Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1061

Wednesday November 7, 2012 Issue 1061 | ÂŁ2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

OPINION:

Chapter & verse on the pteg emphasises the 2013 UK Coach Rally & importance of young UK Coach Awards p8 people on buses p36

BUS:

Stagecoach agrees to buy First's Wigan operations p4

REPORT:

The rundown on the Traf�ic Commissioners' Annual Report p30

The online market for vehicles, products and services. Sell faster, buy smarter

Plaxton launches Elite i at the show p22

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November 7, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 3

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

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & EVENTS Advertising & Marketing Manager Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Sales Executive Victoria Schult 01733 293248 victoria.schult@coachandbusweek.com Classified Sales Executive Jade Cassidy 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Production June Barnard 01473 858761 june@adsproduction.co.uk

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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.

Roadworks rants

I

’m the first to acknowledge roads need to be repaired – I hate potholes with a passion. As a rule, I try to plan my journeys to avoid traffic.

I like to think I know the hotspots at given times; hence I prefer travelling in the evening or early morning.

Of course, maintenance is often carried out at night. In the best tradition of ‘Murphy’s Laws’ on the one occasion I failed to do my homework, I got clobbered.

As you’ll read on p77, I was driving west along the A14 last Wednesday evening. Signs informed me the M6 North was closed – but frustatingly, there appeared to be no detail as to how much of the route was shut. Not being a complete stranger to the area, I could have cut across and saved mileage (and hence carbon).

Perhaps that was deliberate – the Highways Agency didn’t want the likes of yours truly using so-called ‘rat runs’. I therefore followed the signs – or so I thought as they seemed to be missing in places too. Fortunately

I’ve been that way on Evobus test drives, so I was able to follow my nose. I was however, left more than a little peeved.

One of my colleagues hates the fact I insist on carrying road works information on p8 each week but I view it (albeit within a limited wordcount) as doing our bit for the hard-pressed coach operators and drivers – with the aim of trying to avoid experiences like mine last week. What do you think?

On a more positive note, you will doubtless have read in last week’s issue about the launch of our new groundbreaking vehicle sales website www. coachandbusmarket.com. It’s user-controlled, so you don’t have to wait for office-bound folk to place or modfiy your ad should the need arise.

Considerable time and effort has gone into developing it, so please take a look and let us know what you think.

Gareth Evans Editor

CONTENTS 4

28

40

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

14

Peter Woodhouse clarifies the legal protection offered by ‘beliefs’

30

A near-side view of a new Plaxton Elite i for megabus.com

Trading updates from Stagecoach, NatEx, MAN, Daimler and more

18

TCs highlight developments and issues in their traffic areas

36

A focus on suppliers of smart ticketing technology

What’s happening across the country’s regions. Plus events diary

22

Rebecca Fuller on the importance of young people to buses

38

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Office Diary column

An in depth look at the recent developments within ADL

National Express send two driving instructors to Africa with Transaid

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

Financial News Regional News News Focus

Legal Update TC Report

pteg column Drivers

Big Picture

42

Industry Guide

77

Last Stop

78

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 | November 7, 2012

news

“I struggle to see how an owner of a limo can really meet the requirements of legislation designed for running a bus service.”

Kevin Rooney Traffic Commissioner

briefly Transport Stationary Services (TSS) has announced it is working in partnership with the CPT to produce CPT-branded driver’s daily check pads, vehicle inspection pads and maintenance wallplanners. CPT will market these direct to their members and was due to launch the service at the current Euro Bus Expo. TSS will continue selling its products commercially to the wider bus and coach operating industries.

Owner of TSS Graham Ellis said he was delighted to help the industry increase its already high level of safety compliance by working with the CPT to increase operator knowledge of best maintenance practice.

Stagecoach Group has launched a dedicated version of its corporate app for Android devices which gives investors, analysts, media and other users quick and easy access to key information about the Group.

Developed by digital corporate communications company Investis, the free app follows those already available for iPhone and iPad. The Android-optimized features include detailed share price data, latest news releases, document library with download facility, event calendar and Investor Relations contact information. Steven Stewart, Stagecoach Group Director of Communications, said: “The new Android app will open up our digital content to a wider audience.”

The RMT has demanded action against “a trade union blacklisting website” which targets activists at all levels – “including volunteer union learning reps whose ‘crime’ is helping colleagues acquire skills, training and education.” HR Blacklist is run

by Human Resources Consulting and purports to ‘tell the truth about employees’. According to the RMT, “it is an online successor to the Consulting Association and its anti-union blacklisting activities.”

Although searching names on the database is free, detailed files are password protected and only open to subscribers. Names are listed on the site, which the RMT said is “without any agreement in clear violation of data protection.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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TCs’ report p30

Stagecoach acquires FirstGroup’s Wigan bus operations Approximately 120 vehicles and 300 staff will become part of Stagecoach Manchester Greater Manchester Buses East Limited, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Stagecoach, has agreed to acquire the Wigan bus business and assets from First Manchester Limited for a consideration of £12m.

Stagecoach expects the acquisition of the Wigan operation, which consists of commercial bus services and a small number of school contracts employing approximately 300 people, to be completed in early December 2012.

In the 12 months to March 31

2012, the business had revenues of £13.2 million, EBITDA of £2.2 million and an operating profit of £1.5 million.

The purchase includes the owned Locket Road depot in Wigan, as well as some leased premises in Wigan bus station, staff facilities and approximately 120 vehicles.

Around 20 of the vehicles are owned by Transport for Greater Manchester, mostly as part of the school contract operations.

The acquisition allows Stagecoach to expand its bus operations in the Greater Manchester region, where it already runs around 630 buses and employs 1,850 staff.

The Wigan operations will

First’s Wigan operations are set to join the Stagecoach Manchester fold

megabus. com launches European websites megabus.com has launched new European websites to cater for people who book its cross-Channel services.

European passengers who visit megabus.com can now access French and Dutch language websites which trade in Euros,

as well as the original English language sites.

Stagecoach launched a new network of coach services from the UK to Continental Europe in April, running daytime and overnight journeys between its main hub in London and destinations in France, Belgium and the Netherlands, offering seats from £1 or €11.

Passengers can travel to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Boulogne on modern coaches equipped with free WiFi and toilets. There is also a dedicated Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam service

become part of Stagecoach Manchester, which carries nearly 100 million passengers a year and is led by Managing Director Chris Bowles with staff being transfered to Stagecoach’s business under TUPE arrangements.

Les Warneford, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “We have a strong track-record of attracting more people to bus travel and these new operations will expand our successful high-quality operations in other parts of Greater Manchester.

“We will continue to focus on providing customers with the best value fares of any major bus operator in the UK, investing in our networks and delivering punctual and reliable services.

“Our people are central to our growth plans and we look forward to welcoming our new employees to the company.”

FirstGroup CEO Tim O’Toole said: “The sale of our Wigan business marks continued progress in our programme of selected disposals as we review the scope and scale of our UK Bus portfolio and reposition it for the longer term.

“With a clear focus we are working through a detailed plan to recover performance in our UK Bus division and equip the business to achieve sustainable growth and improved returns.” and an interchange at London Victoria Coach Station offers through services to and from locations in Scotland, England and Wales.

Until now, customers in France, Belgium and the Netherlands have been able to book tickets through a network of approved travel agents and online.

General Manager of megabus. com, Ian Laing, said: “More people are choosing to make their crossChannel journeys by coach and these new websites will make it even easier for our European customers to book their tickets.”

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November 7, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5

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

FTA welcomes Treasury fuel meeting The Freight Transport Association (FTA) took part in a meeting with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander MP, to discuss the impact of fuel duty on the economy.

The talks, held on October 29, were agreed after discussions with FTA-backed campaign group FairFuelUK in order to present the findings of studies carried out by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, and were seen as a ‘promising start’ to future discussions with a further planned meeting expected soon.

The meeting took place ahead of the Government’s planned 3ppl fuel duty hike, scheduled for January 1. Analysis of the modelling undertaken by FairFuelUK on the impact of fuel duty on UK growth and the economy formed the centrepiece of the discussions.

Quentin Willson, National Spokesman for FairFuelUK, said: “The fact Treasury figures are interested and listening sends an important message to all who are deeply anxious about the forthcoming duty rise. This sort of open-minded engagement is exactly what this country needs to see.”

James Hookham, FTA MD of Communications and Policy, said:

The meeting took place ahead of the Government’s planned 3p per litre fuel duty hike scheduled for January 1

Scania Fuel Card launched

Scania introduced its own fuel card on November 5 which is available to all UK operators from ownerdrivers upwards, and enables companies of all sizes to benefit from bulk fuel prices.

The card works like a cooperative and by purchasing fuel together through a single source the buying power of each individual

“The FTA believes the reductions in fuel duty are key to unlocking economic growth and we’re determined to show the Treasury how that can be done.”

The results of the study include the identification of the impact of fuel duty on UK growth and the economy, following research by the Centre of Economic and Business Research.

The fuel card is offered free to all operators for 12 months operator is enhanced.

The service is administered for Scania by The Fuelcard People, part of DCC plc, one of the largest fuel distributors in the UK. The card is free to all operators

for the first 12 months. Thereafter a nominal and discounted charge will apply. One card is issued per vehicle operated, with no limit on the quantity of cards which can be held.

With prices based on the Platts pricing model, the Scania Fuel Card provides a competitive way to buy diesel. Price notification is sent in advance by email or text and fixed for seven days, with no regional variations.

For more information call 0844 870 6937 or visit www.scaniafuelcard.co.uk

NAO quizzes DfT on spending The National Audit Office (NAO) has published a report identifying issues and risks which may arise as the DfT devolves more control over funding and delivery of transport services to local bodies.

The DfT recently announced proposals to devolve funding for major schemes to new local transport bodies and is also consulting on devolving bus funding and some responsibilities for rail services to local authorities.

The spending watchdog called on the DfT to clarify its approach as it implements these changes and moves into the new ways of working. This includes being clearer on who is accountable for local transport funding and how they will be held to account.

The DfT said it will assess whether bodies have appropriate systems and processes in place, but it should clarify how it checks whether these devolved arrangements continue to meet its standards and what action it will take if standards are not met.

The NAO believes the DfT should clarify how local transport data can be better used to judge value for money and to compare performance between areas. It also needs to identify areas and activities most at risk of a drop in performance and clarify when it would intervene.

Amyas Morse, head of the NAO, said: “As the DfT devolves funding to a local level, it needs to ensure it has the appropriate control.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

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6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 7, 2012

news › BUSeS

40

Number of PSV public inquiries held in the northwestern traffic area in the 2011-2012 reporting year

briefly The London Bus Museum described its Transportfest 2012 gala event as a ‘major success’. Over 2,200 visitors attended on October 21, with displays of buses old and new, historic lorries, London taxis and emergency & military vehicles.

Over 3,000 rides were taken on the heritage bus tours, open-top bus and horse-bus. Stars of the display were the 1920 K-type solid-tyred double-decker and the 1922 S-type single-decker but equally popular was a New Bus for London – ‘LT 4’.

Following the installation of six CCTV cameras in Plymouth in August to enforce bus lane restrictions, 15,000 fines have been issued. Offenders received a £60 penalty charge, halved if the charge is paid within 14 days of it being issued. Clive Perkin, from Plymouth City Council, said some of the money raised was being used to maintain the city’s roads and the authority was seeing fewer people being caught by the cameras, something which was replicated in other cities with the cameras.

Reading Buses has been given a National Transport Award for improving its services.

Its use of information screens and colour coded timetables were highlighted by judges at a ceremony in London. The company has bought 31 hybrid doubledecker buses and added extra buses at peak times. It has also reduced fares and introduced group savings on certain routes.

East Lothian Buses invests in withdrawn First rural route Five new Wright-bodied Volvos and increased frequency for service which had faced axe East Lothian Buses has launched five new single deck vehicles on its 113 service.

Displaying a distinctive new livery, which takes its inspiration from the former Eastern Scottish Bus Company, the Wright-bodied Volvo B7RLEs meet Euro V emissions standards.

First closed its Dalkeith depot earlier this summer. East Lothian stepped in to operate the 113 and initially used plain white Tridents.

Ian Craig, Managing Director of Lothian Buses, said: “After four months in operation, we are delighted to build on the current service we provide by making improvements for our customers.

Our investment in new vehicles for this route shows our continued commitment to the people of East Lothian and to the local environment.”

The service also benefits from an improved timetable, which will include the introduction of an earlier morning journey from Pencaitland, an extra evening journey from the Western General

Pictured at the launch of the five new Wright-bodied Volvo B7RLEs are Ian Craig, MD of Lothian Buses, with Iain Gray, East Lothian County MSP

Hospital and an extension to evening journeys. With the reopening of the East End the service now provides a faster link to the city centre via Waterloo Place and Regent Road.

The launch of the new vehicles took place at the historic Winton House in Pencaitland, East Lothian.

County MSP Iain Gray has welcomed the improvements.

He said: “Earlier in the year, Pencaitland and Ormiston were at risk of losing their only bus service and Lothian Buses stepped into the breach to provide a service.

“I welcome the clear demonstration of their commitment to those communities through this investment in new vehicles. I was a conductor on the buses in East Lothian as a student, so I well remember the days when green buses were a familiar sight around the county. The smart new livery will bring those memories back for many people, I am sure.

“I am aware there has been demand for an earlier journey in the morning and I am pleased that Lothian Buses has listened to passengers and acted accordingly.

The additional journey from the Western General is also welcome since it will provide a journey back to East Lothian after evening visiting times are over.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

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05/11/2012 20:48

10%

The new Enviro200’s improvement in fuel efficiency over its predecessor

TfGM participate in commons debate Up to a hundred MPs, peers and other key opinion formers attended an afternoon reception at the house of commons, themed ‘Making buses work for our cities.’

Bolton West MP and Transport Select Committee member Julie Hilling hosted the event. Cllr Andrew Fender, Chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee (TfGMC) and Transport Minister Norman Baker both spoke.

Cllr Fender said: “Bus services are a fundamental aspect of an effective economy, providing essential access to work, education and training opportunities – what could be more important than this in the current economic climate?

“In Greater Manchester, we have been working hard to encourage and incentivise greater service consistency across our bus system, which is run by a range of bus companies. Despite our good relationships with bus operators, it is not proving easy or straightforward to secure binding commitments, particularly on fares.

“This is of the greatest concern to us right now because of the excessive costs which residents in some parts of Greater Manchester face compared to others.

“We are also seriously concerned that the value for money of the significant investment TfGM and the Government are currently making in smart-ticketing systems will be undermined if we are not able to secure consistent and coordinated bus fares across the conurbation as a whole.

“On the TfGM Committee, all three political parties agree more needs to be done.”

TfGMC said it wants to utilise a range of powers and resources to bring private sector providers together for accessible, affordable and integrated public transport. The Committee is exploring how voluntary partnerships with bus operators can deliver a more integrated network and looking at the practicalities of a quality contract approach.

TfGM was recently named ITA of the year at the 2012 National Transport Awards.

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November 7, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7

10,000

Number of free seats given away by megabus this winter in England and Wales

SHARE WATCH

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, November 5.

FirstGroup saw the greatest proportional rise, while Go-Ahead saw the greatest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

318.10p

The new buses were launched at Hazelhead Park in Aberdeen

10 new E300s for Stagecoach Bluebird Stagecoach Bluebird has launched a fleet of 10 brand new ADL Enviro 300s for its X17 commuter route in Aberdeen.

The £8m investment includes an enhanced frequency to every 10 minutes during Monday to Saturday daytimes and every 30 minutes in the evening and on Sundays.

The new buses are also working the ‘Nightbird’ N17 on Friday and Saturday nights, which like its daytime counterpart, links Westhill, Elrick and Aberdeen.

Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director, Stagecoach Bluebird said: “We’ve committed a phenomenal amount of funding into our fleet across Aberdeenshire this year and we’re delighted to be upgrading the buses for our busy X17 service.

“The improved frequency and free Wi-Fi are welcome additions and we hope to encourage more people to try the bus for a relaxing journey, with more comfortable seating and extra leg room.”

Arriva has spent £2m on a fleet of MAN EcoCity buses, powered by landfill-produced gas.

The investment sees the introduction of 21 gas engine buses after a successful trial of the technology in the North West this year. The gas buses will enter service at the start of 2013.

Arriva said the gas-engine vehicles are part of a £26.7m overall investment in environmentallyfriendly buses. This includes Europe’s largest order of 153 diesel-electric hybrid buses.

Mike Cooper, MD of Arriva UK Bus, said: “We are committed to leading the way when it comes to using technology to deliver solid benefits to our customers, the environment and our stakeholders.

“The buses have been specially designed for the UK market and, as they run on Bio-gas, provide a carbon neutral solution to the environmental challenges we face.

“The new gas buses and our order of hybrids is only one element of our strategy for improving our environmental impact.

“We have also invested in technology to improve driver efficiency, training to raise awareness amongst staff and created an upgraded roll-out plan to improve the energy usage of our depots across the UK.” Arriva has already used the new type of vehicle in Scandinavia and the Netherlands. It said the gas will be provided by members of the Gas Bus Alliance, which was set up to support vehicle makers, dealers and operators with advice on running low-emission vehicles. Biodigesting plants run by the alliance extract and break down waste, such as farm and food waste and extract the gas used to power the buses.

One of Arriva’s depots will have its own gas filling station to refuel the vehicles daily. The facility will also be available to refuel other gas propelled vehicles in the region.

The buses are fuelled using a secure fitting where the gas pipe is connected to the vehicle. They cannot be started or moved whilst refilling.

Arriva invests in new gas bus �leet

Price: Year High: 367.50p Year Low: 248.95p

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+7.90 on last week

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FTSE 100

5,843

Index: Year High: 5,966 Year Low: 5,128

+53 on last week

www.coachandbusweek.com

05/11/2012 20:48

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 7, 2012

news › coaches

briefly The upgrade to the last remaining single carriageway section on the A11 is scheduled to start in January, Roads Minister Stephen Hammond announced last week. The project will see the dualling of the 5.5mile section between Fiveways and Thetford, a key route between the M11 and Norwich – and the construction of a new 3.6-mile bypass around the village of Elveden. Completion is expected

by December 2014. In the coming weeks, preparatory works will continue, including archaeological surveys, completion of the track upgrade on the Elveden Estate, construction of the site office and access improvements for vehicles.

Some of this work will require lane or carriageway closures.

The Highways Agency is to implement a 50mph speed limit on the A483 Oswestry Bypass at the notorious Maesbury Road cross roads junction near the Shropshire-Welsh border. The work, which will involve replacing existing signs and markings, is due to start on Monday November 19 and is expected to take four weeks to complete. Lane restrictions and temporary traffic lights are in place between 0845 and 1700hrs – not to mention delays on what is a key North to South Wales route. Once finished, the new 50mph speed limit will be in force.

The southbound M3 is closed overnight between junctions 7 (Basingstoke) and 9 (Winchester) for two nights for resurfacing work.

The work on November 12 and 13 aims to improve the surface condition. It will be carried out between 2200 and 0600hrs. A fully signed diversion route is set to be in place via the A30, A303 and A34.

Lane 1 of the M5 southbound is being resurfaced between junctions 7 (Worcester South) and 8 (M50/ Strensham Services) this month. The work is due to commence on November 12 and is expected to be completed within a week. All activity will take place overnight between 2000 and 0600hrs. During the work, lanes 1 and 2 of the M5 between the two junctions will be closed. www.coachandbusweek.com

News8,9.indd 8

Representatives from the UK Coach Rally, UK Coach Awards and Alton Towers stand in front of the Irizar i6

UK Coach Rally & Awards: Alton Towers Excitement brews as the new partnership between the Rally, Awards and one of the UK’s top coaching destinations combine to revitalise and strengthen the event The UK Coach Rally organisers along with UK Coach Awards (UKCA) and representatives of Alton Towers officially launched the venture at the theme park last week.

Explaining the decision to move away from Peterborough, Chairman Stephen Telling said: “Despite the ideal nature of Peterborough as a site to hold the event, it was felt there was insufficient family entertainment in the location. We looked at a number of alternative venues to hold the new joint event and choosing Alton Towers seemed to be a natural process. We want to take the Rally and Awards into the 21st Century and Alton Towers is very keen to support us. The move will reinforce the important relationship between operators and this important coaching destination and provide a unique showcase for coaching and tourism in Britain.”

On behalf of the UKCA, Chris Cheek said: “This seems a very natural development to be joining with the rally. After 17 years of very positive reaction to UK Bus Awards we hope to do the same for coaching. The prestige of winning awards does a lot for the

recipients and draws the industry to the attention of politicians, group travel organisers and key tourist destinations. What we want is to get as many people involved as possible in nominating excellence from those who go ‘above and beyond’ in pursuit of their vocation.

It means operators, drivers or other personnel. We’d also like to hear from clients – such as tour operators or destinations about those they perceive deliver great service.”

Rachel Cotton, Head of Trade and Corporate Sales at Alton Towers, said: “As one the UK’s most popular coaching destinations we are delighted the UK Coach Rally and Awards has chosen Alton Towers as the launch venue for its first joint event. For the coming season we’re introducing a new £18m roller coaster which will ensure we remain at the forefront as a tourist attraction. The details remain secret for now, but it is codenamed SW7 and is going to provide visitors with a unique experience.

“Visitors here can enjoy a 500acre park and we have two hotels offering a total of 391 rooms. There is also a spa, a waterpark and an ‘extraordinary golf’ course. We’re looking forward to hosting the event and to develop our good relationships with coach operators – especially on the first important

weekend of the coaching calendar.”

Alton Towers, a popular attraction since the 60s, developed into a theme park in 1980 with the inspiring ‘corkscrew’ roller coaster.

A subsequent main attraction introduced in 1994, called Nemesis, is still voted a firm favourite despite the more recent additions of ‘Air’, the vertical drop attraction ‘Oblivion’ and major G-force experience ‘Rita – queen of speed’.

It is part of the Merlin Entertainment Group which is ranked second in the world behind Disney. In addition to being centrally located and easily accessible from most parts of the UK it allows operators to offer weekend packages or short breaks. Alton Towers also works closely with many of the local hotels and can find additional rooms for any overspill.

The 2013 UK Coach Rally and Awards will be held in Alton Towers’ official coach park – which has capacity for 90 coaches. The trade exhibition and driving skill tests areas are immediately adjacent. The road run is being shortened. Organiser Paul Cousins said this was to do mainly with reducing expense – given the high cost of fuel – although it would need to be long enough to have meaningful timing points and to ‘sort the men from the boys’.

Full details of the offers available

05/11/2012 19:57

November 7, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

“Young people are already among the biggest users of buses, but they also represent the future market for bus travel...”

Rebecca Fuller to entrants can be found on the website and will accompany official entry forms. Entry fees are £285 plus VAT. The cost covers two tickets to the dinner which also includes a pre-dinner drinks reception and wine on the table.

Discounted room rates are available at both Alton Towers hotels. These can be secured only with a code number which will be issued to each confirmed rally booking by the rally organisers.

Discounts also apply for the families and guests of entrants who wish to enter the theme park. A ticket covering up to a maximum of 10 people is available for £200. Single person discounted tickets work out at £21 each. Normal entry prices are £46 adults and £37 for children.

In closing the meeting, Stephen Telling issued a special thanks to Irizar UK which was not only a sponsor of the event but had provided a new i6, complete with special graphics designed by Ray Stenning, for promotional purposes.

He confirmed there were already 10 rally entries and six exhibitors had confirmed their appearance.

Chris Cheek said he hoped many rally entrants would be nominated for the Awards. The organisation received over 250 nominations last year. He said he was particularly keen to hear from operators about the coach-friendliness of venues and attractions.

A new joint web portal has been created at www.ukcra.org.uk. Visit the previous UKCA website, which includes comprehensive awards infoormation at www. ukcoachawards.co.uk and the UK Coach Rally at www. coachdisplays.co.uk.

New website for National Holidays Coach holiday operator National Holidays has launched its newlook website which features a new design and improved user-friendly functionality for customers.

Following extensive research with customers, the revamped www.nationalholidays.com has been redesigned with an easy-touse interface to make it quicker for customers to search the company’s range of short breaks and holidays and manage their online bookings.

Customers can now search by holiday type (e.g. city breaks, river cruises, family breaks etc), destination, hotel name, show or keywords.

The website allows visitors to find their nearest departure points by entering their postcode and search holidays from more than one departure point at the same time.

Plus, once customers have done a holiday search for the first time, the site remembers the customer’s chosen departure point, making it quicker and easier for customers to find their perfect holiday when they next return to the site.

It is directly integrated with the firm’s computerised booking system, allowing customers to see live seat availability and departure times for each holiday, choose their preferred seats and complete their booking using an online payment facility. For the first time customers can pay the balance of their holiday online by logging into a safe and secure personal account area.

When searching for holidays,

pteg Column p36

users can create a shortlist of favourite holidays and produce a detailed comparison page, which they can share with friends.

Customers can also share pages directly with their friends and immediately join National Holidays’ social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Andrew Talbot, Head of E-Commerce at National Holidays, said: “The internet has played a significant and increasing role in our business over the last few years, with a considerable share of customers now booking online, plus many more are using the website to research their holiday.

“This new site represents a step change in the online customer experience we can offer. Customers can now see our special offers immediately, find holidays more easily with the enhanced search facility, refine their results, and benefit from much more holiday and destination information. We now have a brand new platform at the heart of our online marketing activity to continue our growth in online business and enhance the National Holidays brand.”

Shearings-owned National Holidays’ new website

Stagecoach invests in megabus �leet Stagecoach has announced a £3.2m investment in 11 Plaxton Elites coaches for megabus.com.

The fleet of 15-metre coaches equipped with free WiFi will be delivered in December and introduced on routes covering Scotland and England.

Megabus.com covers around 60 locations across the UK and carries around 5m passengers a year.

The 75-seaters will run mainly on two routes: Glasgow – Edinburgh – Newcastle – Sheffield – London; and Preston – Manchester – London. They may also be used on some London – Leeds and London Exeter – Plymouth services.

Included in the order is a coach in a special metallic version of the megabus.com livery to mark the 10th anniversary of the budget service in 2013.

Ian Laing, General Manager for megabus.com, said: “Demand for great value inter-city travel just keeps on growing, especially with the rising cost of owning and running a car and the further stretch on household budgets.

These new state-of-the-art coaches will deliver more capacity on key routes we operate in the UK. “We have worked closely with Plaxton over the past 10 months on developing this new model. It sets new standards of accessibility for our customers with impaired mobility, as well as offering great comfort all round. The new fleet will also provide lower carbon footprint for our business.”

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news

Euro 6 delivers fuel and emissions savings New Citaros & Setras competed in the Record Run Buses 2012 Daimler says its recent experiment to achieve a simultaneous reduction in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions with Euro 6-compliant vehicles has proved successful. In the Record Run Buses 2012 the new Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz Citaro urban regular-service bus and the Setra ComfortClass 500 touring coach demonstrated achieved their goal.

The five vehicles taking part covered a total distance of 18,000km under impartial supervision. The event showed the buses deliver the promised fuel savings of 4-6% (Citaro) and 5-6% (Setra) but can even noticeably

Positive start for new CBW sales website

Coachandbusmarket.com, the online coach, bus and minibus marketplace launched by Coach & Bus Week last week, has been praised by users for its professional look and ease of operation.

Claire Burnett at Dawson Rentals said: “The site is very easy to use.

Personally I’ve found it easier to navigate than other trade media such as Van Trader and Auto Trader.

There has been no real teething trouble.”

Mark Willgoose, Head of Sales at Ben Weaver Commercials, said: “The adverts on the website look very good. They’re laid out well and look very professional. We’ve had quite a lot of views on the vehicles we’ve added already.

“We’ve spent a while uploading some of the vehicles but only because there’s often so much to say about buses when writing the description.”

Steve Swain, Managing Director at Southdown PSV, said: “I like [coachandbusmarket.com] very much. It’s easy to use and easy to search for different vehicles. We will certainly be using it more in the future.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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surpass these figures. Another insight gained from the Record Run Buses 2012 is that Euro 6 can also pay off economically.

The vehicles completed a demanding round-the-clock schedule between October 22 and 26. Loaded at 50% of their respective payload with a realistic 3.2t of ballast, the three Citaros each covered a distance of about 1,400km in demanding urban traffic. The two high-deck Setra ComfortClass 500s travelled about 9000km each in long-distance trips on public roads.

The urban traffic in Hesse’s capital Wiesbaden (Citaro) and trips between Leipzig and Hamburg as well as trips in the quadrangle

formed by the cities of Leipzig/ Sangershausen, Schweinfurt, Hof and Bautzen (Setra) presented challenging routes for the five buses.

Three versions of the Citaro were used – a new Euro 6 model with an OM 936h 7.7-litre 299bhp engine against directly comparable Euro 5 predecessors, one with an OM 906hLA 6.4-litre 286bhp engine and another with an OM 457hLA 299bhp unit. Transmissions, final drive ratios and tyres were identical in all versions.

With a fuel consumption of 38.7 l/100 km the new Euro 6 Citaro outperformed its predecessors by 3.6 l/100km or 8.5%. Assuming an annual mileage of 60,000km it would save euro 2,700 per annum

A Citaro operated by Premiere Travel – as seen here by Steve Hodgson

Premiere Travel to accept other operators’ tickets Premiere Travel has decided to allow passengers with other operators’ tickets to travel on its services in an attempt to overcome disruption caused by tram works.

The firm started the scheme last Monday (October 29) along its Red 5 route to Long Eaton.

According to the Nottingham Post, Jamie Swift, Brand Manager at Premiere Travel, said: “There have been times when the journey times of our buses have been doubled between the city centre and Long Eaton because of the roadworks

along University Boulevard and Queen’s Road.

“We need to work together as bus companies and ensure people keep on using them.

Of course, we’d like other operators to join us in the offer but whether they do or not doesn’t matter to us.

We want to make it easier for bus passengers full stop.”

“The worst situation would be if people started abandoning the buses and thought that taking their cars would be quicker – that would result in even more traffic.”

and cut 5700kg in CO2 emissions at the same time.

The results for coach were similar. The Euro 6 Setra with its new Mercedes-Benz OM 470 428bhp was directly compared to an S 415 GT-HD ComfortClass 400 predecessor model with an OM 457 LA 428bhp engine with identical gear and final drive ratios as well as tyres. Both vehicles were fully loaded to the maximum permissible GVW of 18 tonnes.

Travelling a distance of 7,000km with an average fuel consumption of 21.0 litres/100km the new ComfortClass S515 HD outperformed the Euro 5 model by 1.9 l/100km or 8.2%. Given current fuel price of around €1.50 a litre and an annual mileage of 100,000km it saves the operator about €2,850 in fuel costs, at 180,000km the savings amount to more than €5,000 a year. The respective reductions in CO 2 emissions are around 5,000kg and 9,000kg a year.

First Devon and Cornwall strike postponed

Drivers for First Devon and Cornwall have postponed their planned strike on Thursday (November 8) to allow discussions about a new offer which has been tabled by the operator.

The company said it was pleased the strike had been postponed. A statement said: “It follows talks on Friday November 2 during which a new offer was tabled by the company.”

The RMT union is consulting its members on the offer which guarantees staff a 2% pay increase from December 2 and a further 2.3% increase from April next year.

The company added: “We continue to work with the union to resolve the ongoing dispute.”

Strike halted – for now at least

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news › international

Winnebago enters bus market Renowned RV builder diversifies into the transit market USA Winnebago Industries Inc., known for its motor homes or recreational vehicles (RVs) is entering the bus market with a large transit-style minibus called Metro Link.

Winnebago’s chairman, CEO and president, Randy Potts, told US journalists it was part of Winnebago’s effort to diversify its business in a way to avert a repeat of a downturn in 2008 which caused the company to close one factory and shrink its work force

from a peak of 4,220 in August 2004 to 1,694 five years later.

“My challenge is to make Winnebago the leader in the industry in unit volume, in revenues and profits, naturally.

Beyond that, we do need to look for ways of expanding our business, either parallel to or outside the RV market,” said Potts.

The Winnebago of Indiana LLC subsidiary was established, which builds SunnyBrook and Winnebago brand towable products. This facility will start to manufacture the buses.

Three 25-seat prototypes have already have been built

One of the new Ambiental Trans-bodied Scania trolleybuses

Scania delivers underpinnings for trolleybuses to Sao Paulo BRAZIL Scania is delivering chassis modules to a new fleet of 101 trolleybuses for Ambiental Trans to run on dedicated, electric bus lanes in São Paulo in response to stricter regulations to combat climate change. The new tri-axle 15m trolleybus was showcased at the recent FetransRio public transport fair in Rio De Janeiro and other operators are also in talks with Scania regarding trolleybuses.

When developing the vehicle, Scania engineered it to allow high passenger capacity - achieving 96 instead of 80 for a conventional two-axle city bus. The trolleybus has a high-output WEG electric motor which eliminates the need for a gearbox. It drives the bus via a www.coachandbusweek.com

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propeller shaft to the drive axle.

The body is built by Caio and all the electrical integration is carried out by Electra. A bank of backup batteries under the dome on the roof provides an operating range of 3-5 km in case of power failure or re-routing.

Public transport in São Paulo is delivered by 17,000 buses. Interest in trolleybuses is increasing for environmental reasons and the current fleet of 400 is expanding.

Wilson Pereira, Scania Brazil, said: “A prototype Scania trolleybus with another operator in São Paulo has shown that the concept works well in practice. We are continuing talks about an extended order with this operator.”

and tested with demonstration vehicles already going to potential customers.

Potts said: “Getting into the transit bus business is not exactly a novel notion at Winnebago. It’s actually a project we’ve been working on for 25 years. We have a very unique and competitive offering which we’re going to be working out.”

The company is in the process of finalising a distribution agreement.

Potts commented: “This is a story the company has not trumpeted.

Sometimes it’s better to have a soft start but the market will hear plenty about Winnebago’s transit

bus. It’s different from anybody’s transit bus out there.

“Production at Winnebago will start slowly as market needs dictate, Potts added. “We’ll turn out whatever we can sell; we’re starting small. We’ll actually be starting up production this winter or early spring, as soon as we take orders to take it beyond small scale.”

He believed additional hiring was likely but largely dependent on market response. “These things don’t require a lot of labour,” he said. “We are able to leverage a lot of what we have from our motor homes.”

SOUTH AFRICA Iveco and Larimar Group, a South African public transport operator and bus bodybuilder, have established a joint venture to manufacture trucks and buses, in South Africa.

The agreement underpins Iveco’s strategy of manufacturing globally, while tailoring products for local needs.

The new company (Newco), in which Iveco holds a 60% share, is based in Pretoria with an annual capacity for 7,000 trucks, 1,000 buses. It employs a workforce of around 1,000. Newco will assemble light, medium and heavy duty commercial vehicles plus front engined and lowfloor city buses.

Production will start in the second half of 2013 with the Eurocargo range.

Alfredo Altavilla, CEO of Iveco, said: “This joint venture is targeted to serve both the local market, which is one of the most prominent in the region, as well as neighbouring countries federated within the Southern African Customs Union. Newco will leverage on the extensive product portfolio Iveco has available both in Western Europe and in China.”

The trucks will be marketed

by Iveco South Africa to the entire southern African region,

through its existing distribution network, whereas the buses will be distributed directly by the joint venture.

Franco Pisapia, Larimar MD, said: “Larimar Group is highly honoured to enter this partnership with Iveco and contribute to Iveco’s growth in Africa. We are proud to contribute our manufacturing experience in South Africa and specifically our knowledge of the bus market and of bus bodywork manufacturing.”

Iveco offers a dedicated range of models engineered for the local market - operating across the continent with 40 dealers and over 50 sales points. Over 70 service points provide aftersales assistance to customers all over Africa.

Larimar Group‘s history began in 1934 when Italian immigrant Gaetano Carleo started a single bus operation linking Alexander township to Johannesburg. The business expanded organically and through joint ventures. In 1965 he concentrated on upgrading and developing Africa Body & Coach.

In 1970 Carleo Enterprise was formed with the sole purpose of acquiring Putco in 1971 - realising Carleo’s dream of having a foothold in the public transport and industrial sectors.

Putco expanded with operations in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban. In 1982 Putco established a Foundation with the purpose of contributing to communities afflicted by poverty and unemployment. The Foundation has since educated students and produced medical doctors and engineers.

Iveco in joint venture with Larimar Group

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news › financial

Nat Ex posts solid results for the third quarter Coach division recovering from concessionary fares withdrawal with revenue increasing elsewhere ahead of difficult future National Express Group (NX) has released its interim management statement for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012 and the nine months ended September 30, 2012 (the “year-to-date”).

In Spain, long-term contracted business grew revenue by 3% year-to-date, while Morocco was up 20%.

North American school bus revenue grew 2% year-todate. Over 800 net new buses were added in 2012 from 26 new contracts, including eight conversions. Average renewal pricing rose by nearly 2%.

Revenue and profit in the UK Bus business continued to grow, with commercial revenue up 3% year-to-date. Both labour costs and increased concessionary fares have been secured under new medium term arrangements.

The operator said it has been a difficult year for the UK Coach business, with the withdrawal of the government’s concessionary scheme. A million fewer concessionary journeys are expected in 2012. To offset

this NX has added new routes and increased frequencies, with non-concessionary revenue on the express coach business up 1% year-to-date. Non-concessionary volume growth was up 4% year-todate, offsetting the concessionary passenger shortfall for the first time in September. While Olympicrelated contract work benefitted the third quarter, NX expects the majority of the £15m annual concessionary income loss to impact profit in the current year.

Revenue grew in the rail division, supported by a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games, which saw c2c provide an extra 1.5m seats.

The group completed its fuel

NX increased has increased frequencies on its coach services

Demand shifts for Daimler Buses as group profit drops Daimler released its third quarter interim report on October 24.

Daimler’s net profit for Q3 of 2012 was €1,205m (Q3 2011: €1,360m). Group revenue was up by 8% to €28.6bn (Q3 2011: €26.4bn). The group achieved a 1% increase in total unit sales to 528,600 vehicles.

Daimler Buses sold 8,300 buses and bus chassis worldwide in the third quarter of 2012 (Q3 2011: 9,200). As in the two previous quarters, the lower volume of unit sales was primarily due to weaker demand for bus chassis in Latin America, while the business www.coachandbusweek.com

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hedging programme for 2013 at an average Brent oil equivalent price of $100/barrel (48p/litre, compared to 43p for 2012). This will result in 2013 fuel costs increasing by approximately £11m year-on-year.

The forthcoming IAS 19 pension accounting change in 2013 will have an adverse impact of approximately £2m to the UK Bus division earnings, with negligible effect on operating profit in other divisions.

NX said the outlook for 2013 remains challenging with low economic growth, government funding pressure and fuel cost inflation likely to constrain the groups’ progress.

with complete buses was at the prior-year level. In Western Europe, Daimler Buses increased its unit sales by 6% to 1,600 vehicles.

While the recovery of Daimler’s city-bus business continued, unit sales of intercity buses and coaches decreased.

Due to the good development of demand in Mexico, Daimler Buses increased its sales in the NAFTA region by 4% to 1,000 units. In Latin America, unit sales decreased due to weak demand in Brazil, the region’s biggest market. The stricter Euro V emission standards were introduced in Brazil at the

beginning of 2012. In Latin America (excluding Mexico), Daimler Buses sold 4,800 bus chassis of the Mercedes-Benz brand (Q3 2011: 5,600).

Daimler Buses is expecting sales in 2012 will be significantly lower than in 2011 and the company expects weaker demand this year above all in Latin America because of the introduction of Euro V emission regulations.

In Brazil, Daimler estimated favourable financing conditions in the context of the state FINAME program should lead to a revival of demand towards the end of the year.

For its business with complete buses in Europe, Daimler anticipates similar sales volumes to those in 2011.

Scania sees hit to operating profit Scania has seen a drop of more than a third in operating income over the first nine months of 2012.

The manufacturer’s operating income fell to SEK 6,135m, from 9,657m previously, while earnings per share fell to SEK 5.94 from 9.11.

Net sales decreased by 12% to SEK 57,261m (64,795) and cash flow amounted to SEK 2,176m (3,866) in vehicles and services.

Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Scania, commented: “Lower vehicle volume, lower capacity utilisation and a higher level of costs have pulled down earnings.

“In Europe, the first part of the third quarter is usually characterised by low activity.

However, order bookings in September continued at the same low level in many markets, affected by lower economic activity and hesitancy among customers to invest in new vehicles. This is despite a growing replacement need in Europe, given the low truck deliveries in recent years. In Brazil, the market has been at a lower level compared to the previous year due to the transition to Euro 5 and a weaker economy.

“However, extensive subsidies had a positive effect on order bookings for trucks at the end of the quarter. In Russia, demand is at a good level. In Asia, order bookings were lower than the previous quarters, mainly attributable to a major order in China during the first half of 2012 and a downturn in the Middle East during the third quarter. The outlook in the Middle East is uncertain. Order bookings for buses remained at a low level. Engines noted weaker order bookings in all regions during the second quarter and the trend continued in the third quarter.

“Service demand is generally at a stable level. However, in Europe, service demand is decreasing, which is partly offset by the ageing vehicle population.

“The short-term outlook is very difficult to judge and imposes stricter demands for volume flexibility and cost control. The strengthening of the Swedish krona is having a negative impact, as a large proportion of Scania’s cost base is in Sweden.”

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news › financial

MAN commercial vehicle divisions struggle Truck & Bus order intake falls by 16% while Power Engineering gives solid performance Dr.-Ing. Georg Pachta-Reyhofen, CEO of MAN SE, issued a statement outlining the firm’s performance over the first nine months of 2012.

He said: “The sovereign debt crisis in the Euro Zone led to market uncertainty and is holding back economic growth. We are also seeing a downturn in a number of markets outside of Europe.

These developments translate into shrinking order books throughout the sector, including at MAN. This is compounded in the commercial vehicles business by other factors such as the introduction of the Euro 5 emission standard in Brazil at the beginning of 2012. However, we are now receiving more positive reports from South America.

“MAN Group’s order intake fell to €3.5bn in the third quarter, down 14% on the prior-year level. This is attributable to the Commercial Vehicles business area.

Order intake at MAN Truck & Bus declined by 16% in the months

of July to September. The number of orders received by MAN Latin America increased as against the previous quarter, opening up more optimistic prospects for the fourth quarter. In the Power Engineering business area, continued market weakness in the shipping industry, among other things, saw orders at MAN Diesel & Turbo decline by 9% in the first three quarters of 2012.

Thanks to strong results in the

Turbomachinery strategic business unit, order intake rebounded by a total of 8% in the third quarter.

“Revenue in the MAN Group in the third quarter of 2012 declined slightly compared with the prioryear quarter, falling 4% to roughly €3.9bn. At €11.6bn, revenue in the first nine months of 2012 was slightly below the prior-year level (–3%). Revenue figures in the Power Engineering business area

MAN plans to continue its efforts to cut costs

Stagecoach stays on course

Volvo Buses suffers sales slump

Stagecoach Group expects no significant change to projected profit in the year ending April 30, 2013.

Like-for-like revenue grew across most of the group’s main businesses, with a particularly large 10.7% increase in the revenue of the North American business, for the five months ended September 30.

The like-for-like revenue growth of 3.6% reported for UK Bus (regional operations) in the 24 weeks ended October 14 excludes the revenue earned from Olympic contracts.

The 0.9% decline in revenue at UK Bus (London) is consistent with Stagecoach’s previous expectation that some less profitable contracts would not be retained as it restructured the

In its third-quarter statement, Volvo Buses stated its profitability has been impacted by lower sales.

Volvo Buses’ deliveries during the third quarter of 2012 amounted to 2,137 buses, compared with 2,954 the same period last year, down 28%.

All main markets outside of Asia had lower deliveries during the third quarter 2012 compared to the same period last year. Market shares in Europe improved, partly due to the sale of Hybrid buses.

Volvo Buses has sold more than 800 Hybrid buses in 20 countries with demand for such products increasing.

Order intake in the third quarter of 2012 amounted to 2,267 buses compared with 2,580 in the same

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Revenue growth in North America was particularly impressive acquired business and improved its overall profitability. This reflects the revenue lost from contracts which ended during the year to April 30, 2012.

In October 2012 the Group issued $150m of loan notes in a private placement transaction with United States investors, which will mature in October 2022. The funds raised were used to repay bank loans initially drawn to finance the July 2012 acquisitions from Coach America and accordingly the headroom available under existing bank facilities has increased.

rose by 13% year-on-year in the third quarter, while the Commercial Vehicles business area recorded a decrease of 8%.

“The MAN Group generated an operating profit of €656m in the first three quarters, compared with €1,083m the previous year.

This decrease is attributable to the commercial vehicles business area, where operating profit declined to €307m. The return on sales for the MAN Group was 5.7%, compared with 9.0% last year. The power engineering business area contributed €104m to earnings and Renk turned in an encouraging business performance, with order intake, revenue and operating profit all increasing in the third quarter.

“Overall, our results are unsatisfactory, which is why we will drive forward our efforts to cut costs. However, this does not rule out further investment in research and development, or in the sales and after-sales network — areas that are important for the future.

“We are confirming our outlook for the MAN Group for the current fiscal year and continue to expect a slight decline in revenue. Given the contraction in the European commercial vehicles market and the ongoing muted demand in Latin America, we are expecting revenue in the Commercial Vehicles business area to decline by somewhat more than 5%.” period last year. In the third quarter, net sales decreased by 16% to SEK 4,256m (5,043). Adjusted for currency movements, net sales decreased by 15%. Buses reported an operating loss of SEK 58m compared to an operating profit of SEK 205m last year. Operating margin was a negative 1.4% (positive 4.1).

Volvo stated operating margin was negatively affected by continued low volumes, a negative market mix and low capacity utilisation. Operating income was positively impacted by changes in currency exchange rates in an amount of SEK 79m.

Volvo said demand for buses continues to be low in most of the world markets except for Asia. In Europe, the total market for the first eight months was 9% lower compared to the same period in 2011. The total market for the full year is estimated to be at an all-time low, amounting to around 21,000 units.

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news › REGIONAL

NORTHERN IRELAND

Translink has announced improved punctuality for Belfast’s new bus lanes following a reconfiguration in September.

However, after the launch of the Belfast on the Move scheme, motorists reported being caught in tailbacks.

Earlier this month a taskforce was set up to oversee the operation of the bus lanes and to ensure they run smoothly.

Belfast Lord Mayor Gavin Robinson said although Translink reported the scheme was already successful, the multi-agency group wanted to ensure the private lanes for motorists are also operating as they should.

There were fears the congestion could have resulted in a loss of business for city traders, but Belfast Chamber of Commerce’s Joe Jordan said the traffic problems had settled down and there was no reported loss in takings.

Six weeks after the extra bus lanes were put in place, Translink’s Ciaran Rogan said the company is already seeing big benefits.

“We would measure the number of buses which we have to replace in services in the city centre because of traffic delays and that has reduced by almost a third since the bus lanes were introduced,” explained Mr Rogan.

“It was clear to everyone the situation has improved over the past numbers of weeks. It took a week or two for people to get used to the bus lanes but now it has bedded in our buses are getting through the city centre more quickly, they’re more on time, more reliable and our customers are really seeing the benefits.”

WALES

Cardiff Bus has launched two new fare deals on its services for short journeys and passengers travelling in small groups.

The new ‘Short hop’ fare costs £1 for a single ticket, which covers a single journey within one of three fare zones: the city centre, Canton and Albany Road.

The ‘Groupiff’ fare allows four adults to travel on Cardiff Bus services after 1900hrs Monday to Saturday, all day Sunday and on bank holidays for £6. Each ‘Groupiff’ ticket is valid until the last bus.

Marketing Manager at Cardiff Bus Victoria Rees-Price said: “The introduction of the ‘Short hop’ comes after dicussions www.coachandbusweek.com

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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.

Thamesmead and Bexleyheath, was the most reliable according to the data, with 93.4% of buses on schedule.

The B16 route, running between Kidbrooke and Bexleyheath, was the least with only 80.6% of journeys arriving on time.

Of TfL’s non-timetabled (frequent) routes – which operate a set number of buses every hour rather than a timetable – the 472 from Thamesmead to North Greenwich was most reliable with passengers having to wait an average of just 4.5 minutes.

Meanwhile, route 89 from Slade Green to Lewisham suffered the most delays with 3.5% of buses running between 20 and 30 minutes late.

KEY

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

SOUTH WEST

with passengers told us cost effectiveness is crucial in how they make travel decisions within the city and to accommodate this, we have made the necessary changes to our fare structure.”

Cardiff Bus Chairman Ben Thomas added it was hoped the smaller fare would reduce the number of cars on the roads in Canton, Cathays and Grangetown and show public transport as cost effective.

MIDLANDS

Arriva Midlands has introduced three new Mercedes Citaros, representing an investment of just over £450,000, along route 12, which links Telford Town Centre with Brookside via Stirchley.

The buses were launched at The International Centre in Telford by David Wright MP, Vic Rainsford from Telford & Wrekin Senior Citizens Forum, Alex Perry, Regional Managing Director for Arriva Midlands and Helen Hill, Transport Operations Group Manager at Telford & Wrekin Council.

Alex Perry said: “We are committed to providing a well run, reliable service in the local communities we operate in.”

SOUTH EAST

Arriva has extended the area covered by its Tunbridge Wells Extra ticket which allows unlimited travel on its services throughout Tunbridge Wells,

Southborough and Tonbridge.

The ticket can now be used to Pembury village and on the 228 and 229 services as far as Eridge, Crowborough and Jarvis Brook and costs £5.20 for a day, £21 for a whole week and £69 for four weeks.

Four-weekly tickets bought online from Arriva’s website or by using mobile phones are 10% cheaper.

A similar range of tickets, covering just the Tonbridge or the Tunbridge Wells areas continue to be available.

Arriva’s Regional Publicity Manager Richard Lewis said: “Not only does the ticket offer great value but it also avoids the need for customers to pay every time they use the bus, helping our drivers keep to time and the more they use the ticket, the more they save.

“We hope the ease of buying these great-value tickets will encourage people to consider using the bus for their local journeys and this will help reduce congestion and pollution in the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells area.”

LONDON

The punctuality of timetabled buses in Bexley has improved this year.

Of the 13 timetabled routes running in the borough, 86.8% of buses were on time between April 1 and June 22 according to figures from Transport for London (TfL) which is an improvement of 4.3% on the same period last year.

The 401, which runs between

The New Forest Tour has been shortlisted for the 2012 Virgin Holiday Responsible Tourism Awards.

The awards were founded in 2004 to celebrate inspiring stories in responsible tourism. Organised by responsibletravel.com and sponsored by Virgin Holidays, the awards work with Metro, World Travel Market, International Centre for Responsible Tourism and Geographical Magazine to recognize change in the tourism industry.

This year, over 1,600 nominations were scrutinised by a panel of industry experts.

The awards were presented today (Wednesday November 7), which is World Responsible Tourism Day, at the World Travel Market in London at 1030hrs.

The overall winner and the winner and highly commended for each category was also revealed.

The New Forest Tour is a partnership between Bluestar, Wilts & Dorset and the New Forest National Park Authority with numbers having increased from 9,000 passenger journeys in 2006 to nearly 34,000 in 2011. The hopon, hop-off Tour allows visitors to experience the spectacular views on offer in the New Forest National Park and has two interchangeable routes which include national attractions, towns and villages.

David Harrison, Lead Member for Transport at the New Forest National Park, said: “The New Forest Tour partners are delighted to be shortlisted for such a high profile award. The Tour plays an important role in

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news › REGIONAL

reducing the impact of traffic and transport on the special qualities of the National Park and provides a memorable experience for thousands of customers during the summer months. I am delighted the growth and on-going success of the Tour has been recognised in this way.”

FirstGroup is set to introduce major changes to services in Gosport, Fareham, Portsmouth and Waterlooville.

The changes will be in affect from Sunday, November 18, with new service numbers and routes that will affect almost all First services in the area.

Though these changes have been described as “drastic”, it is hoped they will make the services less complicated and more efficient.

Staff have been on hand to talk to residents and give out timetables and maps in Lawrence Square, Gosport this week and at the Podium Bandstand in Fareham.

Unmanned displays detailing the changes have been installed at the Gosport ferry terminal and at the First Travel Shops in Gosport and Fareham, where timetables and

First has introduced 98 new Wright-bodied Volvo B9TLs onto roads in Leeds as part of a £20m fleet investment which has been approved by customers who were consulted on the interior design of the buses.

Disabled customers and parents were some of the groups consulted to ensure the layout suited their needs. The buses include increased legroom and leather seats, together with both internal and external CCTV cameras. They are also fitted with GPS satellite tracking to monitor bus punctuality.

The buses have already seen service on the A65 bus corridor in Leeds and other routes are set to follow. Customers in Bradford, Huddersfield and Calderdale will also benefit as existing newer buses from Leeds will be moved to these areas and older vehicles will be taken out of the fleet.

Ben Gilligan, Service Delivery Director for First in Yorkshire, said: “This multi-million pound investment in new buses is great news for Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire area and demonstrates our desire to improve services for our customers by working closely with all our partners.

“These new vehicles are

network maps are also available.

Marc Reddy, Regional Commercial and Business Growth Director for First in the South West, said: “We’ve taken a step back, wiped the slate clean and developed something which we think will offer people what they need and which better matches the demand for travel overall.”

In addition, the group is introducing changes to bus services and routes in Somerset which came into effect on Sunday (November 4). ​In Somerset, affected services include the Bridgwater town centre and Bridgwater to Watchet routes, as well as several routes from Taunton to Dulverton, Wells, Axminster and Yeovil. The Sunday service during the winter for Service 112 in Weston-super-Mare has been reintroduced, alongside additional journeys added to services throughout the area.

A spokesman for FirstGroup said: “Some of these changes have been made in response to passenger requests while others are to improve reliability and punctuality, others will significantly enhance the service we offer to our customers.”

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

The next UK Bus Awards Annual Conference will take place in Fareham.

It will feature a visit to Hampshire’s Eclipse BRT project (pictured)

2012 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 n November 20-21 ATCO Winter Conference 2012. Local Government Association House, London, SW1. Will include AGM. www.atco.org.uk n December 15-16 Santa at the Oxford Bus Museum. 01993 883617. www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk

2013 n January 1 New Year’s Holiday Open Day. Oxford Bus Museum. 01993 883617. www. oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk n January 1 Annual King Alfred Running Day, Winchester.

Further information from www. fokab.org.uk k

the latest in terms of being environmentally friendly and provide a credible alternative to car journeys, offering people choice when they are travelling around the area.”

Welcoming the move, David Sidebottom, Director of Passenger Focus (pictured above left), said: “I applaud First’s efforts to work with passengers, and particularly disability awareness groups, to ensure these latest buses are the very best in terms of accessibility, customer manoeuvrability and comfort.”

n January 24 CPT Annual Dinner 2013, Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, 45 Prescot Street, London E1 8GP. For further details, call 020 7240 3131 or visit www.cpt-uk.org n March 13-14 Best of Britain and Ireland (BoBi). Travel Trade Forum at the NEC in Birmingham. 01926 834796. www.

bestofbritainandirelandevent.co.uk

n March 20-21 UK Bus Awards Annual Conference. The conference is booked to take place in Fareham and will feature a visit to Hampshire’s Eclipse BRT project.

Further deatils in due course. www.ukbusawards.org.uk n April 6 South East Bus Festival 2013. Kent Showground, near Maidstone, Kent, brought to you by the organisers of ‘M&D 100’ and ‘M&D and EK 60’. www.facebook. com/southeastbusfestival n April 9-11 CV Show 2013. NEC, Birmingham. www.cvshow.com n April 20-21 UK Coach Awards & UK Coach Rally. Alton Towers, Staffordshire. 01753 631170 www.coachdisplays.co.uk or www. ukcoachawards.co.uk n May 14-15 ALBUM Conference.

Belton Woods Hotel near Grantham, Lincolnshire. www.albumconference. co.uk n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition. Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 610 n July 21 Alton Bus Rally. Anstey Park, Anstey Lane, Alton, Hants. www.altonbusrally.org.uk n July 28 The Annual Peterborough Bus & Commercial Vehicle Rally. Sacrewell Farm (A47/A1 junction). All buses and commercials welcome. Free entry.

07828 754412 or 01462 626750k n September 22 Showbus 2013.

Imperial War Museum, Duxford. www.tshowbus.com n October 2-3 Coach & Bus Live 2013. NEC, Birmingham. www. coachandbuslive.com n October 18-23 Busworld Kortrijk. Kortrijk, Belgium. http:// kortrijk.busworld.org/

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

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The revised Enviro500 has recaptured its traditional Hong Kong market following a raft of modifications to improve comfort and reduce service downtime

New developments from ADL and Plaxton A strong order book and an expanding product portfolio sees ADL developing new markets in its bid to bust the recession “There’s an awful lot going on,” said Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) CEO Colin Robertson as he unveiled new products and developments to the media just before the Euro Bus Expo. The two key products, new Enviro500 double deckers aimed specifically at Hong Kong and North American markets and the 15m Plaxton Elite i with its high-capacity interdeck configuration can be seen at the show this week; yet they are only the tip of an iceberg as a raft of revisions and developments for other market sectors are imminent.

Robertson pledged ADL would www.coachandbusweek.com

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continue to internationalise its business but never lose sight of the fact its core market – and home base – remains the UK. He said ADL was committed to bring to market a revolutionary, all-new double deck in late 2013/ early 2014 to coincide with the introduction of Euro 6 legislation.

Plans for the new-generation Enviro400 are well advanced and customers have been at the heart of the concept, design and development work for the past year. No less than 50 operators, ranging from giant PLCs to small and medium-sized businesses, have been involved in the ongoing, continuous programme of customer engagement exercises.

“I’m committed to ensuring the

Colin Robertson: clear ambitions of ADL becoming a global supplier

company becomes more engaged with customers. We have done a lot of listening to customer likes, dislikes, complaints, criticism and praise. We’ve been on the garage walkabouts and talked to drivers, technicians and parts people.

The feedback has been extremely useful and we’ve taken all the positive ideas and suggestions on board and designed improvements into existing and new products.

It’s our aim to ensure the vehicles are not only reliable but easy to maintain and everything which may need some attention is accessible.”

Despite the economic situation and slow market, Robertson was pleased ADL was ‘doing reasonably well.’ He maintained ADL had been flexible enough to respond to the peaks and troughs caused by events like the replacement of London’s articulated bus fleet and demand for buses to cover the Olympic Games and was confident in stating ADL had not missed a delivery date in more than three years. He indicated the business would hit turnover of around £470-480m this

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Upper deck interior of the low height Enviro500 for Hong Kong

The first 15m Plaxton Elite i Volvo B11RT - one of 11 for megabus.com year – buoyed by positive sales in the United States, Canada and Hong Kong. Recognising there was much to do with ADL’s recent acquisition, Custom Coaches in Australia, he maintained there was huge potential for the business.

Robertson is confident, as a result of the listening and learning project, the new flagship will be stylish, lighter, more fuel-efficient, more reliable, easier to repair and maintain, and will reduce whole-life costs substantially.

“It will also usher in a radical, new approach to how we build buses,” he said. “This business is not about producing the most glamorous Ferrari of the bus world.

It is about practical, fit-for-purpose vehicles which deliver what they promise. Yes, we want them to look smart and stylish but, along with this, they need to be built using modern manufacturing processes.

These are the fundamentals to enable build consistency across all products and in all locations and will raise the bar still further on quality, while keeping costs in check. Essentially, I want ADL to

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develop a product which doesn’t break. However, we have to market it at a competitive price – it’s no good making something £20,000 more expensive because we’d struggle to sell it.”

As a business, said Robertson, ADL has a reputation for delivering what it promises: The original Enviro400, a vehicle with seven more seats on the lower floor than any other in its class when launched – and 18% more fuel efficient than its forerunner. A vehicle consistently improved and consistently the bestselling double deck in the western world.

The improved Enviro200, a bus introduced with a 10% fuel reduction over its predecessor.

A proven, fuel-efficient, reliable vehicle in a class of its own - and the best-selling midi bus in the world.

The Enviro400H, providing vastly improved fuel efficiency, in many cases by 60 to 70%, and as a consequence muchreduced emissions. It is now the best-selling hybrid-electric bus in Europe.

The class-leading Elite coach.

The revolutionary low-height Enviro500 and the all-new, high capacity Enviro500, both of which have stormed the markets in North America and Hong Kong, respectively – and between them have further, significant potential.

“These successful new product programmes have not been undertaken on impulse, or driven by vanity,” said Robertson. “They are clear responses to the needs of the market and our determination to stay at the forefront of the industry by delivering innovative vehicles that make a difference for operators and passengers – and, in doing so, address the clean air challenges facing cities around the world.

“Our next generation Enviro400 double deck will address the same fundamentals. It will be lighter, more fuel efficient, more robust, reliable, easier to service and maintain. Thanks to their input, it will address the wants and needs of our customers.

“We will move to production of our next generation hybrid in just a few weeks. This will introduce stop-start technology and reduce fuel consumption – and emissions – by a further 8-10%. We currently have orders for around 90 of the new hybrids and will start to deliver them in the first quarter of 2013.”

Outlining the development of the new Enviro500 models, Richard Winkworth, E500 Project Manager, said: “The new E500 for Hong Kong and low-height versions for North America/Canada are the first in our range to be covered by a specific project team. Primarily these had to display value for the customer and we’ve made it ‘Best in Class’ for fuel efficiency, reliability and maintainability.

“We took on-board all the customer likes and dislikes and effectively started with a clean sheet. The Enviro chassis was already well-packaged and optimised but we have made some significant improvements.

It is now totally optimised for body fitting and requires no modification whatsoever – it goes straight on – no requirement for packing. We’ve looked hard at the reliability of parts and components and their ease of replacement. For instance, the electrical system is less vulnerable to accident damage and either routed away from areas where heat could affect the loom –

or better insulation provided.

“We have also moved to ZF axles and brakes all round. It allows us to employ an offset T-Drive layout. The slope in the rear saloon has reduced from six down to 3.5 degrees which give vastly improved headroom in the area. Moving the batteries to rear of the chassis eliminates the need for long heavy-duty cables – cutting weight and cost while eliminating a source of current loss.

Using short cable runs from the battery to the starter means they can be can be in a considerably lower state of charge and still have the power to turn the engine over.

Moving the batteries to the nearside rear also adds a safety element for any roadside repairs.

“All the changes are in line with Euro 6 in mind too. There is far more room in the engine bay with the engine moved over and the pipework is more neatly organised. The radiator moves to become parallel with the offside panels and the separate charge cooler is mounted at the side – so is easier to clean. There is also room above and towards the front which means larger radiators for Euro 6 will fit without requiring any modifications. The bulkhead between the engine and the passenger saloon is now more substantial and heavily insulated – reducing interior noise and creating a fireproof barrier.

“The steering tag-axle has the potential to reduce the turning circle but is carefully geared to provide a very similar radius to the fixed tag axle. This means tyre wear can be substantially reduced without introducing excessive outswing.”

Moving to ZF axles and braking also allows the implementation of EBS. It will be optional but customers not requiring it will not have a switch installed or the software activated. The system can simply be activated if required in the future by installing the switch and running the software.

All the chassis modifications have resulted in a weight saving of 700kg. This brings the unladen weight of the vehicle to just under 15 tonnes and dramatically boosts passenger capacity. To capitalise on this, a new staircase called the ’squarecase’ has been developed which allows the addition of six further priority seats in the flat lower forward section of the saloon.

‘Squarecase’ has steps of even height and width from top www.coachandbusweek.com

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to bottom and it maintains the ability to house a 350-litre fuel tank underneath – which can be removed from under the vehicle.

The 12m triaxle E500 in Citybus specification seats 90 passengers with 59 on the upper deck, and 31 plus one wheelchair on the lower floor.

In creating the revised E500, ADL has secured orders for 220 from Hong Kong’s KMB and a further 156 from Citybus. KMB is taking 50 with 86 seats plus wheelchair space and 40 standee capacity and 148 with 90 seats, wheelchair space and 42 standees. The remaining 22 are ‘airport specials’ with 85 seats wheelchair space and 42 standees.

The Citybus order comprises 49 buses at 11.3m long and 107 measuring 12m. Of the 12m models, 66 are ‘airport specials’ with 85 seats, wheelchair space and 42 standees.

In addition, New World First Bus is taking 28 of the current generation of E500s. Citybus is taking 20 Enviro400s and KMB has ordered 50 E400s and 11 E200s. MTRC is to acquire six new-

generation 11.3m Enviro500s with 77 seats, including a wheelchair space and capacity for 41 standees.

All are to be delivered before the end of March 2013. The value of the Hong Kong orders is around £110m.

Canada Low-height E500s look like taking a greater percentage of orders across all of North America as the new 13ft 7in height means operators don’t have to acquire a special licence and the movement of the vehicles is less restricted. They were first announced at the APTA show in late 2011.

ADL used the repositioning of batteries to the rear of the bus as the opportunity to drop the driver’s area by six inches and create a means to lower the overall structure. It now has an overall metric height of just over 4.1m – something of a shame it didn’t drop to exactly 4m as this would have opened up European markets.

Ottowa’s OC Transpo is taking 75 and Toronto’s Go Transit has ordered 25. These buses are

expected to operate long distances and consequently carry large (repositioned ) fuel tanks and sacrifice the traditional rear five seat row to incorporate a luggage locker above the rear tag axle. Both operators realise with the new height advantage their buses can be cascaded across their operations and are not purely a one-job specialisation which would reduce their residual and practical value.

Additionally, OC Transpo states the anticipated savings from operating costs alone amount to millions of dollars while it is also not now faced with an anticipated $10m expenditure on infrastructure modifications. The E500s have been shown to use between 40-50% less fuel than the articulated buses they are replacing.

Plaxton Elite i Being launched this week at the NEC, Plaxton’s new 15m Elite i extends its premium coach range with a means to increase the seating capacity over its previous 15m Panthers by 20%. Built initially for long distance express operation

under Stagecoach’s megabus.com branding, these now face type approval legislation which could see their seating capacity reduced to 61. The Elite i, with its interdeck and low driver position allows seating for 71 passengers above and five behind and alongside the driver. Incorporating a wide double door entrance to the lower seating area means only a ramp is required for wheelchair access and the area can quickly be configured for its safe installation and passenger restraint.

Plaxton Sales and Marketing Director Kevin Wood said the company had pulled out all the stops to develop the new Elite from scratch in just 10 months. It shares the existing Elite’s contruction principles with a stainless steel structure, composite side panels, GRP front and rear mouldings and aluminium-skinned luggage locker doors. The quickly-detachable corner sections are retained for ease and speed of repair. Great emphasis has also been placed on the ease of completing daily checks.

Clockwise from top left: Enviro500s for the North American market. Top right: Air tanks relocated to beneath the driver position, Bottom left: Batteries move to nearside rear. Bottom right: Engine moves left to create additional space while cooling pack has more space to expand for Euro 6 modifications www.coachandbusweek.com

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Above: New ‘Squarecase’ creates space for more lower deck seating. Top right: ZF axles and brakes now standard eqipment on Enviro400/500. Below right: ZF portal axle allows offset T-Drive allowing engine repositioning to create space - stronger firewall and heavier insulation also fitted Locker doors on Elite i can be specified to suit vehicle applications. Stagecoach has ordered a single large power operated nearside locker door while the offside access is via three manually operated doors on parallel lift mechanisms.

Plaxton has employed darktinted 3.0mm bonded glazing which is claimed to save considerable weight without compromising structural rigidity. Climate control and air conditioning is provided by a roof-mounted ThermoKing X900 unit. The front windscreen is a twopiece unit and can be optionally fitted with a wiper for the top section.

Kevin Wood indicated pricing for Elite i would be in the region of £320 - £325,000. It weighs just under 16.5 tonnes unladen and appears to have significant export potential as a high capacity people mover along with adequate luggage space provision. He said Plaxton had the scope to take Elite to a double decker design if necessary but did not feel the limitations on www.coachandbusweek.com

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luggage made it a practical option for customers. Stagecoach is taking 11 of the new Elite i models on Volvo B11 Euro 5 triaxle chassis and Plaxton is hoping to market at least 20 or more next year.

Cheetah The latest revision to Plaxton’s Cheetah model gets its first official public showing this week, although the model has been in production since early this year. It relies on the Mercedes-Benz Vario chassis, now in its final year of production. Kevin Wood said Plaxton would continue building on Vario indefinitely through ordering as many Euro 5 chassis as possible before they were eventually ruled out under derogation. He expected to continue selling these models well into 2014.

Mercedes-Benz has indicated it needs a replacement for Vario but little information has yet emerged from Germany about a possible replacement.

The new Cheetahs appear no different but have been affected by type-approval requirements.

They have changed to a stainless steel frame to save weight but still lost seating capacity due to minimum spacing requirements.

The model on display is already sold to Lucketts and appears in the company’s livery.

Market conditions Giving an overview of Plaxton’s current situation, Kevin Wood said: “The market for coach remains tough. We still retain leadership and have tried to maintain this with sensible trading. We’ve invested in the Anston facility in conjunction with our move across the road and we remain very keen to do deals – which is why we introduced the ‘two-for-one’ scheme to reduce our used stock.

“The good news is we are starting to see a rise in the level of enquiries. 2013 is beginning to look exciting and could well prove a significant year for us. We are in the midst of some exciting tenders which, if we win, are going to have a big impact on Scarborough and could double our capacity for six

months at least.

“Our 12.8m Panther has seen good market acceptance, proving lightweight and economical with capacity for 53/57 seats. Sean Logan recently confirmed an order for 10 coaches, a mixture of Elite and 12.8 Panther, but more Panthers. These are mainly for fleet expansion – we don’t have many exchanges coming back this time.

“With regard to Euro 6 – we are currently developing along two fronts with Volvo B8 and B11 platforms to be ready for its introduction. Meanwhile, we are not planning on entering production of any Euro 6 coaches until operators request them.”

Plaxton has stated previously it was suspending any build programme on Scania coach chassis, which is a mutually accepted move by both parties, until the arrival of Euro 6. Other developments going on behind the scenes at ADL include ongoing development of the gas bus with Scania and work on electric vehicles.

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LEGAL update

Political correctness – has it gone mad?

Peter Woodhouse from Stone King LLP details a case where a driver claimed he was dismissed from his role at Ensign Bus because of his atypical belief system

Background Discrimination legislation protects people against bad treatment on the basis of various “protected characteristics.” These include “religion or belief.” “Belief” means any religious or philosophical belief.

However, it is not always clear as to what might amount to such a belief and the issue has been considered in a number of cases.

For example, the following beliefs have been held capable of protection: a belief in the sanctity of life, extending to a fervent anti-fox hunting and anti-hare coursing belief; a belief in the “higher purpose” of public service broadcasting, to encourage debate and citizenship in a public space; a belief in spiritualism, life after death and the ability of mediums to contact the dead.

The following have been held to carry no protection: general objection to the adoption of children by samesex couples; a belief in “false flag operations” authorised by the US and UK governments, and that the media is controlled by a global elite seeking a new world order; a belief people should pay their respects by wearing a poppy from All Souls’ Day on November 2 to Remembrance Sunday.

The claim In the recent case of Saltmarsh v Ensign Bus Co Ltd, in which Stone King acted for Ensign, the employment tribunal had to consider a number of issues including Mr S’ claim his belief system, that there was far too much political correctness making the world a less pleasant place to live in and it was better to conduct life www.coachandbusweek.com

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The Employment Tribunal ruled in favour of Ensign Bus in a way which welcomed people, was entitled to protection under the legislation.

The employment tribunal also considered a whistleblowing claim and an unfair dismissal claim.

Broadly, whistleblowing protection means employees are generally entitled not to be subjected to bad treatment because they have made a protected disclosure in good faith.

Sometimes disclosure of a potential criminal offence can attract that protection.

Mr S was a bus driver who drove for Ensign. Mr S took an active approach to entertaining customers including reciting poems and singing songs.

On a day in July 2010 Mr S was driving a double-decker from Grays to Aveney. The route was used by students who studied at a local college. Two female students boarded the bus. As they boarded the bus, Mr S embraced both of them. One of the students went to sit upstairs where she was visible to Mr S through the CCTV.

As the student left the bus Mr S commented on how nice she was looking and then said the camera had given a view down her top, adding: “it might have been some dirty old man sitting here.” Then he hugged and kissed the top of her head. He made some other remarks as she was exiting.

The student reported the matter and it came to the attention of Ensign who took disciplinary action against Mr S. Ensign found Mr S had been guilty of harassing a female customer and his conduct was considered gross misconduct and sufficient to dismiss him, which it did.

Mr S claimed he had been dismissed because of his belief system. He also argued he had effectively disclosed to Ensign that the CCTV camera was recording and displaying pornographic footage potentially being a criminal offence. He alleged the Respondent was committing a public decency offence by relaying images of the girl to a screen on the lower deck,

and it had not properly informed passengers they were being filmed, contrary to its data protection obligations.

The employment tribunal agreed with the Claimant that the belief it is better to conduct oneself in a welcoming, friendly and positive way related to a weighty and substantial aspect of human life and behaviour and it was worthy of respect in a democratic society. It held that it carried protection under the legislation.

However, the employment tribunal said, on the facts, the footage from the CCTV did not show the girl’s cleavage and Ensign had dismissed Mr S for harassment about which it had rules of conduct.

Those rules were applied to everyone and there was no less favourable treatment of Mr S than anyone else not sharing his belief.

The Tribunal found that, since the camera was not in fact showing the girl’s breasts, the Respondent was not committing a public decency offence, and there were notices on the bus warning CCTV was in operation in compliance with data protection requirements.

In addition, the Tribunal decided Mr S had not intended to make a protected disclosure, but was simply being risqué with the student.

Further, in relation to the act of harassment itself, the employment tribunals decided it did not satisfy the definition of belief nor was it worthy of respect in a democratic society.

The Tribunal agreed with the Respondent that the Claimant had sexually harassed a minor, and dismissal was a reasonable sanction, given the need to protect its reputation. The Tribunal also found the Respondent did not act contrary to its practice in dismissing Mr S. The lessons in this case are fairly clear. While it may not always be possible to predict what views and beliefs are capable of protection, if you ensure that a decision to dismiss or discipline is clearly reasoned and targeted on specific act of gross misconduct rather than the belief itself, you will have a good chance of defending an ensuing claim.

Peter Woodhouse is a transport lawyer at Stone King LLP based in Bath with a specialism in employment law claims. He can be contacted on pmw@stoneking.co.uk

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insight › traffic commissioners’ report

Report spotlights legal concerns Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans casts his eyes over the Traffic Commissioners’ Annual Report for the year 201112, and as ever, finds some telling insights

T

he Traffic Commissioners (TCs) have marked the 80th year of commercial vehicle regulation by reinforcing their commitment to the promotion of road safety and fair competition.

As ever, the document makes interesting reading, providing an invaluable insight into the lives of our industry regulators.

It’s clearly been a challenging year – with the reduced number of TCs due to retirement and the Olympics – in addition to the changes to the bus compliance monitoring regime. On a more positive note, two new TCs have been appointed. I’m looking forward to interviewing Nick Denton – his personality seems to come through in his report.

Kevin Rooney North Eastern Traffic Area As outlined in his recent CBW ‘Face to Face’ interview, Mr Rooney took up his post on March 5.

Rooney says swapping discs between operators, or providing them to unlicensed operators, appears more prevalent and warns, “strong action will be taken.”

The other main area of contention lies on the fringes with the use of Section 19 and 22 permits. As Rooney rightly states: “My predecessor (Tom Macartney) was keen to get a grip on the issues and at least one permit holder has been brought to an in-chambers hearing. I am keen to work with the legitimate industry to ensure permit holders are operating within the law. The use of restricted PSV licences for what are really private hire operations is also an area www.coachandbusweek.com

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Kevin Rooney (pictured) is concerned about limousines

Senior Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell also covers the NW

“When interviewed 12 years ago for the post of TC I was asked what passengers wanted from their bus services; they want the buses (and their drivers) to be safe, punctual and reliable” Beverley Bell North Western Area

of concern. I struggle to see how an owner of a small limousine, for example, can really meet the requirements of legislation designed for running a bus service.”

He reveals the success rate for PSV licence applications is low as “very few” are completed correctly at the first attempt. Urging applicants to seek professional assistance, he says: “The cost of such support will be easily offset by the benefit of being able to operate weeks or even months sooner.”

He says local bus service operations remain high profile, with a number of ITAs in his area moving “from partnerships to contracts.”

This, says Rooney, “is a move which is not popular with the industry and I expect a lively year ahead.”

Beverley Bell North Western Area Bell begins by paying tribute to her “great friend and colleague” Tom Macartney, who retired as TC for the North East and emigrated to New Zealand.

Turning to number crunching matters, just over 40 PSV PIs have been held in her area. Bell states the rate of revocations “remains high” at around 30% for goods cases and 25% for PSV cases. However, in just over 11% of goods cases and nearly 14% of PSV cases, the licences were suspended.

As in previous years, Bell is keen to stress the importance of engaging with stakeholders. “Whilst I have been able to delegate much of the PI work to my deputies, I have not delegated my engagement with stakeholders as I know they want to see their local TC and to hear what I have to say.”

She writes at length about the issue of bus punctuality – it’s clearly

a matter she feels personally strong about.

“When interviewed 12 years ago for the post of TC I was asked what passengers wanted from their bus services. The answer was not difficult - they want the buses (and their drivers) to be safe, punctual and reliable and if they are clean so much the better. And so it is that I remain as frustrated now 12 years on as I was on appointment when I found this was apparently difficult to achieve.

“In previous annual reports I (like fellow TCs) have not minced my words about the paucity of resources spent on enforcement which will ensure operators do all they can to run reliable and

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A group photo of the current coach and bus industry regulators, including the two latest additions to the team punctual services. This year has seen a sea change in the way in which enforcement is to be carried out with the implementation of the new DfT policy on bus service reliability and punctuality. The NW Traffic Area was the first to have this new policy and subsequent implementation by VOSA rolled out and there have been teething problems along the way.

“Wanting to be proactive I formed the North West Punctuality Working Group with representatives of local operators, CPT and local transport lawyers who have been keen to attend and who have made a significant contribution. The group exists to identify the barriers which stand in

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the way of the running of reliable and punctual services and to then establish how those barriers can be overcome so services can be as reliable and punctual as possible.

“While there is still much to be done the group has nonetheless achieved a great deal in a short time and I look forward to reporting next year on how this work has progressed.

“I also look forward to reporting on how the new enforcement approach by VOSA is working and I take this opportunity to remind operators who read my report that they must monitor their registered services and they must proactively manage them because 10 years after the then Senior Traffic

Commissioner Mike Betts told them to do so, far too many still are not and they can expect no sympathy from VOSA as the enforcement agency or me as the regulator.”

Nick Denton South Eastern & Metropolitan Area (SEMTA) Like his colleague Kevin Rooney, Nick Denton took up the role of TC in March this year. He admits he arrived “determined” to hold as many PIs over the coming year as possible, but the passenger and freight sectors have made it clear they do not care whether he sits for three PIs a week or 13, provided he hold a sufficient number to tackle non-compliance.

In a section which it is reasonable to assume his personality comes out, he writes: “I’ve already seen there are a few operators who seem to be gaming the system, passing without apparent concern, and certainly without action, through the various stages of warning, first, second and even third PI. They invariably argue that, because they’ve sought help on compliance issues sometimes only a few hours before the PI, they have shown serious intent and deserve another chance. The possibility of repentance between the stirrup and the ground might have comforted Pinkie in Brighton Rock but the TC in neighbouring Eastbourne will be harder to convince.

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insight › traffic commissioners’ report

Everyone deserves a second chance, but I shall be reluctant to give operators the fourth, fifth and sixth chances that some of them appear to consider necessary. Part of the problem appears to be that operators, particularly microbusinesses, sign up to the operator undertakings when they apply for a licence and promptly forget about them. Perhaps they never read them at all, rather like my teenage son when he downloads yet another piece of software and happily and incorrectly ticks the box confirming that he has read and accepts the terms and conditions.

My mission over the coming year is to instil into operators that these simple undertakings should not be consigned to mental oblivion once they have applied for their licence, but have the status in their operation of the ten commandments. They should be prominently displayed in the operator’s office, if not in tablets of stone then at least on laminated paper.”

Denton also states he’s been “struck” by the number of Transport Managers coming before him with a CPC dating back some years, who have almost no knowledge of recent legislation and what they are required to do.

Denton rightly says this is “akin to finding an electrician who does not know how to wire a plug.”

“It appears to be all too easy for some, once they have acquired a Transport Manager CPC, to hand over the job to someone else and take a back seat in the operation.”

He warns: “I shall be emphasising the need for Transport Managers to manage operations continuously and effectively in my PIs and in my contacts with the industry and operators.”

Sarah Bell Western Traffic Area At the risk of being seen to downplay her sterling efforts, Bell writes in detail about her work as Lead TC for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Joan Aitken Scottish Traffic Area Aitken says wheel loss instances continue to interest her for road safety and reputational reasons and such are explored at PI. She also states: “In PSV cases I have detected complacency about locked or defective emergency doors. This is near inexcusable for emergencies arise without warning and doors www.coachandbusweek.com

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must be effective rescue routes.

My message to the PSV industry has been that such defects will get my attention. I’m also concerned about PSV operator failures to report failure or damage to VOSA (for the Secretary of State) in terms of section 20 of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981.

Section 20 is there to give VOSA the chance to inspect a vehicle as soon as practicable and consider the causation of an incident. It is to avoid cover ups and serves road safety. Operators can expect a call to PI if I consider that this requirement has been ignored or elided.”

On Drivers Hours, Aitken states the “criminal” behaviour must result in action being taken and that “many successful cases against such operators originate in whistle blowing or other intelligence given to VOSA.” Thanking informers, she adds: “I receive anonymous letters asking for my help in outing such operators and their nefarious and downright dangerous practices. A tip off can make all the difference to VOSA knowing where to look and who to target.”

Turning to bus puncuality, Aitken describes telematics as “good but an on street presence is direct evidence of the service provision.” She adds: “Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) fortunately continues its bus monitoring in its area and I receive reports from them. The Scottish Government is keen to maintain an on street monitoring function and is pursuing options to secure such.”

According to Aitken: “Operators range from the highly compliant to the downright criminal. Cash industries such as PSV operating can be attractive to some as a route to money laundering. Phoenixism and fronting continue to be devices whereby the disreputable, the disqualified, the impecunious, and incompetent try to continue to make money from vehicle operating. Much endeavour is spent trying to spot these behaviours and to identify individuals who are the placemen and women for others.”

In something which will strike a chord with operators and drivers alike, Aitken writes: “With VOSA’s assistance I was able to provide ATCO (Association of Transport Coordinating Officers) members with advice on school trips. I wanted to do this as operators and drivers speak to me of the pressure put on them to alter the timings of school

Nick Denton reminds operators of the undertakings they signed up to

Joan Aitken says there must not be complacency on emergency doors

“I receive anonymous letters asking for my help in outing operators and their nefarious and downright dangerous practices. A tip off can make all the difference to VOSA...”

Joan Aitken Scottish Traffic Area trips when underway. A driver’s need for rest has to be protected.”

On a statistical note, Aitken states: “One notable change in the statistics for Scotland has been the lower number of PIs held for PSV cases, this due to the reduction and then abolition of the VOSA Bus Compliance Officer presence in Scotland.”

Nick Jones West Midlands Traffic Area Jones begins saying “there is evidence that financial constraints have increased the temptations to lower safety standards in attempts to obtain commercial advantage.”

However, he appears to not give

further details.

Commenting on the Transport Select Committee questioning of Beverley Bell, he says he was “intrigued” by the role of the TCs being described as akin to “tooth fairies.”

While not in a defensie manner, Jones states: “Much of what we do as TCs is not attributed to us and often we are confused with VOSA or DfT.” On that note, he goes on to describe what appear to be frustrations: “A significant number of issues and concerns have been brought to the attention of TCs over the year, but in the main they fall to those who are appointed to support us and we continue to pursue those detailed answers. TCs have limited control over some of the actions attributed to us, including a lot of material in the statistical data in this annual report. I use the example of a case involving a Section 19 permit which made news during the last year. Most TCs have yet to see a submission relating to a permit as this is often dealt with administratively within a centralised office and without reference to us. There are a lot of other examples where things are done in the name of a traffic commissioner where we have no real input or control at present. This represents a significant challenge ahead in terms of transparency and assurance arrangements, but Beverley is ideally placed to address these matters.”

Interestingly, Jones says he wishes to record his “appreciation that unpaid bus enthusiasts volunteered to assist in gathering evidence against non-compliant operators who pay too little heed to management of registered timetables.” “In one case where there were cross complaints of dangerous behaviour by drivers and operators together with non compliance with registered timetables, this led to an operator paying for an independent party to verify the position as to timetable compliance.”

Jones states all bus operators are expected to have good and effective complaints procedures, but “regrettably” this is not always the case. He says some operators have ignored findings of the Bus Appeals Body, which Jones describes as “unacceptable.” In each instance, he says he’s called the operator into a recorded preliminary hearing where he has set out his

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expectations.

He adds: “I am pleased to report that on each occasion this method for alternative disposal has resulted in a satisfactory resolution and a PI proved unnecessary. Usually it has been useful to the operator in appreciating the need to have good, effective and responsive complaints procedures.”

As lead TC on limousines and novelty vehicles, Jones talks about an area which PSV operators often view as a source of unfair competition. He states many of the problems arise from the cross over between the law relating to private hire vehicles (licensed by local authorities) and PSVs licensed by TCs. Indeed, in certain circumstances there is a choice of operator licensing regime. He says the Law Commission is now undertaking a review of taxi and private hire legislation, which “may provide an opportunity for both improved clarity in the law and a potential solution to the issues associated with licensing smaller (eight passenger seats or less) vehicles.”

Nick Jones Welsh Traffic Area As with his neighbouring English juristiction, Jones reveals some apparent frustrations at his work being constrained by the lack of resouces, most notably following the changes to the bus compliance monitoring.

“Complaints have been brought to my attention involving allegations of a lack of adherence to registered timetables but I have yet to be notified of any work undertaken to investigate with view to bringing this to me to consider regulatory action.”

“The offer through the Chairman of CPT Cymru to provide some funding towards the retention of Bus Compliance Officers might be viewed as turkeys voting for Christmas but perhaps indicates the respect from industry for monitoring which has improved the quality of service provision in Wales. It is an indication of the professionalism and desire to provide a high standard of service and I am encouraged by the work undertaken by trade associations in Wales to both improve vehicle safety and the quality of service provision.”

As Jones rightly notes, funding is “ultimately a political decision.”

However, he observes: “The one www.coachandbusweek.com

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Richard Turfitt has had a challenging but varied year

Nick Jones reminds operators of the need to deal with complaints

“Much of what we do as TCs is not attributed to us and often we are confused with VOSA or the DfT.” Nick Jones West Midlands and Welsh Traffic areas area where there is an obvious improvement in facilities in Wales compared to England relates to information to the public by Traveline Cymru, which is in part due to the subsidy from the Welsh Government. The same comment applies to Bus Users Cymru which I have found to be both far more active and effective than their opposite numbers in England as a result of support received from the Welsh Government.”

Richard Turfitt Eastern Traffic Area It’s no great secret that Turfitt has had a particularly hectic year.

He took on the responsibilities as Acting TC for the South East and the Metropolis - in addition to the East of England.

He writes: “This was the second time I had the benefit of assuming

responsibility from Tom Macartney, now retired. He had already started work to ensure greater relevance of an office located in Eastbourne.

Through liaison with TfL, most ably led by the Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy, we have been able to improve the coordination of information, joint working where appropriate, and to allow for public inquiries to be heard in London, without additional expense to the licence fee payer. This inevitably led to work supporting Sarah Bell in her lead role for the Games.

There is still much to be done but I was pleased to hand over to my new colleague, Nick Denton, who, like me, entered the role from Government service.

“My other obligations included intense periods redrafting the STC Statutory Documents in preparation for the implementation of EU Regulation 1071/2009; while this was an achievement it is right to acknowledge that this took me away from hearing cases for a period.”

In statistical terms, Turfitt states there has been a very small increase in the total number of PSV licences in issue (0.38%) and an almost negligible increase in the number of discs in issue (0.04%) - although the national figure actually declined by 2.9%.

“The drop in new applications and major variations reflects the national picture. The level of applications for Special Restricted licences has remained the same as last year. The number of new applications and variations for Local Bus Service registrations has decreased by just over 8%, leaving the total number of live local bus registrations down by 3% on last year. The numbers of flexible bus registrations has also decreased. There has however, been a significant increase in the number of Small Bus Permits applied for and issued, up by 35% over the previous year, and reflected in the national trend.

There has also been a noticeable increase in Large and Community Bus Permits. In the coming year I anticipate seeing the benefit of grants from the Better Bus Area fund in Leicestershire, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Southend, and grants to five individual operators under the Green Bus fund.”

Turfitt says the number of formal PIs has decreased. He says this figure in part reflects the use

of alternative disposals such as attendance at Preliminary Hearings.

He adds: “There has however been a noticeable increase in the number of applications and variations being determined at public inquiry against a small decrease nationally.

The number of revocations and suspensions has remained at a similar level to the previous year.

Curtailments have almost halved, but disqualifications have increased significantly, as has formal action against Transport Managers. I have also noticed recently an increased lending of licence documentation and references to unscrupulous freight forwarders and other agents in efforts to circumvent the law, to the disadvantage of responsible operators.”

While the potential skills shortage amongst drivers has been widely recognised, Turfitt expresses concern regarding Transport Managers. Whilst the requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 1071/2009 in the main reflect the standards adopted by many GB operators, Tufitt says a major change is the ability of TCs to take action against Transport Managers who fail to exercise the level of continuous and effective management required to ensure a safe and compliant transport operation.

Back to PIs, he says there was only one new PSV application and two variations determined at PI. “I resist using this statistic as an indication of compliance as the number of PSV PIs remains at a similar level to the previous year and reflects trends across all traffic areas. There were only two hearings relating to bus punctuality and compliance of services. This mirrors the average in England and Wales and reflects the transition to new VOSA compliance arrangements. The total number of driver conduct cases referred has decreased by 7.22%, which is more than the national average but the number dealt with at a hearing increased as against the national trend. There has been a large increase in the number of applications for the return of impounded vehicles from four in 2010/11 to 11 in 2011/12.

This reflects the efforts by VOSA and other agencies to take action against stretch limousines being operated illegally. I therefore echo the recent message particularly to customers to check on limousine operators to ensure they’re licensed before booking vehicles.”

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pteg column › rebecca fuller

Young people should matter to us as buses matter to them Rebecca Fuller, Policy and Research Advisor for pteg, emphasises the importance of young people on buses and methods to encourage youth ridership Buses matter to young people. This past year, we have seen just how much.

Nationwide polling by UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) of 65,000 young people in 2011, and 250,000 young people in 2012, identified ‘Public transport: Cheaper, better, accessible’ as a priority concern. Members of the UKYP at their annual sitting in the House of Commons later decided that, of all the issues raised by young people, public transport should be the key focus of campaigning in 2012.

Since then, we have seen the newly formed Youth Select Committee - made up entirely of young people - choose public transport as the topic for their inaugural inquiry, something pteg is delighted to be a part of.

For most young people, the bus represents their main experience of public transport. The bus enables young people to access a whole host of valuable opportunities, from attainment– boosting after school clubs and weekend jobs, to visiting friends and participating in sports.

These opportunities are vital to their growth and development.

Young people are already among the biggest users of buses, but they also represent the future market for bus travel. More progressive transport authorities and operators are recognising the need to cultivate this young market.

Furthermore, they are recognising that young people can be powerful advocates for bus travel when we get it right – or damning critics when we get it wrong. In the age of social media, young people’s experiences – whether good or bad – have the potential to spread rapidly to their peers, their extended networks and beyond.

This combined with growing calls for increasing youth participation in decision-making (such as the Government’s ‘Positive for Youth’ statement), means the voice of young people has never been louder, or more influential.

At local level, transport authorities and operators alike can expect to be increasingly held to account by young people for the decisions they make. This is particularly likely given that young people have been especially hard hit by transport spending cuts. In efforts to balance budgets, concessionary fares schemes for this group have been cut back, whilst the evening and weekend bus services they value are often the www.coachandbusweek.com

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pteg aims to encourage operators to actively engage with young people using their services first to disappear when times are tough.

Whilst recognising the current spending environment is difficult, and unpopular decisions must sometimes be made to protect services for the wider community, we believe there is still much transport authorities and operators can do to develop a good offer on bus for young people.

Our new report, ‘Moving on: Working towards a better public transport offer for young people in tough times’ aims to present ideas and generate discussion around what such an offer could include.

In developing an offer, ‘Moving on’ urges transport authorities and operators to keep three key messages in mind.

The first is the importance of actively engaging young people in the process. We know many young people are passionate about improving public transport and have some great ideas about how this can be achieved. Getting to realistic solutions means working with young people to generate a dialogue about what can practically be done. It’s about developing an offer with – rather than for – young people.

Involving young people in this way doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or time and ultimately is likely to save money by ensuring what is provided has the buy-in of those that it is aimed at. Listening to, and acting on, the suggestions of young passengers makes it more likely they will use and value bus services now and in future.

The second key message of the report is the need to develop a package of measures, recognising that there is no silver bullet for improving bus services for young people. The

offer needs to address the need for bus services which are available, affordable, accessible and acceptable – the cornerstones of any socially inclusive transport service. Only in addressing each of these can we hope to develop a service which enables young people to access the opportunities that will allow them to move forward in their lives.

In developing a package, it is also important to recognise the differences and similarities in the needs of young people of different ages. One size definitely does not fit all young people. For this reason, the ideas in our report are presented in four age categories – under 5s, 5 to 11 year olds, 11 to 16 year olds and post 16.

The third and final message to bear in mind when developing an offer for young people is to maintain a focus on simplicity. Simplicity in fares, networks and information benefit all passengers.

We know young people are frequently left baffled by the intricacies and eccentricities of bus service delivery outside London. It is important to work with young people to help them get to grips with how the system works, but also to try and eliminate unnecessary complexity where possible.

On fares, for example, evidence shows young people value flat, simple and consistent offers.

They have campaigned independently to secure such offers in their areas and experience suggests, once in place, they result in young people making more journeys. One of our report’s case studies, for example, describes how a bus company introduced a new service to meet the extra demand generated by the introduction of a flat, simple and consistent fare for young people.

We hope the key messages of this report - to work with young people to develop simple packages of measures – and the ideas it contains can be used as a starting point for discussions which will ultimately result in an offer on bus that works for young people in your area.

Working with young people to develop such an offer could help build a loyalty to public transport that lasts a lifetime.

Buses matter to young people – and young people should matter to us.”

Rebecca Fuller is Policy and Research Advisor for the pteg support unit, having joined in 2008. She has previously worked in social policy research for a consultancy company and has a degree and masters in social policy.

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Bus and coach ƃQDQFH up to 100% LTV.

38 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 7, 2012

DRIVERS

In association with

DriveTech

Send your driver news and stories to alex.tyler@coachandbusweek. com or call 01733 293 244.

NX Driver Instructors with Transaid in Africa Emphasis was placed on onthe-road training rather than classroom-based theory National Express (NX) Bus has sent two Driver Training Instructors to Africa with Transaid, the industry charity which runs transport-related projects across the developing world.

The trip was part of NX’s continued commitment to support Transaid this year, with trainers Phil Reynolds and Kevin Roberts spending two weeks training six driving instructors at Tanzania’s National Institute of Transport (NIT) in Dar es Salaam.

During regular working hours at NX, Reynolds and Roberts deliver training interventions covering a wide spectrum of content from training new recruits to attain the UK PCV licence, to coaching existing drivers in the latest practises of safe driving techniques, customer service and company values.

Whilst working with instructors in Africa, they focused on driving ability, instructional techniques and daily vehicle checks. They placed an emphasis on on-the-road training rather than classroom-

Debbie Chant, a driver at First Scotland East’s Alloa Garage

based theory, and prepared reports for Transaid and the NIT on their experience.

Phil said: “I’ve spent 26 years at NX – this was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I’ve faced. I was proud to front our engagement with Transaid in Tanzania. I would recommend the experience to anyone else in the industry who may be considering it.”

Gary Forster, Transaid CEO, said: “Road crashes are now the biggest

killer of economically productive adults around the world, according to the World Health Organisation.

Transaid is only as strong as its partners in tackling this problem, and National Express has been a stalwart partner in our life-saving efforts in Tanzania.”

Reynolds and Roberts also updated a blog of their experiences in Tanzania at www.nationalexpresstanzania. squarespace.com

Trainer Phil Reynolds shows Mhota Mahouna how it’s done

First Scotland East Driver earns ‘Superstar’ status First Scotland East Bus Driver Debbie Chant of Alloa has won the company’s monthly ‘Superstar’ award after assisting a man following a bicycle crash in July this year.

First’s Superstar scheme recognises outstanding behaviour by staff. Nominations are received from colleagues and customers each month and the winner is presented with £100 worth of shopping vouchers.

While driving the C59 bus route

from Callander to Stirling, Debbie drove past what appeared to be a bicycle accident. She noticed a cyclist lying at the side of the road and was immediately concerned he may have been injured. Debbie stopped the bus and attended to the gentleman. Fortunately, he was not hurt, but Debbie’s actions drew widespread praise from the cyclist and her colleagues.

Debbie said: “I’m delighted to have received the Superstar award,

Merseytravel creates academy for bus drivers Merseytravel, in partnership with Warrington Business School and Stagecoach Merseyside, has supported the government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ measures by creating a Sector Based Work Academy for bus drivers.

Working with Job Centre Plus, the integrated transport authority invited applicants to attend a fiveweek training course delivered by Warrington Business School at its Mann Island HQ with 12 successful applicants being selected. In the end, 10 finished the course as two of the original students secured employment before completing their training.

In addition to the classroom element of the training, the students spent a week at the Stagecoach depot and received practical driving training. They were also given a tour of Queens Square bus station and heard lectures from key Merseytravel staff. Upon completion of the course Stagecoach interviews each of the students, giving them valuable job interview experience in addition to being considered for any current vacancies. but I’m more pleased the cyclist was not seriously injured.”

First Scotland East Operations Director John Gorman said: “Debbie has been a driver for First Scotland East for almost five years. She is a valued member of the team and has a reputation for good customer service. I’m very proud of her actions and she thoroughly deserves to be named as our First Scotland East Superstar of the Month.”

He added: “We actively encourage our customers and colleagues to nominate our drivers for Superstar awards – those who have shown outstanding service and gone beyond the call of duty.”

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THE BIG PICTURE

Shown here is the first of the latest generation of Plaxton’s Elite range – the Elite i – which is being launched this week at the Euro Bus Expo. The 15m high capacity model has been developed as a practical alternative to a double deck coach in a package fully compliant with EWVTA type-approval legislation.

It features a low-driver position with some seating space for four passengers, crew or a wheelchair passenger in the driver’s area.

The wide double doors allow easy roll-on, roll-off access and negate the need for a passenger lift. The interdeck provides space for 71 passenger seats with a 740mm pitch. Plaxton say the interdeck principle ensures considerable underfloor luggage space is retained, even with a centre-sunken washroom. The first batch of 11 vehicles is being built specifically for megabus.com and based on Volvo’s B11 RT chassis with steering tag axle. Although the characteristic and highly distinctive Elite profile is missing it was a necessity in order to maximise luggage capacity. All the air conditioning components normally housed below the floor have been transferred to a single, self-contained roof mounted unit.

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INDUSTRY

GUIDE

TO smart ticketing

I

nnovation is rife when it comes to ticketing.

Whether it’s Near Field Communication (NFC), smartcards or mobile phone applications, ticketing technology is moving forward and it’s easy to be left behind.

Investing in this new technology is great for passenger convenience and can help reduce boarding times on busy routes.

This industry guide includes valid options for both large operators looking for a worthwhile investment and small operators without the benefit of economies of scale.

Almex

Cardiff Bus’ iff smartcard system is an example of how cashless ticketing technology is evolving

Just the ticket Smart ticketing is one of the most rapidly evolving areas of the coach and bus industry. This week’s Industry Guide looks at suppliers and support services for smart ticketing technology and the benefits it can bring to your passenger transport operations www.coachandbusweek.com

IndustryGuide.indd 42

Much attention is given to the main driving forces which enable modal shift: compelling pricing models, enhanced information networks, modern infrastructure and rolling stock to name but a few. In a world of instant information and search fulfilment delivered by convenient and stylish user interfaces, it is unsurprising the customer’s travel experience is rated by the extent to which every interaction with the travel system, be it human or machine based, corresponds with this experience.

For Almex, a global ticketing brand with a distinguished heritage serving every segment of passenger transport, exploiting the advances in technology for customer benefits has long been a mantra. The Almex brand was the first to embrace ‘open’ platform ticketing with the Almex Optima and the manufacturer quickly established that high performance, standardised and upgradeable components were the route to meeting the ever increasing technical standards demands.

Greater processing power, expandable memory capacity and optimized communication speeds have all helped Almex equipment stay at the leading edge of ITSO compliance and the theme is continued with the Optima BL driver operated system, with class leading processing power, print speed and a smaller footprint to boot.

At the core of all Almex systems is the facility to offer users a variety of payment options, with smart ticketing a common feature of the Almex family of devices. Whether this be through the use of ITSO

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CONTACT To advertise in future industry guides, call Victoria Schult for a features list or more details on 01733 293248, email victoria.schult@coachandbusweek. com. For more information on providing editorial, call James Day on 01733 293244 or email james.day@coachandbusweek.com smartcards, both concessionary in the form of the ENCTS national concessionary card scheme and commercial such as the sQuid Travel + stored value e-purse scheme recently launched in the south west area or client specific smartcard schemes, Almex systems can offer travellers the convenience they demand.

EMV contactless payment is seen by many to be the next logical step in smart ticketing and with EMV compatibility the new Optima bl prepares operators for this innovation when it becomes a tried, tested and increasingly adopted means of payment in the public transport environment.

But the users of the new daily centres of information, such as mobile phones and tablet PCs, are unlikely to be moved by the use of ticketing systems which deliver on technology, but fall short on aesthetics. If one of the critical challenges in encouraging increased use of public transport is transformation of the travel

experience, then ticketing systems have a role to play and recent industry surveys reflect this fact.

There has been a growing acknowledgement by customers and industry observers alike of the styling and innovative design embodied by the Almex product range. Recently the Optima ETM received the Universal Design Award at CeBIT in Germany for its innovative design and styling, with the UK exclusive version boasting the first DDA compliant passenger display.

Almex also recently launched a new range of stylish ITSO-ready slim line ticket vending machines and platform validator systems which look just as at home on a platform as they do next to a modern mobile phone.

The Almex product range offers leading edge technology to meet the rapid advances in payment technology and choices available to the travelling customer; their design ensures they belong in the ‘i-travel’ age.

T: 01793 647934 E: info@almex.co.uk W: www.almex.co.uk

E P Morris When investigating smart ticketing, the first problem E P Morris encountered was that not all ETMs differentiate between travel sold for cash and travel sold against smartcards. The immediate issue is in respect of the amount of cash the driver should pay in. The problems were compounded when it was realised the ETM could not deal with a transaction which was part card, topped up with cash where there was insufficient credit to pay for the journey. If operators are setting up schemes which allow such transactions they need to ensure ETMs can report the details correctly and there is a full audit trail to ensure that reimbursement from any clearing house is complete.

The second issue was the opportunity for fraud arising

from the new card regimes. One operator had a very high incidence of drivers issuing seven day travel tickets where concessionary smartcards were apparently failing to read. Local managers and inspectors eventually investigated to find there were distinct patterns.

It transpired the temporary tickets were being issued to friends and relatives for cash. The weakness in the process was the operator did not require the driver to take the failed smartcard from the passenger in exchange for the seven day ticket. Had they done so they could have balanced the number of cards collected for return to the local authority to the number of seven day tickets issued. The extent of the problem became apparent when it was realised that the company E P Morris was reviewing had a 30% failure rate, whereas the operator next door which had implemented a full audit trail only had 5%.

Finally, E P Morris encountered an unwitting

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TO smart ticketing fraud on an operator level. Drivers check their machines are operating before leaving the garage. They might issue a ticket and then cancel it. Alternatively they might issue a temporary seven day concessionary travel ticket where no cash is required – so neither is a cancellation. The addition of a few extra concessionary passengers benefits the operator – who may not even have realised they were issued before the bus left the garage.

As operational auditors E P Morris has conducted investigations into the odd situations which arise when new technology is introduced. It has over 30 years of experience in the investigation of fraud and the development of systems and procedures to reduce if not eliminate financial loss. E P Morris has also used that knowledge in the development of its depot performance systems.

Marketing opportunities offset the loss of revenue through fraud.

The information arising from smartcard use can be used to great advantage. E P Morris has developed programmes to match boarding points on successive journeys to establish the daily journey patterns for regular card users. This may help to target card holders for messages via social media with information about changes and new products etc.

It may stretch as far as showing travel patterns which could be rationalised by re-routing services at specific times of the day via workplaces or shopping centres.

E P Morris can combine the commercial smartcard data with the cash and concessionary travel to provide a profile of bus occupancy.

The latest request is for a facility to enable a review of selected journeys in terms of the Bus Board, ETM and AVL data. This will enable an audit of a journey to determine how it has progressed in terms of the schedule. It may be that it started on time and was proceeding satisfactorily until, for example, 20 concessionary passengers boarded, delaying progress so as to make the next part of the journey run late.

E P Morris’ analysis software has been expanded to provide more security to detect fraudulent activity and also to identify marketing opportunities. The success of the projects will depend on the visibility of data at individual ticket level, as will the investigation

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INIT displayed several of its innovations at the Euro Bus Expo 2012 of any shortfalls in revenue expectations.

T: 01527 556940 E: epm@epmorris.co.uk W: www.epmorris.co.uk

ETMSS Ltd Whether an operator is looking for a new ticketing system, fare updates for an existing system (including Wayfarer 3), or looking to purchase ticket rolls, ETMSS can help.

Established 10 years ago, ETMSS has built up a solid reputation, as cited by three recipients below: “We were the first customer of David Price at ETMSS. Since those early days, we have built an extremely close working relationship with the whole team.

Despite severe pressure and high demands from us they have always delivered on time and on budget.

Such is the level of customer care, support has always been offered even at weekends. For Wayfarer 3 help, advice, support and consumables they are exceptionally hard to beat.” - David, Beestons (Hadleigh) Ltd. “We are currently using Wayfarer 3 ticket equipment. ETMSS has provided us with exemplary after market sales support which has proven invaluable on many occasions.” - David Stuart, Norse Commercial Services Ltd. “Community Transport South Wiltshire has been using Palm hand held ticket machines for well over a year. I would recommend this ticket machine to all public bus operators who need a portable ticketing device. It is of robust

construction, very reliable, and easy to use. Our drivers prefer them to the fixed machines as it gives more room in the cab and the ticket rolls can be changed with ease. ETMSS Ltd provides an excellent back up facility and can adapt Palm ticket machines to meet varied customer needs.” - Barry Coombs, General Manager T: 0844 8009299 E: info@etmss.com

Innovations in Transportations Innovations in Transportations (INIT) is a supplier of integrated Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and ticketing systems.

INIT’s proven on-board Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM), EVENDpc, is equipped with a high speed thermo printer for a fast operation and is well-designed with an easy to use driver interface.

The ETM is capable of handling conventional cash payments as well as smart ticketing. EVENDpc is fitted with an ITSO-compliant card reader to allow smartcard payments and acceptance of passenger passes such as the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS). A 2D barcode reader can also optionally be added to enable prepaid ticketing via e.g. mobile phones.

INIT’s validators can also be installed to implement a touch on/ off smart ticketing on board or on platforms. Ultimately, operators are able to optimise their fare collection system and offer maximum payment flexibility for passengers.

EVENDpc is currently being

prepared to provide operators with the pathway for on-board contactless bank card payments in the future.

As a multi-functioning system, EVENDpc is designed to determine the highest level of AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) accuracy.

Operators can persistently monitor exact locations of their vehicles to provide reliable Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI).

Further, AVL data can be applied for statistical analysis, e.g. with the combination of automatic passenger counting figures for effective fleet management and competitive intelligence.

On top of these essential features, INIT’s ETM also offers operators with benefits such as efficient communications between drivers and dispatchers, efficient onboard operation via one interface control for multiple systems (e.g. audio/visual announcements) and ability to better fuel efficiency via monitoring driver’s behaviour (e.g. excessive acceleration, harsh braking, etc).

INIT also creates multi-client capable, hosted AVLC/RTPI and ticketing back office systems. With a data centre located in Beeston, Nottingham, INIT offers public transport operators an alternative system for realising back office systems. The virtualized platform means the central system is located at the data centre allowing for easy implementation and operation.

Operators need only an internet connection to access their data and use the systems, allowing maximum user access flexibility. Optionally, multiple public transport operators can use the platform via the web with confidence in privacy.

Practically, opting for INIT’s hosted system has the potential to save operators from a lot of costs whilst continuing to enhance performance management. Savings can be made from eliminating operators’ requirement to invest vast capital towards advanced infrastructure, complex network connection installations as well as costly man power and expertise for maintenance, etc. This lowers the entry barrier for smaller operators interested in adopting advanced ITS back office platforms.

INIT’s integrated approach is evident in its portfolio as well as the individual products/services themselves. In practice, the integrated approach has also been implemented in many

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TO smart ticketing of INIT’s projects and schemes worldwide.

An illustration of this is INIT’s virtualized back office system.

The integration goes beyond the operational function capabilities of what one solution can offer but also enables cooperation between different public or cross modal transport networks. In Hertfordshire, for example, INIT has implemented an all integrated AVL/ RTPI and ticketing system currently in use by several of the local bus operators there. Adding further clients to expand the platform is a viable future possibility.

In a complex operational and regulatory environment, INIT’s radical integrated approach presents answers for public transport organisations desiring optimum operation efficiency whilst keeping control over significant costs like maintenance.

INIT’s engagement in the forefront of innovation ensures its portfolio is well in pace with the changing technology and allows public

transport operators to be up to date with the ever growing demand for first class customer service.

T: 08708 904648 E: sales@init.co.uk W: www.init.co.uk

My Mobile Tickets The My Mobile Tickets network continues to expand throughout the UK as transport operators look at more convenient ways for their customers to buy tickets while reducing the amount of cash they handle.

My Mobile Tickets is a zero capital investment mobile ticketing service which allows passengers to sign up in seconds and enables them to buy their tickets online and download them directly to their mobile phone.

Passengers can also maintain a “mobile wallet” which allows them to get tickets on-demand using a text message when they decide they want to travel, or by scanning

a QR code at the bus stop or from print media such as timetables, without the need for cash. The flexible system allows the purchase of practically any type of ticket, including season tickets, fixed term tickets and multi-trip “carnet” tickets, with no requirement to download a native app onto the phone, which means it works with most modern smartphones.

Users only need to sign up once with My Mobile Tickets to buy tickets from any partnered operators. The aim is to be the de facto mobile ticketing solution in the UK, with more operators planning to come online shortly.

Smartcard technology can be a costly and time consuming business to get up and running and still has the drawbacks associated with paper tickets, such as them getting lost, stolen or damaged – as well as the cost and management associated with issuing them.

The other disadvantage currently associated with many smartcard systems is the inability for

on-demand ticket purchases, sometimes taking up to 48 hours before ticket machines are updated with the customer’s smartcard purchase. It will be several years before mobile phones containing smartcard (NFC) technology is commonplace. Furthermore, issuing smartcards to visitors and tourists, as an example, can be expensive.

My Mobile Tickets provides a great alternative – especially given the flexible payment options. It will enable any operator to get a foothold into the emerging, fast moving world of mobile commerce now and without capital investment, whilst complimenting their existing ticketing methods.

Ian Brough, Business Development Manager for Premiere, explained: “The concept of buying and displaying bus tickets on your phone is a very attractive one and there are many obvious advantages to this service. The key benefits are that customers can buy the tickets via the

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TO smart ticketing web which eliminates the need to carry cash for a bus ticket and the chances of losing your mobile phone are much less than a flimsy paper bus ticket. From a company perspective we want to offer our customers as many opportunities to use our services conveniently to improve ticket sales and reduce cash handling.”

Matthew Poole, Director of Technology for Mobile Onboard, said: “This is a straightforward but feature-rich mobile ticketing product for transport operators. We have specifically made this product accessible to smaller operators by removing the barriers normally associated with mobile ticketing.”

Most mobile ticketing systems require barcode scanning or nearfield touch technology, along with real-time communication back to a central system and usually mobile apps which passengers have to download. The per-bus cost of implementing all of this can be prohibitive for the smaller operator.

In order to make using the bus more attractive in this mobile and digital age, operators need to offer convenience, flexibility and a wider range of payment options to the customer.

Smarta 100 Awards 2012 winner Mobile Onboard is continuously developing its mobile ticketing platform, which can also integrate with operators’ back-end systems if required. A range of widgets is also being rolled-out in the coming months to allow operators to integrate the system seamlessly within their own website.

T: 0844 3572650 E: contact.us@ blueonboard.com W: mobileonboard.com/ mymobiletickets

Oberthur In 2010, 200 million contactless transport smartcards were issued worldwide. By 2014, 373 million mobile handsets will be NFC compatible and it is estimated 400 million will use their mobile handset for public transport ticketing by 2015.

Internationally transport networks are among the world’s largest contactless infrastructures and migration to full contactless technologies remains a core objective for many operators wanting to adopt efficient, interoperable and sustainable www.coachandbusweek.com

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Parkeon’s Wayfarer ticket machines have long been held in high regard transport systems. Here in the UK, the DfT’s objective is to support the delivery of a fully integrated transport infrastructure to enable the majority of public transport journeys to be made using smart ticketing technology by the target date of December 2014.

As a result, transport operators, local authorities and system integrators need skilled and experienced partners to help deliver these objectives. As a global supplier of smartcards, Oberthur Technologies is a major supplier of transport cards, secure devices and associated services. Its global presence and core expertise in manufacturing and personalisation services enables it to provide tailored fare payment schemes to many of the world’s major transport operators.

Oberthur offers consultancy and works closely with organisations to understand their requirements, enabling all of the potential challenges of implementing smart ticketing technologies to be turned into true opportunities and successes. The company believes it is able to address those challenges in the following ways: n Security, reliability and interoperability: From low cost entry-range Mifare cards through to advanced microprocessor products based on Mifare DESFire EV1 and Calypso, Oberthur Technologies’ cityGo product range offers a variety

of options enabling operators to deliver their smart ticketing implementation within budget and in line with requirements in overall functionality, security and interoperability.

To fight fraud and guarantee customer satisfaction, cards, devices and systems must be secure and reliable. Oberthur Technologies’ products comply with the transport industry’s most stringent mechanical resistance requirements. n Future proofing: Implementing a contactless smart ticketing infrastructure paves the way for NFC capability. NFC devices will soon be in most customers’ pockets, so to offer the best timeto-market, Oberthur’s NFC TSM is operated as a managed service in the company’s certified data centres. Oberthur provide all of the IT resources, hardware and software infrastructure, along with the security expertise needed for such sensitive systems, with both dedicated and experienced teams.

Oberthur already provides for all of the key stakeholders including transport operators, banks, mobile operators and retailers. n Efficiency of operations: Reducing lines, increasing throughput and thus improving customer satisfaction are vital to any effective smart ticketing.

Oberthur Technologies’ cards and secure devices meet the most stringent transaction performance

requirements and its online systems reduce queues by enabling customers to remotely reload their travel subscriptions. n Providing customer convenience: Oberthur provides systems to simplify customers’ everyday travel experiences, from selfservice instant issuance kiosks for immediate card delivery, to personalisation services where cards are sent directly to the cardholder, to online top-up (software, readers, USB tokens) to reload the card securely and seamlessly from home. n Offering customers choice: From basic cards to key fobs, contactless stickers and transport applications loaded onto multi-application payment cards or in NFC-enabled phones, Oberthur is able to offer a range of interoperable transport ticketing. n Enhancing brand image: Oberthur’s various products can be used to enhance brand image: from utilising its range of eye-catching smart plastics or smart packaging options to ship cards directly to customers, to enabling customers to choose their own card visual using its smart OneCard personalisation service, Oberthur has a variety of options available.

T: 01684 854067 E: e.thomas@oberthur.com W: www.oberthur.com

Parkeon Topping up a Walrus card will be even easier for Merseytravel customers in the future, thanks to a new smart retail system which is being supplied by Parkeon.

The ticketing technology company already provides the onbus Wayfarer200 ticketing platform for the Walrus ITSO system - now Merseytravel’s vision of truly integrated multi-modal travel will be supported by a retail network founded on Parkeon’s P50 handheld device.

Around 150 retail outlets across Merseyside will have the P50 unit installed, enabling customers to top-up their Walrus smartcards or buy period based paper tickets.

The P50 uses the same ITSO enabled architecture and ticketing application as the Wayfarer200, thereby ensuring efficient integration with the scheme’s back office system.

Councillor Liam Robinson, Chairman of Merseytravel

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TO smart ticketing said: “This retail network will add flexibility to Merseyside’s public transport system, enabling our customers to top up their Walrus cards in locations most convenient to them. Parkeon is a long-term ticketing partner for Merseytravel and continues to play an important role in helping to deliver the vision of a truly smart transport network.”

Parkeon currently provides a managed ITSO-based ticketing service to all small bus operators in the Merseyside region, while also supporting the automatic fare collection requirements of five independent operators and Arriva North West & Wales.

“Flexible, smart technology is at the heart of everything associated with the Walrus smartcard, which is why the Parkeon P50 handheld ticket machine is a natural fit for Merseytravel,” said Gavin Trimnell, Head of UK Sales for Parkeon.

“The P50 can be used as a fixed point-of-sale terminal or in a mobile setting, making it easy for local people to top-up their cards or

to buy travel passes.”

T: 01202 339339 E: sales_uk@parkeon.com W: www.parkeon.com

Ticketer It has been a busy 12 months since Bus Expo 2011 for Ticketer.

Since the last show, Ticketer has been deployed with more than 90 operators across the UK, with many more in the pipeline. Key to this rapid take-up has been the ease of deployment of the Ticketer system and the intuitive and easyto-use back office and ETM, which significantly reduces any training time required.

Ticketer’s John Clarfelt explained: “Having no depot infrastructure to install beforehand means operators can be up and running with the back office in minutes.”

Many of Ticketer’s customers over the past year have come under the SWSAL framework and the Yorcard and NESTI Tenders,

pushing the evolution of smart ticketing to many small to mid size operators throughout the respective regions.

Ticketer’s customers have not been confined to those areas however, as Peter Newman from Ensign added: “Having trialled the Ticketer on a few buses, we were very keen to deploy to the rest of the fleet, but wanted to see some key features added before we did so. Ticketer have not disappointed with the speed of their development, the quality of their solution and the service level maintained.”

It’s not just the customer deployments which have kept Ticketer busy this year. John Clarfelt added: “Over the past year we have constantly been adding new features and upgraded functionality, but focused on the ticketing side.

This year sees some of our more exciting developments coming to the fore – the first of which is our online driver messaging, which we have just introduced.”

Thanks to Ticketer’s licensing model, every customer gets the new releases at no extra charge and so everyone benefits from Ticketer’s development roadmap.

T: 020 3195 8800 W: www.ticketer.co.uk

Beam Wi-Fi Passenger WiFi provider Mobile Onboard has noticed a recent surge in enquiries and sales from public transport, coach and tour operators wanting to give free WiFi access to their passengers. While this may seem like an unnecessarily luxury in terms of running a bus service, it can actually be a great tool for increasing passenger numbers and satisfaction by making their journeys more enjoyable, given that the mobile generation is literally glued to their phones and tablets nowadays.

In the UK, unlimited data plans are rare, so if a passenger can use someone else’s internet

See us on Stand 5/T183

Tel: 0203 195 8800 Email: info@ticketer.org.uk www.ticketer.org.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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DEPOT PERFORMANCE SYSTEM Revenue protection Contracts Tenders Route performance Shorts and overs Cash and bank Concessions and BSOG ETM Data Analysis

ETM – Data Analysis E P Morris & Company Limited Tel: 01527 556940 Fax: 01527 556941 www.epmorris.co.uk

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TO smart ticketing connection at no cost to themselves, then that’s appealing. For tablet users, this is even more appealing, since most tablet devices and iPads are still WiFi only with no 3G connection.

For coach operators, especially those which operate tours for foreign visitors, offering on-board WiFi is now a must, since tourists still want to be connected when away from home, but the cost to them for roaming abroad on the mobile internet can be very expensive. Offering them free connectivity is a much welcome value-add service.

In comparison with similar systems, Mobile Onboard’s Beam WiFi units are more than just internet gateways; they also include an on-board Web server with a generous amount of storage, which connects users to an operator-branded landing page before they start surfing the wider Web. This landing page is always available whether or not there is a mobile signal available to the bus.

This gives the operator an ideal opportunity to engage with the passenger, either via information pages, entertainment features or targeted advertising.

As the user is connected to the local landing page using a fast WiFi connection, it’s a perfect platform to offer content such as bespoke video destination guides, audio tours and podcasts, which can even be sponsored to generate additional revenue.

In addition, by connecting buses to the mobile data network, this opens up other opportunities for making buses smarter, such as receiving real-time travel information, and allowing ticket machines to send and receive data wherever they are.

Mobile Onboard operates its own data network in the UK as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), running on the back of the UK’s best 3G network. This means it can offer compelling and all-inclusive data packages with their own SIM cards installed within the units –

and in fact, every unit comes with an unlimited 3G data package in the UK as part of the low monthly management fee. It is also creating partnerships in Europe to offer similar packages in key European countries – although an extensive roaming package is already available.

Mobile Onboard’s standard units are self-contained, compact and robust and can be installed into the vehicle within ten minutes, without the need for external antennas in most cases.

Its larger units can support multiple SIM cards and contain multiple networks which can be used to send and receive other data securely and separately from the passenger’s network. All of their systems are pre-configured before shipping and so just work as soon as they are installed and switched on. When configuration changes are required, this can be done remotely by their network operations team.

Smarta 100 Award winner, Mobile Onboard, designs and builds

its products in the UK and has recently supplied its WiFi system to several operators in Hampshire following a successful bid by Transport for South Hampshire to the DfT’s Better Bus Area Fund.

One of the operators using Mobile Onboard’s technology is Phil Stockley, Managing Director of Eastleigh-based independent bus firm Black Velvet Travel Ltd. Speaking on behalf of the South Hampshire Bus Operators Association (SHBOA), he commented: “This region benefits from a strong culture of partnership between bus operators and local authorities alike.

“Free WiFi on-board is just the first of many examples of how the open-minded exchange of ideas, inspiration and innovation is bringing real benefits for bus passengers in the area.”

T: 0844 3572650 E: contact.us@ blueonboard.com W: www.blueonboard.com

On-bus Wi-Fi Made Simple...

For

better bus Simple 10-minute Installation

journeys, get Beam™ boxes onboard

Concise and inclusive pricing plans Great customer service Operator branding

By Mobile Onboard Creating journeys your passengers will love!

www.mobileonboard.com/beam Call us on 08432 899 897 www.coachandbusweek.com

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TransMach TransMach Systems is a leading ticketing system provider for independent bus and coach operators. TransMach, offers end to end ticketing solutions, from specifying, installing and providing personal help desk support. As specialists in ticketing, TransMach can build the ticketing system to suit specific business requirements.

They are a one point of contact for fare collection and supply of consumables.

Recently, Parkeon appointed TransMach as its distribution partner serving independent bus operators. This gives TransMach an opportunity to offer the Wayfarer 200 ITSO system to independent bus operators at an affordable cost and provide quality service and personal help desk support.

Gavin Trimnell, Parkeon’s Head of UK Sales, said: “Transmach is a very progressive company with significant experience in working with smaller fleets. This appointment will ensure that operators investing in Parkeon ticketing systems will receive expert support from installation through to configuration and beyond.”

Parthiv Parikh, a Director of TransMach, commented: “Parkeon’s range of Wayfarer equipment is known across the industry for its reliability, functionality and performance, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with what is widely regarded as the country’s leading provider of ticketing technology to the bus sector”.

As CASIO’s authorised partner, TransMach offers the CASIO IT9000 all-in-one portable ticketing system for paper tickets, smart cards, validating web booking and accepting Chip & Pin card payments.

The IT-9000 features a lithiumion battery (with an operating period of at least 20 hours), integrated high speed thermal printer, NFC (smart card) reader and writer, barcode reader with high speed and accuracy, GPS and HSDPA – capable 3G with high speed data transfer and high memory capacity. Transmach offers the IT-9000 as a complete bespoke package with web based back-office system.

T: 020 8861 1946 E: sales@transmach.co.uk W: www.transmach.co.uk

Features List 2013:

below is the current features list for the Coach & Bus Week Industry Guide in 2013. Dates are subject to change Issue

Issue Date

Product Focus Feature

Other

1069 January 2 Passenger Comfort & Entertainment 1070 January 9 1071 January 16 Vehicle Presentation 1072 January 23 Telematics Minibus 1073 January 30 1074 February 6 1075 February 13 Training & Safety 1076 February 20 Minibus 1078 February 27 Engines & Transmissions 1079 March 6 1080 March13 Seating, Flooring & Interiors 1081 March 20 Minibus 1082 March 27 CV Show Preview 1083 April 3 Digital Technology 1084 April 10 Rental, Leasing & Finance 1085 April 17 CV Show Review 1086 April 24 Garage Equipment Minibus 1087 May 1 1088 May 8 Tachographs 1089 May 15 1090 May 22 Fuel Management & Emission Control Minibus 1091 May 39 1092 June 5 Ticketing & Cash Handling 1093 June 12 1094 June 19 Minibus 1095 June 26 Repairs & Refurbishment 1096 July 3 1097 July 10 Training & Safety 1098 July 17 Minibus 1099 July 24 Glazing & Entry Systems 1100 July 31 1101 August 7 Uniforms & Workwear 1102 August 14 Minibus 1103 August 21 Vehicle Presentation 1104 August 28 1105 September 4 Engines & Transmissions 1106 September 11 Minibus 1107 September 18 CBL Preview 1108 September 25 Security & Insurance 1109 October 2 Digital Technology 1110 October 9 CBL Review 1111 October 16 Garage Equipment Minibus 1112 October 23 1113 October 30 Seating, Flooring & Interiors 1114 November 6 1115 November 13 Ticketing & Cash Handling 1116 November 20 Minibus 1117 November 27 Repairs & Refurbishment 1118 December 4 1119 December 11 Fuel Management & Emission Control 1120 December 18 Minibus

CONTACTS Advertising & Marketing Manager Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

Senior Sales Executive Victoria Schult 01733 293248 victoria.schult@coachandbusweek.com

Classified Sales Executive Jade Cassidy 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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...then 50 come along at once.

Due to a major influx of new vehicles, we are selling a number of ex-TWM service buses.

They’re in great condition for their age and have been maintained to a very high standard.

There are currently 50 vehicles available, all stored at our site for viewing.

Although mainly Volvo, Scania and Optare single deck, there are some double deck buses also available.

All will be sold with 12 months MOT and repaint if required.

1995 Van Hool DAF SB 3000 Executive

Manual gearbox, rear toilet, coffee machine and video.

Overhauled in our workshop.

Tested to June 2013.

£12,000

Any inspection or trial.

Further pictures by email if required.

Possible part exchange for 16 to 24 seater coach.

Woods Coaches Barnsley Tel. 07976 923313

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales

Please call for more details. Finance and rental packages available.

Dennis Pointer Dart Mk2 x 130

Volant PVS Ltd, Beecham Business Park, Northgate, Aldridge WS9 8TZ T: +44 (0)1922 457003 volantpvs.co.uk

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

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56, 57, 58, 59 & 11 Reg Ford Transit Factory Minibuses 15 and 17 seaters, PSV and Class 5 Choice of 10 For more information visit

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

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UNVI RIADA GT -2008 Mercedes-Benz 0816 Vario chassis with rear air suspension, 29 passenger seats with 3pt lap and diagonal seat belts, courier seat, dark tint double glazed windows, air con, radio/CD & PA system, DVD player and monitor, full draw curtains, large boot space and side lockers. Full service history. £57,950 + VAT Call Dougie at HAGGIS Adventures on 0131 554 9192

Don’t forget to say that you saw it in COACH&BUSMARKET

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com

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NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS

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

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

(59) 2009 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi 115ps, tacho, air-con, 15,000km only £17,495 (57) 2007 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4TDi 100ps, six speed gearbox, tacho with 16,000 miles, COIF/PSV £11,995

LDV MINIBUSES

D L O S

(57) 2007 LDV Maxus 17 seat, high back seats with three point belts, twin side doors, COIF/ PSV, silver £8,995

(05) 2005 LDV Convoy 2.4tdi 17 seat minibus, high back seats with three point seat belts, COIF/PSV tacho £4,995

OTHER MAKES

(09) 2009 Renault Master 16 seat minibus, tacho,high back seats with three point belts, 35,000km £15,650

OTHER MAKES

New Peugeot Boxer 16 seat 3.5 ton and 17 seat w/chair accessible minibuses, 2.2 diesel 120ps, six speed gearbox LEZ COMPLIANT From £23,500 + VAT New Renault Master 17 seat LWB LM39dci 126 Minibus, tacho ONLY £20,350 (07) Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus, 2.2 diesel with three point seat belts, 28,000 miles, COIF/PSV £10,495

(06) 2006 Volkswagen Transporter 9 seat minibus, 85PS, rear tail gate, twin side loading doors, 112,000 miles £7,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

(57) LDV Maxus LWB 9 seats tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, 49,000 miles, £9,995 (07) 2007 LDV Maxus 13 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, under floor lift, space for two wheelchairs, electric side step £8,495 (06) 2006 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 cdti 9 seat, inboard lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, 45,000 miles £8,995 (03) 2003 Fiat Doblo SX 1.9 diesel, low floor, four seats plus one wheelchair, lightweight ramp, 45,000 miles £3,495 Y 2001 Renault Mascot 2.8 diesel, 16 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, front entry drop step, fully tracked floor to take five wheelchairs, under floor lift, rear heating, COIF/PSV £6,495

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

Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304

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

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

All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%

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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.

1999/2000/2001 V/X/51 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS

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

2000 DAF SB120

1999 T/V REG DENNIS DART SLF’S

Caetano Compass bodies, 39 seats, ramps.

1997/98 VOLVO OLYMPIANS

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

2000 W REG MINI POINTER DART

9.9m, 2 door, 62 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant, large choice.

ZF automatic, LEZ compliant, Van Hool T9 body, 53 seats.

Cummins / Allison, 8.8m, 29 seats.

2001 DENNIS TRIDENTS

2001 Y REG DAF SB3000

LEZ

COMPLIANT

2000 W REG DENNIS DARTS

LEZ

COMPLIANT

Cummins / Allison, Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, LEZ compliant, 2 door, CCTV, large choice, £4500 each plus tyres (£400).

2005 MINI POINTER DART Cummins Euro 3, Allison automatic, 8.8m, 29 seats, new MOT.

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -

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

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nbus

K ER SPECIALIST ZF automatics, Plaxton Premiere 320 bodies, 53 seats, exhaust traps fitted, LEZ compliant.

1998 R REG DAF SB3000’S

2000/2001 X REG DENNIS SUPER POINTER DARTS

2001 DDA COMPLIANT DENNIS DART

Plaxton Pointer 2 dual door body, 31 seats, CCTV, particulate trap fitted, LEZ 2012 compliant, only £6,500 plus tyres (£400).

LAST ONE

ZF automatic, Ikarus body, 44 seats, MOT March 2013.

1999 T REG DAF SB220 SLF

Cummins L10 / ZF, Alexander RH body, 78 seats with retractable belts, MOT Oct 2013, tacho.

1992 LEYLAND OLYMPIAN

2002 DART SLFs

Cummins 160 engines, Voith gearboxes, 35 seats as dual door, or 43 seats as single door.

1992 J REG LEYLAND OLYMPIANS

Iveco Euro 3 engines, Alexander bodies, 68 seats.

1988 SUPER METROBUS OPEN TOPS

Re-engined with Cummins ISB Euro 3 engines, Voith gearboxes, 63 seats upstairs.

Euro 3, DDA, 44 seats.

2003 IRISBUS AGORALINE

LEZ

COMPLIANT

Euro 3 Cummins engines with traps, Marshall bodies, 8.8m, 25 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.

Cummins / Allison, Alexander ALX200 bodies, 9.2m, 27 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.

2001 Y REG DARTS

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

680964-1061-BenWeaver

5/11/12

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BEN WEAVER 2004 53 IVECO DAILY 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY LWB WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Can be driven on a normal B1 driving licence, white, 2800cc 6 speed turbo diesel, analogue tachograph, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 3 wheelchairs, 64000 miles, excellent condition, 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty, awaiting to be valeted, COIF applied for £8995 no VAT

2001 Y REG MERCEDES VARIO 814 FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE 28 SEAT MINIBUS COIF applied for, 4300cc automatic turbo diesel engine, Plaxton conversion, electric front doors, Access under floor rear tail lift, tracking for 8 wheelchairs, analogue tachograph, 141000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £10995 + VAT

2004 54 REG FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MINIBUS Finished in white, 2400 turbo diesel engine, electric windows lez compliant, certificate of initial fitness, psv, 112000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months psv or mot, fully serviced to good garage scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £4795 + VAT

2008 08 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400 turbo diesel 100ps engine, LEZ compliant, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, 85000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £10995 + VAT

1999 T REG TOYOTA CAETANO OPTIMO 4 4166cc turbo diesel 5 speed, 21 coach style seats with lapbelts and arm rests, passenger curtains, overhead luggage space, rear boot space, internal rear heater, reading lights, forced air, Euroliners, finished in white, just had 12 months PSV put on, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, 257000 miles, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards £8995 + VAT

2004 54 MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS Ex council vehicle, 2200 turbo diesel, auto, electric front entry door, analogue tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, panaramic glass, underfloor electric wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, 252000 klms, 158000 miles, excellent condition, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £11795 + VAT

2004 04 REG MERCEDES 814 VARIO 25 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE BUS 4250cc turbo diesel, finished in dark blue, analogue tachograph, ratcliffe internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 8 wheelchairs, 117000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months mot, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £14495 + VAT

2006 56 FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400cc turbo diesel engine, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, certificate of initial fitness, finished in white, excellent condition, 83000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £10995 + VAT

2005 54 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY COACH SPEC MINIBUS 2800 cc turbo diesel, 6 speed gearbox, analogue tachograph, PSV until 9th Jan 2013, tax until 31st Jan 2013, certificate of initial fitness, can go straight to work today, climate control, high back seats with 3 point seat belts, privacy panoramic glass, 105000 miles, excellent condition, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £9995 + VAT

2001 Y IVECO DAILY 35C11 MEDIUM WHEELBASE 10 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800 turbo diesel, Ratcliffe internal wheelchair lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, only 37000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £5995 NO VAT

2004 54 MERCEDES SPRINTER 311 13 SEAT TRAVELINER MINIBUS 2200cc turbo diesel engine, 3 point seat belts, high back seats, single passenger seat could be replaced with a double seat to make upto a 14 seater, finished in blue, excellent condition, 119000 miles with full history, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £7495 + VAT

2008 58 FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT HIGH ROOF MINIBUS 2400cc turbo diesel engine, CD player, eletric windows, digital tachograph, 150000 klms, 93000 miles, excellent condition, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £12495 + VAT

2007 07 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400cc turbo diesel 100PS engine, LEZ compliant, digital tachograph, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, 133000 miles with full service history, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £7995+VAT

004 54 IVECO DAILY 45C13 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel engine, Ricon internal electric lift, analogue tachograph, tracking for 4 wheelchairs, 285000 klms, 178000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £6995 + VAT

2003 03 REG MERCEDES 313CDI LWB HIGH ROOF 17 SEAT SPRINTER This is a 3500kgs vehicle so any licence is OK to drive it, advanced conversion, 2200cdi diesel, white, electric door mirrors, 110000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months mot, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty, no VAT to pay £ 8995 NO VAT, NO VAT TO PAY

BEN WEAVER commercIals

2003 03 REG FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MINIBUS Finished in white, 2400 turbo diesel engine, LEZ compliant, only 61000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £4995 + VAT

Gower Street, Sheffield, S4 7JW Tel: 0114 275 7076 www.benweavercommercials.co.uk

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commercials 2004 54 MERCEDES VARIO 814 FRONT ENTRY 25 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 4300 turbo diesel manual, Mellor conversion, front entry electric door, analogue tachograph, Ricon internal electric lift, 83000 miles, finished in red, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £15995 + VAT

2008 08 REG FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS With tachograph, 2400cc turbo diesel, LEZ compliant, frozen white, tachograph, 101000 kilometers, 63000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 11995 + VAT

2004 54 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 16 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS 2500cc turbo diesel engine, internal wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, analogue tachograph, 254000 klms, 158000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months natonwide parts and labour warranty £7995 + VAT

2007 07 REG FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS Finished in moondust silver, 2400 TDCI turbo diesel engine, electric windows, power heated door mirrors, heated windscreen, reverse parking sensors, LEZ compliant, 48000 miles with service history, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £12495 + VAT

2007 57 REG FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS Finished in frozen white, 2400cc turbo diesel, LEZ compliant, electric windows, power heated door mirrors, heated windscreen, CD player, 64000 miles with full service print out, excellent condition, supllied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £11495 + VAT

2007 07 FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400cc 6 speed turbo diesel 115ps engine, electric front windows, power heated door mirrors, LEZ compliant, CD player, 64000 miles, finished in tonic a very rare light metallic blue, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £12295 + VAT

2004 04 MERCEDES VARIO 814 FRONT ENTRY 25 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 4300 turbo diesel manual, Mellor conversion, front entry electric door, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, Ricon internal electric lift, 105000 miles, finished in blue, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £14995 + VAT

2009 09 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 209CDI SWB LOW ROOF WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE 2148cc CDI diesel, automatic gearbox, hand operated brake pedal, Ricon rear internal wheelchair lift, cruise control, air conditioning, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, only covered 8000, full service history, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 14995 NO VAT

2004 54 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2500 tdi 109bhp, white, Advanced Minibus conversion, tachograph, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, AVS side step, 194000 kilometers 121000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty, no VAT to pay £9995 NO VAT

2007 57 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR35 109PS 16 SEAT MINIBUS Additional seat can be added to make into 7 seater, anyone over 21 and has only a normal driving licence can drive this vehicle, 6 speed gearbox, white, electric windows, certificate of initial fitness applied for, 58000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £15995 + VAT

2004 54 REG IVECO DAILY 13 SEAT LWB WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS White, 2800cc turbo diesel, tachograph, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, side access step, 107000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £8795 + VAT

2003 03 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 15 SEAT WELFARE BUS 2800cc turbo diesel, 6 speed geaebox, white, Mellor Coachcraft conversion, ex local authority vehicle, Ricon internal rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, tachograph, 176000 kilometers 110000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 7495 + VAT

2006 06 REG IVECO DAILY 17 SEAT MINIBUS White, 2800cc turbo diesel, AVS side step, tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, 73000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £ 9995 + VAT

2002 02 MERCEDES VARIO 614 11 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS Choice of 2, 4300 turbo diesel engine, 5 speed manual gearbox, Access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, waiting to be de stickered and front bumper to be colour coded, 145000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £6995 + VAT

2003 53 OPTARE ALERO 12 SEAT PLUS DRIVER PLUS 4 STANDEES BUS 2800cc turbo diesel, fold out ramp to the side, air con, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, 113000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty £7495 + VAT

2007 07 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400 turbo diesel 100ps engine, LEZ compliant, electric windows, electric mirrors, cd player, digital tachograph, 83000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £9795 + VAT

All vehicles supplied with 12 months MOT/PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards and 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty

000000-1047-Eastwoods DPS

30/7/12

15:51

Page 1

DUE TO ILLNESS OF THE MD, MASSIVE SALE WITH HUGE REDUCTIONS – ALL MUST BE SOLD! 2003 DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PROFILE Registered Dec 2003, double glazed tinted glass, Cummins 275 engine, 6 speed manual gearbox, 49 seats, toilet & washroom, ready for immediate use, MoT tested, 120,000 miles, choice of two.

Straight from MOD.

£P.O.A

Straight from MOD

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER Dec 07, low mileage, 7 seats, quick release tracking for wheelchair use.

£12,500 + VAT

06 MAN EVOLUTION

14/220, 37 seats, SLF automatic, wheelchair ramp, superb condition throughout, fully MoT’d.

£45,500

Part exchange considered

BERKOF RADIAL 1998

53 seats, Cummins 300 engine, ex council, manual box, air cond, MoT, very low mileage, super condition.

£19,500

CAETANO (SALVADOR) 1998

57 seats, in white, Cummins 245 engine, MoT Sept 2012, very clean vehicle.

£19,500 + VAT

BMC AIRPORT BUS

32 seats, 220 Cummins, new MoT this week.

QUICK SALE WANTED.

£15,000

1995 PLAXTON PREMIER MERCEDES VARIO 612

1998, 20 new seats, wheelchair lift on wheel tracking, 20 new seats.

Choice of 6.

TRADE SALE OR SEPARATE

1995 DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PREMIER HIGHLINER

53 recliner seats, 290 Cummins, automatic, continental door, toilet, full years MoT, must be seen.

£POA + VAT

02 LDV

Minibus with 12 seats, long MOT, wheelchair lift and very clean.

£P.O.A.

1996 DENNIS JAVELIN

10 metre, new MoT, 41/47 seats, 220 Cummins, 6 speed box, new stretch panels, repainted.

Choice of 2.

£POA + VAT

B10 engine In excellent condition throughout MOT

£16,000 +VAT

000000-1047-Eastwoods DPS

30/7/12

15:51

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IVECO SERVICE BUS

67 seats (moquet), new 2006, only 12,000 miles since new,Vihixel body, auto gearbox, air-con, MOT full year, LEZ, must be seen, superb condition.

£65,000 + VAT PX considered

PLAXTON PARAGON

48 reclining seats plus courier seat, air-con.

£49,500 + VAT

03 MERCEDES VARIO

With wheelchair lift, 13 seats, low mileage.

£12,000 + VAT

02 SETRA

1996 VOLVO PLAXTON PREMIER HIGH LINER

B10 engine, 14 months test, 70 seats, tinted double glazing, curtains, continental door, must be seen.

£POA

Model S-315 GT HD, 6 cylinder MAN engine, manual 6 speed gearbox, 49 seater, full air conditioning, many extras, full year MOT

£45,000 + VAT

Part exchange considered

681130-1061-Pickrell

H. W. PICKRELL

2/11/12

10:27

Page 1

MINIBUS AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

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

Email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk - www.hwpickrell.co.uk Finance available on all vehicles (subject to status) Written details on request.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINI BUSES For latest stock arrivals follow @h_w_pickrell

07 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

07 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD

09 PEUGEOT EXPERT TEPEE 1.9 HDI

2008 58 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO L M39 2.5TD

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

Auto gearbox, coach built body, KFS conversion, PAS, side loading door, low side step, 15 high back seats plus driver, full air con, Webasto, Unwin tracked floor, lowering air suspension and ramp, 44,087 miles only.

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

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, O & H conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 8 high back seats + driver, Unwin tracked floor, stretcher, Ricon tail lift, piped oxygen, Eberspacher heater, 48,441 miles.

60 REG FORD TRANSIT T430 JUMBO 2.4TD

2008 57 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO LH28 2.0 TD

57 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR35

06 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.2TD

Manual gearbox, high roof, factory bus conversion, side entry slam door with low entry step, 16 x high back seats plus driver, ex local authority, only 6,900 miles.

Manual gearbox, hi roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 5 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 30,280 miles only.

LWB, semi high roof, BC conversion, PAS, SLD, side step, 12 rear high back seats, front storage area or double passenger, air con, Unwin tracked floor, space for wheelchair, AMF internal tail lift, only 25,000 miles

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

09 REG IVECO 65c15 IRIS BUS 3.0

54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVG TREKA

07 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR50 UVG TREKA

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4TDCI

Automatic, tacho, LWB, PAS, Mellor body, power door, low entry, only 8 seats but space for upto 24 high back removable seats, climate control, Unwin tracking, Ricon internal tail lift, very low 16,000 kms.

Auto gearbox, LWB, PAS, climate control, n/s/f electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, 104,180 kms.

Auto gearbox, climate control, n/s/f electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, 81,280 kms.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, electric side step, 11 high back seats, Unwin tracked floor at rear, Eberspacher heater, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, 34,954 miles.

09 REG PEUGEOT BOXER 330 2.5 T D

2009 59 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO SL28 2.0 TD

54 REG M ERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI

09 REG RENAULT MASTER M M33 2.5TD

Manual, LWB, semi high roof, Atlas Bus conversion, side loading door, step, 16 x high back seats plus driver, exlease, only 19,675 miles. s.

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

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

Manual gearbox, high roof, Warnerbus conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 7 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, full air con, Webasto, Unwin Innotrax floor, Braun tail lift, 27,087 miles only.

2008 57 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD

08 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5 TD

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4TDCI

06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, SCW conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 10 high back seats, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, 27,478 miles.

Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, AVS side step, 13 high back seats plus driver, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon internal tail lift, 33,175 miles only,choice of two.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, AVS side step, 13 rear high back seats, Unwin tracked floor, Eberspacher heater, air con, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, tacho, 53,946kms.

Auto gearbox, LWB, PAS, Frank Guy conversion, n/s full height electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF’d, 103,080 kms.

06 REG RENAULT MASTER SL33 2.2TD

07 REG FORD TRANSIT 100 350 2.4 TDCI

06 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4 TDCI

58 REG IVECO DAILY 50c13 IRIS BUS 3. 0

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

Manual, MWB, high roof, PAS, DL conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 8 high back seats, fully Unwin tracked floor, Eeberspacher heater, Ricon tail lift, 28,779 miles.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, side step, 11 rear high back seats, full Unwin tracking, Eberspacher heater, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, 31,813 miles.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, power front entry door, 16 rear high back seats, Unwin tracked floor, Eberspacher heater, destination board, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, COIF, 63,371 miles.

05 (55) FORD TRANSIT 350 17 SEAT MINIBUS 115PS £7,495

09 (59) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF TACHO COIF/PSV 30,000MILES CHOICE OF 115 & 140PS £16,495

09 (59) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS DIGITAL TACHO COIF/PSV 74000 MILES £13,995

MULTIPART & LDV/MAXUS PARTS STOCKISTS

(PONTYPOOL) LTD

COME ALONG AND MEET US AND VIEW THE NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE ALTAS CONVERSION AT THE ALTAS STAND D70 – NEC CENTRE, BIRMINGHAM NOVEMBER 6TH - 9TH

P.O.A.

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

NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE 516CDI

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

06 (55) MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDi TREKA BUS W/CHAIR ACC 97000KMS COIF/PSV £17,995 CHOICE

2006 (55) LDV CONVOY ELWB MINI COACH 17 SEATS 90PS EXCEL CONVERSION COIF/PSV TACHO £9,950

09 (58) FORD TRANSIT 100T 300M WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS P.O.A.

2008 (57) VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR35 W/CHAIR ACCESSIBLE 29,000 MILES COIF/PSV £19,995

14:56

07 (07) LDV MAXUS W/CHAIR ACCESSIBLE 4 SEAT INBOARD LIFT UNWIN TRACKING £12,495

5/11/12

58 PLATE VW CRAFTER CR50LWB 16 SEAT W/CHAIR ACC MINIBUS STANFORD CONVERSION 2.5/135PS TDCI COIF/PSV £29,995

p65_CBW_1061 Page 1

681122-1061-Heatons

5/11/12

15:49

Page 1

The North West’s Premier Minibus Sales, supplying nationwide for over 40 years

LEZ

LEZ

LEZ

LEZ

Wheelchair Accessible

Wheelchair Accessible

Wheelchair Accessible

Wheelchair Accessible

06 VOLKSWAGEN LT 35

08 CITROEN RELAY

09 RENAULT MASTER

08 VAUXHALL MOVANO

MWB covered 30,000 miles, 8 highback passenger, seats lots of Unwin tracking, SLD with cassette step, Ricon internal Clearway tailift, showroom condition inside and out £10,995

LWB covered 17,000 miles, 8/9 highback passenger seats in coach trim, Unwin tracking, full carpetlined, Ricon internal Clearway tailift, SLD with electric side step, totally immaculate inside and out POA

MWB, covered 49,000 miles, 5/8 highback passenger seats, SLD with cassette step, Ricon internal tailift, totally showroom condition inside and out. £14,995

LWB, low mileage, 8 highback seats, lots of Unwin tracking, Ricon internal fully automatic tailift, SLD with cassette, step totally immaculate, choice of 4 £13,995

PSV’d

LEZ

LEZ

LEZ

Wheelchair Accessible

PSV’d

Wheelchair Accessible

Wheelchair Accessible

06 MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI

57 IVECO 45c15

58 VAUXHALL MOVANO

52 VOLKSWAGEN LT 46

LWB, 15 highback passenger seats, power side door, lots of Unwin tracking, external cassette tailift, LEZ compliant, will come with 12 months PSV test, excellent condition inside and out £14,995

With 16 highback passenger seats in coach moquette, 3 point belts, front powerdoor low step entry, panaramic tinted windows, 1 charity owner from new, will come with 12 months PSV test, automatic transmission £14,995

LWB covered 41,000 miles, 8 highback passenger seats, lots of Unwin tracking, Ricon internal fully automatic tailift, totally showroom condition, SLD with cassette step £15,995

8/10 highback seats plus wheelchair spaces, Ricon internal fully automatic tailift, choice of 2 £4,995

LEZ

LEZ

PSV’d

PSV’d

Wheelchair Accessible

Wheelchair Accessible

LEZ

58 IVECO 50C15 IRIS BUS

09 VAUXHALL MOVANO

58 IVECO 50c15

2010 FORD TRANSIT

Powerdoor front low step entry, 15/16 highback passenger seats, euro 4, soft trim, totally immaculate, plant on panoramic windows, 12 months PSV test £15,995

LWB, PTS spec, covered 41,000 miles, 8 highback passenger seats, Ricon internal tailift, lots of Unwin tracking, SLD with cassette step, totally totally immaculate, LEZ compliant, choice of 2 £16,995

Low miles, 16 highback passenger seats in coach moquette, lots of Unwin tracking, powerdoor front entry, destination pod, external cassette tailift, good quality conversion, will come with 12 months PSV test POA 018

LWB, highroof, 17 seat factory spec minibus, digital tacho, showroom condition inside and out, LEZ compliant, above average miles but fantastic value at £12,995

PSV’d

LEZ

LEZ

LEZ

LEZ

Wheelchair Accessible

Wheelchair Accessible

Wheelchair Accessible

Wheelchair Accessible

06 RENAULT MASTER LWB

56 RENAULT TRAFFIC LWB

57 MERCEDES SPRINTER 511

08 FORD TRANSIT LWB

Ricon internal fully automatic Clearway tailift, lots of Unwin tracking, SLD with side step, totally immaculate inside and out.

Highroof, covered 55,000 miles, 7/8 highback passenger seats, lots of Unwin tracking, twin SLDs with cassette step, m1 Unwin Innotrax flooring,Ricon internal Clearway tailift, totally showroom condition inside and out £11,995

16 high back passenger seats, lots of Unwin tracking, SLD with side step, external PLS cassette tailift, tinted windows, showroom condition inside and out POA

High roof, covered 38,000 miles, external Ratcliffe fully automatic tailift, totally immaculate, 12 highback passenger seats lots of Unwin tracking £17,995

PSV’d

LEZ

LEZ

LEZ

Wheelchair Accessible

Wheelchair Accessible

Wheelchair Accessible

55 VOLKSWAGEN LT 35 LWB

08 MERCEDES SPRINTER 511

56 FORD TRANSIT

08 FORD TRANSIT MWB

Covered 40,000 miles, 8 highback passenger seats, Unwin tracking, SLD with electric side step, Ricon internal Clearway tailift, totally showroom condition inside and out, excellent value £10,995

16 high back passenger seats, lots of Unwin tracking, SLD with side step, external PLS cassette tailift, tinted windows, showroom condition inside and out POA

39,000 miles, factory spec, 8 high back passenger seats plus lugguage space. twin SLDs, totally immaculate £7,495

High roof, lots of Unwin tracking, 8 high back passenger seats, Ricon internal tailift.

Tel: 01942 864222 • WWW.HEATONSMOTORCO.CO.UK ALL PRICES PLUS VAT We guarantee quality vehicles, right prices, no pressure sales. Come and have a coffee while you browse at your leisure.

Junction 23, M6 or 20 miles from Manchester/Liverpool airport.

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68 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 7, 2012

2002 52 Reg Mercedes Sprinter 413D

UVG body, 16 seats + wheelchair, PSC and tachograph, low mileage for year

ÂŁ8,450.00

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5/11/12

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679547-1059-Connaught

22/10/12

14:36

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Mini Coach Sales

BRAND NEW MERCEDES FERQUI SOROCO 16 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.

Order now for March/April

BRAND NEW MERCEDES FERQUI TORO 32 high back seats + courier, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot. Available for immediate delivery.

MORE PHOTOS AND DETAILS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE:

BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ FERQUI SOROCO 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights and boot.

Order now for March/April

BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ 516CDI EVM SHUTTLE 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks and A/C.

BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ 513CDI EVM CLASSIC 16/19 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks and A/C.

www.connaughtpsv.co.uk

2009 59 REG MERCEDES 515 SOROCO 16 high back leather trimmed Vogel recliners, 3 point belts, AC/DG, forced air, reading lights, DVD, power door, large boot.

2008 08 MERCEDES BENZ 815D VARIO OPTARE TORO 28 high back seats, courier seat, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, A/C, D/G, power door and large boot.

2007 07 MERCEDES 515 CDI COACH BUILT SOROCO 16 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, AC/DG, power door and large boot.

2005 05 REG MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON CHEETAH 33 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, auto gearbox, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.

2005 55REG MERCEDES BENZ 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights.

2001 51 REG TOYOTA CATEANO OPTIMO 5 22 high back seats plus courier, lap belts, forced air, reading lights, curtains, power door and boot.

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

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November 7, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 71

N Reg Bluebird American School Bus 60 seats with 3 point belts, Cummins engine/Allison gearbox

£5,950

Also 2000 W Reg at

£12,000.00

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552 V d PS ste te

2011 11 REG FORD TRANSIT

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15 seat factory bus, PSV, COIF and tacho, 20K miles, ready to go

£16,450

For more information visit

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

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49 reclining seats, Manual, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £40,000

Mercedes Touro

65 reclining seats, Automatic, A/C, W/C £40,000

Jonckheere Mistral, MAN

49 reclining seats, AS Tronic gearbox, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £95,000

31 reclining seats, Manual, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio £68,000

61 reclining seats, AS Tronic gearbox, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £120,000

65 reclining seats, One Shift gearbox, LEZ compliant, Disabled access, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £125,000

MAXI 3, Iveco

Neoplan Euroliner, MAN

Plaxton Panther, MAN

Plaxton Panther, Volvo

Contact Daniel Gillison dan@applegates.co.uk 01453 810314

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November 7, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 72

2002 (52 reg) Optare Solo M850

DARTLINE

Mercedes engine, 27 seats 23 with belts, currently undergoing body prep and paint.

£17,950

For more information visit

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

2x2005 Optare Solos

9.2 m, 33 seats, Mercedes engines, approx. 220,000 miles, good order throughout, more pictures if required, new MOT’S £32,500 + VAT (Discount if both taken)

AVAILABLE NOW 2008 Temsa Opalin

Auto, 35 seat midicoach, air-con, large boot, side lockers, approx. 195,000 kms, LEZ compliant, MOT Exp May 2013 £70,000 + VAT

2003 Renault Master SL28 Dci

5 passenger seats,1 removable seat on centre track, N/S sliding door, double rear doors, approx. 55,000 miles, MOT (Class 4) Exp August 2013 £3,000

Contact Simon on 01392 872900

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

01274 681144

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

Bus and Coach

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Dennis Dart Super Pointer 45 seats with belts, Tacho, Euro4 with RPC/LEZ, ready to go

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£13,950

For more information visit

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

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November 7, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 73

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

BUILDINGS

• Bus Workshops • Secure Storage

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

Mobile Column Lifts FREE

• 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 &KHFNSRLQW

Set of Axle Stands when you purchase your Mobile Columns JHM Butt & Company Limited Sales: 01302 718226

www.buttsequipment.com equipment.com

HEATING ®

'XVWLWH/5

®

Wheel Nut Indicators and Retainers

+44(0)1524 271200 www.checkpoint-safety.com

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

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

www.thhs.co.uk

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

ENGINES

THE CUMMINS ENGINE SPECIALISTS PARTS & SERVICE DIVISION

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

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GARAGE EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS Experts in Commercial Garage Equipment

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

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New Van & Bus Parts Cummins 5-9 B series Short Engine ESN 29111177 Druk 0032serx

Cummins L10 Short Motor Daily Spare Wheels 22-75 16C

Pirelli New

Diggi Techo 1

Drivers Suspension Seats New £250+VAT

Ducato Front Passenger £175+VAT

Fiat Ducato Rear Doors Old Model

Gramma Air Seats New

Gramma Paddle Change Seats New

Iveco Daily Mirrors £50+VAT Each

Iveco Daily Rim Continental Vanco 195-75R-16C 107-105R Tyre

Iveco Daily SLD £250+VAT

Iveco Daily Wings £35+VAT

Leyland GB397,390

MB Sprinter 616 Axel part no A9053500300

MB Sprinter VW LT Doors old model £150+VAT

MB Vario 24 Volt Wiper Motors £35+VAT

MB Vario Bumpers £75+VAT

MB Vario Headlamps £35+VAT

New MB Vario Parts

New Sprinter Spare Wheels Continental Vanco Winter 235 65 R16C Tyres

New Transit Spare Wheels Continental 215 75 R16C Eco Tyres

Nissan 2-7 TD New

Peugeot Boxer Relay Fiat Ducato Doors £300+VAT pair

Renault Master Rear Mavano Doors £300+VAT Pair

RUD Matic Snow Chains

Sprinter & Crafter Wings £35+VAT

Toyota Landcruiser V8 20 inch Alloys Dunlop 285 50 R20 Unused

tTansit Millennium Bus £750+VAT

Transit Minibus Seats Unused

Transit Millennium Doors £125+VAT

Transit Tourneo Seats Unused £500+VAT

Vauxhall Astra Mk2 Convertible Bodyshells

VW Crafter Mercedes Sprinter Front Doors £200+VAT

ZF 16S-109

www.cabmasters.com ZF Astronic 12-AS-1930-TD

01706 211 838

ZF S6 36-2 Gearboxes ZF Reman

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VEHICLE SPARES

REGISTRATIONS G £690 CEZ 75 DNZ 45 JXI 62 OXI 76 TUI 18 TUI 19 UIB 58 UIB 69 VIB 92

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

£350 £99 £99 £50 ACZ 727 DXZ 1150 LIG 1220 CXZ 4470 AJZ 262 FRZ 1411 LIG 1222 DXZ 2268 CEZ 979 HIG 5338 MJZ 6749 DXZ 2269 KBZ 181 IIG 2278 MNZ 1195 ERZ 6181 RBZ 696 IIG 2279 REZ 9410 FRZ 1516 SBZ 171 JIG 9298 RUI 2117 FRZ 1517 VIW 979 JIG 9299 SUI 8836 JFZ 8261 WJI 848 KIG 6556 SUI 8837 JFZ 8262 XJI 474 KIG 6557 TJZ 1119 KIG 8781 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange

£50 KIG 8782 LIG 1281 LIG 1282 RNZ 9197 RNZ 9198 SNZ 1068 SNZ 1069 TUI 7991 TUI 7992

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

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

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

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

REPLACEMENT LEZ EXHAUSTS TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE Direct Replacement LEZ Exhaust Systems Typical 2-4 Hour Install 2 Year Standard Warranty Unique Maintenance Modules - Keep your Vehicle on the Road Passive and Active Systems available - Suitable for all Drive Cycles For your Regional Agent or Further Information, Contact Tom or Brian on :- 01768 480111 or sales@greenurban.co.uk

TRIM

TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY

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

www.twigley.com

Tel/Fax:

astgate COACH TRIMMERS LTD

01751 472229

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

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.

TRAINING

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76 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 7, 2012

WIPERS

Manufacturers, Designers and Suppliers of windscreen wiper equipment and bus/coach products

FOR ALL YOUR WIPER EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS PLEASE CONTACT US OR VISIT OUR NEW ON-LINE CATALOGUE

Unit 3, Seaview Road, Bootle, Merseyside L20 4DU

T: +44 (0) 151 922 5933 T: +44 (0) 151 933 4272 F: +44 (0) 151 922 5468 E: sales@transervex.co.uk W: www.transervex.com

A Clear Vision

November 7, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 77

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

Monday: Press day. The usual madness but Advertising & Marketing Manager Ian makes us laugh. I often say he has a way with words. A planned day’s Driver CPC training for later this week is cancelled as the trainer is in the sick bay – I put it down to being the time of year.

Tuesday: An afternoon of meetings but they’re of the enjoybale as opposed to the tedious sort.

A Bristol bus in Salzburg

Austrian Lodekka What’s this then? A Bristol Lodekka abroad. This British-built doubledecker was caught on camera by your Editor’s mother Ann during his parents’ recent coach holiday to Austria. A keen photographer, she’s never afraid to take the odd stock image for CBW. You have been warned (joke).

A quick Google search revealed the bus was originally registered ‘BUO150B’ According to Rob Sly’s highly informative website bcv.robsly. com, the bus was new to Western National as fleet number 2075 in November 1964. From January until September 1983, it formed part of the Southern National

Dilbert

fleet. The bus spent the next 30 or so years in non-PSV use with the National and Local Government Officers Association (NALGO) in Gloucester. After passing to the Lydney-based dealer, London Bus Export Company, the vehicle

was used to promote the Euro.

It remained licensed in the UK and returned each year for MoT. Between March 2008 and July 2010, the dealership renovated and painted it in pseudo London Transport livery, before exporting it to Dr Erich Berer in Salzburg.

In Austria, the old girl is used on a combined bus and boat tour and to this end has had its door moved to the ‘wrong’ side. To the untrained eye of course, every red double-decker is a “London bus” – more details of which can be found at www.salzburghighlights.at/en/ .

From the photographs at least, the bus appears to be well looked after.

Indeed, it almost appears to be somebody’s pride and joy.

As something of an aside, the vehicle’s Austrian numberplate is ‘S CHIFF1’, which of course makes up the German word for ship.

Wednesday: A hectic day in the office. Work away on my Traffic Commissioner report feature and make a start on a couple of projects. Leave work promptly. Accompanied by my fiancée, head ‘back home’ to the Welsh borderland. Driving conditions are not good on the A14 near Kettering thanks to the wind and rain but I’m convinced it’s the best time of the day to travel. The start of the M6 is shut but the frustratingly, the signs don’t say which section.

Thursday: A quiet-ish day ‘back home’.

Friday: Spend an enjoyable few hours with Nain (grandmother in Welsh), together with her cats and dog.

Nain shows me the consultation documents relating to National Grid’s (NG) highly controversial wind farm plans, which could see a pylon route run near her home and a load of windmills plaster the mountain behind her. The tranquil uplands of Mid Wales, a landscape I’ve been fortunate to grow up in, look set to be desecrated if NG get its evil way. Tracy, a former colleague at Travel West Midlands sends me a message on Facebook to say I’ve omitted her in the latest ‘Last Stop’ and that the head of one of those I have mentioned is getting rather big. All good fun.

Sunday: Having arrived back in Peterborough by late afternoon, working away on CBW. No rest for the wicked… www.coachandbusweek.com

LastStop.indd 77

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78 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 7, 2012

RECRUITMENT

New First Regional Development Managers First has appointed Gareth Stevens as the new Regional Development Manager for the West and Wales and Matthew Callow as its new Regional Development Manager for the South Coast.

With over 14 years expertise in the road transport business, Gareth Stevens joins First from Arriva UK Trains, where he previously worked as the Commercial Manager for the company’s road transport business. Prior to this he worked as the Commercial Team Leader for Cardiff Bus. Having begun his career as a depot assistant for Stagecoach Red and White, Gareth has an invaluable, bottom-up understanding of the passenger transport industry.

Matthew Callow

Gareth Stevens

Matthew Callow’s previous role before coming to First was as a General Manager for Damory Coaches. He has been working in the transport industry for going on 20 years, six of those as a Commercial Manager at Go South Coast and 10 working with Stagecoach, where he began as Operations Manager and left as Commercial Director.

Other positions have included

Information and Infrastructure Officer for Hampshire County Council and as a Managing Consultant for the Engineering firm Atkins.

Marc Reddy, Regional Commercial and Business Growth Director for the South West and Wales, said: “Gareth joined First in August this year and Matthew started in early October. We are thrilled to have them both on board.

They will be working closely with the Commercial Team and General Managers to prepare various bids, collaborating with Local Authorities, and analysing data to support services and pricing decisions. In these important roles, with their proven commercial track records and experience, we are sure they will both be a huge asset to the team, helping us to enhance our business and ensure our services are instrumental to the wider development of the region.”

Gareth Stevens added: “I have started work on some exciting new projects, including the Local Sustainable Transport Fund and Better Bus Area Fund. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues and our stakeholders to increase the business’ efficiency and growth for the future in a competitive local environment.”

Matthew Callow said: “This is a great opportunity and I am keen to build the business, working with Local Authorities and the company’s partners in the region.”

“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! Your vacancy will be seen in the print and digital editions, and online at www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs.

This amazing offer is extended to the end of the year, 2012, so don’t delay, contact me, Ian Gillis, on 01733 293 484, or via email: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com”

RECRUITNOW

WITH www.coachandbusweek.com

Recruit.Quarter.serif_rounded.indd 1

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

Michelin appoints new Commercial Director Michelin has appointed Guy Heywood as Commercial Director of its truck and bus operations in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Heywood, 45, brings more than 14 years of experience at Michelin to the role, having served the last two years as National Sales Manager of the firm’s commercial vehicle tyre operations in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Heywood’s broader experience at Michelin includes four years as Production Manager at the Stoke-on-Trentbased Remix plant.

Commenting on his new role, Heywood said: “In these trying economic times, we have seen our market share increase as fleet managers are choosing not the

lowest price tyre but the tyre and service provider offering the lowest total cost of ownership.

“Our focus in the short term will be maintaining Michelin’s presence as market leader in the replacement sector for bus, coach and truck tyres in the UK and continuing to grow our market share. We have developed significant contracts with large national fleets and we now plan to further extend our

Guy Heywood

November 7, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 79

base of regional and local fleet customers.”

Heywood expects to drive results thanks to Michelin’s latest ranges of high technology products through the company’s dedicated sales force, and through its extensive national network of ATS Euromaster outlets and Michelin Certified Centres.

Heywood takes over his new role at Michelin’s UK headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent with immediate effect, reporting to Marc de Bellescize, Sales Director for Michelin’s European Truck Tyre Division.

Outside of work, Heywood is a keen cyclist, completing a five-day cycle challenge in Madagascar in June 2012 to raise money for industry charity Transaid – and a separate London to Paris event in aid of the North Staffs Carers Association in October 2012.

He replaces Bill Schafer, who is returning across the Atlantic to the US to take up a position within the group there.

Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484

ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

New MD for Hedingham & Chambers The Go-Ahead Group has appointed George Mutch as the new MD of Hedingham and Chambers.

George replaces Robert MacGregor who is to step down.

George has worked in the bus industry for 29 years. He is currently Regional Manager for Hackney Community Transport (HCT) and, amongst other duties, was responsible for managing its Olympic Park bus contract.

He began his career as a PCV driver with Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive and progressed to holding a number of supervisory and management roles in the region as ownership passed to Stagecoach. He became Operations Director for Stagecoach West Scotland and joined HCT in 2008.

Managing Director Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company

Brighton & Hove Buses is at the heart of the local community.The company operates a modern bus fleet and provides the local service for customers in the city of Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area. Its fleet of 281 buses and coaches delivers well over 47 million passenger journeys a year through the efforts of 1,175 employees.

This is a unique and fantastic opportunity for an experienced, high quality candidate to build upon a strong legacy and who has the ability to inspire an award-winning team to even higher levels of innovation, quality and partnership working.

The Managing Director of Brighton & Hove will report directly to the Go-Ahead Group Chief Executive.

Responsibilities will include all commercial, financial and operation matters relating to the successful running of the bus company. Candidates will possess the energy and passion to deliver excellent customer service through a strategy of effective marketing and high operational standards. Go-Ahead operates a devolved management structure and the successful candidate will have significant autonomy in order to innovate and grow the business.

The role is based at the company’s headquarters in Hove.

To apply, please e-mail your CV and a covering letter to Val Proctor, Group HR Director at Go-Ahead. e-mail: val.proctor@go-ahead.com buses.co.uk go-ahead.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

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