Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1017 by Coach and Bus Week & Group Travel World

Wednesday December 21, 2011 Issue 1017 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

FLEET:

Neoplan sales reach all- New Bus for London time high in UK as MAN makes public debut boosts backup p8 on capital streets p12

Inside this week...

Minibus

Thanet's UK Coach Awardwinning ﬂeet

BUS:

Arriva partners King Long for UK and Europe p6

PEOPLE:

Merseytravel's Neil Scales joins Translink in Australia p63

for recru i

JOB ADV tment EVERY WERTS EEK

p26

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THIS WEEK

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

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 News Reporter Andrew Cream 01733 293240 andrew.cream@rouncymedia.co.uk Art Director Keith Simpson Contributors Richard Charnley, Gabriel Conway, Alan Payling

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & EVENTS Client Manager Harley Denham 01733 293249 harley.denham@rouncymedia.co.uk Client Manager Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk Vehicle Sales Account Manager Lara Odumosu 0208 320 1351 lara.odumosu@rouncymedia.co.uk Advertising Production June Barnard 01473 858761 june@adsproduction.co.uk

ROUNCY MEDIA Managing Director Derek Phillips derek.phillips@rouncymedia.co.uk Chairman Jonathan Taylor jonathan.taylor@rouncymedia.co.uk

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http://coachandbusweek.com/subscribe/ ISSN: 1351-3877 © 2011 Rouncy Media Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors. This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors. The opinions and views expressed by authors and contributors within Coach & Bus Week are not necessarily those of the Editor or its publisher Rouncy Media Ltd.

You have been warned…

aving forged on with ‘Operation Clear Out’ while at my parents over the weekend, I came across issue 722 of CBW, dated March 22, 2006 – almost 11 months before I would go on to join the Peterborough-based full-time editorial team. The lead story on p4 caught my eye: ‘Blair wades into concessions row, Prime Minister to discuss funding problems with MPs’. “The government has admitted there are serious issues over the funding for the Concessionary Travel (CT) scheme. Just a week before the scheme is introduced on April 1, Tony Blair will meet with a group of MPs to discuss the matter.” The story states Nexus was facing a £5.4m shortfall and was “cutting other services to compensate.” Rumours abounded that the government was “considering centralising the administration of the scheme rather than giving the money to local authorities (LAs) to distribute and that 34 out of 150 LAs

had CT funding shortfalls.” However, a spokesman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister told CBW there were no plans for centralisation. ...He added ministers are looking at ways to address the issues but had not come up with a solution as yet. He was unable to confirm or deny the number of authorities having problems with funding. Adding that the problems with distributing money directly to bus companies was that the system would be open to abuse and there ‘has got to be some way of protecting the tax payer’.” Sound familiar? That folks is a text book example of the dangers of political meddling. Politicians and civil servants knew the problems which would ensue but chose to ignore it. On a final note, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks for your support through 2011. Here’s to 2012… Gareth Evans Editor

CONTENTS 4

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

UK Coach Awards Small Operator winner Carol Peters profiled

Hero Welsh driver praised and Uno staff get themselves in shape

Go-Ahead trading statement and trading update from 21st Century

The Bribery Act 2010 explained plus a winter insurance check

CTA England Conference report and all the latest Minibus news

...From tourist attractions and events. Plus ideas for group visits

New Neoplan Tourliner tri-axle for Hodgsons of Barnard Castle

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

All the latest vehicle deliveries in operators yards across the country

A coach operator airs his frustration about low hire rates

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

Financial News Tour News Deliveries

Operator Profile Legal Update

The Big Picture Open Platform

Drivers

Minibus

Last Stop

People

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

www.coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 21, 2011

nEWS

BriEfly The next issue of Coach & Bus Week – 1018 – will reach readers’ letterboxes in the second week of January, on January 11 next year. We hope you enjoy this last issue for 2011. Following the temporary change to the dedicated coach set down and pick up point in Newcastle Under Lyme earlier this year, the CPT has now been informed by the local authority that construction works are nearing completion. As from January 9, the coach pick up/ drop off point will revert back to School Street in the town. The Transport Ticketing 2012 conference will be held on the 24-26 January 2012 in London. For the fourth consecutive year the event will bring together over 300 of the industry’s top decision makers. Transport operators and PTEs from across Europe are looking for ticketing solution providers, including system integrators, chip manufacturers, terminal and card manufacturers to help them provide an efficient, sustainable and user-friendly ticketing service in this competitive landscape. The CPT said it has partnered with Transport Ticketing and is looking forward to participating in the event. For more information visit www.transport-ticketing.com Network Warrington has joined the Marketing Cheshire team as a corporate member. Managing director David Squire explained: “The Company sees a great deal of opportunity with both the Olympics Legacy development at Orford Park opening in 2012 and the arrival of world class rugby in 2013, and sees this measure as strengthening its position to maximise the opportunities these exciting projects will bring to the town”. Barrie Kelly, Marketing Cheshire’s director of marketing said: “High quality public transport is essential to the town’s continued development, and we’re delighted to be working with Network Warrington to promote this excellent service.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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Local transport schemes get £854m go-ahead BRT and bus priority measures feature strongly in latest government capital investment funding round Transport secretary Justine Greening announced £854m worth of investment in 21 local transport schemes across England last week, five of which include park and ride, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or bus priority schemes. This is in addition to the 20 schemes, worth £574m, which were announced in the Autumn Statement at the end of last month. The schemes which have received the green light include: Bath Transportation Package - which comprises park and ride site expansions and bus priority measures plus improvements to local bus stops. (£11.7m DfT contribution towards a total cost of £28.6m); Elmbridge Transport (Gloucester) – a package of improvements including new Park and Ride site between Cheltenham and Gloucester (£14.1m DfT contribution towards a total cost of £16.5m). · North Fringe to Hengrove BRT in Bristol - a BRT scheme from the north of the city, including Bristol Parkway, via the city centre to Hengrove in the South (£51.1m DfT contribution towards a total cost of £92.9m); Bus enhancements in Blackburn and East

Lancashire including bus priority measures. (£31.9m DfT contribution towards a total cost of £39.8m); and South Yorkshire BRT Phase 1 (Sheffield/Rotherham) - new BRT from Sheffield along the Don Valley toward Rotherham including a new road link under the M1 (the Tinsley link). (£19.4m DfT contribution towards a total cost of £34.3m). Projects which will now be considered by the DfT in the spring include the Leeds New Generation Transport trolley bus scheme, a proposal by Metro and Leeds City Council which evolved from cancellation of funding for a tram

The government is investing in schemes which will provide better access to jobs and services, reduce congestion and enable more goods to move more easily around our country, says Justine Greening

Deregulation for tachograph fees from January 1, 2012

The fee for calibration and periodic inspection of tachographs will be deregulated from January 1, 2012, following a consultation with the industry. The deregulation of the fee may result in: approved tachograph centres and vehicle operators being able to negotiate a fair fee for the calibration and inspection of tachographs;

geographical variations in cost being accounted for; support for vehicle operators looking to have tachographs calibrated during unsociable hours; “future-proof” calibration/ inspection against technological changes which will affect how much work will be involved in the inspection and calibration of tachographs; the removal of the need for future government

scheme in Leeds. The department said it “has not yet been provided with sufficient evidence with which to assess the value for money of this scheme, as some of the data is relatively new and cannot yet be verified”. However, recognising a “strong strategic case has been made” it has given the promoters until March 31, 2012 to update their business case and a decision will be made within two months of that date. Likewise, the DfT has asked promoters of SERT (South Essex Rapid Transit) to update their business case by the same deadline. “Transport infrastructure is central to growth, and I am announcing funding for a further 21 local major transport schemes,” said Greening. “Along with the schemes announced last month we’ve supported investment of over £1.4bn which will strengthen local economies and improve local transport links for communities across the country. “Almost all journeys begin and end on local authority networks, which provide the crucial links allowing people and businesses to prosper. We are investing in schemes which will provide better access to jobs and services, reduce congestion and enable more goods to move more easily around our country. This will be £1.4bn invested in local communities to build the transport system we need to get the economy back on track.” involvement in fee setting; and incentives for companies considering becoming an approved tachograph centre. From January the fee charged by approved tachograph centres will be a commercial matter to be agreed with the customer presenting the vehicle. The existing fees are still in place up to and including December 31, 2011.

A summary of the consultation responses can be found at www.vosa.gov.uk/ tachograph-fee-deregulation

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December 21, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5

“Cutting edge British technology sends a message to the world that we can design and build beautiful buses here in the UK.” Boris Johnson

News p12

Arriva maintains high scores in customer survey Arriva is celebrating after receiving positive results from its annual customer satisfaction survey. For the second year running, the operator saw 92% of customers were satisfied with their overall journey on an Arriva bus. Following a significant investment in new low floor buses across the UK, 93% of customers in the survey found they were happy with the ease of access getting on and off an Arriva bus, while 91% of customers said they were satisfied with the overall appearance and friendliness of Arriva drivers. The impact of the company’s m-ticket technology, which won the innovation category at the UK Bus Awards 2011, was also reflected, as nine out of ten passengers (92%) said they were extremely satisfied with the ease of buying a ticket for each individual journey. The company said the survey forms an important tool in helping

it prioritise what customers value most and then deliver sustained improvements in these areas. Arriva UK Bus managing director Mike Cooper said: “We are extremely pleased with the

Having invested in a “significant number” of SLFs, 93% of customers said they were happy with the ease of access getting on and off an Arriva bus

Unite asks for extra pay for Olympics bus workers Unite has written to all London bus operators calling for genuine negotiations for an Olympic Games pay award for 28,000 workers. The award would be in line with what other London transport workers will reportedly be getting for working during the Games. Unite has argued that with an extra 800,000 passengers expected to travel on buses during the Olympics, significant extra revenue will be generated through fares for Transport for London (TfL), and staff will be working much harder, under more pressure. Unite claims it has written to the London mayor’s office on more than one occasion requesting a meeting but after waiting for three months for a response, Boris Johnson replied saying he and TfL could not get involved. Unite’s regional secretary for London, Peter Kavanagh said: “Bus workers will be making a significant contribution to getting

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customer satisfaction survey results as they reflect all the hard work and effort Arriva staff have put in over the past year to make sure our customers are happy. “Above everything else, I think the fact 92% of our passengers were satisfied with their overall journey with Arriva shows we provide an efficient and valuable service for the local community.”

Wickham is new Go South Coast MD

Trade union Unite is asking for an extra £500 to be paid to staff visitors around London during the Olympic Games, they deserve recognition. An extra 800,000 customers means bigger profits, it’s only right staff are rewarded for their extra contribution. The mayor’s office has washed its hands of its responsibility - its disgraceful. If this situation continues we can’t rule out industrial action.” Kavanagh added: “The union is asking for an extra £500 which has already been agreed for some rail staff. For too long TfL, the mayor and bus operators have treated staff as second class citizens, while saying they are the best in the world. Our members are saying enough is enough. If you say they’re the best treat them like they are.”

Andrew Wickham has been appointed the new managing director at Go South Coast, which comprises Wilts and Dorset, Bluestar and Southern Vectis. Wickham, who takes up the role with immediate effect, succeeds Alex Carter who unexpectedly stepped down from the business in early October while he was, according to Go-Ahead, “currently unable to fulfil his duties as MD at Go-South Coast”. Wickham, who was MD at Plymouth Citybus, covered the role in the meantime. Commenting on Wickham’s appointment, David Brown, GoAhead group chief executive said: “I am delighted Andrew has accepted the role. He has an excellent track record at Plymouth Citybus and will bring extensive experience and knowledge of the bus industry to his position. “I would also like to thank Alex for what he has achieved at Go South Coast.” Wickham, who was operations director at Go South Coast between

TfL gives LEZ lifeline TfL has announced a lifeline for operators caught out by a huge surge in demand for retrofit systems approved for the London LEZ – it will not penalise operators who have placed orders for approved abatement systems before the new LEZ rules come into force. Operators need to be able to provide the TfL Contact Centre with evidence of a system ordered prior to January 3, 2012. The UK’s largest manufacturer of retrofit emissions technology, Eminox, is also responding by extending its opening hours to cope with demand. Kathy Henderson, marketing manager told CBW: “We are working extra shifts at our factory and fitting centres to cope with this extra demand. Our LEZ team are available on our LEZ freephone line 0808 156 2012. We are asking people to contact us before Christmas so we can get orders confirmed by the deadline.” 2003 and 2009, said: ”I am pleased to be returning to Go South Coast and look forward to the challenges of my new role. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the fantastic team in Plymouth and wish them well for the future.” Andrew has been MD of Plymouth Citybus since December 2009, when Go-Ahead acquired the former municipal. Before that he was operations director at Go South Coast and spent three years working for Go-Ahead as its development manager. Wickham joined the bus industry in 1987 working for Brighton Borough Transport and was at London General when Go-Ahead acquired the company in 1995.

Andrew Wickham was operations director for Go South Coast between 2003 and 2009 www.coachandbusweek.com

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6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 21, 2011

nEWS › BUSeS

Passenger growth in non-metropolitan areas in Q3 of 2011 compared to 2010

BriEfly Arriva Yorkshire is increasing its fares from January 2, 2012. Nigel Featham, managing director said: “At Arriva Yorkshire we are committed to providing value for money fares, high service standards and a stable bus network. This can be a difficult balance to maintain and current economic pressures mean in order to keep services and the network at their current levels we need to increase a number of fares. In some cases, this will be the first time these fares have been increased for three years.” Most fares will increase by 10p or 20p. The Yorkshire Weekly Saver will remain £20. The next stage of work on London Bridge bus station began on December 16, and is set to fully open in May 2012. The new-look station will be rotated 45 degrees during this next stage of work. There will be a new glass roof, enhanced retail and ticketing areas and improved accessibility and traffic flow, according to TfL. Three routes will have temporary pick up and drop off points. Route 43 and 141 will pick up at bus stop M and set down on stop Y on London Bridge. Route 17 will also use these temporary pick up and drop off points although this will only be in place until the end of January 2012 at which point it will return to the bus station. Cornwall Council has deferred a planning decision on a development on the outskirts of Truro, which includes a park and ride site. Developers including the Duchy of Cornwall and Cornwall Council want to build a Waitrose, a park and ride, a household waste recycling centre and about 100 houses on land at Union Hill. A vote which would have seen the scheme pulled went to a tie and the chairman of the strategic planning committee, Mike Varney, used his deciding vote to rescue the project. “Absolute confusion then broke out”, it was reported in a local newspaper and after the vote, the result was a deferral of any decision for more work to be carried. In the New Year, the committee will hear new evidence and make a decision. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Arriva and King Long co-operating over buses Partnership aims to develop new vehicles for Arriva’s UK and European bus operations Arriva’s UK Bus and Mainland Europe divisions are entering a ‘co-operation agreement’ with King Long, China’s largest bus exporter. The partnership will aim to develop new, innovative prototype vehicles for trial within Arriva’s UK and European bus operations. Arriva and King Long have recently worked side by side through the provision of 174 new King Long buses to Arriva Malta. This has given both companies valuable experience of working together and played a role in setting the foundations for testing of newly developed prototypes for the UK and European markets. Mark Bowd, Arriva’s group

McGill’s to acquire Arriva Scotland West

McGill’s Buses has agreed to take over Arriva Scotland West next year, doubling its fleet and staff size, in a deal thought to be worth £10m. The Greenock-based company will also take over Arriva’s depots in Johnstone and Inchinnan and 165 buses, increasing its fleet to more than 350 vehicles and a transfer of 380 staff to McGill’s will increase its workforce to more than 700. The deal is expected to be completed in late February or early March. “Upon completion, the transaction will give McGill’s operational efficiencies and development of our business, both in Renfrewshire and further afield,” said Ralph Roberts, McGill’s managing director. “The senior team at McGill’s will work closely with Arriva Scotland West management to ensure as

engineering director said: “This new agreement with King Long once again underlines our commitment to bringing the latest technology and ideas to the UK and European public transport markets. Introducing new technology and using state-of-the-art vehicles are two vital ways to encourage greater use of public transport and we continue to play our part in achieving that goal.” Kevin O’Leary, engineering director for Arriva Mainland Europe, added: “King Long has a vast and respected experience in developing alternative fuel technologies for the bus industry. We have worked closely with them to introduce new vehicles into our Maltese operations and I am certain that understanding and knowledge will assist us both into the future as

we explore what new technology can offer us at home and abroad.” Chris Cassar, managing director of King Long Europe said: “We have a young engineering team and they are listening carefully to the market demand. I hope that with this new cooperation agreement, we will deliver benefits for ourselves and Arriva.” The new agreement should see some prototype vehicles be tested within Arriva’s European operations by the middle of 2012 with a further King Long prototype due to be introduced into an Arriva operation in the UK by end of next year. As reported in CBW at the time, King Long recently launched its new European-style 12m bus – the three-door XMQ6120AGD – at Busworld Kortrijk.

McGill’s has invested heavily in its fleet in 2011, a prime example of which is seen here. Photographed by Steve Hodgson, one of the new Wright Volvo B7RLEs outside Glasgow Central Station seamless a transfer for staff and ultimately, for passengers, as possible. Further announcements will follow.” Nigel Featham, Arriva’s regional managing director, said: “The team at Arriva Scotland West are a real part of their local community and have strived over the past 18 months to put the business on a stronger commercial footing in the face of increasing costs and the wider economic impact of the recession. Their professionalism

and customer focus has been commendable. There was, however, limited opportunity to grow this relatively isolated part of Arriva’s UK bus business and the offer received represents good value for Arriva.” McGill’s has been expanding in Arriva’s Renfrewshire territory for several years, acquiring smaller operators and starting high-profile routes such as the X23 from Erskine to Glasgow and the 38 from Paisley to Glasgow.

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£300k 165 Cut to bus services by Leicester City Council for the next financial year

December 21, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7

SHARE WATCH

The number of buses to be transferred from Arriva West Scotland to McGill’s

Southdown invests in �leet tracking

Southdown PSV is providing its customers with a text alert system allied to vehicle tracking. MD Steve Swain told CBW: “To enhance our customer service we have invested in technology by fitting the entire fleet with satellite tracking. This system is invaluable when customers call to ask when the bus is due. It also assists our drivers regarding alleged early running and when they are operating connecting services. We have also brought on stream a text alert service. Passengers simply text 66777 followed by the bus route they use (eg BUS410). This initial text is paid for by the customer, after which all texts are free. “By using this system we can keep customers aware of delays. We feel the service will come into its own during bad weather through the winter, a useful tool for country bus operators. We’ve advertised this new service on our website, Facebook page, bus advertising, local papers and by contacting the schools and colleges we serve as well as informing local councils.” Southdown is employing texting facilities provided by TextLocal, a specialist provider of text information services. Swain said: “We introduced the changes on November 26. Initial take-up of the text service across our 14 routes has been a bit slow, but is growing steadily. As would be expected, the service we run to Reigate College, used by a lot of younger people, has seen 56 register so far. “All our drivers are registered on the system so if there is an incident it can be instantly reported and everyone is aware. Just the other day we had a tree down across one of the local roads and it meant we could divert quickly and avoid the area until the road was reopened.”

Entire fleet fitted with tracking

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Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, December 19. Go-Ahead enjoyed the greatest proportional rise and Optare suffered the biggest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

269.60p

Price: Year High: 574.37p Year Low: 257.70p

Friends of King Alfred Buses’ plans are well under way for the annual Winchester Bus Running Day, which returns to the traditional date of January 1; in 2012, this falls on a Sunday. No other bus services will be running in Winchester, so the heritage buses and coaches from the 1960s and 1970s will have the city to themselves. Indeed, for local residents who want to get out and about without their car, King Alfred will be the only way to go. All rides will be free of charge, but full details and times for all the day’s services are available in the illustrated souvenir programme, which can be purchased in advance by post (for £9 including postage) from: Friends of King Alfred Buses, 13 Ashley Close, Winchester, SO22 6LR. An Information and sales stall will be held at the Guildhall on the day itself. For more information visit www.fokab.org.uk

0.6% bus journey decrease in England There was a slight decrease in bus passenger journeys in England between July and September compared to the year before – although patronage is still positive – while figures increased slightly in both Scotland and Wales. According to the Department for Transport’s latest quarterly bus statistics out last week, the number of journeys in England decreased by 0.6% during the third quarter of 2011, although growth was positive – at 3.1% in metropolitan areas, 3% in non-metropolitan areas and 1.9% in London. Wales saw an increase during the same period of 0.5% and Scotland by 0.3%. 1,145m journeys took place in England during the Q3 of 2011 (256m in metropolitan areas, 316m in non-metropolitan areas and 573m in London), compared to 110m in Scotland and 29m in Wales. Comparing the last two quarters, between Q2 (April to June) and Q3 (July to September) 2011, there was an increase in bus passenger

322.95p

Price: Year High: 416.90p Year Low: 305.36p

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Wales, Scotland and England experienced bus ridership growth journeys of 0.6% in England (1.9% in metropolitan areas and 0.9% in London, with a fall of 1.0% in non-metropolitan areas). Over the same period there was an increase of 0.4% in passenger journeys in Scotland, and a decrease of 0.5% in Wales. The annual PSV survey of 1600 bus and coach operators is used to produce final annual figures, along with statistics on other aspects of local bus operations.

To view the table of results in full, visit www.dft.gov.uk/ statistics/tables/bus0106

Price: Year High: 43.50p Year Low: 24.90p

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FTSE 100

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Price: Year High: 6,105 Year Low: 4,790

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www.coachandbusweek.com

19/12/2011 22:21

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 21, 2011

nEWS › coaches

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that people don’t understand what MPs are here for...” Paul Maynard MP

BriEfly P&O Ferries has made some alterations to its services over the festive period. The Dover to Calais ferry will have reduced services on December 24 (last sailing from Dover at 1445hrs and from Calais at 1755hrs) with no services on Christmas Day, and reduced services on December 26 (eight sailings from Dover between 0735hrs and 2315hrs, six sailings from Calais between 1045hrs and 2145hrs). There will be normal services on December 31 and New Year’s Day. The Hull to Rotterdam service will have no services on December 24, 30, 31 and Christmas Day, with normal services on New Year’s Day. Hull to Zeebrugge will have normal services on December 24, none on Christmas Day and December 26 and no services on December 31 and New Year’s Day. Work has started on the M4 elevated section near Chiswick in west London. Netting is being installed around the bridge piers between Junctions 1 and 2 to retain any debris that could fall from bridge piers where surface concrete has become loose due to delamination. The work will be carried out using temporary lane restrictions on the A4 beneath the M4, during off-peak hours, both during the day (1000-1600hrs) and overnight (2000-0530hrs). On Friday nights work will start at 2300hrs. Works to install a concrete safety barrier along the M1 near Rotherham will begin on January 3, due to finish by April 1. Some resurfacing will also take place affecting a 1.5 mile stretch of the motorway around Junction 32, encompassing the section where the M1 and the M18 are linked. Work will take place around the clock with the permanent closure of lane 3 in both directions, although the hard shoulder will be used as a running lane. A 50mph speed limit will be in place, as will narrowed lanes and some overnight closures of the southbound and northbound carriageways – on different dates. Some overnight closures of the M18 link roads will also be required, along with occasional, wholeweekend, lane two closures along the northbound carriageway. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Neoplan sales soar in UK John Hill summarises the year’s highlights Sales of Neoplan products have reached an all-time high in the UK market, according to MAN’s general manager for coach operations in the UK, John Hill. He said: “Our display at the Coach & Bus Live event in October was a clear indication of how, increasingly, the brand has been catching UK operators’ attention. The arrival of a 13.2m, three-axle P20 for the Tourliner range had been driven by operator comment and demand, and we were able to deliver in time for the show. We were duly rewarded with firm orders for some 11 vehicles, as well as with lots of serious enquiries from operators who would be firsttime users of the brand, if and when their interest turns into orders. “Similarly with the Starliner on display. The high specifications available with this model are making this a real fleet leader for operators, with companies like Ellisons using them in increasing numbers as team coaches on some very high-profile football club work.” Well-known over many years for high levels of stylish design and fittings, the involvement of MAN has added new levels of engineering sophistication and

European LEZ update

The CPT has been advised of some important updates to LEZ operations in the following countries and cities which may affect coach operations. In Italy, Aosta’s winter LEZ re-started in November. Trentino Province has several winter LEZs which re-started November; Levico Terme, Rovereto, Trento, Lavis, Pergine Valsugana and Borgo Valsugana. Ala and Mezzocorona are no longer LEZs. In Veneto Province, Rovigo’s winter LEZ was re-started in

reliability to the Neoplan marque. The all-MAN drivelines with their EGR engines have, apart from their excellent fuel-efficiency, also given operators a welcome release from the cost and complexity of AdBlue. “The rise of Neoplan sales has not come about by accident. We have grown our UK coach operation to help develop operator confidence and support. For instance, we have a new aftersales boss, Wayne Ulph, who in turn has two regional managers, and a sales team which now numbers five specialists reporting directly to me.

CTA conference p48 “Similarly, to demonstrate our absolute confidence in every product which carries either the MAN or Neoplan names here in the UK, we have trialled a new four-year warranty package during recent months and are preparing to roll it out across the ranges for 2012. When you have confidence in the engineering quality of a product, it makes sense to share it with your customers. We are certain the Neoplan range with MAN drivelines is among the very best line-up available anywhere, and we are very comfortable in using this quality to the benefit of operators –hence the four year warranty.” In addition to the new Warranty, MAN began trialling ‘MAN Bus & Coachline’ during the early part of the year. This is a new parts programme aimed at answering critics of its previous parts pricing policy. Trialled on an initial range of some 50 parts, MAN is now investing heavily in Bus & Coachline as it is rolled out over coming months to over 200 MAN and Neoplan parts. Every part involved, covering a broad selection of fast-moving and regular repair and maintenance items, will be individually assessed to ensure it fits in with both national and local price structures. Distribution of the MAN Bus & Coachline ranges will be through MAN’s network of 35 specialist bus and coach customer support centres across the country.

John Hill says the all-MAN drivelines have given operators a welcome release from AdBlue

Contact MAN Bus & Coach (Manchester) on 0161 848 8331. Visit www.manmanchester.co.uk

November and tightened to Euro 3 for diesels. Verona’s all year round LEZ has tightened to Euro 2. Rome’s LEZ has also tightened for coaches (Euro 3 for ZTL2 area). In Germany, all changes take effect from January 1, 2012. Hagen’s LEZ will come into effect. Most of Baden-Württemburg LEZs are also tightening to Euro 3(PM). These are Freiburg, Heidelberg, Heilbronn, Herrenberg, Ilsfeld, Karlsruhe, Leonberg, Ludwigsburg, Mannheim, Mühlacker, Pfinztal, Pforzheim, Pleidelsheim, Reutlingen, Schwäbisch-Gmünd, Tübingen and Ulm (Stuttgart is already Euro 3, Markgröningen going yellow a year later). Frankfurt is tightening to Euro 4(PM) while Neu-Ulm is

tightening to Euro 3(PM). The Ruhr LEZs will expand their area to a single area of 82000 hectares. The current Ruhr LEZs are Bochum, Bottrop, Dortmund, Duisburg, Essen, Gelsenkirchen, Mühlheim, Oberhausen, and Recklinghausen. From January 1, 2012, it will also include Castrop-Rauxel, Gladbeck, Herne and Herten. Osnabrück is tightening to Euro 4(PM) from January 3, 2012. Lisbon will become Portugal’s first LEZ, while Budapest in Hungary now has an emissionsrelated charging system. London’s LEZ will affect vans Euro 3(PM) and the standard for lorries and coaches will tighten to Euro 4(PM) from the new year.

19/12/2011 22:23

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Renowned South Coast of England operator Lucketts has been awarded the contract by Portsmouth Football Club for all away supporter travel

Lucketts wins Portsmouth FC contract Lucketts Travel, based in Fareham, Hampshire, has been appointed away travel coach partner for Portsmouth Football Club. The operator will provide travel for supporters heading to the club’s away games, starting from January 8, 2012 with a trip to Chelsea. Lucketts Travel’s sales director Paul Barringer said: “Portsmouth fans are known to be some of the most passionate in football and our fleet of coaches is among the best in the business so it’s a match made in

football heaven. We look forward to getting Pompey fans to the games in reassuring comfort and style.” Portsmouth Football Club’s Nick Byrom, commercial director, said: “Portsmouth Football Club is pleased to announce Lucketts Travel as its new away travel coach provider. Lucketts has undertaken our Pompey Academy work for several years and this is a natural extension of this relationship.” As previously featured in CBW, the coach hire firm has been operating since 1926, and also offers UK excursions and European holidays. Call Lucketts Travel on 01329 823755 . Visit www. lucketts.co.uk

Nantwich sets sights on CPT Coach Friendly Award The Cheshire town of Nantwich is setting the CPT’s Coach Friendly Award as its next target according to John Weir, chairman of the business led group Nantwich Flourish. Crewe & Nantwich Weaver Rotary Club, the businesses of Nantwich and the Town Council have joined forces to welcome coaches because they recognise the economic benefit they can bring to the town. Nantwich is situated nine miles from the M6 Junction 16, five miles from Crewe, 21 miles from Chester and 17 miles from Stoke on Trent, which makes it a good location for stopping off for refreshments. The town is inviting coach groups to explore its leisure and entertainment activities and events,

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including its International Cheese Show on July 25, 2012, and the annual September Food Festival. During the year coach groups can enjoy many other local activities including guided tours of Nantwich, and the Rotary Club’s annual classic car rally Weaver Wander which this year saw over 100 cars driving through the normally pedestrianised town centre. Coaches can drop passengers off at the bus station where they will be met by one of eight ambassadors to welcome them to Nantwich with information about what’s available and a £5 voucher for the driver towards a meal in the town. Coach parking is free at Nantwich Town Football Club.

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19/12/2011 22:23

10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 21, 2011

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Stagecoach brands bus for Wootton Bassett Half of advertising space used to honour town’s military heritage Stagecoach West has told passengers to look out for a specially branded Royal Wootton Bassett bus in operation on the route 55. The brand new ADL Enviro 400 depicts iconic images from in and round the town on the passenger door side while the other side of the vehicle has been donated to Help for Heroes due to the link between the town and the military. Nathan Griffith-Williams, marketing manager for Stagecoach West, said: “This is the first of seven brand new buses which will be visible on route 55 in the New Year. These newly branded vehicles promote various locations and attractions along the route. However we decided to unveil the Royal Wootton Bassett bus early to commemorate the town gaining its ‘Royal’ title. “We also wanted to do something to honour the town’s role in the repatriation of fallen servicemen and women so have donated one

side of the bus to the charity which supports those wounded, sick or injured in the line of duty.” Bryn Parry OBE, CEO and cofounder of Help for Heroes said: “H4H is all about ‘doing your bit’ and Stagecoach’s pledge to support us with the branded Royal Wootton Bassett bus is just fantastic. We have no doubt the bus will be

a great success and raise vital awareness. On behalf of everyone at H4H and all those who will benefit, I would like to say thank you.” The new bus was unveiled by Hero the Bear, the official Help for Heroes mascot, who was joined by Divene Anderson from Stagecoach West and Stewart Perry from the charity’s events team.

Half of the double-decker is adorned with iconic images from the town, with the other decorated by Help for Heroes

First donations pass £4.5m mark

FirstGroup revealed it has donated £10,000 this Christmas to its national charity partner, Save the Children. This brings its total inkind support and cash donations to just over £4.5m since the partnership began in 2007. Rather than sending traditional cards this year, First has posted a Christmas message on its website, including a reference to Save the Children. As a token of the savings made, First was able to donate an extra £10,000 to its charity partner. Avril Gill, FirstGroup’s marketing manager, said: “I’m thrilled our £10k donation breaks the £4.5m mark and hope it helps bring some much needed joy to the children in the UK who need it most this www.coachandbusweek.com

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Green award for Arriva Merseyside Arriva Merseyside has won the silver Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice. The award, part of the national campaign to find Britain’s greenest firms, councils and communities, is shared with St Johns and Clayton Square Shopping Centres and City Central Businesses for their joint Big Go & Grow campaign. The campaign gave every school on Merseyside the opportunity to nominate themselves to receive gardening equipment, seeds and advice to grow their own produce. The campaign culminated in a mini farmers’ market event organised by City Central BID. This gave children from the shortlisted schools the chance to sell the produce they had grown and raise more than £1,100 for school funds. Arriva NW marketing and communications manager Debra Heaton said: “To receive a Green Apple Award for the Big Go & Grow project is a huge honour. The project was all about helping children think about ways they can help the environment. All of us at Arriva were proud to be involved.”

Ensignbus launches 24hour running

First has been in partnership with Save the Children for five years Christmas. “Announcing the partnership with Save the Children some five years ago, we could never have envisaged it being so successful. Our staff across the UK have embraced the partnership with incredible enthusiasm and have taken part in all sorts of challenges and sporting events to raise money for Save the Children.”

Douglas Rouse, corporate partnerships director at Save the Children, added: “This generous Christmas donation is a great end to what has been a fantastic year of support from FirstGroup. We are incredibly proud our partnership has been running for five years and grateful FirstGroup is helping us to support some of the poorest children in the UK.”

Ensignbus route 73, which runs between Lakeside and Tilbury Civic Square via London Road, Grays and Socketts Heath, will gain a 24 hour service on Mondays to Fridays from January 3, 2012. The first bus on a Monday morning from Tilbury will be at 0405hrs. The service will then run until the 0045 departure from Lakeside on Friday night. On Monday to Thursday nights the service will run hourly between 2300 and 0500hrs. The service will trial for an initial six month period, after which it is hoped it will become permanent. Paul Dickson customer services manager at Ensignbus, said: “We’re delighted to be able introduce a 24 hour service on route 73. It’s something we’ve been looking at for a while.”

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Borismaster debuts in London Eight new vehicles to enter service on Arriva’s route 38 in February 2012 Nearly a week after the last bendy bus was withdrawn from service, the New Bus for London (NBfL) hit the streets of London, attracting a surge of media frenzy at Trafalgar Square last Friday. Driven by Transport for London (TfL) commissioner Peter Hendy from City Hall, the vehicle was shown off by London Mayor Boris Johnson as a pinnacle of “cutting edge British technology” and it has taken under two years to move from the drawing board stage to a fully functioning prototype, as built by Wrightbus in Ballymena. Alongside seven more vehicles due to arrive next year, the debut vehicle will enter passenger service on the route 38 between Victoria and Hackney operated by Arriva on February 20. The mayor quipped it was a coincidence this route runs near where he lives. Over the next few weeks the bus will undergo testing for certification purposes and will be put through its paces by the Arriva staff, who will be responsible for driving and crewing them. The buses will be trialled in passenger service and the performance and passenger feedback will be evaluated, said TfL. If the trial is deemed successful, it is anticipated “hundreds” of the new buses could operate across London in the coming years. A team of 25 engineers and a 40-strong production team at Wrightbus have worked on the first prototypes of the hybrid-powered bus and Wrightbus’ development engineering manager, David Barnett, told CBW the standard TfL emissions test carried out on the 159 route showed performance of 11.6 miles to the gallon. At Millbrook Proving Ground, the engineering test vehicle emitted 640 grams per kilometre (g/km) of carbon dioxide and 3.96 g/km of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) - less than half of the carbon dioxide emitted by a current diesel bus (1295g/km) and under half of the NOx emitted by a current diesel bus (9.3g/km). Fuel economy also proved better than twice that of a standard diesel bus. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Boris Johnson last week hailed the New Buses for London as the “greatest piece of British engineering and design”; the interior of the bus (below), with new seat and moquette design, aims to provide comfort and style

Showing off the “sinous curves” of his brainchild, Johnson said: “Cutting edge British technology sends a message to the world that we can design and build beautiful buses here in the UK. The magic thing about this bus is the domes of the design reminiscent of the old taxi or architecture - that’s the thing which says London.” Setting it apart from bendy buses “which are dangerous for cyclists”, Boris asked: “Do Londoners want a bus which is cleaner and greener and built in Britain or do they want to go back to a German-built bus?” “Christmas has arrived early in the form of this revolutionary new bus whose gleaming coat of

red paint and sinuous curves will brighten the day of all who see it humming along our great city’s streets,” he continued. “It is the latest, greatest masterpiece of British engineering and design, and I am certain it will become a much-loved and iconic vehicle akin to the legendary Routemaster from which it draws so much inspiration.” David Barnett told CBW: “It’s a great day for us and we are very proud and delighted with this product. I think it’s a huge step forward for public transport. A lot of hard work has gone into what we believe will be an icon in London and also bus design globally.

“I think this has the potential of revolutionising bus design - maybe not in this guise. The technology is class-leading and the use of structural composites to bring the weight down of the NBfL is not being used elsewhere. We see this as an opportunity to move bus technology forward. This shows real vision from our political leaders, with two UK leading companies working together, and the bus built in the UK .This is a success story.” Commenting on testing the NBfL before it enters service next year, Bob Scowen, managing director for Arriva London said: “Everyone involved with the running of route 38 is looking forward to testing the new bus and putting it through its paces.” Meanwhile Peter Hendy said: “It is a phenomenal achievement to get a bus of this calibre from the drawing board to the streets of London in just two years and my congratulations goes to all who have worked tirelessly to make this happen. “This bus has been designed from the wheels up with the complex needs of Londoners in mind; it truly is a 21st century bus. It’s stylish and comfortable, and will ensure a smooth ride for all on board as well as an eye catching spectacle for those who will see it glide through the streets of London.” Wrightbus was awarded the contract for engineering design and to build the NBfL in January 2010. London-based designers Heatherwick Studio provided the exterior and interior design. Core design features include three entrances and two staircases aimed at delivering speedy boarding, a new seat and moquette design and a platform at the rear, in common with the Routemaster, which will be open when there is a conductor on board allowing passengers to hop on and off at bus stops. Thomas Heatherwick, of Heatherwick Studio, said: “It has been 50 years since a bus was last designed and commissioned specifically for London. This has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a team to look again at the opportunities for a new open-platform bus.”

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nEWS › financial

Go-Ahead growth boosted by smartcard Revenue growth of 3.5% expected, bus operations both in and outside London “performing well” says Big Five operator Go-Ahead Group plc is expecting to achieve revenue growth of around 3.5% for the first half of the financial year, it reported in a trading statement last week. Announcing its pre-close trading update for the six months ending December 31, 2011, the group reported robust trading in bus and rail, with operating profit slightly ahead of board expectations. The group’s bus operations outside London have remained resilient in the period and passenger numbers (excluding acquisitions) have risen about 3% in the second quarter, helped, in part, by the company’s continued rollout of smartcards. The increase in smartcard users has reduced the average yield per customer as passengers have taken advantage of the good value offered by period passes. Total deregulated revenue (including the acquisition of Thames Travel) is expected to grow by over 5% in the first half of the financial year. In London, mileage increased during the period as expected, due to new contracts beginning in the second quarter. Mileage growth of around 2% is expected for the first half of 2012. Go-Ahead expects a similar increase in revenue, despite lower Quality Incentive Contract (QIC) bonus payments compared to the first half of the last financial

21st Century has a bright future

21st Century, the supplier and installation service provider of public transport CCTV and vehicle monitoring systems, has issued a pre-close trading update ahead of its preliminary results for the year ending December 31, 2011, which will be announced on March 28. www.coachandbusweek.com

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year. Fuel costs remain fully hedged for this year at 41 pence per litre (ppl), in line with last year. The group is now around 70% hedged for 2012/13 at an average of 49 ppl. Meanwhile, the group said its cash management remains strong, with net debt expected to be around £60m at the half year, slightly lower than at the end of the last financial year. Net debt to EBITDA (Earnings Before

Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) is also expected to remain comfortably within the group’s target range of 1.5 to 2.5 times. Capital expenditure is also expected to be in line with expectations at around £35m for the first half and approximately £80m for the full year. The group’s future outlook is positive. “Although we remain cautious about the wider economic outlook, we continue to see robust

Mileage growth of around 2% is expected for the first half of 2012 in the London operations. A London General Mercedes-Benz Citaro is seen here The company expects profit after tax for the year from continuing activities to be in line with market expectations, and cash flow generated from operations to be significantly ahead of expectations in the second half of the year. Significantly, the company now has no bank debt, and held cash at bank of £2.7m at November 30, 2011, compared to net debt of £0.6m at June 30, 2011. 21st Century is the preferred supplier of on-board CCTV systems to Arriva UK Bus, the Go-Ahead

Group and FirstGroup UK Bus, in addition to being the preferred supplier to Arriva and Keolis in Stockholm. To date, it has also sold over 6,500 of its EcoManager driver’s aid systems, with customers reporting fuel savings of up to 12%, and 60% reduction in accidents after fitting the device to their buses. Nick Grimond, 21st Century’s chief executive, said: “We are extremely pleased with the performance in the current year and encouraged to have significant

performance across both divisions, leading us to expect group operating profit for the full year to June 30, 2012 slightly ahead of our previous view,” said the statement. “Our cashflow and balance sheet remain strong, underpinning our dividend policy, providing support in the event of a downturn in the economy and allowing flexibility to pursue further value-adding opportunities.” Commenting on the results, David Brown, group chief executive of Go-Ahead, said: “While we remain suitably cautious about the medium term wider economic outlook, trading in both our bus and rail divisions continues to be strong, with record numbers of passengers using our services. This demonstrates the resilience of public transport during challenging economic times as passengers seek convenient and value-for-money alternatives to the private car. “Our bus operations both in and outside London are performing well. Our sector-leading London business has seen growth due to new contracts commencing in the period, and our regional operations continue to make progress through initiatives such as smartcard technology.” The Telegraph newspaper advised investors “the main reasons to own (Go-Ahead) shares is for income, as they are yielding a prospective 6%. The shares were first tipped at £12.15 on June 11 last year and are now 13% ahead compared with the FTSE 100, down 6%.” Go-Ahead group boasts several award-winning operating companies in its fold, including konectbus, Brighton & Hove and Oxford Bus Company. For more information, visit www. go-ahead.com

pipeline sales opportunities as we approach the year end. As previously stated, we continue to progress the sale of our freehold property in Mitcham, Surrey. “The company has a strong cash position, providing a sound financial base from which to support our growth plans and take advantage of opportunities in favourable markets as they develop.”

Visit 21st Century on-line at www.21stplc.com

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nEWS › international

China-based Higer enter Australian bus market Imports cost 40% less than comparable current offerings from native manufacturers CHInA Chinese-made Higer city buses will arrive in Australia within three months, at prices 40% below comparable current offerings from native manufacturers. Importer WMC Group will also be offering a lead time of two months for the Higer buses, compared with up to nine months from rival bus manufacturers. The Suzhou-based manufacturer already offers six different coaches across Australia, including the 7.6m Munro and the 12.3m Roadboss. They are all made in China and shipped to Australia completely built-up. WMC Group will target operators looking to reduce their budget, with the new Higer buses to be priced at around AUS$350,000 compared with around AUS$485,000 for a similar Australian-made vehicle on an imported rolling chassis. WMC general manager Shannon Taylor said the expanded bus range

would turn Higer from one of the fastest-growing bus companies in Australia to one of the biggest. “We expect to go from 300 units a year now to a couple of thousand next year,” he said. Mr Taylor said Higer had already gone from eighth to first among non-city bus brands in Australia in just 12 months, and commented that attractive pricing drew

customers to the new Higer buses, but so did technical advantages. He added: “Price is part of the story, not the whole story.” Higer offers both diesel and CNGpowered vehicles, with hybrid also a possibility. The buses will be powered by Cummins engines with Allison transmissions, and are expected to go on sale from February or March.

Higer produces a range of buses and coaches

Volvo receives order from Jamaica

JAMAICA Volvo Buses has announced an order worth €16.3m for 230 buses for Kingston, Jamaica. The order, which includes 210 conventional B7Rs and 20 B12M articulated buses, will be delivered over a three-year period, with 65 vehicles to arrive by the end of 2011. “The Jamaican authorities are now implementing a massive public transport improvement programme in Kingston to create better living conditions for the city’s population. I am proud that Volvo Buses is part of this process,” said Alexandre Selski, who is handling the transaction on behalf of Volvo. He added: “This means we are now further strengthening our position in Jamaica. It is also www.coachandbusweek.com

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Ballard to supply cells to Van Hool CAnADA Ballard Power Systems has signed an equipment supply agreement with Van Hool NV for 21 latest-generation FCvelocityTMHD6 fuel cell power modules. The modules feature a control unit which interfaces with a system controller to make a “plug-andplay” product for any fuel cell or hybrid fuel cell bus platform, and will power zero-emission buses to be deployed in several European cities. These will be named after completion of the associated contracts between Van Hool and transport authorities in these cities. It is expected that the majority of the modules will be shipped in 2012. Belgian-based Van Hool previously engineered and produced five hybrid fuel cell buses, using Ballard power modules, for deployment in Oslo, Norway. MD Leopold Van Hool said: “We are pleased to be using Ballard fuel cell modules, building on its proven track record of reliability and durability. These modules are compact, while delivering the high performance required for heavy duty city buses.”

Toronto’s iconic GMs withdrawn

65 buses will arrive in Kingson before the year-end verification that our focus on quality and service, and the support received from Volvo dealership in Jamaica, JR Group, are appreciated by our customer.” Most of the bus chassis will be built at the Volvo Buses factory in Borås, Sweden. The articulated

bus chassis will be built by Volvo in Curitiba, Brazil. The bodies are built by VDL Jonckheere in Belgium. The purchaser is JUTC, the Jamaican Urban Transit Company. Volvo Buses currently has around a 60% share of the Jamaican city bus market.

CAnADA Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) withdrew its last five iconic General Motors (GM) buses on December 16. The vehicles, which were dubbed “Fishbowls” due to their curved windshields, had been serving passengers in Canada’s largest city for more than half a century. Brad Ross of TTC’s, said the buses would go to Hillcrest depot to be decommissioned. GM was the preferred supplier for TTC, until Orion Bus Industries was established by the Government of Ontario in 1975. There were still 396 GM buses in 2005, but now TTC’s fleet is predominantly Orion. The TTC ordered 50 GM buses in 1959, while the last five to be in service hit Toronto’s streets in 1983.

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nEWS › REGIONAL

SCOTLAnD

Lothian Buses is looking for a solution to end its longrunning controversial “pram ban”. The ban, which has been in place since June 13, 2008, means drivers should refuse access to anyone attempting to travel with an unfoldable pram, in case space is required by a wheelchair user. The Babies on Buses action group have been calling for the policy to be reversed for years. They say it results in mums with babies being unable to travel, because many buggies suitable for children of that age cannot be folded down. Research is being undertaken by the operator into its “accessibility policy” with the issue of prams at the top of the agenda. Independent researchers have suggested a range of possible options including a compulsory buggy ticket, which would cost more than a standard ticket. Campaigner Caroline Burgess, said: “It just sounds totally unfair. You need a buggy to carry a baby on a bus. “And when you are talking about people who have just had a baby they will probably be on quite low income. Would they charge someone extra for taking luggage on board or for needing a bit of extra room? “And how would it be acceptable to charge someone to take on a buggy who was entitled to free transport?” Also discussed was the introduction of an onward travel ticket, which mums could use if they had to leave the bus to make space for a wheelchair user. Mrs Burgess said: “The idea of having a ticket to go further is fantastic. We had a situation where a young mum was travelling. “A wheelchair user required the space and she vacated it, but when she got off she found she didn’t have any change. She was stranded in a strange area and she had to walk with three children to the ATM.” The group is planning to seek legal advice on a possible challenge under equality legislation. Lothian Buses has said its current policy is to comply with disability legislation by making room for wheelchair users. Managing director Ian Craig said: “We are currently engaging with many interest groups as part of an ongoing review of our accessibility policy. We will be assessing all of the feedback from these groups and hope to be in a position to discuss www.coachandbusweek.com

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Development for around £2.3m and through the Sustainable Stations Project (SusStations), with about £570,000 of support from the EU Interreg IVB North West Europe Programme (NWE). Mr Kennedy said: “When built (the station) will be Northern Ireland’s first sustainable station by local contractors, Glasgiven Contracts. “Once completed it will provide much needed improvements for almost 3,000 travellers who currently use the facilities every day.” Catherine Mason, group chief executive, Translink, said: “This will be a modern and accessible transport hub.”

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accessibility further in January.” First Glasgow is seeking permission to make cuts to a bus route which it says is making a substantial loss. Service 262, which runs between Airdrie, Coatbridge, Baillieston, Glasgow and Clydebank, currently runs until midnight Monday to Saturday, but the operator wants to finish the route at 1900hrs, as well as reduce the frequency from three to two services per hour and stop the Sunday service altogether. First has contacted the Office of Fair Trading to request permission for the change, stating “an appreciable fall in passenger demand, significant increases in operating costs and/or other relevant changes”. If granted, the change would come into effect in April. The plans to cut back the service have come under fire from Central Scotland MSP Siobhan McMahon. She said: “Many of my constituents in Airdrie rely on the evening service from Glasgow, and First should not be allowed to redraw the rules to suit themselves. “Not everyone can afford to own and run a car, and trains are not as flexible as buses, which allow people to board and alight a short distance from their destinations – this is especially important for the elderly and those with walking difficulties. “Bus firms are failing to provide a consistent and co-ordinated service

in rural as well as urban areas, and it’s clear the needs of customers are not being put first.” A spokesperson for First Glasgow said: “We regularly review passenger numbers on our services, particularly in light of the worsening economic conditions. “Service 262 has operated at a substantial loss for a number of years and we are seeking permission to make changes to the route. “If permission is granted, we are likely to implement a reduced timetable which better reflects customer demand. “However, no changes will take place until at least April 2012. During this time we will be examining what different options exist to minimise the impact of any changes for passengers.”

nORTHERn IRELAnD

Construction of Ulster’s first environmentally sustainable bus and rail station is expected to start early in the New Year in Antrim. On December 14, transport minister Danny Kennedy announced £2.9m of funding to build the newly-refurbished, facility which is set to incorporate environmentally sustainable features such as roof-mounted solar panels and a water harvesting system with a naturally insulated ‘green’ roof. The project has been funded by the Department for Regional

Radio station Hallam FM has teamed up with First in Sheffield to dish out instant cash prizes to bus passengers. A total of £2,000 is being given away, with passengers urged to listen to the station or visit online to find out which bus Team Hallam will be on, along with a phrase they will need in order to claim the prize. Brandon Jones, managing director of First South Yorkshire, explained it is part of Get on Board, a bigger campaign running since October giving bus users the chance to win prizes by checking the back of their bus tickets. He said: “We wanted to spread some goodwill over Christmas but at the same time encourage people to use the bus and help ease congestion. The reaction of some of the people has been fantastic - despite the cold weather we’ve brightened up many journeys to work and shopping.” ‘Big John’ at Breakfast said: “Our listeners love it. There was one woman who went on a few different buses trying to track Team Hallam down. She was so excited when she finally found them. “One man, on his way to buy his grandson a Christmas present, was reduced to tears when he was handed his share of the money.”

WALES

Buses will make a return to Wrexham High Street from March, after they were originally stopped running due to traffic problems. Wrexham Council’s executive board approved a scheme to introduce a half-hourly service operated by the authority on a sixmonth trial basis.

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It will use a 19-seater vehicle to link the main public transport interchanges with shops in Regent Street, Hope Street, High Street, Queen’s Square and Eagles Meadow. Services will run between 0915 and 1412hrs, Monday to Saturday and call at a number of existing stops along the route. In the pedestrian zone, buses will be restricted to 5mph and operate on a ‘hail and ride’ basis. On Monday and Thursday the service will be diverted to avoid disrupting the outdoor markets held in Queen’s Square. The council says passenger fares, a single or all-day pass, will be set in line with commercial rates for adult tickets. Welsh concessionary fare passes will also be accepted on the buses. The “buses back” scheme won 100% support from everyone consulted about it. Moving the scheme for approval, lead member for transport and the environment, Johnstown Cllr David Bithell, said: “The route is designed to be as quick as possible and also affordable and accessible to the public.” Erddig councillor Bob Dutton said: “This is a good move which will be welcomed by the town centre traders.”

December 21, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19

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

EAST

2012

Norfolk County Council (NCC) has reduced expenditure by £218,000 over a number of years after it re-tendered its contract using the controversial internet auction method. The system works as a reverse eBay, with operators bidding progressively lower. In two auctions £38,000 was instantly saved as 60 companies bid to operate 33 routes, the council claimed. The savings form part of the authority’s plan to cut millions of pounds from its transport budget. It was the first time the county had taken part in the e-auction system. Cliff Jordan, CC’s cabinet member for efficiency, said: “Council staff involved with these e-auctions have used their initiative and professional expertise to achieve excellent value for money, building on our strong track record of finding efficiency savings. “E-auctions are a useful tool which we will use when we think it can add value to our procurement to ensure we increase both the transparency and competitiveness of our tendering process.” NCC said overall renegotiation of contracts for home-to-school transport will see the save more than £1m this financial year.

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. Contact Phillipa Sudlow, CPT NW regional manager email phillipas@cpt-uk. org or call 01925 229497. n January 28 Excursions 2012. Alexandra Palace, London. www. excursions.org.uk 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 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 March 31 ‘M&D and EK 60’. Kent Showground on the A249 near Maidstone. www.arrivabus.co.uk/ MDEK60, contact mdekbusclub@ gmail.com n April 14 Paul S Winson Coaches Running Day. Loughborough and local area. www.busrunningday. co.uk, contact info@busrunningday. co.uk

Famous children’s comic characters created by DC Thomson in Dundee have appeared on brand new buses in the city thanks to the first stage of a unique tie-up between the publisher and National Express Dundee. Two of the firm’s 16 brand new Wright Volvos have been branded with Dennis, Gnasher and Oor Wullie characters. Oor Wullie will take his place on route 22, whereas Dennis and Gnasher will be menacing their way around on routes 28/29. The characters’ presence means they join Desperate Dan and Minnie the Minx on the city’s streets, as the other pair already has pride of place as statues on City Square. It’s a fitting end to a year which saw both characters celebrate major anniversaries - Oor Wullie was 75 and Dennis the Menace was 60 in 2011. Phil Smith, National Express Dundee MD, said: “These new buses are a major investment into the bus network here in Dundee. We’re delighted the characters, which are symbols of pride to Dundee will be on the sides of the city’s new buses.”

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

The ALBUM Conference 2012 will be held at the Forest Pines Hotel, near Brigg in North Lincolnshire. Pictured here is the 2011 event, which took place at Wokefield Park, Reading n May 22-23 ALBUM Conference. – Forest Pines Hotel, near Brigg, North Lincolnshire. www.albumconference.co.uk n August 3-5 Bedford OB GetTogether. South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester, GL7 5QB. Contact the organiser Tim Wootton by email on tim@tjcs.freeserve.co.uk. Visit http://www.bedfordob.com/ n August 27 The National Association of Road Transport Museums gala day. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk n September 8-9 UK Bus Driver of the Year, Blackpool. Call competition secretary Bill Holmes on 01303 251462. www.bdoy.co.uk n September 20-27 IAA Commercial Vehicles. Hannover. +(00)49 30897842. www.iaa.de n October 14 Midland Red Centenary of the Reintroduction of Motorbuses. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk n November 6-8 Euro Bus Expo. NEC, Birmingham. 01926 834790. www.eurobusxpo.com n November 20 UK Bus Awards – provisional date. www. ukbusawards.org.uk

2013 n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition. Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 6100. n October 18-23 Busworld Kortrijk. www.busworld.org

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

RegionalNews.indd 19

19/12/2011 22:28

20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 21, 2011

nEWS › TOURISM

3,000

Acreage of the park at Grimsthorpe castle in south Lincolnshire

The Heritage Motor Centre is home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars, and between February 11 and September 2, 2012, the venue will be hosting Best of British Motoring Record Breakers, presenting some of the fastest, the smallest and the most economical British cars. Special rates apply for groups of 12 plus. Adults pay £8 each and children between five and 16 pay £6. Prices apply to visits booked in advance. Ring 01926 645029 for more information. Winner of best new musical at the 2012 Laurence Olivier Awards, Legally Blonde The Musical is currently booking until October 27, 2012, at London’s Savoy Theatre. The production features an impressive cast, including ex-Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson as Elle Woods, Natalie Casey from Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps as Paulette and Peter Davison, who was the fifth incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who. The cast has recently been joined by former Emmerdale star Ben Freeman as Warner, and Stephen Ashfield, who has appeared on-stage in Jersey Boys, Taboo and Fame amongst others. The production, based on the book and film of the same name, follows college sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle as she heads to Harvard Law to win back her boyfriend. The musical is currently booking until October 27, 2012. For special group rates ring 0844 871 7644. Visit www. legallyblondethemusical.co.uk for more information. Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum is home to worldclass collections of works of art and antiquities spanning many centuries, including paintings dating back to the 14th century, and various artefacts from Egypt, the Ancient Near East, Greece, Rome and Cyprus. Owned by the university, the museum can offer guided tours for groups through the Cambridge Tourist Information Centre. Tours are priced at £4 per person plus a £20 minimum donation per group. For more information ring 01223 457574 or email tours@cambridge.gov.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

TourNews.indd 20

Top cast for awardwinning production It would be a crime to miss this Manchester outing The world-famous Chicago musical returns to Manchester from March 19 to 24, 2012, featuring an all-star cast. The Palace Theatre will be home to soap stars Ali Bastian, Stefan Booth and Tupele Dorgu, as well as pop star Bernie Nolan. Based on real life events from the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and ends up in jail. Along with doublemurderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn. Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian plays the lead role of Roxie. In 2009 she reached the semi-finals of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, proving her on-stage talents. Her theatre work includes Verdict, Burn the Floor and the UK Tour of Strictly Live 2010. Stefan Booth will be playing Billy Flynn. He is known for his role as

Greg Jessop in EastEnders, as well as playing regular rolls in The Bill and Hollyoaks. He also reached the finals of the first series of ITV’s Dancing On Ice. Velma Kelly will be played by ex-Coronation Street star Tupele Dorgu, who played Kelly Crabtree in

Left to right: Tupele Dorgu, Stefan Booth, Ali Bastian and Bernie Nolan

The story of Renaissance period swords in London The Wallace Collection in London’s West End is hosting The Noble Art of the Sword, an exhibition telling the story of the skilled artistry of swords in the Renaissance period. Centuries ago, warrior knights used their swords not only as weapons, but as symbols of their elite class. In the 16th century Renaissance, civilian swords also became works of art. The displays show how these weapons also became fashion items representing the rise of a new upwardly-mobile middle class. The Wallace Collection is a national museum in a historic London town house just behind Selfridges department store. It contains one of the world’s finest collections of Old Master paintings, including the famous Laughing

Rapiers on display at the museum Cavalier by Franz Hals, as well as furniture, sculptures, galleries of princely arms and armour, and important displays of gold boxes and miniatures. In March three newly-refurbished Dutch galleries are opening in the East Wing. The museum is open daily between 1000-1700hrs, and admission is free. The Noble Art of the Sword will be on display from May 17 to September 16, 2012. Groups are welcomed at the museum, and visits can be combined with a morning’s

the soap for six years. The lead roles will be completed by Bernie Nolan playing Mama Morton. As a lead singer with The Nolans, she and her sisters enjoyed phenomenal worldwide success. On stage Bernie has recently played Cora in Calendar Girls and Hannah Owens in Flashdance. She was also a finalist in the first series of ITV’s Popstar to Opera Star. Chicago opened at the Adelphi Theatre in London on November 18 1997 to rave reviews, winning the 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for ‘Outstanding Musical Production’ as well as the 1998 Critics Circle Drama Award for ‘Best Musical’, and immediately became a sell-out hit. The performance of Chicago moves to a number of other theatre venues around the country as part of a five-month UK tour. For more information call the group booking line on 0844 871 3038 or visit www. atgv.co.uk/manchester

shopping and afternoon tea in the restaurant. Private guided tours with a Wallace Collection guide lecturer are available on a range of subjects between 1000-1530hrs. The cost is £6 per person or a minimum charge of £60 per guide. A maximum of 25 people can be addressed per guide, but it is possible to run two tours concurrently. A maximum of 50 people can be accommodated on any one day. Bookings must be made at least two weeks in advance. Exclusive access tours are also available in the morning before the museum opens to the public, between 0900-1000hrs. Coaches may drop off and pick up directly outside. Some parking is available for small minibuses subject to availability. The Wallace Restaurant serves morning coffees and pastries, lunches and afternoon tea, as well as snacks throughout the day. To book call 020 7563 9551 or email booking@ wallacecollection.org

VISITBRITAIN.COM

BriEfly

19/12/2011 22:36

VISITBRITAIN.COM

December 21, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21

1997 8 The year Chicago opened at the Adelphi Theatre in London

Number of cities in the UK and Ireland to which American Idiot will be calling

RAY BIGGS

Green Day musical heads to Britain

Tickets are now on sale for the UK and Ireland premiere of American Idiot, an adaptation of punk rock band Green Day’s concept album of the same name. The production opens on October 9 followed by performance runs in Southampton, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin, Manchester, Birmingham and London. The musical’s plot follows main protagonist Johnny’s journey of selfdiscovery involving nihilism, drug abuse, and lost love. It contains many of group’s best known hit songs including Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Wake Me Up When September Ends, Holiday and American Idiot, as well as other Green Day classics including Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) and 21 Guns. Winner of two Tony Awards and the 2010 Grammy Award winner for best musical show album, American Idiot premiered in Berkeley in September 2009 before opening on Broadway in April 2010. For ticket pricing and other information visit www. americanidiotthemusical.co.uk/

dEAlS OF THE WEEK Cragside, located in Rothbury, Northumberland, is the revolutionary home of Lord Armstrong, Victorian inventor and landscape genius. Crammed with clever gadgets, it was the first house in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity. The Grade I listed building, which has been in the care of the National Trust since 1977, is surrounded by one of the largest rock gardens in Europe. Visitors can also get lost in the labyrinth, experience the wildlife hide and explore the lakes and woodland – home to Armstrong’s transatlantic conifer collection. Every Thursday between March 8 and May 31, 2012, Cragside is giving visitors the chance to step back in time to 1880, and journey

diESEl priCES

The house sits amid 3,000 acres of pastures, lakes and woodland

Historic Grimsthorpe Castle with 3,000 acre park Grimsthorpe Castle, near Bourne in south Lincolnshire is set in a picturesque 3,000 acre park of pastures, lakes and woodland. The vast country estate has been home of the de Eresby family since 1516, and is currently owned by Jane Heathcote-DrummondWilloughby, 28th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby. Group activities include castle, park and garden tours, “How Grimsthorpe Works” – an allinclusive lecture and tour with meals, and garden study days. Grimsthorpe Castle group admission prices range from £7.95 per person for a tour, to £26 per person for the full-day activities for

through a day in the house as servants go about daily chores, and Lord Armstrong discusses the electric light bulb with Joseph Swan. Other activities for 2012 include National Science and Engineering Week between March 11 and March 17, and Water Wizards – an interactive look at the wonder of water – between February 11 and February 18. There is also a licensed tea room and a visitor centre. Hot meals are served between 1200hrs and 1400. The house is open between March and October, Tuesday to Sunday, and on Bank Holiday Mondays. The garden is open between February and December. Exact opening times for 2012 will be available soon. Full tickets cost £11 each per group member. Entrance to the garden and estate only is £7.15 and just £3.60 in winter. Parking is available for five

groups of 15 plus. The admission charge is waived for group leaders of parties of 30 plus. The new season starts on April 1 accompanied by special group offers for 2012. These include a castle and park tour with lunch for £14.99 per person and a castle and park tour with cream teas for £11.99 per person. Prices relate to pre-booked visits. The castle also has an adventure playground, a shop and a tearoom on site.

For more information on special events, a full pricing guide and opening times visit www.grimsthorpe.co.uk

The famous Great Hall from the Harry Potter film series coaches 350 yards from the house and 150 yards from the visitor centre. The average length of visit is three hours. n For more information ring 01669 620333. From April 2012, Warner Bros. Studio in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, opens its doors to the public, allowing the chance to explore the set of the Harry Potter films. The unique walking tour

Cost per litre in pence: Great Britain Sweden Belgium Italy Germany Ireland Netherlands France Czech Republic Greece Portugal Austria Hungary Spain Slovenia Poland Luxembourg

140.90 136.28 129.02 127.65 125.52 123.55 123.55 123.47 118.94 118.77 117.83 116.38 114.63 109.30 108.36 104.40 104.26

HOlidAy pOUnd £1 will get you: Euro Switzerland (Franc) Norway (Kroner) Hungary (Forint) Czech Republic (Koruna) Poland (Zloty)

1.19 1.45 9.22 361.10 30.31 5.35

takes visitors behind the scenes, showcasing an array of sets, costumes and props. It also promises to reveal some secrets about the special effects and animatronics used in the film series. Fans can see Hogwarts in the flesh, including the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office plus a chance to see iconic props from the films like Harry’s broom, the Nimbus 2000, and Hagrid’s famous motorcycle. The tour takes approximately three hours but is mostly self guided, leaving visitors free to explore the attraction at their own pace. Groups rates for 10 to 24 people are £26 adult, £19.50 children (five – 15). Groups of 25 plus are £25.20 adults, £18.90 children. Parties this size are required to ring in advance. n For more information visit www. wbstudiotour.co.uk/en/ or call 08450 840 900. www.coachandbusweek.com

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22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 21, 2011

nEWS › BUSINESS

The number of long term unemployed people which First Bristol has reintroduced into the job market

BriEfly UK unemployment rose by 128,000 in the three months to October to 2.64 million, the highest level since 1994. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the jobless rate was 8.3%, up from 7.9% in the previous quarter. Youth unemployment rose to 1.027 million, the highest since records began in 1992, beating the previous record set last month. Meanwhile, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance rose by 3,000 to 1.6 million in November. However, the rate of increase in the claimant count showed signs of slowing down. The 3,000 rise was much less than the approximate 15,000 figure expected on average by economists. Business Secretary Vince Cable says David Cameron’s refusal to sign up for EU treaty changes is less important than ensuring the single market survives. Cable defended Prime Minister David Cameron’s use of the British veto to block eurozone treaty change after France and Germany opposed “safeguards” to protect Britain’s economy. “The really important thing about this summit is that Europe sorts out its very deep crisis because hundreds of thousands of British jobs depend on the eurozone crisis being resolved,” he said. “The key national interest we are trying to protect here is the single market. Very large sectors of the economy depend on it in all parts of the country. We have a critical interest keeping the single market and enlarging it.” Thomas Cook has said it will close 200 UK stores over the next two years as part of its turnaround plan - 125 more than previously announced. Staff at 115 of the affected shops were expected to be informed of their fate last week, with the loss of 661 jobs. News of the closures came as it reported a £398m ($616m) loss for the year to the end of September. The world’s oldest travel agency has been looking to cut its debts to restore the confidence of investors. In November, it secured £200m of new financing, just days after seeing its shares plunge 75% in one day. www.coachandbusweek.com

BusinessNews.indd 22

First receives employer and CSR awards Operator recognised for work in helping unemployed back to work in Bristol While UK unemployment has risen to 2.64 million, the highest level since 1994, FirstGroup has been named Employer of the Year in recognition of the work it has done to get the long term unemployed in Bristol back into work. First received the award at a ceremony in London Tomorrow’s People Annual Awards for Achievement for the work it has done with national employment charity Tomorrow’s People. Over the past year First has met with a number of people who, having been out of work for some time, were looking for new job opportunities in the Bristol area. The company, supported by Tomorrow’s People, provided information about working for First and helped potential employees apply for roles within the business. As a direct result 11 people have

joined the company, employed in a variety of roles including administration as well as traditional driving jobs. One such employee is Tracey Beckford (50) from St George. Having spent around a year out of work while caring for a

Tracey Beckford is a prime example of First helping the unemployed

IoD welcomes tribunal fee proposals The Ministry of Justice has opened a consultation on introducing employment tribunal fees. Two options have been put forward: initial fee of £150-£250 for 1 An a claimant to begin a claim, with an additional fee of £250£1250 if the claim goes to a hearing. There would be no limit to the maximum award; or single fee of £200-£600, 2 Awith the maximum award capped at £30,000. There would be the option of an additional fee of £1,750 for those seeking awards above this amount. The Institute of Directors (IoD) welcomed the proposals, concluding the suggested fees were of a sufficient level to act as a deterrent to unmerited claims. A fee waiver is proposed for those who cannot afford to pay. The intention

sick relative, Tracey was referred to Tomorrow’s People by the Job Centre in January 2011. With plenty of administrative experience under her belt, gained from previous work in the NHS, Tracey had lots to offer employers, but time away from paid work had knocked her confidence and self esteem. With support from Tomorrow’s People, Tracey was able to secure a role as an administrator working for First in its Lawrence Hill depot in Bristol. “I’m really enjoying this job,” said Tracey. “The maternity cover is due to end in about a month’s time but First is such a big company that I hope to be able to move into another role, or another department, in due course. I would certainly like to stay with the company as the people here have been incredibly supportive of me since the beginning. I’ve certainly felt from day one as though I’ve fitted in, enjoying the working environment and banter I have with my colleagues.”

The framework for employment tribunal fees should analyse an individual’s ability to pay rather than their employment status, said the IoD is entirely justifiable, said the IoD but stressed the framework should analyse an individual’s ability to pay rather than their employment status. “The proposals are well-judged,” said the IoD. “They provide a much needed disincentive to arbitrary claim filing, but are not at a level which would deny justice to those with deserving claims. The government should be applauded for recognising the imbalance of the

tribunal system against employers. “While we support the thrust of proposals, there remains a risk fees will be waived for the majority who will unsurprisingly find themselves unemployed when filing a claim. “However, the current proposals mean those with high levels of savings would be as likely to sidestep these fees as those in hardship. The government must look again at this element.”

19/12/2011 21:28

2.64m

UK employment figure for the three months to October, the highest level since 1994 Talking about the Tomorrow’s People scheme and its role in it, Catrin Asbrey, head of human resources for First in the South West and Wales, said: “We have a number of different roles within our company which can suit all different types of people and through this scheme we’ve been able to meet with a whole host of potential candidates. Since we began working with Tomorrow’s People we have spent time with candidates, explaining more about the company and the roles on offer, and we’ve taken on a number of people as a result. Where people haven’t been successful in gaining a job we have offered them constructive feedback which will hopefully help them in their search for other types of employment.” Meanwhile, First has also been crowned winner of the Corporate Responsibility Award at an awards event held in Glasgow recently. A sell out 700 guests attended the 5th annual HR Network National Awards, an event designed to recognise, acknowledge and reward the champions of the HR and people management and development profession in Scotland. According to the judging panel, First was honoured for its “high

£250

Proposed fee for claimants to initiate an employment tribunal claim in one of two options suggested by government

level governance approach to Corporate Responsibility” and were impressed by “staff engagement at all levels in driving forward the company’s strategy.” “I’m delighted that First has won the Corporate Responsibility Award,” said Terri Vogt, First head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). “At FirstGroup the value of CSR cannot be underestimated. Our approach helps us to improve performance resulting in better employee engagement, improved customer service and greater business efficiency. It also allows us to help tackle some of our society’s wider challenges such as congestion and climate change. It’s extremely pleasing that some of the work we do has been recognised by such a public and prestigious forum.” Martin Glover, chair of the judging panel for the HR Network Awards, said: “FirstGroup’s collaborative, competitive and targeted approach to Corporate Responsibility was one of the best examples the judging panel has ever come across.” For more information about Tomorrow’s People see: www.tomorrows-people. org.uk

Companies forced to wait for business rates reduction Businesses will not be able to defer part of next April’s increased business rates despite the government saying they would be able to do so. In his Autumn Statement the chancellor said firms would be allowed to defer 60% of the increase in their 2012-2013 business rate bills, due to apply in April 2012, to the two next years. However, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has told local authority finance offers they will have to charge the full amount because the scheme won’t be launched in time. The DCLG has said this is because the department won’t have the calculations and legislation set up in time. A spokesperson said that until the legislation is in place, businesses will be charged the full rate. Once it is, those two

BusinessNews.indd 23

December 21, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 23

months will also be taken into account, like when you pay too much tax. Businesses will still feel the benefit of the discount but it unfortunately won’t be in time for April/May’s bills. John Walker, national chairman of Federation of Small Businesses, commented: “Small businesses up and down the country will be disappointed that only a week following the government’s announcement they will be able to defer 60% of the increase in their business rate payments. It now won’t be in place in time for the April rise. “Business rates are the third largest outgoing for many small businesses, and next year’s increase – due to high inflationary rates – is going to hit them hard, so they need all the help they can get to ensure they can manage their cash flow and get through what is going to be another tough year for businesses.”

if the day-to-day accounting work is not being done correctly you can be in trouble and not know about it until it’s too late, says Michael

BLOg of the week

IS my ACCOUntIng Any gOOd?

Last month, Michael Austin, the MD of Blue Dot Consulting, a firm of Chartered Accountants in South West London, urged choosing the right person for the job rather than sticking to who you know, when it comes to accountancy. This month, he asks: is your accounting being done correctly or not and provides some tips on trouble-shooting and making things run smoothly on www. businesszone.co.uk. Finance is so important to your business that you literally can’t afford to be getting it wrong, particularly as you grow. But if you’re not an accountant, how would you know if your accounting is right? The focus here is on the accounting which is going on every day, week, month during your financial year. If this is accurate and up to date then year-end accounts and tax planning should be as easy as falling off a log (so make sure your accountant is not charging silly money when you’ve done most of the work!). But if the day-to-day accounting work is not being done correctly you can be in trouble and not know about it until it’s too late. Symptoms of your accounting work being done badly might include: n late/no/incorrect management accounts n persistent cashflow problems n PAYE / VAT not being paid n suppliers forever hassling

to be paid n customers taking ages pay and not being chased Of course, these could also be the symptoms of a badly run business with a finance team that’s on a hiding to nothing! But let’s assume yours is a wellrun, profitable business with good growth prospects. If you’re seeing these symptoms then it’s likely you’re being let down by whoever is doing your accounting work. And this is something you need to change - fast! WhAT DOeS The WOrLD Of BeTTer ACCOUnTing LOOK LiKe? When we work with MDs to improve the quality of their business accounting it’s amazing how much anxiety and stress disappears pretty quickly. Particularly by focusing on improving cashflow and gross profit. Often this type of work involves a short but intensive period of: n bringing the management accounts right up to date n getting credit management working right through the business n looking at “pricing for profit” n cost control n improving processes and systems Towards the end of this burst of activity the accounting processes should be working on “autopilot” and everyone can concentrate again on delivering the profit and achieving growth potential of the business. Sounds like a good place to be? Thought so. www.coachandbusweek.com

19/12/2011 21:29

24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 21, 2011

DELIVERIES

COACH CHOICE Wolverhampton-based Coach Choice Limited has acquired its third Scania in 12 months, this time taking a 13.7m 57 seat, executive specification Irizar Century coach. The previous two vehicles this year are another Scania Irizar Century and a Scania Irizar PB, both of which are 12.9m in length.

The new vehicle is based on a Scania K400EB 6x2*4 chassis featuring a 400 horsepower Scania engine, Scania Opticruise transmission and a steering rear axle for maximum manoeuvrability in restricted areas. The addition of a tri-axle to the fleet also accommodates the trend Coach Choice has identified among tour operators who are progressively requesting

higher capacity vehicles and additional luggage space. “I enjoy both the Scania products and the service which accompanies them,” said Coach Choice MD, Chris Evitt. “The coaches are reliable and economical and their EGR engines are simple in operation as no AdBlue is required. “I particularly appreciate the backup provided by the Scania network and the fact 24/7 assistance is on hand should it ever be needed.”

BUZZLINES TRAVEL Irizar UK has announced the delivery of the first DAFpowered Integral Irizar PB coach to Buzzlines Travel of Hythe, Kent. The vehicle is a 14m PB equipped with DAF MX 340 12.9 litre Engine (462 BHP) with ZF AS-Tronic 12-speed gearbox. The interior specification includes 59 half leather seats, toilet, Bosch

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODy Scania K400EB

6x2*4/ Irizar Century

EngInE Scania 400bhp TRAnSmISSIOn Scania

Opticruise SEATS 57 SpEC Touring

SUppLIED By

Scania 01909 500 822 www.scania.co.uk

REYNOLDS DIPLOMAT COACHES Watford-based Reynolds Diplomat Coaches has received five new Volvo B9R coaches with Jonckheere bodywork. “We selected the Volvo B9R because it’s the ideal size for our current tour operations,” explained Reynolds Diplomat owner, Richard Reynolds. “Having reviewed other chassis types, they were all either far too large or too small for our requirements. The Volvo B9R was not only the right size, but also cost effective.” With changing emissions regulations for LEZs effective from January next year and with further legislation changes planned in 2015,

Professional-line radio/CD/ DVD, three LCD monitors and aircraft-style locker lids. The vehicle also carries a reversing camera and xenon headlights along with the standard specification of an Irizar PB. The coach was delivered to Buzzlines on December 6 and will be used on a ski shuttle this winter to the Brides Les Bains area in France, before moving onto general private hire next summer.

commented, “It has been a few years since we have sold a vehicle to Reynolds Diplomat. Richard and Sue Reynolds liked the B9R and it was the ideal size and specification for their requirements. “With the LEZ regulations on the horizon we are seeing more and more operators looking for vehicles suited for the long term, which we can provide.” the operator felt it had to fully prepare. “It was clearly a big consideration for us when we purchased these new coaches”, explained Richard Reynolds. “Our new B9Rs meet Euro 5 standards and will help to position our business for the legislative changes going forward”. The five new coaches are

fitted with a 9.4 litre Volvo engine, rated at 380hp, which is coupled to the I-Shift gearbox. The coaches are finished in the operator’s own livery. Each vehicle has 53 reclining and club class executive seats. The interior also incorporates a servery, a toilet and two television

monitors. The new B9R coaches are being used across Reynolds Diplomat’s full tour schedule, including their international tour programme, with one of the new vehicles having already travelled across the Channel to Belgium. Jo Standbridge, Volvo Bus regional sales manager,

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODy Volvo B9R/ Jonckheere EngInE 9.4 litre 380bhp Euro 5 TRAnSmISSIOn Volvo I-Shift SEATS 53 SpEC Club Class seats SUppLIED By

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

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

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

This latest purchase follows a 53-seat 12.9m Irizar i6 which Buzzlines received on September 20, equipped with DAF MX Engine with ZF AS-Tronic gearbox. Scott Morley, operations director at Buzzlines, said: “Our first integral i6 has performed well so far and with the level of support we have received from Irizar UK throughout, it was a natural choice as the supplier of our next fleet purchase.” FACT FilE

CHASSiS/BOdy Irizar PB EnginE DAF MX 340 12.9 litre

462 BHP

TrAnSmiSSiOn ZF AS-Tronic 12 speed SEATS 59 SpEC Half leather seats SUppliEd By

Irizar UK 01909 500514 www.irizar.co.uk

CITY CIRCLE City Circle, a coach operator with bases in London and Edinburgh, has taken delivery of a further five 12m, twoaxle Neoplan Tourliners to bolster its tourism and corporate charter operations. The new arrivals, supplied by MAN Bus & Coach, take the number of Tourliners in the fleet to 11. The latest additions include four coaches with 440bhp engine 49 seat layout and one 400bhp variant with 53 seats. All have Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels and full climate control with night heater. Internally, the vehicles carry drop-down monitors and a full media centre with iPod docking. The driver has access to front and rear facing camera and a sat nav system. The Tourliners

“MAN’s EGR ‘Add Nothing’ technology was a significant factor for us, too. It’s one less operational concern for us, and one less cost. Fuel is the major cost, of course, and I can report that the MANs remain very economical.” City Circle also offers a range of engineering and maintenance services from its purpose-built facility in West London, featuring a Mercedes-Benz STAR machine diagnostic system. FACT FilE

also feature heated front windscreens. One of the vehicles is in CIE Tours livery, under contract with the Irelandbased tour company. “We’re very happy with our previous experience of

the Tourliner product,” said managing director Neil Pegg. “Build quality and reliability are both excellent. They are competitively priced and come with a comprehensive four year bumper-to-bumper warranty.

CHASSiS/BOdy Neoplan P21 Tourliner 12 m EnginE D2066 LOH ‘EGR’ Euro 5 400/440bhp TrAnSmiSSiOn AS-Tronic with “Easy Start” SEATS 49/53 SpEC Touring SUppliEd By

MAN Bus & Coach 0161 848 8331 www.man-manchester.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

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26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 21, 2011

OpErAtOr prOfilE › carol peters

Pride of the ‘Isle of Thanet’ Coach & Bus Week’s James Day and Gareth Evans visit Ramsgate-based Carol Peters, which won Small Coach Operator of the Year at the UK Coach Awards 2011

t is clear from the onset the family-run operator is extremely down to earth and approachable. We’re given plenty of teas and coffees, enjoy lots of laughs and feel very welcome. Present is managing director Peter Howe, one half of the Carol Peters name, along with son Gary Herbert and daughter-in-law Julie, who moved down from Northamptonshire to join the company in 2002.

History

“I don’t know why it started,” Peter jokes when we ask him about the origins of the business. “About 15 years ago I just decided to buy a coach one day. I’d been doing work for operators in London and wasn’t really happy with it, so I bought a coach and moved up here from London, as most do in Thanet.” Peter then tries to tell us how many vehicles Carol Peters run now, but he isn’t entirely sure, much to the amusement of everyone in the room. Julie steps in to tell us the figures. We’re told the operator runs eight 49-seater coaches (seven Setras and a Volvo 9700), along with a 32-seater Mercedes-Benz Tourino, a 26-seater Caetano Toyota Optimo, a 16-seater Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and a double-decker, a 74-seater Volvo B7, although the latter was awaiting branding when we visited in early November. “Our first vehicle was a Leyland Tiger Doyen,” Peter continues. “It was a great coach until www.coachandbusweek.com

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something went wrong, then it was unbelievably complex to sort out. We didn’t have it very long. “We then rented a Plaxton Premier for a year before our good friend Mr Kirby at Kirby’s Coaches told us we should get a Setra S215. He sold one to us and we couldn’t believe the condition it was in despite its age. He said once you buy a Setra you never look back, and he was right!” “We’ve bought three Setras from him in total. We’re sometimes called the Kirby’s Margate Branch,” Peter jokes. “We hired our first full time driver when we bought our second Setra and our second full time driver with the third, which was also from Mr Kirby. Until then it was just Carol and I. “Then in 2003 we really pushed the boat out and bought a couple of ex Redwing Setra 315s.” An important part of Carol Peters’ history is the shop they run in conjunction with the tour business. “We had an office set up in Westgate on Sea with two desks, which I went into to help Carol out.” Julie says. “Everything else was situated at home. In 2004 we moved to a bigger shop and employed two full time office staff.” Gary adds. “It was quite nice to have customers popping in for chats, although we’d get lots of visitors even if they didn’t have any business. I’d sometimes wonder out loud why we were paying staff to chat to old ladies,”

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OpErAtOr: Carol Peters lOCAtiOn: Ramsgate, Kent flEEt: 12 COntACt: 01843 591007 www.carolpeterstravel.co.uk

Peter is seen in the driving seat of one of his beloved Setra coaches. Parked alongside is the refurbished ex London Volvo double-decker

www.coachandbusweek.com

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OpErAtOr prOfilE › carol peters

Peter jokes. Julie says: “We were also agents for National Express and sold tickets to help with the finances, but by 2009 our business had grown enough that we needed to focus on it and stop the NX tickets because we were too busy. We were worried we wouldn’t see many visits after relocating the shop to our current depot out of the town centre, but we still do, probably thanks to a Tesco down the road.” “Our original depot only had room for six coaches, so we outgrew it quite quickly. We moved to our present location in 2006,” Gary says. “Since getting here we’ve added one vehicle per annum and two so far this year.” When asked how the local touring business has developed in the area, Peter says: “The scene here has changed a lot over the years. The number of operators in the area doing tours has drastically fallen. Thanet’s a really depressed area with high unemployment - a typical seaside place which has gone down and trying to pick itself back up. We’re one of the few players left in the local tours and holidays industry.” Recently, Carol Peters has been recording some impressive figures, despite the combination of winter and the recession. October saw 247 tours booked compared with 163 in 2010, while bookings for November, at the time of our interview, were already 60 to 70 ahead of the year before. December stood at around 30 bookings ahead of 2010, but Gary estimated there could be 100 more.

A family firm: Julie, Gary and Peter (above); One of the seven Setra coaches in the fleet (below)

Fleet

Gary and Peter pause for thought after the firm’s new Volvo 9700 is brought up. “It’s a beautiful coach, really top drawer,” Peter says. “Bob, one of our drivers, has been in the industry for 40 years and says it’s the best driver’s coach he’s ever been in. “But it’s a one driver coach, like so many today. It’s a sophisticated piece of kit” Gary says: “We bought the vehicle from John Dover at Volvo after he’d been in so many times trying to persuade us to buy a Volvo. He sold plenty of Setras, mind. “He was due to deliver the new 9700 to us the Tuesday after the May Day Bank Holiday, but he tragically died on the Sunday.” Julie adds: “It was really sad. I still www.coachandbusweek.com

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keep in touch with his wife. “Peter suggested we name the coach in John Dover’s memory. I think Volvo really appreciated it.” “Volvo has been really good to us. Their after service support is fantastic and there’s also the fact they gave us seats at their table for the UK Coach Awards (UKCA) and sponsored my marathon for £500.” Moving on to the operator’s 26-seater, Peter says: “Our Optimo is not bad, but not suited for long tours. Birmingham is about the maximum distance for it. We bought it brand new and we’ve not had a problem with it. “I feel there aren’t enough smaller vehicles up to scratch at the moment. Too many of them are van

“We’ve had 30 bookings through Facebook this week alone. We were really surprised how successful it has been. We have a Twitter page too. It doesn’t work quite so well for us as a business as we cannot target it as much.” Julie Herbert

based and do not fulfil the role of a small coach. “The 16-seater Sprinter is lovely though. Julie was considering getting a licence for it herself.” “The Tourino is brilliant, great for small tours although luggage space is quite low,” Gary says. “We’d love another when we have the finance. It’s my favourite vehicle, great to drive, although you have to be fairly short thanks to the low lockers!” “We had a beautiful Setra 215 which we lost as it went rotten,” Peter says. “I was heartbroken – I wish I could have it back. The 315 is lovely though. We’ve had various coaches between those and all have been Setras. Our fondness for Setra coaches is quite well known now. I get a lot of calls from manufacturers selling part exchanged vehicles they’ve got hold of.”

Business Mix

There is a real air of optimism about the firm, which as discussed earlier, has enjoyed growing sales through the turbulent economic climate. Certainly the phone never ceases to ring during the interview, and we’re told that Carol Peters could happily employ someone full time just to go through the volume of emails and electronic communication they receive. Julie was quick to praise the operator’s Facebook page. “We started the profile to help us to stay in touch as we had so many

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The Caetano Toyota Optimo, acquired new in 2007 (above); Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (below) incoming customers,” she says. “We’ve had 30 bookings through Facebook this week alone. We were really surprised how successful it has been. “We have a Twitter page too. It doesn’t work quite so well for us as a business as we cannot target it as much. I still like it a lot, but Facebook is much more localised. “The only problem is the social networks generate more electronic communication, which takes longer to deal with than a phone call.” Peter says: “Our new logo was designed in 2007, which is when we really started getting noticed. People often comment on Facebook they’ve seen one of our coaches around. One was spotted up in Durham a couple of days ago.” The brochure is another part of the business which has seen a vast improvement over the years. Julie shows us the glossy-covered current version, which looks very professional indeed. “Our first brochure was a folded sheet of A4 with a Word clip-art picture of a bus on it. Now it’s multiple pages long and we send out 18,000 of them.” Carol Peters also work closely with fellow tour operator Just Go. “We have a Just Go liveried coach – a Setra 416.” Gary says. “They’re great to work with. I did some driving for them last year and we now have a three year contract with them.” Julie adds: “Just Go called today

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to ask for the name of one of our drivers who completed a coach tour in Northern Ireland, as a customer wished to compliment him. “They’ve been true to their word. We take the view that they’re going to be picking up in our area anyway so it is sensible to work with them.” On the subject of drivers, Gary says a good group of drivers is paramount for a tour operator to be successful. “We have some great drivers here, who have won the Pride of Thanet transport driver award for five of the last six years,” he says. “They’re the biggest advertisement for us really – we just do hard work behind the scenes. If the drivers don’t get it right it doesn’t matter

“We have some great drivers here, who have won the Pride of Thanet transport driver award for five of the last six years... they’re the biggest advertisement for us really.” Gary Herbert

what we do. It’s great they’re getting recognition.” A number of posters for musicals at London theatres adorn the walls in the shop, perhaps indicative of what is popular with the firm’s customers. “West End shows have been a big success for us,” Julie says. “We usually run coaches to the afternoon shows, as it takes two to three hours to get back. If we go in the evening we might not get back until 0000 or 0100, so it has to be a very special show. “It’s the perfect distance for a day trip really. We get a lot of agents calling us up with deals and tickets.” However it’s certainly not all work and no play. Carol Peters also does some charity work, which is very close to home. “We do some work for the Colitis and Chrones Association,” says Gary. “I suffer from Colitis myself. Julie ran a marathon and we held a sell out evening dinner and raffle. We raised £2,500 in total. Chrones is quite well known but not Colitis. We added their logo to our brochure.”

UK Coach Awards

Carol Peters won operator of the year (small fleets) at the UKCA 2011. The awards had plenty of positive things to say about the operator, hailing it as having an “enthusiastic following.” Judges noted how a number of nominations came in from clubs and societies, all citing the operator as having good service, helpful drivers and flexibility. “The company has clearly built a reputation as a quality operator in its locality, resulting in regular repeat business and hence is already fully booked for much of this year,” the UKCA judges said. Peter says: “We were surprised when we won the award ahead of 100 other operators. We hold back from the press a bit and are often quite reluctant to go to the media so we didn’t expect it at all. We were just taking it as a brief holiday.” Julie says: “Winning the award is great for morale. UKCA was a truly amazing night.” Gary adds: “We just thought it would be a nice experience and a chance to get away for a few days. I remember Carol Kirkwood saying Small Operator was the hardest category to win.” Visit www.ukcoachawards. co.uk for details of the 2012 UKCA or call 0870 900 1450.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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30 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 21, 2011

LEGAL UpdAtE

Beware of those festive hampers! The Bribery Act is not merely applicable to ‘big business’, warns Jennifer Bell If you, like many others have been sat at home or in your comfy office chairs watching the Bribery Act 2010 media coverage thinking it to be unimportant or only for the large international companies, then think again. The first person to be convicted of an offence under the new Bribery Act 2010 was sentenced last month to a term of six years imprisonment and it was not, as many thought, handed to an ambitious and aggressive CEO, or some exiled mining magnate, but to an administrative worker in the public sector. Munir Yakup Patel, an administrative clerk at Redbridge Magistrates Court, took £500 in return for agreeing not to enter the details of a reporters road traffic penalty points on a court database. The maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment was saved due to an early guilty plea. As well as being the first conviction under the Act, what is also key is Mr Patel was not the party making the bribe. So before you enjoy those festive hampers or the case of wine you may receive from a supplier or customer this Christmas, make an early new year’s resolution, read the rest of this article and make yourself familiar with the implications of the Act on you and your business. The following outlines the new offences introduced by the Bribery Act 2010 and the penalties for committing them. It also highlights practical steps your business can take to help avoid breaching the legislation.

What is bribery? Transparency International, a non-governmental anti-corruption organisation, defines bribery as “the offering, promising, giving, accepting or soliciting of an advantage as an inducement for an action which is illegal or a breach of trust.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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Why has the bribery act 2010 been introduced? The Bribery Act 2010 was introduced to strengthen the existing bribery and corruption laws in the UK. The Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has repeatedly criticised the UK system for being weak and ineffective compared with the more robust regimes in other countries, such as the US Foreign and Corrupt Practices Act.

What are the neW offences? Bribing another person A person will be guilty of this offence if they offer, promise or give a financial advantage or other advantage, to another person: n to bring about improper performance of a relevant function or an activity; or n to reward a person for the improper performance of a relevant function or an activity. The types of function or activity which can be improperly performed include: n all functions of a public nature; n all activities connected with a business; n any activity performed in the course of a person’s employment; and n any activity performed by or on behalf of a body of persons. This is where the person performing the function is expected to perform it in good faith or impartially, or is in a position of trust by virtue of performing it. The function will be covered even if it has no connection with the UK or is performed outside the UK. It may not matter whether the person offered the bribe is the same person who actually performs or performed the function or activity concerned. The advantage can be offered, promised or given by the person themselves or by a third party.

be guilty of this offence if they request, agree to receive, or accept a financial or other advantage to perform a relevant function or activity improperly. It does not matter whether it is the recipient, or someone else through whom the recipient acts, who requests, agrees to receive or accepts the advantage. In addition, the advantage can be for the benefit of the recipient or another person.

bribing a foreign public official A person will be guilty of this offence if they intend to influence an official in their capacity as a foreign public official. The offence does not cover accepting bribes, only offering, promising or giving bribes. It does not matter whether the offer, promise or gift is made directly to the official or by a third party.

failing to prevent bribery A commercial organisation will be guilty of this offence if a person associated with it bribes another person, with the intention of obtaining or retaining business or a business advantage for the commercial organisation. The offence can be committed in the UK or overseas. A business will be able to avoid conviction if it can demonstrate it had adequate procedures in place designed to prevent bribery.

What are the penalties for committing an offence? The offences of bribing another person, being bribed and bribing a foreign public official are punishable on indictment either by an unlimited fine, imprisonment of up to ten years or both. Both a company and its directors could be subject to criminal penalties. The new offence of failure to prevent bribery is punishable on indictment by an unlimited fine. Businesses convicted of corruption could find themselves permanently debarred from tendering for public sector contracts.

conviction can be avoided if procedures are in place to prevent bribery

being bribed The recipient or potential recipient of the bribe will

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December 21, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 31

In association with

Your business may also be damaged by adverse publicity if it is prosecuted for an offence.

Practical stePs to helP Prevent your business breaching the bribery act 2010 Small and medium-sized enterprises will inevitably have fewer resources to counter bribery than larger companies. However, you can take some straight-forward measures to help prevent your business breaching the legislation.

toP level commitment Make sure all senior managers and directors understand they could be personally liable under the Bribery Act 2010 for offences committed by the business. It is important that senior management lead the anti-bribery culture of your business, especially if it wants to take advantage of the “adequate procedures” defence to the offence of failing to prevent bribery. risk assessment Make sure you understand the risks your business may be exposed to. For example, certain industry sectors (such as construction, energy, oil and gas, defence and aerospace, mining and financial services) and countries

LegalUpdate.indd 31

present a greater risk, as employees are more likely to engage in bribery in these areas. Think about the types of transactions your business engages in, who the transactions are with and how you undertake the transaction. High-risk transactions include: n procurement and supply chain management; n involvement with regulatory relationships (for example, licences or permits); and n charitable and political contributions. Review how your business entertains potential customers, especially those from government agencies, stateowned enterprises or charitable organisations. Routine or inexpensive corporate hospitality is unlikely to be a problem, but you should put clear guidelines in place. If your business operates in foreign jurisdictions, always check local laws.

business. This should be effectively communicated to all relevant persons.

due diligence when dealing with third Parties Your business will be liable if a person associated with it commits an offence on your behalf. You should review all your relationships with any partners, suppliers and customers. For example, if an agent or distributor uses a bribe to win a contract for your business, you could be liable. You must ensure background checks are carried out on any agents or distributors before you engage them.

Bribery). The Ministry of Justice has also published a quick start guide.

effective imPlementation and monitoring You should introduce a training programme for all staff. If only a few of your employees operate in a high-risk area, make sure the training is targeted at them. Ensure anti-corruption policies and procedures are continually monitored for compliance and effectiveness, both internally and externally. Email Jennifer.bell@ backhouses.co.uk

imPlementing and communicating an anticorruPtion code of conduct You should implement a code of conduct setting out clear, practical and accessible policies and procedures that apply to your entire

ProPortionate Policies and Procedures Review any existing policies and procedures your business has on preventing bribery and corruption and decide whether they need to be updated. If you do not have any policies or procedures in place, you should consider preparing them as a matter of urgency. Transparency International has written a guide aimed at small businesses for countering bribery, which includes model corporate anti-bribery policies and programmes (see Transparency international: Business Principles for Countering

Backhouse Jones acts for clients in the private and public sector, both national and international operators from one to several thousand vehicles. Backhouse is absolutely “industry specific”. Whilst the company can trace its heritage to 1819 it only represented its first Road Transport Operator in 1930. The explanation for this is that the first transport act was only introduced in 1930. n Contact 01254 828300. Visit www.backhousejones.co.uk

Another day and yet another gloomy newspaper headline greets you at the breakfast table, writes Wendy Newbury, property lawyer at Backhouse Jones. It seems we are verging on yet another banking crisis and each day we are warned of “growth standstill,” the brink of a second credit crunch and the Bank of England slashing its growth forecast for the economy and raising the prospects of a double dip recession. What joyful news with Christmas just round the corner. Speaking of Christmas, it is now only a few days away. This time last year we were experiencing arctic temperatures, snow and ice. So far, this autumn has been the warmest and sunniest since records began. But we cannot be complacent. Weather in the UK can change from one day to the next and businesses must ensure they prepare for the worst. The previous two winters have caused havoc and

government statistics reveal 13% of small businesses were “seriously” impacted by last winter’s bad weather with 37% experiencing weather related problems. Unfortunately not all of us have Father Christmas’ sleigh to speed through the snow ferrying passengers around over Christmas. What would happen if your ‘sleigh’ had an accident and you lost the use of your vehicle? What would happen if whilst you were enjoying the festivities, you returned to an office full of water because the pipes had not been lagged and they had burst? Disruptive snowfall can hamper service delivery, trigger heating/power failures and sometimes mean employees cannot get in to work. Whilst Father Christmas must have a way of combating these problems in Lapland, here in the UK we have to rely on something called insurance. Even the banks are now considering the cost of insuring themselves against going bust. This is something we must all do – check the insurance policy is valid to cover such things as arctic

conditions. Check your buildings and property. If you are going away have you lagged the pipes? Is the insulation thick enough? Is there enough heating oil or gas to ensure the property is kept sufficiently warm? Failure to do so could mean huge dilapidation issues in the New Year for tenants, landlords or owners alike. Roof repairs due to heavy snowfall or insurance claims for frost damage caused to pipes and heating can mean the cost to businesses quickly run into millions. Prevention is better than cure. Something as simple as checking your insurance can save your business thousands in lost revenue. Think now! Put in place a contingency plan to ensure your business is not put out of action by another nasty winter. So when Santa Claus is flying through the air on his sleigh bringing you a present, let us hope it is one of good luck and festive cheer rather than bad luck and New Year cost!

The frost bites

www.coachandbusweek.com

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32 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 21, 2011

THE BIG PICTURE

This Neoplan Tourliner P20 (N2216 SHD-C), which appeared on the MAN stand at Coach & Bus Live, is the first of the 13.26m triaxle models which can be provided in 53 or 55-seat layout, at European spacings, with a toilet included in the specification. It features a 480bhp MAN D2676 LOH 27 EEV engine and ZF AS-Tronic gearbox with Intarder. Despite having three axles the Tourliner still manages a very useful 10.7 cubic metres of luggage locker space thanks to its 3.8m height. It has a gross vehicle weight of 24 tonnes. This first example is owned by Hodgsons of Barnard Castle and was specified with 53 Kiel Advance 1020 Joker Style reclining seats.

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OpEn plAtfOrm

Suicidal Rates? In an open letter, a frustrated coach operator details the difficulties he has experienced with troubled coach firms gunning for turnover and slashing prices to unsustainable levels The current economic climate has seen a number of operators collapse over recent months. When faced with dire cashflow problems, it can be all too tempting to think in terms of turnover and begin self-destructive price wars, which could serve only to damage the rest of the industry. An operator sent Coach & Bus Week an example of this, in the form of a flyer distributed to schools offering rates he found “unbelievable”. He was delighted to take up the opportunity to write this week’s Open Platform on the subject – a matter which is sure to strike a chord with his fellow coach operators. We thought you may be interested in a flyer sent out by another operator offering what we would consider suicidal hire rates (see small section of the flyer below). We are not sure what magic formula this operator is using but we wish he would share it with the wider industry. £175 maximum for coach hire between 0900hrs and 1500hrs for all journeys Monday to Friday from Tuesday, January 3 to Friday, March 30, 2012. Some trips could cost as little as £95! There is no limit to the distance you can travel but your journey must be completed back at school by no later than 1500hrs. We had the pleasure last week of speaking to a local school we have dealt with for many years, they were ringing to ask us to price match the £175 offered in the flyer, we declined and so they cancelled our coach at £285 which was already an off-season price. The job was covering 128km for us and 182km for the other operator. So for sending out a new high spec coach he earned £1 per km! Surely he must be a secret lottery winner? And this operator proudly displays “The Future of Coach Travel” on his coaches. If this is the future God help us all! One good thing to come out of this is the flyer speaks volumes for the dire state of his cash flow. We were under the impression we were all paying roughly the same costs, i.e. rent on a yard, finance on new vehicles, fuel, servicing, various insurance premiums, drivers wages plus employers NI and so on, but it appears there are several operators out there who can pay all these costs and still send out a new coach for a days school hire for the possible princely sum of £95. This is indeed impressive. They could teach Michael O’Leary of Ryanair fame a thing or two www.coachandbusweek.com

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Coach operators often bemoan the actions of some of their competitors for working for little or no profit, particularly at certain times of the year, yet the writer of this article has decided to put finger to keyboard and share his thoughts, albeit under the cloak of anonymity about discount pricing! Unlike Ryanair though he can only cover a finite amount of jobs with his 20 licences, but this flyer will be used to drive down rates way after he is booked up with his £95 or £179 jobs. We have had countless conversations with operators over the years about the low rates they charge and you would think by their reaction we were accusing them of being paedophiles. One ex-operator who will remain nameless recently told us the reason he had gone into liquidation wasn’t because he was charging low rates but rather because of bad advice from his accountant! He followed on by telling us he knew his rates were right because he had rung around undercover and checked other operators prices. I didn’t bother informing him that one of his customers, having heard he had ceased trading, asked us for a quote on a three-day, two-night trip to Arras. We wanted £3,200 for each coach, but he had confirmed the job at £2,500 for both coaches including tunnel etc. This was obviously before the bad advice from his accountant – I suspect the rates he quoted may be the real reason why he is no longer trading. By the way, we didn’t get the hire, a company in Oxfordshire did. They quoted the customer £3,600 for both coaches. They did inform the customer they wouldn’t be making any money at that price though, so you have to ask the question WHY DO THE JOB? The changes to the way some school contracts are tendered i.e. online Dutch auction is a great

opportunity for this select band of suicidal operators to continue to drive down the rates obtained for this work. We know of operators in the South East of England which are so financially astute they can send out £200,000 plus vehicles returning under 7mpg on school contracts for £150 a day. Now, to quote a well known supermarket chain, that is a ‘Price Rollback’, we were getting - which is back in the early 90s. Maybe we should get out of coaching and start a finance company for these types of operators, we could call it PLONCA (Pricey Loans On Non Competitive Assets). We would make a killing! Anyway we wish them well, when the Inland Revenue or someone else issues them with a winding up petition we hope they will write a letter to Coach & Bus Week, putting their hands up and admitting they just weren’t financially astute enough to run a coach company. 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

19/12/2011 22:42

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DRIVERS

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Driver praised after rescuing injured passenger Driver uses initiative to a find regular passenger who had fallen the night before A Carmarthenshire County Council driver has been praised for his quick-thinking actions after coming to the rescue of a man who had fallen at his home. Social Care Transport driver Greg Arthur, of Llanelli, was on his daily travels collecting and transporting people to Tumble Luncheon Club when he realised something wasn’t right after calling at the home of one of his regular passengers in the Gwendraeth Valley. With several passengers already on his bus, the 34-year-old used his initiative to check the property and saw, through a rear window, the gentleman lying on the floor in a lot of pain. He immediately called for the emergency services and spoke to the gentleman through the window to give him reassurance until help arrived. In the meantime, he told his passengers they’d have a short wait until he got help for his friend, and closed the bus doors to keep them warm. It later transpired the man had fallen the previous evening, and had suffered a broken leg and dislocated knee. Now, Social Care Transport’s youngest driver has been praised for his actions by Carmarthenshire

Arriva Wales staff get WorldHost training

Arriva Buses Wales, is sending its drivers on their way to providing better customer service. The operator has so far sent 60 staff on the WorldHost training programme, and is aiming to have all 500 drivers up to speed in 2012. The WorldHost customer service programme has a proven track record worldwide and was used

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County Council officers and members, and Llannon Community Council – which runs Tumble Luncheon Club. “It was lucky I could see him through the window, otherwise I may have just presumed he was not home,” said Greg. “I couldn’t get into the house, but I talked to him through the window until the ambulance arrived and took him to Glangwili. I waited until his relatives arrived, and explained to them what had happened, and then I got back on the bus and carried on with the pick-ups.

“Some of the people were a bit annoyed at first when I was so late, but as soon as they knew what had happened they understood and were obviously concerned for their friend.” Cllr Pat Jones, executive board member for health and social care, said: “It is so fortunate Greg took the initiative to check the house and saw the gentleman had taken a fall. We are all very grateful for his quick-thinking actions, and the fact he took the time to care. We thank him, and congratulate him sincerely.”

Carmarthenshire County Council driver Greg Arthur (centre) is pictured with the Social Care Transport supervisor Eric James, principal officer Richard Davies; chairman of Llannon Community Council cllr Terry Evans; Carmarthenshire County Council’s director of social care, health and housing Bruce McLernon; council leader cllr Meryl Gravell, and executive board for health and social care, cllr Pat Jones to train 39,000 staff for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The programme was brought to the UK last year by People 1st and adapted to meet the needs of the passenger transport and tourism industry. The course is currently running at 50 sites across the UK. Michael Morton, MD at Arriva Buses Wales, said: “North Wales welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and we want to make sure our service will provide more than just a means of transport for our customers. We want to make them feel welcome while providing them with useful information about the area. “Our drivers already undergo

a number of transport-specific qualifications but we want to deliver training akin to that used in the hospitality industry and saw WorldHost as the perfect match.” Phil Raynsford of People 1st, added: “The tourism industry is increasingly competitive and WorldHost provides companies with an edge over rivals. WorldHost gives employers the chance to train their staff in a programme which has a proven track record worldwide and achieve a recognised qualification which they can keep for life.” People 1st merged with transort sector skills council GoSkills on July 4, 2011.

The initiative saw 63% of the drivers participating report increased energy levels, with 63% achieving a decrease in blood pressure

University bus health campaign a success 50 drivers, engineers and operations employees at Hatfieldbased bus operator Uno are feeling healthier and happier thanks to the University of Hertfordshire. After taking part in a university initiative to get fit and healthy, many of the employees have changed their eating habits and increased their activity levels, leading to dramatic reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol. The programme saw participants taking part in individual and team challenges designed to encourage regular exercise and commitment to healthy eating plans, prescribed by fitness experts and dietetic graduates from the University. An accelerometer called an Actiped measured levels of activity by recording distance travelled, steps taken and estimated the number of calories burned. At the beginning of the project each participant completed a fitness, health and diet assessment with a health and fitness coach. Many of the drivers were found to have dangerously high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. After recent retesting, results showed 63% of participants had achieved a decrease in blood pressure, 44% a reduction in cholesterol, 47% a reduction in resting heart rate while 63% reported increased energy levels. Stan Sawdy, operations manager at Uno, said: “I’ve lost 3-4 inches off my waist and my blood pressure has come down. I had a tendency to go home and sit down but now I like to go out walking and my daughter has even joined in.”

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minibus The essential read for Minibus Operators

December 2011

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Dear Santa, don’t forget LEZ-compliant exhaust

ew London LEZ regulations come into force as we move into the new year, so if your duties take you into London, make sure sure your vehicles are compliant. The fines for not meeting LEZ requirements are certainly enough to take the shine off Christmas. The new limits have already enjoyed a 12 month stay of execution but TfL is offering a degree of leniency reserved only for operators who can show proof they ordered new emission control systems before 3 January. A check on compliant vehicles can be found at www.tfl.gov. uk/lezlondon. Moving into 2012 the Olympic and followup Paralympic Games begin to loom large and there will be undoubted opportunities for some operators to profit from the event. At any time, such a prestigious event would be the highlight

of the year but during the current economic climate it becomes almost super-iconic. It may not be back in the UK again during our lifetimes – so missing the chance this year is effectively losing it forever. Visual media is a very powerful tool and the launch this week of www.MYVAN.com brings something new for operators of all LCVs. Its contents are diverse and include features about minibuses. The skidpan section on the MercedesBenz Van Experience video is well worth a look. It transmits far more graphically in moving pictures what I have been trying to put over in words with only still photographs for back-up. martin Cole Editor

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News

Enhanced ESP added to Sprinter range. Arriva moving into patient transport services Little Red Bus wins Ribble Valley services

VW Caravelle

Volkswagen is offering a sophisticated and stylish version of the Caravelle Edition 25 and only 225 examples are coming to the UK

Q’Straint Q&A

Q’Straint provides the answers to commonly asked questions concerning passenger restraint

CTA Conference

Meera Rambissoon reports from the CTA’s England Conference where opportunites for integrating services are causing excitement

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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NEWS

Sprinter upgraded for 2012 Additional safety fitted as standard across the range An extended ESP package is being introduced for the MercedesBenz Sprinter from January 2012. It is designed to improve brake performance in critical situations and enhance the safety of passengers and other road users. ADAPTIVE ESP 9i replaces the current ADAPTIVE ESP 8.1. The manufacturer says this underlines safety is one of the fundamental values of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Just like the previous ADAPTIVE ESP 8.1 safety system, fitted as standard ever since the current Sprinter was introduced, the new ESP 9i takes the vehicle load into account. Depending on the weight and the position of the vehicle’s centre of gravity, the ESP sensors ascertain the vehicle load at any given time; this ensures

Arriva moves into patient transport

Patients in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, who are eligible for free NHS transport to will be driven in a new fleet of environmentally friendly vehicles from next year. Under the proposed new arrangements, all non-emergency patient transport in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is set to be operated by Arriva Passenger Services Ltd from April 2012. Arriva Passenger Services emerged as the new preferred bidder following a rigorous 10-month competitive tendering process by East Midlands Procurement and Commissioning Transformation (EMPACT), the NHS commissioning support unit working on behalf of the region’s primary care trusts. Most patients make their own arrangements for getting to and

ESP 9i can stabilise the vehicle with individually modulated intervention action. This new ESP system will also intervene selectively if a trailer begins to sway, thus helping drivers

to stabilise their vehicle and trailer combination. ADAPTIVE ESP 9i has two important additional functionalities: Brake Disc Wipe and Electronic Brake Prefill.

Lowfloor Sprinter City 77 will benefit from new safety package from treatment, often helped by family and friends. But there are other patients who have a genuine clinical need for NHS-funded transport because of the severity of their condition, and who have no alternative means to access vital treatment. Catherine Griffiths, chief executive of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland cluster of primary care trusts, said: “Patient transport services provide a valuable service to those who need support in attending appointments at health care settings. As commissioners, we have a responsibility to ensure our services are cost effective, efficient and meet the needs of all of our patients in terms of minimising discomfort and providing them with a friendly, helpful and appropriate service to and from their treatment.” The new vehicles will be fitted with satellite navigation systems to reduce patient journey and waiting times. To improve communications

with patients, the new transport service will also use mobile phone text messaging to remind patients of their pick-up dates and times. It is estimated there are currently 92,000 wasted journeys a year, partly due to staff who book journeys not cancelling them in time when they are no longer required. Similar arrangements will apply across the East Midlands under the terms of the new contracts, which are due to be phased in from April 2012 when the current contractual arrangements expire. As part of the competitive tendering process, seven organisations submitted bids for either one, some, or all of the county-based contracts, and the preferred bidders were chosen following a process involving the assessment against predetermined scoring criteria. This included assessments of quality, performance, management, environmental impact and financial viability.

In wet weather, light braking pressure is applied to the wheel brake at regular intervals to wipe the film of water off the brake disc. If emergency braking occurs, full braking power is immediately available. This gains valuable stopping distance compared with braking with wet brake discs. Brake prefill means if the accelerator pedal is released suddenly and quickly, the brake pads will automatically be gently applied so as to eliminate in advance the air gap between brake pad and disc. If emergency braking then occurs, valuable milliseconds will have been won since the friction surfaces of the pads and discs will already be in contact, facilitating effective deceleration. This functionality also reduces stopping distance which, depending on the circumstances, will either avoid an accident or diminish its severity. The new ADAPTIVE ESP 9i will be fitted as standard to all Sprinters from January 2012 at no additional cost. The contract for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is estimated to be worth about £31.3m over five years. The total value of all five contracts over the same period is around £130m. The contract award is subject to a mandatory standstill period of 10 days which expires on December 19, 2011. NHS Leicester City and NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland will aim to conclude the contracts after expiry of the standstill period. Existing patient transport employees in the East Midlands will be eligible for jobs with the new operators under the same terms and conditions as their current employment contracts. Operational details, vehicle requirements and specifications are currently unknown. Arriva is unable to comment at this stage due to contractual obligations. It is understood the new patient transport services will be run under a newly created operating subsidiary within Arriva plc.

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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500

The number of minibuses BCT supplies to not-for-profit operations

The new website covers the whole range of light commercials at work

MYVAN Social TV media website launched “MYVAN” is online as the first international Social-TV website in English and German, which specifically caters to a target group of tradesmen and van enthusiasts. Initiator and operator of the website, Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: “Our goal with MYVAN is not only to establish a high-quality, brandneutral, international platform providing service, entertainment and help for day to day life with the right transport oriented solutions. MYVAN offers tradesmen who come in contact with the subject of transport sustainable benefits,” says Andreas Burkhart, vice president sales and marketing MercedesBenz Vans. The main contact point of “MYVAN” is the website: www. MYVAN.com which incorporates active exchange of experiences and opinions which users share via the website and various social media channels. MYVAN has its own Facebook page which is also used as a platform for dialogue and additional video playback. Video content is also mirrored on a dedicated YouTube channel. A separate twitter feed is used for live coverage of selected events and shoots. A flickr feed is used for visual documentation and rounds off the social media hub. The main focus of “MYVAN” is to create quality content with films, photo galleries and/or texts. In addition, user generated content and comment is included.

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The Xcess-a-bus fleet expansion target of hire specialist Burnt Tree

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£130m

The total value of five patient transport contracts newly won by Arriva plc

Ford appoint new manager for Southampton plant Ford’s former Bridgend engine production manager, John Oldham, has been appointed as the new plant manager at Ford Southampton, the UK home of the Ford Transit. John Oldham started his Ford career as an electrician at the Bridgend plant in Wales in 1980. He subsequently held various manufacturing roles within Ford before this latest move to Southampton. On his new appointment John said: “I am excited about joining the great team at Southampton and looking forward to being a part of its future. It is a real privilege to be associated with one of the world’s best known commercial vehicle brands, and to work at a plant with such a proud history.” John, who lives with his wife and two children in West Wales, succeeds Thomas Fischer who left

the company earlier in the year. Ford Southampton builds around 30,000 Ford Transits a year and employs more than 600 staff. The next generation Transit chassis cab will be built at Southampton when production of the current generation model finishes.

John Oldham – taking up the lead role at Ford’s Southampton plant

London Mini Coaches, part of Anderson Travel, has recently taken delivery of a further four Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz Vario O816DT Sitcar Beluga 3 midicoaches. Powered by 157bhp OM904LA BlueTec engines with automatic gearboxes, all four are identical and constructed according to EC 2001/85 legislation. Specification includes rear air suspension, Telma CC80 retarder, 25 Politecnica reclining seats trimmed in contrasting burgundy & grey leather, courier and drivers seat trimmed in leather, carpets to drivers area, steps and aisle, Sutrak roof mounted air conditioning, double glazed dark tint side windows, fridge unit situated at entrance, radio/PA/CD system, DVD system with motorised flat panel and LCD monitor, reversing camera, drivers door, large rear boot with full height aperture, pannier lockers both sides and Euroliner wheel trims. Pictured at Windsor Great Park soon after delivery. They were supplied by Moseley in the South. Call Mosley in the South on 01823 653000. Visit www.moseleysouth. co.uk

Bristol Community Transport joins HCT Group Talks between HCT Group and Bristol Community Transport (BCT) reached a successful conclusion with BCT joining the Group. HCT Group is one of the UK’s largest and most successful social enterprises and its CT Plus trading arm began operating in Bristol in September, delivering the A4 Bath Road Park and Ride service (route 904), using Mercedes-Benz Citaro bendy buses. It will take over the 902 service in April 2012. Dai Powell, HCT Group chief executive commented: “We are thrilled to welcome such an innovative and well known organisation into our Group. It makes perfect sense for organisations so closely aligned in values and ethos to join forces. “BCT is best placed to help us connect with the communities in Bristol as we reinvest commercial profits for the greatest social impact, and we look forward to supporting them in doing so in the months and years ahead. “As we expand geographically, we seek out new partners so we can support community transport to develop and become sustainable, while simultaneously bringing invaluable local knowledge to the Group.” BCT has considerable specialist local expertise, developed since its inception in 1985. The organisation currently provides minibuses used by over 500 not-for-profit organisations in and around Bristol and several community bus services. BCT’s identity is to be preserved. It will maintain all its current services, its distinctive livery and all staff jobs. Most importantly, it means that BCT now has access to the resources and investment of the wider HCT Group, enabling it to grow.

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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NEWS

Lancashire growth for Little Red Bus Joint initiative between counties provides lifeline in Ribble Valley Little Red Bus has been awarded a contract to operate a new bus service in the Ribble Valley from Clitheroe to Horton-in-Ribblesdale, via Dunsop Bridge, Slaidburn and Settle. Running Monday to Saturday between the hours of 0700 and 1930, the contract will last until April 2016, with the possibility of extending it by an additional three years. The move forms part of the Bowland Transit service and is operated by Little Red Bus on behalf of Lancashire County Council in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council. Services B1, B10 and B11 have been replaced by new services 10, 10A and 11, which are operated by Little Red Bus under contract to Lancashire County Council. Service 10 provides a through service from Clitheroe via Slaidburn to Settle, with buses then continuing as service 11 to Horton in Ribblesdale. Service 10A provides additional peak-time journeys between Clitheroe and Slaidburn, running via Waddington. Lyn Costello, chef executive at Little Red Bus said: “This is an exciting new venture with

Lancashire County Council and we’re also working closely with Clitheroe-based Little Green Bus.” Lancashire County councilor Albert Atkinson, deputy leader of the council and representative for Ribble North East, said: “We’re very pleased the revised service will provide significant travel opportunities by connecting some of our villages in Settle with Clitheroe and other parts of the Ribble countryside.” The Little Red Bus network has developed as a result of the work undertaken by the partners involved in the establishment and

Call the Little Red Bus on 01423 526655. Visit www. littleredbus.co.uk

The service is run using low-floor minibuses like this VW Crafter

Unwin – a new approach for buying wheelchair tie-downs Unwin Safety Systems is launching a new approach to buying wheelchair tie-downs from the start of 2012. The firm aims to provide a happy marriage of flexibility and strong flagship systems for ease of ordering. This, says Unwin, is only possible because of its unique dynamic test laboratory, as it

adoption of the North Yorkshire Community Transport Strategy. The Little Red Bus network is playing a major role in the integration and co-ordination of community and public transport in North Yorkshire. Little Red Bus is an umbrella organisation - a consortium from Harrogate and Ryedale, in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council. It is a response to the rurality of the county, the sparse population and the lack of affordable public transport services in the remoter parts. It offers opportunities for established operators to work together to deliver more comprehensive and cost effective transport services.

enables testing of combinations to provide a choice of systems. Unwin has recently been asking customers for their actual needs and spent time reviewing its standard product range. The range offers increased focus on flagship wheelchair tie-down systems, reflecting the most popular products. Plus as an

alternative, a “Mix & Match” range, allowing customers to consider their own particular needs when purchasing tie-downs. This evolution sees the introduction of new product codes – although prices remain unchanged. For a brochure contact the sales office and they will be sent one promptly.

T: 01935 827740 F: 01935 827760 E: diane-bell@unwin-safety.co.uk W: www.unwin-safety.com

Nigel Hewitt is congratulated by Q’Straint’s Phil Stratton

MiDAS Welsh driver of the year Q’Straint recently sponsored another successful Q’Straint Midas Welsh Driver of the Year Awards at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells on October 19, with Nigel Hewitt of Neath Port Talbot Community Transport (CT) winning the regional final. The Q’Straint Midas Welsh Driver of the Year contest involved five finalists completing a 30-minute driving assessment in a minibus around Llandrindod Wells under the supervision of Mike Entwhisle from the Powys Transport Training Agency. This was followed by an examination of each driver’s ability to successfully help and secure a mobility impaired passenger on to the mini-bus. This year Mike also included an element of ‘Ecodriving’ into the competition and calculated each of the drivers MPG performance during their on-road assessments. Mike then reviewed the overall performance of the finalists with the regional winner and runner-up being announced at the Awards Dinner that evening. The finalists were: Carolyn Flynn – Rhayader & District Community Support; Shirley Jones – Rhayader & District Community Support; Nigel Hewitt – Neath Port Talbot Community Transport; Eddie Bunston – Pembrokeshire County Council; and Vivian Alan Davies – Silcox Town Rider.

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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Mellor delivers across the UK Recent deliveries from the Rochdale-based coachbuilder Mellor Coachraft accessible minibus deliveries over the last quarter include new vehicles for: Falkirk Council - three Vauxhall Movano conversions. The chassis were supplied through Arnold Clark in Glasgow and have a dual front passenger seat with a sliding side entry door to the saloon. The vehicles were also fitted with an AVS power step and VB

rear lowering air suspension to accommodate a Portaramp clearway kick out ramp. The specification also included bonded windows, lift-up roof vent and were built to meet COIF requirements. The seats were supplied by Phoenix, and mounted on Unwin’s Innotrax floor system. West Lothian Council - five coachbuilt mid-door models. Based on Iveco 65C-17 chassis, the 4.75m wheelbase vehicle has been COIF tested and can accommodate 23 seats or up to six

wheelchairs. The seats are Rescroft Defender III with Unwin Springfoot mechanisms. West Lothian specified metallic paintwork with each minibus finished in a different colour. They were all fitted with Ratcliff Palfinger RTP 50A inboard passenger lifts with a 500kg carrying capacity. The saloon entrance is a power operated single leaf glider. Blackpool Council - an Iveco 50C-15, 4.35m wheelbase, finished in metallic silver. The vehicle features a sloping floor, Eberspächer heater, Vancouver air conditioning unit, ducted down the offside with a Turin system mounted at the rear. It has a power operated single-leaf glider door, two emergency escape roof vents and bonded saloon

Vario-based Sitcar Beluga 3

New Beluga for Scotland & Bates Scotland & Bates, of Appledore, Kent, took delivery of a new Sitcar Beluga 3 from Moseley in the South. Based on a Euro 5 MercedesBenz O816D Vario 4800 coach chassis with automatic gearbox and rear air suspension it was built to Directive 2001/85 EC. Its specification includes 29 Politecnica reclining seats, courier seat, large boot, side mounted pannier lockers, tinted double glazed windows, curtains, powered entrance door, drivers door with electric window, radiator heating, Sutrak air conditioning, Webasto heater, radio/P/A/CD/DVD/MP3 audio/ video equipment with Bluetooth capability and coupled to motorised drop down monitor.

The first lowfloor Mercedes-Benz Sprinter City 77 was delivered on December 5 to German bus operator Winzenhöler from the RhineMain area. Roland Sabais, head of Sales at Mercedes-Benz Buses and Coaches Western Region, handed the keys to Christian Winzenhöler, general manager of the family-owned operator, which is now in its third generation. He said the firm selected the Sprinter City 77 for its high passenger capacity, compact dimensions, manoeuvrability and low operating cost. The extended 8.7m body and the lowfloor triaxle chassis is an in-house development by Mercedes-Benz Minibus. It has a total passenger capacity of up to 40. Compared to the Sprinter City 65, the City 77 has around one metre extra length allowing ten additional passenger spaces, a continuous, level low floor in the passenger area and a second wheelchair space. It has high transport capacity thanks to a permissible gross vehicle weight of 6.8t. The tri-axle chassis has independent suspension all-round and single tyres. It features a four-cylinder Euro 5 CDI diesel engine meeting EEV requirements, developing 120 kW (163 hp) with a five-speed automatic transmission (standard equipment). The customer specified the second wheelchair space with a folding ramp at the mid-door.

windows. For an environmentally friendly feature, Mellor fitted a PLS Powermatic Access G-wise tail lift built with ‘regenerated’ plastics which ensure the lift is created using locally sourced components and employing biodegradable oil. It gives an overall weight saving of 15%. 16 Rescroft Defender III seats are installed on Unwin HAL mechanisms and the saloon can accommodate up to six wheelchairs. Bristol Dial-a-Ride - two coachbuilt Iveco 50C-17 chassis with 4.35m wheelbase. 16 seats or up to six wheelchairs, Phoenix Blenheim seats on Unwin Springfoot mechanisms, a PLS Powermatic tail lift, power operated single leaf glider door and Vancouver air conditioning.

Brentwood CT proposes commuter service

Brentwood Community Transport (BCT) has announced plans to operate a new daily commuter bus service in the morning and evening peak to to serve the commuting needs of Brentwood’s outlying villages. The proposed new commuter service will run from Blackmore to Shenfield Station, via Stondon Massey, Hook End, Kelvedon Hatch and Doddinghurst. The service will run Monday to Friday, with buses departing from Blackmore at 0645hrs and 0750hrs, arriving at Shenfield Station approx 0720 and 0825 respectively. The evening return journeys will leave Shenfield Station at 1730 and 1830, arriving at Blackmore 1800 and 1900. Brentwood Community Transport is a ‘not for profit’ organisation funded by Essex County Council and Brentwood Borough Council. Call 01277 228080. Visit www. brentwoodct.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 www.coachandbusweek.com

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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

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.

46 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | December 21, 2011

MANUFACTURER UPDATE › VW

Only 225 examples of the Caravelle Edition 25 will be available in the UK

Limited edition Caravelle from VW Any colour you like - as long as it’s white or silver. Limited choices for VW’s new Edition 25 Caravelle

olkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced details of a stylish special edition model for its luxury, executive Caravelle passenger carrying range, the Edition 25. Only 225 examples of the Caravelle Edition 25 will be available in the UK, all exclusively finished in Candy White, or optional Reflex Silver metallic paint, with unique

styling cues to help this latest model stand out from the crowd. These include a revised front bumper with contrasting satin black styling accents in the lower sections, xenon headlights with LED running lights and black highlights the length of the vehicle and on the roof, side sills and tailgate. Exclusive satin black 18-inch ‘Edition 25’ design alloy wheels add to the vehicle’s appearance. Based on the well-equipped SE

specification, the Caravelle Edition 25 adds three-zone ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning so the driver and rear passengers can control the temperature in their own areas, voice activated satellite navigation and Bluetooth telephone preparation, parking sensors with reversing camera, and Volkswagen’s Lane Change Assist system which monitors the vehicle’s blind spots. The Caravelle can carry up to six passengers, with a row of seats which swivel to face the rear and create an exclusive lounge environment, while passengers can get in and out of the Caravelle easily thanks to electric sliding doors with power-latching on each side of the vehicle. As you’d expect, the interior is well appointed with seats stylishly upholstered in two-tone leather. Volkswagen’s refined and powerful 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo common rail diesel engine produces 180 PS, and is coupled to a seven-

speed DSG gearbox as standard. The standard model has frontwheel drive, or there is the option of Volkswagen’s highly accomplished 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The Edition 25 accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph in 11.3 seconds (12.1 4MOTION), and on to a top speed of 119 mph (117). Despite these impressive figures, the versatile people carrier returns 34.9 mpg (32.1) on the combined cycle with carbon dioxide emissions of 214 g/km (232). The Caravelle Edition 25 is available to order now from Volkswagen Van Centres with prices starting at £44,995 on the road (including VAT). For full details of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range please visit www. volkswagen-vans.co.uk or call 0800 717131. For the latest updates, follow Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles on Twitter @Volkswagen_CV.

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INSIGHT

Brought to you by

How to maximise wheelchair passenger safety and minimise Welcome to the seventeenth 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 focuses on the latest crash testing procedures for Wheelchair and Occupant Tiedown Systems (WTORS) and why a 30mph/20G test delivers safety far beyond real-life requirements What is involved in a Wheelchair Tie-down and Occupant Restraint Systems (WTORS) crash test and what are the objectives? WTORS crash tests are performed essentially for three main reasons – for compliance with industry safety standards, for product development and so that wheelchair manufacturers and vehicle convertors can deliver maximum safety at all times for passengers. This test is designed to simulate a real life head-on collision in a passenger car and involves mounting a surrogate wheelchair and a test dummy onto a sled. The wheelchair is secured to the sled using wheelchair tie-downs and occupant restraint systems such as those supplied by Q’Straint. This sled is then accelerated and brought to a controlled stop within 80-120ms to simulate a head on collision at 30mph. The procedure is shot on high-speed film of at least 500 frames per second and then analysed to determine various points of movement. Historically these tests have been performed at relevant test houses without the need for external auditing. However since the

Q A

introduction of the 2007/46/EC European Directive, any WTOR that is to be used in a type approved Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) must be independently witnessed and approved by a competent approval authority such as a representative from the VCA. It is also important to note that working with an accredited organisation such as Millbrook is essential when testing, as no wheelchair passenger solution can be deemed ‘safe’ unless it has been reviewed independently. As an example from a leading specialist, Q’Straint always uses and recommends independent testing at Millbrook Proving Ground, which is one of Europe’s leading locations for the development and testing of every type of land vehicle. Why are WTORS only crash tested at a speed of 30mph for conformity to European Whole Vehicle Type Approval for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (ECWVTA)? 30mph may be considered slow to test tie-down strength, however rapid de-acceleration to a stationery position in a fraction of a second

Q A

Q’Straint QRTs are tested using a 30mph/20G sled which delivers a force 20 times greater than nearly all crash situations

The Q’Straint QRT range delivers the most universal and easyto-use wheelchair passenger safety systems available in the world today generates severe forces which far exceed over 95% of all crash situations. Vehicles commonly travel at speeds much faster than 30mph, nevertheless a direct head-on collision which involves the same deceleration and change in kinetic energy as simulated in a WTORS crash test is extremely rare. It also important to consider in reality that actual vehicles have a variety of features such as ‘crumple zones’ which absorb energy during a crash and therefore reduce the forces exerted on restraint systems during a crash situation. A testing sled and accompanying surrogate wheelchair are both made of rigid materials and absorb virtually none of the impact which results in all of the exertion being transferred to the tie-downs. In terms of simplistic physics, there are two factors to consider when analysing the severity of a crash situation – energy and force. A 30mph impact produces

twice as much ‘crash energy’ as a 20mph collision and a test involving this speed produces 20G of force. 20G far exceeds virtually all levels of force generated in real-life crash situations and even in a severe accident, only around 1G of additional exertion can be produced. It is important to note that during this test, far greater forces, up to approximately 50G, are exerted on the ‘passenger’ as they will continue to move forwards even after the wheelchair has stopped. This is why Q’Straint recommends using a three-point occupant belt which is secured to the side wall of a vehicle above and behind the passengers shoulder. This is the only configuration that ensures optimum passenger geometry is maintained and that vertical loads are reduced on the occupant’s body when undergoing rapid breaking.

KEY FACTS TO REMEMBER WTORS must be tested by a qualified independent organisation to be deemed safe Even though accessible vehicles commonly travel over 30mph, the 30mph/20G sled test generates stresses that far exceed over 95% of all real-life crash situations Fully tested using the 30mph/20G principal, the QRT range of wheelchair tiedowns from Q’Straint fully comply with Type Approval and deliver maximum safety with minimum operator risk

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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48 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | December 21, 2011

CTA CONfErENCE

A united approach A broad range of speakers gathered at the recent Community Transport Association’s England policy conference and while it was clear community transport serves distinct niches, integration was high up on the agenda. Coach & Bus Week’s Meera Rambissoon reports

mall is beautiful, as the phrase goes, but after the spotlight was shone on Community Transport (CT) at the Community Transport Association’s (CTA’s) England policy conference on December 1, 2011 at the RBS Auditorium, small-scale is highly valuable sprang more to mind. This line of thinking might be to the consternation of many traditional bus operators who see CT routes run under Section 22 as muscling in on their territory under comparatively less licensing regulation, a bone of contention for some. However, an integrated approach to transport prevailed throughout the day and the sentiment emphasised was that CT should in no way seek to replace, or duplicate, but complement bus services and where possible fill in gaps. Non-silo thinking was also a theme which arose, from communication between transport and other departments affected by transport in central and local government, to the pooling of resources and finances across different CT schemes. Not to be missed was the lively debate around extending concessionary fares to Section 19 travel – a proposal to which transport minister Norman Baker’s door remains firmly shut. However, he did hint at the recently announced £10m funding for the development of CT.

The panel included (L-r) Duncan Sloan, Stephen Hickey and Norman Baker NormaN Baker transport minister Baker opened his speech by emphasising the “valuable contribution” CT makes to transport, preventing people from being stranded in their homes and enabling groups, for whom public transport “isn’t helpful in getting them from A to B”, to get around. “It’s also very useful for providing bus services as open services,” he added. “You might say CT reaches parts other forms of transport can’t reach to paraphrase an old saying,” commented Baker, citing two successful services – the Cheltenham V service which attracts 1,000 passengers a month and the Poppybus service in Norfolk which connects people from their door to two towns. “CT is well established as providing a life-line where people wouldn’t

most councils are using it for CT albeit in different ways.” Presenting CT in a cross-policy light, Baker said: “It is important for us at the Department for Transport to feed back to other departments on areas they might not hear about.” For example, Baker said he liaises with work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith as well as the Department of Education. “It’s important we make these synergies,” he added. Pre-empting MP Paul Maynard’s talk on his Bill asking for concessionary fares for CT, Baker responded to a question on whether government can give assurance Section 19 travel would be eligible, in no uncertain terms: “I can’t for three reasons. First is the issue of cost, second is a matter of principle and whether it is right concessionary fares should apply to closed services and the third reason is one of effect. If we were to extend the concessionary travel scheme, this might have a deleterious effect on rural bus services. I’m afraid for those three reasons, it is not something I can support.” Asked whether there are any plans for CT funding for urban areas, Baker said the funding is open to both rural and urban areas,

otherwise have a connection.” Acknowledging the pressures of the BSOG cut, Baker said government is looking at how it is being distributed and will make an announcement early next year. “I’m also conscious of the reduction in some areas of local authoritytendered bus services which in some respects puts more pressure on CT. Also some CT has stepped up to the mark to fill in the gaps.” Baker said feedback for the £10m issued to the development of CT schemes this year shows it has been received and “has made a helpful difference”. While Devon County Council has ring-fenced funding, others are channelling to non-transport purposes. Asked whether government is monitoring how funds are being used, Baker said they are loosely doing so, commenting: “My initial belief is

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and differentiated between the function of using buses to drive high frequency services which can encourage people to switch from their cars, and the social function of CT which enables mobility. Commenting on what one member of the audience saw as restriction on CT scope by the competitive tendering process, Baker said: “We’ve tried to make life easier by enabling drivers to be paid. I didn’t realise there were problems with procurement – I don’t want obstacles there.”

Sarah McadaM rural communities, dEFra 86% of England is rural, geographically, said McAdam, head of rural communities policy unit at DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), who provided a rural policy context for the conference. “There are complex inter-relationships between rural and urban areas nearby,” she said, “with a lot of commuting between the two. “Half of rural populations live in small towns and you can overestimate their significance as hubs for local services, retail and economic centres and social activities.” Older people tend to

retire to rural areas, while younger people tend to move out, she added. “On average there are better health outcomes and life expectancy, educational standards and employment outcomes.” McAdam said, according to the Commission for Rural Communities’ rural insight survey, transport came at the top of the list of priorities for improvement. Only 50% of households in rural areas have access to hourly bus services, as opposed to 96% in urban households, where on average, people in rural areas travel 53% further than those in urban ones. Commenting on the dispersed nature of populations in rural areas, with complex levels, she said: “There is a need to think about alternatives – there is a reliance on the car in rural areas but there are people for whom this isn’t an option; disability, reaching a certain stage of life and affordability means the car isn’t an option. I would like groups to travel together rather than going privately by car.” She concluded: “We’re very conscious rural areas have a great history of doing things for themselves. This is about showcasing what can work, pooling budgets, and having greater

integration and consolidation of schemes.”

paul MayNard conservative Mp Blackpool North and cleveleys “It is a truth universally acknowledged that people don’t understand what MPs are here for,” said the feisty Maynard, who sits on the Transport Select Committee. He explained the vehicle of his request for extending the Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007 to include CT – the Ten Minute Rule Bill, which he submitted in October. Such a bill allows MPs to raise an important issue, debate then vote on it. “In my mind, Norman Baker is a passionate supporter of CT but he

“Some contracts are suitable for Community Transport and others are not. CT needs to not lose sight of its roots: we’re not in it for the money, we’re in it for the people.” Ian Jenkinson Sheffield Community Transport has a few objections to my proposal. Why have I chosen this issue? My constituency office is in the same building as Blackpool’s Dial-a-Ride service and my constituency has the highest number of people living in a household with a disability. What does cross my desk are issues of isolation and the loneliness of old people who can’t get out of the house. “I thought I would try to nail what is a fundamental unfairness – some constituents might have a concessionary travel card but can’t get to bus services. Is it right people need to become members of a club to use dial-a-ride services?” “What I really wish to focus on is how we can make a creative use of what is out there,” added Maynard. Agreeing with Baker about the need for localism, Maynard said the needs of CT in Blackpool are very different in Devon, for example and urged the audience to talk to their

MPs and ask them what they think of his bill. “There is a need for CT to become more sustainable and not dependent on council funding. I’m not sure I want my constituents to have to live their lives between 1100 and 1500hrs,” Maynard said. “CT doesn’t come up as often as it should in the House of Commons and a surprising amount of interest has been raised from my Bill. “Most changes of government direction come by the sheer bloodymindedness of MPs campaigning. Government is a slow beast and doesn’t respond quickly. My Ten Minute Rule Bill isn’t going to change the world but it does start a dialogue. Maybe, just maybe, in three or four years we may see a reform of the 1985 Transport Act – it may happen, it may not. Every great oak starts as a small acorn and I’m a really, really tiny acorn.” Commenting on concessionary bus fares, he said: “Personally, I would like to see a drop-box on every bus for passengers who can afford to pay for the fare; Hazel Blears once talked of sharp-elbowed middle classes. It can be quite difficult to get to people in need.” Maynard quoted Baker as having said in the past “CT could become the mode of choice for concessionary pass holders”. “If public transport is rapidly changing, if CT offers something people want to use because it’s more personal and flexible and responds to their needs, it is bizarre it should be held back,” Maynard concluded.

Tracy JESSop aTco and Norfolk county council Jessop, newly appointed as ATCO chairman, who is also the chairman and assistant director of travel and transport for Norfolk County Council, prefaced her talk by setting out the change in dynamics. “Local government is having to deal with a lot of changes and there is no rigid performance framework. Some local members are struggling because no one is telling them what to do. We are getting used to managing ambiguity – there is a mindset shift.” Commenting on her

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CTA CONfErENCE

local area in Norfolk, with her council hat on, Jessop said there are seven CT schemes, which are long established and a “plethora of informal activity which also goes on”. £21 is allocated per person per year to help support traditional bus services, she said, which equates to three journeys per person, per year. “The key message today is ‘local government must do different’.” Norfolk CC’s attitude to the CT grant is to treat it as ring-fenced, having been awarded £480,000 this year. “We’re moving to commissioning rather than specifying, and asking people to deliver services for us within very tight procurement legislation, although there are some tensions between Section 19 and 22.” Jessop said she aims to create a Norfolk CTA umbrella organisation, complementary to the CTA, where vehicle management, resources, procurement framework and funds can be shared. The idea, longer term, would be for a one-stop shop which could offer Demand Responsive Transport, community Dial-a-Ride, taxi or community car schemes. One of Norfolk CC’s priorities is volunteering and the council has launched a campaign to attract volunteer drivers which has seen 46% of interest converted. “Our role as local government is to unlock funding schemes, raise profile and join up with health and education departments,” she said.

Dee Jackson West norfolk community Transport Jackson provided the perspective from a CT scheme in Norfolk, West Norfolk Community Transport (WNCT), of which she is chief executive. “How is it for me as an operator? Absolutely fantastic! The council has really engaged. West Norfolk CT is the largest CT in Norfolk: we’re busy and getting on really well.” Jackson has been helping to shape and identify priorities for the next six months. “Real life examples of partnership working are about building relationships, government understanding CT strengths and for me to know where I can place

resources.” Commenting on a feeder service which connects with one of the local bus routes, she said: “The private sector is a bit nervous of us but now we’re working together, it has realised we are not a threat and we both have our niches. Initially it was a challenge and with Section 19, people were not used to booking services, but demand is growing.” In one village, where a bus service was withdrawn, WNCT has been able to step in the next day to run a service, saving a lot of people being stranded. “We stepped in under Section 22 which is a little different for us.” The service is attracting 1,100 passengers a month. “WNCT is 20 next year and has 57 vehicles, with flagship Dial-a-Bus services and also an urban Dial-aBus service to Kings Lynn, which last year generated 15,000 trips. Last year we did 212,000 trips over 643 miles.” Jackson recently took on the chief executive role of WNCT and says it was a good time to do so: “I’m really interested in what opportunities there are for us.”

Ian JenkInson sheffield community Transport Established in 1988 by volunteers, Sheffield CT is funded through South Yorkshire PTE and Sheffield City Council, as well as other sources. Jenkinson, who is general manager of the scheme, said the step of running local bus services was taken in 2002 when a small route was set up to meet the needs of a housing estate. “We put on an hourly bus each way,” he said. Still under tender to the PTE, the route attracts between 4,000 and 4,500 people a week. “It fits very nicely with the ethos of CT,” said Jenkinson. “It’s never going to be a commercially successful route.” Sheffield CT now operates 14 local bus routes across Sheffield, two of which “we set up off our own backs”, including a 20-minute service to and from the estate. “It pays for itself at a £1 a pop and we put brand new buses on the service because it pays itself; it’s what CT should be.”

Currently, there are 93 paid staff and 40 regular volunteers, with a £4.7m turnover in 2010/11 and 1.5m trips made, mainly on buses. Commenting on SYPTE, which is the main funder, Jenkinson said: “I think they recognise what CT can do to replace the mainstream bus network. I think we’ll see more of it. “The major threats are the loss of funding through the 20% BSOG cut, the high cost of fuel, fewer volunteers and demand management – these are social services and we are seeing a lot of new people wanting to use CT.” Jenkinson continued: “There are opportunities to plug the gaps caused by bus cuts but as someone said, it’s not the panacea. Local partnerships are extremely important and we do a lot of work with SYPTE and Sheffield CC; CT can deliver what those agencies want. We are looking at making better use of Section 22, using vehicles to link up places to feed into mainstream services.” Citing an international example of good practice, Jenkinson said: “The Buurtbus concept developed in the Netherlands links into mainstream public transport and all services are driven by volunteers. If it can work in Holland, why can’t it work here?” Concluding, he said: “Some contracts are suitable for CT and others are not. CT needs to not lose sight of its roots: we’re not in it for the money, we’re in it for the people.”

LILLIan GreenWooD Labour MP for nottingham south Standing in for poorly shadow transport secretary, Maria Eagle, transport minister Greenwood congratulated the audience on the work it is continuing to do. “I’m already aware of the value of CT, especially for the vulnerable members of our community. The context in which you are working has changed distinctively. Bus services are being heavily cut as a result of decisions on funding and there is a real fear amongst rural operators their networks will be absolutely decimated. “I know CT is stepping in to fill gaps in services but the future for

CT should be to offer additional services or fill the gaps not be a get out of jail free card for government to cut elsewhere. It’s not credible to claim CT can make up for loss of services.” She added: “Maria Eagle and I did welcome the £10m funding to authorities to kickstart CT – funding which has been a long time coming.” Greenwood said Labour is doing some hard thinking on whether its policies are right and where there needs to be change. “Transport became a focus too late in the day,” she admitted. “I also think we didn’t always appreciate the valuable role CT can play and we want to put that right.” Commenting on Labour’s early conclusions on transport, she said localising transport decision-making should be a priority, which the abolition of Regional Development Agencies hasn’t helped with. “Transport for London provides a clear lead and an integrated approach to transport. In too many parts of the country, rural areas are left out. Strong transport authorities who are properly able to integrate services means significant devolution and sharing of responsibilities, which should extend to road schemes, currently the responsibility of the Highways Agency.”

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53%

The percentage by which people in rural areas travel further than those in urban ones

The number of local bus routes operated by Sheffield CT

Sheffield now has a viable CT-run service operating on 14 routes with support from SypTe, Sheffield City Council and elsewhere Greenwood said Labour is advocating “some sort of regional transport bodies,” but no decisions have been reached on size or scope. “They should have the power to deliver bus services and include tackling the negative consequences of devolution. It could be a big win for CT, which we should ensure is central to this vision. “The traditional bus service is not always the answer – it’s not always affordable and suitable. Instead of cutting we need to encourage innovation and I know CT can be a real driver.” Greenwood acknowledged the really big challenge in response to a comment on silo mentality in government. “We are cutting schemes which if there was only a small amount of support from the local Department of Work and Pensions, would continue.” However, she failed to address the question of what Labour would do to address it. Meanwhile, Steve Manchip from the Coleridge Bus lamented the political aspect to CT which should not exist. “CT is not a political agenda,” he said. “A lot of us have been in CT for a long time and we think the political side should be taken out. We, not the local MPs,

December 21, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 51

“CT has got an opportunity to play an important and perhaps bigger role, but in no way is it going to fill the gaps of serious reductions on mainstream transport services and anyone who thinks it can is deluded.” Stephen Hickey CTA chairman should be listened to.” Greenwood responded: “Unfortunately, how we run transport comes down to political decisions. We need to have much stronger links at local and regional levels with organisations like yourselves who provide transport on a voluntary level.”

JonaThan Bray director of pteg Bray provided a Total Transport approach to the conference, also the title of its recent report on the need for a cross-policy and pooled resource approach to transport.

£10m

Value of the funding recently announced by the coalition government for the development of CT

“The Netherlands has inspired me – and this is practice not just theory – and it isn’t far away, I don’t see why it can’t happen,” he said, citing the Dutch holistic and integrated approach to transport. “We have lots of forms of collective transport, with their own vehicle fleets, lots of formats with potentially lots of duplication.” Jonathan pointed out the transport budget has taken a harder knock than other sectors, 28% comparing to 3% for the Department of Education and 4% at the Department of Health. “Transport is very good at taking people off the Department for Work and Pensions budget by connecting workers with work.” A more integrated approach would see transport advisers in job centres, free fares to interviews or free travel for the first month of work. West Midlands PTE Centro has helped job seekers with free travel in an initiative called Work Wise, and 70% of those assisted are still in work, he said. On the other hand, £600m is the cost of missed hospital appointments. Under the strapline “never let a good crisis go to waste”, Bray said: “People in the public sector can be quite good at defending their little areas but the budget cuts are breaking down those little fiefdoms.” Macro policy is coming into play, where Department for Work and Pensions minister Chris Grayling has called for a round table on how transport can help jobs. “Public health has been devolved to local government and we think there are a lot of opportunities,” commented Bray, suggesting health input into local transport plans and vice versa. “We’re keen to see a pooling of services to fill gaps left by the cuts.” There is tentative experimentation with vehicle fleets and budgets, on the transport side, in his view, and he pointed to Friesland in the Netherlands for “total immersion” where budgets for transport, social services, health and education are all pooled. CT is also factored into the equation, where a CT layer exists on top of established bus contracts. “All CT has to do is staff the vehicles.”

“People in Dorset, Oxford and Cambridge are edging towards this,” continued Bray. “I don’t know why some areas are not looking at Quality Contracts more for economies of scale. It’s not easy and it’s not a miracle cure. There are reasons for keeping services separate when there are different clientele.” The latter point was backed up by David Evans, a “service user”, who raised his concern at the emphasis placed “at conferences like this” on putting people onto feeder buses. “There are a very large number of people who wouldn’t be able to access this sort of service. The majority of people want their own service to take them from home to hospital.”

STephen hiCkey chairman of the CTa Chairing the conference, Hickey pulled together some common strands emerging from the day, starting with the changing transport landscape under financial pressures. “CT has an opportunity to play an important and perhaps bigger role, but it cannot fill the gaps caused by serious reductions in mainstream transport services and anyone who thinks it can is deluded.” Referring to the chancellor’s recent Autumn Statement, Hickey asked: “Is this just tough times, or are we seeing changes which are not going back any time soon?” Highlighting the emphasis on pooling and sharing, Hickey commented: “An issue which comes up repeatedly indicates integration of some kind seems sensible. How can we achieve it?” he asked, warning of the danger of rhetoric over making things happen. “Unless there is greater integration, it is hard to see how change will be addressed and who would oversee such integration. “Will CT need to work across it’s own boundaries? CT comes from a voluntary, community ethos in the way it puts the end user first and in a way, arguably, commercial networks can’t. We have to make sure integration maintains this ethos,” he concluded.

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2005 Volvo B12B Jonckheere Mistral

370,455 km, air conditioned, automatic I-shift gearbox, 53 seats plus courier, just serviced, in excellent condition and can be viewed by appointment (Ireland). £80,000

Donoghues Coaches : Niall 00353 87 2059145, Noel 00353 87 2654787 info@donoghuescoaches.com www.donoghuescoaches.com

Network Warrington have the following vehicles for sale

Advertiseyour CoachorBus hereforas littleas

£20.00 aweek!

Call Lara Odumosu on 020 8320 1351

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

Telephone Lara Odumosu on 020 8320 1351 or email lara.odumosu@rouncymedia.co.uk

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NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS

OTHER MAKES

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

(60) 2011 Ford Transit 15 seat 2.4 tdci minibus, tacho, air-con, Bluetooth, silver £18,995

FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES (08) 2008 Ford Transit 17 seat Hi Roof LWB 2.4 TDI 115PS minibus, air-con, tacho, 6 speed, 60,000km, COIF/PSV £13,495

(55) Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi minibus, high back seats with three point belts, air-con, tacho, 77,000km, COIF/PSV £8,995

(53) 2003 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4 td minibus, high back seats with three point belts, tacho, air-con, COIF/PSV £6,995

(02) Ford Transit 3.5 ton, 15 seat minibus, 2.4 tdi, high back seats with three point belts £2,995

Peugeot Boxer 17 seat wheelchair accessible 2.2 diesel 120ps with six speed gearbox, COIF/PSV. Choice of colours. £23,500 + VAT (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 (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

(06) Fiat Ducato LWB, high roof, panoramic windows, inboard tail lift, 6 seats plus wheelchair tracking, 42,000 miles £10,995

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

(03) 2003 LDV Convoy Maxi XLWB 17 seat mini-coach, 2.4 Tdi, front entry drop step, luggage racks, rear heating, wide aisle, rear row of seats removable, New PSV £6,995

OTHER MAKES

(54) 2005 Renault Master 13 seat wheelchair access minibus, inboard Ricon lift, fully tracked floor, rear heating, electric side step, 56,000 miles £8,995 (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

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

(53) 2003 Mercedes Vito 108 cdi 2.2 diesel, 6 seats, low floor with lightweight ramp, tracking for two wheelchairs £5,995

(10) 2010 Renault Trafic 9 seat LL29, twin side loading doors, air-con, alloys, tail gate, 50,000 miles £11,995

(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

(07) Peugeot Boxer 17 seat 3.5 ton minibus, high back seats with three point seat belts, 27,000 miles £8,995

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 NP4 0AL – 10 minutes from M4 motorway. Viewing by appointment only Finance Contract Hire and Finance Lease Available. We deliver Nationwide. All vehicles prepared to VOSA standard COIF/PSV specialist

All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%

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DOUBLE DECK E 1997/8 VOLVO OLYMPIANS Seatbe exampleslted no available w

LEZ

COMPLIANT

Volvo engines, Euro 2, 78 seats, converted to single door, new COIF, tyres included, UK registered ready to work.

7.8m, Slimline, Mercedes engine, Euro 4, 27 seats, Hanover LEDʼs all round.

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

8.9m, Cummins / Allison, Hanover blinds, 29 seats, full DDA.

2007 OPTARE SOLO

2009 ADL ENVIRO 200

2005 55 PLATE DENNIS DART SLF

ZF automatic, Northern Counties body, 48 BELTED seats, repainted white, MOT 09/12.

1995 M REG VOLVO B10M

Cummins ISB engine, Plaxton Pointer 2 body, 37 seats, Hanover LEDʼs, long MOT.

1995 M REG DENNIS DRAGONS

2001 MERCEDES 814 VARIO

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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g nbus

K ER SPECIALIST 1994 K REG VOLVO OLYMPIAN

GREAT VALUE DENNIS DARTS!!!

Northern Counties low height bodies, Volvo engines, good selection with long MOTs.

2001 Y REG DENNIS DART MPD’S

Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, 29 seats, LEZ compliant post 2012 with traps, DDA compliant, long MOTʼs.

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).

1995 AUTOMATIC MERCEDES 709 27 seats, choice of two.

1998 S REG DENNIS DART SPD

Cummins / Allison World Series gearbox , Pointer 2 body, 41 seats.

ZF auto, Van Hool body, 49 seats with centre toilet and door, only one available.

Cummins / ZF, 40 seats with 3 point belts, Hanover LEDʼs, new MOT.

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

Mercedes engine, 27 seats, 25 with 3 point belts, Hanover LEDʼs, long MOT.

Euro 4, Cummins/Allison, MCV body, 9m, 32 seats, special narrow version, only 2.4m wide.

2008 58 PLATE ENVIRO 300

2004 OPTARE SOLO

1999 V REG DENNIS DART MPD’S Cummins/Allison, Plaxton bodies, 8.8m, 29 seats.

2003 VOLVO B12B

2007 MAN 14.220

2007 DART MPD

Mercedes engines, Slimlines, 2.34m wide, 7.8m long, 24 seats, Hanover LEDʼs. Price reduced to £27,000

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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56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 21, 2011

London United Busways Ltd CLEARANCE SALE – Don’t miss this opportunity to pick up a bargain Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 2 SLF 10.7m Single door 35 Seated 25 Standing T/V reg (1999) LEZ compliant Look CCTV system Manual ramp, Cab Air con, From £9,999.00 + VAT + Tyres (£250)

T916 ACRON AVAILABLE 57 seats, Full Exec

01274 681144

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

Bus and Coach

take a test drive today

Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 2 SLF 10.7m 31 Seated 27 Standing T/V reg (1999) LEZ compliant Look CCTV system, Power ramp, Cab Air con, Single door conversion available. From £4,999.00 + VAT + Tyres (£250)

Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 2 SLF 10.2m 27 Seated 30 Standing V reg (1999) LEZ compliant Look CCTV system Power ramp, Cab Air con, Single door conversion available From £4,500.00 + VAT + Tyres (£250)

Contact Joseph Sage 0208 400 6680 Email Joseph.sage@lonutd.co.uk

2002 (02) Dennis Dart Marshall

10.2 metres long, purpose built from Marshall factory. Very low mileage – 23,000 kms.

This is a super low floor bus with a fold-out ramp so no access issues, there is centre spot lighting, auxiliary heating and a quiet-run diesel generator, the interior is spotless and suitable for a multitude of uses. Will come with a new MOT.

£14,950.00

View all stock online: www.staffordbuscentre.com Email: martin@staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774 Mobile: 07803 222552

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THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS...

60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 21, 2011

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING

ENGINES

Crewe Engines Ltd MERCEDES ENGINE SPECIALISTS

WE ALSO RECONDITION ALL MAKES OF BUS & COACH ENGINES BUILDINGS

CHECKPOINTS

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

Bus Workshops - Secure Storage Supplied any width, any length Building to BS5590 - Doors high enough for Double Deckers - Finance available For further information phone

TO PURCHASE CHECKPOINT/DUSTITE loose wheelnut indicators or to locate your nearest stockist:

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime

www.checkpoint-safety.com

Tel: 01524 271200

ELECTRONICS

Direct from the UK’s No.1 for 30 years

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

Suppliers of Reconditioned

DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS Tel: PUMPS Works: 01782 791524 Moorfields Ind. ETC 01782 791527 Est. Cotes Heath,

Getyourbusiness noticed! AdvertiseyourProducts &Serviceshere foraslittleas£30.00 aweek! To book your slot contact Ian on 01733 293254 or email ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk

Fax: 01782 791316

Stoke-on-Trent ST21 6QY

SPECIAL OFFERS

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

Specialists in Used Commercial Garage Equipment

BWS 0117 953 0381 www.bwsequip.co.uk

email: bwsequip@hotmail.com

REGISTRATIONS G £750 20 PXV 40 OXW 60 NJX 70 NNX 90 PXL PJZ 88 RJZ 66 RJZ 77 SJZ 22

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

£350 £99 £99 £50 ACZ 686 CXZ 2228 MNZ 1195 AXZ 5617 AJZ 484 CXZ 2229 ONZ 1171 AXZ 5618 CJZ 323 HIG 7728 REZ 3379 BXZ 7175 JBZ 484 HIG 7729 RUI 2117 BXZ 7176 KBZ 737 IFZ 2291 SEZ 7608 CRZ 8340 KCZ 505 IFZ 2292 SUI 8847 CXZ 2215 KDZ 929 KIG 1901 SUI 8848 CXZ 2216 NUI 636 KIG 1902 TJZ 1118 DRZ 5652 SBZ 515 MJZ 6749 TJZ 1119 DRZ 5653 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange

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

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

£50 IFZ 2314 IFZ 2315 IIG 8223 JIG 8031 JIG 8032 KIG 1321 KIG 1322 TUI 3633 TUI 3634

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December 21, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES SEATING

TYRE EQUIPMENT

URBAN

SERVICE

COACH

SERVICE

HAND RAIL PADDING

ACCESSORIES

G Hand Rail Padding G Next Day Delivery G Seat Belt Installations G Double Deckers Seat Belted G Seat Belt Supplies Securon Amsafe/Safetex Fasching ISRI Reflex Schneeweis Orion MCF GWR Fainsa Vogle Keil Politecnica Esteban + many more

Parts Hotline - Graham White graham@bhiuk.com 01522 689911 Email: info@bhiuk.com

www.bhiuk.com

Fax: 01522 689922

The UK’s No1 Seatbelt Installers

SNOW CHAINS

VEHICLE SPARES

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY

Getyourbusiness noticed! AdvertiseyourProducts &Serviceshere foraslittleas£30.00 aweek! To book your slot contact Ian on 01733 293254 or email ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk

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

www.twigley.com

62 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 21, 2011

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. Andrew asks me what the name of the printer he should send his work to (meaning HP or Konica). I can’t resist joking: “We call him Charlie.” It’s windy outside, very windy in fact. I watch as the steelwork for an under construction office across the road rocks. Having visions of a power cut, I remind my colleagues to save their work frequently, but one thinks I’m being a fusspot. I tell him I can’t help it. Where I was brought up we used to endure power cuts for hours at a time in stormy weather. To this day, my parents keep a gas lamp, candles and a torch under the kitchen sink. Scott Pearson, MD of Newport Transport, with Santa and the festive themed Dennis Trident

Newport gets into Christmas spirit ‘Holidays are coming’ to Newport after the city’s municipally-owned bus operator unveiled its own take on the famous Coca Cola festive truck – a Christmas themed Alexander-bodied Dennis Trident. If that wasn’t enough to get passengers in the festive spirit Newport Bus has announced it will be making every one of its buses free to travel on Christmas Eve. The bus will be driven during the festive period by Jeff Smith who’ll be dressed as Santa Claus, while passengers will be given a helping

Dilbert

hand with their festive shopping by two drivers dressed as festive elves. It has been decorated outside with a giant Father Christmas aboard a sleigh being pulled by reindeer. It has also been decked inside with Christmas lights and a festive jukebox playing carols and Christmas songs for passengers. Buses across the operator’s network are made free to travel on including all its services in Newport and those to Cardiff, Chepstow, Cwmbran and Monmouth. The City of Newport has been hit hard by the recession and Newport Bus is hoping free buses on Christmas Eve will help bring more people into its retail shopping centres. The firm also says it will allow people to enjoy a festive drink responsibly by leaving their cars at

home and using the bus instead. Scott Pearson, MD of Newport Transport, said: “We wanted to give something back to our customers and the City of Newport and what better way than by making all of our buses free on Christmas Eve? “We’ve seen a big increase in the number of people using Newport Bus in the last 12 months so it was important we said thank you. Our festive bus will be used along many of our routes over Christmas so we hope it helps bring cheer to everyone.” In the CBW office we concluded Newport’s act of painting the wheels white might be regarded as a ‘wheelie nice gesture’. Other operators embracing the festive spirit with specially-liveried buses include JPT and Lothian.

Tuesday: Having rested at home in the morning, head to the office. Much to my horror, I find the heat is set to 27 degrees. Yikes. Bug heaven. One of my colleagues remarks that it’s “nice”, to which I reply that the “ensuing utility bill will be anything but pleasant.” Wednesday: Spend the morning firing off emails and helping Martin with Minibus news. My rather flat mood in the afternoon is transformed when a friendly coach operator calls for a chat. In his best tradition, he can’t resist a healthy spot of banter. On a work note, he wants to participate in the Michelin tyre trial (CBW1016). Thursday: Spend the morning working at home. After listening to the weather forecast and having visions of being caught up in the chaos which ensues with overhead line electrification (the joys of the East Coast Main Line), I decide not to join friends for a curry in London. In Peterborough at least, it’s far from stormy in the evening. Friday: A busy day in the office working on Minibus and sub editing this issue. Head ‘back home’ to my native Shropshire-Welsh borderland in the evening.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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RECRUITMENT

CoNTaCT Harley Denham 01733 293249

harley.denham@rouncymedia.co.uk

Merseytravel CEO Neil Scales to go ‘down under’ Neil Scales is to leave his job as chief executive and director general of Merseytravel and become chief executive of TransLink, the public transport authority in Brisbane, Australia. Neil, who will begin his new post up in March, has been with Merseytravel for almost 15 years

Neil Scales joined Merseytravel in 1997 as customer services director

and was awarded an OBE for his services to public transport seven years ago. “It was a hard decision and one I spent some considerable time agonising over but I have received an offer which was too difficult to refuse,” said Neil. “For me this is a challenge to make a real difference on the other side of the world and an opportunity of a once-in-a lifetime experience ‘down under’.” In a message to Merseytravel staff he said: “I know I leave Merseytravel in good shape to face the future and I am proud of what we have achieved together.” Neil was appointed director of customer services of Merseytravel in September 1997. From September 1998, he became acting chief executive and director general, taking up the roles permanently in February 1999.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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