Wednesday November 9, 2011 Issue 1011 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com
COACH:
40% growth in holiday revenues for Wales’ Edwards Coaches p9
INDUSTRY:
Chris Cheek re�lects on 25 years of bus deregulation p30
Inside this week...
Minibus
BUS:
More criticism from the Competition Commission p4
CONFERENCE:
Report on all the hot topics at this year’s CPT Coach Conference p24
for recru i
JOB ADV tment EVERY WERTS EEK
New Bus for London rolls off the line p8
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Here is your chance to experience a full cruise at a very special price. Exclusively for you from Coach World and Coaches Etc. Prices starting at £399 for a balcony cabin for a full 7 days Mediterranean cruise on board MSC Flagship Splendida MSC Cruises continues to astound with its cutting-edge ʻFantasiaʼ class of cruise ships. After the success of MSC Fantasia we were immensely proud to introduce her sister, MSC Splendida, a cruise ship where technology and comfort are spectacularly combined. Futuristic, yet retaining its classic simplicity and elegance. A cruise ship that promises the ultimate cruise experience.
MSC Splendida also features 4 swimming pools, a squash court, a Formula 1 simulator and much, much more... there are 5 restaurants to chose from, and 13 bars, as well as a magnificent theatre where top class shows take place very night, a large casino and plenty of shops. This trip gives you the chance to experience the luxury of a balcony cabin.
Balcony Cabin Outside with Balcony
All beds can be both single or double (on request). Spacious wardrobe. Bathroom with shower or tub. Interactive TV. Telephone. Availability of internet connection by your own laptop (on payment). Mini bar and safe. Air conditioning. Size: approx 22 square metres.
Sailing Dates: 28th January 2012 sailing from Genoa Italy
25th February 2012 sailing from Genoa Italy
Ports en route: Genoa, Barcelona, at sea, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Valencia, Marseille, Genoa
Ports en route: Genoa, Barcelona, at sea, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Valencia, Marseille, Genoa
Prices including flight only £599 per person on the 28th January and £649 on the 25th February and this is unbelievable, but no single supplement !!!!!
Or travel by coach stopping en route in the magnificent Park Inn Macon Hotel, on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis for just £525 per person on 28th January and £569 on 25th February, or arrange your own flights and pay just £399 on 28th January and £439 on 25th February.
Theses prices are for a balcony cabin with either flights or coach travel included, and are amazing, so to book now before the cabins sell out please call Richard or Tasha on 0208 665 5561 or email Richard@coachesetc.com There is limited availability so please call us as soon as you can
There are also some free places for group organisers who meet the criteria so get a group together and get on board.
November 9, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 3
THIS WEEK
Coach & Bus Week is published by Rouncy Media, First Floor, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX Switchboard 01733 293240 Fax 0845 280 2927 Web www.coachandbusweek.com
EDITORIAL Publisher Jonathan Taylor 01733 293240 jonathan.taylor@rouncymedia.co.uk Editor Gareth Evans 01733 293243 gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk Industry Editor Meera Rambissoon 01733 293240 meera.rambissoon@rouncymedia.co.uk Technical and Minibus Editor Martin Cole 01733 293245, 07885 692144 martin.cole@rouncymedia.co.uk News Reporter James Day 01733 293244 james.day@rouncymedia.co.uk Art Director Keith Simpson Contributors Richard Charnley, Gabriel Conway, Alan Payling
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Mixed messages?
L
ast week’s announcement from the Competition Commission (CC) inevitably led to some sections of the media latching onto the idea of ‘rivals colluding.’ There were suggestions of underhand, dodgy dealing between Arriva and Go North East (GNE), when in reality the OFT cleared the deal. Thankfully far from taking it lying down, GNE MD Peter Huntley responded to at least one local newspaper report – although whether his reply benefits from the same prominence remains to be seen. Not that I’m cynical or anything. Back to the CC, we’ve been drip fed a series of announcements. Am I alone in concluding we’re getting blurred messages from CC? On one hand the CC doesn’t want on-street bus competition (the dirty words ‘bus wars’), but then it don’t welcome information sharing to maximise efficiency for all concerned either. The latter is otherwise known as
meaningful partnership, i.e. one of the CC’s proposed remedies. Will the CC wish to ban the CPT and regional operator associations? It’s reasonable to conclude we won’t see any radical thinking as a result of this announcement. However, it does beg the question as to why the CC should release an addendum? How does the CC want operators to behave on the back of it? Do they want less information sharing? Isn’t it natural for an operator to want to maintain its network? Of course an operator will not want someone muscling in on something they’ve worked hard to build up – that’s human nature. If operators don’t respond, it’s not competition. The incumbent is seen as weak. But then of course if they do respond, operators risk the wrath of OFT …eventually. That, as they say, is another story. Gareth Evans Editor
CONTENTS 4
22
34
The latest from across the coach and bus industry in the UK
12
All the latest vehicle deliveries in operators’ yards across the country
24
VOSA CEO Alistair Peoples talks about VOSA’s role in compliance
Results and forecasts from MAN, National Express and Stagecoach
18
Rundown on the CPT’s annual coaching conference
28
Bluebird Orion Plus; SCW Monaco; Fiat Ducato and Nissan NV400
...From tourist attractions and events. Plus ideas for group visits
20
A Yorkshire Coastliner Wright Volvo bus passing John Smith’s brewery
30
A lighthearted look at the industry. Plus Gareth’s Diary!
SMMT claims 30,000 jobs could be created with reforms to R&D tax
Industry analyst Chris Cheek looks at 25 years of bus deregulation
All the latest people moves from across the industry
News
Financial News Tour News
Business News
Deliveries
CPT Conference The Big Picture Insight
Open Platform
37
Minibus
67
Last Stop
68
People
The opinions and views expressed by authors and contributors within Coach & Bus Week are not necessarily those of the Editor or its publisher Rouncy Media Ltd.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 9, 2011
nEWS
BriEfly West Yorkshire PTE Metro is continuing to pursue the idea of quality contracts – despite a distinct lack of enthusiasm from the Compeitition Commission. Metro chairman James Lewis said: “The Commission calculated at least 50%, but possibly as many as 98%, of the conurbation’s bus services were being detrimentally affected by a lack of competition. Although it backed away from recommending quality contracts, we have to remember the Commission’s main objective is promoting competition whereas Metro’s is achieving the best services for local people. If this means Metro setting routes, fares, timetables and quality standards and operators bidding to run services, as happens with most cities throughout Europe including London, we will continue down the quality contract scheme route.” Arriva Yorkshire has given away £50,000 worth of free tickets after contacting residents by telephone and offering non bus users a free trial. Calls were made throughout September and October and a total of 3,200 free travel vouchers sent out. The operator cited improvements to services and investments in new vehicles as reasons to give the services a try. Arriva Yorkshire MD Nigel Featham, said: “These taster tickets are a great way to get new customers on board. We’ve been working hard to make sure customers can rely on us, as well as concentrating on the cleanliness and presentation of our vehicles. We hope these new passengers enjoyed the experience and in the future will consider the bus for more of their journeys.” Island Coachways in Guernsey announced 50 job losses after it pulled out of talks over future contracts offered only on a 12 month rolling basis. The contract with the island’s only bus company ends on December 31, though an extension to March 31, 2012, was agreed to give authorities time to find a replacement operator. 40 staff at the company will be unaffected by the decision, as the company will continue to run its coach operation. Island Coachways owns the only available bus depot on Guernsey. www.coachandbusweek.com
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North East operators criticised for collusion New Competition Commission evidence shows operators protecting ‘core’ territories The Competition Commission (CC) has concluded some large bus companies, particularly in the North East of England, have taken action which has had an adverse effect on competition, in order to protect their core territories. Following its provisional findings in May 2011, in which the CC noted in many local areas the largest bus operator faced little or no competition and an additional report covering ‘tacit co-ordination’ in August 2011, the CC last week published an addendum based on new evidence gathered since August 4 from company documents between 2006 and 2009 relating to competition between Go North East and Arriva North East and from subsequent hearings with past and present executives. The North East evidence led the CC to “consider afresh” competition between Arriva and FirstGroup in Chester and the Wirral. In its addendum, the CC describes ways in which large bus companies seek to protect their own ‘core’ territories. The CC said the evidence it has seen shows this segregation was brought about by: extensive communication between certain large operators;
signaling through registering of new services and deregistration; retaliation to entry through competitive responses on other routes; and the sale and acquisition of rivals’ assets. Commenting on communication between operators, the CC stated: “We have been struck by the sensitivity and specificity of the topics discussed, including in some instances a willingness to disclose what would ordinarily be regarded as commercially sensitive information, not least because large operators have competition compliance programmes in place. “In our view, the extent of contacts goes beyond what would normally be expected between competitors, and we are concerned this could serve as a basis for
Jeremy Peat, chairs the CC’s investigation group
The North East evidence led the CC to “consider afresh” competition between Arriva and FirstGroup in Chester. A Wright-bodied Volvo and VDL operated by First and Arriva respectively, ply their trade in Chester on July 9, 2011
developing a mutual understanding of tactics and objectives which would assist in allowing operators to avoid head-to-head competition and thereby also reducing the threat of potential competition.” Commenting on the notion of territory and retaliatory behaviour, Jeremy Peat, chairman of the investigation group, said: “One of our main concerns in this investigation has been the number of areas where one company has faced little or no competition over an extended period of time. In August we noted bus operators may have the incentive to avoid competing in each other’s territories. We have now found some large bus companies have gone about their business in ways which adversely affected competition in some areas as we feared. “We have found evidence of a clear perception among some operators that some areas ‘belong’ to a particular company and of behaviour designed to maintain this situation, particularly threats of retaliation when attempts are made to encroach on their territory. Peat continued: “We have found clear evidence relating to only three large operators, and only in a few areas of the country. We have not been able to conduct a full investigation of a larger number of areas. But our concerns expressed in the provisional findings on tacit co-ordination that operator conduct could restrict competition in a wider number of areas are further reinforced.” Peat said the evidence strengthens the case for its package of remedies, but it is suggesting no further additions to those proposed. Meanwhile, the Times and the Newcastle journal last week picked up on the CC’s addendum, accusing operators of secret collaboration. An article in the Times was headlined “This may look like a turf war, but rivals are collaborating on the buses” and an article in the Newcastle Journal said: “A deal to carve up bus routes in Northumberland and Tyneside has been exposed by competition authorities.”
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“There are two sources for funding services – fares or the taxpayer. If there’s no public funding, then fares must cope” Chris Cheek In a letter of response to the Journal’s editor, Go North East’s outgoing MD Peter Huntley said: “I was concerned to see your description of last year’s sales of bus operations in the Hexham and Ashington areas as a ‘secret bus routes deal’ as it is clear this is not the CC’s conclusion. “The operators in fact referred the sales deals to the Office of Fair Trading, who investigated them before approving them. Interests within the region were given the opportunity to comment on these transactions at the time and both the transactions and the investigation of them are a matter of public record. Huntley said the Journal’s report does not give a balanced view as it fails to note the full context of discussions between operators, such as contact to discuss arrangements for integrated ticketing (Network One), a code of conduct for responsible operation, a ‘fixed price’ reimbursement arrangement for concessionary fares and partnership arrangements with local authorities to allow better local working. Huntley concluded: “I will leave it to your readers to decide whether these ‘deals’ are in their interests,” adding: “As the CC’s report acknowledges, Go North East continues to compete vigorously in the North East.”
Insight p30
London/ regional funding gap widens pteg, the passenger transport executive group has highlighted new Treasury figures which show a “massive transport funding gap” between London and the regions - with spend in London nearing
The latest Treasury figures put some numbers on what people see for themselves whenever they visit London - public transport spend per head is three times higher than elsewhere - according to Centro’s Geoff Inskip
CPT clarifies laws regarding ‘no smoking’ coach signage CPT UK has received communication from two coach operator members, claiming council officials in North Wales targeted and enforced coaches for failing to display ‘no smoking’ signage on their vehicles. Targeted Rhyl and Llandudno coach parks, drivers were issued with fines of £150, rising to £200 for failure to pay the fine within a fortnight of the offence.
triple the North of England and West Midlands. Analysis by pteg’s Funding Gap report of the Treasury’s Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses figures for 2010/11 reveals spending on transport in London now stands at £774 per head compared with £285 per head for the West Midlands and the North of England combined. The gap has widened significantly since the previous years’ figures with spend in London rising from £721 per head to £774
CPT is offering advice to operators, as a reminder of the terms of the respective government acts in Scotland in 2006, and in England & Wales in 2007. The no smoking regulations currently state a smoke-free vehicle is any vehicle which is enclosed – i.e. is wholly or is partly covered by a roof – and is used for: The transport of members of the public or a section of the
public Work purposes by more than one person – even if this use is at different times or only intermittently The body stresses to firms – if they are operating, driving or responsible for order or safety on a smoke-free vehicle, they must ensure no one in the vehicle smokes. They must also make sure that no smoking signs meeting the necessary requirements are displayed in a prominent position in each compartment of the vehicle which is wholly or partly covered by a roof.
per head, whilst the spend in the West Midlands and North of England has fallen from £302 to £285 per head. pteg said the disparity in public spending on transport between London and the regions is not matched for public spending as a whole, or for spending on education or health. It is also a relatively recent phenomenon rather than the historic norm. pteg chairman Geoff Inskip said: “We fully accept London needs and deserves high quality public transport. However, if we are going to rebalance the economy then we need the right balance on transport spending. “These latest Treasury figures put some numbers on what people see for themselves whenever they visit London, which shows transport spending in the capital has been on an entirely different scale when compared with the next tier of major cities. Inskip continued: “Government’s support for High Speed Two, for the overhaul of the Tyne and Wear Metro, for Birmingham New Street and the roll out of tram networks like Manchester Metrolink, all show it is supporting public transport in the cities. However, we need to keep up the pace on investment of scale if the funding gap isn’t to continue to grow in a divisive and disproportionate way.” Individuals may be liable to a fixed penalty of £50 for smoking in smoke-free premises. In cases of prosecution and conviction, the maximum fine is £200. The manager or person in control of any smoke-free premises could be fined a fixed penalty of £200 for failing to display no smoking signs. In cases of prosecution and conviction, the maximum fine is £1,000. The manager or person in control of any smoke-free premises could be fined up to £2,500 for failing to prevent others from smoking in those premises.
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6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 9, 2011
£774
nEWS › BUSeS
The current spending per head on transport in London
BriEfly 21st Century Technology, announced it has been awarded ‘preferred supplier’ status to supply and maintain onboard CCTV systems for FirstGroup’s bus operating companies in the UK. Under the terms of the contract, 21st Century has entered into a two-year contract with an option to extend the contract by a further year by mutual agreement. In 2010, the company won its first order to supply its products to FirstGroup UK Bus with sales reaching £0.9m. Its sales to the operator have already reached £1m for the first half of 2011, and the board anticipates significant growth as a result of being awarded preferred supplier status. 21st Century also supplies on-board CCTV systems to Go-Ahead Group and Arriva UK Bus. Transdev in Lancashire has announced it will be improving its service in the Whitehall area on Saturdays. Previously, route 1 Accrington Darwen Cemetery did not run on Saturdays, meaning residents beyond Darwen Circus had to wait for the half-hourly 225 service from Clitheroe to Bolton. From November 12, 225 journeys will split, with one between Blackburn and Bolton every 20 minutes, and a half-hourly Blackburn to Clitheroe connection. Brighton and Hove is to run a campaign urging people to leave money to charity in their wills. Buses will sport messages calling for people to leave a legacy to The Martlets Hospice in Hove. The hospice is 29% NHS funded, relying on gifts in wills for about a quarter of its funding. The slogans on buses read ‘Your generosity will give other lives comfort’ and ‘will you? Won’t you? Please help us.’
CBW would like to correct an error in last week’s magazine, which incorrectly stated Paul McGowan was leaving his role as MD of Abellio London & Surrey. Paul actually left this role at the end of 2010 and Tony Wilson is the current managing director at Abellio London & Surrey, to which there is no change. Paul moved to a European group role in Abellio, which is the role he has left. www.coachandbusweek.com
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London mayor Boris Johnson drives the first Wrightbus-built ‘Bus for London’ off the Ballymena production line
New Bus for London prototype rolls off production line The first of eight is driven by Mayor Boris Johnson before it is tested on London streets in December London mayor Boris Johnson travelled across the Irish Sea to Ballymena to test drive the first of eight prototypes off the production line of the new Wrightbus, which is the planned replacement for the traditional London Routemaster. Wrightbus was awarded the contract to build the New Bus for London in January 2010. A total of 25 engineers and a production team of 40 are employed on the project, which it is claimed, is the first bus specifically designed for London in over 50 years. An initial order was placed for eight prototype vehicles, with Wrightbus hoping many more will follow. It is claimed recent tests of the vehicle’s new hybrid drive show the bus will be expected to be the most environmentally friendly vehicle of its kind once it hits service. The engine has been achieving 11.6mpg, compared with 8.6mpg expected of an average hybrid bus
and 5.8mpg from a standard diesel. Critical design features include three entrances and a double staircase to speed up boarding and alighting, along with an open platform at the rear. Many design features, as well as this platform, provide a contemporary take on some of the best loved elements of the original Routemaster, including grooved flooring on the stairs and entrances. Other design features include a new lightweight bench seat with specially designed moquette - a dark red interior pallete designed to beat dirt - and a new wireless bell push which is seamlessly blended into the hand pole. As is standard Transport for London specification, the prototype includes a wheelchair ramp on the centre door to enable the easy access for wheelchair users. There is also priority seating with space for assistance dogs. The low floor throughout the lower deck is step free and the ibus onboard visual and audio announcements will be installed. The prototype is expected in London for testing in December,
with the other seven to leave the production line in the first half of 2012. Mark Nodder, Wright Group managing director, said: “Today (November 4) sees another milestone along the way to delivering what we hope will be the best bus in the world. It is very exciting to see Mayor Boris Johnson at the wheel of the first complete vehicle to emerge from the production line. “We are all looking forward to the New Bus for London entering service in the nation’s capital, representing as it does the culmination of almost two years’ work in design and development. Wrightbus is immensely proud to be at the centre of this unique and innovative project.” Boris Johnson said: “This fantastic machine is chock full with the latest technology and London buses will be world leaders once again when the first eight buses take to our roads early next year. They are just an advance party for what I envisage will eventually be a legion of their type.”
07/11/2011 21:58
600 5% The number of vehicles in the Lothian Buses fleet
November 9, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7
The amount commercial revenue in National Express West Midlands increased in the nine months to the end of September
New Busway link and potential for Peterborough
Transport minister Norman Baker honoured guest at UK Bus Awards
Minister to be keynote speaker at UK Bus Awards The UK Bus Awards is delighted to announce Norman Baker MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, has accepted an invitation to be the guest of honour at the UK Bus Awards Presentation Ceremony on Tuesday 29 November. Mr Baker will deliver the keynote address at the ceremony, and also announce the winner of the first award to be presented on the day so kicking off the sixteenth annual presentation of the awards. UK Bus Awards chairman John Owen commented: “We are delighted the Minister is able to join us for the second time on November 29. He will again to help us to recognise and reward excellence and good practice throughout the UK Bus Industry.” He added: “Ministerial recognition of the hard work that staff at all levels put in to serving our customers is an important element of our annual celebration. We’re very grateful to Mr Baker for finding time in his busy schedule to be with us.” The Presentation Ceremony will be held at the London Hilton Hotel at lunchtime on Tuesday, November 29. Winners will be selected from a short-list of 99 people, projects and organisations that was announced at an event in Nottingham in September. More details of the awards can be found at www. ukbusawards.org.uk
A new express bus service from Stagecoach has been launched linking Huntingdon with the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway in St Ives. The service, which departs from the town bus station at 0710 and 0740hrs, joins the guided busway at St Ives and terminates at Cambridge railway station. Stagecoach decided to run the extra rush-hour buses to help cope with demand on the Busway. Controller Dave Oakerbee said Stagecoach would review passenger figures and consider running additional express services if demand is sufficient.
Two Stagecoach ADL E400 Scanias are pictured here by Matthew Wool on the day the Busway officially opened (August 7)
Stagecoach may introduce a new service linking Peterborough to Cambridge (also joining the busway at St Ives), should the board agree to purchase eight new vehicles. Andy Campbell, managing director of Stagecoach Cambridgeshire, said: “We think people will commute by bus between Peterborough and Cambridge. We believe there is a market there as the train goes round the houses. Our service will also be cheaper than the trains. It seems to work from Huntingdon and the next logical place to go would be Peterborough.” The current adult train fare between Peterborough and Cambridge is £16 return. Mr Campbell said if the Stagecoach board approves the plans, the service may start by the summer. He claimed, while there are no plans to lengthen the busway’s track, developments such as these could result in the busway’s infrastructure being extended beyond its current limits. However, physical extension of the busway is dependant on what happens with regards to RAF Alconbury’s new enterprise zone.
SHARE WATCH
Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, November 7. 21st Century saw the greatest proportional rise and National Express the biggest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk
272.60p
Price: Year High: 574.37p Year Low: 257.70p
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Go-Ahead-owned konectbus has placed the first of its recently cascaded former London Mercedes-Benz Citaro articulated buses into service on route 10 between Costessey Park & Ride and the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital which has very high loadings at peak times travelling over a short non-stop route. Three of the remaining four artics will be in a green livery for the Costessey Park & Ride – University of East Anglia – City Centre route 604. The three-door layout is being retained to help disembarkation. Julian Patterson, konectbus’ operations and commercial director, said: “These relatively new high capacity buses are ideal for our heavily peaked limited stop routes and despite their length, will go anywhere a rigid single decker can go with ease. London’s loss is certainly our gain!” The refurbishment work is being carried out by Go-Ahead Group-owned Hants & Dorset trim.
Price: Year High: 99.57p Year Low: 66.86p
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FTSE 100
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on last week
www.coachandbusweek.com
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07/11/2011 21:59
8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 9, 2011
nEWS › coaches
BriEfly Essential maintenance work on the A12 Bascule Bridge over Lake Lothing in Lowestoft restarted last weekend. The bridge was closed overnight on November 6 as a fault on an hydraulic unit on the south bridge was investigated further. Overnight repairs are to take place on the bridge from Sunday November 13 to Wednesday November 16, between 2000 and 0600hrs. The hydraulic units are part of the system which lifts the bridge to allow harbour traffic to pass underneath. The work will be executed overnight to keep disruption to a minimum. Advanced signing and a signed diversion route will be in place during the works. All restrictions will be removed outside working times. There will be potential disruptions on the A38 between Exeter and Plymouth as a number of trees are felled in an attempt to slow the spread of an aggressive fungus-like pathogen called phytophthora ramorum. The work is expected to last for three months and should cause minimal traffic disruption, though much of the work will be carried out during the day. Lane closures and traffic management may need to be enforced as required. Resurfacing work is starting this week to address surface defects on the northbound carriageway of the A34 between Downs Farm and the Bothampstead Road Bridge near Chieveley, West Berkshire. The work is scheduled to start on Monday November 14 for three nights, and will be undertaken using a lane closure between 2200 and 0530hrs. There will be a temporary speed limit of 40mph on the approach to the lane closure, and a speed limit of 10mph past the work site. Street lighting electrical work in the central reservation of the M4 between junction 5 for Datchet and junction 12, near Reading, will be carried out overnight between 2100 and 0600hrs, using a temporary lane closure. The work is expected to be completed by the end of November. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Epsom’s express Tube replacement contract Epsom Coaches appointed to run LUL rail replacement Epsom Coaches Group has been appointed by Transport for London (TfL) to operate a non-stop rail replacement between London Heathrow Airport and Acton in November to cover for engineering work underway on the Piccadilly Line. Over 80 coaches will be provided, supervised by 50 controllers and baggage handlers, making it one of the largest operations of its kind in the UK. Epsom was due to run three replacement services over the weekend of November 5-6 and is expected to do the same on November 12-13.
Routes A and B will run from Acton town to Heathrow, with route A serving terminals 1, 2 and 3 and route B serving terminals 4 and 5. Route C will run from Ealing Common to terminals 1, 2 and 3, with a number of stops en route. Steve Whiteway, commercial director at Epsom coaches, told CBW: “We have developed a strong relationship with TfL, consistently winning the work under tender for over 10 years, providing replacement services whenever they have been required of us. “The same control team worked on this replacement service last year, so they are very familiar with it. They will gain some helpful out of season hours on these
Epsom Coaches scored 100% in TfL’s Health & Safety Audit for a fourth year
National Express discount fare replaces concessions National Express has launched a revised coach travel discount for its over 60 and disabled passengers. The move, starting November 1, follows the removal of the Government funded concessionary scheme at midnight on October 31, which offered these passengers up to 50% discount off all coach journeys made within England or across the Scottish and Welsh borders. The operator will offer over
60s and disabled passengers a third off coach travel at all times – even during Christmas and other peak travel periods. To be eligible passengers will need to purchase an annual senior or disabled person’s discount card at a cost of £10 per year. The discount will not be available on journeys which start or finish at airports. MD of National Express coach, Andrew Cleaves, said: “We know how highly our over 60
weekends.” Steve said the operation was showing the bus and coach industry at its best, with up to ten operators and a number of subcontractors co-operating to provide the best service possible with a variety of different vehicles, such as Volvos, Scanias and Epsom’s own Setras. He added: “Replacement services don’t always get the best press as people are forced away from the transport of their choice, but when we have performed this service in the summer in prior years passengers have been very impressed, often travelling faster on the coach in the lighter weekend traffic than they would by train. The air conditioning and baggage handling we provided also went down extremely well.” In a separate development, Epson Coaches Group attained 100% compliance in a recent intensive TfL Health and Safety Audit for the fourth year running. Fleetcare services manager Steve Appleby said: “It is quite something to achieve 100% in anything in life, but the fact we have achieved 100% in this important check on our safety culture for four years running must be something of a record. “We certainly won’t be resting on our laurels, but will continue to apply practical common sense rules to ensure the safety of our staff, visitors and customers.” and disabled passengers value discounted coach travel. We hope the new travel cards and discount will to prove popular with these passengers, by continuing to offer great value travel on National Express’ unique national network which serves nearly 1,000 destinations.” The Senior and Disabled Coachcards are available to purchase from all National Express outlets as well as the company’s website www. nationalexpress.com and customer contact centre 08717 818181
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“One topic of discussion which always draws interest from PSV operators are the top ten fail items at Annual Test.” Alastair Peoples VOSA
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40% growth for Edwards Coaches Pontypridd-based Edwards coaches in South Wales has seen a 40% increase in its holiday business revenues during the nine months to October. The firm acquired Swanseabased Diamonds Holidays out of administration in January. The failed business, which included Brian Isaac Coaches, had a combined turnover of £10.8m. Jason Edwards commercial director, and fifth generation of the family, said the decision to buy out Diamond had a major impact on the business. “The collapse of Diamond Coaches and Brian Isaacs, our two main competitors, has meant our figures have gone through the roof,” he said. “People are taking two, even
New website for Aberfoyle Coaches
Aberfoyle Coaches has launched a new website, along with active profiles on Facebook and Twitter. Upon visiting Aberfoyle Coaches’ new website, a banner on the homepage welcomes the user, saying: “We’ve got a fresh new look, lots of exciting new content as well as an easier to navigate layout. We’ve also merged the Coach Hire, Service Buses & DRT Transport websites together to make finding information easier.” The operator’s regularly-updated Facebook and Twitter pages keep visitors up to speed with on goings on at the firm, and a photostream has been set up on Flickr, displaying a variety of images of their fleet. John Buchanan, director of Aberfoyle Coaches told CBW: “Social media is quickly and constantly becoming more and more important. As it becomes more popular, it will be essential for businesses such as ours to reach out to customers via this medium.” Aberfoyle also state on their website: “Our flexible approach to business and our innovative use of technology in our modern and
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Edwards say passengers recognise great value for money from coach tours three, holidays a year as they realise what value-for-money we offer. As coaches have improved and the degree of comfort they offer increases we have seen an increase in both European and UK holidays.” Mr Edwards believes as fuel prices rise customers will increasingly see the benefits of a coach holiday. However, despite its
recent success, the business will still face challenges. “There have been difficult times in the past but with luck and persistent hard work we are optimistic about the future. “There is one cloud that hangs over us which is the absence of a younger generation entering the industry and being prepared to run
a family business. As a family we are fortunate in this respect and we have a loyal staff. Our drivers are exceptionally well paid, they have the opportunity to travel both in the UK and Europe, enjoying four-star hotel accommodation,” he said. Mr Edwards said the company had no immediate plans for further acquisitions after buying up Diamond, but if an opportunity occurred it would be judged on its merits. The firm is pursuing opportunities to grow its business and recently entered the cruise market with a link-up with Royal Caribbean cruises. This involves a door-to-dock service from around South Wales and is so far fulfilling the company’s expectations. “Our primary concern is for the 80,000 passengers we carry each year,” he said. “This is up 20,000 on last year’s numbers. In addition, we are responsible for getting 6,500 school children to their different schools which is a great responsibility.”
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Aberfoyle – web and social media expanding business has put us ahead of our competitors and has helped us establish our excellent reputation with our large customer and client base.” The firm, based within close proximity to the city of Stirling, has been in operation since 1928 and has experience in transporting people on an international scale. The operator’s fleet includes people carriers, 16-seater mini-buses, 24 to 29-seater mini coaches and full size executive 49-seater coaches, which are available for private, corporate and contract hire across Scotland, UK and Europe.
Visit Aberfoyle Coaches’ new website at www. aberfoylecoaches.com . Its Facebook, Twitter and Flickr pages at www.facebook.com/ aberfoylecoaches, twitter.com/#!/ ukcoachhire and www.flickr. com/photos/aberfoylecoaches respectively
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nEWS
Coakley to fight on for licence reinstatement Operator claims being admonished on breach of the peace charges should not affect repute The Motherwell-based Braidhurst Bus Company, who formerly traded under the name ‘Coakley’, has vowed to fight a court battle in order to reinstate the seventy licences lost after an inquiry. Traffic Commissioner for Scotland Joan Aitken heard a catalogue of complaints made against the company. It is now in liquidation, but owner and only shareholder Edward Coakley
applied to start afresh and operate the fleet as sole trader. Ms Aitken rejected the application, stating Coakley “lacks repute, financial standing and professional competence.” She also took a “dim view” of Coakley’s 2010 court convictions for threats against First employees in Motherwell. He was also criticised for taking too long to tell the traffic commissioner he was propping up the company with his own money. She said: “It is clear the liquidator has considerable misgivings regarding the financial arrangements between Mr Coakley
Stellar branding for new Hampshire BRT A bespoke identity has been created for South East Hampshire’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network, of which the first phase will be ready to open in April next year. The busway and its vehicles will be branded as ‘Eclipse’, a name Hampshire County Council has selected “to reflect the superior bus experience Eclipse offers, effectively ‘eclipsing’ bus travel as it has been perceived previously in the era.” The council commissioned the expertise of local design and web agency, The Escape, to develop the brand which will promote the first phase of the scheme, a new dedicated busway built on a disused railway trackbed between Fareham and Gosport. The design, gold lettering set in a deep purple, interstellar background, has been met with approval by the South Hampshire Bus Operators’ Association. Vehicles serving the busway will be operated by First Hampshire & Dorset, who has commissioned new buses in the Eclipse livery. Artist’s impressions show the vehicles as Wright Volvos. Selected bus services running on the Gosport peninsula will also use the busway for part of their journey. Marc Reddy, regional commercial and business growth director for First South West and Wales, said: “We are investing £2.3m in 14 www.coachandbusweek.com
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superior quality, high specification Eclipse buses to meet the needs of public transport users today. “In keeping with the sophisticated exterior, the buses will be upgraded internally and fitted with leather seating, wood-effect flooring, free Wi-Fi and internal display screens. The screens will offer local travel and route information as well as details about the next stops to be served, and information about the latest fare offers.” The BRT scheme is being implemented by Transport for South Hampshire (TfSH), a partnership between Hampshire County Council, and Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils, which aims to improve transport in the area. Buses will use the phase 1 busway for part of their journey with routes extending beyond into the surrounding residential areas, linking to key destinations and transport interchanges at the Gosport Ferry terminal, Fareham railway station and Fareham bus station in Fareham town centre. To see how the busway will look when it launches in April 2012, see the computer generated visual at www.hants. gov.uk/eclipse
and the company. “This writ raises a question as to repute and, at best, reveals neither Mr Coakley’s business books nor those of the company were such as to quell any doubt as to impropriety. “I consider Mr Coakley allowed me to be misled as to the financial standing of the company.” However, Mr Coakley’s lawyer told the public inquiry the court action will be defended and a counter claim will be lodged. He said the sum in question was money owed by Braidhurst to Mr Coakley who had been paying
the wages of drivers and other employees. Mr Coakley denied ‘ransacking’ company funds, stating he had, in fact, “used his own funds and assets to keep it going”. Mr Coakley had already queried Ms Aitken’s impartiality. After the latest hearing he said: “The important thing for me is this is now out of Ms Aitken’s hands as I am appealing against her decision to the Transport Tribunal. “If need be, I’ll go to the Court of Session where I’ve had a TC’s decision overturned before. I’m confident I can still get a result. “Over professional competence, I have the qualifications. As for financial standing, according to the European directive I have shown more than enough evidence. I don’t think being admonished on breach of the peace charges should be a factor in repute.”
CBS Outdoor - renewed contract with Lothian Buses for six years
CBS advertising contract maintained with Lothian CBS Outdoor has renewed its contract to manage advertising on Lothian Buses fleet for a further six years. It has held the contract since 2001. Under the terms of the new £9m deal CBS Outdoor will continue to manage all advertising sales and operational fixing on the 600+ fleet, which has launched a new livery design concept to mark the completion of its move to easy
access lowfloor vehicles. Neil Micklethwaite, franchise director for bus & national rail at CBS Outdoor, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Lothian Buses. It operates one of the youngest and bestpresented fleets in the country and forms an integral part of our Edinburgh, Scottish and national UK advertising proposition. With over 350 buses per hour running up and down Princes Street, no outdoor campaign for Edinburgh is complete without using Lothian Buses.” Norman Strachan, finance director at Lothian Buses, said: “CBS Outdoor understand our business and operating requirements They deliver valuable additional revenue to us, ensuring our brand is also supported.”
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nEWS › financial
National Express grows across all divisions Organic growth across all divisions. Revenue rises 5% National Express Group PLC has released its interim management statement for the nine months ending September 30, 2011. The operator achieved organic growth in all divisions, with a 5% rise in revenue on the previous year. There were also further improvements in profit margins and cost savings. Revenue in the group’s UK Bus business increased by 2% over the period. Commercial revenue in the West Midlands increased 5%, with the rate of growth continuing to slow as fare rebalancing actions in 2010 have worked through. The concessionary fare settlement
declined by 2% year-on-year, in line with the previous trend. The margin for the third quarter was stable year-on-year. Following the preliminary report into the UK bus industry by the Competition Commission, National Express does not anticipate significant changes to its operations. Revenue growth in the core National Express UK coach network increased 6% in the period, with the operator’s nationwide £9 travel offer cited as particularly successful and Eurolines also said to have performed well in the third quarter. The rate of decline in revenue from contract operations reduced. Overall profitability for the UK coach division continued to improve. National Express has also
Revenue at Stagecoach UK Bus has increased 2.2% over the last six months. A Stagecoach Peterborough Dart is seen here on the Citi6 route
Stagecoach revenue up across the board Stagecoach Group plc released a trading update on November 1, 2011. Like-for-like revenue growth for each of the group’s divisions was as follows: Stagecoach UK Bus, in the twenty four weeks ending October 16, 2011, had a revenue increase of 2.2%; www.coachandbusweek.com
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Revenue in Stagecoach’s rail business (excluding tram businesses) increased by 8.7% over the same period; In North America (including Megabus), across the five months ending September 30, revenue increased by 12.0%; and Virgin Rail Group, where Stagecoach holds a 49% stake, increased revenue by 9.7% in the twenty four weeks ending October 16, 2011. The group remains on course to meet its expectations of profitability for the year ending April 30, 2012. The next interim results will be released on December 7 this year.
launched its programme to partially mitigate the withdrawal of the UK government’s concession subsidy from November, with a senior and disabled persons coach card and enhanced promotional activity. Revenue in the North America school bus business increased by 10% over the period. Contracts for a net 600 new buses, along with a successful bidding season, were cited as reasons for the increase. Also in the North American division, National Express reported: a targeted $40m cost saving programme is nearing completion; parts procurement has now been consolidated, GPS is now installed on over 16,500 buses; and
significant opportunities for operating and schedule improvements are expected to be identified. As reported in CBW at the time, on September 13, 2011, National Express announced the $200m acquisition of school bus business Petermann Inc. Regulatory clearance for the acquisition is expected to be complete by the end of 2011. In Spain, the Alsa Bus & Coach business delivered a strong third quarter performance, with revenue increasing by 7% in the period. Both the Intercity and Urban divisions saw strong revenue growth, particularly around Madrid. Operating mileage increased by 1% in response to additional capacity requirements. Despite the disruption in North Africa, the Moroccan business has continued to grow. The newly secured Madrid Tourist bus service which is expected to add €10m per annum in revenue, to help offset reduced airport operations.
MAN Group’s interim report as of September 30, 2011 has shown an intact growth trend, although the group says the pace has slowed. While order intake was slightly down on the previous two quarters at €4.1bn, it still remained higher than in all four quarters in 2010, with the aggregate figure for the first three quarters of 2011 up 18% year-on-year. The order backlog at the end of September was also higher than 2010 at €7.5bn. Incoming orders at MAN Truck & Bus in the period from January to September were €7.0bn (up 23%) while at MAN Latin America they rose 17% to €2.8bn. MAN Diesel & Turbo also generated a clear 12% increase, to €2.9bn. MAN boosted its revenue by 14% in the first nine months of the year to €12.0 bn. Third quarter revenue was up 7% year-on-year, at €4.0bn. The highest increases were recorded by the Commercial Vehicles business area, with the MAN Truck & Bus division revenue climbing 24% to €6.4bn.
The MAN Group boosted its operating profit by 49% in the first three quarters of the year to €1.1bn. The operating profit generated by Commercial Vehicles doubled to €694m, with the European market recording a particularly marked improvement. At €117m, third-quarter profit declined against a particularly strong second quarter, but was up 58% on the prior year quarter. The return on sales for MAN Truck & Bus after the first three quarters was 6.1%, compared with 1.4% in the prior year period. MAN Latin America turned in a strong earnings performance. The division contributed almost onethird of the MAN Group’s operating profit for the first three quarters, at €303m, recording stable figures in the individual quarters. Its return on sales was 10.9%. Georg Pachta-Reyhofen, CEO of MAN SE, said: “All this shows the uncertainty has yet to impact MAN. This stability is not a foregone conclusion, as the transport markets generally react early and clearly to economic fluctuations. “2011 will be a good year for us. We are continuing to expect revenue growth of 10 to 15% for 2011 and a return on sales slightly in excess of our average long-term target of 8.5%. The medium-term trend continues to point upward.”
MAN growth trend slows, but remains impressive
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nEWS › international
Daimler strengthens ties with Beijing Automotive Daimler move signifies growing importance of Chinese market GERMAnY Daimler AG and its Chinese partner Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC) have signed a Letter of Intent in Stuttgart, which further deepens the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two companies. The Letter of Intent was signed by Xu Heyi, chairman of BAIC, Han Yonggui, president of BAIC, Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, head of Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, and Ulrich Walker, chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia in the presence of Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, during his visit to Daimler’s plant in Sindelfingen. Ji Lin, executive vice mayor of Beijing, Dr. Nils Schmid, deputy state premier and minister of finance and economics of the state of Baden-Württemberg and
230 VDL Mistrals for Jamaica
JAMAICA JUTC (Jamaica Urban Transit Company) has placed an order with VDL Bus & Coach for 230 buses. Their delivery will be spread over four years, beginning with a batch of 65 buses in April 2012. This new order brings the total number of new VDL buses for Jamaica to 851. The order is for Mistrals with lengths from 10.6 to 18 metres. They will be equipped with air conditioning systems suited for tropical conditions. This has drawn significantly greater numbers of passengers to JUTC. The contract also includes agreements concerning the delivery of parts, technical assistance and management support between JUTC and VDL Bus & Coach. The 10.6m Mistrals will be used as special school buses for the more remote areas outside cities such as Montego Bay and Mandeville. These www.coachandbusweek.com
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Dr. Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Daimler AG and head of MercedesBenz Cars, were also present at the signing ceremony. The Letter of Intent states both sides are to evaluate additional initiatives at corporate level as well as to support each other with further investments. BAIC and Daimler will jointly analyse the possibilities of technological cooperation as well as co-operation in research and development of new energy vehicles to improve the competitiveness of both partners in China. As one of China’s largest automotive manufacturers, BAIC Group sold 1.5 million vehicles last year. Both parties have already established a long term strategic partnership including significant investments in the Chinese automotive industry over the past years. The new Letter of Intent is another step in both parties’
successful co-operation and builds on a strategic framework agreement which was signed in June this year in the presence of Chinese premier Wen Jiabao and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Both partners agreed to invest two billion euros in the Joint Venture Beijing Benz Automotive Co, Ltd. (BBAC). BBAC is currently producing Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class sedans and will be expanded to include the GLK compact SUV as of 2011 as well as three models of the new generation of Mercedes-Benz premium compact cars. From 2013, a new engine plant will produce 4-cylinder gasoline engines, which will be used in locally produced Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and vans. A new R&D center at BBAC will be established, which will mainly focus on vehicle testing and adaptation as well as R&D activities with suppliers.
The 230 VDL Mistrals, from 10.6 to 18m, will arrive over the next four years cities have populations of 120,000 and 75,000 respectively. These services will employ 60 buses. The city of Montego Bay neighbours the country’s largest airport which mainly serves the tourists who visit Jamaica. The plan is for the standard buses to establish a link to the capital city, Kingston. A railway was established between Montego Bay and Kingston in 1894, but passenger transport on this line was ended in October 1992 because the railway was in
such poor condition. Mandeville is the only major population centre in Jamaica not located on the sea or in a coastal plain. JUTC (Jamaica Urban Transit Company) was established by the government in 1998. Previously the market was mainly served by minibuses and operated by the private sector. With the coming of JUTC, which now has four bus depots, public transport is claimed to have become considerably more efficient.
Hertz to run BYD e-BUS-12 as airport shuttle USA Rental company Hertz is to use BYD’s eBUS-12 at Los Angeles International Airport. The company will be testing the vehicle and collecting data on its use at the airport via shuttling customers between its rental facility and the airport terminals. The eBUS-12 is capable of operating for 155 miles on one charge in urban conditions, as it consumes less than 100kWh for every 60 miles travelled. The bus is designed with the consumer in mind, with a low floor and ample boarding space. It also features specially-engineered sound insulation to give a quieter experience in the cabin. The electric bus has a lower operating cost as opposed to a conventional fuel-powered vehicle, and one vehicle replacement can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 320kg per 150 miles, as well as save the rental car agency an average $76 a day on its fuel bill. Hertz Corporation chairman and chief executive Mark P. Frissora said: “Hertz is aggressively moving forward with its Global EV program, introducing electric vehicles into its worldwide fleet and testing other electric vehicles as they become available.” “Hertz’s mission is to provide the most technologically advanced mobility solutions to our customers, including the buses we use as part of our everyday operations at airports. We continue Hertz’s track record of innovation by being first to deploy an allelectric shuttle bus in the US.” President of BYD’s American operations, Stella Li, said: “BYD is thrilled to partner with HERTZ to demonstrate this significant breakthrough in zero-emissions buses. Not only is this eBUS a third less expensive to operate, but the total life-time costs are much less expensive than any other comparable 40-foot bus. “Hertz is a leader in electric vehicles and other innovations and we are pleased to see it is the first rental company to deploy an allelectric bus.”
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nEWS › REGIONAL
nORTH
KEY
MIDLAnDS
As the AA has reported this month, petrol and diesel prices are at their highest ever levels for this time of year. With further increases likely in the New Year, the change to public transport could prove to be a cheaper alternative over the winter. The support offered is individually tailored to help residents switch to local bus and rail services and make more local trips on foot or bike. Of those who signed up to the project, 28% said they had now changed the way they travel. The personalised travel initiative is part of the wider Pershore Road Travel Choices project led by transport authority Centro in partnership with Birmingham City Council. The £500,000, yearlong project aims to cut traffic congestion and carbon emissions along the Pershore Road, making the area a cleaner and greener place to live, work and study. Councillor Tim Huxtable, who is lead member for Birmingham on Centro and lives along the Pershore Road corridor in Stirchley, said: “We are delighted the project was so well received in the area and more than half of all homes visited took up some form of personalised travel advice.”
A police crackdown has been launched in Huddersfield after a number of forged purple Metro WYPTE bus passes were found in the district, as well as in Leeds and Wakefield. The forgeries bare the same ticket number, 46373 4664E78, and were sold to customers in bus stations, shopping centres and other public places. Many of the passengers were fined for fare dodging by revenue protection officers working on behalf of operators. Sgt Rachel Claughton, police officer for Safer Travel, said: “Faredodging is a serious issue because it impacts on the services which bus companies can provide. It is a criminal offence and anyone found in possession of one of these passes faces a £50 fine at the very least. If they are brought before the courts, they can be fined as much as £350 and have to pay the costs of the case. “The passes are non-transferable, so the excuse that you bought it anywhere other than the official Metro ticket office is not acceptable.” Safer Travel West Yorkshire involves police, Metro, Arriva, First Bus, Stagecoach and Transdev. Cllr James Lewis, chairman of Metro, said: “People may think by buying a forged MetroCard they are going to save some money, but if they are caught it could result in the one-off expense of a fine and the ongoing cost of a criminal record. “Some may see this as a victimless crime but people using fake MetroCards can lead to higher bus fares and more expensive genuine cards for everyone.” Over 5,000 homes in south Birmingham have signed up for free customised travel advice in a bid to beat soaring petrol prices and get greener. Expert travel advisers spent twelve weeks visiting more than 10,000 homes near the Pershore Road in Bournville, Sitchley, Cotteridge, Kings Norton, West Heath and Kings Heath to tell families how they can take advantage of the entire range of travel options on their doorstep. Over half of the families visited asked the advisers to sit down with them and draw up free personalised travel support. The 5,157 who signed up were provided with information or help to help them get from their own front door to their destination without having to take a car. www.coachandbusweek.com
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SOUTH EAST
SCOTLAND NORTHERN IRELAND REP OF IRELAND NORTH WALES MIDLANDS EAST LONDON SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST
WALES
Halloween night saw Newport Transport’s bus network being closed in its entirety following £5,000 of damage being
caused to buses by youths. There was a temporary suspension of all services for an hour on October 31, after three vehicles came under attack from a group of youths in the Old Barn area of the St Julians district between 1900 and 2030hrs. Newport Transport, working in conjunction with Gwent Police, made the decision to suspend services in the Caerleon and St Julians areas, in the interests of passenger and staff safety, after stones were found onboard one of the damaged buses. There were fears the problem could spread to other parts of the city, and all other services in Newport were stopped for an hour starting at 2200hrs. Operations manager for Newport Transport, Gareth Jones said a total of seven windows were damaged following the three separate attacks. No passengers or staff members were injured. The cost of repairing the vehicles was estimated to total more than £5,000. Councillor William J Routley, chairman of Newport Transport, said: “We are shocked and appalled at this unprovoked, yet isolated, spate of attacks and grateful no one was hurt.” A police spokeswoman said officers and extra resources were in the area as part of their Halloween antisocial behaviour patrols and, as usual, officers were also on buses throughout the city centre.
The third and final phase of a review into Surrey’s bus services has begun. The final stage will cover Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Guildford and Waverley, and started on November 2. A public consultation will run until January 31 next year to discover what the public thinks of a series of proposals put forward to change the way bus services are run in the region. Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for transport Ian Lake said: “It is vital we offer the best possible services for as many people as we can while giving Surrey taxpayers maximum value for money. “Surrey’s bus services became a hotchpotch of different routes over the years, resulting in full buses on some routes and empty ones on others. This review is an opportunity to go back to the drawing board to ensure services are run where they are needed most. “In 2009 it cost us £11m to subsidise public bus routes and it would cost us £13m by 2012 without action. It is only right bus passengers help us change services and I thank those who have already been involved. I look forward to hearing from people during this consultation.” When the review scheme was launched two years ago the council was subsidising three out of four of the 250 services in the county, as bus operators believed they were not commercially viable. The council was paying approximately £20 to subsidise a single return journey on some routes. For eight years, starting in 2001, the subsidy for public bus services in Surrey tripled. By 2009 the cost was £11m and would have continued rising to £13m by 2012, had action not been taken. Five new Sunday services were introduced following the first phase of the review as a result of resident demand, while a £1.7m saving was also made. The second phase saw more buses operating on routes where demand was strong, and fewer services where use was lower. Savings in this stage totaled £800,000. Fines issued for driving in Reading bus lanes have trebled in number compared with the previous year, according to the local council. A budget monitoring report revealed almost 55,000 tickets were
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issued over the last six months, compared with 18,000 over the same period of 2010, potentially earning Reading Borough Council up to £3m. Changes to the town centre’s road pattern, with council-operated cameras, were introduced in April. In the first few months of the changes the council had an amnesty for people who had fallen foul of the new layouts and made an innocent mistake, cancelling 4,500 tickets. However, the authority is still issuing an average of 400 tickets per day. Councillor Tony Page said there were repeat offenders who were “fair game” if they broke the law by driving in the bus lanes. He said: “Nobody’s forcing people to go into the bus lanes, there’s paint on the road and the signage in Reading is fully compliant with the regulations.” Drivers illegally using bus lanes are sent a £60 penalty charge notice, reduced to £30 if paid promptly.
SOUTH WEST
New boarding arrangements are to be used in an attempt to improve the punctuality of the return leg of one of Bristol’s park
November 9, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17
Coach & Bus Week takes a look at the big issues where you live in our round-up of the regions. If you’ve got a local issue you would like us to cover, contact Gareth Evans at gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
and ride services. The 904 service run from Brislington has been operated by CT Plus since September 5 on behalf of the City Council using Mercedes-Benz Citaro bendy buses. A CT Plus spokesman said: “Some services had been affected by road works. We are attempting to address this with the city council and one of the things we are doing is to introduce new boarding arrangements and ticketing.” Under the new arrangements, which came into force on November 3, multi-journey tickets have changed from 10 or 20 single journey tickets to five or 10 return journeys with tear-off strips to save drivers from having to punch them. Also, after 1100hrs passengers joining the bus at either Cabot Circus, The Haymarket or The Centre will be able to get on to the bus using any of its three doors without showing their ticket to the driver. CT Plus said the move would “dramatically speed-up” boarding times. CT Plus is due to take over the operation of the A4 Portway Park and Ride (Route 902) from April 2012. CT Plus is a part of Londonbased social enterprise HCT Group.
2011 n November 7-10 World Travel Market. ExCeL, London. www.wtmlondon.com n November 22 SMMT Annual Dinner. Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London. 0808 1788818. annualdinner@smmt.co.uk n November 24 ATCO Winter Conference 2011 ‘Can a leopard change its spots?’ Local Government Association House, Smith Square, London SW1. www. atco.org.uk n November 29 UK Bus Awards. Hilton Park Lane, London. www.ukbusawards.org.uk
2012 n January 1 King Alfred Bus Running Day. Broadway and bus station, Winchester. www.fokab.org.uk n January 14 CPT North Western Region Annual Dinner. Southport Theatre & Covention Centre. 1830 for 1900hrs – until late. Contact Phillipa Sudlow, CPT NW regional manager email phillipas@cpt-uk.org or call 01925 229497. n January 26, 2011 CPT Annual Dinner. Hilton Park Lane, London. www.cpt-uk.org n February 4 Mid Anglia Coach Operators Association Dinner Dance. The Bedford Lodge Hotel, Newmarket. Contact Bridget Paterson on 01638 780066 or email sales@nealstravel.com n March 14 – 15 Best of Britain and Ireland (BoBi). Travel Trade Forum. NEC, 01926 834796. www. bestofbritainandirelandevent.co.uk n March 15 Volvo Bus social evening in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust’s Warwickshire Appeal. Century Court House, Warwick. Pam Matthews 01926 414 553 or e-mail pam.matthews@volvo.com
A new specially-priced £48 PlusBus monthly ticket is being offered by Colchester’s local bus operators, FirstGroup, Network Colchester and Hedingham. The move will help more rail commuters reduce the costs and environmental impact of driving by using the bus for travel to Colchester station. The discount, which is a saving of over 70p per day compared to a typical day return bus ticket, is available between November 6, 2011 and January 31, 2012. Improvements have also been made to bus timetables and facilities for passengers waiting for buses at the station. Buses are now better coordinated with trains and new stops and bus timetable information is now installed on the station forecourt. Pictured here are: Colchester station manager James Reeve, Tony Meares of Network Colchester, Linda McCord of Passenger Focus, cllr Lyn Barton and Jayne Sumner of Essex County Council and Steve Hartman of First.
Organisers of this year’s successful ‘Maidstone & District (M&D) 100’ are now planning a follow-on event to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of The M&D and East Kent Bus Club on March 31, 2012. Ex M&D buses were displayed together at Showbus 2011 (pictured) n April 19, 2012 UK Coach Awards. Ramada Jarvis Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester, 0870 900 1450. www.ukcoachawards.co.uk n April 19-21 Busworld Turkey. Istanbul Expo Center, Turkey. www.busworldturkey.com/en/ index.html n April 21-22 UK Coach Rally. East of England Showground, Peterborough. 01753 631170. www.coachdisplays.co.uk n April 24-26 CV Show. NEC, Birmingham. 01634 261262. www.cvshow.com n May 22-23 ALBUM Conference. – Forest Pines Hotel, near Brigg, North Lincolnshire. www.album-bus.co.uk n August 27 The National Association of Road Transport Museums gala day. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk n September 20-27 IAA Commercial Vehicles. Hannover. +(00)49 30897842. www.iaa.de
n March 18 Leyland National 40th Anniversary. Organised by the Leyland National Group, Nationals on static display and working in service.The British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland. www.leylandnational group.co.uk
n October 14 Midland Red Centenary of the Reintroduction of Motorbuses. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk
n March 31 ‘M&D and EK 60’. Kent Showground on the A249 near Maidstone. www.mdekbusclub.org, contact mdekbusclub@gmail.com
2013
n April 14 Paul S Winson Coaches Running Day. Loughborough and local area. www.busrunningday. co.uk, contact info@busrunningday. co.uk
n November 6 – 8 2012 Euro Bus Expo. NEC, Birmingham. 01926 834790. www.eurobusxpo.com n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition. Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 6100.
Do you have an event to promote? Send details to gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com
RegionalNews.indd 17
07/11/2011 19:28
18 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 9, 2011
18m
nEWS › TOURISM
The height of RBG Kew’s Rhizotron and Xstrata treetop walkway
BriEfly Lord’s, commonly referred to as ‘the home of cricket’ offers tours around the historic ground, allowing access to many of the most famous sights in world cricket. Groups can organise private tours at preferred times and a dedicated guide shows visitors around. Lasting approximately 1 hour 40 minutes the tour starts in the MCC museum, bringing the fascinating story of cricket to life. Paintings, photographs and artifacts, covering 400 years of cricket history, reveal the game’s development from a rural pastime to a modern, increasingly international sport. Precious exhibits include the Wisden Trophy and the tiny, delicate and irreplaceable Ashes urn. Go to www.lords.org/history/tours-oflords/ to learn more. Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, is home to the Roald Dahl Museum, the village where he lived and wrote for 36 years. The museum was created as a home for his unique archive and to inspire a love of stories and creative writing in all its visitors. Groups of between 15 and 35 people can visit at a discount of 10% on normal entry prices, and the price includes a visitor’s guide book and all day access to the museum. Talks and tours, including the village trail, are available at added cost. For details visit www. roalddahlmuseum.org The Old Operating Theatre museum in Southwark is one of the most unusual museums in London. The Operating Theatre is the oldest in Europe and is found in a unique space in the Herb Garret of St Thomas Church, and was formerly part of old St Thomas Hospital. The museum offers a fascinating window through time into the history of surgical medicine. It may not be for the faint of heart however, as a collection of artefacts reveal the horrors of medicine before the age of science, which includes instruments for cupping, bleeding, trepanning, and childbirth. Each group (of 10 or over) booking in advance receives a free lecture/introduction to the museum. Visit www.thegarret.org. uk for additional information. www.coachandbusweek.com
TourNews.indd 18
WWT London Wetland Centre brings nature to the heart of London Reduced admission prices available for groups larger than 12 The WWT London Wetland Centre brings the countryside to London. Although close to the heart of the capital, it is a haven of tranquility for both wildlife and people. The Wildfowl & Wetlands trust have created many different wildlife habitats such as lakes, pools and gardens which play host to birds, frogs and newts. London Wetland Centre is a beautiful destination for a group visit – offering views of nature up close, especially wetland birds, and a variety of wetland habitats to explore (wellies not required!) The centre has an excellent visitor centre which can tender to an entire group’s needs with a lakeside restaurant, gift shop, discovery centre and theatre. What’s more, London Wetland Centre is easily accessible from central London and beyond, and offers free coach parking for nine large vehicles. Benefits for groups include
reduced admission prices for groups larger than 12, a complimentary ticket for group organisers with free pre-visit on request and guided tours, tailored to a group’s needs. Though these benefits only apply for visits which are booked at least two weeks in advance, so be sure to plan ahead early. For groups of 12 paying visitors or more, adults
The centre offers excellent views of nature from within Greater London
The National Museum of Flight
The National Museum of Flight, Scotland’s national aviation museum at East Fortune Airfield in East Lothian is housed in the original wartime buildings of RAF East Fortune - one of the best preserved wartime airfields in the UK. Four main exhibits are contained within different hangers: military aviation; civil aviation; storage and restoration; and Concorde. Outside is a De Havilland Comet, the first commercial jet airliner to enter production, the Avro Vulcan strategic bomber and a BAC 1-11 jetliner. Concorde is a stunning piece of design which shot through the sky at twice the speed of sound. A
Concorde is one of the museum’s flagship exhibits prototype engine and a model of a pre-production prototype Concorde are displayed. Visitors can learn about the technical and scientific issues behind supersonic flight with an interactive challenge. The restored front fuselage of a
can enter for £8.80, concessions for £6.70 and children (4-16 years) for £4.95. The centre is an outstanding place to visit the year round, with the landscape and wildlife changing constantly in tandem with the seasons. Spring is perfect for wild flowers and songbirds. In summer it presents a prime relaxation spot for a picnic and to enjoy the sound of marsh frogs, crickets and warblers. Autumn is excellent for spotting rare birds in migratory transit, and winter is the ideal time to observe the flocks of wild duck or catch sight of an elusive bittern, both regular visitors over recent winters. Please contact us on 020 8409 4400 or email info. london@wwt.org.uk for further information. A booking form is downloadable from www.wwt. org.uk/userfiles/files/Group%20 Booking%20Form%202011.doc and should be emailed to the aforementioned address.
Boeing 707 has been repainted in its original 1960s colour scheme. Accompanying the 707, G-APFJ is an exhibition explaining the aircraft’s role in ushering in the age of commercial passenger travel and in the creation of the original ‘jet set’ of the 1960s. There is ample coach parking onsite, and coach drivers can enjoy a free visit to the museum (Concorde boarding pass inclusive) and a complimentary lunch. For groups of more than 10, adults pay only £8.55 per person for entry into the museum, with concessions costing £6.75. Children under five can enter free of charge, and pre-booking a visit is not a requirement. For more information on exhibits and opening times at the National Museum of Flight, visit www.nms.ac.uk/ our_museums/museum_of_flight. aspx
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November 9, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19
1969 300 Concorde’s maiden flight – which heralded supersonic transport
Number of exhibits at the South West Group Travel Show
SW Group Travel Show now booking online
Online registrations are open for the inaugural South West Group Travel Show. The free entry event will be held on Saturday January 14, from 1000 until 1400hrs in the At-Bristol venue. The show is a platform to gather information for group itineraries in the South West, South East and Wales. Tourism South East’s Elaine Pearce commented: “We are very pleased with the high level of support. It is set to be a huge success.” Exhibitors include Beaulieu, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Exeter, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, TLH Leisure Resort, Torquay and Powderham Castle. Coach operators are encouraged to bring key clients to visit the show who will receive fast track entry and enjoy a VIP welcome. To pre-register online visit www.southwestgroupshow. com, or for information about exhibiting contact Elaine Pearce on 02380 625472. Details about the venue can be found on www. at-bristol.org.uk
dEAlS OF THE WEEK Penderyn Distillery is delighted to announce it is now offering evening and corporate/premium distillery tours and tastings. The distillery opened its doors to visitors in 2008 with the launch of its new purpose-built visitor centre. It is the only distillery in Wales to legally distil whisky spirit for over a century. Visitors can take a journey through the history of single malt whisky making in Wales, and understand the distilling and bottling process at first hand. Penderyn’s aim of opening the distillery to visitors was to educate and inform the public of the ancient art of distilling whisky, and to demonstrate the differences between the Welsh process and
diESEl priCES
Kew has something to offer to visitors all year round
Kew Gardens’ great group rates The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has 121 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses in southwest London. Visitors can explore beautiful landscapes, 250 years of history, climb to the treetops, delve into rainforest or enjoy a guided tour. Kew’s beautiful plants, landscape and historic buildings mean there is something for everyone to enjoy and to fill a whole day, making it an excellent visit for a group. Top attractions include the 18m high, 200m long Rhizotron
the distilling of Scottish, Irish and American whiskies. Introduced by popular demand, the evening distillery tours are by appointment only, available to parties of 10-25 at a cost of £8.00 per person. Corporate/Premium distillery tours and tastings cost £20 per person and include a gift. These are also available by appointment only to parties of 10-25. n For further details or to book your visit please contact Penderyn Visitor Centre on 01685 810651. Millions of people have flocked through the doors of Madame Tussauds since they first opened over 200 years ago, and it remains just as popular as it ever was. There are many reasons for this enduring success, but at the heart of it all is good old-fashioned curiosity. Today’s visitors are sent on a unique, emotionally-charged
and Xstrata treetop walkway, the Princess of Wales conservatory with its 10 climactic zones, and Temperate House, home to the world’s largest indoor plant. Parties of 10 or more get a 15% discount when booking at least two weeks in advance. A 10% discount applies when arriving on the day. Further discounts for concessions apply and children enter free. Coach parking is free on Kew Road after 1000hrs. Drivers get free admission and a refreshment voucher. All details regarding group visits can be found at www. kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/visitinformation/group-visits/pricesbooking/index.htm or 020 8332 5648 or email groups@kew.org.
Robert Pattinson, Lady Gaga and Helen Mirren are some of the museum’s latest additions journey through the realms of the powerful and famous. The museum-style ropes and poles have gone, so guests can truly get up close and personal with A-list celebrities, sporting legends,
Cost per litre in pence: Sweden Great Britain Belgium Italy Germany France Ireland Netherlands Czech Republic Greece Portugal Austria Hungary Spain Slovenia Luxembourg Poland
139.64 139.60 130.63 128.71 127.58 125.92 124.61 123.65 121.41 121.30 119.64 117.38 114.71 111.62 110.66 102.55 102.02
HOlidAy pOUnd £1 will get you: Euro Switzerland (Franc) Norway (Kroner) Hungary (Forint) Czech Republic (Koruna) Poland (Zloty)
1.17 1.45 8.99 358.29 29.28 5.10
political heavyweights and historical icons, reliving the times, events and moments which made the world talk about them. Filled with 14 exciting, interactive zones and the excellent new Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience, Madame Tussauds London combines glitz and glamour with incredible history with over 300 wax figures, including Robert Pattinson, Lady Gaga, The Queen and many, many more. Along with impressive group rates, there is one free leader place for every 10 tickets purchased. Tickets include the Marvel Super Heroes 4D experience and there is a dedicated groups entrance, a 40% saving on guidebooks and a designated drop off/pick up point outside the attraction. n For more information, visit www.madametussauds.com/ London/BuyTickets/GroupTickets/ Default.aspx www.coachandbusweek.com
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£5k
nEWS › BUSINESS
The cost of sickness absence to 9% of small businesses (FSB)
BriEfly A new lender, Leeds-based Reward Commercial Finance is on the hunt for small to mediumsized Yorkshire businesses that need funding of between £50,000 and £750,000 to expand. Its initial target sectors are manufacturing, engineering, print and packaging and distribution and haulage. Reward Commercial Finance partner Andrew Ward said the new lender was looking for companies that required longterm funding. “We’re looking to buy into people, into businesses which want to expand and want to achieve things, but they can’t get money from traditional sources.” For more information visit www. commercialfinancegroup.co.uk Sentiment has fallen sharply among the UK’s small and medium-sized manufacturers, as firms predict a decline in production over the next three months, the CBI has said. Of the 412 respondents to the CBI’s latest quarterly SME Trends Survey, 27% said domestic orders rose in the three months to October and 27% said they fell – the resulting balance of 0% was the lowest since January 2010 (-10%). Over the same period export orders fell (-8%) for the first time since October 2009 (-13%). In the next quarter, firms expect a slight fall in domestic orders (-4%) and no growth in export orders (+1%). Manufacturers expect output to fall over the coming quarter (-4%), following modest growth in the three months to October (+6%). The government must be bold in its development of credit easing, ensuring that it is separate from the banks, affordable and available as soon as possible to help small businesses, says the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Even though the banks have signed up to the Project Merlin agreement to meet lending targets, many small firms are not getting the credit they need, as the banks failed to meet the half year targets set. Only 15% of respondents to the latest FSB survey have gone to the banks for finance in the past two months. Of these, half had their application accepted but more than a third (34%) were refused. www.coachandbusweek.com
BusinessNews.indd 20
Research reforms will create jobs, says SMMT Economic output could be increased by £3.1bn over the next 30 years, says SMMT and EEF More than 30,000 jobs could be created if the government agrees to reform the system of giving tax credits to firms for research and development, two business groups have said. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) maintained that economic output could be increased by £3.1bn over the next 30 years if the system was changed. A joint submission to the government said investment decisions by UK and foreign firms would be boosted if the current arrangement of tax credits was changed to a cash benefit or
redeemable credit when research and development (R&D) costs arose. The additional cost to the government would be around £205m a year, but 7,700 jobs would be created on conservative
Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT says there is a compelling case for a change
Sickness absence costing small businesses £1,500 Government must introduce a small employer’s relief for the recovery of statutory sick pay (SSP), as new figures from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) show that sickness absence costs small businesses on average £1,500 per year. The FSB said long-term sickness absence does not affect the smallest of businesses frequently, but when it does it has a big impact and the costs can be high. The FSB’s ‘Voice of Small Business’ survey panel shows that on average small businesses only experience 2.4 days sickness absence per employee each year – much lower than the national average 7.7 days per employee. 25% said they experienced no sickness absence at all and 81% said that they were not at all affected by long-term sickness absence. However, in the last 12 months sickness absence cost firms on average £1,500, but for 9% it cost more than £5,000.
The FSB said some small businesses can feel confused by the Percentage Threshold Scheme – the current system used to calculate how much SSP an employer can claim back. This means many small businesses either have to spend time doing difficult calculations or they have to spend money on buying in help. With 40% of small business employers claiming that dealing with holiday entitlement and sickness absence was one of the most difficult aspects of employment law, the FSB believes recovery needs to be simplified so micro firms can reclaim all SSP costs more easily to stop them from being hampered at such a difficult time. The FSB is calling on the government to introduce a small employer’s relief for all firms with an annual National Insurance Contributions bill of less than £45,000 to recover SSP, to ease the administrative burden and
estimates, rising to 31,300 under more optimistic assumptions of the impact of the change, said the report. The report, launched at a briefing with MPs and government officials, said the change could increase R&D investment in the UK by almost £390m a year and increase economic output by £665m in the short term, outstripping the £205m cost to the Exchequer. Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT, said: “We think we are making a strong, compelling case for a change. Given that the focus of the Government is to make the UK the most attractive place for business, this is a relatively small amount of money to spend for a very significant return. Automotive is Europe’s largest investor in R&D and the proposed changes will encourage companies to invest even more.” help businesses manage sickness absence better. It should look at improving the way the Fit Note – which introduced the ‘Sick Note’ last year – is used by making it electronic and increasing the training which GPs are given on how to use it. The FSB said small businesses also need better access to free occupational health advice either through GPs or via the national occupational health phone line to make this issue easier to manage. John Walker, FSB national chairman, said: “Small firms act like a tight knit family and value the contribution their staff bring to the business. And research shows staff in smaller firms are more often committed and loyal. But sickness absence is one of the most complex pieces of employment law they have to deal with. “The Government must provide a small employers relief for statutory sick pay in the same way they do for statutory maternity pay so those small businesses which experience a member of staff on long-term sickness absence, are not hampered and are given the support they need.”
07/11/2011 22:08
13%
Percentage of small businesses ‘seriously’ impacted by last winter’s bad weather
FPB warns employers to prepare for winter Employers have been warned to get their house in order and ensure their workplace is “winter proof” before the predicted snow and frosts hit the UK later this month. The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has made the warning with forecasters predicting an end to the unseasonably mild conditions across the UK towards the end of November. The Forum says SMEs can be particularly vulnerable to the impact of freak weather and should start planning ahead by checking their premises are winter-proof, insurance is up to date, and contingency plans are well-thoughtout in case staff can’t get in to work. The past two winters have seen Arctic weather cause havoc for British businesses due to the disruption, and, according to early long range forecasts, December is likely to start with severe frosts with the chance of snow for many areas closer to Christmas. According to data from YouGov’s Omnibus SME survey, 13% of small businesses said they were ‘seriously’ impacted by last winter’s bad weather, and 37% said they experienced weather-related problems of some sort. YouGov figures also showed during winter 2010 that 34% of workers experienced ‘significant problems’ getting to work, with 10% unable to get in at all at some point. 8% of workers were prevented from going in to work at
November 9, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21
3,000
number of new jobs created by SMMT proposals for change to tax credits for R & D
least once because their children’s school had closed due to the bad weather - significantly more women than men cited this as a reason for absence. In the wake of the summer riots, and more recent flash flooding which affected parts of the south, the Forum is also highlighting the need for firms to regularly review basic disaster recovery plans in general. “While small businesses will usually get an insurance payout to cover damage to their property after freak events, they are highly vulnerable to the steep drop in turnover, which often follows as customer records are lost, phone calls and emails go unanswered and clients take their custom elsewhere,” said the FPB. The FPB’s head of campaigns Jane Bennett said: “The past few winters have demonstrated just how susceptible the UK is to extreme weather, and the cost to business quickly runs into millions. When infrastructure grinds to a halt staff can’t get in to work, and that’s a body blow which hits small firms with fewer staff the hardest. “It’s essential small businesses do all they can themselves to mitigate the impact, and being proactive now will mean not having to rush out a last minute reactive plan on the eve of bad weather, which may not be all that effective. Bennett concluded: “It worth remembering prevention is also better than cure - something as simple as making sure water pipes are lagged could save a business thousands in lost revenue if it has to close because of flooding. Businesses need to think about their contingency plans now to ensure they aren’t put out of action by another nasty winter.”
One of trent barton’s Nines buses battling last December’s arctic conditions
Sage’s survey shows older customers are far less tolerant, with 41% of respondents in the over 55s age-group saying they would abandon a company entirely after just one underwhelming experience
BlOG of the week
CUStOmErS SAy tHErE ArE NO SECONd CHANCES – ESpECiAlly iN NOrWiCH!
Are you going the extra mile to please customers in tougher economic climate? Andy Hanselman, who researches and speaks and writes about and works with high performing businesses that ‘compete and don’t get beat’, looks at the results of a survey which shows customers are more choosy and less forgiving on www. businesszone.co.uk These tough economic times are making customers seek more from their suppliers, and apparently, they are not delivering! A new survey from Sage UK found of over 2,000 UK consumers asked, 47% believed the current economic conditions had led them to place greater emphasis on the overall customer experience companies offer. However only 22% felt British businesses had made more of an effort to ‘go the extra mile’ for their customers during the recession, and 24% said they felt companies were actually making less of an effort! What’s also interesting is they are becoming more ‘choosy’ and less forgiving! The financial squeeze makes consumers ever more selective with their purchases, and businesses are given on average one chance to make amends for a disappointing experience. Crucially, for 30% of consumers there are no second chances when a company falls short the first time around. Apparently, there are regional differences across the country with customers in East Anglia being the least tolerant of a disappointing customer experience – only 36%
saying they would give a company just one chance to impress. However, 75% of Londoners are apparently the most willing to put up with a disappointing customer experience, and would give a company at least a second chance. Younger customers are more forgiving - 74% of 18 to 25 year olds would be prepared to give one more chance to a company that delivered a one-off disappointing experience. Older customers are far less tolerant, with 41% of respondents in the over 55s age-group saying they would abandon a company entirely after just one underwhelming experience. So, what do customers want? Sage’s research also found that it’s the ‘basic stuff’ – a simple smile, or a friendly greeting above anything else, and treating customers as individuals rather than numbers. Apparently men are more likely to prioritise speed and efficiency when judging customer experience, while women are more likely to favour companies which take the time to get to know them and understand their wants and needs. So for you East Anglian firms serving ’old men’, make sure you are speedy and ‘on your guard’ – you won’t get a second chance! Seriously, whether you’re in Norwich or not, customer expectations are rising – they want businesses that: n Are ‘easy to buy from and deal with’ n Personalise the customer experience n Strive to go the extra mile www.coachandbusweek.com
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22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 9, 2011
DELIVERIES
FORESTDALE COACHES A 12.71m VDL Bova Futura has joined Forestdale Coaches of Addington, Croydon, supplied by Moseley in the South. A Euro 5 DAF PR engine developing 365bhp is installed with a 12-speed ZF AS-Tronic gearbox and ZF Intarder.
Specification includes an off-side centre continental exit, 48 Vogel Conturo reclining seats with upholstered moqette, leather headrest pads and piping and wood capped armrests to compliment the similarly styled flooring. They are fitted with adjustable footrests, tip-up tables and magazine nets. A rear servery area is equipped with a water boiler,
refrigerator and storage cupboards. Dark tinted double-glazed side and rear windows are fitted, along with a Futurair climate control system with additional winter protection. Security features include central locking and an intruder alarm. Alcoa Durabrite aluminium wheels enhance the company’s revised colour scheme and vinyl graphics livery.
MID WALES TRAVEL Ceredigion-based Mid Wales Travel has taken delivery of a new Van Hool Acron T916 from Arriva Bus and Coach. The 13.2m coach is powered by a 340bhp Euro 5 Paccar MX engine with an AS-Tronic 12-speed gearbox. The specification includes 57 seats with leather headrest and trim, centre-sunken washroom, hot drinks
FACT FILE
CHASSIS/BODy VDL Bova
Futura FHD 127.365PR
EngInE DAF PR 365bhp Euro 5 TRAnSmISSIOn ZF Automatic SEATS 48 SpEC Vogel Conturo reclining
seats, Futurair AC system SUppLIED By
Moseley in the South, 01823 653000 www.moseleysouth.co.uk
SOLUS COACHES Solus Coaches based in Tamworth, Staffordshire has recently taken delivery of two new Volvo B9R coaches with Plaxton Panther bodies. “Volvo has always consistently produced quality vehicles”, explained Solus director, Andy Garratt. “These two new B9Rs offer us the perfect size, fuel efficient coaches for multi-purpose usage and it’s reassuring to know we have the quality Volvo back-up and support should we require it.” “Duncan Crosby, Volvo Bus regional sales manager has been promoting the virtues of the Volvo product to us for a while now and we felt the time was right for us to invest,” continued Andy Garratt.
machine and fridge. Onboard entertainment comes in the form of two drop-down LCD screens capable of showing DVD films. Alternatively, the screens can display line navigation maps and images from the road-ahead camera. The coach interior comes with pavement lights and a wood-effect dashboard and flooring. Appropriately, the T916 carries a personalised number plate – CA11MWT. Mid Wales Travel’s origins
Duncan Crosby. “They have seven Volvo coaches in their fleet, but haven’t had a new Volvo vehicle in a while. To conclude this deal for two new B9Rs really is excellent.” Solus Coaches new B9Rs will be used across its complete range of tour offerings including private hire, mini breaks and continental excursions. FACT FILE
Mechanically, the B9Rs are fitted with a Volvo D9B Euro 5 engine, capable of producing 380bhp, linked to the highly acclaimed and operationally proven Volvo I-Shift, 12-speed fully automated gearbox. The new coaches are
each equipped to carry 53 passengers, with the electronically controlled air suspension system providing a high level of ride comfort. A centre demountable toilet, rear servery and air conditioning feature on the vehicles and passenger
entertainment has also been carefully considered with onboard entertainment system, TV monitors and full CD/DVD capability. “I’ve been speaking to Solus Coaches for quite some time now,” confirmed Volvo Bus regional sales manager
CHASSIS/BODy Volvo B9R/ Plaxton Pather EngInE Volvo D9B Euro 5 TRAnSmISSIOn Volvo I-Shift, 12-speed SEATS 53 SpEC Rear servery, demountable WC SUppLIED By
Volvo Bus UK 02476 210250 www.volvobuses.com/bus/uk/ en-gb/Pages/homepage.aspx
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Deliveries.indd 22
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November 9, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 23
Have you taken delivery of a new vehicle and want to tell the world about it? Email all the details and pictures to cbwinbox@ rouncymedia.co.uk
CROSSKEYS COACHES
date back to 1960, when husband and wife team David Joseph Evans and Vera Mary Evans purchased three vehicles to form Evans’ Coaches. In 1988, the firm purchased Mid Wales Motorways and Newtownbased Mid Wales Travel and merged them together in 1990. The operator’s fleet consists of other vehicles in the Van Hool T9 series with 43, 49 and 51 seats. FACT FilE
CHASSiS/BOdy Van Hool T916
Acron
EnginE Paccar MX 340hp Euro 5 TrAnSmiSSiOn ZF AS-tronic
12-speed SEATS 57 SpEC Centre sunken washroom, personalised number plate SUppliEd By
Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144 www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk
INTRODUCING
Alan Johnson of family-run Crosskeys Coaches based in Folkestone, Kent has added a third Setra S415GT-HD to his touring fleet in 2011. The livery of the vehicle is finished in the firm’s distinctive Crosskeys branding. “We have been very pleased with Setra quality and reliability,” said Alan. Operating for over 33 years Crosskeys offer a wide variety of private hire coach services throughout Europe and the UK. Services include school contracts, lavish European tours and cruise transfers. The new fully integral double glazed ComfortClass model is built to European Bus and Coach directive 2001/85 and is powered
V
by a Mercedes-Benz OM 457 LA 315kW Euro5 engine with GO 240-8 speed Powershift manual gearbox. Euro5 is achieved through Setra’s Blue-Tec SCR technology. Crosskeys Coaches new vehicle will have the advantage of being supported by all the expected Setra refinements, including ESP, ENR and traction control. The vehicle has a capacity of 49 voyage
plus seats which includes a foldout tray and foot rest at seat frames. Passengers benefit from additional technology including a Coach 2000 professional multi-media system featuring DVD/CD/ public address and two 19inch LCD monitors, a centre sunken toilet, including servery area, Webasto heating, refrigerator and roofmounted air conditioning.
e olution
Crosskeys Coaches’ Setra S 415 GT-HD ComfortClass was supplied by Setra Coach Sales. EvoBus (UK)’s area manager Setra Sales, Peter Knight, commented: “I am so pleaed to see the performance of his first two Setra coaches has encouraged Alan and his team to make this investment in their hat-trick Setra which I am sure will continue to support the growth of Crosskeys business.” FACT FilE
CHASSiS/BOdy Volvo Setra S415GT-HD EnginE Mercedes-Benz OM457LA Euro 5 TrAnSmiSSiOn GO 240-8 speed Powershift SEATS 49 SpEC ComfortClass SUppliEd By
Evobus UK 024 7662 6000 www.evobus.co.uk
• NEW GENERATION • NEW DESIGN • NEW IMAGE
DESIGNED TO LEAD. BUILT TO L AST.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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COnfErEnCE rEpOrt › cpt
CPT helps move the coach industry forward Gearing up for the Olympics, insight into the minds of the Traffic Commissioners and how to save money on fuel on tolls were some of the topics covered at the annual CPT coach conference last week. Coach & Bus Week’s Meera Rambissoon reports from Volvo’s Wedgenock Lane HQ
T
he annual CPT coach conference saw a hearty turn out of about 100 people last Tuesday (November 2) at Volvo Bus’ headquarters in Warwick - with the aim to update and move forward the coach industry, and help it comply and save money, in the words of CPT president, Steve Whiteway. Steve opened the conference with heartfelt best wishes to Bob Pilbeam, who is sadly in hospital with terminal cancer. Bob spent 10 years running the Coach Advisory Service and promoting the needs of coach operators and has most recently been working as a Blue Badge Guide. Paying tribute to Bob, Steve described him as “a really nice man and unfortunately someone we are not going to see again”. Turning to the coach industry, Steve said unlike the bus industry: “We haven’t got the same amount of government support, so we’ve got nothing to lose but local authority support is important.” Steve said he had been talking to someone who had left the bus industry to join the coach side, who described it as “very complex”. “Why do we do it?” asked Steve. “Because we love it!”
Beverley Bell Deputy senior traffic commissioner The feisty and straight-talking Beverley Bell – who is acting deputy senior Traffic Commissioner (TC), following the retirement www.coachandbusweek.com
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of Philip Brown – based her talk on issues she asked the CPT to flag up. With new EU regulations coming into force on December 4, “which will drastically change what the new law says,” Beverley said she has been working hard to produce guidance, which is out for consultation. “This will give you a good idea of how TC minds work, what happens if you attend a public inquiry and how to interpret the legislation.” “What is the point of a TC – is it a necessary evil or should we learn to love our regulations?” she asked, following up with a further question: “How many of you know what the seven deadly sins are?” “Offences which you and your drivers commit, which leave a TC to no longer find you are of [good] repute,” she replied, adding: “and you can’t have a licence if you don’t have repute.” “TCs are about promoting a good, compliant industry for the good of that good, compliant industry,” said Beverley, “but excluding the seriously non-compliant.” We can decry our civil servants, she continued, but pointed out the proviso they have slipped in saying operators will be fined unless the offence is “disproportionate”. Commenting on the enforcement role of VOSA, “which goes out on the roadside picking on the noncompliant”, Beverley suggested it is one in which VOSA is falling short. “If I’m made senior traffic commissioner, I will say to them: ‘do what you’re paid to do and
enforce if operators are seriously non-compliant’.” Turning to public inquiries, Beverley said: “I like public inquiries – I think they’re great fun. They’re quite easy really – we ask operators and their drivers a few questions. I love the ones where operators argue with me – they’re just like teenage kids and they think they know it all.” However, she said she “doesn’t really like to see people at public inquiries who shouldn’t really be there”. Beverley continued: “Most drivers like the work they do, most don’t like being told what they’re doing is wrong, especially by a female who is younger than them. Most of them want to do things properly but are scared of the Driver CPC. Many of them won’t have put pen to paper since school exams. It’s up to operators – invest
Beverley Bell, deputy senior TC
in your drivers and I would say do it sooner rather than later. Drivers don’t have to pass or fail – but just train.” She added: “They might actually learn something.” On the subject of the Olympics, Beverley said Sarah Bell – “not, contrary to popular belief, my sister” – is leading on this issue. “If she were here she would say get your applications in early, liaise with staff at the TC offices in Leeds and don’t leave everything to the last minute.” Beverley proceeded by raising issues for feedback and discussion. “What I want to hear from you is whether you are getting the service you need from the licensing staff. The other concern we have is drivers with criminal convictions because they don’t tell you they’ve been to court because they’ve bopped the wife after she was having it away with a neighbour or because they got done for drink driving and have fixed penalties on their licence.” Beverley urged operators to read the TC’s consultation documents. “I don’t want to know if drivers get
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“If you get a check at the side of the road, it’s not a major problem,” he continued. “The only problem is if you have a prohibition.” Concluding on drivers defect reporting, Ian made his point with a slightly tongue and cheek comment: “You can have the best workshop in the world but it’s always the lose nut behind the wheel you’ve got to worry about. We can put points which need covering together in a report and suggest spot checks.”
For more information about any of the services offered by the Lloyd Morgan Group, visit www. lloydmorgangroup.co.uk/
done for speeding but if drivers get done for mobile phone abuse, we expect you to write to us to say driver x got done for it and these are the steps we are taking.” Beverley added the driver would then be taken off the road for 14 days. Another issue was the quality of transport managers. “How many of you are transport managers by exemption and how many of you are transport managers by grandfather rights?” said Beverley. She pointed out the rules on such rights have “dramatically changed”, whereby managers will receive a certificate of acquired rights. “At the moment, if you don’t do your job properly as a transport manager, all we will do is find against your repute. The new European rules mean if this happens, you won’t be able to drive in Europe. We urge you to take advantage of our course run on transport manager training. We can also make transport managers go through rehabilitation courses.” Her final question was how many operators are concerned about Section 19 operation. “It is a big
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problem in the industry and it isn’t going to go away. The government is very clear it supports Section 19 as a part of the Big Society. Again my message to VOSA is go out and enforce Section 19 abuse, which we care passionately about, as we do of drivers hours.”
iaN BamforD lloyd morgan Group Senior compliance officer of compliance specialists, the Lloyd Morgan Group, Ian Bamford spoke about a service called CompliancePlus. The package offers independent vehicle and maintenance system audits; driver walk-around training; O-licence compliance checks; public inquiry support and endorsement of conditions undertaking. Beverley Bell had said there are two ways you can use CompliancePlus – get them in the early hours of the morning with VOSA are on your doorstep or get them in first, in advance. Offering case studies to show how the service has helped operators, Ian said the group has helped operators to fulfil TC
Neil White of DKV euroservice offers assistance with fuel and toll costs proviso undertakings. “Manuals are all free and on the internet, with a categorisation of defects set out,” said Ian who stressed the importance of driver checks. “Give drivers torches. Drivers: look and listen – what can you see, what can you smell; you can bet if they smell burning, they will get off the bus pretty fast.” Ian also urged operators to ensure manuals are up to date.
Neil White DKV euroservice Are operators paying too much for their fuel and tolls, or not claiming back their VAT, was the gist of DKV sales area manager, Neil White’s talk. Essentially, DKV Euroservice can offer operators better fuel rates, including in the UK, discounts on road tolls outside the UK and a service of applying for VAT returns on fuel duty. Neil said: “The idea is to help you move as quickly as possible through Europe and help you save money.” The company, which has representatives in the UK and Holland, sells 1.4m DKV cards across Europe, where the UK card offers a fixed price on diesel. A breakdown service is also available which can settle fines, in cash if necessary. “Yes it comes at a cost, and if the fine is for €150, it wouldn’t be worth it but if the fine is €1,500, we become a very attractive option,” said Neil. There is usually a fixed charge of €100. On tolls, DKV offers an interoperable box for France and Spain, which offers a preferential rate in France as the only nonFrench supplier. With a service fee of 3%, the toll discount works out between 5% and 10%. Portugal and the Czech Republic will join the service, said Neil, and support is also offered on Italian tolls. Commenting on refunds, Neil said: “It still surprises me how many people I see who don’t claim VAT refunds. DKV offers NET invoicing, which is a small fee.” Refunding works on a pre-financing system, where DKV provides the refund to the operator first then waits for and receives the refund directly. “Operators are entitled fuel duty in Belgium and France
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COnfErEnCE rEpOrt › cpt
and can go back three years,” said Neil. “It might take eight months, it might take 12 months. A lot of paperwork and red tape is involved but DKV can do it – we charge 9% but it’s 9% on something you wouldn’t otherwise get back.”
AdriAn Wickens Volvo Bus Product planning manager for Volvo Bus, Adrian Wickens, provided the audience with an overview of where the group is, coined under the title of “your coaching partner”. Next year the group will have been going for 40 years in the UK, selling 28,000 buses and coaches. Adrian started working for the bus industry in 1973 and provided a graph looking at new coach registrations between 1975 to 2010. The figure has gone from under 2500 in 1975 to between 500 and 1000 in 2010. “It’s a strange market today,” commented Adrian, who said while the private hire coach market has slowed, the express coach market has increased. “The highest month of registrations was October because of the number of express vehicles going into service. The market is not exactly falling any further but the express side of things is keeping the market afloat. The Republic of Ireland has seen serious recession, with the only new vehicle activity this year on the coach side.” Looking at market factors for 2012 and beyond, Adrian first pinpointed the London LEZ changes January 2012, signalling Euro IV particulates. “The traps do require some maintenance,” stressed Adrian, who said Volvo Bus is working with Eminox on the supply of traps. “We recommend you fit a device which measures the pressure difference in the system which will alert you to clean the trap.” Secondly, Adrian highlighted the move to Euro 6 in January 2014, which signals “very significant changes to engines and control systems”. “Mercedes has said it will cost £10,000 for Euro 6 compliance,” he added, “which is not good news at a time when the market is depressed.” Adrian said there are some Euro 6 vehicles “running about”, commenting: “We are starting to understand the heating implications on the road and we will be replacing seven-litre engines with eight-litre engines in mid-sized products.” SCR will also be combined with EGR, such www.coachandbusweek.com
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Adrian Wickens, product planning manager, Volvo Bus as with engines already in series production and use in the US. Adrian also predicted a further development in 2015 relating to London LEZ. “We’re used to seeing something every three years so we are anticipating change in 2015, with the news due after the Mayoral election next May. The expected change is to Euro 6 NOx which will be more of a retro fit challenge – it’s not impossible but it is more complex.” Providing an update on vehicles, Adrian said Volvo Bus is expecting 250 B9R Levantes to be with National Express by the end of the year. More than 100 hybrid vehicles are in service in the UK, with 300 in Europe and operators in Mexico and Brazil are getting on board. Adrian also said the end of the Green Bus Fund next March means the onus is now on operators to “make hybrids more commercial”. “The challenge for us is people aren’t going to buy hybrids unless there is some measure of incentive for operators beyond fuel savings – something which really gives you a reward – or we get the price down to something which makes commercial sense in the long term.”
TOm cunninGTOn LOcOG CPT took the opportunity for the last such gathering of coach operators before the Olympics to provide an update consisting of a practical guide to working during the Games from LOCOG performance manager Tom Cunnington and a panel discussion comprising Maurice Duckworth, FirstRail Support, Mark Yexley, Arriva UK Bus (next year’s CPT president) and John Johnson, Johnsons Coaches, as well as Tom.
“The market is not exactly falling any further but the express side of things is keeping the market afloat.” Adrian Wickens Volvo Bus
Tom cunnington, LOcOG performance manager
“I like public inquiries – I think they’re great fun. I love the ones where operators argue with me – they’re just like teenage kids and they think they know it all.” Beverley Bell Deputy senior traffic commissioner
The key message from operators was more information is needed, while from LOCOG’s point of view, Tom said details can only be disseminated when decisions have been made and urged operators to check the Transport for London website regularly for updates. “Be vocal, be involved and get planning,” he said. Tom said people will start to arrive and set up for the Olympics at the start of June, with the Olympic Village opening on July 15. The torch relay also happens between July 21 and 26 and Nottingham Carnival takes place during the Olympic Games period on August 26. The Olympic Park will close on September 14. Tom said Olympic Road Network (ORN) and Paralympic Road Network (PRN) will be based on potential traffic management measures, with changes to traffic signal timings, restricted turns, side-road closures to general traffic, a suspension of parking and waiting bays and temporary Games Lanes. “It is a myth the ORN and PRN will be closed to traffic. They will be open but in some two-lane sections, one lane will be reserved for the Games Family.” The current status of LOGOC contracts is 46 are in place for the supply of vehicle and drivers, with 43 suppliers, including seven London bus contracts and 29 London coach contracts and seven regional contracts for the five football city contracts, Weymouth and Eton Dorney and a Coach Charter Programme (CCP) contract with Arriva, with TGM & TMS. 75% of sponsors, Olympic committees and ticketing partners have signed up to the CCP, comprising 340 coaches and TGM are setting up a temporary depot near Heathrow to deliver the operation. However, Tom pointed out partners are free to use other operators, and 25% have, but to gain access into the appropriate Games Family parts of any Olympic/Paralympic venue, vehicles must have a VAPP – Vehicle Access and Parking Permit, issued free to qualifying groups approved by the relevant part of LOCOG, but will only be issued and valid on coaches where the drivers have received essential security, etiquette and route training. Arriva is providing the mandatory training and the VAPP issuing and tracking service for LOCOG. Training costs £1,700 per vehicle with up to three
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drivers and must be booked by the end of 2011, with higher rates applying in 2012. FirstGroup is responsible for spectator transport through First Rail. There will be two transport malls and access will be via a pre-booked and pre-paid permit costing £60, plus VAT. Coach parking is also available at Barking for £50 plus VAT for 24 hours. Details are available from www. firstgroupgamestravel.com/privatecoach-parking and “slots are limited”, warned Tom. Tom said double deck buses, 16-seat minibuses, 22-29 seat midi coaches, accessible coaches, and a few super luxury coaches for ‘ceremonies headline talent’ are needed. Interested operators should email Laura.Battisegola@ london2012.com. First is also still looking for coach operators further afield for travel from major cities across the UK. Operators should email Richard.Kirk@FirstGroup. com if they are interested. On the topic of brand protection, Tom said unauthorised association with the Games isn’t permitted by LOCOG, for example use of the Olympic Rings or a picture of someone running with a torch. More information is available on www.London2012.com/ documents/brand-guidelines/ guidelines-for-business-use.pdf One key question during the panel discussion, was should operators avoid London next summer – which was felt to have been the message previously. CPT’s Graham Messenger said: “The message has changed. Last year, it was stay away from London. Operators need to come to London – it’s core bread and butter for some of them. I implore you to start talking to us more than you have in the past.” Tom’s response was a resounding: “No, don’t avoid London. Our message is think about it and plan it in a lot more detail. The TfL website will continue to have day-to-day changes.” Mark Yexley of Arriva, responded: “The point Graham is making is very fair. In the last four to six weeks a huge avalanche of decisions have been taken.” John Johnson of Johnsons Coaches stressed the degree of flexibility operators will need to take: “Keep flexible – there will be changes right up to the eleventh hour.” Asked about driver training from Arriva, Mark said training will be split into a one day classroom
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exercise, which will probably take place in February/March and the plan is to get it accredited so it qualifies as part of the driver CPC. The second part of training will be a two-day visit to all of the Olympic venues in London but timing is up in the air.
JamES STOKES Coach Hire Comparison James Stokes set out the benefits of its Coach Hire Comparison website which fields booking quotations to operators and is designed to give them “total control over bookings direct with the customer”. While there is a joining fee of £450 for a year and 10% for CPT members, no commissions are taken and a profile of each operator with its branding, pictures and logos are displayed on the CHC site. Only relevant enquiries are directed at operators. James’ talk was titled ‘cutting out the noise of the middleman’ and he said coach brokers are always up-to-date with fresh information and always get back to customers within an hour of the quote. James urged operators using CHC to phone rather than just emailing customers. Stressing the power of the internet which has replaced TV as the biggest form of advertising, James said the term ‘coach hire’ is searched around 10,000 times a month and 150 times a day. He
CPT president Steve Whiteway
urged all operators to register with Google maps which can be done for free. Testimonials from Epsom Coaches and TGM are on CHC praising the service and Epsom’s John Fowler said he gets about 15 enquiries a day, 12 at weekends, “some of them very last minute work”, though he admitted not many of these quotes translate into jobs. For more information and to sign up to Coach Hire Comparison, visit www. coachhirecomparison.co.uk
STEVEn SalmOn CPT director of policy development Steven ended the day with a rather humorous update on the policy and regulations picture in Europe. The first issue he tackled was that of ‘the Grandson of Digital Tacho’ which will mean “some kind of wireless interrogation” using fixed roadside equipment to take readings from the coach. Information taken will include the latest security breach attempt, the longest power supply interruption, sensor faults, motion data errors, driving without an appropriate card, calibration data and vehicle registration numbers. Steven said an addition would be the start of the daily work period. “The number one offence is having more driver cards than drivers, as
CPT’s Stephen Salmon
Closing comments: Closing the day, Steve Whiteway said: “We started the day saying being a coach operator is very complicated; nothing today has suggested it isn’t.” He urged operators: “Get onto Google maps – those of you living in the past are not likely to be living in the future.” “There is a lot of uncertainty on the Euro but there have been a lot of positives today,” continued Steve. “The Olympics will be a success but more information is needed and more planning is needed.” Concluding, he said: “We are all paying too much for fuel and tolls – it’s all very complicated and we get help from DKV.”
well as rest periods taken.” Other contentious aspects, “some of which we are winning on,” are: n Forced (paid for) use of Galileo GNSS – sorted; n Being a common platform with other devices – sorted (in principle); n Storage of location data in the unit, which is still an open question; n Calibrating your own equipment; and n Legislative delegation. Turning to the white paper “with the snappy title” Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area - Towards a comprehensive and resource-efficient transport system, Steven said the upsides were a strong green focus and ambitious goals, with a vision for 2050 presented. Unfortunately, the vision is a 50% shift of medium distance intercity passenger and freight journeys from road to rail and waterborne transport; “thank you very bloody much,” commented Steven, lamenting the lack of vision for coach travel. “That is in a sense an opportunity,” said Steven, qualifying: “Market-driven modal choice needs a level playing field on VAT and we can promote our own vision for public transport, including coaches which doubles the modal share.” He also called for a single enforcement space, with harmonised controls; light touch legislation; allowing the coach industry to sell itself and letting technology evolve through the market. Steven’s final focus was on case law. Looking at coach companies named in ECJ drivers’ hours cases, he gave an example from Holland, where operator Smit Reizen is based in Maarheeze. In the particular circumstances of the case a driver’s journey from his home in Harderwijk took an hour – however this was not being included in the total driver hours and the court said whether the driver was driving a vehicle or being driven by someone else, it could not be counted as a rest period but should be included. Steven’s “post script” on driver hours was to say there is a lot of internal reflection on this subject in the International Road Transport Union. “If politicians open the proverbial box on driver hours, will there be more flexibility?” asked Steven. “An IRU election is taking place this week, he said, with candidates arguing on both sides.” www.coachandbusweek.com
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THE BIG PICTURE
Transdev Coastliner operates a small modern fleet of only 20 buses on four routes across North Yorkshire. The average age of the fleet is only three years. The firm’s longest route is service 834 from Leeds to Whitby, which passes through the small market town of Tadcaster. Now bypassed by the dual carriageway A64, the town is famous for having three breweries. Real ale drinkers will be only too familiar with two of the names – John Smith’s and Corrs. Perhaps less well known is the town’s third brewery, Samuel Smiths. Back to buses, Coastliner’s fleet no.404 is photographed by David Barrow passing John Smith’s Brewery, which was built in 1758. By contrast, ‘BD11CEK’ is one of four Wright Gemini 2-bodied Volvo B9TLs delivered this summer.
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inSigHt › deregulation
£1.5bn
Public support given to the bus industry in 1982/83 in today’s terms
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32%
The cut in public spending with the introduction of deregulation
November 9, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 31
£2.32
Break-even revenue per passenger needed for a bus journey costing £25 to operate with average load of 10 (as in 2008)
Before, during and after bus deregulation On the very day buses were deregulated 25 years ago, a CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport) meeting in Nottingham enjoyed a lively presentation from acclaimed industry analyst Chris Cheek. Coach & Bus Week’s Meera Rambissoon reports
W
ho would have thought fixing a fryer would be a significant milestone in the provision of bus services? 25 years ago Chris Cheek, director of TAS Partnership and the prestigious UK Bus Awards, was working for London Crusader - a specialist marketing company established by the National Bus Company in order to market coaching and coach travel to Londoners. “I rang my oldest friend in the bus industry, Tony Depledge, who was manager of Blackpool Transport and asked him how things were. He said: ‘Absolutely wonderful – the chip fryer in the canteen broke down and I had the authority to get it fixed.’ “It’s a lovely story,” said Chris. “But it’s also a metaphor for the power which operators hadn’t enjoyed before.” Chris set out the approach of his talk with two quotations: “You have to know the past to understand the present” (Carl Sagan, American Astronomer) and “History is always repeating itself, but each time the price goes up” (Will Durant, American philosopher). He also started by defining what is meant by regulation and deregulation. Chris cited the 1930 Road Traffic Act as the “basis of regulation of the bus and coach industry for broadly 50 years”, which controlled the supply of services
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by ‘quantity licensing’. Answering his question: “What do we mean by ‘deregulation’?” he cited the former CPT chief executive, Veronica Palmer who questioned calling the industry unregulated “when it is regulated to the bloody hilt”. Chris described deregulation as a package of reforms, which transformed the industry, introduced under two acts of Parliament: the 1980 Transport Act covering coaches, and comprising trial areas and liberalisation, and the 1985 Transport Act covering buses, privatisation and subsidy. The 1985 Act changed the regulatory regime, the structure of the industry and the nature of the relationship with government at all levels, said Chris.
The Historic Context
Painting a picture of life when buses were just coming into being, Chris looked to the period of austerity which followed the first World War when the UK government cut spending to pay for huge war loans to the USA. Money and resources were scarce from 1919 onwards and world trade slow to recover. “Without trade and exports, unemployment rose quickly after 1920 and stayed high,” said Chris. The growth of the bus took place between 1919 and 1929, when war surplus lorries were rebodied as buses and coaches (otherwise known as ‘charabancs’). “It was at that time, when Ribble and Wallace Arnold were founded, in the hectic
period after the war,” said Chris. Financial crisis and bus competition hit tramways, leading to the introduction of trolleybuses. In 1920, there was a consolidation of private sector bus operations in the hands of major groups - the Underground Group, BET, Tilling and SMT. Major municipal tram operators outside London set up bus operations, initially as feeders and gap fillers. The philosophy of government, Chris said, was summed up by a quote which Professor John Hibbs uses and was said by Sir Eric Geddes, Conservative transport minister between 1919 and 1921: “It is nothing short of criminal to permit a continuance of the old system of competition between light railways and roads, railways and canals.” This philosophy underpinned a range of reports and legislation between the two world wars, commented Chris. The move to Quantity Licensing came with Royal Commissions in 1924 and 1928 where local authority attempts to become the regulators were rejected. Competition which did not waste resources, but which could be more rationally allocated by regulated monopolies, was pushed by the industry ‘barons’ of the time. In 1930, Parliament passed the 1930 Road Traffic Act which, introduced road service licensing with regulated monopolies for local bus services outside London, policed and enforced by www.coachandbusweek.com
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inSigHt › deregulation
regional Traffic Commissioners. The 1933 London Passenger Transport Act saw a public corporation set up based on the BBC model, funded by bonds, creating a statutory monopoly across a swathe of London and home counties. Legislation reinforced the power of incumbents and Traffic Commissioners saw their powers gradually extended and became the de facto economic regulator. So too, there was a growth of huge bureaucracy to manage the processes, with the onus on applicants to demonstrate a grant of their licence is ‘in the public interest’. Post war policy, in the shape of the 1947 Transport Act saw nationalisation and more central control. A framework for bus control by area boards was set up and “vociferously opposed” by municipals and companies alike. Under a Winston Churchill-led government, the 1953 Transport Act saw the area boards abandoned and the Harold Macmillan government 1962 Transport Act abolished the British Transport Commission, creating separate public corporations: the Transport Holding Company, Scottish Bus Group and London Transport Board. Fuel Duty Rebate was introduced under Harold Wilson. “The 1968 Transport Act was one of the largest and most complex pieces of legislation of its day,” he added. More and bigger monopolies formed, with the National Bus Company and Scottish Bus Group set up, as well as transport authorities for conurbations and the amalgamation of big city municipal operations. So, local authority influence and control grew. The act, the first to offer subsidies, also introduced Section 34 rural grants, “not a great success” and the new bus grant, which Chris says was a success and encouraged a move to one person operations. “The bus industry started to realise the need for proper costing,” remarked Chris. Statutory transport responsibilities were bestowed to new county councils in 1972 and in 1979, Chris said: “We have a bus industry publicly owned by the state, by county or region and district councils.” It was a time of heavy unionisation. Vehicles were supplied by publicly owned manufacturers; steady consolidation gave Leyland a near monopoly by 1970, with
the company nationalised in 1975. Vehicles generally were: expensive to build, unreliable and expensive to maintain, when you could get the parts.
The build-up to reform
Commenting on industry finances at the time, Chris said there was an increasing reliance on public support, which accounted for a growing proportion of revenue; in the five years to 1982/83 the proportion rose from 17% to 27% and real spending increased by 40%. The total amount of public support was £1.5 billion in today’s monetary terms. Staff costs were high and rising, with bus and coach driver wages rising by 15.9% in real terms between 1970 and 1979. Staff ratios were also high – with 2.88 people per bus in 1977, 1.7 platform staff, 1.2 others. The ratio was down to 2.64 in 1984, with 1.5 platform staff, 1.2 others. The period between 1950 and 1971 was characterised by “remorseless market decline”, said Chris, with patronage halved. The context for bus policy reform was a perceived market failure, deteriorating finances and public sector inefficiencies. So, careful policy design ensued, with the ‘Buses’ White Paper 1984 and Transport Act 1985, accompanied by caution from No 10, with Margaret Thatcher requiring extensive research and analysis to convince her of the reform’s practicality. The act saw the previous system of Quantity Licensing replaced, a change of the legislation for local authorities, an end of network subsidy and support for “socially necessary” services by tender. The major changes in structure and ownership saw privatisation of the
National Bus Company, followed by that of the Scottish Bus Group in 1991. Chris identified the policy objectives of the act: Improve industry efficiency and lower staff costs; Rebalance industrial relations - “code for breaking the power of trade unions”; Cut public expenditure;
Transfer risk and investment funding to private sector; and Reverse market decline through greater market responsiveness and competition – Chris said only this point on the list was not achieved by privatisation. Bus and coach driver wages fell by 12.4% in real terms between 1986 and 1991, and staff ratios per bus were down by 27.5% (from 2.64 in 1984 to 1.91 by 1995). Public spending on the industry was cut by 32% - in 2010 prices: £1,655m in 1984/85 and in 1991/92, £1,131m. Revenue support was cut by almost 60%; £882m in 1984/85 and £355m in 1991/92.
What did privatisation achieve?
Successfully achieved between 1986 and 1995, privatisation saw a market shift where passenger journeys increased from 4% to 93%. The industry was broken up into smaller units, which encouraged municipal bus operators. Privatisation did bring in new entrepreneurs but the new industry structure did not last for long and companies quickly consolidated again, providing an exit route for municipal backers, and cheaper funds through flotation. “The industry largely took on its present
London was never seriously opened up to competition and services were geared towards improving the lives of bus passengers – at significant cost
form by 1997,” said Chris. While market decline was not reversed, it may have “slowed it down a little”, says Chris. Why was decline not halted? The clincher was the growth of car ownership, which Chris said has stopped in the last five years while bus patronage has stabilised.
The verdict on deregulation
According to Chris, the perception on deregulation is of market failure, where patronage decline continued in many areas. Competition did not take place as envisaged and wasn’t viable outside big urban areas, with ‘head to head’ ‘wars’ destabilising the market. Consolidation fed the perception of ‘monopolies’, fares continued to rise in real terms and accusations of excessive profits were made. “Authorities appeared powerless when things went wrong,” said Chris. Commenting on competition, Chris said ‘internal’ competition can work and high quality competition can drive market growth, such as in Oxford, and “arguably will drive up standards”. “The fear of competition is a guard against complacency but it is not a prerequisite to success,” said Chris, providing Brighton as an example, where there is little competition in Brighton. “Success is about rebalancing the generalised cost equation – the prime example being London where steps to improve the life of the bus passenger were taken – red routes, cashless artics, bless their soul and road pricing,” he commented. Chris pointed out that “transport is different”, with the derived nature of demand, people travelling for a purpose, not for the sake of it, and competition about not traveling, for example with the increase of working from home, as well as mode choice. “The customer’s primary concern is time not price or quality,” said Chris. “Trying to get that through to the Competition Commission has been impossible.” Minimising the generalised cost of public transport will: Maximise modal shift from the car; Minimise modal shift to the car; Deliver time savings to all public transport users generating economic benefits, improving network accessibility and helping reduce social exclusion; and Maximise public benefits.
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Brighton & Hove – an example of where little competition guards against complacency and results in success Turning to fare increases, Chris said in response to rising costs and falling demand, the industry has two choices: to cut services or put fares up. The industry has two potential income streams passengers, from higher fares and higher volumes and increased subsidy. Chris pointed out since 1950, demand has been down by 69%, and kilometres run by 17%. The three primary drivers of fares increases are : levels of cost, levels of productivity and costs per passenger, that is money, speed and patronage. A cost breakdown from 2009/10 showed Labour costs constituted 59% of the total (fuel comprising 16.5%). “Wages almost always rise by more than inflation, therefore bus industry costs almost always rise by more than inflation,” said Chris. Looking at speed and productivity, he said the cost of providing a given level of service is determined by speed, so if bus speeds fall, more buses, more drivers, more fitters and more fuel are needed. “Each 1% change in speed equates to a 0.8% change in costs.” The reality is bus speeds have been falling and TAS research suggests by up to 20% on urban corridors. This is primarily driven by traffic congestion and means a pressure for greater reliability. Industry productivity meanwhile has risen by 23% between 1986 and 1995 but has fallen by over 18% since 1995. As patronage has fallen, cost per passenger has risen, said Chris,
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so if a local bus journey costs £25 to operate, an average load of 27 (as in 1955) means break even revenue per passenger is 93p and an average load of 10 (as in 2008), means the break even target rises to £2.32. Looking again at the three primary drivers of fares increases, levels of cost are affected by adverse trends in labour, fuel, insurance; productivity has fallen sharply over the last decade; and cost per passenger carried rises if patronage falls.
The contentious issue of profits
Turning to the issue of profits, Chris outlined what they are for - to: Provide for asset replacement and renewal; Pay interest on borrowings; Repay borrowings;
Provide for reserves and enable survival in bad times; and Reward shareholders pension funds, unit trusts and company employees. How much should profits be? Chris said it can broadly be worked out by commercial operator or tendering authority. The sum displayed comprised target operating profit (comprising return on assets, interest and repayment obligations and corporation tax payable) plus operating costs, which equates to revenue required, where revenue can be fares or tender payments. Chris said the current level of
“The customer’s primary concern is time, not price or quality. Trying to get that through to the Competition Commission has been impossible.” Chris Cheek returns should be around 11.5%, which translates into an EBIT margin of around 11-12% outside London and 8% in London. Chris’ Bus Industry Monitor analysis shows that in 2009/10, return was 8.9% outside London and 6% in the capital. What does this mean? Chris said analysis suggests: Current profit levels are on average below the levels needed; It is questionable whether this is sustainable in the long term for service provision, investment and expansion; Fares are lower than profit maximisation would suggest, given low price elasticity; and Changing the regulatory regime outside London would not change these equations.
The future of regulation A tendering system wouldn’t stop rising costs and increasing congestion, nor avoid the need for operators to make a profit and the tendency for fares to rise above inflation, said Chris. It would,
however, transfer too much risk to the public sector, both revenue and labour cost risks, and tends to be inflexible and unresponsive, breaking the link between operator and customer as well as costing public money that we do not have. “Quality Partnerships clearly offer the way,” said Chris. They have a proven record of success since 1997, and the 2008 Act provides for voluntary and statutory partnerships to meet different circumstances and “Registration Criteria”, which potentially offer protection against low-quality competition. Statutory Quality Partnerships (SQPs) provide for local inputs on fares and service levels, said Chris, but provisions need to be tested and authorities need to understand their limits. SQPs also keep risks with the private sector and provide opportunities for a ‘social dividend’, if well defined and allow for cross subsidy for evening and Sunday services and additional services at the margins.
Making what we’ve got work
“We do need higher quality standards in many parts of the country through re-invigorated, liberated and properly funded Traffic Commissioners,” urged Chris. “Passenger Focus has made an excellent start, making a real contribution to understanding passenger wants and desires, representing passengers’ interests with local transport authorities as well as operators and in moving to a real industry-wide National Passenger Survey.” Chris culminated on his analysis of the past by saying: “The reforms introduced 25 years ago largely achieved their objectives on costs, efficiency, industrial relations, with reduced public expenditure, risk transfer and privatisation. “The ambition to reverse market decline did not happen, though there may have been a slowdown and regulation does not change market fundamentals. “To learn from the past, we need to understand the industry and its economics, note the limits of what regulation can achieve and stop pointless posturing manage public expectations.” Chris concluded: “Bus services cost what they cost; there are two sources of funding: fares or taxpayers and if not public funding, then fares must cope.”
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07/11/2011 21:43
34 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 9, 2011
OpEn plAtfOrm › alastair peoples
VOSA’s vision of compliance
Alistair Peoples gives the most common causes of MOT test failures VOSA’s chief executive, Alastair Peoples reflects on two worthwhile days spent at Coach and Bus Live for VOSA, where compliance was the big issue We had a really successful two days at our stand at Coach and Bus Live this year, answering hundreds of queries and giving advice on all manner of issues. Compliance was a hot-topic in particular and our six presentations at the Workshop Live area were very well attended. The presentations updated operators and drivers on the latest legislation and gave advice on how to stay compliant. The presentations introduced operators to a new and more efficient VOSA – a VOSA which wants to encourage compliance through education, communication and consultation. We explained there will be significant changes in the way we work, where we carry out our work and at what times. One topic of discussion which always draws interest from PSV operators, and once again did so, are the top ten fail items at Annual Test. Our Workshop Live presentations examined the figures for the previous three years. It showed, once again, the most common reason for failure were aim of headlamp, followed by lamps and then brake systems and components. However, a steady decrease in the majority of failure items has made us all much better “focused” on the annual test. We asked operators not to forget the test is a minimum standard – we expect you to maintain www.coachandbusweek.com
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your vehicles to a high standard which ensures you are roadworthy between your safety inspections. Consider regular voluntary checks if you don’t have easy access to equipment. If you contract out your maintenance how good is it? Make it your job to check returning documentation, check your on-line status with VOSA and if you are unsure how to do it then please get in touch. But what really went down a storm with both drivers and operators alike was our latest guide for PSV drivers ‘Staying Legal – the Basics’. VOSA’s vision for the future is one where drivers and vehicles are fully compliant with regulations. Now, more than ever, we are focusing on supporting PSV drivers through education and information – ensuring the appropriate information and guidance is available to them to help comply with regulations. Information and advice is available through a variety of means, including on-line, at the roadside, through seminars and often at operators’ own premises. Education is accompanied by a highly targeted approach to enforcement. We target those who we know are most likely to be non-compliant and try to avoid the unnecessary delays for those who do play by the rules. We know most PSV drivers are very professional; however driver error is a contributory factor in the majority of accidents. Staying compliant and sticking to driver’s hours regulations can help make sure drivers are rested and alert. Driver’s hours rules are complex and can be difficult to understand and that is precisely why we produced this new pocket-
sized guide. It’s been designed for PSV drivers to take with them on all journeys, and is, hopefully, easy to understand. We have started handing copies out at our roadside checks and hope drivers will pick up a copy and keep it with them everywhere they go. The guide also contains a fold-out PSV drivers’ daily walk around check list as it is the driver’s responsibility to report any defects, or symptoms of defects which could prevent the safe operation of the vehicles. On average, one in three of the defects we find could have been identified by the driver had or she checked the vehicle properly. As reported in CBW, the guide won the Print Innovation Award at the 2011 Good Communication Awards. We have already distributed over 50,000 copies at the roadside and had some very good feedback on it so far, with drivers telling us that it is comprehensive, easy to use and tough enough to withstand regular use on the road; we are proud of the result. Whether you are a driver or an operator looking for an easy to use tool to aid your employees, I really would recommend this new pocket guide. It is available to download from our website, just visit: http://www.dft. gov.uk/vosa/repository/ Staying%20Legal%20-%20 PSV%20Driver.pdf Alastair Peoples began his Civil Service career over 30 years ago at the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) in Northern Ireland. Starting as a vehicle/ driving examiner, over the next 15 years he gained operational experience at all levels of the organisation. He joined VOSA in 2004 as operations director, overseeing 2000 frontline staff and became strategy & performance director and deputy chief executive in April 2008. Alastair was appointed chief executive in August 2009 and he now leads VOSA through a programme to transform its services to provide an efficient, modern service and has led the agency’s Testing Transformation Programme which has seen over 130 Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) open to date. If you want to let off some steam, just tap away at the keyboard and send your rant (or carefully-reasoned views) to cbwinbox@rouncymedia.co.uk, or fax 0845 280 2927. Make ‘Open Platform’ the subject line. Alternatively, send your missive to: CBW, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX
07/11/2011 22:29
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minibus The essential read for Minibus Operators
November 2011
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Overall market remains painfully slow
T
here is still little sign of any real improvement in minibus sales and despite the occasional flurry of activity most sectors report things being very slow. Where vehicles are moving with greater reliability is in the coachbuilt sector with Bluebird (as featured this week) and Mellor creating much interest in their lowfloor products. Bluebird is, in fact, going from strength to strength based on some firm orders, a very keen interest from prospective buyers and a current expansion in its business activities having secured a production contract from ADL. Bluebird is assembling complete aluminium side body frames for Enviro400 double deckers and making finished roof assemblies for Plaxton-built Enviro models and its coaches. Outsourced production costs are obviously minimised as Bluebird occupies premises on the
same Eastfield site at Scarborough and transport cost is negligible. There is sufficient work in the contract to employ an additional 33 staff and the income obviously helps underpin the wider organisation. Over the past couple of weeks CBW looked out a lot of post-deregulation photgraphs - there were large numbers of them depicting the huge influence minibuses had on the industry at the time - before the Dennis Dart revolution. Presently there are still reports of converters shedding staff and downsizing – a sad reflection on the state of the industry and a worrying indication more businesses could close. martin Cole Editor
CONTENTS 38 News
HCT Group and Bristol CT plan to merge
42
Stanford monaco
Introducing SCW’s ‘Land Yacht’ specification
44
Nissan NV400
Nissan forges its identity with alliance partners
46
Bluebird Orion Plus
Orion Plus - now attracting a wider audience
50
Q’Straint Q&A
Q’Straint provides the answers to commonly asked questions concerning passenger restraint
52
Fiat Ducato Euro 5
New engines, more power, quiet and efficient
UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1
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07/11/2011 16:58
38 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | November 9, 2011
NEWS
HCT Group in merger talks with Bristol CT Merger will help underpin social operations for Bristol CT HCT Group has announced it is in merger talks with fellow social enterprise transport provider Bristol Community Transport (BCT). HCT Group is one of the UK’s largest and most successful social enterprises. Its CT Plus trading arm recently started operations in Bristol, delivering the A4 Bath Road Park and Ride service (Route 904). As a social enterprise, HCT Group delivers a wide range of transport contracts. It then reinvests the money it makes from those back
Chinese Sprinters in production
The production line roll-off event for the first locally produced Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was held at the Fujian Daimler Automotive Co., Ltd (FJDA) plant at the end of October. “At Mercedes-Benz Vans we are consistently pursuing a worldwide growth strategy and putting our motto into practice every day: ‘Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global.’ “In China we are still the only premium automaker with its own van production and I am delighted we are offering a bus version of our Sprinter on the Chinese market,” said Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “Local vehicle production is a cornerstone of Daimler’s commitment to the Chinese market and an important part of Daimler’s China strategy,” said Ulrich Walker, chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia. “Thanks to the start of production of our Vito and Viano multi-purpose vehicles
into community transport in the areas where they work. HCT Group chief executive Dai Powell said “We are delighted to welcome a community transport provider of such renown into the Group. It also means money made by our CT Plus operation in Bristol will be reinvested in Bristol, ensuring BCT can do more of the things they excel at - helping the community in Bristol to get out and about. “Making a positive social impact where we work is our reason for being, so a tie-up with a community transport provider which has
its finger on the pulse of what’s needed in Bristol is great news.” By joining the Group, Bristol Community Transport (BCT) aims to make its operations more financially sustainable over the long term, safeguarding the invaluable CT services it delivers. BCT currently provides minibuses which are used by over 500 not-forprofit organisations in and around Bristol and several community bus services. Talks for the merger are at an advanced stage and both parties are confident an agreement will be reached by the end of the year. The
From left to right: Lian Xiaoqiang, Chairman of Fujian Motor Industry Group and Fujian Daimler Automotive; Zheng Songyan, Governor Assistant of Fujian Province Government; Volker Mornhinweg, Head of MercedesBenz Vans; Rene Reif, President and CEO of FDA at Fujian Daimler in 2010, China has instantly become a top-five market for the Mercedes-Benz Van Division. I am convinced the locally produced Sprinter will add another chapter to the success story of our joint venture in Fuzhou.” The Sprinter is the third premium vehicle after Viano and Vito on the van market in China and fills a gap in the large vans segment. There are three Sprinter models
coming to the Chinese market with three different body lengths and different seating arrangements of 14, 17 or 20 seats. ”Fujian Daimler continues to upgrade its models to meet the growing demands of Chinese customers, as evidenced by the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter which diversifies our product line and enhances our competitiveness in the chinese market,” says Rene
merger will see BCT maintain all its current services, its distinctive livery and all staff jobs are safe. It will gain access to the resources and investment of the wider HCT Group which shares BCT’s commitment to providing CT services. Raymond Veira, chair of BCT said “By joining one of the leading and most successful social enterprises in the UK, we will be able to provide more transport and training solutions for the communities in Bristol. The merger will mean better access to investment, open up more opportunities to expand our services and build on our track record of innovation in community transport.” Jan Jones, chief executive of BCT added “It makes sense for us to consider like minded partners such as HCT Group, who share our values and who are committed to improve transport for all.” Reif, president and CEO of FDA. “As the first luxury brand entering the large van segment in China, the Sprinter brings superior quality and safer mobility to the discerning Chinese consumer. The locallyproduced Sprinter inherits German craftsmanship and advanced technology, and is fully adapted to the needs of local customers, setting the new benchmark vehicle model in the large van segment here in China.” In accordance with Daimler’s and Mercedes-Benz’s core principles, the highest level of passenger safety is assured with a range of electronic safety features like advanced ESP (electronic stability program) as well as the latest technology in passenger safety cell design. The aviation cabin-like interior brings airline travel quality to the road, with fully adjustable passenger seats with dual color leather and elegant trim and star logo. Daimler is the only foreign company to have forged joint ventures to locally produce trucks, vans and passenger cars in China and the Sprinter convincingly extends the audience for more people to enjoy the luxury of Mercedes-Benz in China.
UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1 www.coachandbusweek.com
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160
The registered routes in England and Wales run by CT organisations
500
Not for profit organisations Bristol CT provides minibuses for
CTA’s responds to Government response to the Transport
The CTA’s comment on the Government’s response to the Transport Committee is generally very positive. The CTA: Is encouraged by data from VOSA which indicates the number of section 22 community bus permits issued each year is increasing. There are around 160 registered bus routes in England and Wales run by CT organisations under a section 22 community bus permit. Will continue to work with Government, Local Government Association, ATCO and local and integrated transport authorities, to promote the benefits of new opportunities contained in the Local Transport Act 2008
and promote community-based transport solutions more widely. Is disappointed the Government still does not support the Transport Committee’s endorsement of the CTA’s long held position that the current
Keith Halstead
White Knights Travel – Unvi GTR 29 seat midicoach
White Knights Travel of Maidenhead has recently added its first Unvi built coach to the seven vehicle fleet. The new addition is a GTR 29 seat model based on a Mercedes Benz 818D chassis offering increased engine output and enhanced performance at lower engine revs through its sixspeed manual gearbox, compared to the more common 816D model. Fully coachbuilt with an R66 rollover compliant structure, the GTR features Politecnica Grand Rally seats trimmed in virtual leather and cloth with gangway armrests and three point belts. The coach also benefits from Hispacold roof mounted air conditioning, double glazing with extra dark tint to side windows, a comprehensive radio/cd/pa and dvd system plus reversing camera. Luggage capacity is generous with a nearside locker and large rear boot.
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November 9, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 39
Mountain bikes accommodated by the Bike Bus trailer concessionary fares scheme is “discriminatory” and Government should legislate to permit the use of concessionary passes on a wider range of CT services. Wants to see the reform of Bus Service Operator’s Grant (BSOG) recognise the importance of this subsidy to CT and retain it as a centrally funded investment. CTA’s chief executive, Keith Halstead, said: “CTA is encouraged by the increase in Section 22 permits reported by the Government in its response to the Committee’s report and will continue to support our 1500 members in introducing further community bus services. However, we are disappointed Government rejects the TC’s recommendation it should legislate to enable the use of the national concessionary travel scheme on a wider range of community transport services.”
Royston-based HV Richmond has a new Sitcar Beluga 3 from Moseley in the South. Constructed to Directive 2001/85 EC, its specification includes: 25 Politecnica reclining seats with aisle side arm rests, three-point seat belts, courier seat, two saloon tables, large capacity rear luggage area, side mounted pannier lockers, tinted double glazed side windows, curtains, power operated plug type entrance, drivers door with electrically operated window, radiator saloon heating system, Sutrak air conditioning, Webasto heater, radio/PA/CD/DVD/MP3 audio/video equipment with Bluetooth and motorised drop down monitor (auto retracting when door is opened), Euroliner wheel trims, battery guard system, reversing proximity sensors and has front white LED running lights. The Beluga is finished in Richmonds traditional cream and brown livery with vinyl signage. It was built on a Mercedes-Benz 0816D 4800 ‘coach’ chassis and is powered by a Euro 5 turbocharged and intercooled engine producing 115 kW @ 2200rpm and developing 610Nm torque @ 12001600rpm. It features an automatic gearbox, rear air suspension, disc brakes all round, hand and foot operated retarder and a 125 litre fuel tank.
Bike Bus Glentress offers sustainable transport for cyclists
Bike Bus links Edinburgh with Glentress Glentress is a world-class mountain bike destination and part of the 7stanes network of biking trails spanning the south of Scotland. But without a car or other means of transport, mountain biking enthusiasts find it difficult to access the trails at weekends and participate in the sport. Having experienced this, Karl Mott and his wife Abie have turned the bike transport problem and Karl’s passion for mountain biking into a business venture. Since September, Bike Bus Glentress has been taking bikes and riders direct from Edinburgh city centre to Glentress twice daily at weekends and once mid-week. ‘What we’re offering is an affordable service for local people and those travelling from further afield,’ explains Karl, a qualified Mountain Bike Leader (MBLA) who has been racing road and mountain bikes in the Scottish Borders since the age of thirteen. ‘With this new service, cyclists can catch a train into Edinburgh then hop on the Bike Bus. This also provides a more sustainable means of transport for enthusiasts.’ Bike Bus is an eight-seat minibus with a specially designed trailer capable of carrying up to ten bikes. Bike Bus Glentress also offers introductory guiding for beginners and intermediate riders. Bike hire is available at the Glentress Peel Centre. For details call 07549145634 or visit www.bikebusglentress.co.uk
UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1
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40 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | November 9, 2011
NEWS
ECW Grand Award Mini Midi Bus for VDL MidCity The VDL Bus & Coach lowfloor minibus impresses judges During European Coach and Bus Week (ECW) which was held during the weekend prior to Busworld Europe 2011, the VDL MidCity MLF-80/160 was chosen from a strong field of competitors and received the Grand Award Mini/ Midi Bus. According to the jury, the MidCity offers various benefits in a single concept, such as outstanding access for passengers and good floor lighting. The compact size of the MidCity results in high manoeuvrability, making driving a pleasure. Moreover, the bus is equipped with active and passive safety systems for passenger and driver protection. The MidCity was developed exclusively for Public Transport and includes a multifunctional area with a low floor suited for use as standing room or for wheelchairs. This conversion to a lowfloor bus is a speciality VDL Bus & Coach developed itself and offers enormous flexibility. The MidCity can be built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Volkswagen Crafter and fitted with a clean-burning EEV diesel engine for significant
reduction of exhaust gas emissions and fine particulates. The MidCity which participated in the ECW was built on a Sprinter 516 CDI and has an interior configuration consisting of eleven seats, four folding seats, two wheelchair spaces and room for a maximum of nine standing passengers. A double door at the front and a single door behind the rear axle facilitate entry and egress. Its compact dimensions (8.044 metres) make it highly
MidCity, the lowloor minibus with extended chassis from VDL Bus & Coach
Mellor gains London Hire order for 10 coachbuilt Sprinters Mellor Coachcraft has won an order for 10 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters from London Hire. Peter Moxom, account development manager at London Hire said: “With all the good things going on at Mellor and with their commitment to product development, we thought it was time to give them some business. This is a strategic move for us, as we have favoured other builders
manoeuvrable and ideal for transport in the narrow streets of old city centres. The 70cm wheelbase extension creates extra room for two wheelchairs or extra standing passengers. Although the wheel base is extended it is unnecessary to make major component changes such as the front and rear axles, brakes, etc. In light of the strong competition, VDL Bus & Coach is particularly proud of having been granted the Grand Award Mini Midi Bus.
previously, but the time comes when it’s right to change.” Mellor has continued to invest in achieving Type Approval compliance and developing new models in order to be wellpositioned for a market revival. The ongoing investment will continue until Mellor has full Type Approval compliance on everything it builds. The latest in the line-up to gain type approval is the new
Fiat Ducato single-step entry lowfloor development, created in partnership with Al-Ko, which underwent a ‘whole life endurance test’, and which was carried out and certified by an independent test house. The results of the testing can be viewed on www.wholelifetest. co.uk Alison Prince, national sales manager for Mellor, said: “We are delighted London Hire has decided to purchase from Mellor. It helps justify the massive investments the Board has made over the last 18 months and the confidence we have shown in this sector.”
Johnsons Coaches replacing Transits with Volkswagen T5 Shuttles
VW T5 Shuttles for Johnson’s Johnson’s Coaches of Henly-inArden has taken delivery of two Volkswagen T5 Shuttles. Max Pardo Roques, sales & marketing, said: “ At the moment we have two VW’s for use in the feeder fleet, but we may be looking to extend this next year as we replace our Transits. The feedback from our customers has generally been very positive, especially as these vehicles (unlike the Transits) feature ceiling vents and separately controlled rear air conditioning. The ride is significantly better and the level of noise is considerably less.” Because the T5s offer high comfort levels and plenty of luggage space the company is also happy to use them on long distance work for small parties or family holiday transport to major airports.
Swindon DAR silver jubilee
Swindon Dial-A-Ride celebrated its silver jubilee with a new Mercedes-Benz minibus through Rygor Commercials, It was built by Courtside Conversions and specially sign-written to commemorate the 25th anniversary. The Longbodied Sprinter 313CDI is fitted an automatic wheelchair lift at the rear and fold-down steps for those accessing the vehicle via the front passenger door.
UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1 www.coachandbusweek.com
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Exclusive Monaco at Stanford Coachworks
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The brand new exclusive Monaco. Finally, luxurious corporate and private transport at its finest. Find out how an elite Monaco could be yours: Stanford Coachworks Stanford-le-Hope, Essex SS17 0EH Tel: 01375 676088 Email: sales@stanfordcoachworks.co.uk www.stanfordcoachworks.co.uk
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VEHICLE LAUNCH › SCW MOnaCO
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SCW Monaco spearheads ‘Land Yacht’ stylisation Just when you think interiors are becoming very ‘samey’ Essex conversion specialists Stanford Coach Works pull something special out of the hat which could start a new trend
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tanford Coachworks’ latest creation, the Monaco, a highspecification minicoach conversion featuring the builder’s ‘Land Yacht’ interior styling, captured the imagine of many visitors at the recent Coach & Bus Live exhibition. Based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 515 CDi with automatic transmission and an extended body, it can also be made available on Volkswagen Crafter CR50 models. The term ‘Land Yacht’ stems from ideas inspired by current styling applied to luxury yachts and power boats. Directors Lee Wiggins and Jess Rider are continually on the look-out for new ideas and inspiration to keep them a step ahead of the competition - often visiting exhibitions around the world to investigate the latest styling trends. This includes boat shows, passenger aircraft shows, limousine exhibitions, motorhome
3 and caravan exhibitions and motor shows. It’s not just the fittings, new materials and fabrics coming into fashion play a part in creating the ambience within a saloon. The main stand-out difference of the Monaco’s interior is the planked wood-effect flooring. This is a material called Amtico and is currently used as internal flooring material on Sunseeker’s marine vessel range – where it compliments teak planking used as decking. Not too dissimilar to typical bus or coach industry non-slip flooring, Amtico is far more rigid for high durability and was originally developed for use in wet rooms and saunas. It carries a 10 year warranty in commercial use and 15 years in domestic applications. Not only does it look like varnished planking, it also has very good non-slip properties. The unusual and generally unexpected impression of the wood flooring immediately acts as ‘eyecandy’ when the door is opened.
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6 The trim material blends nicely with the colouration and inset blue and white LEDs light the step area to enhance the overall effect. The original cab passenger footwell is turned into a lockable storage compartment and beside the driver’s seat at the top of the entrance steps is a coolbox. Leather upholstered Fainsa Gala seating is installed in a two-plusone configuration leaving a very reasonable gangway. Four seats are placed across the rear and the row of three in front of them is reversed and wooden tables on brushed stainless steel legs placed between. This configuration allows a maximum of 16 seats with generous legroom in all positions. The rear saloon area is raised up around 100mm and has a flat floor. There is a drop down monitor located centrally at the rear for the rearward facing passengers and another at the front of the saloon for those facing the direction of travel.
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10 1: Monaco has a unique and distinctive appearance. 2: Step area offers passengers immediate visual appeal. 3:Offside emergency exit. 4: Driver’s area. 5: Quality finish to the saloon. 6: Drop-down rear monitor. 7: Wooden tables are sturdy with inset cup holders and mounted on brushed stainless steel legs. 8: Individual passnger lighting and ventilation sets. 9: Coach-styled rear with level boot gives reasonable luggage capacity. 10: coolbox for chilled drinks and refreshments has matching trim
8 Full length overhead luggage racks are installed either side. They are fully trimmed and carry inset vents and lighting for individual passenger adjustment. Given the specification and obvious executive-style appeal of the Monaco, it appears to be very good value at £71,000. While this is attractive in comparison with Stanford Coachworks’ fully specified executive minicoaches, it must be remembered this model utilises the original cab entrance door and so no major structural modifications have been made to alter the step-well or install a power operated plug door. A standard optional offside sliding door to the saloon doubles as an emergency exit – but if there’s anything to criticise here it is about access to the emergency exit. It is largely obscured by the front rows of seats – however, it satisfies requirements and is no worse than access to emergency exits on a great many buses and coaches.
9 The luggage boot makes good use of the extended body, but is not the drop-well boot version available on coach specification models and lacks the additional capacity afforded by a full ‘coachstyle’ rear. Depending on the sort of work undertaken, it may pose no problem. For executive travel and corporate hires it ticks all the boxes, for touring holidays it may lack luggage capacity. It is these factors which mainly influence the keener pricing for the Monaco as the general cost of a full minicoach specification vehicle tends to run closer to £80,000 – £90,000 depending on the options chosen. One visitor to the show made a serious enquiry for two Monaco models with just eight seats – for transporting VIPs to and from the Olympic Games next year. A week after the Birmingham show, Lee Wiggins confirmed to Minibus the company had taken five definite orders and five more were awaiting decisions on finance availability.
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VEHICLE LAUNCH › nissan nv400
Comfortable cab interior and driver area
TomTom Connect with live traffic updates is optional
NV400 charts new territory for Nissan Nissan has sought individuality for its NV400 with a distinctive frontal style as it takes on new market sectors with higher weight capacity and rear wheel drive options
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issan’s bold plan to double its share of Europe’s LCV market within three years has been given a boost by the arrival of NV400, the company’s new heavy van – which will also provide a platform for minibus conversions and a chassis-cab version has potential for coachbuilders. Developed in co-operation with alliance partner Renault, the NV400 has its own distinctive ‘face’ which was created at Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in Paddington and engineered by Nissan Technical Centre in Bedfordshire. The company makes it clear, NV400 is a new concept for Nissan and is not merely a replacement for the Interstar model. It takes Nissan into a completely new and broader market segment.
“The bold Nissan look helps us differentiate NV400 from its competitors and gives us a distinctive face in the market. With NV200 and now NV400, there is no doubt Nissan offers attractive functionality and great choice in the LCV market,” said Sergio Alcaraz, vice president of Nissan’s, LCV Business Unit. While the NV400 may enjoy a unique look, it does offer a potentially versatile and practical heavy van range with gross vehicle weights (GVW) ranging from 2.8t to 4.5t. For the first time on a Nissan van customers have the choice of front or rear-wheel drive versions. The NV400 also comes in three wheelbase versions, four different lengths, three different heights and with cargo volumes ranging from 8m3 to 17m3. There are three power options plus
six-speed manual and robotised transmissions. In addition there are many different bodywork options, all backed by the Nissan warranty. As well as factory-built panel vans and combis, the range includes crew vans, box-bodies, tippers and dropsides all built in-house. Front-wheel drive offers a lower kerb weight for improved payloads, a lower frame height and improved fuel economy. Rear-wheel drive offers greater choice for chassis cab conversions and thanks to its high rear axle capacity is better suited to medium duty applications. Reardrive versions are available with single or twin rear wheels. Power comes from a newly developed direct injection, fourcylinder, 16-valve turbodiesel engine. At 2.3-litres it is smaller than the Interstar’s 2.5-dCi unit yet power outputs are the same - 100,
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Controller for Bluetooth connected items - phones, iPods, sat-nav etc.
Smaller 2.3 litre four cylinder Euro 5 engine - more power, torque and mpg 125 and 150 bhp. Torque figures have improved to 285, 310 and 350 Nm respectively. All are Euro 5 compliant and enjoy lower running costs thanks to improved economy and to major service intervals which have been extended to 25,000 miles or every two years. MacPherson strut-type independent suspension is employed at the front, while frontwheel drive versions have a single leaf spring at the rear. Rear-drive models have either a dual spring (single rear wheel) or triple leaf (double rear wheel). Standard or optional equipment levels reflect passenger car levels and include air conditioning, parking sensors, cruise control with speed limiter, trip computer, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and USB/iPod playback through the sound system. A rear view parking camera is also optionally available to make parking manoeuvres as safe as possible. Another innovative option is Nissan Connect by TomTom. As well as conventional mapping and route planning, owners can subscribe to TomTom’s Live Service content which includes live HD Traffic updates, fixed and mobile speed camera warnings, weather forecasting and access to Google Local Search, a vast database which lists the most up-to-date contact information of millions of business and services. The Nissan NV400 is on sale now priced from £18,995 ex VAT.
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FIRST DRIVE › BLUEBIRD ORION PLUS
Bluebird’s Orion Plus exudes kerb appeal and lends itself to practical, economic operation
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Orion Plus – an answer to service funding cutbacks? Operators and local authorities need a means to minimise the effect of reduced funding for many rural and socially important services - is the Orion Plus a means to satisfy their requirements in stage carriage or DRT operation?
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he enlarged Orion Plus from Scarboroughbased Bluebird Vehicles looks set to become one of the key contenders to spearhead a change in bus company procurement policy. The current situation where local authorities are reducing or withdrawing support for services, particularly in rural areas, combined with extortionately high fuel costs, means anyone wishing to keep these services running has to find a viable means of doing so. Essentially the lowfloor minibus concept, which has previously been considered a costly option, is suddenly looking like the only way forward. The vehicles generally have a lower capital cost than conventional midibuses and they have at least half the fuel consumption – food for thought and a powerful incentive. Originally developed as a 7.4m long lowfloor bus with a 16-seat capacity, Orion Plus seeks to address a call for higher capacity to broaden the vehicle’s application and make it suitable for stage carriage operation on routes with lower passenger density or for offpeak periods. Bluebird’s Neil Widdowfield said he had recently prepared some costings for a potential customer based on three buses operating a
five-year contract, each covering 40,000 miles per year. The potential savings against a popular small midibus worked out at over £240,000 – more than enough to replace the buses out of the saving alone. Fuel consumption for the 7.4m Orion is in the high 20s per gallon and the indications are the 7.8m Orion Plus will return at least 20 miles to the gallon. Managing director Rob Miller said: “The good thing is many of the big bus operators are now talking seriously to us. The Orion itself does not appear to be the issue, they are more apprehensive about the Fiat driveline. The bus is built just the same as larger buses – it has a Cromweld stainless steel frame and is panelled in aluminium and GRP, so we know it will last. At this stage we can’t say how long the driveline is good for. It could easliy be 100,000 miles. It could do a lot more, but only time will tell how long it withstands the rigors of any specific application. “The Fiat side of things has improved dramatically. I know they don’t have the same network coverage as some of the other manufacturers but they have certainly become more helpful to us. They’ve begun to see we are building a lot of buses on their Ducato platform and there is considerable potential in the market. They will be eager to ensure the trend continues, so
improvements in its support for customers are a very likely consequence. “We certainly had a very good show in Birmingham and gathered some very strong enquiries. We’ve also just returned from Kortijk and feel there’s strong potential abroad. We are going to develop a left-hand drive version and we’ve booked to be at Busworld Kortrijk in 2013. Current deliveries being finalised for the end of October, batches for Barking & Dagenham and South Lanarkshire Councils, see the end of all Bluebird production under COIF certification. Everything from November onwards is to carry type approval certification. The final testing on Orion Plus was carried out at Millbrook in mid-October and declared as satisfactory. The Orion Plus measures 7.8m which allows additional seating over the 7.4m Orion. In service bus format this allows up to 20 seats and three standee passengers with a wheelchair/buggy bay. Two side-facing tip-up seats are placed in the bay itself and the first pair of forward facing offside seats have fold-up bases to create additional room. A local authority or community transport specification version of Orion Plus featuring rear doors and a fold-out boarding ramp can accommodate up to 22 forward facing seats. All seats are on tracking to allow maximum flexibility to accommodate
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FIRST DRIVE › BLUEBIRD ORION PLUS
wheelchairs. Front entry is via a 900mm Ventura Rapid Slide door and a manual fold-out ramp is inset in the floor to aid boarding. Bluebird constructs its own lowfloor chassis to attach to the original Ducato cab and then removes all but the cab floor and front windscreen pillars. This allows the replacement full-length roof section to incorporate a digital destination display and a taller windscreen. Air suspension is installed to enable kneeling at stops and to facilitate kerb-level boarding. The lowering system can drop the rear only which reduces the boarding angle of the ramp on CT versions. Newly confirmed sales for Orion Plus include three for Gateshead Taxis. The company will be using them to operate a Nexus contract and they will be delivered in January. Over 50 Orion Plus models are now in service although theses are are all CT specification versions with double rear doors.
On the road
From the driver’s seat, the Orion offers a very good view. The broad windscreen pillars are the only thing which could really draw any criticism, but then – only minor. The controls all fall comfortably to hand and a neat, uncomplicated switch bank is installed to the right of the driver with all auxiliary functions clearly marked. The controls for the digital destination display and Webasto climate control system are slightly further back but easy to get at. The rear of the panel houses the driver’s digital tachograph – which is somewhat awkwardly positioned and can only really be read, or adjustments made, by turning completely sideways in the seat. The Ducato model employed for Orion models features the 160 Multijet engine which is a 3.0 litre four cylinder unit developing 157bhp and 400Nm of torque. Newly built models with Euro 5 compliance have undergone a power upgrade to 177bhp with a substantial increase in torque, much lower noise and claimed lower fuel consumption. Standard
Top left: 900mm glider entrance door with manual-fold boarding ramp. Centre left: Excellent access to emergency exit. Above: Neat, practical driver’s area. Top centre: All new Orions will meet Type Approval requirements from 1 November. Top right: Wheelchair/buggy bay contains a backrest and two side-facing tip-up seats
transmission is via Comfort-Matic with two-pedal automatic operation or manual change options. The Orion Plus accelerates briskly and has little problem blending with traffic. Gear changes are smooth and the brakes very effective with no sign of harshness. It feels very easy to control thanks to its light steering and nimble handling. Air suspension takes care of any jarring or bumps from poor road surfaces and the ride feels very firm but comfortable. There is certainly no tendency for excessive body roll when cornering and it feels extremely stable. On open roads the Orion Plus cruises very happily but is equally at home in urban traffic because it feels so agile. It pulls strongly up steep inclines, in particular, one long steep 17% gradient called for only two downshifts with only the driver and two passengers. With
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a full load of passengers on board it would be fair to expect it would require one more. Bringing it down the same incline felt like it would benefit from having a retarder as it required a fair bit of checking on the brakes. Switching over to manual gear change mode helps considerably – which requires only a simple sideways nudge on the gear shift lever. There are also times in normal running where the manual option is more advantageous, notably with little weight aboard, when you get the feeling the engine is revving higher than necessary because the gearbox is hanging on to the change. Diligent use of the Comfort-Matic in manual will help save fuel and certainly keeps noise down in the saloon. But it is extremely useful in congested traffic conditions just to pop it back in automatic and concentrate more fully on negotiating a safe passage
for the bus and its passengers. Of course, because the system requires only two pedals it is classed as an automatic and therefore eliminates one of the key driver licensing issues. Bluebird’s demonstrator is now embarking on a very busy programme of trials with operators around the country. It is being presented just as it was displayed at Coach & Bus Live with seats from Advanced Seating trimmed in blue and white e-leather. The saloon is neatly finished with moulded panels and roof coving containing integral lighting. CCTV cameras are installed for additional security and a bus stopping sign prominently located above the entrance/exit area. The rear offside emergency exit has excellent unimpeded access in the event of passengers needing to vacate the saloon quickly. Since the launch of the original
Orion, large numbers of these small buses have gone into service with councils, transport authorities and CT organisations. SPT bought a batch which are spread around the Strathclyde area being run by a number of operators – small and large. According to Bluebird, there are few if any complaints and the vehicles are performing very well.
Summary
The Orion Plus has gone a long way towards evolving into a proper small bus. Its design and build characteristics are about as close as can be achieved at present, given the limitations of vehicle weights and seat spacings. The body and internal layout really present very little which could be regarded as unsuitable and there is no reason such a concept would not work exceptionally well for all applications except high density
passenger routes. Any doubts lie with the powertrain. As it has been tried and tested in the motorhome market it really shouldn’t cause much concern over its longevity in rural or DRT operation, but the key issue would seem to be whether the automated manual gearbox is ideally suited to stage carriage operation. It is, however a driveline from a major motor manufacturer and therefore subject to warranty and aftersales support. As it is, there is little option available as the only driveline of this size with a fully automatic gearbox is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Volkswagen plans to introduce an automatic for the Crafter range, but this is not likely to happen for 18 months to two years. There is no automatic gearbox availability in the recently announced Euro 5 Iveco range either.
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INSIGHT
How to maximise passenger safety and minimise risk Welcome to the sixteenth in a series of Q&A features from CBW in association with Q’Straint. These provide key tips and facts regarding restraint systems for securing wheelchair passengers in accessible vehicles and help answer many of the topical questions vehicle professionals ask us. This feature reviews product innovations and exhibitor comments relating to wheelchair passenger safety and accessible buses at the recent Coach & Bus Live exhibition. What new show features could be seen at Coach & Bus Live this year which were relevant to wheelchair accessible vehicles? The 2011 event saw the introduction of the new ‘Accessible Solutions’ zone which focused on bringing together accessible bus convertors and associated suppliers. This new area, was devised by Mike Philips of Rescroft Limited who joined forces with the show organisers to develop a cohesive platform for accessible vehicle exhibitors. With the final national CTA Access 11 exhibition taking place in Manchester last March, there was a gap in the event calendar for a show feature such as this as Mike explains: “I have a very good relationship with the show organisers and together we decided this concept would go ahead, not as a replacement to the CTA shows, but to carry on the ‘positives’ they built up over 25 years. This debut zone may only include a handful of exhibitors at present, but the idea has been very popular and we believe other associated accessible solution providers and convertors will join in years to come. CTA delegates used this area as a meeting point on the second day
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Stand F51 was the location for the Q’Straint showcase at Coach & Bus Live 2011. Below: Phil Stratton, UK and Ireland Sales Manager and Isabel Siewert from Q’Straint were busy on both days of the show and the general consensus was that the concept was sound.” Mark Griffin, Show Director, worked closely with Mike to set up this new focus for wheelchair accessible vehicles and added: “We have always felt this part of the market is important and warrants a presence such as this and are delighted the area has generated such interest. It provides an excellent shop window directly targeted at buyers who can visit one central show location and discover the very latest in accessible solutions. We are currently working closely with the CTA and believe this feature will develop considerably in the future.” Can you give an example of an accessible bus convertor who made a real impact at the show? On stand D41, Bluebird Vehicles Limited made a real impact with the new, larger accessible 22-seater Orion Plus which has been specifically designed for stage carriage
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regional manager commented: “This restored Leyland Tiger behind me has taken over two years to complete and has provided the ideal opportunity to teach our apprentices the true art of both traditional and modern coach building. It is the only one of its kind in the UK fully roadworthy and will be leading the Lord Mayor’s Parade through the City of London on 12 November this year. Over and above the educational benefits this project presented, it now provides a clear statement to the industry of our bus building capabilities. It also underlines our commitment to precision engineering, attention to detail and the highest conversion quality possible.” What was on display from a leading wheelchair passenger safety specialist such as Q’Straint? The product showcase located on Stand F51 provided high levels of interest and included an in-vehicle display of the QM3 wheelchair securement system, a deployment of the world-renowned QRT Max tie-downs and the recently launched Q’Winch for smaller M1 vehicles with rear access ramps. Type Approval was understandably a key topic at the show and these Q’Straint products led their specialist field with full compliance through extensive R&D and ISO10542 Part 1 and 2 conformity. Phil Stratton explained: “Type Approval can be seen by many as a very complex and time consuming issue to resolve. However I am glad to say with our in-house team of experts we have been able to provide consultative support to several leading accessible vehicle convertors who have successfully achieved Type Approval. GM Coachworks based in Newton
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operations and cost conscious bus operators. The Orion Plus is 7.8m in length and only 2.2m wide, making it ideal for town centre and rural operations. It complies with Bus Regulation ECE 107.02 and is fitted with a 3.0 litre, 157bhp engine, automated gearbox and electronic destination equipment. One of the main benefits of this new Orion model is that MPG is still expected to be circa 20mpg even with the increased number of seats. Outside the hall, stood on the entry step of Bluebird’s stunning renovation project, Tom Miller,
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Abbot who are exhibiting this year within the new accessible solutions zone are one such prime example.” Phil continued: “In terms of the overall show, I have been quite surprised by the footfall level when you consider several factors which include the tough economic market, BusWorld is to be held very soon and the other biennial NEC event, EuroBus Expo, tends to be larger. I feel this could reflect a certain amount of optimism in the marketplace and certainly Norman Baker MP’s opening speech was positive and forward thinking. Attendees are definitely ‘talking business’ which in basic terms is what every exhibitor wants. The Q’Straint stand has been a hub for accessible mini-bus convertors, body builders, fleet operators and county council representatives looking for the latest in wheelchair passenger safety solutions. My impression within the marketplace from engaging with many professionals during the show is that refurbishment of existing accessible fleets is of growing importance. As budgets continue to be restricted, many operators are looking to refresh current accessible vehicle interiors, which are helped by retrofit solutions such as those provided by Q’Straint. The flexibility of our solutions for new builds or refurbs coupled with regular product launches of real significance, world-leading testing and delivering the most universal restraints in the world, all culminate in Q’Straint’s ability to continually lead the world in wheelchair passenger safety.” The QM3 range currently includes a Standard, Deluxe and Max version, which all provide flexible and efficient securement system for wheelchairs and powerchairs on low floor city buses, trams and trains. They are easy to operate, quick to use and have been specifically designed to be compatible with virtually all wheelchairs, powerchairs and scooters. QM3 from Q’Straint meets all the design requirements of PSVAR 2000 (Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000) and 2001/85/EC (Bus
Directive), which results in straightforward compliance with all EU regulatory bodies. The QM3 range comprises of a wheelchair backrest, innovative tubular steel frame and varying levels of restraint depending on the version selected. The backrest can be installed as a rearward facing solution in low floor city buses or in either direction within a train or tram. All upholstery and backrest materials conform to fire retardancy standards and every QM3 unit is foam filled for shock absorbance. To ensure even contact with the wheelchair or powerchair in transit, the QM3 backrest is angled at six degrees and has been engineered with a narrow width
Members from the Bluebird Vehicles engineering team and Tom Miller, Regional Sales Manager (left), in front of the company’s recently completed restoration project – a 1929 Leyland Tiger TS2
so that restraining compatibility is maximised. This flexibility is further enhanced by ample clearance space at floor level, which is ideal for accommodating wheelchairs with rear-mounted powerpacks. Alongside the QM3 display, an example from the QRT range of wheelchair and passenger restraints, the QRT Max, was demonstrated with an occupant restraint secured by an upper third point fixing. Q’Straint only supply occupant restraints which employ a side wall fixing over and behind the passenger’s shoulder as these fully comply with ISO10542 and Type Approval. Available as Standard, Deluxe or Max models, QRT tiedowns are highly respected within the industry and deliver marketleading levels of safety through design excellence, extensive R&D and quality components. The final solution on display this year from Q’Straint was the recently launched Q’Winch, which provides powered access to converted vehicles via a ramp or slope. The Q’Winch consists of a highly durable motor and gearbox mounted on a base plate which houses 5 metres of webbing wound around a bobbin. This webbing can be attached to any wheelchair securement point via two tongue and buckle or karabiner hooks. Winch operation is straightforward and controlled by an ergonomic hand-held console that is connected via a
The Q’Straint QRT Max wheelchair tie-down system generated high levels of interest from professional visitors
robust coiled cable. With its low profile and compact dimensions of only 146mm (h) x 146mm (w) x 302mm (l), the new Q’Winch is compatible with all wheelchairs. It provides full positional control during both inwards and outwards motion; a ‘soft’ start/stop and a gradual slow down for the last phase of movement. To ensure the wheelchair occupant is comfortable with the transfer at all times, the Q’Winch has variable speed settings from 40 to 100%, which is controlled by easy-to-understand icons.
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Overall was Coach & Bus Live 2011 a success?
Coach & Bus Live 2011 has been hailed as a success by the show organisers as visitor numbers were up 6% and exhibitors up 10% on the 2009 show. In conclusion from a wheelchair passenger safety perspective, Coach & Bus Live 2011 was also very positive on several levels. When all external factors are considered, the dynamic, positive atmosphere filling Halls 17 and 18 of the NEC was encouraging for the bus and minibus industry as a whole. The new Accessible Solutions zone was busy and key bus convertors who recommend Q’Straint systems experienced impressive numbers of qualified and relevant visitors. The Q’Straint team benefited from several key internationally focused meetings, networked with fellow professionals and complied an impressive list of new business opportunities. The QM3 again delivered high levels of interest and the ever-popular QRT tie-down range reaffirmed its position as the leading worldwide solution for universal and safe wheelchair passenger transportation.
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We hope this Q&A has been useful and if you have any further queries regarding risk assessment within accessible vehicles, please contact one of the specialist Q’Straint team on – Tel: 01227 773035 Email: info@ qstraint.co.uk
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VEHICLE LAUNCH › FIAT DUCATO EURO 5
Fiat’s eco-friendly, versatile workhorse Fiat’s upgrading to Euro 5 emissions compliance doesn’t stop with improved perfomance and economy - new levels of comfort and enhanced passive and active safety systems combine give the Ducato a real leg-up
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he new Euro 5 Fiat Ducato is now on sale and offers an extended range of completely new engines. The latest Ducato is claimed to be cheaper to run than the model it replaces. A new interior gives it a much more car-like cockpit while retaining the Ducato’s trademark functionality. Ducato’s previous three engine options are replaced by two new engine capacities offering four power output choices between them. New ratings are 110, 130, 148 and 177bhp. All benefit from Fiat’s latest MultiJet technology and comply with strict Euro 5 emissions legislation. They are more economical, produce fewer CO2 emissions and have longer service intervals. The upgraded interior employs high quality materials which up until now have been alien to the commercial vehicle sector. New seats mean it’s comfier while a complete re-design of the dash makes it more stylish to look at. The re-designed dashboard now has a slot to accommodate the Blue&Me TomTom LIVE satellite navigation unit. An integrated radio/CD and MP3 player can accommodate the latest generation of Blue&Me. Vehicles specified with Blue&Me can also have eco:Drive Professional, a version of Fiat’s
award-winning eco:Drive Fleet. This lets drivers and fleet managers monitor how vehicles are being driven and alter habits accordingly to improve economy and lower costs. There are eight different capacities of van ranging from 8.0 to 17 m3. Combined with the various lengths and gross vehicle weights of the chassis, plus the new engine options, converters have an enormous choice of base vehicle for anything from a minibus to a motorhome or a flatbed truck.
Engines
Ducato now offers engines with a capacity of either 2.3 or 3.0 litre units developed by Fiat Powertrain Technology and using MultiJet to achieve better economy and carbon dioxide emissions than their already impressive predecessors. All engines have four cylinders in line, with four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts. The 2.3-litre engines have the latest MultiJet II technology employing faster injectors with a new servo valve and balanced shutter allowing them to operate at a pressure of 1800 bar compared to 1600 bar with the previous generation. These new injectors allow faster, more flexible and therefore precise injection strategies including Injection Rate Shaping where two consecutive injections come so close together there is a continuous,
modulated flow of fuel into the cylinders. This improves the combustion process, making it quieter with reduced particulate and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions. The previous Ducato’s entry level 2.2-litre 100bhp engine is replaced by a 110bhp 2.3-litre motor. The new unit features an aluminium alloy cylinder head on a cast iron block and uses a fixed geometry turbocharger with an intercooler. Compared to the engine it replaces, the 110bhp unit is 10% more powerful, and with 300Nm, has 20% more torque, yet is 10% more economical and has 11% less emissions. Perhaps more crucially for business users, the improved economy means the range between fuel stops has been increased while service intervals have also been lengthened from 25,000 to 30,000 miles. So the latest Ducato will spend more time on the road earning its keep, and less time stationary at the pumps or in the garage. The 130bhp version of the 2.3-litre generates a healthy 320Nm of torque at just 1800rpm making it flexible in traffic and responsive even when the vehicle is heavily laden. Compared with its predecessor it has 8.0% more power, ensuring it’s relaxing for longer journeys, yet emissions and consumption are down by 9.0%. The engine is characterised
The Euro 5 Fiat Ducato is quieter, more economical and has extended service intervals
UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1 www.coachandbusweek.com
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by details designed to make it as efficient as possible. The turbocharger’s wastegate valve enables the gradual outflow of some exhaust gases at more than 2200rpm, optimising torque delivery throughout the rev range and making the vehicle easier to drive. The glow plugs are located inside the combustion chamber to reduce cranking and pre-heating time, and to limit the stress put on the engine when starting from cold in low external temperatures. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve helps reduce emissions sufficiently for the Ducato to meet strict Euro 5 legislation. The gases are cooled using a heat exchanger before being re-injected into the combustion chamber and the system is now electronically rather than pneumatically controlled for more accurate measurement. The 150 MultiJet II version achieves its power boost courtesy of a variable geometry turbocharger. This makes the 2.3-litre engine a viable alternative to the previous generation 3.0-litre. Power is 148bhp and it’s only 6.0% lower than the much bigger engine, yet maximum torque is a healthy 350Nm at 1500rpm while consumption is reduced by 19%, CO2 emissions by 20% and weight by 40kg. The most powerful engine in the Ducato range is the 3.0-litre 180 MultiJet Power unit. This appropriately named MultiJet Power engine achieves its maximum output of 177bhp at 3500rpm and is 13% more powerful than the engine it replaces, making it the best-performing four-cylinder diesel engine in its class. It has the same 400Nm of torque as its predecessor but it’s available from 1400rpm instead of 1700. Fuel consumption is 9.0% better than the engine it replaces. As with the Ducato’s other engines, service intervals have been increased to 30,000 miles and the timing chain has been designed to last the life of the vehicle. Like the 2.3-litre, the glow plugs are located inside the combustion chamber and the engine has a cast iron block with integrated bearings and a dual-mass flywheel
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VEHICLE LAUNCH › FIAT DUCATO EURO 5
which softens engine vibrations and greatly reduces noise. Each engine is available with a six-speed manual gearbox while the 3.0-litre can be specified with the six-speed Comfort-Matic automated manual transmission. This is a traditional manual transmission, except there is no clutch pedal and the manual linkage to the gearbox is replaced by actuators controlled by a Transmission Control Unit. The shift is either performed automatically or the driver can use the gear lever to prompt changes by pulling backwards or pushing forwards.
Blue&Me TomTom LIVE The sound system can be controlled hands free using the optional Blue&Me. It can also be connected to Bluetooth devices, an MP3 player and even a text reader. The intuitive Blue&Me user interface allows drivers to connect their mobile phones and MP3 players and control them and the sound system using either steering wheel or voice controls. Usability is further improved thanks to new hardware. This enables better noise filtration and therefore voice reproduction, ensures full compatibility with Apple products, full playback of iTunes files and minimum indexing time so music will start immediately after connecting an iPod. The upper central part of the dashboard has been redesigned to create space for the TomTom ‘my port’. With this specified, Ducato owners can then order the Blue&Me TomTom LIVE satellite navigation system. This is the result of a collaboration between Fiat and TomTom, the specialist in portable navigation devices. It’s based on the popular TomTom Go1000 and sits in a purpose-built cradle which slots into the dashboard. This ensures the device is always fully charged when in the cab but means it can also be removed for security reasons or for the driver to use it away from the vehicle. The TomTom LIVE is controlled with a practical touch screen which
The new Fiat Ducato features a redesigned interior which is stylish, practical and more comfortable allows the driver to use the satellite navigation, sound system and access traffic information which provides real-time updates on traffic jams and road closures.
eco:Drive Professional
Fiat’s award-winning eco:Drive and its application for commercial vehicle drivers, eco:Drive Professional, are available on any vehicle fitted with Blue&Me and help drivers learn to use less fuel, thereby reducing CO2 emissions and saving up to 15% in running costs. Drivers download eco:Drive to their computer. Then plugging any USB stick into the Blue&Me port allows acceleration, deceleration, gearshift and speed information to be saved onto it automatically. When the USB is plugged back into a computer, eco:Drive converts the data into facts and figures such as mileage, CO2 emissions and money saved.
A development of this is eco:Drive Fleet which allows fleet managers to monitor all the data from the vehicles they supervise via an on-line dashboard. It automatically updates the database with management costs and the mileage count for maintenance intervals. As well as enabling fleet managers to reward efficient drivers, it allows them to see how well their fleet is performing according to an overall eco:Index. Eco:Drive Professional builds on this further by allowing commercial vehicle drivers to enter various parameters such as the load they’re carrying and the frontal area of the vehicle. The software allows the driver or fleet manager to analyse the impact of the load on the vehicle’s efficiency and suggests the most appropriate behaviour to get the best economy. The oval instrument panel, now sitting beneath a more pronounced anti-glare hood, has
been redesigned to make it even easier to read. A gear shift indicator is available in combination with Start&Stop to tell drivers the most efficient point to change gear.
Comfort
Driver comfort is greatly enhanced – not least from the effective noise insulation which reduces levels to those expected of modern cars. New seating is comfortable, covered in a red fabric and has a more luxurious head restraint. The driver’s seat can be adjusted six ways, including up and down. Combined with an adjustable steering wheel and a movable arm rest, these allow drivers of all shapes and sizes to find a comfortable position at the wheel. Climate comfort is assured by manual or automatic air conditioning systems, an additional unit for the rear on passenger versions, all available as an option. In addition to these, a windscreen with reflective glass to keep the
UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1 www.coachandbusweek.com
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heat of the sun at bay is available as an option. For passengers there’s a choice of a standard two-seat bench featuring a central backrest which can be folded down to make a table if required, or an optional single seat. Both driver’s and passenger’s seats feature handy storage compartments beneath. And all front seats have seatbelts with pretensioners and a head restraint. The full-size two-phase driver’s airbag is standard; those at the side, over the windows and for passengers are an option. The ABS anti-lock braking is also standard and works in conjunction with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. This uses sensors to ensure the braking action is divided over all four wheels to prevent locking and guarantee maximum stopping power. The braking system employs discs all round, with those at the front ventilated for consistently high performance.
270 degrees. Inside it remains class leading in terms of maximum volume (17 m3), width between the wheel arches (1422mm), maximum height of the loading area (2.17m), rear door height (2.03m), and load height limit (46cm with the optional self-levelling suspension). The body structure of the new Ducato is hugely versatile. Not only does it permit a GVW of up to 4000kg, it allows the track to be increased to 1980mm for motorhome applications. All models can have self-levelling pneumatic suspension. This is controlled via buttons on the dash and makes for easier loading and
unloading, improves performance over ramps and makes clearing obstacles easier. The conversion base range includes cabs, flatbeds and double cabs with four wheelbases and five lengths. Maximum permitted front axle loads will be up to 2100kg and 2400kg on the rear axle. The Ducato isn’t just versatile in the load area, and as the basis for a wide variety of vehicles it’s also got a comprehensive range of optional extras including the Blue&Me TomTom LIVE satellite navigation. The 2.3-litre engines (110, 130 and 150) are additionally available with Start&Stop. When the Ducato
Versatility
The Fiat Ducato range offers great versatility with more versions than ever before now available. There are around 2000 chassis/engine/ mechanical variations which will allow for a huge range of vans, minibuses and conversions. There are two basic mechanical architectures allowing Gross Vehicle Weights (GVW) between three and four tonnes. On 15-inch wheels, the GVW is three, 3.3 or 3.5 tonnes, while on 16-inch wheels the GVW is 3.5 to four tonnes. The Ducato sits on MacPherson front suspension with a rigid-axle and leaf springs at the back. This ensures optimum stability, excellent use of the loading area and cab space, reduced weight and a huge variation of uses. Payloads can vary between 1000 and 2000kg including the driver, and van buyers have a choice between four lengths, three wheelbases and three heights. Vans will also be available with eight different load area volumes from 8.0 to 17 m3. There are three different sizes of robust and practical sliding side doors while the rear doors can be opened to either 90, 180 or even
Top: A Ducato minibus converion is one of many model options available Below: Attractive dash with new easy-to-read instrument displays
comes to a halt and is put in neutral, the engine cuts. Releasing the brake or pushing the clutch re-starts it automatically. It’s estimated this can reduce consumption by 15% around town.
Traction+
Other options include the Traction+ system. This uses the engine’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) computer to simulate the behaviour of a self-locking differential. When one of the driven front wheels spins on a slippery surface or over poor terrain, the brakes are applied to that wheel while, simultaneously, engine torque is transferred to the wheel with better grip. The system is operated by a button on the dash, and can be engaged at speeds of up to 19mph. It ensures the best possible traction is maintained over the roughest terrain. The combination of Traction+ with winter or all-season tyres gives Ducato the versatility to drive over a wider range of terrains than rival commercial vehicles can cope with. Traction+ includes ESP, which is also available as a stand-alone option. ESP uses information supplied by various sensors to check whether a vehicle is cornering safely. If the ESP computer believes the vehicle is going to skid, it brakes the appropriate wheel or reduces engine power. It also incorporates other technologies like Load Adaptive Control (LAC), which identifies the size of the load and the vehicle’s centre of gravity to enable the systems to work at peak effectiveness. Hill Holder makes starts on slopes easier by holding the brake on momentarily after the driver releases the brake pedal. Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) increases braking pressure under emergency conditions, while Motor Schleppmoment Regelung (MSR) ensures torque remains at the wheels following a sudden downshift on an incline. Daytime Running Lights, which have the Ducato’s parking lights turning on automatically with the ignition, will also be available as an option.
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BUS STOPthe place to buy and sell
To advertise on these pages for as little as £20 just call 020 8320 1351 Optare Toro
UNVI GT
Mercedes-Benz 0815 Vario chassis with rear air suspension, 28 passenger seats with 3pt lap and diagonal seat belts, powered entry door, air conditioning, double glazed windows, luggage racks with individual passenger reading lights and adjustable air flow blowers, radio/CD & PA system.
Mercedes-Benz 0816 Vario chassis with rear air suspension, 29 passenger seats with 3pt lap and diagonal seat belts and leather headrest inserts, courier seat, dark tint double glazed windows, air con radio/CD & PA system, DVD player and monitor, grammer luxury heated driver seat, full draw curtains, large boot space and side lockers.
£45,500 +VAT NOW £43,000 +VAT
Quality Coach Sales
£69,950 +VAT NOW £67,500 +VAT
Call Dougie at Haggis Adventures on 0131 554 9192
1997 VOLVO B10M PLAXTON PREMIER
24 Hrs
57 or 70 seat coaches CONVERTED TO ORDER
0844 576 3300 57 - £18,000 70 - £28,000
Network Warrington have the following vehicles for sale
Dennis Dart SLF 10.8m 1999, Choice of 6, Cummins 6BT, Allison AT545 4 speed auto, Marshall body, 40 seats. Contact Damian Graham (Engineering Director) Warrington Borough Transport Ltd Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington WA4 6PT. Tel 01925 634296
K & E HORTON (GARAGES) LTD WE HAVE FOR SALE THE FOLLOWING COACHES
1998 VOLVO ENIGMA 49 SEATER WITH TOILET MOT MARCH 2012 £27,500
1998 MAN SETRA S250 SPECIAL 48 SEATER WITH TOILET MOT JAN 2012 £17,500
1998 SCANIA IRIZAR CENTURY 53 SEATER MOT JAN 2012 £17,500
CALL 07584 080866
LOCATED 3 MINS AWAY FROM JUNCTION 11, M6
! R E F F O SPECIAL t Contac Lara Odumosu
0 1351 020 8@r3ou2nc ymedia.co.uk
lara.odumosu
Telephone Lara Odumosu on 020 8320 1351 or email lara.odumosu@rouncymedia.co.uk
121702-1011-Pembridge
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NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS
OTHER MAKES
New Ford Transit 17 seat 4.3ton 135ps minibus. From £20,595 + VAT
Peugeot Boxer 17 seat wheelchair accessible 2.2 diesel 120ps with six speed gearbox, COIF/PSV. Choice of colours. £23,500 + VAT
(60) 2011 Ford Transit 15 seat 2.4 tdci minibus, tacho, air-con, Bluetooth, silver £18,995
(60) 2010 Ford Transit 17 seat Hi Roof 2.4tdi, Air -con, Bluetooth, tacho, sat-nav, COIF/PSV £23,850
(10) 2010 Ford Transit 12 minibus 2.2tdci 115ps tacho, air-con, Bluetooth, parking sensors, in silver, 1,400km £17,495
(07) Peugeot Boxer 17 seat 3.5 ton minibus, high back seats with three point seat belts, 27,000 miles £8,995 (55) 2005 Chrysler Grand Voyager 7 seat Auto 2.8 diesel, DVD, heated seats, radio/CD, electric mirrors, electric windows, one owner from new with FSH, silver, 67,000 miles £7,750
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES (08) 2008 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi, tacho, high back seats with three point belts, 33,000kms only, COIF/PSV £15,200
(53) 2003 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4 td minibus, high back seats with three point belts, tacho, COIF/PSV £6,995
(02) Ford Transit 3.5 ton, 15 seat minibus, 2.4 tdi, high back seats with three point belts £2,995
LDV MINIBUSES New LDV Maxus 17 seat minibus 2.5 diesel, LWB, twin side loading doors, 2 year mechanical warranty, COIF/PSV £16,995
(57) 2007 LDV Maxus 15 seat minibus, high back seats with three point belts £7,495
(03) 2003 LDV Convoy Maxi XLWB 17 seat mini-coach, 2.4 Tdi, front entry drop step, luggage racks, rear heating, wide aisle, rear row of seats removable, New PSV £7,995
OTHER MAKES New Renault Master 17 seat LM35 / 125PS £21,995
SOLD
(09) Renault Master LM39 2.2 diesel, Automatic, inboard lift, air-con, e/w c/l e/m with only 4,500 miles £18,495
(07) 2007 Volkswagen Crafter 8 seat 2.2 diesel inboard lift, fully tracked floor, rear heating, 48,000 miles £13,995
(57) LDV Maxus LWB 9 seats tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, 49,000 miles, £9,995 (05) Renault Master LWB 9 seat, inboard Ricon lift, fully tracked floor to take four wheelchairs, rear heating, kick out side step, high spec vehicle £11,500 (06) Fiat Ducato LWB, high roof, panoramic windows, inboard tail lift, 6 seats plus wheelchair tracking, 42,000 miles £10,995 (04) 2004 Mercedes Sprinter 413cdi minibus 2.2 diesel, front entry drop step with power door, inboard Clearway lift, fully tracked floor to take 4 wheelchairs, rear heating, 77,000 miles £9,995 (53) 2003 Iveco Daily 16 seat minibus, front entry drop step with power door, wheelchair tracking, under floor tail lift, rear heating, COIF/PSV £9,995 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 £7,750
Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304 Contact Graham Thatcher – email: sales@minibussales.co.uk
Pembridge House, The Park Business Centre, Plough Road, Goytre, Penperlleni, Nr Usk, South Wales NPA 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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DOUBLE DECK E 1997/8 VOLVO OLYMPIANS Seatbe exampleslted no available w
LEZ
LEZ
COMPLIANT
COMPLIANT
Volvo engines, Euro 2, 78 seats, converted to single door, new COIF, tyres included, UK registered ready to work.
Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats.
1999/2000 T/V/X REG DENNIS TRIDENTS
7.8m, Slimline, Mercedes engine, Euro 4, 27 seats, Hanover LEDʼs all round.
8.9m, Cummins / Allison, Hanover blinds, 29 seats, full DDA.
ZF automatic, Northern Counties body, 48 BELTED seats, repainted white, MOT 09/12.
Cummins ISBC engine, repainted white, Hanover destination, MOT August 2012, one only at £28,000.
1995 M REG DENNIS DRAGONS
2001 MERCEDES 814 VARIO
2007 OPTARE SOLO
2009 ADL ENVIRO 200
2004 DART MPD
1995 M REG VOLVO B10M
Cummins/Voith gearboxes, Duple Metsec bodies, recent floors and 92 coach seats.
Manual, 31 seats, belts fitted, MOT 04/12, £9,500.
2001 DDA COMPLIANT DENNIS DARTS
Plaxton Pointer 2 dual door bodies, 31 seats, CCTV, particulate traps fitted, LEZ 2012 compliant, only £6,500 each plus tyres (£375)
2001 Y REG DART SLF’S
Cummins/Allison, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX200 bodies with either 30 seats and 2 doors or 34 seats converted to single door, ramps, DDA certified and compliant. 10.8m 37 seaters now available.
OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY - B
Juliette Close, Purfleet Industrial Pa Telephone 01708 865656 Fax: 01708 864 Visit our website for current sto
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K ER SPECIALIST 1994 K REG VOLVO OLYMPIAN
GREAT VALUE DENNIS DARTS!!!
Northern Counties low height bodies, Volvo engines, good selection with long MOTs.
ZF automatic, Plaxton Premiere 350 body, 53 seats.
1997 P REG DAF SB3000
1998-2000 S / V / W reg Darts with Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, 31 seats, dual door, DDA compliant, exhaust traps fitted so reduced tax, huge choice at an unbelievable £4,500 each plus VAT and tyres (£375).
I-shift, Sunsendengui Sideal body, 49 seats, centre toilet, air-con, very clean and straight inside and outside. £70,000.
2005 55 PLATE VOLVO B12B
Cummins / Allison World Series gearbox , Pointer 2 body, 41 seats.
6 speed ZF manual, Caetano Algarve, 55 seats, recently trimmed.
ZF automatic, Plaxton Excalibur body, 49 seats, NSR toilet, air-con, MOT 05/12.
£7000 just spend on recon engine, MCV Evolution body, 40 seats, DDA, Hanover LEDʼs.
Cummins / Allison, Marshall bodies, 37 seats, LEZ post 2012 with traps, from our own fleet and very tidy. £6,000 each.
Euro 4, Cummins/Allison, MCV body, 9m, 32 seats.
1998 S REG DENNIS DART SPD
2000 W REG VOLVO B10M
1998 REG DENNIS DART SLF’S
1999 V REG DENNIS DART MPD’S Cummins/Allison, Plaxton bodies, 8.8m, 29 seats.
1997 R REG VOLVO B10M
2007 MAN 14.220
2007 DART MPD
Mercedes engines, Slimlines, 2.34m wide, 7.8m long, 24 seats, Hanover LEDʼs.
2006 OPTARE SOLO’S
- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS
rial Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 708 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com ent stock at www.ensignbus.com
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Are you in the South of England and looking to upgrade or convert your vehicle to meet the January 2012 Low Emission Zone?
We may be able to help… Close Asset Finance
Close Asset Finance are specialist commercial vehicle financers and are able to offer operator solutions to help comply with the new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) regulations. • Flexible Finance available for new and used vehicles (subject to status) • Release equity for existing fleets to help pay LEZ conversion costs (subject to status) • Stock of Euro 3 vehicles available with the option to finance LEZ conversion costs Talk to us NOW - Don't leave it too long to comply with LEZ regulations… DAN HADDON on 020 8339 7341 - dhaddon@closeasset.co.uk CHRISTINE CLARK on 020 8339 4823 - cclark@closeasset.co.uk
www.closeasset.co.uk
The
Stafford Bus Centre Specialist Bus & Coach Sales
Call for details on our vehicle conversions, upseating, refurbishment and change of use conversions. Also vehicles available for hire short and long term. www.staffordbuscentre.com Email: martin@staffordbuscentre.com Telephone: 01782 791774 Mobile: 07803 222552
View our latest arrivals on www.staffordbuscentre.com
MINIBUS SELECTION
PEUGEOT BOXER TRI-AXLE 2003 03 REG Super low floor, 15 seats/up to 5 wheelchairs, choice of 3 with PSV, MOT and COIF. From £6,950
TRANSIT FACTORY MINIBUS 2004 54 REG 16 seats, tachograph, 90K miles, very clean with Class V MOT. £5,950
MERCEDES 814D VARIO 2003 53 REG 24 coach seats, manual gearboox, dropwell boot, power door, fully repainted. £16,950
LDV CONVOY 2004 54 REG Front entry, 12 high back seats on tracking, full tail lift, power door, 29K miles. £4,950
OPTARE ALERO 2004 54 REG Super low floor bus, up to 16 seats, fitted with 13 or 3 wheelchairs, auto gearbox, new MOT. £6,450
LDV CONVOY 2003 53 REG 16 seat factory bus, 66K miles, new Class V MOT. £3,250 More LDV’s available – please call
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THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS...
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Southdown PSV 01342 711840 www.southdownpsv.co.uk
LOOK! 2000 (W/X) SEAT BELTED REFURBISHED LOW FLOOR DOUBLE DECKER
• • • • • • • •
Volvo B7TL SLF Plaxton President ZF automatic 5 speed transmission 74 seats (69 belted) + 14 standees Fully DDA compliant for 2017 & beyond LEZ compliant with RPC certificate New digital destination equipment CCTV system Single colour re-spray £49,995 + VAT – choice
Prices plus VAT @ 20% Part exchange possible. Finance available subject to status - please call for details
Southdown PSV Silverwood Snow Hill Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EN
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ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES BUILDINGS
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WE ALSO RECONDITION ALL MAKES OF BUS & COACH ENGINES Direct from the UK’s No.1 for 30 years
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email: bwsequip@hotmail.com
Suppliers of Reconditioned DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS PUMPS ETC
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£350 £99 £99 £50 ACZ 686 HIG 7331 MJZ 6748 AXZ 5708 AJZ 484 HIG 7332 MJZ 6749 AXZ 5709 CJZ 323 JHZ 6118 MNZ 1195 BXZ 7175 JBZ 383 JNZ 5986 ONZ 1171 BXZ 7176 KBZ 737 JNZ 5987 PEZ 9824 CRZ 8340 KCZ 505 KIG 1310 REZ 3378 DRZ 1338 KDZ 929 KIG 1311 REZ 3379 DRZ 1339 NUI 636 KIG 1312 RUI 2117 IIG 8763 PDZ 818 MHZ 5352 SEZ 7608 IIG 8764 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange
Tel: (028) 6638 7124 Fax: (028) 6638 7771
Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ
£50 JIG 9790 JIG 9791 JIG 9792 KIG 1804 KIG 1805 KIG 1806 SUI 4622 TUI 1522 TUI 1523
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November 9, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 67
Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk, fax 0845 2802927 or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX
Monday: Press day. Show some of my colleagues a selection of photos I took at my brother- and sisterin-law’s wedding on Saturday. Designer Keith returns from a local supermarket at lunchtime with two packs of doughnuts – one of which is custard for the benefit of Martin. Referring to my recent ‘generosity’, my colleagues lose no time in reminding me of how fresh the doughnuts are. Note to self – don’t be fooled by ‘BOGOF’ offers. They’re cheap for a reason. All good fun. Tuesday: My car is in the garage for MOT. Not knowing when it will be finished, decide to spend the afternoon working remotely.
‘Borismaster’ no.001 could find itself starring alongside 007
‘Borismaster” could star in new Bond �ilm Apologies in advance if you’re sick of hearing about the new ‘Borismaster’ – because it’s about to get much worse. As Boris prepared to drive the first ‘New Bus for London’ off the production line in Ballymena last week, it was announced an example could star alongside Daniel Craig and Javier Bardem in Skyfall, the 23rd movie in the James Bond series. Daniel Moylan, deputy chairman of Transport for London, said: “The James Bond people want it
Dilbert
for their movie. We have received approaches. When people see the bus they love it.” However, the London Evening Standard caused those who know their RMs from their RTs to quite literally hit the roof, when the newspaper incorrectly reported an “old-fashioned Routemaster was used in one of the most memorable chase scenes from the 1973 film Live And Let Die, starring Roger Moore and Jane Seymour.” A quick Google search confirms it was an RT rather than an RM which was operated by ‘San Monique Transport’. Rather than ‘Live And Let Die’, perhaps the bus fraternity should ‘live and let live’ with regards to intimate knowledge of London buses – although even to the untrained eye, the omission is rather glaring...
Baker’s bus replacement bus service... Fans of Anything Goes, the easy listening show on Seahaven FM which is presented by Norman Baker MP, had to go without on October 30, The Telegraph reported. “When Baker should have been behind the microphone, he was going nowhere at Lewes railway station. ‘The usual reason – weekend engineering work,’ he tells me. ‘This time things reached a new low: the replacement bus was itself having to be replaced.’” The news certainly didn’t make easy listening for Mr Baker – although it appears he didn’t mind broadcasting it…
Wednesday: Rise early to pick up James. The view across the fens near Yaxley as dawn breaks is one to behold. If I wasn’t so mindful of the clock, I would pull over and snap away with my camera… Dartford Bridge is unbelievably quiet - we go straight to a toll booth. Arrive in Ramsgate to visit Carol Peters coach travel for an ‘Operator Profile’ feature. The family-run firm, which won Small Operator of the Year at the UK Coach Awards 2011, more than lives up to its friendly reputation. Banter is certainly not in short supply either – a fact all the more pleasing, with the occasion being James’ first CBW operator visit. Thursday: A hectic day in the office. Forge on with a feature for a forthcoming issue. Also coordinate production of this issue and work through what seems like a mountain of admin. Ah the joys of management… Friday: Another hectic day in the office. Work on items for this issue. Leave for home much later than I would have liked. With my parents coming to ours for the weekend, I have domestic duties to attend to. A pleasant couple of family days in Peterborough beckon. www.coachandbusweek.com
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RECRUITMENT
DEADlINES Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.30pm
harley.denham@rouncymedia.co.uk
Two new directors appointed at First UK Bus
New director for Newport Transport Newport Transport has expanded its management team with the appointment of Carl Yeaman as engineering director. Carl joins from FirstGroup where he was engineering manager of First West and North Yorkshire. He has 25 years experience in the engineering sector and extensive experience of modern engineering practices and developing large fleet stocks. Carl will be responsible for Newport’s three engineering departments and a budget of over £2m. He will manage a bus fleet of nearly 100 and a team of over 50 engineering staff. One immediate task will be managing the company’s appointment as a warranty agent for Alexander Dennis in Mid and South Wales and
CONTACT Harley Denham 01733 293249
Carl Yeaman was previously engineering manager for First West and North Yorkshire the South West of England from January 2012. Scott Pearson, MD of Newport Transport, said: “Carl brings a wealth of experience and success which will aid Newport Transport as we expand and grow in 2012.” Carl said: “My focus won’t just be on improving bus operations but expanding business opportunities for our other engineering units at the NT Servicing and MOT Centre and in our NT contract maintenance division.”
FirstGroup has made two new appointments from outside the company. Andrew Hunter has joined the company as operations director for the First Games Transport Team and will have specific responsibility for helping to manage First’s provision of buses to the London 2012 Olympics. He originally joined the First Group graduate scheme in 1998 and worked in Essex, Glasgow and Manchester during his training period before moving on to First Eastern Counties between 2000 and 2004. In November 2004 he joined Travel Dundee (National Express) as operations director. Andrew says: “I am delighted to be back with First and to be part of the First Games Transport Team.” The second appointment is Peter Mhagrh, who is now service performance director for First in its
South East and Midlands region. He leads a team of general managers who are responsible for seven different bus operating areas in the region. Peter’s career in public transport started when he joined the Arriva Development Academy in 2003 as a business support manager, which gave him exposure to the European operations arm of the business. Having gained operations experience in Arriva London, he worked in various positions for the company across the UK. He recently participated in the Deutsche Bahn International Leadership programme which brought him in touch with German and Polish rail and freight operations. Peter commented: “The attraction of working for First in its bus division is a real opportunity to develop and grow the business.”
SUBCONTRACTING The Star Bus Company is looking to work in Partnership with fellow quality contractors in the Hertfordshire and North London areas to service one or more of our contracts. The value of the work could be substantial and would be for a fixed period. If you wish to register your interest then please email info@starbus.co.uk with the subject heading SUBCONTRACTING. Please include in your email the name of your company, name and contact number of the prime contact for us, type of vehicles you could supply, number of vehicles in your fleet and any other information you wish to include. We will request additional information before awarding any work. We require service providers of passenger assistants, PCO drivers and PCV drivers. Vehicle requirements would be for saloon cars, MPV’s, accessible cars, mini-buses up to 8 seats, mini-buses 9-16 passenger seats, tail-lift mini-buses, accessible welfare buses, service buses/coaches. Executive contractors also sought. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Go-Ahead Plc
Managing Director, Go North East Go North East is one of the leading providers of high quality bus services in the north of England. Its fleet of 660 buses and coaches deliver well over 70 million passenger journeys a year. The company has a long history of innovation and offering value to customers. With the company proving local services in and around Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Northumberland, Durham, Teesside, and Sunderland and the surrounding areas, it is very much part of the fabric of the north east. The Managing Director of Go North East will report directly to the Go-Ahead Group CEO. The responsibilities include all commercial, financial and operational matters relating to the successful running of the bus company. The role includes significant stakeholder and customer relations activity. Go-Ahead operates a devolved management structure and the successful candidate will have significant autonomy in order to innovate and grow the business. An application pack is available from: Natalie Fitzmaurice on 0207 821 3920 or by Emailing: natalie.fitzmaurice@go-ahead.com The deadline for applications is Friday 18th November.
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RECRUITMENT
Iain Couper joins City Sightseeing Iain Coupar has joined City Sightseeing, open top bus tour operator, as its new head of franchise and communications. Iain is based in Stratford-uponAvon and will report to Enrique Ybarra, City Sightseeing Worldwide CEO, working alongside the UK sales and administration team. Iain will form a link between the group’s franchise operators and will be responsible for the control and oversight of the company’s franchise agreements, brand guidelines, operating standards and communications. He will also be heavily involved in the set up of new tour operations around the world. Until recently, Iain was the marketing and communications director at Lothian Buses, which operated the ‘5 Star’ City
CONTACT Harley Denham 01733 293249
harley.denham@rouncymedia.co.uk
Job title: Operations Specialist
Sightseeing Edinburgh Tour. He has also spent five years at Stagecoach. Iain added: “I have seen City Sightseeing grow from a handful of tours in 1999 to now well over 90 locations so I am very pleased to be joining the group at such an exciting time of growth and development. We have already established some key objectives for this year including the introduction of brand guidelines and rolling out operations standards for our franchise partners as well as new operating cities.”
Location: Dubai Salary/ rate: £6K per month (£70 - £75K per year) Duration: 12 month contract Job Purpose Summary: Responsible for planning, operating and maintaining the Dubai bus network; our client is seeking a Bus Operations Specialist to deliver improvements to all aspects of their bus operation activities. Target improvements areas will include: Service delivery, operational performance, resource management, stakeholder management, operational systems, health & safety, planning & scheduling, maintenance, procurement, manpower planning & evaluation and engineering performance. Key skills/ requirements: • Degree (ideally MSC) in Transport related discipline • 15+ year operational experience (including Depot Management) • Professional Competence in Public Transportation • Previous experience of running mass service public transport operations
Iain Coupar has seen City Sightseeing grow since 1999
For further information on this or any other related positions do not hesitate to contact Peter on 020 7960 2551 or pjm@mattinsonpartnership.com
www.coachandbusweek.com
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Mullany’s Coaches Part of the JJK Group
Experienced PSV Engineers Required We are currently seeking an experienced Night Shift engineer to join our company and contribute in taking our business forward to the next stage of our expansion programme.
You will be working on our fleet of Coaches, Buses and Mini Buses and your regular duties would include Pre MOT inspections, diagnostics, safety inspections, general running repairs and planned maintenance. The PSV industry is very well regulated and accordingly you will need to demonstrate a very high standard of workmanship. You would need to be self motivated, enthusiastic, flexible, computer literate and a team player.
In reward you will be offered a very attractive salary and first class working conditions within a family run business. A PCV licence would be an advantage.
Please telephone 01923-279991 and ask to speak with Mr. Crawford, Mullany’s Coaches, Brookdell Transport Yard, St Albans Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD25 0GB.
118302-946-Q'straint FP
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