Wednesday July 18, 2012 Issue 1045 | ÂŁ2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com
COACH:
Moves afoot at Plaxton's Anston sales & service centre p8
PARTNERSHIP: Passenger Focus supports SYPTE quality bus plans p6
Inside this week...
Minibus
BUS:
OFT scuppers First Stagecoach North Devon purchase p4
PEOPLE:
Richard Armitage appointed as the new TAS Chairman p62
for recruitm
JOB ADVE ent EVERY WERTS EK
RECRUIT N
OW
Howards Travel: Maximising capacity p20
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THIS WEEK
Coach & Bus Week, First Floor, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX Switchboard 01733 293240 Fax 0845 280 2927 Web www.coachandbusweek.com Distributed by COMAG
EDITORIAL Publisher Jonathan Taylor 01733 293240 jonathan.taylor@coachandbusweek.com Editor Gareth Evans 01733 293243 gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com Technical & Minibus Editor Martin Cole 01733 293245, 07885 692144 martin.cole@coachandbusweek.com Features Editor Andrew Cream 01733 293482 andrew.cream@coachandbusweek.com News Reporter James Day 01733 293244 james.day@coachandbusweek.com News Reporter Alex Tyler 01733 293240 alex.tyler@coachandbusweek.com Art Director Keith Simpson Contributors Tim Deakin, Richard Charnley, Gabriel Conway, Alan Payling
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www.coachandbusweek.com ISSN: 1351-3877 © 2012 Coach and Bus Week Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors. This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors.
Barnstaplegate
I
dare say I’m not alone in failing to be surprised at the Office of Fair Trading (OFT)’s decision to refer Stagecoach’s planned acquisition of First’s North Devon operations to the Competition Commission. Does it serve as the latest example of how the OFT treats Stagecoach differently to First? I appreciate some of Stagecoach’s actions in the past – and some might say even not too distant past – have been far from saintly but there seems to me to be a genuine passion to succeed and to succeed you have to deliver what the customer wants. I’d be interested to know whether OFT officials have ever visited Barnstaple. From a distance it’s easy to conclude the town is of a significant size, when it’s not (no disrespect to the natives). As much as I enjoy spending time in that part of the world, frankly it’s sheep and cattle farming country rather than good traditional bus territory. Who is going to be in a position
to buy First North Devon? While I’m not privy to the financial affairs of the firms concerned, I dare say it’s out of the reach of other operators in the area. Of course, while it’s not been publicly said by any of those involved, Barnstaple was without doubt a test case to “redraw territorial lines”, to quote Sir Brian Souter in last week’s Face to Face interview. This of course poses interesting questions for the future, not only in North Devon but in other more marginal operating companies in the once sacred First empire. Big question marks hang over such places as Northampton. As you’ll read on p6, UNO is to start an operation in the town this September. Consider what’s been achieved in Hertfordshire, interesting times may lie ahead. Meanwhile, there are strong industry rumours of ‘consolidation’ 50 miles or so further west, but it would perhaps be wrong to speculate too much at this stage... Gareth Evans Editor
CONTENTS 4
16
27
The latest from across the coach and bus industry in the UK
10
...From tourist attractions and events. Plus ideas for group visits
18
Mercedes-Benz Van Experience and first drive of Citroen Euro 5 Relay
Traveline Cymru saves its call centre; Bus station for Machynlleth
12
Stagecoach North East driver receives community accolade
20
An Epsom Coaches Plaxton Cheetah in Beddgelert, Snowdonia
2000th Setra for Switzerland and Van Hool Fuel Cell buses for Oslo
14
A look at Cheshire coach and bus operator Howards Travel
24
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
All the latest people moves from across the industry
News
Wales News
International News Regional News
Tour News Drivers
Operator Profile Deliveries
Minibus
32
The Big Picture
61
Last Stop
62
People
The opinions and views expressed by authors and contributors within Coach & Bus Week are not necessarily those of the Editor or its publisher Coach and Bus Week Ltd.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 18, 2012
news
“Citroën waited as long as possible to launch its Euro 5 to maximise development opportunities and emerge ‘best in class.’” Martin Cole
briefly As this issue went to press, Tachodisc has confirmed discussions to completely phase out Analogue Tachographs by 2020 have been held in the EU. It is also mooted by 2025 all vehicles will need to be fitted with the latest digital tachograph; although further clarification is needed on which generation of digitach will be specified. Tachodisc also confirms the European Commission (EC) proposals to merge the drivers’ card (or Smartcards) and driver’s licences by 2018 have been thrown out of the current proposals to amend the tachograph regulation EEC No 3821/85. Tachodisc has published a White Paper Titled ‘Change is on the Cards’, which brings together, in one document, all the significant points operators need to know about the changes currently being proposed for tachograph regulation EEC No 3821/85. If the proposals are agreed by the European Commission (EC), they would come into force 2017 / 2018. To download a free copy of ‘Change is on the Cards’ visit www.tachodisc. co.uk, or email sales@tachodisc. co.uk. Alternatively call Tachodisc on 01925 283328. Brockenhurst College has announced Wilts & Dorset has retained the contract to provide its dedicated bus network. Andrew Wickham, MD, said the firm has successfully held the contract since 1983 and added the announcement was good news for the 25 drivers and support team based at Ringwood, Salisbury and Lymington depots. A fleet of 16 single and double decker buses are assigned to the contract. Currently 1,100 of the 3,000 full time students use the network but Sue Jones, Head of Customer and Learner Services and Student Travel Co-Ordinator Richard Cooney expect to see numbers increase over the next year. “We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with W&D who have provided our students with an outstanding level of service. We will be introducing a number of new initiatives to encourage greater use of the network,” said Sue Jones. “These will include a special version of the key smartcard.” www.coachandbusweek.com
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Minibus p40
Stagecoach’s First North Devon acquisition off OFT referral for 30-bus, 10-route operation puts existing jobs and network at risk in Barnstaple Stagecoach is no longer proceeding with its proposed acquisition of FirstGroup’s North Devon operations following the OFT’s announcement that it is referring the case to the Competition Commission. A spokesman for Stagecoach said the company was disappointed with the OFT‘s decision to refer what he said was a “relatively small transaction to the Competition Commission”. He added: “We do not believe we can justify spending further money and management time on what has already been a lengthy process. “As a result, we have reluctantly decided not to proceed with the acquisition and have informed First we are withdrawing.” Managers at First will now consult with Trade Unions and affected employees to review the implications of the decision. Giles Fearnley, First’s UK Bus Managing Director, said: “We are extremely disappointed by this decision which may lead to services being withdrawn and puts jobs at risk. “We are now considering our options and will consult fully with affected employees and stakeholders about the implications of the OFT’s announcement.” Amelia Fletcher, of the OFT, said: “Mergers between rivals in local markets can result in price
rises or a reduction in journeys for passengers. “As such, we believe it is appropriate the Competition Commission reviews this merger in detail to ensure the interests of passengers in Devon are protected.” Giles Fearnley added: “We are progressing our plan to reposition and rebalance our UK Bus portfolio to restore operating margins and help facilitate improved growth and returns. We are continuing to develop opportunities for a number of disposals of our bus operations and, despite today’s announcement, we are confident of future successful transactions in the coming months as a number of potential bidders exist in those markets where we have identified other businesses for disposal.” The acquisition agreement was originally announced on March 12, 2012. The operations, based at Barnstable depot, were to be sold for a gross consideration of £2.8m. FirstGroup denied the move by
First and Stagecoach had competed head-to-head on the road in the North Devon town of Barnstaple
£11m Bath transportation package given final go-ahead Work on the Bath Transportation Package can now begin after final approval from Local Transport Minister Norman Baker. It was one of the schemes given funding last year as part of the Spending Review. Completion is due by mid 2014. The package includes expansion and new buses for three P&R sites, more frequent services into the centre and nine showcase bus routes with junction and priority
improvements as well as more RTI. An active traffic management system will also be introduced. Baker said: “This scheme will make it easier to reach this historic city by public transport. The £11m we are putting into this scheme shows the Coalition Government is serious about investing in the infrastructure the UK needs to drive economic growth.” Local operators have welcomed
Sir Brian Souter’s firm would affect the planned disposal of £100m of assets in its UK bus division, which the firm is selling in order to focus on “high-growth” areas. However, according to The Scotsman, Karl Burns and Greg Johnson, analysts at Shore Capital, warned the decision by the OFT could have further implications. “Whilst this isn’t significant in terms of proceeds for FirstGroup – with the company missing out on gross consideration totalling £2.8m – we believe this is a negative signal for the group’s sale of about £100m of UK bus assets,” the pair said. “Currently, the five largest UK bus operators hold about 70% of the total market and, therefore, we believe operators may be highly restricted in bidding for some of the assets that FirstGroup plans on disposing. We believe this could put the £100m target under pressure.” The analysts also noted recent press speculation, which “suggested the company may be struggling to achieve its planned disposals proceed target and larger, potentially more-dilutive, disposals could be required in order to achieve the £100m”. FirstGroup had argued that the collapse of the West Country sale would not affect other planned disposals because circumstances in the north Devon business were unusual as Stagecoach was the only bidder and there is significant overlap between operations of the two companies in the area. the scheme. MD Martin Curtis of Bath Bus Company told CBW: “It’s good news in general, though it will have a greater impact on some firms than other. There will definitely be benefits – specifically on corridors with RTI.” Alan Peters of abus said: “I am confident it will be well used.” A First spokesman said: “We welcome this investment in Bath. It goes hand in hand with what we’re doing in the area - in terms of vehicles and encouraging usage.” As this issue went to press it remained to be seen how coaches would be affected by the measures.
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July 18, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5
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CRB Portability in the Pipeline
Envirox to be used in De Courcey’s buses and coaches: pic by Tony Hunter
Travel De Courcey adds Envirox Following the launch of the Coventry park-and-ride service featuring three new battery-electric Optare Versa buses (CBW1041 cover story) Travel de Courcey has has taken a further environmental step by setting up a full commercial trial of Energenics’ fuel additive Envirox. The entirety of the operator’s Coventry based diesel fleet of approximately 106 buses and coaches will use the nanotechnology-based additive for an initial six-month period. An additive dosing unit has been installed at the main depot in Coventry to treat the bulk diesel fuel storage tank with Envirox which was developed in laboratories on Oxford University’s Begbroke Science Park.
Through the use of Envirox, Travel de Courcey is targeting an average fuel saving of 4%, which on an annualised basis is equivalent to 170 tonnes of CO2. Adrian de Courcey commented: “The new electric buses and fast recharge system show our desire to be an innovator in green technology in this industry, and Envirox, through its savings in fuel and reduction of harmful soot emissions, allows us to address the traditional diesel powered fleet in a similar vein. The cost savings from improved fuel consumption should help us to continue to offer great value for money fares to our customers.” Envirox has been used nationally by Stagecoach UK Bus since 2005, after extensive London trials followed more recently by East Yorkshire Motor Services and other local UK bus and coach operators.
Visit Energenics’ website at www.energenics.co.uk or call 01865 233 010.
After years of pressure from CPT and many other organisations, the Government has come up with a proposed way of ending pointless and repetitive Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, which hit both operators and councils. New legislation from September 1 this year will formally repeal the registration and continuous monitoring system. A number of other changes, of less interest to our industry, will be introduced at the same time. At the start of December this year, the work of the CRB and Independent Safeguarding Authority will be merged into a new public body – the Disclosure and Barring Service. From a date to be announced in early 2013, individuals will be able to apply for a check and, at the same time, subscribe to an update service. They will be able to show any
relevant organisation their certificate, and use a code to get an online confirmation from the Disclosure and Barring Service that there either have, or have not, been any changes to the information shown on the certificate. The fee for this service is expected to be £10 per person per year. Welcoming the news, Christopher Nice, CPT Deputy Director of Communications, told CBW: “We’re delighted with this outcome. CRB portability is something the CPT has been fighting for a number of years and is something which will make operators’ lives much easier.” CPT said it expects to continue to offer its umbrella body service, enabling members to confirm the identity and eligibility of applicants for checks. Details can be found in the online Compliance Manual. One aspect which is not changing is the duty to make a referral – for the time being to the ISA – If your organisation dismisses or removes a member of staff from working with children and/or vulnerable adults because they have harmed a child or vulnerable adult.
Drivers will no longer need separate CRB checks for each local authority
www.coachandbusweek.com
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150
news › BUSeS
The number of staff who will be employed by Reays from September
briefly Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company has given its famous website www.buses. co.uk homepage a makeover. The firm says the new format makes it clearer to navigate on to all other pages as well as giving clear directions for where young people and students need to ‘click’ as they are making increased use of the on-line facilities. Hertfordshire-based UNO bus is set to replace a number of university services provided by Country Lion and Soul Brothers in Northampton as of September 1, 2012. Soul Brothers route’s 19, 19E and 21, and Country Lions route 18 service are being replaced by Uno 18, 19, 19A, 19B and 19C. CBW understands seven Citaros from Hertfordshire displaced by ex Eden Project Citaro Artics are going to Northampton for the services and route 18 will reportedly be run with Optare Solos. Minicab firm Addison Lee has lost its High Court bid for its vehicles to be allowed to use London’s bus lanes after the company argued the rules allowing black cabs in but not minicabs were unfair. A High Court judge has now ruled against them. Addison Lee Chairman John Griffin said: “Addison Lee remains totally opposed to the current bus lane legislation, which is both unfair and discriminatory.” Leon Daniels, TfL’s Managing Director of Surface Transport, said: “We are pleased the court has recognised the important distinction between taxis and minicabs.” London’s fleet of fuel cell buses, which have been servicing the city’s central RV1 riverside route since 2011, have now passed a milestone of 1,000 hydrogen refueling events at Air Products’ station at Lea Interchange, Stratford. With a tank of hydrogen allowing each of the buses to run for up to eighteen hours a day, the fleet has now also surpassed 100,000 miles of service. The buses are operated by First Group for Transport for London and feature Ballard fuel cells and Wrightbus chassis integrated by ISE Corporation. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Passenger Focus backs to Sheffield partnership proposals Response to public consultation praises the partnership proposal Transport watchdog Passenger Focus has responded to the Sheffield Bus Partnership consultation which took place on July 12, where the public asked questions and gave feedback to a panel consisting of representatives from First, Stagecoach and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE). The response, in the form of a letter written by Passenger Team Director David Sidebottom, praises the prospective partnership’s proposals, highlighting that they fit well with passenger priorities which Passenger Focus has outlined. It goes on to say: “Improvements to frequency and subsequent improvements to punctuality are clearly important to passengers. However, in any change of such magnitude there will inevitably be winners and losers: we are aware for instance of concerns with services to Ringinglow and Psalter Lane. This makes it all the more important that there is extensive local consultation – the people best able to judge and comment on services being those who use them. “To this end we would congratulate you on the efforts made – especially through the route maps – to engage with passengers. Following the consultation it will be important to identify those areas which will receive a worse service and to see what can be provided in mitigation – for example in terms of demand responsive transport.” The response also includes an extract from the watchdog’s Bus Passenger Survey. The table highlights results for the SYPTE area – overall as well as a split between First and Stagecoach. The letter continued: “One area of particular interest is value for money. The table shows this as one of the lower areas of satisfaction, particularly so for First’s
Welcoming the bus partnership, David Sidebottom would like to see a lower priced city-wide day ticket passengers. Reducing the city-wide day fare from £5.00 to £4.30 will help address this in general. “It should also provide an incentive for First to lower its own ‘First Day’ fare from its current £5 level. Why, for instance, buy a higher-priced operator specific fare when you can have a multioperator ticket for less? This move ought to help drive up value-formoney scores. We are strongly supportive of the move to reduce the city-wide day fare and also to introduce weekly, monthly and annual products. “We would also look to the partnership to provide greater stability of service. We ask passengers for the main reason they chose the bus – some 30% of passengers in the SYPTE area said it was because they had no other option. Passengers rely on bus services for work and to access local services – for many people it is an essential part of their lives – and so stability of service is important. We understand from our meeting that the partnership would provide more protection and regulate changes to timetables – this is also something we would welcome. “Finally, we would like to see any partnership agreement include
qualitative targets within the contractual framework. It is not clear from the consultation material how this is to be addressed. ‘Hard’ measures of punctuality and service frequency are very important but there is also a need to keep one eye on service quality. Our strong preference is for targets based on what passengers think – the best judge of quality being those who have used the services in question. This could encompass driver attitude (the fourth highest priority of improvement in our research) and also such things as personal security, the condition and upkeep of the bus stop and the provision of information.” Passenger Focus CEO Anthony Smith told CBW: “We rarely take a view on the inputs to the rail or bus industry preferring to concentrate on the quality of the outputs. Passengers, we think, care more about value for money, reliability and getting a seat than with who runs services. “It’s also very difficult to draw comparisons between different ownership/organisation models. Devolution of rail franchising raises similar issues. Short, well specified and funded franchises, can be good for passengers. Long franchise can be very bad for passengers. Partnerships can work, poor contracts rarely do. The mix of factors which make bus services successful are usually, it appears to us, built around the quality of the relationship between local authorities and operators, not the contractual or other links which bind them. “However, the bus partnership/ quality contract debate has generated a lot of heat. So, basing our comments on our research we have set out what we think passengers are looking for in South Yorkshire and matched this against the promises of what the partnership could offer. As you will see we think there is a good match in the case of South Yorkshire.”
16/07/2012 22:50
July 18, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7
£1.1m 230,000 Value of the bus lane fines issued in Glasgow in the last 11 weeks
The number of calls handled per annum by Traveline Cymru’s call centre in Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd
First new ADL E400s for Norfolk Green
Reays operates Carlisle’s awardwinning City Hopper bus network
Lake District expansion for Reays Reays is expanding into the Lake District, South Cumbria and Penrith. The family-run firm, which was crowned Top Independent Operator at the UK Bus Awards 2011, is to open a new depot in Penrith after winning contracts from Cumbria County Council to run two additional bus routes linking the town with Greystoke and Kendal. From September 1, Wigtonbased Reays will take over the operation of routes 105 (PenrithGreystoke-Penrith shuttle) and 106 (Penrith with Kendal via Shap and Teebay) routes from Stagecoach, both of which are for four years’ duration. Reays has also won the contracts for Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith. The firm’s new Penrith depot will be on the Gilwilly Industrial Estate. The firm already has depots in Carlisle, Egremont and Wigton. Reays started operating bus routes in the Lake District for the first time last month when it launched its own Lakes Hopper service between Keswick and Bowness. MD Chris Reay said: “We are delighted to have won these new contracts from Cumbria County Council. The 105 and 106 both form vital links for town and rural communities and I believe passengers will notice the improved quality of our modern vehicles and the service we deliver. “We’re also thrilled with the initial success of our Lakes Hopper. The latest expansion means we’ll be running about 20 vehicles from our Penrith depot. There will be 20 more jobs for full and part-time PCV drivers and additional staff, taking our total workforce past 150 for the first time in our 30-year history.”
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King’s Lynn-based Norfolk Green has launched two new Enviro400 buses, the first of the operator’s brand new fleet of double deckers – and the first ever brand new double deckers to enter the award-winning fleet. The launch also celebrated the start of a makeover for the company as the buses feature a brand new livery. The two ADL Enviro400s, the initial delivery of a four-vehicle £750,000 order, are operating on Norfolk Green’s King’s Lynn to Hunstanton and King’s Lynn to Spalding routes. The 79-seaters include underseat ‘mood lighting’ and wood-effect laminate flooring. Both vehicles are painted in the operators’ brand new silver and two-tone green
livery. One bus features postcardeffect murals of Sandringham and Hunstanton while the other is decorated with tweets (comments from Twitter) from customers featuring positive messages about the company. Norfolk Green’s 10/11 routes to Hunstanton and 505 to Spalding now run every 20 minutes during the day on weekdays and every half hour on Sundays, to cater for significant recent passenger growth on the two key services. The new buses will be joined by two more identical vehicles in Spring 2013. “These best-in-class modern vehicles will help us raise the bar in terms of passenger comfort and safety,” said Norfolk Green Managing Director Ben Colson. “We have already made big strides in terms of improving our services to the public and I look forward to introducing even more new buses in the years ahead. Norfolk Green is determined to play its part in the provision of an integrated transport service for the rural and urban communities we serve.”
SHARE WATCH
Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, July 16. Go-Ahead saw the greatest proportional rise while Optare experienced the biggest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk
308.55p
Price: Year High: 334.80p Year Low: 241.00p
200.30p
Price: Year High: 375.60p Year Low: 189.50p
1298.0p
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278.80p
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Price: Year High: 3.00p Year Low: 0.20p
37.75p
The new ADL Enviro 400 buses also feature brand new livery
UK Bus Awards entries now closed Entries for the 2012 UK Bus Awards have now officially closed in all categories – and it is already clear that the numbers received will break last year’s record of 210. “We’re processing the entries now, and will have a full analysis on the numbers in each category shortly,” said Chairman John Owen. “We
already know we have more than last year – which is a great result in the current difficult climate.” Judging for the 2012 entries will get under way in mid-August, following the Olympics, and the short-list will be announced on Thursday September 27. Entries for the special award for the Transport Heroes of the 2012 Games will open in as the Games begin and will close in midSeptember. Visit the UKBA website at www.ukbusawards.org.uk
Price: Year High: 42.48p Year Low: 33.00p
67.82p
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+11.25 on last week
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FTSE 100
5,662
Index: Year High: 6,103 Year Low: 4,791
+35 on last week
www.coachandbusweek.com
16/07/2012 22:51
8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 18, 2012
news › coaches
briefly A National Express service from the East Sussex town of Hailsham to London, via Gatwick Airport, has been reinstated after a petition collected 600 supporting signatures last year. Residents boarded at Eastbourne, then Hailsham, to go to London Victoria on the first journey on Monday, July 2. Andrew Parker, London Area General Manager for National Express, met the coach on arrival at Victoria and welcomed the passengers. The all-new coaches on this route have toilets, air conditioning, reclining leather seats, and plugs for laptops and mobile phones. A week-long drainage upgrade project is due to start on the A66 at Thornthwaite near Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria on Monday (July 23). Work is due to take place between 0800 and 1900hrs each day with the eastbound lane shut for about 250 yards. Temporary traffic lights will be installed to manage traffic past the roadworks and these will be in place around the clock until the scheme is completed on or before Friday July 27. The A14 will be closed between J31 (Girton) and 23 (Spittals) eastbound this week and westbound from August 2 for surfacing work. The eastbound carriageway is due to be closed each night between July 16 and 27. The work is to be undertaken overnight between 2100 and 0600hrs on Monday nights, 2000 and 0600 Tuesday to Thursday nights, and 2200 and 0800hrs Friday nights. Contingency closures may occur between 2000 and 0900 Saturday nights and 2200 and 0500 Sunday nights. The westbound carriageway is due to be closed from August 2 to 10. The work will be undertaken overnight between 2100 and 0600 weeknights and 2200 and 0700 Friday nights. Contingency closures may occur between 2000 and 0900 Saturday nights and 2100 and 0600 Sunday nights. According to the Highways Agency, the signed diversionary route will take drivers via the A1 and A428. Local diversions will be signposted. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Plaxton commences redevelopment of Anston Sales Centre Site reorganisation sees facilities will cater for all aspects of ADL and Plaxton coach and bus range Alexander Dennis-owned Plaxton has completed the first phase of developing a new sales centre at the Anston site, which will see the facility cater for all aspects of the Alexander Dennis and Plaxton bus and coach product range, sales and aftercare. Remaining in the existing location, the first phase has involved centralising all activities on to one site, vacating the Anston West site and was completed at the end of June. A new sales office
has been created together with a new vehicle display area and work is underway on a new reception and customer facilities, due for completion in August. Following this, further improvements to the parts and service areas are planned which will see the facility become a focal point for all customer-related activities for the complete range of Alexander Dennis and Plaxton products. Plaxton Retail Sales Director Kevin Wood said: “We have been looking at the opportunities to make better use of the Anston facility for some time and it became
The sales area has now moved across the road
New Scania for Blue Iris Coaches Blue Iris Coaches based in Nailsea near Bristol has recently taken delivery of a new Scania OmniExpress 36 touring coach. Supplied by Scania (Great Britain) Limited, the 12.8-metre overall length vehicle is based on a K400 EB4x2 chassis with a 400 horsepower Scania engine and fully automated Scania Opticruise gearbox, with the vehicle being
supported by Scania’s Avonmouth depot, which is managing repair and maintenance. Blue Iris has been operating for over 60 years and the latest addition join an established fleet of Scania Irizar 49 and 53 seater coaches. The company also runs a Toyota Optimo midi coach. Tony Spiller, owner of Blue Iris Coaches for the past 25 years, said the vehicle has been added to the fleet to run on a contract with Majestic Holidays. As a result, the coach is finished in Majestic livery. Visit Blue Iris’ website at www.blueiris.co.uk
apparent we could create an improved customer experience and gain more efficient use of the site by centralising all customer facing activities into one area. “We looked at a number of options, including re-location, but as the site has become familiar to coach buyers since it first opened as a coach sales centre more than 60 years ago, it would have been a major step to break that link, so staying here was always the preferred option. “It isn’t an easy project to complete on such a busy site; hence we have had to stage it in order to be able to continue day-to-day operations in an orderly manner and with minimal inconvenience to customers. It’s a tribute to the cooperation and hard work everyone has put in to make this happen with such little disruption to the business.” The work on the Sales Centre is scheduled for completion in August with the remaining works on the site due by the end of 2012. The contact details are largely unchanged. Call: 01909 551166. E.mail: coachsales@plaxtonlimited. co.uk The address remains as: Ryton Rd, Anston, Sheffield, but the postcode is now S25 4DL
A true family firm: Tony Spiller (right) pictured with his son Ian and daughter-in-law Gina with the new Scania OmniExpress coach
16/07/2012 18:57
“I remember once doing the gear linkages on a Cummins-engined Van Hool T815. I’ll never forget that winter...” Ian Howard Howards Travel
Operator Profile p20
Rough ride for coaches at Thorpe Park
National Express teamed up with the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, to tour the UK in a specially branded Pride of Britain coach to search for the nation’s unsung heroes. For 14 years the Pride of Britain Awards, sponsored by Lidl, has celebrated the achievements of the most inspiring and heroic people in the country and from Monday, July 9, the Pride of Britain coach visited London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Yorkshire, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The Plaxton Elite coach, run by Parks of Hamilton, covered over 800 miles during the week, visiting famous landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Millennium Stadium and Edinburgh Castle as well as shopping centres and filming locations such as Coronation Street. Andrew Cleaves, MD for NX Coach, said: “Our specially liveried coach will operate on Anglo-Scottish services throughout 2012.”
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Coach operators have criticised the coach parking facilities at Thorpe Park in Surrey. The dedicated coach park is graveled, while other facilities are tarmac, leading to claims that coach operators are treated as “second class citizens”. Georgina Bates of Appledorebased coach operator Scotland and Bates, told CBW: “Passengers are being made to walk through unacceptable conditions. The car park is covered in potholes filled with water several inches deep, even when it hasn’t rained on the same day. “The potholes can be seen from Googlemaps. Children often don’t keep their feet on the coach floor after traversing such conditions and as a result coach interiors can take a
lot of effort to clean.” However, she was keen to stress: “Hundreds of coach operators visit Thorpe Park and a number of them are quite irate. It’s a good venue and I don’t wish to dissuade operators from visiting it, but the park needs to stop treating coach operators as something they can just push to the side if our business is important to them.” In a statement, the park told CBW: “Thorpe Park enjoys visits from thousands of school parties each year and we have a very robust system for dealing with the large number of coaches that visit. Our coach park has to remain gravelled due to our proximity to a lake and should it flood we have to have adequate drainage. “We regularly re-grade the car park, which is especially important following the poor weather we have had. We welcome the feedback from the coach drivers and we are continuously looking at ways to improve the whole experience of visitors at the Park.”
www.coachandbusweek.com
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news › wales
Traveline Cymru takes over call centre In purchasing the call centre, Traveline Cymru has reduced public spending and brought the public transport information service in house The Welsh Government’s public transport information service recently purchased a North Wales call centre after its owners went into administration. Twenty jobs at the centre in Penrhyndeudraeth have been safeguarded as a result of the takeover by Traveline Cymru. The move means Traveline Cymru has brought what was an outsourced service in-house for the first time and will now operate the bilingual call centre to ensure a continued high level of public transport information is delivered in Wales and to save public money by achieving a reduction in the cost of providing the service. Operating from a community hall in the centre of Penrhyndeudraeth, the call centre handles more than 230,000 calls a year for Traveline Cymru. In addition it provides the booking function for the Bwcabus scheme in rural Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, the Customer Service function for First Cymru and the Welsh language service for National Rail Enquiries.
Currently running at a rate of 92% customer satisfaction, which is relatively unheard of in a call centre business, Traveline Cymru is now looking to grow the call centre with the aim of it becoming self-sufficient. Schemes already in the pipeline include the GoCymru Smartcard Scheme and the All Wales Car Share Scheme when they go live later in the year. At the official opening of the newly refurbished and rebranded call centre, Transport Minister Carl Sargeant said: “The Welsh Government-supported Traveline Cymru service continues to go from strength to strength. Awareness and customer satisfaction are also
Welsh Transport Minister Carl Sargeant officially opened the new call centre
New Machynlleth bus facilities discussed by County Council
Plans to create a five-bay bus interchange in Machynlleth and to move an existing bus depot on to flood plain land are being discussed by Powys County Council. The council said it had received funding from the regional transport consortium to investigate the feasibility of creating five new bus bays on the site of the Lloyds www.coachandbusweek.com
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increasing year on year. I’d like to thank those that have orchestrated the successful delivery of the Traveline Cymru service and the new call centre. In particular the Traveline Cymru staff who have managed both the implementation and operation of the service while continuing to enhance the systems and services.” Alan Kreppel, Chairman of Traveline Cymru, said: “Bringing the call centre in house is positive on so many fronts. It secures the future of call centre and staff; it ensures we can continue to maintain a high level public transport information service to the people of Wales and save public money. I am thankful to everyone who has worked so tirelessly to make this happen.” Traveline Cymru is a notfor-profit company based on a partnership between the Welsh Government, public transport operators in Wales and Welsh local authorities. It provides route and timetable information for all bus, coach and rail services in the country via a bilingual website, its call centre and a suite of services for mobile phone users. In addition, it seeks to encourage people to switch to more sustainable modes of travel through events, training and marketing.
The new bus station could be built on the site of Lloyd’s Doll Street depot. The firm also parks vehicles at the nearby Dyfi Eco Park Coaches depot on Doll Street, across the road from the railway station. Of interest to bus historians, the site is the former Crosville depot which has been heavily rebuilt by
Lloyds over recent years. The Cambrian News reported the existing depot would be moved to an undisclosed patch of flood plain ground, which initial purchase price
New top up smartcards for Newport Passengers in Newport can top-up their Newport Bus smartcards when getting on the bus. and put a week’s travel credit on them. Previously card holders could only put credit on their cards at Newport’s Travel Centre and the company’s HQ. It is hoped the facility will allow more people to benefit from cheaper fares available through its PASSPORT smartcard. To coincide with the top-up service, the firm also launched its new PASSPORT Plus card which gives users access to its entire network of services. Earlier this year Newport Bus introduced a zonal fare system for its bus network: Zone 1 covering bus services in Newport and Zone 2 covering all services outside of the City. Since the launch, those wanting to travel in Zone 1 using a smartcard will need one of the existing green PASSPORT cards while those wanting to travel in Zone 1 and 2 will need the new yellow PASSPORT Plus card. Both cards can be topped up on the bus as well as at Newport Bus Station with a week’s travel on the PASSPORT card costing £14 and £16 on the PASSPORT Plus. Scott Pearson, MD, said: “We have listened to our customers’ requests for simple smartcard top-up.” valuations put at around £52,000. Richard Jones, General Manager at Lloyds Coaches, said: “The provision of a new integrated transport interchange at Machynlleth will provide for an important strategic transport hub which will complement Lloyds Coaches’ recent and substantial investment in new vehicles, as well as the new strategic bus network we have launched in April of this year linking Dolgellau, Tywyn, Newtown and Aberystwyth.” A Powys County Council spokesman said: “Should a scheme reach the stage when a planning application is required, this would involve additional consultation with neighbouring residents, businesses, road and rail authorities, the Environment Agency and Machynlleth Town Council.”
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news › international
2000th Setra for Switzerland Daimler-owned manufacturer reaches milestone after supplying operators in Switzerland for 59 years SWITZERLAND Setra has supplied its 2,000th vehicle into Switzerland since 1953. The 13.89m doubledeck S431 DT coach has been delivered to Ernst Marti AG in Kallnach, in the Canton of Berne. The milestone vehicle will be used primarily on long-distance holiday tours to Italy and Spain. The tri-axle coach carries Setra’s four-star classification and seats a total of 78 passengers and is equipped with a multi-channel audio system, a galley kitchen with a 40-cup coffee machine and a microwave oven. Marti AG has invested in ensuring a high level of safety for its passengers by additionally specifying proximitycontrolled cruise control with Active Brake Assist, Lane Assistant system and an automatic fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment. Marti AG now operates eight Setra double-decks in a fleet of 40 coaches – all Setra. Managing
Director Heinrich Marti said: “Setra’s philosophy fits very well with the thinking behind a small business like ours and we always feel our views are being taken seriously. In my opinion Setra’s flagship model, the S431DT, is the product which offers the most complete and best-rounded concept overall, while the total package it comes with is, quite simply, just right.” Lothar Holder, Head of Sales
Setra Buses & Coaches, said: “Since the purchase of the very first Setra S 6 in 1956 our companies have been linked by a strong partnership, if not to say a friendship.” Ernst Marti AG was founded in 1903 and offers an attractive programme of travel encompassing options to combine coach travel with exclusive flights or cruises. Over the course of its 50-year relationship with Setra, the company has taken delivery of more than 300 touring coaches from Germany. The company has been considered a trailblazer over its luxury interior equipment and appointments and has worked closely with Setra to drive forward concepts such as its glass roof or offset individual seats for coaches.
The 2000th Swiss Setra – an S431 DT double decker – supplied to Marti AG
Van Hool fuel cell buses for Ruter A/S Oslo
NORWAY Five Van Hool fuel cell buses for Oslo were presented to representatives from the Oslo Akershus region in May, marking the conclusion of a project started 17 years ago. They are now in daily use in the Norwegian capital. The order was part of the European hydrogen bus demonstration project. Van Hool, which is increasingly recognised for its integration of advanced environmental technologies in public transport, won the order through an international tender by Ruter A/S in Oslo. Van Hool’s considerable experience in supplying fuel cell www.coachandbusweek.com
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The buses employ a hybrid electric drive system using lithium ion batteries buses for the United States, the number of comfortable forwardfacing seats and the total passenger capacity were said to the key factors in securing the order. The buses are 13m long with three axles. Three doors provide access to a lowered floor extending as far as the central door. They
have 37 seats, 34 of which are forward-facing. Fuel cell buses have zero emissions (complete absence of harmful emissions and CO2), and a substantially reduced noise level. The fuel cell stacks were manufactured by Canada’s Ballard Power Systems and combine with
US schoolbus manufacturers chasing $73m from China USA US schoolbus manufacturers, Navistar’s IC Bus and Blue Bird are hoping to cash in on huge amounts of Chinese funding (worth up to $73m) as the country urgently upgrades its school transport. A spate of accidents in China highlighting the inadequate and poor quality vehicles in school service, combined with extreme overcrowding, led to around 40 deaths in 2011 and many more injuries. The current fleet includes all vehicle types from old service buses and coaches to minbuses, minivans, SUVs and taxis. Public outcry has sparked Chinese officials into action and they engaged with American schoolbus builders over the incorporation of safety standards. Navistar assisted in drafting new construction legislation and has since signed a letter of intent over developments. The market is expected to require up to 50,000 buses per year over the course of the upgrade programme. Some sales will result but technology transfer is likely to be a longer term aim of the Chinese. lithium batteries and Siemens electric motors to create a hybrid electric drive system. The hydrogen in the fuel cells is converted into electricity, with water vapour as the only emission, and batteries provide additional power where and when necessary. Recovery and reuse of braking energy means hydrogen consumption is restricted to approximately 30 kg/bus/day. All five obtained European type approval, tilt testing at 28° and extensive safety inspections. They are used on a 20km route, the 81A from Vestbanen (west of Oslo) to Greverud. The hydrogen filling station in Rosenholm was built by Air Liquide. It produces over 200kg of hydrogen per day via water electrolysis using equipment supplied by Hydrogenics of Westerlo, Belgium. The ‘green’ electricity for electrolysis comes from a nearby hydroelectric power station and is renewable.
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news › REGIONAL
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Student Transport Scheme (STS) Ltd is challenging an alleged €166m contract between Bus Eireann and the Minister of Education for a bus service providing transport for 123,000 students, claiming agreement between the Minister and the State-subsidised bus company contravenes EU directives relating to the awarding of public contracts. The private company wants the Commercial Court to declare the contract as ineffective under those regulations and is seeking damages. The Minister, and Bus Eireann as a notice party, say there is no contract and even if there was they are entitled to avail of a number of exceptions including that the school transport scheme was set up long before EU directives came into force. STS states the Minister failed to identify if, how and when the school transport contract for 2011/12 was awarded to Bus Eireann. It also claims if it had been given information sought from the Minister in May of last year about the school transport services, it would have been able to determine whether it had an interest in the contract or had grounds for review. The company also claims The Department of Education had declined to disclose details of the alleged 2011/12 contract on grounds it was commercially sensitive. In a statement of opposition, the Minister said STS does not have any standing to bring the proceedings and public contract directives do not impose any obligation on him to terminate the transport scheme or engage in a competitive tendering process. Bus Eireann said the transport scheme constitutes a form of cooperation among public entities in which there is no participation of private capital. The implementation of the scheme is governed solely by considerations relating to the pursuit of objectives in the public interest.
SCOTLAND
Glasgow’s Fastlink Bus Rapid Transit system will not meet the deadline for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The hi-tech link, which would allow new design buses their own roadways along the Clyde and towards the new Southern General hospital, was due to be completed in time for the sporting event. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Cllr Pat Merrick, Labour spokeswoman for children and young people, said: “This is a lot of money to find for families already struggling in this recession, particularly in the context of recent cuts to the educational maintenance allowance.”
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SCOTLAND NORTHERN IRELAND REP OF IRELAND NORTH WALES MIDLANDS EAST LONDON SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST
Now, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and Glasgow City Council is working towards completion for the £40m project by 2015. Some of the segregated roads will be ready for use by 2014 but will not include the Fastlink buses.
NORTH
Oldham Council is launching a campaign for local residents bus fares, claiming First Bus is charging people who live in the town between 13% and 50% more to travel than other operators in Greater Manchester. The council is to lobby Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on the issue. Council leader Jim McMahon said: “First Bus has a near monopoly on bus services in our borough and the wider north Manchester area. “That wouldn’t necessarily be a problem if the fares were comparative, but the figures we have do not appear to suggest this is the case. We believe people in Oldham are paying too much for their bus fares.” A spokesman for First Bus said: “We have a standard fare structure across our whole Greater Manchester network and so our customers in Oldham pay the same as customers across the region. “We are happy to discuss this matter with Oldham Council and will look at ways we can work in partnership with them.” Bus fares in Oldham are set by
EAST
the bus companies in conjunction with TfGM. Oldham Council currently subsidises services for schools which have relocated as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme. Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) are to increase the cost of ‘spare seat’ places from September this year. The annual charge for pupils under 16 travelling in their catchment area will increase from £265 to £375, while those travelling outside of their catchment area will have to pay £500 rather than £390. Pupils over 16 years old travelling in their catchment area would have to pay £700 a year rather than £500, while those travelling outside their catchment area would pay £740. Spare seat places are made available to pupils who are not entitled to free school transport on a first come, first served basis, providing there are no other bus services covering the same route. A CWaC spokesman said: “The increase in charges on both school and college contracts have been necessary to ensure children who will be entitled to assisted transport in September do not pay more than those children who take up spare seat places on the buses. “These increases still represent good value for money. Considerably lower than that offered on commercial bus services.”
Development of a new bus station for Northampton has been approved the Northampton Chronicle and Echo reported. Northampton Borough Council’s planning committee voted to approve plans to build a new station on the site of the current Fishmarket building in Sheep Street. The building will replace the 36-year-old Greyfriars bus station, which the council intends to demolish for new shops. Only 24 members of the public turned out to hear the debate. Among them was the chairman of the Northampton Bus Users group, Mike Barlow, who expressed fears about the plans for the new station. Discussing the amount of traffic there would be around the building, he said: “Our main concern is the safety of passengers. School children could rush across the road to the bus station without taking due care and attention. That is a potential safety hazard.” The bus station will feature a total of 12 bus stands on the Fishmarket site. A further two will be in nearby Bradshaw Street and seven more will be in The Drapery. A travel information centre, toilets, waiting area, a shop and a cafe will be housed in the building. As part of the new development, a mini-roundabout will be built at the junction of Silver Street and Bradshaw Street and three new pedestrian crossings placed outside the bus station. The majority of councillors on the planning committee welcomed the development, claiming it would improve both the town centre and facilities for bus users. Councillor Brian Oldham said: “I’m a regular bus user and this holds no fears for me. I think it will be a good asset for the town centre and it’s a very good idea.” Only councillor Geraldine Davies voted against the development. She said: “I don’t think this development meets the needs of bus users. I don’t think it’s acceptable to have to leave the building and walk down the street and wait elsewhere for other buses.”
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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’d like us to cover, contact James Day on james. day@coachandbusweek.com.
SOUTH EAST
Hastings Borough Council, East Sussex County Council and Stagecoach in Hastings are aiming to deliver better bus services and facilities in town, through the Quality Bus Partnership (QBP) Action Plan. As part of the initiative, any vehicle stopping in a bus stop clearway for any period of time may commit a parking contravention and could receive a penalty charge notice. There is no exemption for blue badge holders, vehicles loading or unloading, vehicles stopping to use cash points or picking up passengers. Councillor Phil Scott, lead member for environment, said: “The QBP’s top priority is still punctuality and reliability so this ‘zero tolerance’ approach is very welcome. A bus stop clearway must be kept completely clear of vehicles to enable the free flow of public transport. Any vehicle stopping for any period of time can cause serious traffic congestion especially if the bus cannot enter the bus stop due to the parked vehicle.”
Students in Oxfordshire are to be offered free travel to and from college due to a new bursary scheme. Abingdon & Witney College aims to make it easier for under privileged students to come to college and offer a means-tested bursary providing a free annual bus pass for those eligible. It anticipates up to 250 may qualify. Head of college services Russell Paul said: “We’re tying to widen participation and enable access to all students. One of the initial barriers people have is actually getting to college in the first place.” Mr Paul said he was keen to hear from people who might not quite fit the criteria – for example with a household income just above the threshold, or with siblings already at the college. He said: “When people consider applying they are quite shocked at how much transport costs and it may put them off. This links to ongoing attendance. If students are struggling after finding the cost for one term’s bus pass and can’t afford to renew it, their term two attendance is likely to drop.”
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
The largest commercial vehicle show in Europe, The IAA, takes place in September and is held at the Hanover Messe in Germany.
2012 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 September 9 Amberley Bus Show. Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, West Sussex. www.amberleymuseum.co.uk
Southern Vectis has been awarded a £28m contract by the Isle of Wight Council to provide home to school transport for the next eight years. The company has invested £6m in upgrading its existing fleet to meet the standard required by the council which will see its current bus and coach fleet phased out from September and replaced by 20 new 70seat double decker vehicles and 23 new single deck buses. The remaining fleet is to be bolstered by refurbished single deck buses currently used by sister companies within the Go-Ahead Group. These vehicles will be upgraded to include seatbelts, CCTV, electronic destination displays and automatic vehicle location equipment. The new buses will also be made available to community groups running volunteer services when they are not required for the school lift. Andrew Wickham, Managing Director Southern Vectis, said: “It is not only good news for the pupils and the schools we serve but for the job security of the 70 staff who keep the service on the road. The eight year term allows us to make a significant investment in our fleet of vehicles which is good news for all concerned.”
n September 10-11 CPT Scotland Annual Conference. Crieff Hydro Hotel, Perthshire, PH7 3LQ. Call CPT Scotland on 0131 2722150 or email conference2012@cpt-uk.org 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 October 23 CPT Coaching Conference. Volvo HQ, Warwick. Further details will be published in due course. Call CPT on 020 7240 3131. www.cpt-uk.org n November 6-8 Euro Bus Expo. NEC, Birmingham. 01926 834790. www.eurobusxpo.com n November 15 CPT Northern Bus Summit. Manchester Conference Centre. Details from contact CPT NW Regional Manager Phillipa Sudlow on phillipas@cpt-uk.org. n November 20 UK Bus Awards London Hilton Park Lane. www.ukbusawards.org.uk
2013 n January 1 New Year’s Holiday Open Day. Oxford Bus Museum. www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk n January 1 Annual King Alfred Running Day, Winchester. Further information from www.fokab.org.uk n March 20-21 UK Bus Awards Annual Conference. Sir Brian Souter has accepted our invitation to speak at the conference dinner. Venue to be confirmed, but will be in Central London. www.ukbusawards.org.uk n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 610
Send your event details to gareth.evans@ coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com
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news › TOURISM
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Number of historic aircraft on display at Yorkshire Air Museum
Stowe, in Buckinghamshire, is a National Trust-owned Grade I listed 18th century house and landscape garden. Groups can also visit the recently restored coaching inn to experience an 18thcentury hostelry. The landscape gardens can be explored with new trails and guided tours – including the ‘Gardening on the Grandest Scale’ tour which can be tailored for specific interests. Group admission is £7.60 per person, entry to the house is extra. Parking is available for six coaches and the gardens are open all year round. For more information email stowe@ nationaltrust.org.uk or ring 01280 818229 (house and gardens) or 01280 822850 (just gardens). Encore Tickets is offering group visits for the refurbished Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly, London. The worldrenowned restaurant, formerly St James’s, serves traditional afternoon tea between 1200 and 1900hrs in an elegant and relaxed setting. Visitors are treated to a fine selection of teas, luxury and traditional sandwiches, pastries and scones with clotted cream and preserves. Contact the Groups department via groups@ encoretickets.co.uk or 0207 4921525. Yorkshire Air Museum, the largest independent example in Britain, is also the location of The Allied Air Forces Memorial. Situated in a 20 acre parkland site on the former World War II RAF Bomber Command Station at Elvington, it is the largest and most original WWII station open to the public. It was used by French heavy bomber squadrons during the war and today includes award-winning gardens, a large NAAFI-style restaurant and shop, plus over 15 top class exhibitions, a large range of military vehicles and 50 historic aircraft, many in working order. The museum is seven miles from the centre of York. Party admission rates are available and a large parking area suitable for coaches is on site. Free meals and refreshments are available for coach drivers. Visit www. yorkshireairmuseum.org www.coachandbusweek.com
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A rare country estate in England’s capital Plenty to see and do at this 18th century mansion and grounds Osterley Park and House lies in the London Borough of Hounslow in the western suburbs of the capital. The spectacular mansion and surrounding garden, park and farmland is one of the last surviving country estates in London. Transformed in the late 18th century for the wealthy Child family by the architect Robert Adam, the house and garden were designed for entertaining the banking
family’s friends and clients. Group admission is £8.20 per person. No groups can be admitted on Bank Holiday Mondays. Parking is available for two coaches, 400 yards from the house entrance and there is a drop-off point at the house. Pre-booking is required. There are a number of special interest tours available for groups, including private house viewings, behind the scenes tours and a garden tour. These all cost extra with minimum charges per group.
Garden tours are available at Osterley as well as private house viewings and a behind the scenes tour
Photography experience days at Liberty’s At Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre visitors will find a large collection of Birds Of Prey, including owls, hawks, falcons and vultures, as well as a collection of reptiles and other creepy crawlies in the Reptile House. Liberty’s also offers falconry experience days, photographic experience days and hawking days to people who want to take the opportunity to enjoy a closer encounter. The centre is involved in many breeding and conservation projects with other Centres and Zoos both in the UK and abroad. It also continues
The centre displays owls, eagles, hawks, vultures and reptiles to work as a rescue centre for many injured wild birds, trying to ensure their rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild when ever possible. The centre is named after
There is also the chance to spend a morning with the house staff learning about the conservation and cleaning techniques used to care for the house textiles, furniture, metalwork and ceramics. There is a varied events programme, including walks, tours and themed weeks. Other essential attractions include the atmospheric film in the Tudor stables which brings Osterley to life, the newly created Winter Garden and the ‘below stairs’ area where domestic life can be explored. The park is open all year round while the house is open between March and November, plus two weeks in December. The garden is open between February and November. On-board coach welcomes and introductory talks are available. The average visit length is three hours. For a full day in the area the trip can be combined with a visit to Chiswick House, Ham House and Garden or Kew Gardens.
For more information email groups.osterley@ nationaltrust.org.uk or ring 0208 2325050
NTPL ANDREW BUTLER
brIEfly
Liberty, its Alaskan Bald Eagle, one of the many birds of prey on display. It is located just outside Ringwood near Hampshire’s New Forest National Park. Liberty’s welcomes visits from groups of people and organisations. Discounted group rates are available, with standard rates set at £7.95 per adult, £6.95 per Senior and £4.95 per child, with family tickets available for £23.50. The centre holds regular Photographic Experience Days, both in the Centre and out in the natural beauty of the New Forest. These days are run by Captivelight Photography and are aimed at photographers of all abilities and ages. Please see the Captivelight Website at www.captivelight.net for full details and available dates. Contact Liberty’s on 01425 476487 for full details and group rates
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NTPL ANDREW BUTLER
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£8.20 1907 Group admissions cost for entry into Osterley Park and House
Year Brooklands racing circuit was constructed
The original racing circuit
Brooklands, the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit, was built at Weybridge, Surrey in 1907. The Museum displays a range of Brooklands-related motoring and aviation exhibits from racing cars, motorcycles and bicycles to a collection of Hawker and Vickers/ BAC-built aircraft, including a WWII Wellington Bomber, Viking, Varsity, Viscount, Vanguard, VC10, BAC OneEleven and the only Concorde with public access in South East England. The museum’s special events are mainly on weekends and during school holidays. They include car club visits (often with Test Hill in action), Auto Italia Italian Car Day, The Brooklands Double Twelve Motorsport Festival, aviation events and car rides on weekdays during school holidays. Groups of 15+ booked at least two weeks in advance cost £9 adults, £8 senior citizens and students and £4.50 children. Child groups aged four to 11 - one supervising adult admitted free with every six children, or one per 10 for youth groups aged 12 to 16 years. Admission for coach drivers is free. For more information visit www.brooklandsmuseum.
com
diesel prices
Food festivals countrywide abound in the second half of the year
Dig in to some fine food festivals Britain’s affinity with food is exemplified with the plethora of food festivals this year. Below is a selection coming in the second half of 2012. The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival (August 18 – 19) is a homage to the stinking rose, although all sorts of edible delights feature at this undercover festival. Includes live music, a zoo and classic cars. Flavour Fortnight, throughout Dumfries and Galloway (August 25 – September 9), is one of the more unique food-
meets-culture events in Britain. Events include a wild food forage around an art gallery, a jazzthemed celebration of jam, a Greek mezze made with local food and an opportunity to meet majestic Highland cattle. The Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival (September 7 – 16). The largest festival of its kind has local producers, growers, restaurants, bars and food retailers firmly at its heart. It showcases fantastic food, drink and hospitality to be found in the city and surrounding Sussex. Great British Cheese Festival (September 22 – 23) is set in Cardiff Castle, a dramatic setting for this festival celebrating fabulous food with Britain’s biggest cheese market plus an array of artisan wine, cider, perry and beer.
DEALS OF THE WEEK Wellington Arch, a landmark for Londoners and visitors, is located at Hyde Park Corner. Visitors can enjoy glorious panoramas over the Royal Parks and the Houses of Parliament from the balconies below the bronze sculpture surmounting the arch. It also provides a spectacular view of the Household Cavalry on its way to and from the Changing of the Guard. A new exhibition about the history of Wellington Arch houses an additional exhibition space The Quadriga Gallery - which is hosting a series of fast-changing exhibitions exploring the history and heritage of England. From Stonehenge to Blackpool Tower, the 2012 exhibition
Dirty Dancing at Norwich Theatre Royal from August 28 to September 15 programme looks at the story behind - and the latest news from - some of England’s most famous historic landmarks. Ticket prices are £4 per adult, £2.40 for a child and £3.60 concessions. A 15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors
paying together applies. Free entry is provided for the coach driver and tour leader. n Visit www.english-heritage.org. uk/daysout/properties/wellingtonarch/ for more information. At the Norwich Theatre Royal, Dirty Dancing is
Cost per litre in pence: Great Britain Italy Sweden Greece Ireland Portugal Czech Republic Belgium France Hungary Netherlands Germany Austria Poland Spain Slovenia Luxembourg
139.30 134.65 130.92 129.15 127.93 119.67 118.92 118.78 118.13 117.62 116.84 115.30 111.66 106.75 106.07 105.99 96.92
holiday pound £1 will get you: Euro 1.27 Switzerland (Franc) 1.53 Norway (Kroner) 9.50 Hungary (Forint) 366.54 Czech Republic (Koruna) 32.24 Poland (Zloty) 5.33
playing from Tuesday August 28 to Saturday September 15, 2012. The musical tells the classic story of two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. It features hit songs, including “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and “I’ve Had The Time Of My Life.” Group discounts vary by size, saving £3 for a group of 20+, £4 for 40+ and £5 for 50+. Ice creams and interval drinks may be ordered in advance with order forms sent when bookings are confirmed. Theatre tours with backstage visits must be booked in advance with the Education Manager on 01603 598523. A number of coach parking bays are also available opposite the theatre. n Visit the theatre’s website at www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com
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DRIVERS
In association with
DriveTech
Send your driver news and stories to alex.tyler@coachandbusweek. com or call 01733 293 244.
Driver receives community accolade Driver Terry Bowden was praised for his selfless actions and quick thinking A Stagecoach North East driver has received a special award for coming to the aid of an Alzheimer’s sufferer. Terry Bowden from Sunderland depot was presented with the firm’s Service to the Community accolade after being nominated by Fred and Lena Browne for the assistance he gave to Fred’s elderly aunt. The lady in question had left her sheltered accommodation home and after the alarm was raised, she was found by Mr Bowden wandering around in a confused state at Holmeside in the city. He was driving the service 10 in the area and after realising she needed help, he brought her onto his bus and took her home. Fred Browne said: “As a former bus driver myself, I am proud Mr Bowden is going to get the recognition he deserves for such a selfless act. His quick thinking resulted in my aunt being brought home safely. We had no idea where she had gone and found out afterwards she had actually gone to
get her late husband from the pub he used to drink in, so she could have been out all night looking for him. My wife and I cannot thank him enough for his help and think there would be no-one better to receive the Service to the Community award.” Mike Watson, Operations Director, Stagecoach North East, said: “It is lovely to hear from our passengers and the public when members of our team have excelled
Terry Bowden - rewarded for a ‘selfless act’ aiding an Alzheimer’s sufferer
Stagecoach driver praised for actions in M6 toll incident The driver of a megabus.com coach caught up in a security alert on the M6 toll motorway has been praised for his “calm and professional” response to the incident. David Myerscough helped officers ensure passengers disembarked safely one by one after a passenger called police to report concerns about vapour escaping from a bag. Ian Laing, General Manager of megabus.com said: “While it later emerged it was a false alarm,
and supported the community in which they serve. Without Terry’s intervention the situation could have become much worse and the positive outcome reported by Mr and Mrs Browne might not have occurred so he is a worthy recipient of our Service to the Community award. As a company we pride ourselves on acknowledging our staff when they have gone above and beyond their duties and there’s no doubt that’s what Terry did.”
we can understand how everyone on the coach must have felt when events were unfolding at the time. Safety and security is our absolute priority. David followed our procedures correctly and kept a calm head. The rest of the megabus. com team did a great job in making sure everyone got to their chosen destination after the police investigation was completed.” David said: “It was a scary thing for a lot of people and a very long and tiring day. We were all in it
together and when you’re faced with armed police you can’t really do anything else other than follow their instructions. “The police were really professional. I always thought we would be alright. Fortunately, what could have been a terrible situation turned out to be OK. Most people got to where they wanted to be in the end.” David has worked with Stagecoach for five years as a standby driver at Preston depot and worked the shift due to the sickness of a colleague. “Some passengers said thanks to me and they were all really nice,” he added. “I was just doing my job and I wanted to do it well.”
First Bristol driver supports local hospice Claire Bayliss, a driver for First Bristol in Weston-super-Mare is part of a team helping raise money and awareness for the work done by Children’s Hospice South West in supporting children and their families. She has been raising funds in memory of her neighbour’s son, Harry, who sadly lost his battle with childhood cancer in July 2011. Earlier this year Claire successfully applied for funding from the FirstGroup Charity and Sponsorship committee to help the cause. “In March we held an auction to raise money for the ‘Raise a Smile for Harry’ appeal – which raised nearly £6,000,” said Claire. “In addition, we’ve accessed, through FirstGroup, some seed money. All money made will be donated to the hospice with the initial funds reinvested to replace stock and so while First has very generously given us £750 towards materials, we hope to turn it into much more.” The latest appeal saw Harry’s father and eight community members including Claire and fellow driver Paul Jolly doing a 48hour walk in Weston-super-Mare.
Go North East drivers brave the floods Passengers in Newcastle have been quick to praise stalwart Go North East bus drivers who battled through the recent floods in the region to get people home. Gridlocked roads brought Tyneside to a halt and flash flooding closed the Tyne and Wear Metro, but the Go-Ahead subsidiary kept services going with grateful passengers praising drivers through the company’s popular Facebook page.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 18, 2012
operator profile › howards travel
Distinctive stripes Tim Deakin visits a Cheshire independent coach and bus operator Howards Travel Group of Warrington, which also operates the separate legal entity of Springfield Coaches
B
ased in Warrington and running out of premises nestled yards from the main London to Glasgow railway line, 12-vehicle Howards Travel might not be the largest operator in the area but with a smartly-presented and distinctivelyliveried fleet which includes a trio of the largest buses you’re likely to see anywhere, it is one of the most instantly recognisable.
History
Ian Howard founded Howards Travel in December 2004 as a oneman, one-bus concern. “I was doing a circular route in Runcorn with a Dennis Dart,” he explained, paying tribute to the Dart as an utterly reliable servant. “Then I moved into coaching, and soon began winning education contracts for doubledeckers. One of those buses we’ve still got now, and we’ve also kept the original school tender, from Delamere to Helsby High.”
Ian Howard seeks continued expansion via organic growth and acquisition www.coachandbusweek.com
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Although Ian set up on his own just seven and a half years ago, his experience with buses goes back further. His father was an engineer with the huge National Bus Company-era Crosville and he was employed in a similar capacity for eight years, first with a small independent as an apprentice and then with one of the larger operators. At the latter he hoped to move upwards, but this didn’t happen. “I was the youngest in the garage. All the others were nearing retirement, so they weren’t going to promote me. Therefore I decided to have a go for myself,” Ian said. During his time as an apprentice he had wisely taken the step of obtaining a self-funded CPC. Gained at 18, this placed him in an excellent position to go it alone, which he did just six years later. Howards’ fleet strength remained low until 2010, at which point fellow Warrington operator Springfield Coaches was purchased. “They were almost running alongside us with similar vehicles and similar contracts,” said Ian. “We shared a yard with them and when Springfield’s owner moved on it was a logical step. By putting the two businesses together we were able to cut out a lot of cost. We saved on insurance, maintenance and rent. We could utilise the two fleets better, although they remain separate legal entities.” Part of the steps to incorporate Howards and Springfield was to develop a common identity. “The idea was to strengthen the brand, and it does work,” he outlines. “We experimented with different liveries. Howards was going to be two-tone blue and cream and Springfield green and cream. We painted a pair of buses like that and they looked awful,” he recalled. “We took a while to come up with the
Capacity is the key to Maxrider – provided by ex-Hong Kong triaxle Olympians
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operator: Howards Travel location: Winsford, Cheshire fleet: 12 established: 2004 Contact: 01928 57 27 57
scheme we’ve got now.” The current livery, which features all three colours, is striking without being overstated and renders all the vehicles carrying it immediately identifiable when out on the road. A notable element is its subtle silver stripe towards the lower section, which was inspired during the tryingout phase by a roll of tape found lying around in Howards’ yard. Purchase of Springfield saw his company increase in size overnight and Ian wants that trend to continue. Growth, he said, won’t just come through an expanding fleet, although he is nevertheless keen to see that happen. “We’ve just moved into a bigger garage on the same site, and we’re going to put a paint booth in there,” he explains, adding that once the latter is up and running Howards will seek work from other operators.
Vehicles of choice
“There are a few of our own vehicles which we need to finish or repaint first, so we’ll get those up to scratch initially and then start advertising. We’ve recently employed a painter-stroke-body man, so we can do all our own and others’ too,” Ian added. Indeed, at the time of the CBW’s visit one of Howards’ recentlyacquired Volvo Olympians was in the process of being thoroughly cleaned and reupholstered; it had already been repainted. The amount of deep-seated grime contained in floor-level saloon heaters must, says Ian, be seen to be believed. Combined, Howards’ and Springfield’s employees number just into double-digit territory. “An interesting point for us is that we’ve got a lot of very good, established competition near here,” said Ian. “So we’ve gone down the capacity route. All the coaches we’ve had are at least 55 seats. We bought one with 49 but that didn’t fit, so it had to go.” Ian is careful over his choice of vehicles, preferring to buy from larger operators. A majority of Howards’ buses have come from Stagecoach as he regards the multi-national company’s maintenance standards as top notch. He is also choosy about who he employs, something which is reflected in an outstandingly low driver turnover rate. “I think four people have left since I started in 2004,” he explained, adding that drivers are hand-picked based on their ability to bring something different to the business. “Everyone www.coachandbusweek.com
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operator profile › howards travel
works well. We’ve had good drivers who I’ve seen but they wouldn’t quite mix with everybody else. Our painter can drive and we have a part-timer or two who are good at cleaning. It sounds bizarre but they do a really great job. Then we’ve got a full-time coach driver who looks after the Irizar-bodied Scania. Everyone brings something different.” “We’ve also got people who love doing rail replacement,” he continued. Amongst that number is Gareth Hughes, who during the week is responsible for day-to-day administration. “His experience is second to none,” says Ian of Gareth’s previous employment with a number of operators major and minor alike. “The role just kind of developed naturally without me saying ‘you do this, you do that’. It works well.” Gareth also maintains a fine online record of Howards Travel’s vehicles through the photo sharing website Flickr.
Keep it local
One key part of the Howards strategy is to stay local. “We seldom go outside the North West,” Ian mentioned, although periodic weekend private hires have taken buses as far as Anglesey and Derbyshire. On a rare long-distance foray, the fleet’s Scania coach was away on a week’s hire in Norfolk during CBW’s visit, a job undertaken every year for a nearby religious group. The recent expansion into a potentially lucrative world of rail replacement work has seen Howard’s vehicles become familiar with some of the more obscure parts of the North West. Says Ian: “It uses everything; sometimes they need coaches and other times they want double-deckers. There was a big job in St Helens in April and we supplied four [double-deckers], which opened us up a little, and we’ve been getting quite a bit since then.”
The Irizar Century-bodied Scania alongside a Jonckheere Monaco the sum of £2,500 each. Describing the imposing tri-axles simply as “good,” he explains how they came to be part of his fleet. “I just put a silly price in and got one. Then the other two came up. I thought, ‘well, if we’ve got one for that money I may as well try for the others’. So we ended up with three. We got really good buses at a really good price.” The Olympians seat 92 and their heavy-duty airconditioning equipment remains fully-functional. Although not in the first flush of youth, the Olympians are in excellent condition, something Ian puts down to the fine weather conditions in Hong Kong. They are also very frugal on fuel, he reports. On a diet of school trips Monday to Friday and private hires or rail
replacement work at the weekend, 10mpg is not an unusual return. “It’s phenomenal, really,” said Ian. “They’re so driveable too. The middle axle steers proportionally to the front to save tyre wear. They’ve been brilliant buses,” he emphasised, pointing out the Olympians are able to cruise happily at 60mph when called upon for longer-distance work. Two of the exx-Hong Kong buses carry Howard’s striking livery, complete with Maxrider branding extolling their capacity as being almost twice what a standard single-decker could accommodate. It also has a more sombre association; Ian and wife Alison’s son Max tragically died as a result of kidney problems at just three days old, and the Olympians are named in his memory.
Olympians
The main weapons in the arsenal where outright capacity is required are a trio of tri-axle Leyland Olympians delivered to Hong Kong Citybus during the 1990s. They were later returned to the UK principally for megabus work as part of a large batch during Stagecoach’s period of association with Citybus. “We paid peanuts for them,” Ian mentioned, explaining that they arrived at his yard, all but one ready for immediate work, for www.coachandbusweek.com
HowardsTravel.indd 22
Jonckheere Deauville in Springfield livery
Poundrider
Although Ian had moved away from his initial focus of bus services in order to concentrate on education contracts and private hire, last autumn saw a return to local stage work in the Runcorn and Widnes areas. “The idea came about because we noticed our Volvo B10Ms were sitting here doing nothing between school times. They’re such good buses we thought we should have them out on the road.” “We got more and more into planning it and we devised our own service. It wasn’t a copy [of someone else’s]; it was our own route and it created links to certain points which until then didn’t exist,” Ian explained. “What we did realise was that every other bus in the area was low floor, but our B10Ms have quite high steps. We didn’t want to do it, have it fail and to use that as an excuse. We wanted to tick every box.” Ticking every box meant sourcing suitable low floor buses with which to operate the new route. Second-hand Dennis Dart SLFs and Volvo B6LEs (two of each plus one further Dart for spares), they were heavily branded to include a large pound coin vinyl. The service was operated under the name Poundrider to reflect its low flat fare. “We handed out leaflets everywhere and we created a Facebook page,” said Ian. “Every day for the first six weeks,
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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek tenders coming up where councils are withdrawing subsidy. You have to look at them commercially,” he observed, mentioning how one education-related service has already been converted to a support-free undertaking. “You can’t do them all because some need backing but I think there will be quite a few which go commercial.”
Future
Above: Alexander Royale-bodied Olympian and PS-bodied Volvo B10M passenger numbers jumped. We thought we were on to something. But we knew that one day growth would hit a brick wall and stop, which it did.” He adds that with such a low fare it was vital the passenger numbers remained high, but once a plateau had been reached there was little that could be done to take the service to the next level without considerable investment. “The only way was to put another route on, increase the frequency or totally revamp it. We worked out that the investment needed to do that was too much and too risky. If somebody had retaliated we could have lost a lot,” he recalled. After a relatively short period of operation, Poundrider was withdrawn during December 2011. In an illustration of social media’s growing influence, the service’s Facebook site still gets users ‘liking’ it over six months after the route itself was withdrawn. Upon termination of Poundrider the B6LEs were sold, but the two Dart SLFs remain in Howards’ yard, SORN’d. “They’re good buses but only here becauseI can’t get the money I want for them. I suppose they could easily be employed on school work come the new term in September,” he said. It is pupil transport which forms Howards’ bread and butter during the week. “We’re nearly at capacity for contracts now and come September I think we will be,” noted Ian. “There are a lot of school
HowardsTravel.indd 23
The oldest bus in Howards’ fleet (above left) is a 1984 Leyland Olympian
Howards Travel: pet vehicles
The oldest bus in the Howards Travel’s stable is one of a pair of 1984-registered Leyland Olympians the company began double-deck operation with. Currently not part of the operational fleet, it is a ‘pet’ and carries National Bus Company-era green as delivered to its original owner Crosville, Ian’s father’s former employer and once a dominant name on the bus scene throughout Cheshire and beyond. “It’s a good bus but it needs [bringing up to scratch],” says Ian. “We’ll do the work and put a class VI MoT on it.” Prior to its removal from service the Olympian has seen use on school contracts, private hires and also a number of trips for bus enthusiast groups, several of which Howards Travel has good relations with. Ian also owns a pair of former Crosville Leyland National 2s, one of which is set to undergo similar work to the Olympian and return to the road. “I’ll have them MoT’d and ready to go, but only for when we’re having a really busy day. We can put them on an afternoon school working or similar.”
Howards Travel has come a long way since foundation eight years ago, but its beginnings may be more familiar to a lot of small operators than they care to remember. Ian recalls the long days of his company’s infancy less than fondly. “My dad and I would be here all hours. I remember once doing the gear linkages on a Cumminsengined Van Hool T815. I’ll never forget that winter – about nine o’clock at night, doing its gear linkages in the freezing cold because it kept slipping and jumping out. It’s horrible thinking about it, and then after all that I was out doing a school trip [the next morning].” Did he think he would come this far? “Ambition wise yes, reality at the time no. Sometimes I’d go home with my head in my hands wondering what was going on. My dad didn’t want me to leave my former employer because it was a job for life. Good money, Monday to Friday and easy. But I had to, because otherwise it would have just eaten away at me. I always believed in it.” The ambition remains for the future although one thing is certain. “We won’t send a bus out unless it’s worth it. As much as I love doing the job, I’ve got to make money out of it.” Acquisition of Springfield Coaches during 2010 has whetted the appetite for further expansion. “We’ve looked at a couple of other businesses which have been for sale and one of them we nearly went ahead with purchasing. In the end we decided not to as it was a bit out of our way.” Expansion in this way allows one important benefit, as already experienced with the Springfield purchase, in that a level of costs can be removed. Having worked before, Ian is confident it would work again, but he is adamant that nothing will happen for the sake of it. “There’s no point in buying somebody else’s poor work. It all boils down to what they’re offering – and how much they want.”
www.coachandbusweek.com
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24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 18, 2012
DELIVERIES
Bus Éireann Bus Éireann has taken delivery of eight VDL Synergy double decker coaches. These will be used for Expressway services and are currently the largest intercity coaches operated by the Irish state-owned firm. At least four of the new
coaches have been allocated to Expressway Route 1, which links Dublin with Belfast, via Dublin Airport. The VDL Synergy is available in two different lengths. The vehicles supplied to Bus Éireann are the 14 metre-long version, powered by a DAF MX 340 engine driving through a ZF AS-Tronic automated gearbox.
They have wheelchair access through the mid door by means of a manual folding ramp. The vehicles are also equipped with electronic destination equipment, a payment table, a ticket machine, a full CCTV system, WiFi, power sockets and upgraded seating. The seat covers have been produced by Irish company Botany Weaving. Furthermore, the coaches are fitted with SOFIX attachment points for child safety seats making it easier for families to travel.
Barnes Coaches Swindon-based Barnes Coaches has recently taken delivery of a pair of VDL Bova Futura FHD 12m coaches. Luke Barnes of Barnes Coaches told CBW Moseley in the South was a regular supplier. “We’ve been using Bovas for years,” he said. “The whole fleet is Bovas and Van Hools. These ones
FACT FILE
Chassis/body VDL Synergy Engine DAF MX340 Transmission ZF AS-Tronic Seats 82 Spec 14m Supplied by
VDL (Moseley Distributors) 01236 75 05 01 www.moseleydistributors.co.uk
Reliance Travel Gravesend-based Reliance Travel, part of the Redwing Group and a member of the Addison Lee network, has taken delivery of its first 12 Scania Irizar i6 coaches. The vehicles are now in service, operating primarily on Reliance Travel’s commuter services between Kent and central London. The new vehicles will operate on school contracts, tourist work and airport transfers during the week. At weekends, they will provide extra carrying capacity for the 75-strong Redwing/Reliance Travel fleet. The new coaches are all 12.2m in length and built to DDA specification. Each is equipped with 53 seats,
are being used for touring work on our Scottish and Irish tours.” The vehicles are equipped with 49/53 Vogel Conturo luxury reclining seats with headrest covers and piping to the moquette seams, seatback tables and adjustable, individual footrests. The windows are dark tinted double glazed at the side and rea. There is also a Radio, PA, CD system and a DVD system
operation day-to-day and provide ongoing parts cover. Paul Hockley, MD for Redwing Coaches, said: “Early indications are these coaches will be a great success. They are proving to be fuel efficient and the quiet, smooth ride and levels of comfort they provide is exceptional. They are also extremely attractive vehicles, both inside and out and as such present an excellent image for our company.” FACT FILE
Chassis/body Scania Irizar i6 Engine Scania DC9 EEV
a side-mounted Masats wheelchair lift and a rear continental door. The order represents the first time this particular configuration – which it is said, maximises
both accessibility and luggage space – has been specified by a UK operator. Additional interior equipment includes a refrigerator and a DVD player with front
monitor. The vehicles are covered by a full 12-month warranty plus a second year driveline warranty. Scania’s Purfleet depot will support the
Transmission Opticruise 8 Seats 53 Spec Touring Supplied by
Scania (GB) 01908 210210 www.scania.co.uk
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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 james.day@ coachandbusweek.com
with two LCD monitors. Carpets to the entrance and exit steps, drivers area and gangway give way to wood effect floor covering. In addition to a Webasto pre heater with digital timer, the coaches also have a satellite navigation system and are finished in Barnes Coaches’ distinctive mint green livery with red lettering. Power comes from a 365 bhp Daf PR Euro 5 engine, coupled to a ZF Automatic transmission with ASR traction control. FACT FILE
Chassis/body VDL Bova Futura Engine 365 bhp DAF PR Euro5 Transmission ZF Automatic Seats 49/53 Spec Touring Supplied by
Moseley in the South 01823 653000 www.moseleysouth.co.uk
Memory Lane Memory Lane Travel based in Golborne near Warrington, has replaced a Volvo B12B with a brand new Van Hoolbodied Volvo B13R tri-axle. Fitted with 57 leathertrimmed passenger seats, the coach also features onboard TV monitors, CD/
DVD player, a demountable toilet, satellite navigation and a reversing camera. Memory Lane Owner, Frank Elliott said: “Our coaches travel all over the UK and Europe on our tour programme, so the purchase of a new vehicle is a big decision, which is important to get right. We looked at most products in the market
and when we looked again at Volvo; we decided that the B13R was the vehicle for us. “The coach has only been with us for a short while and its already hit 20,000 kilometres, so you can see reliability and performance are important to us.” Mr Elliott also stressed the importance of having the right people involved when
purchasing a new coach. “Volvo’s Regional Sales Manager Duncan Crosby has always been upfront and honest with us. I’ve known him a long time and I know he listens to our queries. We also use the Thomas Hardie dealership in the North West, which is generally very good.” Mr Crosby said: “Many operators – including the likes of Memory Lane are already finding the B13R to be the ideal solution for their touring operations.” FACT FILE
Chassis/body Van Hool B13R Engine Volvo D13C Transmission Volvo I-Shift Seats 57 Spec Touring Supplied by
Volvo 02476 210250 www.volvobuses.com
www.coachandbusweek.com
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minibus The essential read for Minibus Operators
July 2012
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Tough times for converters
R
egistration data for June indicates a continued and healthy increase across the minibus sector, particularly for conversions, which seems to contradict the experience presently felt by the bulk of converters. The coachbuilt minibus sector is also said to be slowing down considerably. Much of this situation is blamed on local authority customers being either reluctant or unable to fund fleet upgrades. However, facing a distinct lack of funding and the loss of many marginal rural services due to BSOG meddling, they face major problems over how to keep socially necessary services and vital community links operating through this indeterminate period of austerity. It would seem a possible and logical way forward for them is to employ or contract minibuses as replacements because they are going to be far cheaper to operate.
Anything which can return fuel consumption figures between 20-30mpg has to be considered a sensible and more affordable option in comparison to a conventional full-sized, low mpg bus. Outside of minibuses in service provision, the private hire sector remains slow despite a ‘supposed’ easing in the availability of finance. Over the next month a great many will be making the most of opportunities arising from Olympic Games transport. It presents a real chance for the industry to show just what it can do and improve public perception of minibus travel – two important steps towards encouraging people to leave their cars at home more often. Martin Cole Editor
CONTENTS 28
News
Arriva moves into major PTS operation with the acquisition of Ambuline; Minibuses a likely inclusion for Guernsey fleet as CT Plus take over
32
The Big Picture
A Plaxton Cheetah operated by Epsom Coaches pictured at Welsh tourist ‘honeypot’
36
Mercedes-Benz Van Experience 2012
The annual Mercedes-Benz event was packed with sessions demonstrating current technology
40
First Drive
Citroen’s Euro 5 Relay delivers low emissions and promises much greater fuel economy
UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1
MB.Opener.indd 27
10/08/2010 14:26 www.coachandbusweek.com
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28 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | July 18, 2012
news
4
The number of Plaxton Cheetahs now operated by Mayne’s of Buckie
Arriva acquires Ambuline Arriva to invest £6m in more than 130 new ambulances Arriva has acquired Birminghambased specialist patient transport company Ambuline Limited to expand its presence in social and healthcare passenger transport markets and build on the partnership the organisations have developed in securing non-emergency patient transport contracts. Ambuline joins Arriva Transport Solutions which works with public sector organisations to identify and deliver innovative solutions to help fulfil transport needs more efficiently, including special educational needs, social care and patient transport. Established in 1979, Ambuline employs around 240 people and provides up to 1,000 patient journeys daily in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Humberside for National Health Service Trusts and other public sector organisations. Arriva has acquired 100% of the Issued Share Capital of Ambuline Limited for an undisclosed sum. Commenting on the deal, Jonathan May, Managing Director
of Arriva Transport Solutions, said: “Over the last year Arriva and Ambuline have worked together to respond to tenders to provide non-emergency patient transport services. Combining the specialist and clinical expertise of Ambuline with Arriva’s scale, geographic reach and fleet and logistics management expertise has proved successful in securing contracts. “Bringing the Ambuline team, led by directors Paul Willets and Dennis Jones, into Arriva Transport Solutions cements the partnership. The recent contracts we secured
and NHS staff transport. It has also been operating Guernsey’s bus services since early April. Jersey’s travelling public can expect a number of enhancements to the Island’s bus services promised for introduction over the first year of the new service. These will include; A new bus fleet (except for some schools), including five double deckers for an expanded airport route; The introduction of a smartcard scheme to enhance the existing cash payment
The year patient transport business Ambuline was established
To fulfil these contracts Arriva is investing £6 million in a fleet of more than 130 new ambulances and cars. The start of the contracts on July 1, 2012 saw 290 staff previously employed by the East Midlands Ambulance Service transfer to Ambuline under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE). Operations are overseen by two new Arriva control centres in Nottingham and Leicester, using state-of-the-art GPS satellite location systems linking the ambulances with Arriva’s patient transport booking system, to ensure patients get to and from appointments on time. Further innovations include internet and SMS text technology which will enable patients to confirm they are ready to be collected and “ring when ready” pick up services when appointments are completed.
Visit the dedicated Arriva Transport Solutions and Ambuline pages on the Arriva website at: www.arriva.co.uk/ arriva/en/business_activities/ transport_solutions/atsl_ ambuline/
The Ambuline directors team
CT Plus to run Jersey bus services from January 2013 HCT Group is to operate Jersey’s bus services from January 2013. CT Plus Jersey will commence operations on January 1. The contract includes all bus services, including school runs. It covers an initial seven-year period with optional annual extensions for each of the following three years. HCT Group, one of the UK’s most successful social enterprises, runs an extensive portfolio of commercial contracts from its 12 depots, including 10 red London bus routes, Park and Ride services
together in the East Midlands effectively double the size of the Ambuline non-emergency patient transport business and firmly establish it in this important and growing market.” Arriva Transport Solutions and Ambuline have recently been awarded a number of NHS contracts to deliver non-emergency patient transport services. These include contracts, starting in July, to provide about 500,000 patient journeys a year for NHS Trusts in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.
1979
system so passengers experience faster boarding times; Route and timetable improvements including more services running later in the evenings and at weekends; and The introduction of smaller minibus-style vehicles better suited to the driving conditions of the roads in some rural areas. As a part of the organisation’s social enterprise approach, CT Plus Jersey aims to reinvest one third of any profits made into local community transport services for people who find conventional public transport difficult to use. If the service makes a significant surplus, the company will give half of it back to the States of Jersey.
So, if the operating profit for the service exceeds 3%, the company will split the excess equally with the States. This will help pay for the Island’s public transport services and infrastructure. Dai Powell, HCT Group’s Chief Executive, said: “We believe the States of Jersey adopted a robust selection process and we are really pleased to be have been given this opportunity to bring our social enterprise business model to the Island. We’re looking forward to developing our relationship with the States and the local community to develop and provide a world class bus service. It’s an exciting time for us, and is a crucial landmark in our development.”
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£26,575
The newly released price of Nissan’s factory built six to nine-seater NV400 minibus
July 18, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 29
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Toyota assembling minibuses in Durban
Toyota Motor Corporation has begun assembling minibuses/taxis at its Durban facility in South Africa. Around 300 jobs are expected to be created building Toyota’s 16-seat minibus called ‘Quantum Sesfikili.’ The minibus/taxi operations in South Africa are notorious for their lack of regulation and often violent competition. Some 15,000 vehicles are claimed to be used daily – far from all are licensed, are generally overloaded and many with doubtful legal compliance. John Van Zyl, CEO of Toyota’s South African operations, said: “The local taxi industry is both a major customer of the automotive industry and a major enabler of subsequent economic activity.”
Formal warning for Four Seasons
Renowned North of Scotland coach operator Mayne’s of Buckie has added a fourth Plaxton Cheetah to its 30-strong fleet – which is pictured here by Kevin Mayne. Co-incidentally, the Cheetah is also the fourth brand new vehicle delivered this year, following on from three full-size Neoplans. The new Cheetah is already proving popular, being used for private hire work as well as transfers for the firm’s corporate clients. The vehicle was painted locally by Elgin Truck And Van who also undertake warranty work on Mayne’s Plaxton and Neoplans. Visit Mayne’s website at www.maynes.co.uk
White’s take the Diplomatic route White’s of St. Albans has added a fourth UNVI GT model to its fleet. The latest being a 22-seat GT-R ‘Diplomat’ featuring extra wide Politecnica Transeuropa Express seats trimmed in two-tone real leather and laid out in a 2 + 1 seating format with a rear row of 4. The seats also feature leather trimmed bodyside, centre and gangway armrests, three-point safety belts, UNVI logo to the headrests plus rear grab handle units incorporating fold-out cup holders. Based on a Mercedes Benz O818 chassis with uprated engine married to a five speed automatic gearbox, the new model also includes full Hispacold air conditioning with automatic temperature control, dark tint double glazing, high capacity coolbox, full LED gangway
White’s silver-based livery suits the UNVI GT-R Diplomat model lighting, reverse camera and a comprehensive multimedia system. Additional features are its extralarge boot and side locker which offer ample luggage capacity. The exterior is painted in metallic silver sporting White’s distinctive livery. Commenting on the latest addition, Greg White said: “I see great benefit in offering enhanced comfort levels and features in smaller coaches. The 16-seat GT
VIP purchased last year generated a lot of positive feedback which encouraged us to place the order for the 22-seat Diplomat, a specification we had been considering for some time.” Minis to Midis supplied the vehicle, its seventh to White’s in the last four years. Visit www.ministomidis. com . Call 01302 833203
A South East of England minibus operator which failed to ensure its vehicles were given safety inspections has been issued with a formal warning by the Deputy Traffic Commissioner (DTC) John Baker. The Four Seasons Minibus Co Ltd, which holds a licence to operate four vehicles, was called before the Commissioner as a result of an investigation by VOSA. Michael Watts and Laura Snelling, who operate the business from Worlds End Lane in Orpington, appeared at a Public Inquiry on May 4 to respond to the findings of a VOSA vehicle examiner. His investigation had identified that vehicles being used to carry passengers on a permanent contract had not been submitted for routine maintenance checks, as required by the terms of their licence. The operator had told the examiner they believed they did not need to submit vehicles for inspections because their work related to contract passengers only. The DTC heard evidence from the company in response to the vehicle examiner’s findings, before determining that the formal warning should be recorded against their licence. The DTC ruled the business had failed to keep vehicles fit and serviceable, as required under Section 17(aa) of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 (as amended). The DTC also considered whether to take action against the operator’s Transport Manager, Linda Snelling. He ruled that Ms Snelling’s repute would remain intact and she could therefore continue acting as a Transport Manager for the business. The licence held by Four Seasons Minibus Co Ltd was issued with a formal warning under the provisions of Section 17 of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 (as amended).
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news
Shropshire charity opts for refurbished minibus Eight-seater turned round in two weeks by Stanford Coachworks Trident Reach the People Charity has taken receipt of a reconditioned wheelchair-accessible Renault Master minibus from Stanford Coachworks (SCW). The 13-seat Master was delivered to Bernadette Keogh, Head of Shropshire Services, at the charity’s Regional Office, Abbey Lawns, Shrewsbury by David Hardacre, SCW’s Sales and Marketing Executive. “This is the first vehicle Reach in Shropshire has purchased so we needed to keep the costs tight,” explained David Hardacre. “The reconditioning of the minibus was turned around in just two weeks.” Stanford Coachworks had the minibus in stock from a previous part exchange. The used Renault Master was sign written with the charity’s branding and given a full valet, before delivery. All seats are detachable to accommodate wheelchair passengers, accessible via an automatic wheelchair ramp at the
UNVI Classic-R for ABC ABC Executive Travel of Manchester has taken delivery of another new UNVI coach. Based on a Mercedes-Benz 816 Euro 5 chassis with a six-speed manual gearbox, the new model is a Classic-R featuring 29 Politecnica Rally seats trimmed in grey virtual leather and cloth together with Diavia air conditioning, convection heating, double glazing, full length parcel racks with individual service units, radio/CD/PA and DVD. At the rear is a large boot which is complemented by two side lockers.
rear. Reach will mainly use the minibus for two wheelchairs. Trident Reach the People Charity originates from a large housing group, Trident Housing Association and officially received charity status almost three years ago, lead by Director Anthony McCool. The minibus will be used to generate information on services available in the region
and to improve awareness and offer support to local males within Shropshire and the rural community. Research suggests a high suicide rate amongst young men and farmers in the region. Regional Manager, Bernadette Keogh, volunteers in her spare time and has worked tirelessly over the past year to generate awareness of the issues surrounding these
Bernadette Keogh collects the Renault from Coachworks’ David Hardacre The coach was immediately pressed into service on support duties for the Olympic Torch Run on behalf of sponsors Samsung and has been carrying promotion staff from around the world as well as torch bearers. The Classic-R is the sixth UNVI vehicle purchased. Director Stuart Bowe said: “The opportunity to work with Samsung enabled us to bring forward our plans to purchase an additional vehicle. The Classic-R fits perfectly into our fleet and complements the capacity range we offer.”
The coach was supplied by Minis to Midis. Call 01302 833203.
tragic statistics and to offer support to vulnerable individuals. She has raised the money for the minibus purchase through charitable events, donations from the ‘three peaks challenge’ and local support from organisations. Shrewsbury Football Club has offered its support and it is hoped, now the minibus has been purchased, it can be positioned at the ground during home games. Bernadette explained: “This is our first minibus and a fantastic addition to our service. It will be an integral part of the charity in getting the message out to both urban and rural communities and to build momentum. “We want to become a trusted brand for people, to improve access for receiving help and to hopefully gain funding and grants enabling us to have a dedicated worker. At the moment this much needed work is being done by volunteers.” Initially, Bernadette will drive the ‘info bus’ herself but is looking for volunteer drivers to help and improve community access. ‘Reachout’ has a text help line and will soon be launching an awareness poster campaign within nightclubs and train/bus stations, schools and colleges. Bernadette concluded: “Stanford Coachworks and David have been fantastic from day one. David has been very patient and is one of the nicest people I have ever met.”
Nissan announces NV400 factory-built minibus prices Nissan has revealed prices and detailed specifications for its new factory-built NV400 conversions which include six and nine-seater minibuses. All are claimed to be available to order now. The NV400 minibus can accommodate up to nine people in comfort or combine six people and a generous load space. Two engine power options of 100bhp and 125bhp are available and standard specification includes three-point seat belts and anti-lock brakes. The NV400 minibus is priced
from £26,575. NV400 chassis cabs are also available for coachbuilding and are powered by either 125bhp and 150bhp versions the economical 2.5dCi diesel, the NV400 chassis cab is now available with the new range of factory built conversions. In addition the NV400 range of ‘Good to Go’ local conversions, including a 14-17 seat minibus option built by handpicked UK converters and sold through Nissan business centres to operators as a complete vehicle.
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THE BIG PICTURE
Epsom Coaches’ Plaxton Cheetah ‘YN08 DMV’ makes a fine sight as its driver rests in the coach/car park in the delightful Snowdonia tourist honey pot village of Beddgelert. The coach, a long way from home, was caught on camera by Gareth Evans. Behind the vehicle lies the footpath up to the Welsh Highland Railway station, which offers a highly scenic journey – one which differs from that available from a road coach. The settlement is famous for a ‘gravestone’ dedicated to one of its canine residents. Tourists like to believe he is remembered by the village name (translated from Welsh as Gelert’s grave) – although locals claim it is entirely fictitious, created soley for the benefit of visitors. The village is also home to an ice cream parlour, located a short walk away from this coach park, which comes highly recommended by CBW’’s Editor.
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manufacturer update › mercedes-benz
MercedesBenz Van Experience
A diverse range of Sprinters cater for wide ranging applications
Martin Cole presents a synopsis of the main features in this year’s major customer awareness programme
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he annual Mercedes-Benz Van Experience in June once again proved a popular event with the manufacturer entertaining and informing vast numbers of dealer staff, converters, existing and potential customers – not to mention a sizeable collection of motoring and trade press journalists. While the unseasonal weather did its best to create havoc it failed to dampen enthusiasm and also proved beyond doubt neither Sprinter nor Vito models are prone to leaks. First up for the press group was a quick overview of ‘green’ technology employed in the battery-powered Vito E-Cell and the natural gas/petrol dual-fuelled Sprinter NGT. Practical driving tests of both models showed the Vito E-Cell delivers rapid acceleration and can more than hold its own in urban traffic. Around the ‘handling circuit’ at ProDrive’s facility near Kenilworth, E-Cell showed it was as quick, or quicker than its conventional diesel-engined counterparts. It lacks outright top speed as it is limited in order to reduce the power demand and preserve the amount of charge in the battery for as long as possible. As an urban shuttle or for inner-city taxi operation it seems ideal. It has
a range of around 60 miles on a charge and can extend this easily by taking advantage of brief top-up periods during breaks or layovers. Like most EVs and hybrids it can also recover braking energy which is converted to electricity and helps regenerate stored energy in the battery cells. The Sprinter NGT is another ‘green’ form of transport which produces virtually negligible emissions when running on gas. Its range is dependent on how many tanks/gas cylinders it has been specified with - but it is also ideally suited to inner-city areas. It is also very quiet which means it could prove popular for companies making overnight deliveries. The NGT retains a petrolpowered element for practicality. While the gas is cheaper and greatly reduces operating costs, it is not always readily available. MercedesBenz envisages most customers for NGT would not be buying them to do long distance work. However, in the event something turns up which means the vehicle will be away from a yard-based supply or any known local filling stations with a compressed natural gas facility, the vehicle can still function as normal by switching to petrol. The driver would also be able to find petrol quite easily from virtually anywhere in the UK.
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manufacturer update › mercedes-benz
Minibus tested an NGT Sprinter last year and found it reasonably practical. It can be switched between gas and petrol at the flick of a switch – without the driver even noticing any difference. It reverts automatically to petrol if the gas supply should run out. While it isn’t the sort of minibus most operators would choose, it has applications for businesses shuttling staff around inner city locations or any organisation or local authority needing to move work crews around a city a night.
Off road
Always fun and a bit of a challenge, the off-road section at ProDrive was made distinctly more difficult this year as it was completely sodden and many areas normally thick with water-filled ruts were several inches below the surface and the ruts hidden from view. No minibus driver in his/her right mind would attempt to take an ordinary minibus through such a course – most would probably even think it not worth risking in a 4x4. However, those of us who had experienced 4x4 Sprinter and Vario models at this event over the last few years knew they can achieve the seemingly impossible and were undaunted by the terrain. A 4x4 option adds in the region of £5,000 to the cost of the vehicle and the running costs are higher because of its gear reduction – which works against delivering the best fuel economy. While it wouldn’t suit the normal minibus requirements and was purely the domain of specialist concerns like mountain rescue teams, it is becoming increasingly popular with utility companies - particularly where teams are sent to maintain or repair overhead electricity cables. Traditionally they sent several Landrovers and a service supply van in order to ferry the team around. Now they are finding a 4x4 minibus can cut back on the number of vehicles required. I have recently heard of a private school seriously considering the acquisition of a 4x4 minibus after local roads became impassable and it was cut off from the outside world
Above: Line-up for the fuel economy challenge. Below: Sprinter TL9 Traveliner. Bottom: Bosch starter cutaway
“ESP9 includes the load-adaptive capability which continually monitors the vehicle’s centre of gravity and adjusts its stability computations accordingly.”
during the winter. The school considers it worth the investment as it would mean ensuring the children and staff get home in the evenings and are not confined to the school for two or three days as normal vehicles cannot gain access. It’s difficult to describe just how capable the Sprinter 4x4 is but it can go places people would have great difficulty in walking across. The combination of the 4x4 system and an automatic gearbox is a real bonus and makes life much simpler; it’s a case of keep the revs right down unless it calls for some power and then to feed it in gently and progressively until it clears the difficulty. A degree of mechanical sympathy and concern for passenger comfort are the key. Smooth and steady is
the best approach. Otherwise – it’s pretty much just a point and shoot exercise, because it will go virtually anywhere you want it to go. Tyre manufacturer Continental organised demonstrations to show the difference between different grades of tyre. These grades have now been given official sanction and EU Labelling is beginning to filter through to new tyre stock. It becomes a mandatory requirement in November 2012. The grades concentrate on three main areas – fuel efficiency, safety (mainly wet grip) and drive-by noise. Any tyres produced before July 1, 2012 are exempt from the legislation, spare tyres are not included in the requirement and nor are remoulds, studded tyres, racing tyres or tyres made specifically for vintage vehicles. Tyre labels follow the visual style of labels currently attached to domestic appliances with horizontal bars coloured from red to green and indicators from A to G (although the D rating is not used). Efficiency: According to Continental, operators could achieve savings worth up to 10p/ litre by using the most economical grades. These would effectively have the least rolling resistance and the fuel saving would also reduce the CO2 produced and improve the carbon footprint. Safety: Ratings here run from A to F (again – no D)
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of testing and development work, particularly on Sprinter to develop tyres which deliver improved handling, extreme durability, good grip and exceptional all-round performance.
ESP9
and refer to the tyre’s ability to stop on a wet road surface. The lower order C to F grades travel three to six times further than the A to C grades before coming to a halt. The demonstration showed the difference between identical Sprinter vans – one equipped with B-graded tyres and the other with E-graded examples. Both vehicles travelled down the wet road area at the same speed and applied the brakes (emergency stop) at the same point. The van fitted with E-grade tyres travelled a further 18 metres before it came to a halt. Noise: The ratings refer directly to external drive-by noise and the decibel level generated. The top grades are typically 3.0 dBa below the bottom grades. From the implementation date of the new legislation tyre retailers must inform customers of compliance. Labels must be attached to all new tyres, be clearly visible and accompanying information must be printed on or be stapled to an invoice. Continental says it has produced tyres to comply with all the requirements but it only has limited information to date – not enough to do an in-depth analysis of all the performance differences related to each grade level. The company is an engineering partner to MercedesBenz and its tyres are original equipment on its LCVs. It has already done a significant amount
The other key development partner, Robert Bosch, has been responsible for the evolution of a highly sophisticated safety system resulting in the ESP electronic stability programme. The most recent version is ESP9 – now standard fitment on all Sprinter and Vito applications. ESP9 includes the latest revisions to handling and control software. It includes the load-adaptive capability which continually monitors the vehicle’s centre of gravity and adjusts its stability computations accordingly. It also includes a trailer stability programme which reduces the tendency for sway and it automatically ‘wipes’ wet brake discs in case they are needed to cope with an emergency braking requirement. Even with a fully alert driver at the wheel, the time taken to stop with wet discs is longer than with dry ones – not by a great deal, but it can reduce the stopping distance by a few metres – which could be significant in either avoiding a collision or reducing the impact, therefore increasing driver/ passenger safety. Demonstrations of the ESP system in action included
emergency lane changing to simulate collision avoidance and slalom runs to highlight the difference between a three-tonne Sprinter box van against a similar leading competitor vehicle. In previous years the slalom test was designed to show a Sprinter on single rear wheels was actually more stable than a similar vehicle with dual rear wheels. It was often an argument put forward by vehicle buyers they wanted vehicles with twin rears because the platform was more stable. Anyone observing the test and watching the body sway generated by the competitors would immediately dispel the theory as nonsense. The amount of front tyre wear experienced by the competitor vehicle was also excessive by comparison to tyres on the Sprinter. This year, the competitor vehicle was equipped with its own ESP (and twin rears) as other manufacturers are now beginning to install it as standard equipment. However, the same visual result could be seen immediately. The Sprinter was far more stable through the slalom course and front tyre wear (taken over the week with both vehicles starting off with new tyres) was considerably less.
Fuel economy
Squally conditions, high winds and a congested track made it a bit difficult to get the best fuel efficiency results in an event for all visitors to compete in. Each
The Euro 5 Sprinter engine compartment
driver had two laps to complete in a Vito and two in a Sprinter. The organisers were looking for drivers to achieve an average speed not less than 25mph and they supervised the trip setting and took their own readings. Strangely enough, I achieved a better result with a Sprinter than with the Vito. The Sprinter returned 40.8mpg for the run and the Vito just 40.1mpg. The best overall achievement, set on a different day, was a shade over 67mpg – along with some other cynical journalists there, we suspected some sort of glitch had occurred – but who knows? Obviously the aim of the exercise was to highlight the difference a driver can make to the overall economy of the business. Many bus companies are now reaping the benefits of on-board telematics which inform drivers of their performance and warn when the vehicle is being accelerated, braked or cornered too harshly. The only criticism one can come with of this year’s event was the lack of time available on the low-grip and skid-pan area. This section consistently provides one of the most graphic examples of the huge advantage a well-designed and integrated package of ESP/ ABS/ASR/EBD gives to drivers in adverse conditions. To fully appreciate how good the MercedesBenz vehicles are, visitors really need to experience the comparison between Sprinter and Vito directly against their competitors. Mercedes-Benz products may be more costly to acquire - but there is a reason. Half an hour on this section of the event, switching between makes and models, is more than enough to convince anyone there is a significant safety difference. No new examples for test driving featuring either the AR2 axle or the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox options were available. Mercedes-Benz UK said they are available if customers want to specifiy these options when ordering. The the AR2 axle costs around £70 as it is merely a component swap. The 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox is £1,800.
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FIRST DRIVE › CITROËN RELAY EURO5
New Relay is greener and meaner Minibus test drives the Enterprise specification Relay 35 130bhp L3H2 with a six-speed manual gearbox – the most common option selected for minibus conversions and the base for Citroën’s in-house product
T
he new Citroen Relay Euro 5 is now available and promises increased power, lower emissions and greater fuel economy from more powerful HDi engines. Some external trim changes have been applied and a revised interior trim and new dashboard add to the appeal. The Relay range covers requirements in the 3.0 – 4.05 tonne sector. While other manufacturers strive to bring their new low-emission technology on-stream well ahead of mandatory requirements, Citroen has held on to its principles of waiting as long as possible in order to maximise development opportunities and ensure its Euro 5 offerings can be seen as among the ‘best in class.’ The new engines are four cylinder 2,198cc units with common-rail fuel injection and are equipped with Diesel Particulate Filtration Systems (DPFS) which have already demonstrated their effective regeneration capability on previous models. All the new engines, whatever horsepower range, can run on up to 30% biodiesel content without affecting the vehicle warranty or any need for modification.
Power ratings start at 110bhp which is the replacement for the Euro 4 100bhp unit which had a five-speed manual gearbox. It produces the least emissions with a CO2 rating of 195gm/km and is claimed to achieve 37.7mpg on the combined urban/extra-urban cycle. The 130 replaces the previous 120 power unit and tests reveal it has a CO2 rating of 229 gm/km and delivers combined cycle results of 32.5mpg. A new addition is a 150bhp rated unit with identical emission and fuel economy figures despite an increase in peak torque. The top of the range 180bhp unit, as yet, has had no certified figures published but it is an uncommon option and generally applied to the heavyweight 4.05 tonne aimed at the ambulance sector.
pockets and trays for stowing drinks bottles, pens, sunglasses or other items. Two 12v power points are provided and there are a further two in the load/saloon area. The dash also houses a reshaped joystick gear selector and the TrafficMaster sat-nav system now has a colour display screen. Combined with fresh seat fabric it somehow seems more comfortable and inviting. The steering wheel is adjustable for height and reach and has become a multi-function control centre with inset buttons for adjusting the radio/CD or setting digital screen display information. Built to Enterprise specification it comes with cab air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, reversing sensors and a steel bulkhead in the panel van version. It has the obligatory ABS and EBA braking
systems but ESP with Hill-Start Assist sadly remain optional. Additional option features aboard the test vehicle were a speed limiter and cruise control. The new engine runs quietly and develops strong torque early in its rev-range – calling for short shifting through the gears. The gearchange is light and smooth and can be accomplished just with one finger if desired. Ratios are evenly spaced with no great steps between. It pulls strongly and can accelerate briskly if required. The view from the driving seat is very good and the mirrors are nicely positioned. Reversing is aided greatly by proximity sensors which provide an audible alert to the driver of how close any obstacle is getting. The driver’s seat is quite comfortable too and has plenty of adjustment including a lumbar
On the road
The Euro 5 Relay may not look much different from its predecessor but it has a much more refined feel to it. The newly-styled black instead of grey dash and fascia, largely different around the centre console with an integrated RDS radio/CD and re-styled controls for air conditioning, heating and ventilation, is quite appealing. There are two glove boxes, a document clip and numerous
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support and height-adjustable armrests. Not only is it very smooth and quiet to drive, it feels taut and agile with excellent stability on a wide variety of surfaces. It also delivers a very good quality ride. The suspension is far from harsh but not at all sloppy and overall it handles extremely well and has adequate brakes. It is easy to drive and easy to get used to in a very short time, which is undoubtedly one of the reasons it is favoured in CT circles – along with its Peugeot and Fiat counterparts. Another reason is its comparatively low floor. It makes it easy to install a rear boarding ramp in conjunction with lowering rear suspension to provide easy access without the requirement for a separate wheelchair lift. Both solutions achieve the same goal and cost around the same, but the
ramp is easy and simple with few moving parts and does not require separate annual safety certification. All it requires is a little more effort from the driver or attendant when bringing wheelchairs aboard – but nothing excessive. While the addition of a cruise control and limiter were useful options on the Relay, a minibus version would be supplied already limited to a maximum of 62.5mph. The only use then would be for allowing drivers to set it to 30, 40 or 50mph to avoid travelling too fast within local limits – but the cruise facility is a nice option for longer distance work. A driver’s airbag is standard equipment along with remote central locking on all doors, deadlocks and an engine immobiliser. A full perimetric anti-theft alarm is an option and
Left: Minor trim changes retain the familiar style. Above: Multifunction steering wheel and colour TrafficMaster screen. Right: Revised centre console with integrated radio/CD unit. Below: Engine installation seems remarkably uncomplicated as much is hidden beneath a plastic shield
the inclusion of a TrafficMaster SmartNav allow cusomers three free years use of the system and its Trakstar GPS stolen vehicle tracking service which has, to date, located and seen the return of all stolen Relays subscribed to the service – including one recovered from Poland. Customers get a free month’s subscription to TrafficMaster’s Safe Speed which gives advanced warning of speed cameras and also a free month of access to TrafficMaster’s live traffic information.
Summary
The Euro 5 Relay is an attractive package which comes with twoyear unlimited mileage/three year 100,000 miles warranty. Bought at the right time it may even be subject to the free fouryear warranty Citroen offers as a
promotion on Enterprise models. The level of safety equipment and anti-theft protection contribute significantly to keeping it in a low insurance band and combined with new levels of economy from the low-emission engines it promises to be a cost effective option. For the duration of the test I could find little to criticise. The only niggle was an intermittent loss of signal for the radio which seemed to be affected by the proximity of trees along roadsides and when at the bottom of even quite shallow hills. Subsequent observation indicated the aerial, which is situated centrally and just above the windscreen, was lying parallel and very close to the angled panel leading to the roof. Standing it in a more upright position would probably have done the trick, had I thought about it earlier. FACT FILE
Engine: Euro 5, four cylinder common rail direct injection Capacity: 2,198cc Bore and stroke: 86x94.6mm Power: 130bhp @ 3.500rpm Torque: 320Nm @ 2,000rpm Gearbox: six-speed manual synchromesh Clutch: single plate, dry Brakes: servo assisted hydraulic dual circuit with ABS, EBA, ventilated front discs, solid rear discs Length: 5,998mm Width: 2,050mm Height: 2,524mm Wheelbase: 4,035mm GVW: 3,500kg ULW: 2,101kg Payload: 1,399kg Plated axle weights: front 1,850kg rear 2,000kg Gross train weight: 6,000kg Suspension: front independent MacPherson struts/coil springs. Rear dual rate semi elliptical leaf springs/shock absorbers Power Steering: variable power assisted Turning circle: 14.14m Wheels: 15 inch steel Tyres: Michelin 215/70R15 Fuel tank: 90 litres – 19.8 gallons
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the CV Sh ow
CONTEN
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Preview : CV Sho w 2012
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July 18, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 45
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
Mercedes Sprinter 515CDI Executive 16 seat coach
First Reg: April 2009 tested March 2013 Spec includes: Aircon front and rear, rack blowers and reading lights, power door and auto gearbox and very large luggage boot. Excellent throughout £39,995.00 + VAT
Mercedes 814D Vario 24 seat coach with 3 point belts First Reg: November 2007 tested August 2012 Very low mileage, immaculate condition. Inspection welcome, full service history £34,950.00 + VAT
Contact Karl – Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426
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
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
Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales
Dennis Pointer Dart Mk2 x 130 All spares available - includes engine, gearboxes, seats, etc.
Call: 01226 727769 Mobile: 07912 103497 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com
2004 (54) Neoplan Starliner Tri-Axle Corporate/Team Coach
2010 Tourneo Trend 115
1996 Volvo B10M
Manual, 50 seats+crew with lap belts, A/C, rear W/C, full CCTV system, continental door, DVD & monitor, taxed and MOT, double glazed windows.
£23,000 +VAT ono 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.
£87,000 + VAT o.n.o.
For more details call Patrick 01787 477701/ 07730 671064
9 seats, 58k miles, full Ford service history, manufacturers warranty March 13/100k, 1 owner driver, school run use only, any inspection welcome. £12,250 no VAT Please call Dougie on 07770 726746
Contact Ron Hoskins Select Bus & Coach Services 41 Mary Street, Neath, West Glamorgan SA11 1PN
Tel: 07980 618419 Email: select_services@mail.com
COACH&BUSMARKET Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles? Photos and
FULL COLOUR as standard on all vehicle for sale advertisements
Contact Jade Cassidy now on 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
553180-1045-Ensign:Layout 1
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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
1999 T/V REG DENNIS DART SLF’S
Caetano Compass bodies, 39 seats, ramps, £7000 each plus tyres.
Cummins / Allison, Wrights Cadet body, ramp, wheelchair space, Hanover LEDʼs, CCTV, 39 retrimmed individual seats, from our own fleet and very tidy.
1997/98 VOLVO OLYMPIANS
Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Northern Counties bodies, 78 seats.
ZF automatics, Plaxton Premiere 320 Interurban bodies, 51 seats.
1995 M REG DENNIS DRAGONS
2000 X REG VOLVO B7LA ARTIC
2000 DAF SB120
1997 VOLVO B10M’S
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.
OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -
Juliette Close, Purfleet Industrial Telephone 01708 865656 Fax: 01708 8 Visit our website for current s
553180-1045-Ensign:Layout 1
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nbus ER SPECIALIST ZF automatics, Plaxton Premiere 320 bodies, 53 seats, exhaust traps fitted, LEZ compliant.
1998 R REG DAF SB3000’S
2000 V REG SUPER POINTER DARTS
2006 MAN NEOPLAN EUROLINER
ZF automatic, 49 seat exec, air-con, toilet, only one available.
ZF automatic, Plaxton Premiere 320 body, new 70 seat conversion with 3 point belts, new MOT and just painted white.
1994 M REG VOLVO B10M
41 seats, Cummins / Allison World Series, new MOTʼs.
Euro 3, ZF automatics, East Lancs bodies, 37 seats, full DDA, Hanover LEDʼs, long MOTʼs.
Euro 4, Wrights Gemini bodies, dual door, 68 seats.
Cummins Euro 3 ISB engine, Allison gearbox, Caetano Nimbus body, 10.7m, 37 seats, full DDA.
East Lancs Myllenium body, 80 coach seats with 3 point belts, LEDʼs, digi tacho, CCTV.
2002 VOLVO B6BLE’S
2002 DENNIS DART SLF
ZF auto, 49 seats, air-con, toilet, only one available.
2004 SCANIA
2001 X REG DENNIS DART MPD’S 25 seats, ramps, good MOTʼs.
2007 VOLVO B9TL’S
2007 VDL BUS DB250
1999 S REG SUPER POINTER DART 11.3m, uprated engine and Allison World Series gearbox, 41 seats.
2006 VDL BUS SB120
Cummins / Allison, Euro 3, Wrights body, 39 seats, full DDA.
- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 8 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com t stock at www.ensignbus.com
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50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 18, 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
556159-1045-BCA
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52 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 18, 2012
OPTARE SOLO
1 x 57 Volvo Vanhool 1987 Tested Mar 2013 Taxed Sept 2012 1 x 53 Volvo Vanhool 1993 (Toilet) Tested Feb 2013 Taxed Nov 2012 1 x 32 Plaxton Cheetah 1998 Tested Jan 2013 Taxed Feb 2013 1 x 32 Plaxton Cheetah 1998 Tested Apr 2013 Taxed Jan 2013 1 x 27 Beluga 2001 Tested Apr 2013 Taxed Dec 2012 1 x 16 Ford Transit 2005 Tested Dec 2012 Taxed Sept 2012 1 x 16 Ford Transit 2002 Tested Aug 2013 Taxed Mar 2013 1 x 14 Ford Transit 2005 Tested Mar 2013 Taxed Feb 2013 1 x 8 Ford Transit 2003 Tested Oct 2012 Taxed Nov 2012
2000 reg, Mercedes engine, 31 seats with new belt installation, DDA spec, new paint and test. Order now for September
£13,950
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
1 x 8 Volkswagen Caravelle 2003 (D) Tested Mar 2013 Taxed Mar 2013
60 coach seats 3 point belts,Cummins/ Allison, 12 mths MOT, tacho, radio £5,900 + VAT
1996 BLUEBIRD BUS
1 x 8 Volkswagen Caravelle (D) Wheelchair Accessb 1997 Tested Nov 2012 Taxed July 2012 1 x 6 Vauxhall Safira (D) 2001 Tested Sept 2012 Taxed July 2012
Tel: 0151 547 2713 or 07802 235778 2005 Ford Transit 410
For prices telephone: 01779 480480 or mobile contact Ewan Mowat: 07768 432111 Email: info@victoriacoaches.co.uk www.victoriacoaches.co.uk
Factory minibus, fitted with 14 moquette h/b coach seats, COIF, tacho and new PSV, 120,000 miles
£5950
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
553368-1045-Pembridge
16/7/12
18:59
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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 (
(56) Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi 115ps, high back seats, electric windows, central locking, 66,000 miles, FSH, COIF/PSV £9,995
SOLD SOLD
(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
OTHER MAKES
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 (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
SOLD
New Renault Master 17 seat LM35/ 2.2di 125ps, six speed, satnav, tacho, fully tracked floor with removable seats £21,995
(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
(09) 2009 Renault Master 16 seat minibus, tacho,high back seats with three point belts, 35,000km £15,650
(03) 2003 Fiat Doblo SX 1.9 diesel, low floor, four seats plus one wheelchair, lightweight ramp, 45,000 miles £3,495
New Renault Master 17 seat LWB LM39dci 126 Minibus, tacho ONLY £20,350
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%
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54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 18, 2012
2003 MERCEDES SPRINTER 413D
1999/2000 Dennis Trident Alexander ALX 400
Mellor body, 15 seats or upto 3 wheelchairs, tacho etc, 75k miles, fantastic condition. For more information visit
£8,750
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
V and X reg, long wheelbase, EURO 4
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
MERCEDES SPRINTERS 2006 / 56 Reg 16 seat luxury x3, full luxury reclining leather seats, climate control, DVD, extended rear end, large boot, tinted windows, 248,000 kilometers, Tawe / Cymric conversion £12,995 plus VAT 2007 / 57 Reg 16 full leather reclining seats, climate control, extended rear end, enlarged boot, DVD, fully carpeted, curtains, tablets, tinted windows, hand luggage racks, Tawe / Cymric conversion, 210,000 kilometers £14,495 plus VAT 2008 / 58 Reg 16 moquette reclining seats, extended rear end, large boot, curtains, tinted windows, climate control, luggage racks, fully carpeted, digital tacho, sheer luxury vehicle, Crestline conversion, 193,00 kilometers £15,795 plus VAT ALL RE ADVERTISED DUE TO TIME WASTERS
07780 170009 – David Philips
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
Southdown PSV - 01342 711840 www.southdownpsv.co.uk
£874 per
month each
2006 (56) ADL ENVIRO E200 8.9m - CHOICE OF 2
• Enviro 200 SLF 8.9m.29 seats • Cummins Euro 3. LEZ compliant • Fully DDA compliant for 2016+ • Recent repaint • Tested until March 2013 • £45,000 + VAT
Finance available at £874 per month – subject to status
* £13,500 deposit followed by 60 payments of £874. These figures are an indication of terms only, are subject to status, are based on current money costs and do not, therefore, commit you or us to any finance agreement
Southdown PSV Silverwood Snow Hill Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EN
555525-1045-Connaught
13/7/12
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Page 1
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.
2008 08 MERCEDES BENZ 311D SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, brand new conversion LEZ compliant.
D L SO 2005 05 REG MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON CHEETAH 25 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, 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.
2001 51 REG TOYOTA CATEANO OPTIMO 5 22 high back seats plus courier, lap belts, forced air, reading lights, curtains, power door and boot.
1999 MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON CHEETAH 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, curtains, power door and boot.
1999 V REG MERCEDES 814 BEAVER 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, power door, 12 months test.
1998 MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON CHEETAH 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, curtains and boot.
Steve Peach Tel: 01302 770863 Mob: 07836 551020 Email: steve@connaughtpsv.co.uk
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56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 18, 2012
ADL ENVIRO 200 58/09 REG 29 seats Choice of 4
From ÂŁ59,950 For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
MCV EVOLUTION 10.3mtr, 36 seats 11.1mtr, 40 seats
Light Weight Excellent Fuel Economy
Light Weight Excellent Fuel Economy
DENNIS DART PLAXTON POINTER SLF
P reg with 29/32 seats, recent retrim, metallic silver, new test.
ÂŁ5,950
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
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WRIGHTBUS PULSAR 2 11.9mtr, 44 seats
01274 681144
Gomersal, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 4BJ Email: busandcoachsales@arriva.co.uk www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk Bus and Coach
take a test drive today
Filler NEW copy
2/7/12
19:29
Page 1
3 WEEKS 4 WEEK FREE
BUY GET A
PRICES INCLUDE :
TH
• Design Service • Web Advert • Full Colour
WHEN YOU ADVERTISE IN
COACH&BUSMARKET T E K R A M S U B & nd sell a H y u C b o A t e CO – the plac
7 1733 29324 0 ll a c t s ju £30 as little as r o f s e g a p e on these To advertis
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JADE CASSIDY
£30
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£90
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£70
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£50
01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
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.co.uk uncymedia ro @ y id ss ail jade.ca 3247 or em 9 2 3 3 7 1 0 y on Jade Cassid Telephone
VEHICLE SALES | PRODUCTS & SERVICES | MARKET | VEHICLE SALES | PRODUCTS & SERVICES | MARKET | VEHICLE SALES | PRODUCTS & SERVICES
p58_CBW_1045
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58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 18, 2012
COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED AUDIO &VIDEO
BUSINESS FOR SALE
ENGINEERING SUPPORT
DUE TO RETIREMENT
Special needs company for sale With attached Marine Business (service, repairs and parts). Established over 20 years. Turnover over £300,000 per annum with at least 20% net profit. The Company is debt free with prompt payments from clientele. Would suit an engineering minded person or to tag on to existing company. Possible 50% partnership. Also would consider splitting Company into two. For initial contact write to Box No 28, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Forder Way, Cygnet Park, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX
Contact Jade Cassidy now for our current offers 01733 293247
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 CHECKPOINTS
TO PURCHASE CHECKPOINT/DUSTITE loose wheelnut indicators or to locate your nearest stockist:
Tel: 01524 271200 www.checkpoint-safety.com
CRAIG TILSLEY
ENGINES
Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527
Fax: 01782 791316
Moorfields Industrial Estate Cotes Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST21 6QY
COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED
Looking for a great deal to promote your products and services?
GARAGE EQUIPMENT
Contact Jade Cassidy now for details of our current offers : 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
Suppliers of Reconditioned DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS PUMPS ETC
SPECIALOFFERS
Specialists in Used Commercial Garage Equipment
BWS 0117 953 0381 www.bwsequip.co.uk
email: bwsequip@hotmail.com
Don’t forget to say that you saw it in
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COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED HEATING
TRAINING
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
Email: sales@thhs.co.uk
www.thhs.co.uk
UNIT 9 NIMROD BUSINESS PARK DE HAVILLAND WAY, WITNEY OX29 0YG
REGISTRATIONS G
SPEEDY REGISTRATIONS CO LTD G ‘Buy with confidence – CNDA Member’
£750 CXZ 50 JFZ 40 PBZ 16 RNZ 10 TBZ 19 TJZ 44 TJZ 50 TUI 20 UXI 70
£350 £99 £99 £50 AJZ 262 HIG 5338 MNZ 1195 CXZ 4471 JBZ 484 HIG 5339 ONZ 1180 CXZ 4472 JJZ 858 IIG 7764 REZ 3369 DFZ 4693 RBZ 696 IIG 7765 RUI 2117 DFZ 4694 RDZ 545 JIG 8894 SEZ 5766 DRZ 8551 SBZ 141 JIG 8895 SUI 8836 DRZ 8552 VIW 242 KIG 5113 SUI 8837 IFZ 8350 VIW 979 KIG 5114 TJZ 1116 IFZ 8360 XJI 474 MJZ 6749 TJZ 1119 JFZ 8393 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange
£50 JFZ 8394 JIG 6715 JIG 6716 KIG 6608 KIG 6609 RNZ 2214 RNZ 2215 TUI 5921 TUI 5922
• HGV & PCV inspections • Maintenance audits • HGV & PCV training courses • Due diligence inspections and reports info@viats.com www.viats.com 077 0234 9080
Tel: (028) 6638 7124 Fax: (028) 6638 7771
Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ
TICKETING
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@coachandbusweek.com
Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!
TRIM
Coach refurbishment, spray painting, structural work & accident repairs
COACH TRIMMERS LTD Supplying the Bus and Coach Industry with quality seat retrims and interior refurbishment. Full floors re-laid and centre gangways. Collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK, seven days a week.
Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk
www.blackpoolcoachservices.co.uk
Contact Neale – 01253 698686
Tel/Fax: 01751 472229
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COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED VEHICLE SPARES
New Van & Minibus Parts Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales OUR SERVICES: •
Recovery
•
Testing
• • • • • • • •
DISMANTLING/SPARES:
Refurbishment Repairs
Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding
Buying & selling vehicles
• •
Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes
•
Engine spares
•
Windscreens
• •
Peugeot Boxer Relay Fiat Ducato Doors £300+vat pair
Renault Master Read Mavano Doors £300+vat pair
MB Vario Bonnets
Transit 17 seater
Transit Millennium Bus £750+vat
MB Vario Bumpers £75+vat
Master Side Doors £200+vat
MB Sprinter 616 Axel part no A9053500300
MB Vario Headlamps £35+vat
MB Sprinter Mk3 Doors
MB Sprinter VW LT Doors old model £150+vat
Mercedes Benz E Class 1246005005 Bodyshells
Transit Tourneo Seats
New MB Vario Parts
Renault 1.9 CDI F9Q Engines New
Cummins L10 Short Motor
Transit 2.5Di Diesel Ford OE Engines
LDV Peugeot 2.5D, EN55 OE Engines
Leyland GB397,390
MB Sprinter 616 Axle part no A9053500300
Nissan 2.7 TD New
VW1-9 CDI ANUCode Sharan Galaxy
ZF 16S-109
ZF Astronic 12-AS-1930-TD
Windows Seats
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
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
Call 01226 723147 Night Service 01226 716479 Fax 01226 700199 Email wigleys@btconnect.com
www.twigley.com
www.cabmasters.com 01706 211 838
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Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com, fax 0845 2802927 or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX
City bus service ‘third worst’ new study now says Researchers who claimed Sheffield had the worst bus service in the UK - despite taking their data when the city was hosting the Olympic Torch relay - have admitted they got it wrong, reported local newspaper The Star. Software developers behind the UK Bus Checker programme originally said 57% of buses in the city were late, the worst in the country. After The Star pointed out the survey had been conducted when the Olympic Torch was passing through the city, the researchers carried out the study once more. When they did so, they found 46% of buses were more than 30 seconds late, making Sheffield the third-worst city behind Norwich and Middlesborough. The worst-delayed bus was the number 53 to Mansfield, running nearly half an hour behind schedule. However David Young, SYPTE Director of Customer Experience, said 90% of buses in Sheffield arrive within five minutes of schedule. After taking data from 5637 UK bus arrivals at 200 bus stops per city, the UK Bus Checker developers claim 39% of the UK’s services were delayed. From the cities researched, those which came out on top were Bristol with 20% of buses delayed and Leeds with 24%. Then again, it may be advisable to take the statistics with a pinch of salt considering the substantial blunder highlighted in this story…
Dilbert
Monday: Press day. My office computer plays up but sadly cuss words don’t have any effect. Get behind and for once I let things get to me. Finish far later than desired. Tuesday: In the afternoon, arrange visits for forthcoming issues.
Broody Blackbird picks a spot warmed by heating system pipes
Bird’s Eye View of Optare Well, well what have we here? This Blackbird certainly seems to have gained intimate knowledge of a bus engine bay, but hardcore ‘cranks’ need not fear about a potential rival. This scene was caught on camera by Des Rogers, Operations Manager at West Midlands Special Needs Transport. Des said: “On Thursday [June 12] I went to Optare to view some vehicles they have for sale which formally belonged to Cumfybus. Imagine the surprise we had when we found this very Cumfy bird, after a test run, in the engine
compartment sitting on her nest full of eggs. “Assuming the bus had come from Liverpool to Rotherham with the nest in; I have this vision of a male Blackbird flying round Liverpool with a worm in its mouth wondering where the missus had disappeared to. He must have thought she’d done the disappearing act again.” A little birdie told the CBW office this is the latest incarnation of Optare’s environmentally-friendly flybus, which could be winging its way to operators shortly… “We were interested in all three Solos,” added Des. “If our offer is successful, we’ll have to leave the bus concerned up at Rotherham until the chicks have fledged – I won’t have the heart to disturb them.”
Wednesday: A busy day in the office writing and organising visits and material for future issues, including a healthy range of coach, bus, local authority and general interest material. Ah, the joys of preaching to a broad church… Enjoy a chat with a retired coach company MD, who’s now a tour guide, but stupidly stop short of suggesting we interview him – doh! I’m delighted when Perrymans Buses and Envirox tweet about their interest in second part of the Stagecoach super feature. Thursday: Accompanied by Jade, who’s keen to gain an insight (rather than a hard sell), head down to Ensign Bus. The Newman family are as kind and welcoming as ever. They don’t talk down to Jade – they provide her with invaluable knowledge. I gain a welcome update on the firm, more of which in a future issue. With the M11 blocked between J8 and 9, return to Peterborough via South Mimms. Enjoy a coffee with Dean and Marla at Sullivan Buses, who again are most welcoming and kind to Jade. Watch David Fishwick on Channel 5, not forgetting ‘Traffic Cops’ on BBC1, which shows suspected insurance fraud. Friday: A hectic day in the office, writing and being ‘Mr Editor’. The game of ‘telephone ping pong’ with an operator’s PR man continues – we keep missing each other. Respond to an irritating overseas sales call in a manner I deem appropriate – by combining a couple of my impersonations of characters I’ve come across in life. All good harmless fun, which breaks up the day. www.coachandbusweek.com
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RECRUITMENT
TAS Partnership appoints new Chairman Preston-based public transport specialist consultancy The TAS Partnership has announced the appointment of Richard Armitage as Non-executive Chairman. He replaces Peter Huntley (former MD of Go North East) the firm’s founder, who was killed earlier this year in a climbing accident. Richard has worked as a transport professional in a wide range of roles since 1978. These include setting up the Community Transport Association UK in the 1980s, running the first low-floor bus exhibition entitled Buses For All in 1994, establishing the UK’s first national car club, Smart Moves (now called City Car Club), in 1999 and Carplus.
Between 1996 and 2006, he was a member of the Department for Transport’s panel of consultants delivering site-specific advice on workplace travel plans. Richard is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport UK and currently Chairman of the Institute’s Cycling Forum. “The TAS approach is essential in a recession: fearless, incisive and objective assessment, based on the deployment of a wide range of razor-sharp analytical tools, backed by decades of practical experience in the bus and rail industries. “As I climb aboard at TAS, I have no idea what the future holds, but I am looking forward to the ride,” said Richard. “I am especially enthusiastic about the new structure at TAS, which recently became an Employee Benefit Trust. “I will be paying particular attention to making this work in everyone’s interests - our customers, as well as our staff.”
BRISTOL PCV OPERATIONS/ BUSINESS MANAGER
Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm
Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484
Dee Griffiths retires from Reading Buses
that Reading Buses was advertising for drivers and she thought a temporary job as a bus driver would be ideal after more than 23 years in the police force. During her 15 years at Reading Buses she spent nine in her role as driver performance manager, which involved responsibility for monitoring drivers’ performance, attendance, sickness, training, problems, complaints and compliments. In her first career, Dee served in the police, firstly as a beat bobby and finally as an acting chief inspector. She transferred from Yorkshire to Reading in 1979. In a presentation ceremony, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer James Freeman said: “One of the lovely things about retirement is the closing of one door and opening of another. This is an opportunity for us to say thank you for what you have done for the business. You have given a lifetime of service to the community and are now starting the next round.”
Dee Griffiths, 63, whose second career took her to Reading Buses over 15 years’ ago, has retired as Driver Performance Manager. However, she hasn’t left the company completely as she will continue to drive part-time until the autumn. A friend had originally told her
Dee Griffiths of Reading Buses
ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com
Your First Choice for Recruitment
Dealing with day to day operations with emphasis on sales.
We are a family owned, long established, large and expanding taxi and coach company operating around Bristol. We have 96 licences doing schools, private hire and touring, both in the UK and abroad.
• Extensive experience of coach operations and a PCV licence absolutely essential We offer:
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Salary in excess of £31,000 plus on target bonus Private health Mercedes E class Assistance with relocation if applicable.
PCV TRAFFIC MANAGER
Reporting to Operations Manager. and with good knowledge of:
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Work Allocation Quotations Drivers hours and tachos Staff Supervision PCV Legislation
PCV Licence essential.
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.
Salary of £25,000 plus private health.
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.
Please forward CV to Keith Sanzo at keith@eurotaxis.com Tel 07970 096262 or 07970 458877
To get your vacancy seen by quality candidates, call Ian Gillis on 01733 293484 or email ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com
www.coachandbusweek.com
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“ADVERTISE ALL YOUR RECRUITMENT VACANCIES THE AFFORDABLE WAY; BOOK A SERIES OF THREE ADVERTS; BUY ONE WEEK, GET THE SECOND WEEK HALF PRICE AND HAVE A THIRD WEEK ON US… YES, THAT’S FREE! CBW IS THE ONLY PAID-FOR WEEKLY PUBLICATION SERVING THE COACH AND BUS INDUSTRY; READ BY DIRECTORS, MANAGERS, ENGINEERS AND DRIVERS ALIKE. YOUR VACANCY WILL BE SEEN IN THE PRINT AND DIGITAL EDITIONS, AND ONLINE AT WWW.COACHANDBUSWEEK.COM/JOBS. THIS AMAZING OFFER ENDS ON SEPTEMBER 28 2012, SO DON’T DELAY, CONTACT ME, IAN GILLIS, ON 01733 293 484, OR VIA EMAIL: IAN.GILLIS@COACHANDBUSWEEK.COM”
RECRUITNOW
WITH
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets Search LinkedIn Groups for ‘Coach and Bus Week (CBW)’
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