks. The Sprinter Traveliner TL9 delivered to Minibus for evaluation retained the standard six-speed manual gearbox although the seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission is also being made an option this year. It was a medium wheelbase model with a single seat beside the driver and seven wellspaced seats in the saloon – which leaves quite a lot of room at the rear for luggage. The trim level is basic but neat and tidy and easy to clean. Tinted windows enhance the TL9’s appearance. This particular vehicle, carrying the Blue Efficiency tag, was also equipped with EcoStart which aids fuel efficiency in urban driving. The difference made by the

higher ratio can be felt immediately. The TL9 is extremely ‘car like’ in the way it drives and has a more ‘longlegged’ feel on open roads. Cruising at 70mph sees the tachometer just nudging 2,000rpm. Cruising on ‘A’ roads can be almost as effortless but drivers need to be alert enough to make downward changes to cope with traffic speed irregularity, sharp bends or steep inclines. Getting the best out of it is just a case of familiarisation with the new set-up to ensure driving is a smooth process but it is slightly complicated by the quietness of the engine. It gives little indication when it is calling for a lower gear and consequently can drop out of the

“Certainly, in combination with the new sevenspeed automatic, which will sense any requirement for a downshift, there will be much less thinking required, so it promises to be a real delight to drive and extremely low-stress.”

power curve and leave the driver suddenly looking for two gears to get it back on song. This minor detail is, in some way, a testament to the new Euro 5 engines with their high torque output which is available from low engine speeds. Certainly, in combination with the new seven-speed automatic, which will sense any requirement for a downshift, there will be much less thinking required, so it promises to be a real delight to drive and extremely low-stress. During comprehensive evaluation tests over the winter, Mercedes-Benz recorded average fuel consumption for a similar Sprinter 313 Blue Efficiency, equipped with the taller gearing and 7G-Tronic gearbox, of 7.6 litres/100 km – which converts to a very impressive 37.17 mpg. At the time of this test, the automatic version had not yet appeared and Mercedes-Benz UK had no details about the cost of the higher-geared axle. While there are to be additional charges incurred for specifying the 7G-Tronic gearbox the RA2 axle may be a no-cost option – although this is, as yet, unconfirmed. It is likely the full details will emerge at the end of June during the Mercedes-Benz Van Experience event. It’s also highly probable this is where the 7G-Tronic will make its first appearance.

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Getting the best out of the Sprinter 313 TL9 is just a case of familiarisation with the new set-up

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operator profile › king’s coaches

Kings of Stickney Martin Cole visits a Lincolnshire family-run minicoach operator, which also runs a highly unusual Private Hire vehicle

he Lincolnshirebased family concern operating as Kings Coaches of Stickney has become a wellestablished and successful minibus operation which is underpinned by a diverse range of integrated businesses run from the firm’s garage. Alan and Eileen King purchased what became Kings Garage in Main Road, Stickney back in 1973. In addition to a petrol forecourt it could operate as a car sales outlet and provide car repair and maintenance facilities. Being located in a particularly rural but busy farming area additionally meant the business could service local agricultural engineering requirements. A later development was the purchase of a local spare parts delivery service serving garages throughout the area. It employed a single vehicle and has now developed to need three vans on the road daily. Sons Neil and Simon plus daughter-in-law Tracy all have active roles in the business. Tracy joined seven years ago and runs the office, keeping accounts, organising transport and driving the buses when she has time. Simon spends his time in the workshop. Neil also spends time in workshop, is the official MOT tester and doubles as a

driver when required. Eileen runs the forecourt operation including the shop. She also drives the buses when called upon. Alan says as he is fast approaching 70 – he gets all the jobs no-one else wants - like 0400hrs early starts to drop or meet passengers at Heathrow. Kings diversified into buses in 1976 when it took on five Lincolnshire County Council contracts. Alan said: “The council supplied all the buses, we just provided the drivers. They were pretty dreadful things with slatted wooden seats. Everyone referred to them as ‘chicken perches’ and we regularly used to cram 67 children on them – a far cry from what you can do today. We didn’t buy our first bus until 1978. It was a Commer.

Above: Alan King heads up the family business

We got it for doing school contract work too and we didn’t replace it until 1985 when we bought a Ford Transit. “We continued to run the council buses until Translinc was formed in 1998 through a management buyout and took over all the school transport contracts. Things didn’t change immediately. We continued to operate the contracts for Translinc until they eventually took them all back and provided their own drivers. “In order to keep things going we obtained our first O-Licence, for

two vehicles, in July 1999. Today we have 10 O-Licences and have built up a fleet of 15 vehicles ranging from one to 33 in seating capacity.”

Smart fleet addition

The recent addition to the fleet which carries the Private Hire plate for one passenger is a dieselpowered smart, carrying distinctive ‘Just 4 one’ signage. It has only two seats – one for the driver and single passenger seat beside it. The space between the seats and rear tailgate is relatively substantial and this contributed greatly to its

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operator: Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coaches location: Stickney, Boston, Lincolnshire fleet: 15 Contact: 01205 480241 www.kingslincolnshire.co.uk

Above: The three latest additions to the fleet. Below left: Garage forecourt. Below right: The fleet also includes no fewer than two Ivecos

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operator profile › king’s coaches

acceptance and certification. Alan said: “It caused quite a stir at the local authority. It took a special meeting of 14 councillors to gain approval and it got through by 11 votes for and three against. Their prime concern was there would be insufficient luggage space. I don’t know how much luggage they expect a single passenger might be carrying, so to allay their fears I sent it along with two very large suitcases and big holdall – all of which fitted quite comfortably in the rear compartment. It’s just done a job taking a passenger to Hull and another to Heathrow Airport – with no problems at all. I love it. Not just because it does over 80mpg but because it needs no Road Fund Licence. I don’t like having to pay any money to the government unnecessarily and this was a good way to get round it.

Fleet

Another new arrival at Stickney was a 16-seat Volkwagen Crafter CR50 minicoach with an extended body and coach rear with a large boot which was acquired from Fishwicks. The Lancashire dealer has supplied the bulk of smaller minibuses and minicoaches (all conversions) to Kings Coaches over the years and there is strong working relationship between them. The latest one features a manual six-speed gearbox and has full climate control with a pre-heating system. It was supplied with a table between the first four seats on the offside but Alan thinks he will remove it before it starts work and turn the front seats around so they all face the same way. Alan said: “We already had a 16-seat Crafter, which we like a lot, but it’s shorter and doesn’t have a huge amount of boot space. To counter the lack of space we have a luggage trailer we can attach but it kills fuel economy by around 10mpg. We thought it would be a good opportunity to try the ‘SuperExtended’ model and see how it performs. While you still have additional weight to pull, I believe keeping it integral with the main vehicle will make it less costly to operate.”

Above: The smart interior of the new Crafter Below: Larger coachbuilt vehicles include Plaxton Cheetahs The larger coachbuilt vehicles in the fleet include a Toyota Optimo and three 33-seat Plaxton Cheetahs plus a 31-seat wheelchair accessible Cheetah. There are three wheelchair accessible minibuses in total. The 31-seat Cheetah can take a full complement of nine if necessary but the company has never needed to make full use of all the spaces at once. The bulk of their work is operating trips and excursions for local care homes. Alan said: “We never get much more requirement than three or four wheelchairs. A lot of the passengers do like to make use of the lift though. The steps can put some of them off and so they take advantage of the lift. They are happy enough once they are aboard. “Passengers soon develop relationships with drivers and they often specify which one they want. We are very fortunate in having a good team but there’s always some who stand out. We’ve had bookings come in for a week in, Bournemouth say - and they want Eric to drive them. If we’ve been forced to say we’re sorry but he’s busy on another job and away for the week, it’s not unusual for them to change all their own bookings for the next week.“

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22 + Driver Politecnica Arcol seats in Mercedes fabric. Leather head rests. Armrest to isle side, Auto gearbox. Front and Rear Air Conditioning. Saloon heater with heater booster, 3 stage entry door. Electric front door, Privacy glass.

ASSURED CONFIDENCE IN DEALING DIRECTLY WITH THE MANUFACTURER

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COACH&BUSMARKET – the place to buy and sell

To advertise on these pages for as little as £30 just call 01733 293247 Network Warrington have the following vehicles for sale

Registration Numbers for sale:

PFK 473 YRK 631 On retention documents transfer paid.

£1,000 each no VAT Potters Bar Coach Hire 01707 652706 anytime

Volvo B12M VanHool

SUBSTANTIAL FREEHOLD 7 BED DETACHED HOUSE 2 minutes J23/M25 South Mimms/Potters Bar (London Olympics 25 minutes)

SMALL YARD AND PARKING FOR UP TO 10 MINIBUSES Established 10 years £650,000 Freehold May sell just business £50,000

Also 1 BED LUXURY MAISONETTE Next to Potters Bar BR station £195,000 Principles only please, apply in first instance to pbch@ymail.com or call 07941 063540

Registration Number for sale:

C4 STS On retention document transfer paid.

£5,000 no VAT Potters Bar Coach Hire 01707 652706 anytime 2004 (54) Neoplan Starliner Tri-Axle Corporate/Team Coach

32 leather seats around 8 tables, full rear servery with fridges, ice machine, hot water, microwave and airline style food warmers, 3 extra fridges throughout coach, airline style overhead lockers, 240v inverter and onboard generator, Blaupunkt sound system with DVD & SKY TV (2 screens), extra mini screens on a separate channel on both front tables, ASTronic gearbox, A/C, WC, fully carpeted, removable ski box, spare seats.

£94,000 + VAT o.n.o.

For more details call Patrick or Murray 01787 477701/ 07730 671064

Dennis Dart SLF 10.8m 1999, Choice of 6, Cummins 6BT, Allison AT545 4 speed auto, Marshall body, 40 seats. Contact Damian Graham (Engineering Director) Warrington Borough Transport Ltd Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington WA4 6PT. Tel 01925 634296

1998 Volvo B10M Plaxton Paramount 49 Seats Toilet and Video MOT Jan 2013 £14,000.00

01948 860405 (Chester)

DENNIS DART PLAXTON POINTER SLF

Manual, choice of two, 2002 & 2003, both with new MOT, low miles, owned from new, both 51 seaters, full exec with rear toilet and rear servery, selling due to fleet upgrade

£55,000 and £65,000

Contact Ian 01443 681995

WANTED VW SHUTTLE OR CARAVELLE LWB AUTO OR MANUAL ANY MILEAGE CONSIDERED IMMEDIATE PURCHASE AND COLLECTION Kevin Potters Bar Coach Hire 01707 652706 anytime

MERCEDES 814D OPTARE NOUVELLE ’54 Plate

P reg with 29/32 seats, recent retrim, metallic silver, new test. For more information visit

£5,950

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

5 speed manual, 29 recliners + crew seat, 3 point lap belts, water boiler + fridge, dark-tint windows, in-swing door, carpet, curtains, large boot, radio/PA/CD/ PA/DVD+Monitor. Full MOT if required. £34,500.00 + VAT.

Tel : 01905 458529

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk

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To advertise on these pages for as little as £30 just call 01733 293247 Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales

Dennis Pointer Dart Mk2 x 100 All spares available - includes engine, gearboxes, seats, etc.

Call: 01226 727769 Mobile: 07912 103497 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com

For Sale: Due to fleet replacement, we need to sell up to 5 of the following and don’t mind which 5! Dennis Plaxton R Series Cummins 420 2003: 2 x 49/53 seats with WC, 3 x 53 seats 2004: 5 x 53 seats 2005: 2 x 53 seats Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragon: 2006: 2 x 49/53 seats with WC, 1 x 53 seats All are well maintained, low mileage examples (approximately 62,000km per annum) with long MoT, air conditioning and AStronic/Easyshift gearboxes. Owned by us from new and used on our own holiday programme. All over cream. Priced to sell at £37,000 (03 reg), £48,000 (04 reg), £59,000 (05 reg) and £89,000 (06 reg) plus VAT (£3,000 premium for WC). Sorry no part exchange facilities!

To view contact Tom Smith, Operations Manager, Alfa Travel on 08451 305777

COACH&BUSMARKET Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles? Photos and full colour as standard on all vehicle for sale advertisements

FOR SALE BY TENDER 1240 x Surplus ‘Tait T2030’

MOBILE RADIOS

Dublin Bus provides public transport bus services within the greater Dublin area.

In 2001 Dublin Bus upgraded the VHF radio system to a Tait Private Mobile Radio (PMR) system. Included in this system was the ʻT2030ʼ mobile radio (400-470MHz narrow band trunked radio) which was installed in each bus to allow direct communications between the bus driver and supervisor. In 2011 Dublin Bus upgraded the Tait mobile radio with the introduction of an Automatic Vehicle Location system throughout the fleet.

As a result of this upgrade Dublin Bus now have 1240 x ʻT2030ʼ mobile radios for sale. The units are boxed in units of 10, ready to be shipped. The successful party will be responsible for carriage, insurance etc when removing the radios from Dublin Bus Premises in Dublin City. Bids will be considered for one, some or all of the radios.

To request a Tender Document or to arrange to inspect the radios, please contact the following: chris.quinlan@dublinbus.ie (00 353 1 7033472) or Paul.duffy@dublinbus.ie (00 353 17033474) www.dublinbus.ie

Closing date: 5pm, June 27th

Contact Jade Cassidy now on : 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!

FREEDESIGNFREEWEBADFREEFULLCOLOURFREEDESIGNFREEWEBADFREEFULLCOLOUR

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Ensig DOUBLE DECK 1999 T/V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

LEZ

COMPLIANT

Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps, Plaxton President bodies, 62 seats dual door (£13,000) or 70 when converted to single door (£16,000).

Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats.

1999/2000 T/V/X REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

Cummins / Allison, Wrights Cadet body, ramp, wheelchair space, Hanover LEDʼs, CCTV, 39 retrimmed individual seats, from our own fleet and very tidy.

2000 DAF SB120

1999 T/V REG DENNIS DART SLF’S

Caetano Compass bodies, 39 seats, ramps, £7000 each plus tyres.

1998 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIAN

1997/98 VOLVO OLYMPIANS

Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Northern Counties bodies, 78 seats.

ZF automatic, 74 seats, dual door, CONVERTIBLE open topper, so can still be used in the Winter! One only.

1995 M REG DENNIS DRAGONS

2000 X REG VOLVO B7LA ARTIC

Cummins/Voith gearboxes, Duple Metsec bodies, recent floors and 92 coach seats.

120 capacity, new MOT on sale, last one remaining.

2001 DDA COMPLIANT DENNIS DARTS

Plaxton Pointer 2 dual door bodies, 31 seats, CCTV, particulate traps fitted, LEZ 2012 compliant, only £6,500 each plus tyres (£400)

2001 Y REG DART SLF’S

Cummins/Allison, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX200 bodies with either 30 seats and 2 doors or 34 seats converted to single door, ramps, DDA certified and compliant. 10.8m 37 seaters now available.

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -

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

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nbus ER SPECIALIST 31 seats, Euro 3 Mercedes engine, new MOT.

2004 OPTARE SOLO

GREAT VALUE DENNIS DARTS!!!

Cummins ISB / Allison, 8.9m, 29 seats, new MOTʼs.

2008 ENVIRO 200’S

1996/7 N and R Reg with Plaxton bodies, 35/40 seats, single door, long tests. £4500 plus tyres

Hanover LEDʼs, East Lancs Myllenium body, 39 seats.

2003 MAN 14.220

Euro 3, ZF automatics, 35 seats, East Lancs Myllenium bodies. Only £15,000.

Euro 4, Wrights Gemini bodies, dual door, 68 seats.

Cummins Euro 3 ISB engines, Allison gearboxes, Caetano Nimbus bodies, 10.7m, 37 seats, full DDA.

£7000 just spend on recon engine, MCV Evolution body, 40 seats, DDA, Hanover LEDʼs.

2003 MAN 14.220’S

2002 DENNIS DART SLF

2007 VOLVO B9TL’S

2007 MAN 14.220

2010 ENVIRO 200

1999 S REG SUPER POINTER DART

2001 X REG DENNIS DART MPD’S

2000 X REG VOLVO B6

Cummins ISB / Allison, 10.8m, 38 seats, new MOT.

25 seats, ramps, good MOTʼs.

11.3m, uprated engine and Allison World Series gearbox, 41 seats.

ZF automatic, SLF, Wrights body.

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

553368-1036-Pembridge

14/5/12

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NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS

New Ford Transit 17 seat 4.3ton 135ps minibus. From £20,595 + VAT

OTHER MAKES

FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES

(11) 2011 Ford Transit 9 seat Shuttle Bus, twin side loading doors, large rear luggage area, delivery miles only £16,995 (11) 2011 Ford Transit 15 seat 3.5 ton, 2.4tdi engine 115ps, tacho, 10,000 km £17,500

(10) 2010 Ford Transit 17 seat M/R 140PS with air-con, tacho, COIF/PSV £17,995

SOLD

(08) 2008 Ford Transit 3.5ton 15 seat 2.4tdi, 115ps, high back seats with three point belts, tacho £13,800 (

(56) Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi 115ps, high back seats, electric windows, central locking, 66,000 miles, FSH, COIF/PSV £9,995 (53) 2003 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4 td minibus, high back seats with three point belts, tacho, air-con, COIF/PSV £6,995 (52) 2003 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi, tacho, towbar, high back seats with three point belts, COIF/PSV £6,495

LDV MINIBUSES

(57) 2007 LDV Maxus 15 seat minibus, high back seats with three point belts £7,495

(03) 2003 LDV Convoy Maxi XLWB 17 seat mini-coach, 2.4 Tdi, front entry drop step, luggage racks, rear heating, wide aisle, rear row of seats removable, New PSV £6,495

OTHER MAKES

New Renault Master 17 seat LM35/ 2.2di 125ps, six speed, satnav, tacho, fully tracked floor with removable seats £21,995

New Peugeot Boxer 16 seat 3.5 ton and 17 seat wheelchair accessible minibuses, 2.2 diesel 120ps, six speed gearbox, LEZ COMPLIANT From £23,500 + VAT (09) 2009 Renault Master 16 seat minibus, tacho,high back seats with three point belts, 35,000km £15,650 (07) 2007 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus, high back seats, rear two rows of seats on tracking, 33,000 miles COIF/PSV £9,500 (07) Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus, 2.2 diesel with three point seat belts, 28,000 miles, COIF/PSV £10,495

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

(08) Renault Master LWB 3.5 ton, 2.5 tdi, six seats, fully tracked floor, inboard Ricon Clearway lift, one owner from new, 40,000 miles £16,750 (57) LDV Maxus LWB 9 seats tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, 49,000 miles, £9,995 (54) 2005 Renault Master 13 seat wheelchair access minibus, inboard Ricon lift, fully tracked floor, rear heating, electric side step, 56,000 miles £8,995 (03) 2003 Fiat Doblo SX 1.9 diesel, low floor, four seats plus one wheelchair, lightweight ramp, 45,000 miles £3,495 Y 2001 Renault Mascot 2.8 diesel, 16 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, front entry drop step, fully tracked floor to take five wheelchairs, under floor lift, rear heating, COIF/PSV £6,495

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

Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304

Pembridge House, The Park Business Centre, Plough Road, Goytre, Penperlleni, Nr Usk, South Wales NP4 0AL – 10 minutes from M4 motorway. Viewing by appointment only Finance Contract Hire and Finance Lease Available. We deliver Nationwide. All vehicles prepared to VOSA standard COIF/PSV specialist

All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%

555649-1041-Bowen

15/6/12

10:00

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p00_CBW_1041_Blythswood

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555809-1041-Dawsons

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555709-1041-Pickrell

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H.W. PICKRELL MINIBUS AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

Gardiners Lane North • Crays Hill • Billericay • Essex • CM11 2XE Tel: 01268 521033 • Mobile: 07860 894331 • Fax: 01268 284951

Email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk - www.hwpickrell.co.uk

Finance available on all vehicles (subject to status) Written details on request.

WH E E LCH AIR ACCE S S IBL E MI NI BUS E S

07 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 313 CDI 2.2

2004 54 REG IVECO 50c13 IRIS BUS 2.8 TURBO DIESEL

07 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

2012 UN REG IVECO DAILY 45C IRIS BUS 3.0TD

6 speed manual, a/c, Frank Guy conversion, side loading door, 8 x high back Cogent reclining removable seats, tracked floor, PLS in board tail lift, 34,500 miles only, choice of two.

Manual, LWB, PAS, factory conversion, electric windows, cruise control, low front entry slam door, 16 high back seats with all age seat belts, full air con, exlocal authority, COIF, new PSV MOT, only 80,341 kms.

Manual gearbox, high roof, Warnerbus conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, sat nav, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Webasto, Unwin innotrax floor, Ricon tail lift, 14,300 miles only.

Agile gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, front power door, 16 high back CT seats, m2 tested fully tracked flat floor, roof vent, new Ratcliff tail lift, new conversion.

56 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

06 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

54 REG M ERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI

2009 59 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO SL28 2.0 TD

Manual gearbox, high roof, Warnerbus conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, sat nav, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, air con, Unwin Innotrax floor, Ricon tail lift, 14,300 miles only.

Manual, PAS, LWB, PTS ambulance conversion, SLD, 6 rear high back seats, Ferno stretcher locks, Ricon stretcher lift , Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracking, exNHS, 36,100 miles only.

Tiptronic gearbox, Euromotive PSC bus conversion, front entry slam door with low entry step, 16 x high back removable seats, Eberspacher, ex local authority, COIF'd, tacho fitted, only 66,780 kms.

Manual gearbox, low roof, O & H conversion, PAS, twin side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, modified low floor, electric winch & fold out ramp, 15,491 miles.

08 REG VW TRANSPORTER BLUEBIRD TUCANA LIBRARY/OFFICE/COM S UNIT

07 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 313CDI 2.2

2005/06 M ERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVK TREKA

07 REG FORD TRANSIT 350 2.4TD

2.8 TD, automatic transmission, PAS, power side loading door, n/s wind out awning, wheelchair accessible, storage lockers, heating, lots more, low kms.

6 speed manual, a/c, Frank Guy crew van, side loading door, 8 x high back Cogent reclining removable seats, tracked floor, large storage area ideal airport shuttle bus, 34,500 miles only, choice of two.

Auto gearbox, LWB, PAS, N/S/F electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on Unwin tracking, Eberspacher, Ratcliff underfloor tail lift, ex-midland council, COIFʼd, choice of 3.

Long wheelbase, high roof, 6 seater crew van, PAS, SLD, rear partion for storage & tools in rear, Eberspacher heater, overhead storage, microwave, hot water box, wash facilties, 27,000 miles only.

06 REG RENAULT MASTER SL33 2.2TD

58 REG FORD TRANSIT TOURNEO CONNECT 1.8 HDI

07 REG RENAULT MASTER LH35 2.5TD

2008 08 REG IVECO 50c15 IRIS BUS 2.8 TD

Manual gearbox, low roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 17,491 miles.

Manual gearbox, CD, electric windows & mirrors, A/C, twin side loading doors, 2 high back seat in rear, single passenger seat front, cut out floor, air suspension, fold down ramp, high spec, 24,000 miles.

LWB, hi roof, multi purpose office/comms unit, PAS, SLD with AVS side step, awning, 3 x workstations, amber light, bars front and rear, overhead storage lockers, heating, generator, microwave, tv, only 1,500 miles.

Auto Agile gearbox, Irisbus conversion, electric windows, power front entry plug door, 16 high back removable seats with all age seat belts, Rratcliff tail lift, COIF, new PSV MOT, only 45,000 kms.

07 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD

06 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD

09 PEUGEOT EXPERT TEPEE 1.9 HDI

06 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.2TD

Manual gearbox, high roof, Warner bus conversion, PAS, side loading door, electric side step, 7 high back seats plus 2 x w/chair, Webasto heater, Unwin Innotrax tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 23,480 miles.

Automatic gearbox, high roof, SCW conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 7 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 11,831 miles.

Manual 5 speed gearbox, PAS, CD player, air con, twin side loading doors, 2 high back seat in rear, double passenger seat front, cut out floor, fold down ramp, blue metallic silver, alloy wheels, 14,932 miles.

Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 21253.441 miles.

2009 09 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO LM39 2.5TD

2004/05 54 REG M ERCEDES SPRINTER 416CDI AMBULANCE

53 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 416 CDI

60 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.5TD

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, new conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 14 high back seats, AMF m2 fully tracked floor, new Ricon tail lift, tacho fitted, only 6,646 miles.

LWB, Macneillie van conversion, SLD, 2 rear high back seats, Ferno Falcon stretcher & locks, stretcher lift, blue light bars and siren, very high spec, low miles 65-85,000 miles only, choice of 8.

4x4 ambulance, LWB, Wilker box body conversion, full air con/climate, side loading door, 3 high back seats, Falcon stretcher, PLS stretcher lift, very high spec, one owner ex Air Force, only 25,950 kms.

Manual gearbox, high roof, Advance conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 2 x w/chair, heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 2,060 miles only.

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June 20, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 51

BUS & CO A CH S A LE S

2010 2010 2009 2008 2006

Volvo B12B Prestige 49/51 seats A/C . . . . .ÂŁ149,000 MAN Panther DDA 49 seats A/C . . . . . . . . .ÂŁ120,000 Mercedes Rhinobus 29 seats A/C . . . . . . . . .ÂŁ29,000 Iveco S2000 Irisbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ÂŁ12,000 Mercedes Touro 49 seats A/C . . . . . . . . . . . . .ÂŁ95,000

(

)

MAN Plaxton 49 seats A/C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ÂŁ95,000 MAN Marco Polo 70 seats A/C . . . . . . . . . . . .ÂŁ46,000 MAN Noge Catalan 51 seats A/C . . . . . . . . .ÂŁ44,000 MAN Marco Polo 70 seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ÂŁ39,000 Merc Beaver 27 seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ÂŁ5,000

TO VIEW CALL 07979 295668

2006 2004 2004 2003 1998

)

p52_CBW_1041NEW

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52 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

VOLVO B6 BLE ALEXANDER ALX P & R REG 35 seats

From £3,750

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

2003 Neoplan Skyliner • 75 seater • Low mileage and excellent condition • Euro 4 with RPC • Mercedes V8/AsTronic box. • Ski box • MOT Oct 2012 Probably the best Skyliner available

AVAILABLE NOW

Photos available

Bargain at £89,000 + VAT

Tel: 01296 398300 Motts Travel, Buckinghamshire

COACH&BUSMARKET Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles? Buy 3 weeks get a 4th week

FREE!

Contact Jade Cassidy now on :

TEMSA SAFARI HD Full Stainless Steel, 12.2 mtr 53 rec seats with 3 point belts, Full Exec

01274 681144

Gomersal, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 4BJ Email: busandcoachsales@arriva.co.uk Web: www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk

Bus and Coach

take a test drive today

ADL ENVIRO 200 58/09 REG 29 seats Choice of 4

From £59,950

01733 293247 jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

555525-1041-Connaught

18/6/12

12:52

Page 2

Mini Coach Sales

BRAND NEW MERCEDES OPTARE TORO 32 high back seats, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.

2010 10 REG IVECO 50c15 IRISBUS 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks, power door and under-floor wheelchair lift.

BRAND NEW MERCEDES OPTARE SOROCO 19 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.

MORE PHOTOS AND DETAILS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE: www.connaughtpsv.co.uk

BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ 513CDI EVM CLASSIC 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks and A/C.

D L SO 2006 06 REG MERCEDES BENZ 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, large luggage boot.

D L SO 2006 06 REG IVECO 40c12 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights and power door.

2003 03 REG MERCEDES BENZ 814D OPTARE NOUVELLE 29 high back seats plus courier, 3 point belts, A/C, forced air, reading lights, power door and large boot.

2002 02 REG MERCEDES BENZ 814D PLAXTON CHEETAH 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.

2002 52 REG MERCEDES 413CDI SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, auto gearbox, LEZ compliant.

2000 W REG MERCEDES 814D VARIO OPTARE NOUVELLE 25 reclining seats plus courier, 3 point belts, A/C, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.

1999 V REG MERCEDES 814 BEAVER 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, power door, 12 months test.

Steve Peach Tel: 01302 770863 Mob: 07836 551020 Email: steve@connaughtpsv.co.uk

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54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

2005 MAN 14.240 MCV EVOLUTION SERVICE BUS

40 seats, NEW MOT TO MAY 2013, repanelled and repainted 2 pack white, engine overhauled, Hanover LED destination gear, drives fantastic, superb condition.

DARTLINE

3x Optare Solos

£26,500 + VAT o.v.n.o.

2005, 33 seats, 9.2m long, Mercedes engines, approx. 200,000 miles each, well maintained, Mobitec destination boards, MOTs Nov/Dec 2012

Contact Steve on 07795 347476 or 01492 640320 (North Wales)

Contact Simon on 01392 872900

2009 09 REG FORD TRANSIT

15 seat factory bus with only 9K miles, tacho, COIF applied for

£14,250

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

DENNIS DART PLAXTON POINTER SFL

R reg, 36 seats plus standing plus wheelchair, choice of 3

£2,950 each to clear For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

£35,000 each, reduced if more than 1 taken

COACH&BUSMARKET

Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles? Contact Jade Cassidy now on :

01733 293247 jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!

555537-1039-Edinburgh

31/5/12

12:49

Page 1

Have the following coaches for sale

2 x 2003 SCANIA IRIZAR CENTURYS

LEZ

COMPLIANT

With 49 reclining seats. One vehicle is white with no markings and and is MOT’d until Sept 2012. The other has removable vinyls and is MOT’d until May. Toilet, PA system, aircon in both and they are in very good condition. £57,500 LEZ Compliant £50,000 non-Compliant

2002 MAN MAGO I Charcoal grey with 33 reclining seats. Air-con and PA system. To be sold with new MOT. A rare vehicle possibly the only one in the UK. We have had this Midi coach since new and it has performed very well for us. Priced at £25,000 o.n.o

Call Peter today on 0131 554 5413

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56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

Kinglong Scotland KINGLONG 2012

XMQ 6127 53/49 luxury recliners, DVD, Flatscreens, W/C, A/C, many extras as standard From £179,950 + VAT

XMQ 6900 35 leather recliners or 31 with W/C, DVD, Flatscreen, many extras £134,950 + VAT

XMQ 6800 8 metres of luxury mini coach, 31/29 recliners, DVD, Flatscreen, A/C £99,950 + VAT Manual £109,950 + VAT Auto XMQ 6130Y TRI AXLE!! Ultimate coach, 55/59 seats @ 13 metre, D/G, A/C, W/C, MP3, 3 flatscreens, drivers bunk!!! £229,950 + VAT secures 13 metre

AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW!!!!

XMQ 6127J Ultimate City Bus, Low floor entry with tilt, LEZ compliant, Euro 5 Cummins, LED as standard, CCTV, 12 metre gives 37 + 3 + 34 standees only £134k + VAT 9 metre gives 24 + 3 + 17 standees only £109k + VAT All the above come with 2 year warranty!!!!

Used, nearly new stock available!!

Authorised stockist Kinglong parts and glass.

01651 872864 Office 07769719252 Mobile 24/7 kinglongscotland@yahoo.co.uk

Station Yard, Oldmeldrum, AB51 0EZ

THE SUMMER COACH & BUS AUCTION Saturday 7th July 2012, 10.30am Viewing Friday 6th July 2012 Prees Storage Ltd, A49, Prees, Higher Heath, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 3JX

COACHES, SERVICE BUSES, MINI BUSES ALREADY RECEIVED FROM NATIONAL & FAMILY OPERATORS

FREE ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE Click the link on our website to register

Contact Charlie Foyle or Graham Johnson with your additional single items or Parcels of equipment

01630 674326 or Fax 01630 674356 www.malcolmharrison.co.uk auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk All overseas and first time buyers not known to the auctioneer must lodge £1000 refundable deposit on registration by cash/credit/debit card.

MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS

...then 50 come along at once. Due to a major influx of new vehicles, we are selling a number of ex-TWM service buses. They’re in great condition for their age and have been maintained to a very high standard. There are currently 50 vehicles available, all stored at our site for viewing. Although mainly Volvo, Scania and Optare single deck, there are some double deck buses also available. All will be sold with 12 months MOT and repaint if required. Please call for more details. Finance and rental packages available. Volant PVS Ltd, Beecham Business Park, Northgate, Aldridge WS9 8TZ T: +44 (0)1922 457003 volantpvs.co.uk

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June 20, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 57

2005 Ford Transit 410

Factory minibus, fitted with 14 moquette h/b coach seats, COIF, tacho and new PSV, 120,000 miles

Due to fleet replacement

FOR SALE BY TENDER

£5950

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

MAYPOLE COACHES COACH OPERATORS FOR OVER 50 YEARS DUE TO RESTRUCTURING HAVE THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES FOR SALE: Belted, S/D con, tacho, Eminox, Euro 4, driver air con, 60 mph, 12 mths MOT £16,000 + VAT

81 SEATS VOLVO OLYMPIAN

Eminox exhaust, air con, 60 mph, 12 mths MOT, £11,500 + VAT

74 SEAT BELTED

As above £10,000 + VAT

74 SEATS WITHOUT BELTS

1994 VOLVO B10M JONCKHEERE DEAUVILLE

Retrimmed 2 yr ago, 12 mths MOT, 51 seats with belts, toilet, DVD/monitor £12,500 + VAT

1993 VOLVO B10M VANHOOL T8 BODYWORK

12 mths MOT, toilet, DVD/monitor, 49 seats with belts £11,000 + VAT 63 seats, ZF auto, 3 point belts, 12 mths MOT, tacho £5,500 + VAT

1992 LEYLAND LYNX

60 coach seats 3 point belts,Cummins/ Allison, 12 mths MOT, tacho, radio £5,900 + VAT

1996 BLUEBIRD BUS

Tel: 0151 547 2713 or 07802 235778

• 38 x ‘AV’ BUS: x Volvo B7TL DD/Alexander (Falkirk & Belfast) ‘ALX400’ Double Deck (Year 2000, Volvo D7C-215 / ZF4HP502C) Single Door-Seating Capacity-U/S 49 , L/S 26 & W/Chair or 27 +15 Standees

• 6 x ‘WV’ Bus: Volvo B6BLE / Wrights Crusader Single Deck Buses (Year 2000, Volvo D6A / ZF4HP500) Passenger Capacity: 35 Seats & 20 StandeesAll the above are Super low floor with powered wheelchair ramp and space and are fitted with ʻFogmakerʼ fire suppression equipment. ALSO AVAILABLE:

• 2 x ‘RV’ Bus: Volvo Olympian/Alexander (Belfast) R-Type Double Deck Buses

1995 Registered, Cummins L10 / ZF4HP500, Passenger capacity: 74 Seats & 13 Standees, Step Entrance, Dual Door – Fitted with ʻFogmakerʼ fire suppression equipment. 9.6M bodies.

THESE VEHICLES ARE CONVERTED TO TRAINING SCHOOL CONFIGURATION ALL VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD AS SEEN AND COME WITH TYRES INCLUDED IN SALE.

1999/2000 Dennis Trident Alexander ALX 400 V and X reg, long wheelbase, EURO 4

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

To arrange to view the vehicles or to request a Tender Form, please contact Chris Quinlan, Procurement Manager, on 00 353 1 7033472 chris.quinlan@dublinbus.ie, or Paul Duffy, Procurement Department on 00 353 1 7033474 paul.duffy@dublinbus.ie during office hours. Bidders may offer for one, some or all of the vehicles. Vehicles will be off service by end December 2012 CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF SEALED BIDS: 17.00Hrs on Friday, July 6th 2012

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58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED AUDIO &VIDEO

CHECKPOINTS

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

TO PURCHASE CHECKPOINT/ DUSTITE

loose wheelnut indicators or to locate your nearest stockist:

Tel: 01524 271200

www.checkpoint-safety.com Email: info@checkpoint-safety.com

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

BUILDINGS

• Bus Workshops • Secure Storage

• Supplied any width, any length • Building to BS5590 • Doors high enough for Double Deckers

• Finance available

Phone for further information

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime ENGINES

Crewe Engines Ltd MERCEDES ENGINE SPECIALISTS

WE ALSO RECONDITION ALL MAKES OF BUS & COACH ENGINES

Direct from the UK’s No.1 since 1975 Call now for a quote or more information

01270 526333

Federation of Engine Re-Manufacturers

www.creweengines.co.uk

VOLVO - CUMMINS - SCANIA MAN - DAF - IVECO FULL FITTING FACILITIES

COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED Looking for a great deal to promote your products and services? Contact Jade Cassidy now for our current offers: 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!

p59_CBW_1040

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June 20, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59

COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED REGISTRATIONS G

TRAINING

SPEEDY REGISTRATIONS CO LTD G ‘Buy with confidence – CNDA Member’

£750 20 TXA 4O SXA 90 KXH 90 SXP ALZ 303 AXZ 88 IIG 89 RXI 85 YIL 71

£350 £99 £99 £50 JBZ 484 HIG 5338 MNZ 1195 CXZ 4471 KBZ 505 HIG 5339 ONZ 1180 CXZ 4472 NUI 636 IIG 7764 REZ 3369 DFZ 4697 NUI 737 IIG 7765 RUI 2117 DFZ 4698 PXI 494 JIG 8894 SEZ 5766 DRZ 8551 RBZ 696 JIG 8895 SUI 8836 DRZ 8552 RDZ 545 KIG 5113 SUI 8837 IFZ 8350 SXI 292 KIG 5114 TJZ 1116 IFZ 8360 UIW 626 MJZ 6749 TJZ 1119 JFZ 8377 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange

£50 JFZ 8378 JIG 8947 JIG 8948 KIG 6608 KIG 6609 RNZ 2214 RNZ 2215 TUI 5921 TUI 5922

Tel: (028) 6638 7124 Fax: (028) 6638 7771

Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ

HEATING

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

Tel: 01993 849522 Fax: 01993 706920

Don’t forget to say that you saw it in

Now taking bookings for driver CPC training at our centre in Lincolnshire. Companies and individuals catered for. For information contact Jemma: Call 01529 414242 / 303333 or visit: www.sleafordian.co.uk

Email: sales@thhs.co.uk

www.thhs.co.uk

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

TICKETING

PVC DRIVER CPC TRAINING CREATED BY A COACH COMPANY FOR THE COACHING INDUSTRY

TRIM

COACH TRIMMERS LTD

Coach refurbishment, spray painting, structural work & accident repairs

Supplying the Bus and Coach Industry with quality seat retrims and interior refurbishment. Full floors re-laid and centre gangways. Collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK, seven days a week.

Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk

Tel/Fax: 01751 472229

www.blackpoolcoachservices.co.uk

Contact Neale – 01253 698686

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60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED TYRES

• Tyre fitting machine now available •

JUNE SPECIALS 205/75R 205/75R 215/75R 215/75R 245/70R 265/70R 265/70R 275/70R

17.5 BUDGET STEER 17.5 BARUM STEER 17.5 BUDGET STEER 17.5 BARUM STEER 19.5 BUDGET STEER 19.5 BUDGET STEER 19.5 BARUM STEER 22.5 BUDGET STEER

£102.00 £132.00 £99.00 £132.00 £128.00 £136.00 £185.00 £175.00

Remould and premium tyres price on request Free delivery on 4 tyres or more We have more tyres in stock – please give us a call for quotes

275/70R 275/80R 295/80R 295/80R 315/80R 315/80R 11R22.5 305/75R

22.5 BARUM STEER 22.5 BUDGET STEER 22.5 BUDGET STEER 22.5 MIDRANGE 22.5 BUDGET STEER 22.5 MIDRANGE BUDGET STEER 24.5 GOODYEAR NEW

• • • • • • • • • •

Recovery

Refurbishment Testing

Repairs

Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding

Buying & selling vehicles

All prices subject to VAT and availability.

VEHICLE SPARES

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales OUR SERVICES:

ew Number N 01684 560029 Adam : 07841 239411 Mark : 07545 735303

www.tdtyres.com

VEHICLE INSPECTION

£245.00 £190.00 £178.00 from £245.00 £198.00 from £255.00 £175.00 £550.00

DISMANTLING/SPARES: • • • • • •

Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows

Windscreens Seats

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE

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

Export to foreign markets Repairs

Finance repossession and storage

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

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

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

www.twigley.com

June 20, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61

Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk, fax 0845 2802927 or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX

Monday: My first day back in the office after a break. The usual hectic press day, but I’m pleased with the efforts of my team. Finish at not too late an hour of the day. Tuesday: Discuss the contents of forthcoming issues and confirm several meetings for the weeks ahead. Having not heard from him recently, a friendly reader calls for chat and provides us with some snippets of news.

Another high profile sporting event is already underway, Euro 2012. The great footballing rivalry between The Netherlands and Germany is no secret and a Dutch fan decided pull a practical joke on German team’s tour bus by attaching a bright orange wheel clamp to it. The prank was caught on video, with the miscreant quickly chased away by security guards. It turns out the incident did little to help the Dutch prospects in the Euros, after they crashed out of the tournament on Sunday without a single point. We wondered if a similar sneaky clamp-down can be expected from VOSA back in the UK… The video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/ watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wTVhGZ6Bp40

Snakes on a bus? A bus travelling through central Vietnam was evacuated when six poisonous snakes escaped from a sack, according to local news reports. The bus had been travelling from Quang Nam to Binh Dinh on Wednesday, June 13, with 14 people on board. It stopped shortly after setting off after a passenger saw a

Dilbert

snake at her feet, newspaper Tuoi Tre reported. “I felt something tickle my legs and saw a snake,” said passenger Huynh Thi Diep. Diep screamed and alerted other passengers, according to the report. The snakes, all Common Kraits, were caught or killed within 30 minutes, the newspaper said. No one was bitten. Police said a non-passenger put the bag on the bus and paid the driver to transport it. It was not clear if the snakes were being

transported legally. The driver said he did not know what was inside the sack at the time. A police investigation was under way to find the owner of the snakes. Snakes are a delicacy in some Vietnamese restaurants and Kraits are the most common species used to make snake wine in Vietnam. Our James said he hoped the Snakes on a Plane sequel would be closer to the spoof “Bears on a Submarine” poster seen shortly after the film’s release…

Wednesday: James attends the De Courcey electric Versa launch, while Martin is with King’s Coaches. I spend a hectic day generating news and working on material for forthcoming issues. However, internet problems cause much frustration in the office. Time to move ISP me thinks… Thursday: Accompanied by Alex, enjoy my first ‘public’ trip on the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway. Having followed the project since I joined CBW almost six years ago, I remain as impressed as ever. Stagecoach East MD Andy Campbell is his usual helpful self. We gain an interesting feature for a forthcoming issue as a result. Using my iPhone, post about our day on the CBW Facebook page, which is synced with our Twitter account. We try to practice what we preach on social media. Friday: Spend an interesting couple of hours with Stagecoach Peterborough Operations Manager Jonathan Woodhouse, who has recently completed the graduate training scheme. His approachable yet professional manner is all too clear. Start in the office at lunchtime. I’m delighted when I receive an email asking whether I’d like to be a panellist at a conference. Work against the clock to get as much material to Art Director Keith as possible before the close of play. Head ‘back home’ to my native Welsh borderland for the weekend. www.coachandbusweek.com

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18/06/2012 19:08

62 | COACH & BUS WEEK | June 20, 2012

RECRUITMENT

Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm

TRAXX coach works offer driver opportunities in Canada Operator is offering to hire UK drivers to work in North America, with potential for move to become permanent Canadian-based coach operator TRAXX Coachlines is seeking qualified, experienced coach drivers from the UK to join them working and living in Canada. Drivers will be based at the main depot location for TRAXX outside the City of Calgary, famed for its world renowned Stampede and Rodeo outdoor shows, as well as playing host to the 1988 Winter Olympics. A variety of work would be on

TRAXX tour from Canada to Las Vegas, a great opportunity for UK drivers offer from hockey and ski slope transfers to long-haul touring across Western Canada and to parts of the United States. TRAXX has a number of depot locations

Your First Choice for Recruitment

Coach & Bus Week’s well-established recruitment portfolio attracts candidates across sales, marketing and management, delivering not just quantity but quality candidates, providing exceptional value for money. In addition to our unrivalled print-based product, at no extra cost recruitment adverts are also automatically placed online at www.coachandbusweek.com, where they remain on view until a position’s closing date. Coach & Bus Week and www.coachandbusweek.com combine to create the ultimate recruitment solution, guaranteeing your vacancy is seen by every jobseeker that matters from sales agents to board level. To get your vacancy seen by quality candidates, call Ian Gillis on 01733 293484 or email ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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including Vancouver where drivers will be based on occasion. “We’re looking for hard-working, passionate coach drivers who take pride in what they do and how they deliver it,” said Nigel Taylor MBE, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President. “You don’t necessarily need to have knowledge about Canada and the Rockies, although it will help, but the ability and confidence to provide commentary as well as Driver Guide duties and above all possess outstanding customer care.” Originally founded in 1932, TRAXX Coachlines has grown to become the largest modern coach fleet in Western Canada with nearly 60 56-seat executive coaches on its books. The majority of the fleet is made up of Van Hool models as well as a handful of Setra coaches. TRAXX says it has and will continue to purchase the Canadian-made Prevost coaches which can offer more luggage space and driver workspace. The coach operator claims to have a proven and successful track record with many international tour operators including Trafalgar Tours, Scenic Tours, Travelsphere Holidays, Travelmarvel and Rocky Mountaineer Rail Vacations. In 2011 TRAXX established its own touring division called Rocky Desert Tours; offering winter vacations to Laughlin and Las Vegas. Due to short supply of experienced qualified coach drivers in Alberta, Service Canada – a division of the Canadian Immigration Commission (CIC),

Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484

ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk

are granting TRAXX Coachlines a number of Temporary Working Visas which will allow applicants to work and live in Canada for up to two years. The company will offer assistance in finding somewhere to live and helping to settle into Canadian life. However, Nigel stated it is possible for drivers to stay in Canada permanently. “We don’t want to create any false pretences but for the right candidate who clearly shows the desire to stay and grow with us, there are ways we as a company can sponsor the driver to remain in Canada on a permanent basis. “The fact of the matter is there are so few qualified coach drivers coming through our doors. We don’t want truck drivers, we need great coach touring drivers who possess experience and who can listen, react well and are committed to doing a good job.” Drivers are paid a daily rate, where full-time drivers can expect to earn on average around $50,000 per year, equivalent to £32,000 per year, plus gratuities and a performance bonus. TRAXX said top performing drivers can expect to earn substantially more than the $50,000 quoted. “You shouldn’t compare apples to apples when it comes to earnings,” said Nigel. “Everything is relative, from shopping for food and paying for fuel at the gas station.” The requirements and desired skill set as defined by TRAXX includes: n Minimum 21-years old or over n PCV qualified n Experienced in touring n Commentary and Driver Guide trained n Fluent speaking English n Knowledge of Canadian history and environment preferred but not essential n The desire to succeed. n A great work Ethic and a team player. Anyone interested in working for TRAXX Coachlines and making the big move to Canada should send their CV with covering letter explaining why you believe you are the right candidate for the role, to Nigel Taylor – ntaylor@ traxxcoachlines.com n For additional information regarding TRAXX Coachlines, visit its website at www. traxxcoachlines.com

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555794-1041-Traxx

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Qualified Experienced Coach Drivers & Coach Mechanics Required WORK AND LIVE IN

CANADA!!

TRAXX Coachlines requires UK qualified experienced tour coach drivers and coach mechanics to be based in Alberta and British Columbia (Western Canada). TRAXX has depot locations in Medicine Hat, Calgary and Vancouver. Successful applicants will receive Canadian Work Visas with the opportunity in becoming Permanent Residents of Canada. For more information, please contact Nigel Taylor - Chief Operating Officer Email: ntaylor@traxxcoachlines.com

www.traxxcoachlines.com

553609-1037-BackhouseJones

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