Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1022 by Coach and Bus Week & Group Travel World

Wednesday February 8, 2012 Issue 1022 | ÂŁ2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

New coach depot for Travel De Courcey in Birmingham p8

INSIGHT:

A past and present guide to the Transport Benevolent Fund p34

BUS:

LEZ:

Scottish BSOG changes An update on London's create double whammy pollution reducing technology p40 for bus operators p6

for recru i

Telling gives this year's UK Coach Rally a bus boost

JOB ADV tment EVERY WERTS EEK

p28

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THIS WEEK

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

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 & 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

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Deal or no deal?

feel there is a lot of merit in the points Terry Jones makes in his letter (see Inbox p39) about Cornwall Council’s proposal to seek permission from the DfT to charge concessionary bus passengers a flat rate of 50p per journey. In real terms, 50p is less than half the price of a cup of tea today, so it’s not the big hit in pass holders’ pockets it could be. I feel Terry’s suggestion is a more politically palatable option than that proposed by Cornwall. Importantly, it’s not eradicating the ‘free’ element because free travel for local journeys will be maintained. Providing the ‘pro movement’, is organised there exists a real opportunity to shoot down cries of ‘cuts’ and ‘social exclusion’ in an instant. From a financial and social perspective, it’s also something of a reintroduction of the old system of passes being valid for local journeys – what might be regarded as the ‘good old days’ prior to the introduction of the disastrous politicallymotivated national scheme. Let’s hope

Marsham Street sees sense and doesn’t be ‘DafT’ (with apologies to Private Eye) by continuing with the current ticking timebomb. It will certainly be more than a storm in a (half price) tea cup… On the coaching front, following last year’s UK Coach Rally I penned a politely critical editorial about the importance of considering the needs of photographers. I endeavoured not to be rude but to offer constructive criticism. At Thursday’s media briefing, I was delighted to hear my comments have been acted upon – and indeed, we as trade press were asked to give our input. It wasn’t so much a lecture – more a discussion. Please let us know what you think of the changes for 2012, as outlined on p28-31. I for one look forward to the event and I will do all I can to support it. If we as an industry don’t get behind the organisers, it won’t survive. Steve Telling is to be commended for his considerable input. Gareth Evans Editor

CONTENTS 4

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

First Tourliners for Premium Tours, six Eclipses for Minsterley Motors

Terry Jones’ practical suggestion for implimenting Cornish 50p flat fare

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

Find out what’s in store for the UK Coach Rally in 2012

Boris Johnson announces new technology to hit emissions targets

Anticipated rise in green spending and UK manufacturing growth

EYMS’s award-winning Petuaria Express branded ADL Enviro 400

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

TC warns a school bus operator against maintenence complacency

The story behind the TBF and what is offered to its members today

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

Tour News

Business News Legal News

Deliveries

UK Coach Rally

The Big Picture TBF Profile

Inbox

LEZ Update

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 | February 8, 2012

nEWS

“We’re here for our members and if we have got spare money, which we did this year, we want to help them.” Chris Godbold

BriEfly North West Wales-based independent coach and bus operator Clynnog & Trefor is celebrating its centenary on April 26. As part of the celebrations, the firm intends to publish a book of photos and stories from long ago, and hold an exhibition of old pictures in the local hall. Anyone with relevant memorabilia is kindly asked to contact Dafydd C Jones at Clynnog & Trefor by email on djonesclyntrefor@aol.com or call 01286 660208. Optare has announced it has changed its registered office address with immediate effect. The new address is: Unit 3, Hurricane Way South, Sherburn in Elmet, Leeds, North Yorkshire, LS25 6PT. Network Warrington has introduced a Twitter and Facebook feed onto its website. David Squire, MD, explained: “The introduction of Twitter and Facebook gives us the ability to communicate with our customers in an additional way. We see this as being particularly useful when our services are disrupted.” Follows the links via www. networkwarrington.co.uk or go directly to www.facebook.com/ networkwarrington or www.twitter. com/netwkwarrington Arriva UK Bus has seen its mobile ticketing technology (featured in CBW1019) deliver more than two million bus journeys. It has taken the company just two years to break the two million barrier. Since its launch, Arriva has seen 65,000 users register to use m-ticketing, providing 2.2m journeys across the UK. The service has been particularly successful with regard to multi-journey ticket sales. Currently 8% of all fourweekly sales are now made by mobile, and 16% of all off-bus four-weeklies. Mike Woodhouse, marketing manager at Arriva UK Bus, said: “The fact that customers are switching to buying tickets through their mobiles is testament to the ease and functionality of the technology. Going forward our aim is to make m-ticketing a one-stopshop, which not only provides pricing and purchasing, but allows full access to timetables and RTI.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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Transport Benevolent Fund p34

Book now for Young Bus Manager Network events YMBN announces Olympic Park tour this month and March conference The Young Bus Managers Network (YBMN) has announced technology as the theme of its spring conference in March as well as a free tour of the Stratford Olympics site later this month. Taking place on March 21 and 22 in Brighton and featuring guest speakers Norman Baker MP and Arriva UK Bus managing director Mike Cooper, the conference will discuss the emerging innovations changing the industry’s future thinking. There will also be presentations and a panel discussion on the changing face of passenger information and

ticketing, as well as new vehicle technologies. “It’s obviously very exciting for us that we’re able to attract the big names from around our industry to give up their time on what is shaping up to be another two successful events,” said Alex Hornby, patron of the YBMN and commercial director at trent barton. “The YBMN is all about offering opportunities for greater understanding of issues affecting the industry and bringing likeminded people together so we can all benefit. “Appreciating the transport challenges of the Olympics in 2012, an insight into one of the UK’s biggest bus companies from Arriva’s Mike Cooper, and the view

Last year’s YBMN conference was held on June 8 and 9 in Birmingham

Ebdons Tours MD praises drivers in difficult conditions Keith Payne, MD of Ebdons Tours, has commended coach drivers braving the elements in the snowy conditions over the weekend. Speaking to CBW, he said his drivers undertook an “excellent and professional job”, adding: “I should echo this sentiment to all coach and bus drivers who go out in the snow to get Britain moving. “It’s pretty rare we stop and

actually thank our drivers; they plough through and get on with it. “I had about six out on Saturday night in thick snow, with three in Oxfordshire on quite long journeys. These journeys were completed without incident.” Keith went on to say how their passengers did not have to think about the tough driving conditions, which shows the faith they had in

of one of the industry’s key decision makers, Norman Baker MP, are just three items on the agenda in our first two events of the year. These help to continue our theme of offering YBMN members an insight into key industry matters which cannot be missed!” The conference costs an all inclusive rate of £144.50+VAT, including overnight accommodation at central Brighton’s Lansdown Hotel, and evening meal, breakfast and refreshments throughout the day. Meanwhile, a free visit to the Olympics site in Stratford is taking place on February 22 in conjunction with CILT and booking soon is encouraged as places are strictly limited. The visit will include a behind the scenes tour of the Olympics development. This will be hosted by Transport for London (TfL) and its commissioner, Peter Hendy will also deliver a presentation titled Meeting the Olympic Challenge. This will involve talking through the new transport infrastructure being delivered, the logistical challenges and measures to make sure businesses and passengers are prepared. To book a place on the free visit to the Olympics site, email alex.hornby@ youngbusmanagers.org.uk. Visit www.youngbusmanagers.org. uk to book a place at the YBMN spring conference in Brighton.

the drivers, and highlights their level of professionalism. His advice to other operators was simple: be careful and don’t attempt journeys if in any doubt of safety to passengers or staff. Unfortunately the weekend did not pass completely incident-free, with a three-vehicle crash on the A12 near Martlesham in Suffolk involving a school coach which injured a car driver. A coach also skidded on ice and blocked the road through Bedlinog, Merthyr Tydfil, on Sunday morning but no-one was hurt.

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February 8, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5

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

Union attacks VOSA testing station closures The Prospect trade union has stepped up its campaign against VOSA’s test station closure programme by claiming that the agency is struggling to sell off its estate due to leasing contracts. The public sector union also said it remains concerned about road safety if the DfT continues with its plans to move heavy vehicle testing to private sites, or Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) - Commercial Motor reported. Prospect claims that since the Birmingham testing station closed in October, VOSA has been unable to relinquish a 30-year lease agreement with the city council and is therefore saddled with annual costs totalling £50,000. Kevin Warden, secretary for the VOSA arm of Prospect, said a similar situation in Ipswich means that while tests there will soon cease, office staff must remain in leased buildings. “They have a lease they can’t get out of so they are keeping staff there. It makes a nonsense of it all, to be truthful,” he said. Prospect also claims a tanker was forced to travel an extra 100 miles to Liverpool’s test centre, which accepts dangerous goods vehicles, while fully laden with fuel after the Birmingham station closed. However, a VOSA spokesman said there are six stations “in close proximity to Birmingham.” He adds: “The Birmingham site is being disposed of and currently saving us £65,000 a year.”

End of the road for Veolia Transport UK Veolia Transport has completed the exit of its UK operations with the sale of its remaining businesses to former chief executive and chairman John O’Brien. It is understood the Welsh operation, which now comprises

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CPT driver CPC courses start soon

Drivers gearing up to demonstrate their skills at last September’s BDoY

UK Bus Driver of the Year 2012 is open for business The National Final of the UK Bus Driver of the Year (BDoY) competition will take place in Blackpool on Sunday, September 9, and entries are now being invited from operators which have regularly supported the competition and especially from those which have not previously taken part. Joe Mackie, chairman of the UK Bus Driver of the Year Association, which organises the competition, said that the 2012 National Final marked forty-six years of BDoY which was first run in 1967 as a local contest in Coventry and subsequently grew into a national event. “We are especially keen to encourage smaller companies to take part – and those new to the bus business”, he added. “BDoY is

there for all operators – large or small, whether independently or municipally owned or part of a PLC”. Last year’s overall winner, and UK Bus Driver of the Year 2011, was Derek Wright from First Cymru, who will be trying to retain his title in the face of stiff competition from drivers who are entered in the 2012 National Final.

depots at Abercraf and Crossgates, have a future until at least the end July as the Powys County Council contracts are up for re-tender. Newport depot is still operating with five Optare Solos, it is understood purely, to operate the remaining tendered routes (Pontypool and Monmouth) until replacement contractors take over. According to information at Companies House, Veolia Transport Cymru PLC was re-registered to Veolia Transport Cymru Ltd on November 18. Then, on December 20, the firm changed its name again

to Crossgates Coaches Ltd. In a statement Mr O’Brien said: “Veolia Transport in the UK is now owned by a company controlled by me. The final step was to change the company names to reflect the exit from the Veolia Group. Veolia Transport UK is now Astons Transport Ltd; Veolia Transport England is now Astons Coaches Ltd and Veolia Transport Cymru is now Crossgates Coaches Ltd.” Astons Transport Ltd retains its headquarters at Unit 3, Garrison Street, Bordesley, Birmingham B9 4BN.

Entry forms have been sent to all companies which have previously participated in the competition, but operators who would like to become involved are invited to contact the competition secretary, Bill Holmes, on 01303 251462 or email him at bdoy@btinternet. com

CPT will start delivering Driver CPC courses for its members, starting later this month. Initially courses will be held in London and Essex. The first course, Customer Care–Equality, will be held in Chelmsford on February 20 and in London at CPT offices on the March 12. The courses will be delivered by respected trainers Fran Garthwaite and Brian Masters, MBE. CPT’s operation’s director, Stephen Smith, said: “With September 2013 fast approaching now is the time for CPT as the trade association for the bus and coach industry to help its members ensure their drivers are CPC qualified by delivering its own bespoke Driver CPC courses”. Topics covered will include the Equality Act, customer care and the concept of the social model of disability. Courses are available at £80 plus VAT per person. Further courses include Saturday March 27, Saturday March 24, Monday April 2 and Monday April 16. These will all be held at the Chelmsford location. Courses will continue to run throughout the rest of 2012. This course forms part of the Driver CPC training requirement of 35 hours (5x7) of periodic training which is a legal requirement for all bus and coach drivers to complete by September 2013. CPT Members can download a booking form from the news pages of the CPT website: www.cpt-uk.org

Veolia Transport Cymru was renamed Crossgates Coaches in December 2011 www.coachandbusweek.com

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6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

£5,965

nEWS › BUSeS

The amount raised in aid of Transaid at the CPT UK Dinner on January 26

BriEfly trent barton has named the Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough as its ‘Charity of the Year’ and has handed over a cheque for £250 to mark the start of its fund-raising efforts. The hospice helps to care for children from Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire and over the next 12 months the company is planning to organise a number of events and promotions to help the hospice raise the funds needed to maintain its work with children suffering from life-limiting conditions and their families. Alex Hornby, commercial director at trent barton, explained: “Over the past few years we have supported a wide range of individuals and groups doing excellent work but this is the first time we have ‘adopted’ a single charity. We are now looking forward to concentrating all our charitable efforts on an organisation that is playing such an important role across the area we serve.” A new ‘BusAbout’ day ticket has been introduced covering Flintshire and Denbighshire subsidised services. This has replaced ‘Connexxions 1’ and ‘Connexxions +’ tickets. At the same time a cheaper ‘DeeRover’ ticket has been introduced for subsidised Deeside services. For more details, call 01824 706968 or visit www.denbighshire.gov. uk/travel Hot on the heels of Ipswich Buses’ January fares offer of £10 for a week’s travel, the municipal is offering a discounted price on its ten trip ticket, normally priced at £16.50 which will now be sold for £10 during February. Malcolm Robson, Ipswich Buses MD said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for bus users to cut the cost of their travel by purchasing ten trips in advance for use on any of our services in Ipswich. As long as the purchase is made during February the trips can be used at any point in the future. We continue to offer fares discount cutting the cost of bus travel at a time of increasing motoring costs while many bus companies are watching the pennies they spend.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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CPT Scotland criticises Scottish BSOG changes Pence per kilometre change alongside 20% cut to BSOG could mean up to 40% cut for urban operators CPT Scotland claims Scottish operators, particularly those running services in urban areas, face a huge hit through forthcoming changes to BSOG. The Scottish Government announced in December the budget for BSOG in 2012/13 will be set at £50m from April this year, compared to the previous amount paid in 2010/11 of £62.5m, which amounts to roughly a 20% cut, Paul White, public affairs executive for CPT Scotland, told CBW. The mechanism through which BSOG is paid will also fundamentally change from pence per litre to a pence per kilometre model, which will also no longer

include any positioning mileage. The government had also proposed the introduction of a £3m Bus Investment Fund for which operators and local authorities could put in match-fund bids. “This is good to see but the funds to pay for it have effectively been taken out of BSOG when the government should really be allocating new money to such schemes,” said Paul. “The Scottish Government claims it is protecting rural routes and rural operators, however urban operators will take a big hit. BSOG is being cut by 20% but because of the accompanying pence per kilometre change the reality is a cut of up to 40% for them. “While the government is correct in saying some operators will be no worse off, it is the urban operators with shorter, more congested routes who will be markedly worse

Operators such as Lothian Buses will be dealt a financial blow come April

First appears before TC over punctuality First’s Greater Manchester bus company is to appear before traffic commissioner Beverley Bell over the issue of punctuality. The move follows an investigation by VOSA last year. First could face a fine of £550 per

vehicle if it is found to have missed the punctuality target. A spokesman for First said: “We are attending the Traffic Commissioner’s office on Monday and will discuss factors affecting the punctuality of some of our buses in Manchester some 12 months ago.” Cllr Roger Jones, a vicechairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, which oversees transport in the region, said: “We`ve asked First to improve its reliability as too many complaints are made about services not keeping to their timetable.”

off and it these operators who carry the most passengers. It is the passengers who will feel the blow.” Speaking at a debate on public transport on January 26, transport minister Keith Brown said: “Why are we changing the scheme? BSOG payments currently track the amount of fuel each operator uses, and more fuel means more subsidy. So, we are removing fuel from the calculation and substituting route length. We are also taking away payment for dead mileage, when there are no passengers at all on the buses. We believe those moves will incentivise greater fuel efficiency and emission reductions; they will also tend to benefit rural services, providing a degree of protection for our vulnerable rural communities.” He added: “We are reducing the BSOG funding to £50m, but we are adding a £3m investment fund for bus infrastructure. The reduction represents about 1% of fare costs. It does not justify significant fare rises or withdrawal of services.” Paul concluded: “CPT Scotland has pointed out it was the wrong time to attempt to introduce bus investment fund while making such funding cuts to BSOG. The Scottish Government has since decided the £3m pot will be shared out to operators whose BSOG is being cut by more than 15% on a pro rata basis in the first year of the new scheme. What sticks in the throat is the cut and change in mechanism are being introduced concurrently and at such short notice.”

Transdev buys York Pullman’s bus ops

Veolia Transdev has acquired the the local bus and sightseeing operations of York Pullman. York Pullman has developed a strong brand presence, particularly serving the growing University. These services will fit well into

06/02/2012 23:23

The maximum number of entries (coach & bus) permitted at the UK Coach Rally

First ftrs to exit York after six years in operation FirstGroup has confirmed Wright Gemini double deckers are to replace its ftr operation in York in Easter – the Bus Rapid Transit vehicles are to be refurbished and redeployed elsewhere in First’s northern region. ftrs were introduced on route 4 between Acomb and the University of York in May 2006, replacing an hourly service of eight conventional 41-seater vehicles with 10 and 20 minute services. First gave its assurance the high-frequency service will continue without any timetable changes. “Whilst this was a commercial decision taken by First, it is mindful of the aspirations of York’s council leaders to remove the ftr vehicles from York,” said the group. “The proposal has only just been finalised following an extensive internal review. Owing to the sensitivity of these discussions, particularly with staff, First has been unable to confirm before now its future plans for ftr in York.” First said at the present time, and for commercial reasons, it could not say where it intends to deploy the ftrs. Speaking at a media event at the end of last month, Giles Fearnley, managing director of First Bus ,said the group is looking at a number of options best suited to the city or on other corridors (CBW1021). He said no decision had been made but commented it would be “sensible to keep the majority of ftrs in Yorkshire”. current Transdev operation, which includes the respected Yorkshire Coastliner service, a series of local bus routes and the local Citysightseeing franchise. CEO Martin Gilbert commented: “This acquisition enables us to use the resources of Veolia Transdev to further develop our business in York at a time when the local council view bus services as a key part of their plan to ‘Get York Moving’. This is particularly relevant on the University route where we see our style of a high quality branded service to students

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14.4p

February 8, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7

The payment rate for Scottish BSOG from April 1, 2012 per kilometre

SHARE WATCH

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, February 6. Optare saw the greatest proportional rise while Siemens experienced the biggest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

317.90p

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

305.95p

First’s York ftrs will be withdrawn from the city in April and redeployed in First’s Northern region, yet to be announced The Labour-run York City Council had said it wanted the removal of ftrs from the city last year. Cllr Dave Merrett welcomed First’s announcement and said he looked forward to hearing proposals for its replacement, which would be “more suitable for and less damaging to York’s roads.” Explaining the decision, Dave Alexander, managing director for First in the North of England, said: “As part of our growth agenda we have been evaluating opportunities to utilise the ftr vehicles elsewhere in the region and are confident ftr will stimulate new public transport journeys on a route currently being developed outside of York. The removal of the ftr vehicles from York allows us to carry out refurbishment on them. “The ftr has been an innovative public transport concept and has been successful at generating growth since its introduction five years ago. Its launch coincided with many infrastructure changes in and staff as an important part of encouraging more people to travel by bus.” York Pullman MD Tom James, said: “We have worked very hard in developing our services and I am confident this success can be further enhanced by one of the leading bus industry operators. I can now concentrate all my energies on the further development our 50-vehicle contract and private hire business.” Included in the acquisition are 17 buses and 31 staff. No job losses are expected as a result of the deal.

York, the benefits of which will be felt by bus passengers for years to come. Alexander concluded: “We will now introduce comfortable, modern double decker vehicles with lower carbon emissions. Also, and in partnership with City of York Council, we are continuing to evaluate a number of service developments, all of which are focused on increasing bus patronage in York.” However, it has been reported Unite said 29 staff facing redundancy are not being offered a “fair deal”. According to BBC news, Unite said the decision would save First York more than £300,000 a year but it was only offering workers statutory redundancy terms. A spokesman for First said: “We are currently in formal consultation with staff and the Trade Union over the removal of the ftrs in York. We cannot comment further at this stage.”

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

1286.5p

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281.90p

Price: Year High: 281.90p Year Low: 158.30p

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41.00p

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

85.30p

Price: Year High: 99.57p Year Low: 66.86p

12.88p

Price: Year High: 16.60p Year Low: 5.75p

+7.10 on last week

-1.95 on last week

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FTSE 100

As with its coach operation, York Pullman ran a well-presented fleet of buses. This ADL E200-bodied MAN was acquired new last year, as seen here by Steve Hodgson

5901

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

-230 on last week

www.coachandbusweek.com

06/02/2012 23:23

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

nEWS › coaches

BriEfly The A66 north of Brough in Cumbria will close on Monday (February 13), with work expected to be completed by Friday. Coltsford Bridge, which carries the A66 over the A685, the main road into Kirkby Stephen, is to be repaired. The eastbound carriageway will close first for two nights from February 13, with the remaining two nights requiring the closure of the westbound carriageway. Each of the closures will take place between 2000 and 0600hrs, with a 50mph speed limit through the roadworks. Eastbound traffic will be sent down Main Street in Brough and then down New Road to rejoin the A66 at the junction with the A685. Westbound drivers will be able to use the exit and entry slips at the interchange to leave the main carriageway and immediately rejoin it beyond the roadworks. Temporary lights will also be in place at the interchange. Two Highways Agency schemes to improve the A180 in North Lincolnshire begin this month. Weekend resurfacing of the eastbound carriageway between the Stallingborough and Great Coates interchanges starts on Friday (February 10) and continues each weekend until Monday, March 12. Work to renew safety barriers around the A180 interchange with the A160 at Brocklesby begins on Monday and should be completed by February 17. The resurfacing project between Stallingborough and Great Coates will require the weekend closure of the eastbound carriageway between the two interchanges from 2000hrs each Friday night to 0600 each Monday morning for five consecutive weekends. A diversion will be in place from Brocklesby Interchange using the A160, B1210 and A1136 to Great Coates Interchange. Lane closures along the eastbound dual carriageway may also be needed on weekdays. During the project around Brocklesby Interchange, lane one will be closed in each direction from 2000 to 0600 each night. The westbound exit slip onto the A160 will also be closed overnight with drivers sent down to the M180 to turn around and use the eastbound exit slip at Brocklesby Interchange instead. www.coachandbusweek.com

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First Scanias for Reliance Reliance Travel orders 12 Scania Irizar i6 coaches Gravesend-based Reliance Travel, a part of the Redwing Group and member of the Addison Lee network, has placed an order for a dozen Scania Irizar i6 coaches. Due for delivery in May 2012 and primarily for use on Reliance Travel’s commuter services between Kent and central London, this order represents the company’s first purchase of Scania vehicles. Commenting on the order, Paul Hockley, general manager at Redwing Coaches, said: “In addition to the quality of the Scania Irizar i6 we have been extremely impressed with Scania’s pre-sales service and attention to detail. I am very confident everything is now set up for a long and prosperous relationship with Scania.” The 12 new vehicles will all be 12.2m overall length and built to DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) specification. Each will be equipped

with 53 seats, a side-mounted Masats wheelchair lift and a rear continental door. As such, this order represents the first time this particular configuration – which maximises both accessibility and luggage space – has been specified by a UK operator. Additional interior equipment includes a

Sealing Reliance Travel’s order for 12 Scania i6 coaches are: Andrew Hamilton, Scania’s area manager for the south east, Paul Hockley, general manager at Redwing Coaches, Martin West, Scania’s general manager – retail sales and Paul Brady, general manager, Scania Purfleet

New Birmingham coach depot for Travel De Courcey Travel De Courcey has opened a new depot in Birmingham for the running of National Express contracts. The operator has moved into the premises on Miller Street from the former Veolia Garrison Street depot. Miller Street is currently home to 14 Caetano Levante Volvos which are all operating on National Express contracts, with the main corridor being Birmingham to Manchester and Coventry to London. Journeys operated by the firm also include routes to Wolverhampton and a once per day service to Heathrow airport. Most of the facilities at the depot are complete and in operation, although the firm is awaiting permission to dig up the road nearby to properly install wash facilities. Once these are complete, the depot will offer ancillary

refrigerator and a DVD player with front monitor. Supplied by Scania (Great Britain) Limited, the vehicles will be covered by a full 12-month warranty plus a second year driveline warranty. Scania’s Purfleet depot will support the operation day-to-day and provide ongoing parts cover. In addition to commuter services, the new vehicles will operate on schools contracts, tourist work and airport transfers during the week. At weekends, they will provide extra carrying capacity for the 75-strong Redwing/Reliance Travel fleet.

services to other operations, such as bus cleaning and toilet drop. Mike De Courcey, MD, told CBW: “We plan to move more vehicles into the depot, either to cover more National Express contracts or for private hire. At the moment we don’t have time to set up bus services in Birmingham. “Although our coaches will still operate primarily within the West Midlands, we’re always open to customers from elsewhere.” Travel De Courcey won a multimillion pound deal in August to run the 14 inter-city coach services from Birmingham – a record single contract for the company. It led to a £5m investment in vehicles - as reported in CBW at the time. Miller Street is no stranger to coach operation, having previously been home to the former London Liner operation.

Obituary

Mark Boon Mark Boon, 52, former proprietor of Essex-based Boon’s Coaches, and only son of the late Ruby and Hector Boon, died suddenly on January 19. Boon’s Coaches was founded by Mark’s father, Hector. Mark joined his dad during the 70s and worked alongside him until his father’s retirement. Hector’s unexpected death, in 1996, lead to period of reassessment for Mark. He later sold the family firm and retired from the coaching industry altogether. Mark’s funeral service will take place at 1100hrs on Friday February 10, 2012, at St Andrews Church, Church Road, Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 2LE. Floral tributes are welcome, or donations, if desired, to the British Heart Foundation or Diabetes UK c/o Adam & Greenwood, 73 Rainsford Lane, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2QS.

06/02/2012 21:51

February 8, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

“For me and many colleagues in the industry the rally has always been a weekend away with like-minded friends. I think you’ll be surprised at some of the changes and entries this year.” Steve Telling

UK Coach Rally Update p26

Nat Ex dedicates coach to councillor On January 27, 2012, Lewes MP Norman Baker and National Express unveiled a special surprise for a local councillor - a coach dedicated to his commitment to Polegate and the Wealden area. Cllr Roy Martin was invited to a “mystery” event by transport minister Norman Baker at Polegate Railway Station. He was unaware his Liberal Democrat colleague had arranged for a National Express coach to be decorated with a dedication in his honour. 86-year-old councillor Martin was greeted by friends and family at the station as the dedication on the Caetano Leavante coach was revealed. The avid Jazz fan was playing with members of his band the ‘Jazz Caverners’, as the naming was revealed. In 2010 councillor Martin won Polegate’s first civic award for outstanding service to the community. Cllr Martin has served Wealden and North Polegate for over two decades and is a well-recognised champion for the community. The

DFDS adds Dover to Calais service

DFDS Seaways has announced it will start a new service from Dover to Calais from February 17, allowing coach operators to keep their options open when choosing a cross-channel route. The new route, in partnership with LD Lines, will be operated by one ferry called Norman Spirit, with a further ferry to be added as soon as a suitable ship is available. The Danish firm will employ 300 staff at sea and ashore in addition to those already employed. The process of hiring people, many former SeaFrance staff, has already started. DFDS said in a statement: “We are confident our customers and the many people and freight companies that travel between France and Dover will benefit from

News8-9.indd 9

Rosco sponsors new coach award

Norman Baker unveiled the dedication to Roy Martin at a surprise ceremony plaque on the coach reads: “Dedicated to Councillor Roy Martin for commitment and service to Polegate.” Norman Baker MP said: “Roy is a Polegate institution and has tirelessly served his community for decades. His enthusiasm for representing local people never relents and he has the kind of energy you would expect from someone half his age.” Andrew Cleaves, managing director of National Express UK Coach, said: “We’re delighted to offer Norman Baker a coach for this special dedication. We’re very proud one of our fleet has been named in honour of councillor the flexibility we can now offer with both a northern leg on DoverDunkerque and a southern leg on Calais-Dover. “We therefore look very much forward to being able to welcome passengers as well as freight customers to our new Calais-Dover service, and, in cooperation with our new employees as well as our staff in Dover and Dunkerque, we look forward to providing an attractive and efficient customers service and a sustainable workplace.” The news was welcomed by Coach Tourism Council (CTC) CEO Chris Wales, who told CBW: “We’re sorry to see the demise of Sea France but we’re delighted to learn CTC member DFDS and LD Lines will now be operating a service between Dover and Calais. We wish them all the best.” Coach bookings for both Dover – Calais and Dover – Dunkerque routes can be made by contacting DFDS Seaways at dover.coaches@dfds.com

Roy Martin, who has shown such commitment to Polegate and Wealden.” Cllr Martin’s name has been located next to the entrance of the vehicle and under the driver’s window, so it will greet passengers who travel on National Express coach services between Polegate and London.

ROSCO, the Road Operators’ Safety Council, is sponsoring a new award, to be presented for the first time at the UK Coach Awards in Manchester on April 19. The ROSCO award will go to the operator or employee who, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most innovative contribution towards safe driving during the past year. ROSCO chairman Peter Shipp, said: “The coaching sector is a very important part of the UK leisure industry, and at ROSCO we are keen to encourage the highest driving standards.” Nominations for this award should be made to ROSCO in the first instance – email admin@rosco-uk.org or call 012344 714420.

Snowchains MAGGIgroup

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06/02/2012 21:54

10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

nEWS

Registrations on the rise Purpose-built buses and coaches enjoy sixth rise of the year in November Figure released this week from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) indicate a number of small but positive increases. The total bus and coach sector grew 15.8% in January to 484 registrations, but the rolling year was down 11.7%. Registrations of purposebuilt buses and coaches grew 40.6% in January despite the rolling year falling 58.2%. Converted bus registrations fell 9.7% in the month and by 29.5% over the past 12 months. “The purpose-built bus and coach sector grew 41% in January boosted by strong demand for double-deck buses – three times more were registered this January versus the same month last year,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “Converted buses saw slower uptake, dropping 9.7%, but the total bus and coach sector grew

15.8% despite ongoing concern over the stability of the market and the wider economy.”

Buses and Coaches Brand

ADL Volvo Bus Scania Optare Mercedes Iris Bus Neoplan Van Hool King Long VDL MAN Setra Bova BMC Renault Other Imports Other British TOTAL

Jan ‘12

Jan ‘11

YTD ‘12

YTD ‘11

134 35 28 14 13 10 8 7 3 3 1 0 0 0 0

88 64 7 15 22 7 1 3 1 0 0 2 0 0 0

134 35 28 14 13 10 8 7 3 3 1 0 0 0 0

88 64 7 15 22 7 1 3 1 0 0 2 0 0 0

34 2 298 212

34 298

2 212

UK Coach & Bus: 2012 and % change on 2011 Purpose-built singledeck buses <8.5t Purpose-built singledeck buses >8.5t to 12t Purpose-built singledeck buses >12t to 16t Purpose-built singledeck buses >16t Purpose-built double-deck buses Purpose-built bus total Purpose-built coaches 3.5t to 16t Purpose-built singledeck coaches >16t Purpose-built doubledeck coaches >16t Purpose-built coach total Purpose-built bus and coach total Converted: Bus <3.5t Converted: Bus 3.5t to 8.5t Converted: Bus >8.5t Converted bus total All buses and coaches

January

% change

Yearto-date

% change

Rolling year

% change

200.0%

-53.2%

-15.4%

228

-6.2%

-42.6%

777

5.6%

-40.0%

231

-27.1%

170 238

254.2% 66.4%

170 238

254.2% 66.4%

1400 2724

60.7% 15.7%

42.9%

-42.6%

-29.5%

654

-4.7%

600.0%

61.5%

-13.0%

753

-9.8%

298 34

40.6% -38.2%

298 34

40.6% -38.2%

1333 534

-58.2% 32.5%

152 0 186 484

0.7% 0 -9.7% 15.8%

152 0 186 484

0.7% 0 -9.7% 15.8%

2083 9 2626 6103

-37.2% 200.0% -29.5% -11.7%

www.coachandbusweek.com

News10.indd 10

Two Scottish Travel drivers have joined the McGill’s Buses team

McGill’s steps in to save X22 route McGill’s Buses is now operating the X22 route, following the decision by Scottish Travel to withdraw it. The X22 route runs seven days a week from Greenock to Clydebank via Bishopton and is the only direct public transport link between Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire. The service was operated by Scottish Travel until January 31, with the assistance of a Bus Route Development Grant. McGill’s took it over as a commercial route on February 1 and has offered employment to staff at Scottish Travel affected by the cessation. McGill’s will operate the same timetable the company said fares will decrease by around 5p per

journey. “We are pleased to assist in saving this route for Inverclyde,” commented Bert Hendry, McGill’s general manager. “The X22 provides a very important public transport link to Erskine Hospital and the Golden Jubilee in Clydebank. It is also popular with passengers heading to Clydebank Shopping Centre and to the indoor and outdoor markets. “I am pleased to confirm that the two Scottish Travel drivers of the X22 have accepted our offer to join the McGill’s team. We will operate to the same timetable for passengers, and fares will go down slightly to fall in line with McGill’s great value bus fares. A real boon for the route from today will be the super-low floor, easy-access buses that we will operate on every journey – making bus travel accessible to all members of the community who choose to travel on McGill’s X22.”

Yelloway Motor Services of Oldham has acquired B&S Coaches, based in Todmorden. The take over has allowed cofounder Margaret Boulton to retire after over 50 years in the business. Margaret’s son Steven, a driver for B&S, has transferred to Yelloway along with two coaches, which will be sold and replaced by Yellowaybranded coaches. Mark Brook of Yelloway is a family friend of the Boultons and has supported their company throughout the years. Margaret said: “I have happy

memories and have made many friends along the way and I’m sure the customers will treat Mark well. “It will be a shock to the system not being involved within the coach industry. “I’m delighted my son Steven will drive for Mark at Yelloway, so I will not lose touch completely.” Mark Brook said: “I wish Margaret well in her well-earned retirement and welcome Steven. We are sure Steven will be a great asset to the company, not only overseeing the smooth transition from B&S to Yelloway but also assisting with the Yelloway expansion.” The take over was finalised on February 1, and telephone enquiries are now being diverted to Yelloway’s number.

Yelloway buys B&S

06/02/2012 23:36

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North Somerset Coaches may save local bus service Nailsea-based North Somerset Coaches is looking into whether it can save a bus service in Clevedon which is due to cease on April 1. Basic research has been carried out by the operator, including route and timed tests, but owner David Fricker admits they are in very early stages. Speaking to CBW, he said: “We might not be able to run the service but we’ll have a look at it. “We’re hoping the council and some local businesses will come up with some money, but the route needs simplifying. Currently the service operates between 0800 and 1600hrs and these hours may have to be cut to between 0900 and 1400hrs. “The town service hasn’t changed in years so it’s been allowed to die.” Blue Iris currently runs the 800 service, which has had its funding withdrawn by North Somerset Council. It runs from Monday to Friday, picks up all around Clevedon and takes people into the town centre, to Tesco and up to Hill Road and the surrounding

area. The service is used by dozens of pensioners each day, many of whom do not drive or find it too far to walk to town. A petition has now been launched objecting to the service being cut. A recently retired driver who worked on the route for Blue Iris has been approached by North Somerset Coaches. David said: “We have spoken to her and she’s willing to come out of retirement and drive the route for us.” The operator hopes for a meeting with the council to take place as soon as possible, and spoke of the importance of continuing the service with no interruption. “If there is a gap that would be the end of it,” added David. Subsidies for bus services in North Somerset are to be cut by nearly half. The authority proposes cutting its bus revenue support budget from £896,000 to £550,000 in the next financial year, which will see a number of bus services scrapped completely.

National Express Group launched a £25,000 annual sponsorship of London’s Air Ambulance on February 1, 2012. Anthony Vigor, director of policy and external affairs for National Express Group said: “We are delighted to be able to sponsor London’s Air Ambulance. One of National Express’ core values is to be active within the communities we serve. London is the most popular destination for our customers and it is a pleasure to work with a charity which provides such a crucial service within the capital.” London’s Air Ambulance is a registered charity which runs the UK capital’s helicopter emergency medical service, providing pre-hospital care to victims of serious injury - serving the 10 million people who live, work and commute within the M25. The service is unique in that it operates 24/7, with the helicopter running in daylight hours and rapid response cars taking over at night. www.coachandbusweek.com

News10.indd 11

06/02/2012 23:36

12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

NEWS › TECHNOLOGY

North-East operators told to contact Nexus before the end of June Nexus, the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive, is urging North East bus operators to sign up for a scheme to fund the preparation of their vehicles for smart ticketing. All companies operating registered services within or into the Tees Valley, County Durham, Darlington, Northumberland or Tyne and Wear are included and have been asked to contact Nexus before the end of June. Nexus is co-ordinating the installation of on-board Electronic Ticket machines (ETMs) on behalf of NESTI, the North East Smart Ticketing Initiative. NESTI is assisting bus operators to work towards smart ticketing by offering a two-pronged approach. The first offer, adopted by major operators Arriva, Go North East and Stagecoach, saw them invest in their own equipment and back office with the aid of a £1,000–pervehicle grant. The second offer, aimed at smaller operators, also provides grant funding from NESTI to a value of £1,000 per vehicle.

The offer enables smaller operators to purchase ETMs and a managed service from a framework procured by NESTI in conjunction with Yorcard Ltd, a similar project in Yorkshire. These ETMs will be preconfigured to meet NESTI requirements and once installed will be eligible to receive the grant. Operators can also then take up the 8% BSOG uplift from the Department for Transport, and should they take the second offer would also be eligible for further 2% RTI uplift. Tim Roylance, NESTI programme

manager, said: “It is crucial operators who are interested in accessing smart ticketing and all its benefits sign up and register their interest in the scheme.” NESTI has opened a register of interest which operators interested in accessing the NESTI grant can join, providing they respond by a closing date of June 30, 2012. Operators should email NESTI@nexus.org.uk or write to: NESTI, Nexus House, 33 St James Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4AX.

Operators in the North-East could get a potential grant of £1,000 per bus

Nationalexpress.com customers stay mobile Digital marketing agency, One Black Bear, has launched a new mobilefriendly website for National Express, which it claims has displayed incredible success and proves smartphone adaptations are essential for good business. The mobile version was launched last December alongside the brand-new website, also designed by One Black Bear, as a stand-alone application using only the key elements and features essential for planning a journey while out and about. The wealth of information available through the service, coupled with the simplicity of the design and the fact the website www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsTech.indd 12

was specifically made for mobile browsing has seen the number of total visitors increase by 7% from November to December and a further 4.5% in January, with 27% of those accessing National Express through their mobiles. One Black Bear said the success of the mobile site is down to the usability of the features available. The site has ‘location-awareness’ to automatically include information relevant to the local area, but also allows customers to search by post code or bus service number to find times and bus stops relevant to them. There is also an option to search Google Maps for the nearest stop

The simplified mobile site brings in 27% of new online visitors to National Express and information is provided on times, fares and the frequency of services at the tap of a screen, as well as a real-time display of any delays commuters might experience on local routes.

View the new National Express website at www. nationalexpress.com on a PC, or on a mobile at nxbus.mobi

Go North East launches mobile ticketing Go North East (GNE) has partnered with Corethree to develop a mobile ticketing system for passengers. The new service was launched on February 8. The Corethree mobile platform, Core Engine, delivers both service information and mobile ticketing to passengers using iPhone, Blackberry and Android smartphone devices. Dave Lynch, group technology and procurement director at the Go Ahead Group, said: “We are constantly looking at new ways to improve and innovate services for our customers. We’re fully aware of the importance of smartphones and their rapid up-take. We wanted to offer a solution to provide our customers with a greater choice and flexibility when it comes to their travel needs. “M-tickets are a natural extension of our key branded smart media retail platform and will be available through customers’ mobile phones, making it simple, convenient and safe to buy new or ‘top up’ existing tickets.” Go North East specifically asked for the mobile ticketing to be fraud resilient. To this end, Corethree has implemented multiple-layer security incorporating variables such as colour, words and moving digital watermark into the m-ticket. M-tickets are clear and simple to view by GNE staff, but present a highly complex conundrum to anyone wishing to copy it illegally. These anti-fraud variables automatically change at a frequency specified by GNE, such as every hour, day or week. It was also paramount users should have the ability to access their purchased tickets when in offline mode, should they find themselves outside of WIFI or 3G coverage they can still activate their tickets and use them. The app is currently in acceptance testing, with launch planned for later in Q1 this year. For more information visit www.corethree.net or call 0845 557 0475.

STEVE HODGSON

Nexus urges operators to take up smart ticketing

06/02/2012 21:57

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14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2011

nEWS › financial

Scania delivers record figures but has Q4 orders slowdown President admits outlook for 2012 is “difficult to assess” due to Eurozone economic policy problems Scania president Leif Ostling has announced the firm’s year end financial report, which shows a record number of deliveries overall and in its coach and bus division, with a slowdown in Q4. Scania’s order bookings for buses and coaches rose by 12% to 7,707 (from 6,874) units during 2011. In Europe, order bookings increased by 3% compared to the full year 2010, largely due to major orders in the Netherlands and Denmark. In Latin America, order bookings rose by 33% during the full year, with a general increase in demand. The introduction of Euro 5 vehicles to the area is expected to impact demand, since Euro 5 vehicles are more technologically advanced and command a higher sales price than Euro 3 vehicles. Production of

Rotala plc releases Q3 2011 trading update

Rotala plc, which owns a number of UK operators including Preston Bus, Blue Diamond and Wessex Connect, has improved its financial standing but expects fare increases to be likely in light of the BSOG cuts – according to its latest trading update. The update also includes prospects for the current year and outlines how Rotala participated fully in the Competition Commission’s (CC) investigation into local bus services. The company stated it is pleased many of its recommendations are reflected in the CC’s final proposals. The board sees nothing detrimental to the company in the changes which have been proposed by the CC. The firm believes, in the longer term, smaller operators like Rotala will see benefits to its business www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsFinancial.indd 14

Euro 3 ceased at the end of 2011, with sales allowed during the first quarter of 2012. In Asia, Scania’s order bookings decreased by 5%, compared to the year-earlier period. Order bookings in Africa and Oceania increased by 11%. During Q4, total order bookings decreased by 20%. Scania’s bus and coach deliveries totalled a record high 7,988 (6,875) units during the full year 2011. In Europe, deliveries increased by 9% compared to 2010, mainly attributable to an upturn in the Netherlands and Spain. The upturn of 56% in Latin America was related to Brazil, Mexico and Chile. In Asia, deliveries decreased by 3% while bus and coach deliveries in Africa and Oceania fell by 20%. During the fourth quarter, total deliveries increased by 33% to 2,383 units. Net sales of buses and coaches rose by 6% to SEK 8,206m (7,713) during the full year 2011.

During the fourth quarter, net sales increased by 29% to SEK 2,529m (1,959). Reporting on the financial state of Scania overall, Mr Ostling said: “Scania’s earnings for the full year amounted to SEK 12,398m. Higher vehicle and service volume was offset by a significantly stronger Swedish krona, a higher cost level and a changed market mix.” Across all divisions, Scania’s deliveries amounted to a record of 80,108 vehicles. Order bookings for trucks decelerated during the second half of 2011. Southern Europe had a lower level throughout the second half while sales in northern Europe were somewhat weaker in the fourth quarter. In the Middle East, order bookings decelerated significantly during the second half to a very low level in the fourth quarter. Eurasia lost some momentum in the fourth quarter. Order bookings in Latin America

Rotala has run ‘signature’ branded services in the West Midlands on behalf of Centro, the conurbation’s transport authority from the final report of the CC. Preston Bus has recently taken delivery of its first four Optare hybrid buses as a result of its participation in the government’s Green Bus Fund. Rotala claims the vehicles show an improvement in fuel consumption, depending on route served, of up to 50%. The remaining eleven currently on order are due to be delivered by the end of the first quarter of 2012. The

company intends to make a bid for further hybrid buses in the third round of funding. The update states the majority of the holders of the Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock (CULS) in the company had committed themselves well before the end of 2011 to the extension of the life of the CULS until December 31, 2014. This agreement covers £2,315,850 of Loan Stock. The remainder of

decreased in the final months of 2011 due to the transition to Euro 5 vehicles in Brazil. Scania claims there is also good service demand outside Europe. It has adjusted production of vehicles, both at the European and the Latin American units, to meet the current level of demand. As part of this adjustment, Scania is not extending fixed term temporary contracts for about 1,900 employees. Scania is also deferring some investments and being more restrictive in recruitment and spending. Leif Ostling said: “The outlook for 2012 is difficult to assess, especially in Europe in light of the economic policy problems in the euro zone. Scania’s good earnings and cash flow during the past two years have strengthened the Group’s balance sheet while financing has been secured for several years ahead. Scania is well-positioned following recent service and product launches.” the CULS outstanding at November 30, 2011, totalling £1,571,650, was redeemed as at December 31, 2011, in accordance with the wishes of the holders. The reduction of the amount of CULS over the last twelve months from its original total of £4,662,500, with the corresponding reduction of the associated interest, has significantly improved the debt/ equity and debt/EBITDA ratios enjoyed by the company. The statement also outlines plans to review fares after the BSOG cut in April. Fares in the Midlands have already risen by 5.6% from the beginning of 2012, while elsewhere they were increased in the latter part of 2011. They will be reviewed on the anniversary of the previous change. Full results for the year ended November 30, 2011, are expected to be broadly in line with management expectations. These results will be released in March 2012. Rotala is an AIM-listed company. Visit www. rotalaplc.com

06/02/2012 21:55

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16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

nEWS › INTERNATIONAL

BRIEfLY MALTA Salvaged heritage vehicles formerly used on Malta’s bus routes are being made available for purchase. Upon the launching of the reform of the public transport system, Heritage Malta, in collaboration with Transport Malta, salvaged a number of ‘legacy’ buses from being scrapped. After establishing which vehicles are to be preserved as part of the National Collection, a limited number of surplus buses may now be disposed of since their types - model, body-builder, workmanship involved etc - are better represented by other identical examples which have been preserved. Heritage Malta decided the surplus buses are not to be scrapped and is inviting offers from those who would be interested in acquiring one or more, with all proceeds going towards the conservation of the preserved buses. They will be sold tale quale, and all necessary permits, licences, etc would need to be sought by the prospective purchasers. Heritage Malta reserves the right to refuse the best offer. A copy of the Expression of Interest and other information can be obtained by emailing tenders.heritagemalta@ gov.mt HOnG KOnG KMB (Kowloon Motor Bus) has retreaded more than 700,000 tyres. In 2011, KMB retreaded 31,000 tyres, which is equivalent to a reduction of 1,550 tonnes in industrial waste. Over 60% of the 30,000 bus tyres in use on KMB’s 3,800-strong fleet are retreads. The firm says the life of a new tyre, which can typically be used for seven months, can be extended by up to two years through retreading, as each tyre can be retreaded up to two times. CHInA China is attempting to break the record for the world’s largest bus. The superbuses are approximately 25 metres long - around 10 metres longer than the maximum legal UK length. According to its manufacturer, Youngman JNP6250G bi-articulated buses have between 40 and 59 seats, but are expected to hold up to 300 people. They will benefit from dedicated busway.

5,000th MercedesBenz Tourismo delivered to Hauser Milestone Tourismo M revealed at EvoBus press conference, with symbolic handing over of the keys GERMAnY Mercedes-Benz reached another milestone last week when the 5000th Tourismo coach left the Mannheim plant to begin operating for the Hauser Reisen concern – a coaching business based in Rottweil and run by the Keller Family. Tourismo entered production in 2006 as a new generation successor to the highly popular O303 which sold around 17,500 units from when it was introduced in 1994. The milestone vehicle, a Tourismo M, was the centre of attention on Thursday (February 2, 2012) when EvoBus held a press conference to mark the event and officially hand over the symbolic keys to the new owners. Roman Biondi, brand spokesman for Mercedes-Benz buses and coaches at EvoBus GmbH, said: “This vehicle makes it clear why the Tourismo design is so successful. It gains top marks with its attractive priceperformance ratio without looking like an anonymous mass-produced vehicle. Thanks to the wide range of equipment options available, it remains genuinely individual and full of character.”

For Hauser, the Tourismo fully reflects the typical Mercedes-Benz brand values. “We can fit out the Tourismo to suit our individual requirements and operating needs. Whether it’s as an all-round coach for excursions and short trips or as a luxuriously equipped five-star coach for demanding long-distance travel, our Tourismo is always professionally and smartly turned out. Drivers, tour guides and passengers are all of the same opinion,” said Hans Keller. Hauser specified this Tourismo M to suit the range of tours it offers. It features 42 Travel Star Xtra seats with Luxline upholstery and installed with five-star seat spacing. At the rear is an integrated, high-grade galley with overhead and floor-level cupboards, two 120 litre refrigerators, a fan oven for ready meals, pretzels and rolls, a microwave, hot water boiler, sink, an instant hot water geyser, a hotplate and an espresso and large coffee machine. Velour carpeting covers the entire floor area including below the passenger seats. On-board entertainment is provided by a radio and video system, including CD/DVD player, plus a selectable navigation display

The five-star Tourismo is the latest vehicle in a range key to the success of Mercedes-Benz buses and coaches, as seen here at the handover

and iPod interface. This allows passengers to receive up-to-date news on two 19-inch TFT screens. A powerful 39 kW roof-mounted air-conditioning system plus additional driver’s cab airconditioning allows for maximum on-board comfort. The toilet is optionally available as either a water-flushed or chemicallyflushed version allowing Hauser to operate in minus temperatures when the summer season is over. Hauser also specified the428bhp OM 457 LA series 12-litre sixcylinder in-line turbodiesel engine which produces a maximum torque of 2,100 Nm. The engine meets the EEV exhaust emissions standard without a particulate filter. Transmission is via an automated Mercedes GO 240-8 Powershift gearbox and HO6 hypoid drive axle. Hauser-Reisen originated as a bus company in 1948 and has expanded into a group of companies including a travel agency, an advertising agency and a classic local public transport company. It currently operates 29 Mercedes-Benz coaches - 13 Tourismos and 16 Citaros. Quality underpins the coach operation’s business strategy. Passengers are looked after by courier who accompany every coach tour. Drivers receive excellent training and are justifiably referred to as coach chauffeurs. Every season, over 20,000 passengers take up one of the tours on offer. In addition to coach tours to Morocco, Turkey, Greece and northern Spain, Hauser also operates tours to more northerly destinations such as Ireland, England, Scotland, Leningrad and the North Cape. The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo’s design has proven to be the ideal match for HauserReisen’s varied tour program. As such, this 5,000th coach will be seen on the road throughout the length and breadth of Europe.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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06/02/2012 21:56

February 8, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17

Istanbul orders 221 Connecto artics TURKEY A major order for 221 Mercedes-Benz Conecto articulated buses has been placed by the public transport provider IETT to upgrade its fleet of citybuses in Istanbul. The new order strengthens the 40-year relationship between MercedesBenz Türk and IETT. MercedesBenz products make up 50% of its fleet. In addition to operating almost 3,000 city buses, IETT runs light rail systems, subways, regular-service buses, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Hartmut Schick, head of Daimler Buses, said: “This latest major order is further testimony to Daimler Buses’ dynamic growth in Turkey and thereby contributes to the strengthening of our global presence. Every day, we are working diligently to expand our leadership position in the bus sector, and we are delighted by what we have achieved to date.” At the ceremony for the signing of the contract by Wolf-Dieter Kurz, president and CEO of MercedesBenz Türk, and Hayri Baracli, MD of IETT, the long-standing Daimler customer commented about the follow-up order: “With a history

Scania invests in India INDIA Scania is planning to invest about SEK 200 million in an industrial facility in Bangalore during the coming year. The Scania Regional Product Centre, India will also be the centre of the firm’s commercial operations in the country and the manufacturer aims to sell about 2,000 trucks, 1,000 buses and 1,500 engines per year in the Indian market within the next five years. The facility is being built 40km east of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka state in southern India. Production is expected to start in early 2013. It is estimated almost 800 people will be employed at the facility in the longer term. The industrial operations will consist of final assembly of truck

NewsInt.indd 17

going back more than 140 years, IETT is generating new momentum for the creation of a modern Istanbul. We are investing in an updated fleet consisting primarily of Mercedes-Benz city buses for public transport in Istanbul. This way, we are making a significant contribution to comfortable transportation in Istanbul.” IETT operates Mercedes-Benz Conecto city buses for regular service operations. For the urban mobility concept Bus Rapid Transit, IETT uses the high-capacity articulated bus Mercedes-Benz CapaCity. By using dedicated lanes, BRT is noticeably assisting the relief of the city’s traffic. The 221 Mercedes-Benz Conecto artics are being produced at the Mercedes-Benz bus plant

in Hosdere and will be delivered to the customer until September 2012. The 18m lowfloor bus can carry up to 160 passengers. The low height of the entrances ensures passengers can get on and off the bus quickly. The Mercedes-Benz Conecto meets Euro 5 with its BlueTec diesel technology, which reduces pollutant and particulate emissions.

Daimler subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Türk was established in Istanbul in 1967. It began producing buses for the Turkish market in 1968. The Aksaray plant launched truck production in 1986. The facilities in Aksaray and Hosdere are key elements of Daimler’s global production network.

The Mercedez-Benz Connectos join IETT’s already healthy 3,000-strong bus fleet in Istanbul, 50% of which is manufactured by Mercedes-Benz and bus chassis and bodywork and fitting out of complete vehicles. The head office of Scania’s Indian company, complete with a service workshop and a central parts warehouse, is also being built at the same site. “The manufacturing of complete trucks locally means we can cut lead times further and broaden our product offering. Our service to customers will also be improved by having a parts depot in the country,” says Henrik Fagrenius, MD of Scania Commercial Vehicles India. The facility in Bangalore is Scania’s seventh Regional Product Centre. The others are in Russia, Dubai, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan. Scania has been represented in the Indian market since 2007, when a partnership was initiated with Larsen & Toubro (L&T). L&T has successfully established Scania’s trucks and services and has

developed a close partnership with customers in the mining industry. L&T currently operates about 10 Scania service workshops at various mining sites in the country. In 2011, Scania established Scania Commercial Vehicles India in order to boost its presence through sales to additional segments of the Indian commercial vehicle market. “There is increasing demand for vehicles and engines of the quality and performance delivered by Scania, together with services which guarantee customers high uptime and low operating cost. We will concentrate on broadening our existing offering of trucks to the mining industry but also in other areas of the construction segment, as well as trucks for heavy specialpurpose road transport. In the bus segment we see potential for sales of buses and coaches, both for city traffic and long-distance intercity services,” concludes Fagrenius.

More Ballard Fuel Cells for Tata’s ZEV programme INDIA Ballard Power Systems has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tata Motors (India) for 12 FCvelocity-1100 fuel cell stacks. These stacks are expected to power zero-emission buses planned for demonstration in various Indian cities. Delivery to Tata Motors is planned for 2012 and 2013, in line with its forward plans. Tata Motors revealed its first fuel cell bus built in India at “Auto Expo 2012” held in New Delhi in early January. The bus is powered by a Ballard FCvelocity-1100 fuel cell stack, previously delivered to Tata Motors in 2011. Mr. P.M. Telang, managing director (India Operations) at Tata Motors, said: “We strive to be leaders in the use of technology, while maintaining very high standards of product quality. Working with technology companies such as Ballard only strengthens our ability to design and market the wheels of a greener world here in India.” Tata Motors has previous bus system integration experience working with Ballard fuel cell products. Its plan to supply fuel cell buses for testing and demonstration in revenue service is supported by the Government of India’s Department of Scientific and Industrial Research under the Technology Development & Demonstration Programme. John Sheridan, Ballard’s president and chief executive officer, said: “We are very pleased to have signed this MOU with India’s premier bus manufacturer for Tata’s upcoming zero-emission bus testing program. This is additional validation of the mature state of our products and of the growing global market for clean energy transit buses.” Ballard FCvelocity-1100 fuel cell stacks are based on a design which is ideal for use in heavy duty vehicles. FCvelocity-1100 fuel cell stack technology is at the heart of the Company’s FCvelocity-HD6 fuel cell module, a “plug and play” power solution used by bus OEM’s around the world. www.coachandbusweek.com

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18 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

nEWS › REGIONAL

nORTH

Network Warrington is reintroducing the half fare for senior citizens travelling before 0930hrs. In April 2011, it withdrew the cut price fare due to government funding changes, however, it decided to commercially provide the half fare facility once again with immediate effect. The operator has gone to some lengths to assure passengers it will still be free for concessionary pass holders to travel after 0930 weekdays, and all day Saturday and Sunday. Network Warrington also announced it has teamed up with independent department store Hancock & Wood to offer a free regular tea or coffee at Cafe on One, when passengers spend £2 or more on food or drink. To qualify passengers need to show their senior bus pass and their ticket receipt. The offer is valid before 1100hrs or after 1500hrs Monday to Friday until March 15. A detailed planning application for a proposed new interchange for Bolton has been submitted as part of the town centre strategy. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), in partnership with Bolton Council, has developed the scheme, which aims to create a new interchange next to Bolton railway station. It will replace the existing Moor Lane station and will offer improved links between rail and bus services, as well as improved waiting areas, passenger facilities, accessibility, information, and safety and security. Compiled after considerable public consultation, the plans include: A high-level, enclosed pedestrian bridge linking the bus and rail facilities; Two lifts for people unable to use the stairs to the bridge; Incorporation of sustainable energy initiatives, including rainwater recycling, solar panels, air source heat pumps and low-energy LED lighting; Access and vehicle waiting facilities for ceremonial purposes, next to St Patrick’s Church; and secure cycle parking and cyclist facilities in the form of a cycle centre. Councillor Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM committee, said: “This is going to be a fantastic gateway for people living and working in Bolton, and for people visiting the town, so it was really important for people’s views to be taken on board. Subject to approval, TfGM will continue to work with Bolton www.coachandbusweek.com

RegionalNews.indd 18

Cathedral, Bailgate, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, the castle, The Lawn, High Street, Brayford and the St Mark’s areas,” said Mr Corrigan. Lincoln’s Visitor Information Centre manager Michele Sims said: “The return of this service has created an exciting opportunity for people who would love to be city tour bus guides.” Nigel Burn, a tour guide at Lincoln Castle, said he was delighted to hear about the new services. “I always thought that these opentop buses were excellent,” he said. “They take visitors around Lincoln and even Lincolnians will take these bus trips on days out.”

KEY

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

SOUTH EAST

Council and bus operators to ensure Bolton Market and other areas of the town centre can be easily accessed by bus in the future, and the internal layouts, facilities and operating arrangements of the new station will be finalised. It could be operational by 2015. Return and single fares on Transdev services in East Lancashire increased by around 10 to 20 pence on Sunday (February 5). The withdrawal in BSOG by central government has been cited as a factor. A Transdev spokesman said: “This partly refunded some of the excise duty we pay on the fuel we buy and it means we will be facing a shortfall of almost £150,000 this year.” Rising fuel and insurances costs are also said to be responsible. “We have tried to keep the increases as small as we can and where possible have frozen some fares,” added the spokesman. “We want people to continue using our services and have done what we can to keep the price of season tickets as low as possible for those people who use our buses most often.” One-day silver, SpotOn and Burnley and Pendle will remain constant but other daily, weekly, monthly and annual fares will increase. Last August, Lancashire County Council announced fare rises across subsidised services, and parents in Rossendale faced price

increases when Greater Manchester Transport Executive scrapped subsidies for cross-border school travel. The latest increase will be Transdev’s third in 18 months.

EAST

Stagecoach has teamed up with Lincoln BIG and the Visit Lincoln Partnership to reinstate an open-top tour bus service in Lincoln. The service last operated in 2004, but will be reinstated this Easter. Lincoln BIG chief executive Matt Corrigan said: “We are delighted to be partnering Stagecoach in this initiative. The original service was popular, but it had to be withdrawn at the end of 2004 because the Stagecoach vehicle used at that time needed replacing and there were other financial issues which made it difficult to continue. “However, 2012 is a big year in terms of local events and attractions, including those which will reflect national Olympics Games, Royal Diamond Jubilee and celebrations, and we believe the tour bus will complement these.” The open-top tour bus will operate on weekends between Easter and October, and also throughout the week during July and August. “We still have to finalise the exact route for the tour bus, but it will take in the most vibrant and interesting areas of the city and attractions, including Lincoln

Permanent CCTV cameras are being installed to stop motorists from using Chatham bus station in Medway like an “open road”. Cameras designed to record vehicle registration numbers are being installed at the station. Medway Council said it was forced to act because drivers were flouting the law and putting pedestrians at risk. Buses, taxis and bicycles are permitted to go through the bus station, but other motorists are not. Robin Cooper, the council’s director of regeneration, said: “I would imagine there is no bus station in the country where people are allowed to drive through as if it is an open road.” The new bus station replaced a 1970s concrete structure at the Pentagon shopping centre. Stagecoach has invested £1.6m into 11 new buses on its 99 route between Hastings and Eastbourne in East Sussex. The brand new ADL Enviro 400 double deckers took to the road on January 22, and are being operated from the company’s Hastings and Eastbourne depots. At the official launch held in Bexhill, Stagecoach’s regional managing director Phil Medlicott said the new vehicles have replaced older models with entry steps. He added: “Not only do the new buses have easier access for wheelchair users and people travelling with child buggies, they are more environmentally friendly with low emission engines to reduce pollution.” The buses are part of Stagecoach’s £5m investment in new vehicles for the region. Five new single deck buses were introduced in Eastbourne in

06/02/2012 22:05

December, and a further 23 new single deck buses will be delivered to the Hastings depot from March.

LONDON

All but one bus lane on Chiswick High Road has been reverted back to 0700 – 1900hrs operation by Houslow Council. The exception is the westbound bus lane which starts immediately west of the Goldhawk Road junction and runs through to Homefield Road. This bus lane remains in use at all times. The 24-hour operation of bus lanes was introduced as an emergency measure to combat increased traffic on Chiswick High Road caused by the closure of the Hammersmith Flyover on December 23 last year. Critics of the move pointed out there was minimal congestion at the times the bus lane operation was extended to and claimed the primary purpose of the scheme was to raise revenue.

February 8, 2012 | 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 James Day at james.day@rouncymedia.co.uk.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

SOUTH WEST

2012

FirstGroup planned to host a Meet the Manager session at Bath bus station today (February 8) between 1000hrs and 1600, to give customers the chance to tell the operator’s local management what they thought of the services. New regional customer services manager Natacha Tagholm and business manager Richard Lewis were both due to be present. Lewis said: “We value what people tell us. Where they highlight problems they have had, we can use the information to resolve issues and fundamentally build a better bus service for them locally, and where they have suggestions for improvements we’ll happily take them on board, implementing those which are feasibly possible. The Meet the Manager sessions also give people the opportunity to find out more about local bus routes, understanding where they go and how frequently.”

n March 4-5, 2012 Coach Holiday Conference, organised by the Coach Tourism Council. Best Western Premier Queen Hotel, Chester. 0870 850 2839. www.coachtourismcouncil. co.uk 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 n April 19, 2012 UK Coach Awards. Ramada Jarvis Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester, 0870 900 1450. www.ukcoachawards.co.uk

First Hampshire and Dorset has found a novel way to celebrate the life, times and literary works of Charles Dickens – born in Portsmouth 200 years ago on February 7, 1812. Working with Portsmouth City Council to highlight Portsmouth’s famous literary past and raise awareness of the various Dickens-related places and attractions in the city, First has named five of its buses after the author’s most popular novels: Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, Little Dorrit, The Old Curiosity Shop and Our Mutual Friend. A special effort will be made to allocate the vehicles to Route 41 (Portsmouth - Clanfield), which travels along Commercial Road and Mile End Road in Portsmouth, passing the birthplace of the man himself and the site of the official Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum (393 Old Commercial Road, Portsmouth). To further celebrate its involvement in the Dickens Bicentenary, First also agreed to have a number of storytellers on its buses from February 6-10. The storytellers, dressing in period Dickensian clothing, will be reading extracts from Dickens’ most popular works to customers as they travel about the city. Passengers are encouraged to look out for them, with a spot the storyteller competition on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ FirstHampshire). Sharing the details with other customers online enters passengers into a daily prize draw.

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.

The UK Coach Awards will be held in Manchester on the evening of Thursday, April 19 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 16 Showbus. Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire. www.showbus.com n September 20-27 IAA Commercial Vehicles. Hannover. +(00)49 30897842. www.iaa.de n October 14 Midland Red Centenary of the Reintroduction of Motorbuses. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk n October 18 CILT Annual Awards for Excellence Dinner. London. 01536 740104. www.ciltuk.org.uk n 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

www.cvshow.com

2013

n May 22-23 ALBUM Conference. – Forest Pines Hotel, near Brigg, North Lincolnshire.

n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition. Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 6100.

www.albumconference.co.uk

n June 10 Barry Festival of Transport. Organised by Cardiff Transport Preservation Group, Barry, South Wales. postmaster@-ctpg. co.uk. www.ctpg.co.uk

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

06/02/2012 22:05

20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

nEWS › TOURISM

£6.50

Price per group member visiting Sutton Hoo’s burial sites

BriEfly Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge in Suffolk, is the site of two 6th- and early 7th-century cemeteries. The burial site was discovered just before the Second World War. The awardwinning exhibition has a fullsize reconstruction of the burial chamber, replica treasures and original finds from one of the mounds. Group admission is £6.50 per person, and there is parking for four coaches. The site is open all year round on weekends, and every day between April 2 and November 4, as well as other selected week days throughout the year. For more information email lynette.titford@nationaltrust.org. uk or ring 01394 389700. Sweeney Todd, starring Michael Ball and Imedla Staunton, is opening at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End on March 10. The show tells of Sweeney Todd’s return to London after years of false imprisonment, and his savage quest for justice. See Groups has the following rates: Monday to Thursday – 10 plus groups £31.50 between July 1 and September 6 and £39.50 for dates outside the aforementioned. Groups of 40 plus £29.50. Payment must be made by March 23. Email See Groups on groups@seetickets. com or call 0844 412 4650. Westfield offers a new coach service to visitors arriving at its Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City sites. Westfield London, in Shepherd’s Bush, offers coach pick-up and drop-off bays plus a pre-booked parking service. Visit http://uk.westfield.com/ london/coachbooking to book for Westfield London, and email wsc.coaches@westfield-uk.com to arrange drop-off/pick-up at Westfield Stratford City.

Explore a house and grounds steeped in nobility Wilton house offers group discounts and guided tours. Wilton House is an English country house situated near Salisbury in Wiltshire. It has been the country seat of the Earls of Pembroke for over 400 years. The house holds an impressive art collection, including works by Rembrandt, Brueghel and Van Dyck, and a glorious gallery of Roman, Greek and 17th-century sculpture. In an idyllic setting, the grounds bordered by the Rivers Wylye and Nadder are a mixture of small

formal gardens and herbaceous borders, together with many architectural features from the earlier Renaissance and 18thcentury gardens. Groups of 15 plus are requested to pre-book to receive group rates and to ensure a host is available on the day to welcome the party. There is free coach parking, with a drop-off point just outside main entrance gates, while coach drivers receive free entry and a meal voucher. Group admission for the house and grounds is £12 for adults, £9.50

The house has been the Pembroke Earls’ country seat for over 400 years

Manchester’s largest museum gives insight into city’s past The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), based in Manchester, features varied attractions, including galleries, experiments, historic sites, a theatre, planetarium shows and much more. Visitors can see demonstrations of working cotton machinery, crawl through an atmospheric Victorian

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sewer, or stand on the platform of the oldest surviving passenger railway station in the world. Entry is free, although there are charges for some exhibitions. However, groups receive discounted tickets plus free entry for the group organiser. There is on-site parking for minibuses up to 16 seats. Parking

concessions and £6 for children. Grounds only tickets are £5 for adults and concessions and £4 for children. Pre-booked morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea packages are available, and free familiarisation visits can be arranged. Groups should allow at least one hour to view the house, and a further 30 minutes for the Old Riding School, Film and Exhibitions. The grounds are extensive and take up to one hour to explore. Groups are welcome to picnic in the grounds. Groups may visit the house on a free flow basis or take a pre-booked guided tour. Guided tours are for a minimum of 15 and cost an additional £6 per person above the admission price. Tours last about 90 minutes but can be shortened on request. They are available during normal opening dates and times. The house and grounds are open between April and September, but not every day. For more detailed opening hours, visit the website. For more information visit www.wiltonhouse.com or ring 01722 746714. prices are £7 before 0900hrs, £5 after 0900 and £3 after 1500, and must be booked in advance. There is a convenient dropoff point for coaches, although no dedicated parking. Visit the Manchester City Council website for details of coach parking in the city centre. MOSI is open from 1000 to 1700hrs every day, except December 24 - 26 and January 1.

For more information visit www.mosi.org.uk

Saturday 25 February 2012 EventCity, Manchester

Organise group travel? Great Days Out is the event for you. Register now for your FREE tickets at greatdaysout.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

TourNews.indd 20

06/02/2012 23:50

February 8, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21

10% 90 Discount for groups at Logan Botanic Garden in Scotland

Length of a guided tour of Wilton House, in minutes

Weird and wonderful in Scotland

Logan Botanic Garden is located near Port Logan in the south-west of Scotland. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, southern hemisphere plants flourish in Scotland’s most exotic garden. The Woodland Garden is a haven for a host of weird and wonderful plants and trees such as eucalypts to the gunnera bog. The garden is open daily between March 15 and October 31, from 1000 to 1700hrs. Admission is £5.50 adults, £4.50 concessions and £1 children, with groups of 11 plus receiving a 10% discount, providing payment is by a single transaction. Tours for groups can be tailored but must be pre-booked at least two weeks before the visit, and there is a £1 charge per person. There is a great range of appealing local crafts, gifts and a selection of Logan’s best loved plants are available at The Botanics Shop. Free coach parking is available on site. For more information visit www.rbge.org.uk/thegardens/logan To book a guided tour, call 01776 860231 or email logan@rbge.org.uk

dEAlS OF THE WEEK Visitors to Beningbrough Hall and Gardens can enjoy the famous pear arch, Victorian Laundry, walled garden, explore labyrinth paths and discover hidden woods. The Georgian mansion boasts one of Britain’s finest baroque interiors and is home to over 100 18th-century portraits and interpretation

diESEl priCES

A variety of animals from far and wide call Folly Farm home

Family fun at Wales’ top paid-for attraction Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo is an award-winning family day out in Pembrokeshire. Holder of the Best Family Day Out in Wales, Folly Farm is located near Tenby. It features a farmyard, fairground, indoor funfair, adventure parks, country park and a zoo, which is home to the only giraffes in Wales. Discounts apply for groups of 15 plus. These are £5.50 adults, £4.50 children between three and 15

galleries in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery. Beningbrough is just north of York and signposted from the A19 and A59. From March 3 to November 4 it opens Saturday to Wednesday plus seven days a week during local school holidays. The grounds, shop, restaurant and parts of the hall are also open winter weekends. Admission for pre-booked parties of 15 or more is £7.70 during the main season and £4.60 during winter. Parking for three coaches is

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and £4.50 seniors, although these prices may rise after March 16. There is free entry for children aged two and under. The site is wheelchair accessible with landscaped paths and ramps where required, and carers receive free entry. Zoo visitors can view a range of global animals, including bearded dragons, armadillos, lemurs, zebras and emus. Other events hosted onsite include the popular Wurlitzer Concert on May 26. The attraction is open every day between March 17 and November 4, and limited days outside of these dates. To make a group booking contact Frances Sharp on 01834 812731 or email info@ folly-farm.co.uk

20 yards from the entrance with complimentary admission and refreshment for drivers. On-board coach welcomes are available with an introductory talk. Email allyson.moorey@ nationaltrust.org.uk or ring 01904 472027. Didcot Railway Centre is hosting a number of events in 2012, including galas, enhanced running days and demonstrations. Parties of 15 plus receive a 10% discount and coach drivers get free entry and refreshment voucher.

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

141.10 138.09 133.35 123.79 122.79 120.62 119.67 118.78 118.36 117.14 117.11 116.27 114.85 109.50 106.74 104.72 100.47

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

1.21 1.45 9.21 352.85 30.10 5.05

Parking arrangements will be advised when booking. Guided tours can be provided for £18. The centre hosts over 40 railway coaches, the most comprehensive collection of coaches of any of the pre-nationalised companies. On running days visitors can ride coaches from the 1940s or earlier. There is also a museum, a learning centre and possibly the largest collection of locomotives, from any one railway company, anywhere in the world. Visit www. didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Saturday 25 February 2012 EventCity, Manchester

Packed with new ideas, features and information from over 200 destinations and attractions, representing all regions from the UK and Ireland. For more information visit greatdaysout.com www.coachandbusweek.com

TourNews.indd 21

06/02/2012 23:51

22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

nEWS › BUSINESS

12%

Rise in spending on energy, environment and green initiatives predicted in 2012

BriEfly A contract to deliver the coalition’s new Coaching for Growth programme was signed yesterday. The programme, scheduled to be fully operational by March 2012, will provide up to 10,000 small and mid-sized businesses with coaches who will work with senior management teams to help them develop and deliver strategies to achieve their growth potential. Business and enterprise minister Mark Prisk said: “Providing intensive and quality coaching for high growth potential businesses is vital to their continued success and their ability to help the UK economy grow.“ Welsh business minister Edwina Hart has announced plans for two new enterprise zones. Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd will focus on the energy and environment and ICT sectors and will form part of a wider strategy to rejuvenate the site. Haven Waterway, in Pembrokeshire will be discussed with Westminster as it includes a Crown port. Last September Mrs Hart announced plans for enterprise zones at Cardiff Business District, Anglesey, Deeside, Ebbw Vale and St Athan. “In most cases an outer boundary has been identified which covers the wider area being considered for development,” she said last week. Local government and businesses across the UK have sent 32 bids for housing the Green Investment Bank (GIB) to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). Locations range from major cities such as Birmingham, Cardiff and London, rural county Cornwall, Torbay area and small towns lik Bicester. Business secretary, Vince Cable, was delighted the GIB had “fired the imagination of so many public and private sector groups keen to host this world-first institution”. All submissions for hosting the bank – capitalised with £3bn funds to encourage private sector investment towards a green economy – will be reviewed by a panel against a common set of criteria. Recommendations will then be placed before Dr Cable who is likely to announce a final decision next month. www.coachandbusweek.com

BusinessNews.indd 22

Energy efficiency will drive business spend Growth in spend on green goods and services predicted to rise to £6.8bn by 2015 The need to drive down energy costs and consumption and make more efficient use of natural resources are the main forces behind a significant growth in spending on green goods and services by UK businesses over the next four years, a new report has forecast. According to the study by independent analyst Verdantix, UK spending on energy, environment and green initiatives between 2010 and 2015 will grow by as much as 12% in 2012 – dwarfing UK gross

domestic product, which is forecast to grow at just 0.6%. It predicts growth in the market for green goods and services is set to soar from £4.3m in 2012 to £6.8bn in 2015 – an average of 16% a year. The study, which looked at the green business spending of 421 firms in the UK with revenues greater than £750m, found the biggest overall spending would be on strategic energy management, which will almost double from just over £1bn in 2010 to £1.98bn in 2015. “Over the next three years strategic energy management will be the hottest market as firms seek to cut energy expenses by

West Ham Bus Garage’s on-site wind turbine provides approximately 10% of Stagecoach London’s energy needs

FPB dismayed at legislation u-turn The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has responded with dismay to a government announcement that legislation to improve the pre-pack insolvency sales process, designed to clamp down on ‘phoenix’ companies starting again while leaving their creditors unpaid, will now not go ahead. Employment minister Edward Davey said, having taken into account all the issues, the government has decided

Employment minister Edward Davey should rethink his decision, urge the FPB the benefits of the proposed legislative controls are outweighed by adherence to its current “moratorium” on new regulations.

between 5% and 20% with access to new integrated energy services propositions,” said Rodolphe d’Arjuzon, Verdantix global head of research. “The UK’s sustainable business market is continuing to grow at a healthy rate because firms have aligned sustainability strategies with operational efficiency,” said Susan Clarke, Verdantix analyst and author of the report. “Energy cost savings and more efficient use of natural resources now underpin sustainability investments – not philanthropic commitments to fight climate change.” However, sustainability spending in areas, including social responsibility, employee engagement, environment and health and safety are only expected to grow at between 5% and 6% between 2010 and 2015 – barely keeping pace with inflation – says Verdantix. There will also be a knock on effect on green business spending should the UK economy fall back into recession in 2012, as some economist are predicting. “Compared to our original forecast in 2009, growth in spending by large UK firms on energy, environment and sustainability has already slipped back by 18 months,” added d’Arjuzon. FPB’s latest cost of compliance referendum survey shows small firms’ annual red tape bill has reached £16.8bn while recent late payment data suggests small businesses are owed more than £33bn in outstanding invoice payments. FPB believes the government should think again, revisit some of its earlier proposals and go further to protect creditors. “Cutting red tape is hugely important but, against the backdrop of the government’s deregulatory agenda this is one area where tighter legislation would protect more firms from ‘phoenix’ companies abusing the pre-pack insolvency process by starting again while failing to pay them,” said the

06/02/2012 21:25

10,000

Number of businesses government’s Coaching for Growth programme aims to help

£33bn

Amount UK’s small businesses are owed in outstanding invoice payments (FPB)

UK manufacturing enjoys growth in January Britain’s manufacturing sector enjoyed a better-than-expected start to 2012, growing in January for the first time in four months and reaching an eight-month high. The Markit’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) climbed to an eight-month peak of 52.1, from 49.7 in December, where anything above 50 indicates expansion and anything below it indicates contraction. Economists had forecast a smaller rise to 50. “January saw manufacturing kick-start back into life,” said Rob Dobson, senior economist at Markit. New orders and output both rose sharply, and employment in the sector grew slightly for the first time in four months, rising to 50.1 on the PMI from 49.6 in December. Production was supported by new orders, as manufacturers reported an increased willingness among some clients to spend money. The equivalent PMI survey for the eurozone showed a mixed picture, rising to 48.8 in January from 46.9 in December. There were signs of recovery in Germany where PMI reading rose to 51, the highest level for six months, while the rate of contraction slowed in Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. There were steeper declines in France and Ireland, and production in Greece fell at the fastest pace in the survey’s history. Forum’s senior policy adviser Alex Jackman. “Late payment – or in this case non-payment – devastates firms’ ability to maintain any kind of healthy cash flow and threatens their very survival. The government is working on some extremely positive projects at present to help firms minimise the problem and offering them more protection in this way would also be of great benefit.” In May last year Forum wrote to Davey as part of a consultation on “improving the transparency of, and confidence in, pre-packaged sales in administrations”, prioritising three options: first, following a pre-pack administration, restricting exit to

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Demand was subdued in January, reflecting ongoing weakness in domestic markets and lower levels of new export business. “The latest eurozone economic data do nothing to alter our view that the region is set for another tough year, even if policymakers implement further measures to help bring the debt crisis to an end,” said Ben May, European economist at Capital Economics. “Euro area manufacturing has started 2012 surprisingly well, suggesting the region may avoid a slide back into recession,” said Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit. “The latest survey readings suggest conditions in the euro area manufacturing sector have begun to stabilise in recent weeks after a difficult end to 2011,” said James Ashley at RBC.

Wright Group has received a boost with the design and manufacture of the New Bus for London compulsory liquidation to achieve automatic scrutiny of the directors’ and administrators’ actions by the Official Receiver; second, requiring different insolvency practitioners to undertake pre- and postadministration appointment work; and third, requiring the approval of the court or creditors, or both, for all pre-pack business sales to connected parties. Davey said officials have been asked to undertake an “urgent review” in conjunction with stakeholders of how the existing controls on pre-packs have been working and whether more could be done within the existing regulatory framework to improve confidence and transparency.

BLOG of the week

WHAt mAKES A GREAt BRAnd

Richard Gourlay, director of Cowden Consulting, a strategic planning and implementation business, emphasises the importance of having a clear, consistent brand on www. businesszone.co.uk

PeoPLe doN’t Live theiR Lives thiNKiNG ABoUt BRANds Despite what marketing people passionately believe most people don’t think about brands, they just get on with their lives. The coffee they buy, the supermarket they go to and petrol station they visit happen almost by accident. In Britain today we are too busy to think through these everyday inconsequential purchases, focused on saving time, not forgetting something or rushing from place to place on a tight deadline. So do brands matter and if so why and how? CoNsUmeR ChoiCe Let’s start with the basics, the consumer has choices, endless choices if they choose to use them, but in many everyday cases as in my examples above, the consumer sacrifices those choices for simple expedience. The inability to see (or value) brand differentiation, between Starbucks and Costa, between Tesco and Morrisons, between BP and Shell, and yet they each fight for space in consumers minds through tiny differences which if we stop and think about do actually exist and we the consumer do actively value. so mUCh moRe thAN FiRst imPRessioNs So in today’s Britain, what is important about a brand? Is it the halo effect, the first impression, like the smile on the front of a car or is it something more, something deeper and more tangible? Ask the owners of Sunny D (the 90’s orange juice lookalike) and you will find that the halo effect does not last if your brand is not true to itself and to its consumers. Customers have to believe in a brand, it must tell the truth, be transparent and honest if it is to be successful. Gerald Ratner (former MD of Ratners the jewellers who said about his products “because it’s total crap”) also found out that in today’s world everyone

must truly believe in the brand, not just the marketing department but the whole company has to believe it and most importantly practice the brand’s beliefs. CLeAR BRANd stRAteGy Being clear and precise is also important in the company’s messages for a brand to succeed, a strong undiluted brand message must enthuse internally but must also consistently connect with customers through touch points. Look at Innocent, Dorset Cereals or Apple as classic examples of touch point. They also demonstrate a clear story delivered with passion about who they are what they do and why they matter. This focused and consistent message is not just a marketing message but an ingrained set of values which consumers buy into with passion. These brands not only position themselves as premium players in their fields and earn more but they also continuously find new ways to spread their key messages to customers, they have a clear brand strategy to achieve it. eveRyoNe mUst Live the BRANd Another vital aspect of any brand success is that the people within that brand demonstrate what they preach, they live that lifestyle, support that brand and contribute to its success. It is their lifestyle, it is a part of the way they and their brand do business. Great brands go beyond the brand to understand its real value to existing customers but also to tomorrow’s customers. Whether it is a family run local shop or a global supermarket chain great brands position themselves so they develop and hold a market position to develop long-term success. GReAt BRANds Great brands also develop their own uniqueness, not just the product or service but the whole package is how we do it around here. There needs to be not only consistency but the brand hand writing and value on how they do it. The best brands always develop singular simple signals for customers, cutting through jargon to create clarity without patronisation. For brands to succeed in today’s global markets these golden rules have never been more important. www.coachandbusweek.com

06/02/2012 21:26

24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

LEGAL nEWS › public inquiry

Aberdeenshire operator given warning after door defect Lumsden Garage also prevented from increasing authorisation for a nine-month period The Traffic Commissioner (TC) for Scotland, Joan Aitken, has warned a Huntly school bus operator against a complacent approach to its vehicle maintenance. John Shirran and Margaret Shirran, trading as Lumsden Garage, were called to a Public Inquiry (PI) on January 12, 2012, following an adverse report from a VOSA vehicle examiner. The aforementioned PI involved a fault with the passenger door of one of the operator’s school buses, and it was this failing together with a number of previous notable incidents which helped shape the TC’s decision.

BACKGROUND Lumsden Garage’s main work is to carry out school transport services across Aberdeenshire. It is located in Lumsden, 12 miles south of Huntly. They have held a standard national public service vehicle operator licence since December 1994 and have current authorisation for eight vehicles, with eight discs in issue. John Shirran is the transport manager. The operator was at PI in January 2006 after the TC received an adverse report from a VOSA vehicle examiner. This PI concerned a wheel loss incident in July 2005, when a wheel became detached whilst carrying passengers, which was of great concern to the TC. There was evidence of a reduced inspection frequency for the vehicles and a failure rate at annual test which showed that, at times of going to annual test, the vehicles were not in prime condition. As Shirran was responsible for motor vehicle MOT testing, the TC had noted this as surprising. As a result of the above, the TC varied the licence by reducing the number authorised to be operated from eight to seven and preventing weekend operation for a period of six months. The registering of any new services was also prevented. www.coachandbusweek.com

LegalNews.indd 24

The operator’s main work is school transport across Aberdeenshire PUBLIC INQUIRY The PI was held at Aberdeen on January 12, 2012. John Shirran was present and was accompanied by his consultants Messrs Agnew and Reape. VOSA was represented by vehicle examiner A Williams. The operator provided satisfactory evidence of financial standing in advance of the PI.

VOSA EVIDENCE On February 22, 2011, there was an immediate prohibition issued after vehicle YX05 AVT was noted to have the front passenger door locked and unable to be opened from outside. Following this, an unannounced maintenance investigation was carried out on May 26, 2011. Two vehicles were inspected and no defects were noted. The examiner checked the vehicle inspection records, preventative maintenance systems and maintenance facilities. The vehicle records were stored well but the completion of reports was limited and not all brake test results were indicated. Furthermore, there was no signing off of road worthiness and there was a driver defect reporting system. The forward planning system was acceptable. Advice was given on lack of detail or description of defects on PMI records; information regarding brake tests or road tests; and driver awareness of defects.

Key Points: An immediate prohibition was issued in February 2011 after a vehicle was noted to have the front passenger door locked and unable to be opened from outside. An unannounced maintenance investigation took place in May 2011, and found no defects. However, relevant reports and records were not completed appropriately. The operator has outlined a number of current and planned improvements. The operator undertakes its own maintenance with the exception of specialist work which is undertaken by the manufacturers’ dealers. The annual test history showed an initial high fail rate. Particular items included brake performance, headlamp aim and emergency doors and exits defects. From September 6, 2006, to date, three immediate prohibitions, two delayed and one variation had been issued to the operator. With that of February 22, 2011, being ‘S’ marked, details of the prohibitions were set out in the report. On February 22, 2011, the

vehicle was inspected at Alford Car Park at 0915hrs after a school run. The power operated door could not be opened manually and the examiner marked it as ‘S’ marked as he took the view that it was a long standing defect which should have been detected at the last safety check. The vehicle had been carrying school children at the time. The driver stated he would always carry out his check of the vehicle but would enter the coach from the driver’s door. Also, the door operated from the driver’s seat without problems so it did not occur to the driver there would be problems from the exterior. The driver was given advice on the nature and content of a first use check (walk round check). The operator was given a chance to comment on the prohibition and did so in an undated letter where he indicated he had issued each driver with a copy of the PSV drivers’ walk round check process and had told drivers of their obligation to inspect each vehicle before driving it and report any and all defects to Shirran immediately or to the office in his absence. Shirran indicated they took their obligations regarding vehicle roadworthiness, routine maintenance and, ultimately, public safety, very seriously.

OPERATOR EVIDENCE The operator produced a maintenance audit report completed by its own consultants who had visited on December 24, 2011. Applying VOSA’s standards and including in their report photographs of the parking area, workshop entrance, maintenance planner and workshop, the consultant commented there was not enough detail recorded in the maintenance forward planner; inspection records lacked detail of the work carried out; and when wheels have been removed the re-torque has not been recorded every time. However, all vehicles have monthly wheel torque checks which are recorded and signed by the mechanic; any repair work between safety inspections is recorded in

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February 8, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 25

a book for each vehicle; a new brake check series 2 decelerometer was purchased in November; a new time served mechanic was employed in November and is now responsible for all safety inspections and repairs; drivers have been instructed on their duties and responsibilities; and a member of staff will undertake the CPC [operator CPC not driver CPC]. The consultant noted the operator annual test fail rate to be poor and that there were four prohibition notices, including one at annual test. Shirran indicated there had been an intermittent fault on BX55FY which showed up as a fail at annual test on October 12, 2010. It had been in twice for repair at the Mercedes dealer. The operator is not using a roller brake tester but had bought a brake meter. He is investigating whether there is a roller brake tester in the area which would give an accurate response for VOSA test purposes. He had been leaving too much in the hands of his mechanics and had employed another mechanic. Two mechanics will go on a three-day course some time soon. Drivers will have walk round training during the mid term holiday at Easter. A member of staff, Hugh Crawford,

who is a driver, is going to study for the professional competence CPC course as Shirran holds his under grandfather rights. Their current work uses nine PCVs for school contracts with very little private hire work operating out of the village. The operator has a busy MOT test station and the garage serves also as the local shop and bus company, with all these interests supporting the other. External consultants will be brought in annually to audit the vehicle inspection records and Shirran is aware he has to run safe buses to maintain the licence. There are currently 10 school contracts serving that part of Aberdeenshire. The operator was sorry to find himself at PI again.

CONSIDERATION OF THE EVIDENCE AND THE TC’S DECISION This partnership operator has found itself called back to PI given the ‘S’ marked prohibition for a door which could not be opened at a school bus check. Aitken said: “I take the matter of doors and emergency exits extremely seriously as by definition any emergency would be unexpected and unpredicted and so the means of escape or of rescue must be capable of use. I

also regard annual tests as being a measure of an operator’s ability to keep vehicles roadworthy and this operator has a poor performance.” Aitken noted it was fortunate no defects were found on the vehicles inspected on May 26, 2011. However, she goes on to say the full lessons of the previous PI have not been learned, in terms of sustained attention to recording what defects had been repaired. The operator’s own consultant has drawn attention to certain deficiencies. The poor pass rate at annual tests is acknowledged by the operator and he has engaged another mechanic and plans to put two mechanics to a three-day course such that they can upgrade their knowledge and be audited on that. Further, drivers will have refresher training in the Easter school holidays so that they can be given an update on their duties from an external source which is mindful of what is needed to keep vehicles and passengers safe. Aitken commented the above improvements were “to the good”. She added: “In my view the great risk is complacency, including complacency by drivers who go off the boil in relation to the need to be meticulous over first use checks.” The TC was reassured by the lack

of further prohibitions in recent months. Accordingly, Aitken decided the following: “I will not take action against the licence on this occasion other than a warning and to put a condition on the licence preventing any increase in authorisation for nine months from today. This will allow the operator to concentrate on the current authorisation. “This PI has served to put a strong marker down to the operator that it should guard against complacency and that school transport work requires the highest of standards and total commitment to the licence undertakings. My expectations and those of the parents and guardians of school children will be that school contract vehicles and drivers are meeting the standards required by the operator licence and drivers for their part are undertaking their duties thoroughly and properly. “Drivers should be aware that they too can be called to a hearing before the TC should they fall down in their duties. The TC does have the power to determine that a bus driver is no longer fit to hold his bus driver licence so there are implications for a bus driver’s livelihood if walk round checks are not done properly.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

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DELIVERIES

Richard Lush of Richard Taylor and Scania’s Andy Hamilton

RICHARD TAYLOR TRAVEL Richard Taylor Travel has taken delivery of its fourth Scania, an Irizar Century Club, which now joins the two Scania Irizar PBs and a Scania Irizar Century Club already in service with the Hitchin-based company. Supplied by Scania

(Great Britain) Ltd, the new addition to the Richard Taylor Travel fleet has a 12-metre overall length with 49 seats, full climate control and a toilet. The vehicle’s Euro 5 Scania 360 horsepower engine features Scania’s additive-free EGR system. Richard Taylor, MD, said: “In addition to the vehicle itself, we are extremely impressed with the service provided

by Scania in general. This includes aftersales support and Scania Assistance, which gives us great peace of mind as we know they are always available should we ever need their services.” Family-run Richard Taylor Travel was formed in May 1995. The fleet has grown to 15 vehicles ranging from 16 seater minibuses to a 57 seater coach. The firm’s work includes school and rail contracts, private hire and third party tours.

TATES TRAVEL Barnsley bus operator Tates Travel Ltd has introduced four new ADL Enviro200s to its fleet, all of which are operating on local routes. . The four new Enviro200s at Tates include two 37-seater 10.8m and two 29-seater 8.9m models. They are powered by Cummins ISBe four-cylinder 160PS Euro5

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODy Scania Irizar

Century Club K360 4X2

EngInE Euro 5 Scania 360bhp TRAnSmISSIOn 2 pedal

Opticruise Gearbox SEATS 57 SpEC School contracts/Private hire SUppLIED By

Scania GB 01908 210210 www.scania.co.uk

MINSTERLEY MOTORS Six new Wrightbus Eclipse 2 bodied-Volvo B7RLEs have been delivered to Minsterley Motors for use on its Shropshire-based bus services. The significant bus order takes the number of Volvos in the traditional family-run operator’s fleet to 14 vehicles. The buses will be running on a number of Minsterley Motor’s routes including the 745 between Pontesbury and Ludlow Market, the 435 between Shrewsbury and Ludlow and a new 2012 schedule from Shrewsbury to Bishop’s Castle. The Volvo B7RLE is powered by a Volvo D7E 7.1 litre diesel engine, which generates 290hp.

engines with Allison S2100 transmissions. Graham Mallinson, Tates’ managing director said: “Our aim is to give our customers the very best in comfort and style and to combine this with reliable, fuel efficient vehicles. The Enviro200s are spot-on and join our fleet at a time when over 90% of our vehicles are low floor, easy access. We will definitely be buying more this year.”

looking to upgrade his fleet and we’ve managed to support him in this process with the sale of these latest new B7RLE buses. “Minsterley Motors is a very established operator and it’s really pleasing that the six new Volvo buses will be seen daily across a number of routes in the Shropshire area.” The 30-strong vehicle fleet is based at Stiperstones, Minsterley, near Shrewsbury. Specified with 44 passenger seats and room for a further 49 standees, all six new buses feature Minsterley Motors’ traditional white, blue and red livery. Minsterley Motors’ John Jones said: “We’ve had plenty of Volvo buses before. We like the Volvo Wrightbus

combination and we’ve got a new bus schedule for 2012 – the 552 and 553 service, between Shrewsbury and Bishops Castle, so we needed good reliable, consistent buses. “I’ve also just purchased three new Volvo B9R coaches with Plaxton bodywork,

so it’s a brand we know and trust. We also have the reassuring backup and support of the Shrewsbury Hartshornes dealership.” Volvo Bus sales manager Phil Fletcher was pleased to conclude the deal. He said: “John Jones at Minsterley Motors was

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODy Volvo B7RLE Wrightbus Eclipse 2 EngInE Volvo D7E 7.1 litre 290bhp TRAnSmISSIOn Automatic SEATS 44 SpEC Standard SUppLIED By

Volvo 01926 401777 www.volvobus.co.uk

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

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

Richard Matthews, ADL’s general manager for retail sales, said: “We are pleased to be increasingly selling high volumes of Enviro200s to small and medium sized fleets. Last year we sold 600 Enviro200s in the UK, more than half of which went to independents and small operators. The bus continues to provide a winning combination of passenger appeal, reliability and low operating costs, which explains why it remains the world’s best selling midi bus.” FACT FilE

CHASSiS/BOdy ADL Enviro200 EnginE Cummins ISBe 160PS

Euro5

TrAnSmiSSiOn Allison S2100 SEATS 29/37 SpEC Standard SUppliEd By

ADL 01483 571271 www.alexander-dennis.com

PREMIUM TOURS Specialist London day tour operator Premium Tours has for the first time added Neoplan Tourliners to its luxury touring fleet. Four new two-axle, 53-seater versions with 400PS EGR MAN engines are ‘bedding in’ before the company’s intensive sevendays-a-week operation starts in April and continues throughout the summer. Premium Tours operations manager, John Jamieson, and managing director, Neil Wootton, were won over by both the product and the Neoplan brand at last autumn’s Coach & Bus Live show in Birmingham, where the basic acquisition package was drawn-up and agreed. John Jamieson said: “The whole Neoplan experience

has been very impressive and we were delighted to secure such a comprehensive package based on the whole-life of the vehicIes. Running coaches without AdBlue is proving a great advantage. Operationally it’s more productive and it’s just so much less fuss.” “We’ve had great feedback from drivers, who love them, and customers are contacting

us regularly to say how comfortable, quiet and wellfinished the Tourliners are. “I must single out Neoplan’s coach sales executive Richard Polley for particular praise. He has been instrumental in the whole deal, meeting all our requirements and steering us through every stage, from initial specification through to delivery.”

All four new Tourliners are covered by four-year comprehensive bumper-tobumper warranty packages. Each is powered by a MAN D26 440Bhp EGR engine through a 12-speed MAN TipMatic gearbox with intarder. Specification includes a courier seat, centre continental door, radio/multi-CD/DVD/MP3 entertainment system, forward camera with two saloon monitors and a DVD coach sat nav. FACT FilE

CHASSiS/BOdy Neoplan

Tourliner

EnginE MAN D26 440bhp EGR TrAnSmiSSiOn 12-Speed MAN

TipMatic

SEATS 53 SpEC Touring SUppliEd By

MAN 0161 848 8331 www.man-manchester.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

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28 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

UK COACH rAlly 2012

www.coachandbusweek.com

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UK Coach Rally 2012 Update Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans and Andrew Cream report on the developments in hand for this year’s UK Coach Rally, a key date in the coach industry calendar

pbeat was the tone of Thursday’s media briefing for the UK Coach Rally 2012. With only 10 weeks to go until the event and diaries fast filling up, it seemed timely to receive an update on what is a key weekend of the coach industry’s calendar.

Discussing the origin of his involvement, Steve Telling said: “I think Brian Souter summed it up once when I asked him about Coach USA: ‘I went to bed one night; I had a nightmare that I woke up to and had a coach company’.” There have been a number of changes to the UK Coach Rally and its organising company, Coach Displays, as Steve explained: “Having been at the edges for a number of years, I’ve become involved as a shareholder. Ann and Paul don’t know all the key people in the industry and that’s something I can bring to the table. “We’ve also recognised Ann

and Paul Cousins have other jobs and things to do in life. Therefore, we’ve brought in a dedicated administrator this year, Wendy Cachin. She’s the contact for everyone and will be available most of the time. Ann and Paul will still be available on their mobiles.” Paul took up the story: “Ann and I have been the two remaining directors of Coach Displays. We thought things were getting a bit stale and we needed a new injection into the business, so we’ve brought in Steve Telling and my son John who’s high up in IT, as directors. We feel a bit of young blood and new ideas

The horseshoe-shaped display area for coaches taking part in the rally will be retained for 2012

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UK COACH rAlly 2012

will help as well. “We are professional and determined to make this work. It would be devastating for us to miss a year. We are determined to keep it going.”

Displays

“I think in all fairness if the rally had stayed at Brighton it would have been a failure,” said Steve. “It’s no exaggeration to say the funeral would have taken place a year ago. Peterborough has proved a very successful site for the event. While it’s fantastic for the logistics for a coach rally, it isn’t good for families in terms of other things to do in Peterborough, compared to Brighton. As a result, the number of people who come has affected the trade support. Therefore, some of the things we’re changing are to do with finances and layout.” Steve continued: “The horseshoe display of the coaches will remain but there will be no exhibition hall. We pay a hefty sum for it – and that’s had a disastrous effect on the rally. It costs over £10,000 alone to rent the exhibition hall. Therefore we’re going to move the trade displays down with the coaches by the horseshoe, so everyone will be together. “There is still going to be a CPT presence. It will be in the form of a One Stop Shop, although it will not be called that, in the glazed area near the WCs. This will be organised by Karen Tiley, CPT London and South East regional manager. An added attraction for families will be small animals from the West Midlands Safari Park. “The area previously used to display the heritage vehicles is now going to be occupied by traders, while the heritage vehicles will move to the middle of the horseshoe. Driving tests will remain in the same location and car parking will also continue to be free. “I feel that by having it all together, people have got to intermingle. It makes sense.”

Entries

There are approximately 37 confirmed entries so far, while the organisers are waiting for the forms to be returned from a further 12 to 15. “The most we can have is 80. We are trying to get over the 60 mark,” explained Paul. Ann added: “A number of operators wait until almost the www.coachandbusweek.com

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last minute as they’re unsure which specific vehicles they’ll have available, but this year we’re asking for entries to be made and then for the registration details and so on to be confirmed nearer the time.” “Quite a few names which haven’t attended the rally for a long time have entered this year,” enthused Steve. “They include Lucketts, Kingsferry, Panther Travel, Andersons – and Epsom Coaches, who haven’t entered a coach since the Southampton Rally in 1990.” It is hoped entry numbers will be boosted this year with the creation of the new Bus of the Year and Bus Driver of the Year categories. Buses can enter if they are over nine metres long. However, Steve was keen to stress: “We’re not competing with Blackpool’s UK Bus Driver of the Year, which is an entirely separate event. We’re looking at independent coach operators who are now operating buses – the likes of Johnsons of Henley in Arden, Epsom Coaches, Paul S. Winson and Reays.” As a case in point, Steve said Loughborough-based Paul S Winson has entered a bus and a coach this year. He also confirmed three buses had entered to date. Buses and coaches will have different rally runs, as Paul explained: “As you know, coaches normally do 60 to 70 miles on the rally run but buses will be restricted to 30 miles. They will start off on the same route but then wind off. A further advantage is that the buses will then be able to start their driving tests earlier in the day, so our capacity will not be restricted and there will be something going on in the driving test area from relatively early on the Saturday.” The organisers also revealed some “interesting heritage vehicles” will be in attendance this year. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Quite a few names which haven’t attended the rally for a long time have entered this year. They include Lucketts, Kingsferry, Panther Travel, Andersons – and Epsom Coaches, who haven’t entered a coach since the Southampton Rally in 1990.” Steve Telling

Steve continued: “Plaxton and Volvo are not coming to the rally but Volvo are kindly letting us have a coach to set up the test and their staff will also be present. However, we do have a commitment from BASE, Irizar, Caetano, Moseley in the South, Dawson Rentals, Arriva Bus & Coach, MAN and VOSA. The support we have got from the trade in these times is fantastic.” Paul was keen to stress the “policy of 58 years remains that a trophy is not awarded if it is not sponsored or there is no stand present.” Turning to the CPT-organised area, Karen Tiley said attendees confirmed to date include Pellys, ROSCO, Holdsworth, CPT, Autoglass, Oliver Legal and Nationwide Coach Assistance.

Prizes

The method and location for presenting the awards will also be changed this year – although it was agreed some details would not be reported in order not to spoil the anticipation.

Trade Support

“While certain manufacturers can’t afford it, we are open to sponsorship opportunities,” said Steve. “For example, Wrightsure Insurance has agreed to sponsor Coach Driver of the Year and Gauntlet is sponsoring the driving tests.” An as yet unnamed supplier has also agreed to sponsor Coach of the Year prize – although it was revealed the firm is a “new name” to the coach industry.

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However, it can be revealed the awards will not be presented in the location they have for the past two years – in front of the grandstand. Instead, this will take place in the horseshoe display area. For photographers, this significant part of the event will be held in the correct lighting condition as far as the position of the sun is concerned in the late afternoon. In place of what might be regarded as the traditional traffic commissioner, the awards will be presented by London transport commissioner Peter Hendy. On the trophy front, the LTCOA (London Tourist Coach Operators Association) trophy is now going to be called the Martin Cornell Trophy, late of Ashford Luxury. “He would have been so pleased and extremely proud of that,” commented Steve. Reflecting its superior nature and in an attempt the correct the hitherto understated title, the ‘Best in All Classes’ award is to be renamed ‘Highest Placed Operator in all Classes’.

Dinner

The traditional dinner and dance held on the Saturday evening will once again be held on site at the Showground in the Cambridge Suite. According to Ann, “Tickets are selling fast at the moment.” In addition to the familiar casino and raffle, the band will be ‘The Catch’. Tickets cost £58 + VAT. Trade stand pricing includes the cost of two dinner tickets for the holder.

Visitors

No admission fee will be charged on the gate. However, in a change to previous years, the event programme will be free for visitors who pre-register on-line when they submit their confirmation print out at the entrance gate – but it will cost £1 for those who fail to pre-register. Online registration was expected to go live from Monday (February 6). Commenting on visitor numbers, Steve said: “Visitor numbers were down last year by 150 people. The previous year we had 2,000, which we calculate using the online registration and entrants.

Suppliers argue whether or not operators attend the rally to buy coaches. I definitely wouldn’t as I’ve never been in the mood for it. I’ve advised them to send their support staff along to meet people at the rally. This industry is all about relationships. If you meet someone at the rally, who knows what it will result in? It’s something which is particularly important at the rally because it predominantly attracts the smaller family-run operators, the same ones who decide on which vehicles they will be purchasing. I think there’s a big opportunity at the rally.”

Don’t forget the CTC AGM In an effort to publicly support the rally and make the most of operators’ time, the Coach Tourism Council (CTC) is to hold its Annual General Meeting on April 23. CTC chief executive Chris Wales told CBW: “The CTC wholeheartedly supports the UK Coach Rally and as a mark of that support, our AGM is to be held in Peterborough on the Monday after the rally. We hope

to attract as many CTC operator members as possible to the rally.

Conclusion

Perhaps Steve summed it up when he said: “For me and many colleagues in the industry the rally has always been a weekend away with like-minded friends. I think you’ll be surprised at some of the changes and entries this year.” We at CBW look forward to seeing you at the UK Coach Rally this year. The UK Coach Rally will be held at Peterborough’s East of England Showground over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday April 21-22. For more details about the UK Coach Rally, visit www.coachdisplays. co.uk. Contact the dedicated administrator Wendy Cachin by email on wendy@coachdisplays. co.uk or call on 07885 825113. Ann and Paul Cousins can still be contacted on 07590 468035. To exhibit the CPT show element, email Karen Tiley on karent@cptuk.org or call 020 7240 3131.

UK Coach Rally: confirmed entries as of February 3, 2012

Steve Telling, Paul & Ann Cousins and rally administrator Wendy Cachin (above); Last year’s Coach Driver of the Year was Gavin Brown of Crawley Luxury who is pictured with his brother and father (left) and Parrys International won Coach of the Year for its Van Hool T9 Astron (below)

n Lucketts Travel n Dews & Son n Brighton & Hove Bus Co. Ltd n Clarkes of London n Westway Coaches n Paul S Winson (x2) n Brookline Coaches n Epsom Coaches n Bibby’s Coaches (x2) n Decker Bus n Blakes Coaches Ltd n Panther Travel n Cedar Coaches Ltd n Everydays Travel n Tellings Golden Miller n BM Coaches n Parrys n Richmond’s Coaches n L.J. Edwards Coach Hire n Kings Ferry n D.J. Thomas Coaches n Stanley Travel n BM Coaches n Cyril Kenzie n Galloway Travel Group n York Pullman n Coopers Tours (x3) n Decker Bus n Crawley Luxury n Haines Mini Coaches n Banstead n Exclusive Holidays Ltd

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06/02/2012 23:32

32 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

THE BIG PICTURE

East Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS) is cutting its traditional route which operates westwards from Hull via Brough, Howden and Goole to save money in the current financial climate. However, it is replacing some of this network with an extension of its ‘Petuaria Express’ as far as Gilberdyke. “This route has been losing money for some time, but we have been able to support it through the more profitable operation at the Hull end and of course by profits on other services,” said EYMS chairman, Peter Shipp. “The answer would have been to abandon the whole of the section west of North Cave and Gilberdyke, but instead we are extending the Petuaria Express concept westwards to serve this area, although of course the new route will omit the smaller villages, but even they are not be left entirely without a bus service.” The enlarged Petuaria Express network will require an additional bus. Pictured here is the ADL Enviro 400 re-branded into Petuaria Express livery. The service won the Eureka! Award for Marketing Initiatives at the UK Bus Awards 2011.

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06/02/2012 21:19

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www.coachandbusweek.com

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06/02/2012 21:19

34 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

PROFILE › TRANSPORT BENEVOLENT FUND

A helping hand The Transport Benevolent Fund has been providing support to the public transport industry in Great Britain since the First World War. Chris Godbold, who manages the organisation, talked to Coach & Bus Week’s Meera Rambissoon about its heritage and the range of benefits

hen the going gets tough, the tough get going, apparently, but for employees in the transport industry when the going gets tough, help is at hand in the form of the Transport Benevolent Fund (TBF). The TBF was originally set up during the First World War to provide support to London public transport workers who were serving in the war and their families. Nowadays the trustee-run charity is open to practically anyone who works in public transport including the bus, coach and rail sectors – in England, Scotland and Wales. For the cost of a £1 a week, it offers a wide range of benefits from enabling convalescence and recuperation and providing medical equipment and complementary medicine to offering financial advice and aid. It is easy to see why Chris Godbold, who joined the transport industry a little more than a few years ago in 1968 via London Transport, has been at the helm of the organisation for nearly 20 years. Thoroughly good-natured, helpful and easygoing, Chris explains the heritage of the organisation, its changes over the years and its raison d’etre: helping people in need, hardship or distress, enabling them to return to work and be productive and, above all, stopping a problem becoming a crisis.

fighting. “Troops and their families were suffering financial hardship so employing companies set up TOT and invited contributions from their staff,” explains Chris. “8,000 people were out there fighting and the TOT would have been sending them what were called comforts – things to make their lives better and most importantly to support the families they left behind.” The companies involved matched weekly staff contributions of one penny and at the end of the war, the princely sum of £125,000 was left over. So it was agreed a benevolent fund should be set up for staff, who took over the money. Contributions were invited and people could join the TOT Benevolent Fund which was formally set up as a trust in 1923. When London Transport (LT) was formed in 1933, TOT evolved into the London Transport Benevolent Fund (LTBF). “Everything remained the same,” says Chris. “The fund was run by a council consisting of equal numbers of employee representatives

and management.” This set-up remained essentially unchanged until 1970 when the Greater London Council (GLC) assumed responsibility for LT. “As part of that, areas of bus operation outside the GLC area transferred to a new bus company – London Country Bus Services (LCBS), part of the National Bus Company,” explains Chris. “Some of us had the choice over which to work for and in 1970, LTBF had members in both LT and LCBS.” By the mid 1980s, the political climate in Britain changed. LT was required to offer a proportion of its bus routes for tender and it also withdrew the matching of contributions for the fund as well as money it had been donating from the lost property fund. Chris says this was also a time when in-house engineering functions were being severely cut back. The overall impact was a number of challenges to the fund, not least falling membership and the need to increase subscriptions “quite dramatically”. Subscriptions went from 15p a

A long history of helping

The TOT - Train Omnibus Tram Mutual Aid Fund - was borne out of the First World War and started by a group of 12 transport companies for the benefit of transport workers in London who had enlisted for www.coachandbusweek.com

TBF.indd 34

TBF’s stand at last year’s Coach and Bus Live show in Birmingham

week in 1985 to the £1 by 1994, which is still the rate now, Chris is proud to say, adding: “and we do a hell of a lot more for your pound than we did then.” In 1995 the fund underwent an extensive change in structure. This included the closure of its convalescence hotel, which was a bitter but necessary pill for Chris to swallow. In the mid 1920s, the fund set up its first convalescence facility in Hythe in Kent. Named Philbeach, the unit was for wives and children of staff. “There was no National Health Service back then,” says Chris. “One of the biggest problems if you had an operation was getting over it – conditions were very poor back home. We still have data showing the weights of patients when they entered Philbeach and when the left. If they put on weight, it was deemed a successful stay, showing you how things have changed.” Philbeach shut in 1988 and the hotel in Torquay which succeeded

06/02/2012 22:10

February 8, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 35

£1 36,000 1923 The cost of TBF membership per week

The approximate number of TBF members - at the end of the 90s it was 8,000

The year the original Train Omnibus Tram Fund was set up

to a tenth of that by the end of the 1990s at 8,000. Today, Chris says the figure is almost 36,000. Eight paid organisers at the TBF are tasked with recruiting new members, ensuring existing members know about what the organisation is doing and what it can offer and ensuring the system of local democracy is working. “All members are covered by a local committee,” says Chris, “although in many cases this is done through the office.” There are 125 local committees operating on a voluntary basis across Great Britain, whose job it is to advise on requests for hardship grants. Trustees – of which there are 19 to date – are elected by the committees and bound to consult them on all major decisions made, “forcing trustees to do everything in the open,” says Chris. “While the trustees bear the legal responsibility for the running of the charity, they are required to account to the local committees on how they do that. The trustees represent working members the length and breadth of Great Britain.”

What’s on offer

it was closed down in 1995. “It was the most difficult political decision I’ve had to take since I’ve been in this industry, but it saved the fund,” says Chris.

The emergence of the TBF

So, fundamental to the survival of the fund was the closure of the hotel, which was eating half its income. Also, the change in deed to allow the LTBF to become the TBF the following year, opened membership up to beyond the confines of London to Great Britain. However, Chris is keen to acknowledge a third factor which “transformed the charity” – the introduction by the then chancellor Gordon Brown of Gift Aid relief in 2000, which sees the TBF receiving £400,000 a year – a figure Chris says is very close to the maximum amount allowed. The TBF is mainly funded by membership contributions. Membership during the heyday of LT was 80,000 but reduced

TBF.indd 35

Top: TBF helmsman Chris Godbold joined what was formerly known as the London Transport Benevolent Fund in 1994; he is pictured with a poster advertising the original Train Omnibus Tram Fund set up in 1923. Above: Stephensons of Essex pay TBF contributions for their staff

“I must emphasise, we are not here to tell people how to run their lives… we are here to treat them with respect and give them the facility to run their own lives.” Chris Godbold Transport Benevolent Fund

“The basic purpose of the TBF is to relieve need, hardship or distress among anyone who works in the public transport industry – or has worked in it and their dependants,” says Chris. “That’s what we were there to do in 1923 and it’s what we’re about now. Even now, when we get a request for help, if there is something which doesn’t quite fit, the test, as always, is ‘will we be helping to relieve need, hardship or distress?’ although the world doesn’t talk about things in those terms.” Chris summarised the benefits of the TBF: Cash help when there is short-term hardship; Debt management advice; Payment, in appropriate cases, for members to file for bankruptcy (about £600); Legal advice – but not against employers; Providing convalescence where members can choose to use “the excellent RCH facility at Dawlish in Devon” or make their own arrangements based on a set budget; Financial help with almost any complementary medical treatment, normally without a medical recommendation, says Chris, so as not to take

www.coachandbusweek.com

06/02/2012 22:10

36 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

PROFILE › TRANSPORT BENEVOLENT FUND

over people’s decisions, providing a registered practitioner is used (although recommendations are required for massage, for example); Payment for prescription season tickets in England where prescriptions are not free unlike in Scotland and Wales; A bereavement benefit if a member loses a partner or dependant; Second opinions – help for the cost of scans and tests where they are not available on the NHS, “especially where it will get people back to work quickly”; and Providing medical equipment where not available by the state, such as wheelchairs, on a permanent or loan basis. “We are not here to tell people how to run their lives,” emphasises Chris, “we are here to treat them with respect and give them the facility to run their own lives.” There are no age limits and no bar on pre-existing medical conditions and members are eligible for help as soon as their request to join has been registered, even before their first contribution has been made. All benefits are granted at the discretion of the trustees. The service standard offered by the TBF has dramatically improved, in Chris’ view. “Our target is to reimburse medical treatments the day we receive the request or by the following day and to ensure those who apply for hardship grants receive an initial grant, if justified, within five days.” About eight or nine years ago, there was a week’s delay in providing reimbursements. “One day the penny dropped – we spent a week catching up and everyone did over-time and we got on top of it, so now we can maintain a service standard.” Three benefits have even been increased in the past year. The maximum, initial grant open to people in hardship has increased by 50% and allowances for complementary medicine have been increased by 25%. The allowance for bereavement has also been doubled. “We’re here for our members and if we have got spare money, which we did this year, we want to help them.” Once members have joined, they are normally allowed to remain with the TBF even if they leave the industry, although they won’t necessarily receive as much help as those in the industry. Also on www.coachandbusweek.com

TBF.indd 36

Above: Western Greyhound are one of several operators who pay the TBF contributions for their staff. Below: First Portsmouth darts team showing their support for sponsors TBF with Chris Godbold (third from the right)

retirement, many members are awarded free membership for life. Again they might not receive the same benefits, but there is a lot on offer nonetheless.

Industry support

Christopher Sullivan, who is the head of infrastructure at Southern Vectis, is the president of the TBF and most of the board are, in Chris’ words, enthusiasts for the industry. However, he is keen to point out that the trustees are elected because they enjoy the support of the membership – not because they have particular professional skills. “They are there because they are representing real people – service users in today’s parlance.” The fund enjoys the support of most major public transport employers and also the main trade unions with a number of patrons who are the chief executives of both. “We enjoy excellent relationships with company managements and trade unions on all levels and this is essential to the success of the

charity.” In fact the employers make the TBF’s life easier by deducting staff contributions through the pay roll – what is called Pay Bill Deduction (PBD). “That’s how we collect the subs - 99% of our members pay that way,” says Chris. “We are grateful to our operators for not charging. The reason we like PBD is because it creates a bond with the employer and it is more cost effective.” Some employers pay the cost of contributions for their staff, the main ones being Western Greyhound, Stephensons of Essex, AT Brown of Telford and Go-Ahead Group-owned Damory. Over the next year, the TBF will focus on recruiting in the remaining subsidiaries of groups where they do not yet have members. “This might be because local managers or trade unions have yet to understand the benefits which TBF memberships bring,” says Chris. He emphasises there is complete confidentiality, with no feedback to employers at all, but adds: “Employers can be certain we are not doing anything which goes against them and can be confident we are helping people, trying to get them back to work and be productive and provide funds to help people with long-term sickness to resume work - because people won’t be productive if they and their families have problems.”

Transport Benevolent Fund: words of gratitude

Every TBF board meeting reviews messages of thanks received and any adverse feedback, which occasionally happens. Some recent ones include: “Thank you so much for arranging our stay at the RCH in Dawlish. We had a wonderful time, the staff were fantastic and we ate too much food. We loved the days out and to get a cheque for our expenses was amazing.” “Thank you all for your help, without it I would have lost my job.” “I cannot thank you enough for the financial support you have provided during my time off looking after my wife and my time off suffering stress and depression. My wife and I feel it helped us greatly.” “I am writing to thank you for sending us a cheque towards

our gas bill; it will be a great help to us.” “Thank you for the cheque to pay for my wheelchair, also your kind comments. We are very grateful.” “I have been a member since January 1978 and would like to thank you for the help and advice I have received during this time. Having seen many changes over these years in the bus industry, I appreciate the work you do and hope you will be able to carry this on in the future.” The TBF is a registered charity in England, Wales (1058032) and in Scotland (SC040013). For more information on the Transport Benevolent Fund and to become a member, visit its website at www.tbf.org.uk or call 08450 100 500.

06/02/2012 22:11

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February 8, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 39

inBOx

LETTER of the week

Cornwall 50p flat fare proposal

Dear Sirs. I read with great interest about the proposal by Cornwall Council to seek permission from government to charge concessionary passengers a flat rate of 50p per journey (CBW1021). Going back to the days before the All-England Scheme came into effect, from April 2008, I seem to remember it was generally accepted that only local card-holders received free travel within their county boundary, paid for by either their local council or National Government. When the English National Pass came in, many local authorities in tourist areas were deeply concerned at the cost implications to them, as they have to make the payment to operators, for all journeys commencing in their area. That is still the case, and Cornwall, together with other holiday favourites like Torbay and the Isle of Wight, to name but two, are faced with

Derbyshire bus network

Dear Sirs. I cannot let Phil Stockley’s article about the Peak District (CBW1019), and in particular his references at the end, pass without comment. As a fellow timetable geek, surely Mr Stockley is already aware of Derbyshire’s standing in what I refer to the National Timetable League? Put simply, no other authority comes close. Cornwall is pretty good but the gong always goes to Derbyshire for the simplification of complex timetables, all-encompassing maps, local stopping point diagrams, tourist information, bus stop timetables and the consistency employed throughout, much of which is contained in its outstanding trio of timetable books, covering the entire county and its periphery. Derbyshire’s public transport unit knocks the socks off everyone else. Incredibly well publicised (online, bus station billboards, bus stop timetable cases, adverts in the timetable booklets, rail station info cases) is the Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket that Peak District goers have been able to purchase since the mid-1980s from bus station offices, rail ticket halls, libraries - not to mention the bus drivers themselves - offering unhindered

Inbox.indd 39

ever-increasing costs of reimbursement to their local bus companies, mainly through the high number of tourists using those bus services during their holidays. Although the effects of this ‘free tourist’ cost will not be so great in less popular tourist areas, all councils are experiencing great pressure on their transport budgets. Before too long something has got to give, or else a large number of marginal or non-viable bus services will be cut altogether, leaving pass-holders and other would-be bus users with no services at all, in many parts of the country. In view of this ongoing situation, I feel their proposal could be worthy of consideration, but only with suitable modification. I would therefore suggest Cornwall Council get together with several other affected councils, to put their proposals to the government as a joint body. My suggestion is this should be on the basis of a 50p flat fare for all non-local concessionary passengers, while maintaining a totally free journey to the end-user, for all card-holders resident in the county where they board the bus. This would offer a much fairer system to all

access to not only the county’s bus network but trains, too. Group and concessionary versions are available and a child even travels free with the adult version. If you type ‘unlimited travel ticket for Derbyshire’ in Google, guess what comes up top of the list? With mobile internet working en route to Leek, surely a quick Google of the above could have been done? I agree with Phil’s comments on the transpeak service - an absolute nightmare on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, not only are the most convenient/popular journeys full-to-standing before they leave their first stop, the reliability throughout the who route is dire; he did well to avoid the route. A network of local bus services exists already and has done so for many years. Known as Countybus, this refers to the subsidised network in the county, not just the Peak District itself. Branding is one thing but the entire Peak District network is already brought together quite skillfully within the Peak District timetable book and it really is a book - 192 pages in the latest edition, costing £1.50. I’ve never heard anyone within the industry be critical of Derbyshire’s bus network and timetable provision before. Sure, local operators may have an axe to grind from time-to-time, but they’ve never had to deal with the Northamptonshires of this world.

concessionary passengers, encouraging them to still make free use of their local services, while giving them a much-reduced subsidised journey whenever they are away from home. The income of 50p per concession journey for visitors would no doubt go quite some way to offsetting the cost, or plugging the shortfall in transport budgets, without hitting those who need their local buses on a regular basis. In turn, this would hopefully have the knock-on effect of helping to maintain many of the otherwise under-threat marginal bus services, particularly in rural areas where there is no real alternative for those without their own transport. I am sure this could offer a realistic and viable solution to the immediate problem, and would urge the government to give serious consideration to such a proposal, for the long-term benefit of all passengers and bus companies, large and small. Most ticket machines now use card-readers, and no doubt they could easily be adapted to recognise ‘local’ and ‘visiting’ cards. Terry Jones, (Vista Coachways), Cleeve, North Somerset.

A BUS! Sort of...

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I have no doubt the planned second trip, coupled with some pre-bus research, will significantly improve the Peak District experience. Graham Lord, editor, Lincolnshire & East Yorkshire Transport Review, Bourne, Lincolnshire

More on Peak District buses Dear Sirs. I’m pleased Phil Stockley had a good day touring the Peak District but he seemed rather critical of the marketing aspects. I’d suggest he would have had a similar or poorer experience in any other unfamiliar rural tourist area if he attempted an ad hoc tour starting relatively early on a Sunday morning. All the journeys he took (and most of the alternatives discussed) would have been covered by a Derbyshire Wayfarer and all the timetables in the area appear in the Council’s Peak District book (including an excellent scale route map). Detailed leaflets covering the Wayfarer are always available and on display at tourist information centres and libraries throughout and around Derbyshire. I’m not linked to Derbyshire County Council but just an enthusiast living over the border in Staffordshire who thinks highly of their marketing. Richard Ward, By email www.coachandbusweek.com

06/02/2012 22:14

40 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

LEZ › update

London set to go greener Following these successful trials, 155 buses to be fitted with PM10 reduction equipment, as Coach & Bus Week’s Martin Cole reports

ondon Mayor Boris Johnson has announced more bus routes across the capital are set to benefit from vehicles fitted with innovative technology to reduce pollution. In addition, a second 140m-square green wall is set to be installed in central London helping to trap harmful road transport emissions. The Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) have trialed two types of technology fitted to bus exhausts to reduce either PM10 or NOx pollution. Results have shown significant reductions in emissions on buses piloting the equipment with PM10 reduced by 77% and NOx has reduced by 88%. Following the successful trials, the Mayor has confirmed the wider introduction of the technology. A total of 155 buses on routes 7, 10, 48, 49, 56, 148 and 205 will be the first to be fitted with equipment to cut PM10 levels. The routes have been selected based on levels of current air quality and include Marylebone Road, Park Lane and Marble Arch. The equipment will be installed, starting in March and completed by September this year. In addition, up to 1,000 older buses are set to receive NOx reducing equipment representing the largest retrofit of this type of equipment in the UK.

Green wall

TfL will target around 50 bus routes where concentrations of NOx are highest, with the first converted buses expected by summer 2012 and is currently in consultation with bus operators on finalising routes. Routes selected will include www.coachandbusweek.com

LEZ.indd 40

Exhaust emissions on 50 routes registering high NOx concenentrations are being targeted by TfL

areas of high nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exceedences throughout London such as Elephant & Castle, Brixton and Putney. Furthermore, following the completion of a green wall on Edgware Road Tube station adjacent to Marylebone Road, a second green wall is now set to be built (subject to planning permission) on the Mermaid Theatre at Blackfriars on Upper Thames Street. Green walls are visually stunning while also trapping pollutants, removing them from the air. These initiatives are part of the Mayor’s Clean Air Fund which has been financed by an initial £5m from the Department for Transport (DfT) to deliver targeted local measures tackling PM10. The Mayor has subsequently secured an additional £5m from the DfT (match-funded with £5m from TfL) to expand the Clean Air Fund into a second stage which is funding the NOx bus retrofit work. Discussions are ongoing with the Government on funds for further Clean Air Fund measures. Boris Johnson said: “I am committed to delivering cleaner air

06/02/2012 21:50

February 8, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 41

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek in London and we are pushing the boundaries of current technology to achieve this. Having secured millions of pounds of funding from Government, we are introducing this clever equipment to cut bus engine pollution on routes across the capital. This follows the arrival on our streets of hybrid and hydrogen buses as well as the New Bus for London, which is the greenest hybrid bus yet.”

Cleanest in the UK

London’s bus fleet is already the cleanest in the UK but buses are still a major source of NOx - a harmful pollutant - especially in Inner London. The new equipment will cut NOx emissions from buses by around 400 tonnes - around 10% of all bus NOx emissions - making a substantial contribution to delivering the Mayor’s air quality ambitions. Other measures include targeted initiatives at pollution hot spots, banning the most polluting taxis with 2,600 expected to be affected this year alone. In addition, the Mayor’s New Bus for London uses the latest generation of green technology and emits less than half the NOx and PM10 emissions of a current diesel bus. From January 3, the Mayor also introduced tighter Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standards. The initial results of TfL’s monitoring indicates the vast majority of the owners of vehicles affected by the changes to the Low Emission Zone have taken action to ensure their vehicles comply with the new emission standards. In the first month almost 98% of vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles, affected by the LEZ for the first time, were meeting the new standards. Lorries, buses and coaches already affected by LEZ were required to meet more challenging emission standards and are showing compliance rates of almost 90%.

buses will be Euro 4 NOx compliant (through replacing older buses with newer, cleaner models or through retrofitting). Additional funding is now being sought for the replacement or retrofitting of an estimated remaining 1,000 Euro 3 buses which would need to meet this standard by 2015. TfL has taken considerable steps in the last 10 years to reduce the environmental impact of its bus fleet. As a result, emissions of PM10 from the fleet have dropped from more than 200 tonnes in 1997 to 15 tonnes in 2011. Gainsborough-based emission control specialist Eminox is one of the key suppliers of exhaust aftertreatment and filtration systems for buses operating in London. A statement from Eminox said: “Test results on the latest development in retrofit emissions reduction technology have shown it can deliver outstanding results across a range of pollutants. The data from a Euro 3 bus retrofitted with Eminox SCRT technology has demonstrated emissions results not even today’s Euro 5 vehicles are expected to achieve. This new development of SCRT technology is now being applied to London’s buses as part of a pilot project run by TfL. “SCRT technology from Eminox has already been used to reduce

“The use of a London test cycle confirms without doubt that SCR technology can be effective in urban environments.” Kathye Henderson Eminox

emissions of Particulate Matter (PM) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) as part of clean up programmes in Spain, Belgium, Edinburgh and Oxford. The system combines diesel particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction technology and is designed for retrofit to heavy duty vehicles. The requirements for the London project presented new challenges, with a need to specifically target Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) as well as maintaining other reductions. This challenge was key in driving the development of a new generation of SCRT technology. “Independent tests were carried out on the MLTB cycle, which simulates London operating conditions. The new SCRT system was able to reduce NOx by almost 90% and NO2 by more than 50%, with Euro 6 compliant secondary emissions.” Kathye Henderson, marketing manager at Eminox, commented: “We are delighted with these test results which lead the way in retrofit emissions reduction. The use of a London test cycle which will be backed by in-use data, also confirms without doubt that SCRT technology can be effective in urban environments.” The development of the new system required new catalyst formulations along with extensive system calibration. The company stresses there is much work to be done to ensure these types of reductions can be achieved on other vehicles, but believes the results show a real breakthrough in emissions technology. This offers real hope that older vehicles can be upgraded and used long into the future, as the need to reduce emissions, particularly from transport, increases.

Lowering emissions

The Mayor’s air quality strategy proposes, subject to funding, all London buses should meet Euro 4 (categories of vehicle approved by Europe to meet cleaner pollution levels) standards for NOx by 2015. Currently, all 8,500 London buses meet the Euro 4 standard for PM10 and are compliant with the next stage of LEZ requirements. This new equipment will be fitted to older Euro 3 buses to bring them to Euro 4 NOx standards. TfL estimates by 2015, 7,500

LEZ.indd 41

Eminox SCRT technology proved highly effective cutting NOx and PM10s www.coachandbusweek.com

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February 8, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 43

BUS STOPthe place to buy and sell

To advertise on these pages for as little as £20 just call 01733 293247 Optare Toro

UNVI GT

Mercedes-Benz 0815 Vario chassis with rear air suspension, 28 passenger seats with 3pt lap and diagonal seat belts, powered entry door, air conditioning, double glazed windows, luggage racks with individual passenger reading lights and adjustable air flow blowers, radio/CD & PA system.

Mercedes-Benz 0816 Vario chassis with rear air suspension, 29 passenger seats with 3pt lap and diagonal seat belts and leather headrest inserts, courier seat, dark tint double glazed windows, air con radio/CD & PA system, DVD player and monitor, grammer luxury heated driver seat, full draw curtains, large boot space and side lockers.

£45,500 +VAT NOW £41,000 +VAT

£69,950 +VAT NOW £66,950 +VAT

Call Dougie at Haggis Adventures on 0131 554 9192 2005 Volvo B12B Jonckheere Mistral

Dennis Plaxton R Series Due to fleet replacement, we need to sell up to 5 of the following and don’t mind which 5! 2003: 2 x 49/53 seats with WC, 3 x 53 seats 2004: 5 x 53 seats 2005: 1 x 49/53 seats with WC, 2 x 53 seats All are well maintained, low mileage examples (approx 62,000km per annum) with long MoT, air conditioning and AStronic gearboxes. Owned by us from new and used on our own holiday programme. All over cream. Can be sold with patterns of 2012 tour work if required. Viewing at Thos. Hardie Commercials, Red Scar, Preston. Priced to sell at £47,000 (03 reg), £58,000 (04 reg) and £74,000 (05 reg) plus VAT (£3,000 premium for WC). Sorry no part exchange.

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

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

Get Results! Advertiseyour CoachorBus hereforas littleas

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

£20.00 aweek!

Call Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247

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

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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.

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

2004 OPTARE SOLO M920

Mercedes engine, 33 seats, Hanover LEDʼs.

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

ZF automatic, Van Hool Alizee body, 53 seats, Trap fitted for Euro 4 LEZ compliance, MOT 11/12.

1999/2000 DENNIS TRIDENTS

2009 ADL ENVIRO 200

1995 M DAF SB3000

Cummins/Voith, East Lancs bodies, 87 seats.

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.

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 1993 L REG VOLVO OLYMPIAN

GREAT VALUE DENNIS DARTS!!!

Northern Counties low height body, Volvo engine, long MOT.

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).

1Automatic, Plaxton Premiere 350 body, 51 seats, LEZ compliant to Euro 4, supplied with new MOT.

1997 DAF SB3000

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

6 speed ZF manual, Van Hool T8 body, 48 seats with centre sunken toilet, very tidy.

29 seats, Hanover LEDʼs, DDA, £22,000

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

1998 S REG DENNIS DART SPD

2006 PLAXTON PRIMO

1999/2000 DENNIS TRIDENTS

Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps, Plaxton President bodies, 62 seats or 70 when converted to single door.

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

1996 VOLVO B10M

2007 MAN 14.220

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

2007 DART MPD

ZF automatic, Plaxton Premiere 350 body, air-con, 49 seats with rear toilet.

2000 W REG VOLVO B10M

- 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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BEN WEAVER WEAVER C BEN PSV

2006 56 NEW SHAPE FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MINIBUS 2400 100ps turbo diesel engine, LEZ compliant, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, 75000 miles, finished in white £9995 NO VAT

PSV

2002 52 IVECO DAILY 13 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS 2800 turbo diesel engine, analogue tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, front entryelectric plug door, only 37000 miles, finished inwhite, excellent condition, supplied with 11 monthsPSV test and already serviced by ourselves just inDecember, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £6795 + VAT

2005 55 IVECO DAILY 50C13 13 SEAT MINIBUS 2800 turbo diesel engine, Euromotive conversion, certificate of initial fitness, electric windows, analogue tachograph, tracking for 4 wheelchairs, Ricon underfloor tail lift, AVS side step, air con, finished in white, only 48000 miles £10995 + VAT

2004 04 IVECO DAILY 50C11 FRONT ENTRY 11 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800 6 speed turbo diesel engine, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, access underfloor rear tail lift, electric front plug door, air con, only 37000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 11 months PSV test and already serviced by ourselves just in December

PSV

2005 05 IVECO DAILY 50C13 13 SEAT MINIBUS 2800 turbo diesel engine, Euromotive conversion, electric windows, analogue tachograph tracking for 4 wheelchairs, Ricon underfloor tail lift, AVS side step, air con, finished in white, only 53000 miles £10495 + VAT

2005 05 IVECO DAILY 50C13 13 SEAT MINIBUS 2800 turbo diesel engine, Euromotive conversion, certificate of initial fitness, electric windows, analogue tachograph, tracking for 4 wheelchairs, Ricon underfloor tail lift, AVS side step, air con, finished in white, only 45000 miles, arriving soon £10795 + VAT

2004 04 MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 8 SEAT COACH SPEC MINIBUS WITH BOOT AND LUGGAGE SPACE 2200 turbo diesel engine, internal luggage racks, electric front windows, electric mirrors, coach style recline seats, boot lid with luggage space, twin slide loading doors, reverse parking camera, finished in silver, 141000 miles £9995 + VAT

NOVEMBER 2011 61 MERCEDES SPRINTER 516CDI EXTRA LONG 16 SEAT COACH BUILT MINIBUS 2300 turbo diesel euro 5 manual engine, 16 non reclining luxary coach seats with piping, luggage racks with forced air and reading lights, large panoramic windows, large illuminated luggage area, show curtains, walnut dash, drivers locker, radio and CD player system with 6 spakers, GRP lowered entrance step, GRP body skirts, COIF

PSV

2006 56 FORD TRANSIT NEW SHAPE 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2.4 140ps turbo diesel engine, LEZ compliant, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, digital tachograph, 78000 miles, finished in white £11495 + VAT

PSV

2002 02 IVECO DAILY 65C15 23 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS 2800 6 speed turbo diesel engine, Frank Guy conversion, Ricon internal wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, analogue tachograph, 145000 klms, 90000 miles, excellent condition, finished in white £6795 + VAT

2002 02 IVECO DAILY 50C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS 2800 6 speed turbo diesel engine, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, Mellor coachcraft conversion, access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for up to 8 wheelchairs, lift up sky light, carpeted roof, analogue tachogragh, 115000 klms, 72000 miles, finished in white

2000 W REG VOLKSWAGEN LT46 LWB HIGH ROOF 13 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2500 cc tdi, blue, air conditioning, tachograph, electric folding side entry door, access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, 101000 klms £5495 NO VAT

2007 57 FORD TRANSIT NEW SHAPE 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2.4 5 speed 100ps turbo diesel engine, LEZ compliant, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, digital tachograph, 198000 klms, 123000 miles with full maintenance/service history records, finished in white £10995 + VAT

2001 Y RENAULT MASCOT FRONT ENTRY 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.8 turbo diesel, analogue tachograph, access rear underfloor electric lift, only 58000 miles £6995 NO VAT

PSV

2004 54 MERCEDES SPRINTER 411CDI 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.2 turbo diesel engine, Oughton & Harrison conversion, access underfloor rear lift, tracking for 4 wheelchairs, fold out side step, ex council, tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, only 31000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, arriving shortly £12995 + VAT

PSV

2002 02 MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI FRONT ENTRY 11 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS 2200 turbo diesel automatic, Mellor coachcraft conversion, Ricon internal lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, air conditioning, certificate of initial fitness, electric front entry door, 136000 miles, excellent condition, finished in white £7795 + VAT

2008 08 FORD TRANSIT NEW SHAPE 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2.4 6 speed 115ps turbo diesel engine, LEZ compliant, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, digital tachograph, 125000 klms, 78000 miles, finished in white £12995 + VAT

PSV

2004 54 IVECO DAILY 65C15 23 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS Can be altered to 25 seats with a VTP5 application on the next PSV test, this can be carried out at the point of sale, 2800 turbo diesel engine, tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, velour seats and matching roof lining, Mellor Coachcraft conversion, automatic plug entry door, access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 6 wheelchairs, this bus is extemely tidy both inside and out, 119000klms, 73000 miles, finished in

PSV

2001 Y REG VOLKSWAGEN LT35 TDI 10 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.5tdi turbo diesel engine, underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, finished in blue, 76000 miles £6495 + VAT

2001 51 IVECO DAILY 35C11 MWB 13 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800 turbo diesel, tracking for 4 wheelchairs, internal wheelchair lift, only 56000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MoT £5995 NO VAT

2002 02 MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI FRONT ENTRY 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS 2.2 turbo diesel automatic, certificate of initial fitness, tachograph, PSV, UV module conversions, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, underfloor rear lift, 96000 miles £7995 + VAT

2007 07 FORD TRANSIT NEW SHAPE 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2.4 6 speed 115ps turbo diesel engine, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, digital tachograph, 30000 klms, only 19000 miles, finished in white £12995 + VAT

PSV

2003 53 MERCEDES SPRINTER 313 CDI LWB HIGH ROOF 15 SEAT MINIBUS 2.2 turbo diesel engine, certificate of initial fitness, 4 seats across the rear with luggage space, twin side loading doors, electric windows, electric mirrors, air con, climate control, automatic side step, lift up sky lights, carpeted roof, finished in white, 46000 miles £10995 + VAT

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

2005 05 VOLKSWAGEN LT35 16 SEAT MINIBUS 2.5 turbo diesel engine, ex council vehicle, all seats have double belt harnesses, finshed in green, 116000 miles £8495 + VAT

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COMMERCIALS COMMERCIALS PSV

2004 04 IVECO DAILY 50C13 15 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS 2.8 turbo diesel engine, Mellor conversion, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, underfloor rear electric lift, analogue tachograph, 65000 miles, finished in blue £8495 + VAT

PSV

2001 51 MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI FRONT ENTRY 10 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS 2.2 turbo diesel automatic, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, 244000 klms, 153000 miles £6495 + VAT

PSV

2004 53 IVECO DAILY 50C13 15 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS 2.8 turbo diesel engine, Mellor conversion, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, underfloor rear electric lift, analogue tachograph, 162000 miles, finished in blue, photos taken as it arrived, more to follow after valeting £7495 + VAT

PSV

2003 53 MERCEDES 413CDI SPRINTER FRONT ENTRY 9 SEAT WELFARE MINIBUS WITH WHEELCHAIR ACCESS 2.2 turbo diesel automatic, analogue tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, 192000 kms, 120000 miles £11295 + VAT

1999 V REG VOLKSWAGEN LT46 LWB 16 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2500 cc tdi, white, underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tachograph, 152000 kilometres 95000 miles, NO VAT to pay £4995 NO VAT

PSV

2005 05 FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS LEZ compliant, 2.4 turbo diesel 125ps, electric front windows, electric mirrors, finished in white, only 64000 miles £8995 + VAT

2001 51 REG IVECO DAILY 40C11 9 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, white, tachograph, underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 4 wheelchairs, panoramic glass, 200000 klms, 124000 miles, excellent condition £5495 + VAT

PSV

2002 52 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 17 SEAT MINIBUS 2.5 turbo diesel, analogue tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, finished in white, 138000 miles £6995 + VAT

PSV

2004 54 FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS LEZ compliant, 90ps 2.4 turbo diesel engine, electric windows, power heated door mirrors, 72,000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MoT £8495 + VAT

2000 X REG FORD TRANSIT FRONT ENTRY 15 SEAT WELFARE MINIBUS 2.5 turbo diesel, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, access underfloor rear electric lift, 85,000 miles, very good condition, supplied with 12 months MoT, arriving soon, photo for illustration purpose only £4495 + VAT

2005 55 REG FIAT DOBLO 3 SEATER MULTIJET ACTIVE WITH WHEELCHAIR ACCESS 1.3 turbo diesel engine, OH conversion, rear wheelchair ramp, rear tailgate, twin sliding side access doors, ABS, power steering, central locking, electric windows, finished in capri blue, only 43,000 miles, service history, numerous uses for a vehicle like this! Excellent condition £3795 NO VAT

2001 51 REG. MERCEDES 8 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE DISABILITY MINIBUS 2.2 turbo diesel, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 3 wheelchairs, side access step, carpeted roof lining, 2 sunroofs, 136000 miles, finished in classic red, excellent condition £5295 + VAT

2004 04 IVECO DAILY IRIS MWB 9 SEATER 2.8 turbo diesel, 8 velour passenger seats, panaramic glass, ex local authority, only 48000 miles, photos taken prior to valeting £6495 + VAT

2004 04 IVECO DAILY IRIS MWB 9 SEATER 2.8 turbo diesel, 8 velour passenger seats, panoramic glass, ex local authority, only 87000 miles £5995 + VAT

2003 53 OPTARE ALERO 12 SEAT PLUS DRIVER PLUS 4 STANDEES BUS 2800cc turbo diesel, fold out ramp to the side, air con, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, 113000 miles, excellent condition £9995 + VAT

2002 02 REG IVECO DAILY 45C13 16 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, white, underfloor rear wheelchair lift, velour trim inc carpeted roof lining, 177000 kilometres (110000 miles), excellent condition £5995 + VAT

2004 54 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MINIBUS LEZ compliant, 2.4 turbo diesel engine, 176, 000 miles, excellent condition, finished in Ford dark true blue £4995 NO VAT

2005 05 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 6 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2.5 turbo diesel engine, internal wheelchair lift, analogue tachograph, 224000 klms with full service print out, 140000 miles, excellent condition £8495 + VAT

2005 55 REG FIAT DOBLO 3 SEATER MULTIJET ACTIVE With wheelchair access and manual clutch operating lever, 1.3 turbo diesel engine, OH conversion, rear wheelchair ramp, rear tailgate, twin sliding side access doors, ABS, power steering, central locking, electric windows, finished in rhumba red, only 39,000 miles, service history, numerous uses for a vehicle like this! Excellent condition £3795 NO VAT

2004 04 FORD TRANSIT HIGH ROOF 9 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS LEZ compliant, 2.0 135ps turbo diesel engine front wheel drive, ex NHS, Ricon fully electric internal wheelchair lift, air conditioning, electric windows, CD player, front fog lights, 147 000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition £5495 + VAT

2008 08 REG BMW 318I ES 4 DOOR SALOON 2000cc petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, black, grey cloth interior, alloy wheels, air conditioning, CD player, electric windows, elecric mirrors, 6 months tax, 70000 miles with full BMW service history £7995

IVECO, DAILY 50C13 13 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS With COIF, tacho, 2005, diesel, 54000 miles, 2800 turbo diesel, white, Euromotive conversion, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, 13 passenger seats or 4 seated and 4 wheelchairs, AVS electric side entrance step, air conditioning, electric windows, 87000 kilometers, 54000 miles, supplied with 12 months PSV or MoT, excellent condition £10495 + VAT

2004 54 REG FORD FIESTA 1400cc tdci diesel, silver, colour coded, 17 inch gloss black alloy wheels, rear boot spoiler, CD player, excellent condition, 101000 miles with a fully stamped Ford service history £2795 + VAT

All vehicles supplied with 12 months MOT/PSV, fully serviced to good garage scheme standards and 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty

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HEATONS MOTOR CO. WIGAN 01942 864222 THE NORTH WEST’S PREMIER MINIBUS SALES, SUPPLYING NATIONWIDE FOR OVER 40 YEARS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

PSV’d

PSV’d 54 MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI Covered 57,000 miles, 16 highback passenger seats, one council owner, front low step entry, full carpetlined, analogue tacho, Triptronic transmission, 12 months PSV test, good value for a low mileage minibus. An excellent example of this popular minibus £10,995

02/03 MERCEDES VARIO 814 Mellor Coachcraft coachbuilt, covered 71,000 miles, one council owner, automatic transmission, 32 high back passenger seats all on Unwin tracking, 3 point belts, powerdoor front entry, external PLS cassette tailift, very very clean and original, PSV tested. Where do you find these ultra low mileage buses, choice of 4 from £12,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

04 MERCEDES VARIO 814 XLWB fitted with 10 highback seats would up seat to 28 or 2 seats plus 8 w/chairs, complete flatfloor, external PLS fully automatic tailift, powerdoor front entry, automatic transmission, an excellent example, COIF’d, tremendous value £12,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

READY TO WORK

PSV’d 08 FORD TRANSIT 110 URBAN BUS 9 seat wheelchair accessible, twin SLDs, air conditioning, alloy wheels, totally immaculate m1 minibus category, above average miles with full service history, a late minibus for £8,495

55 IVECO 50C13 IRIS BUS 16 highback passenger seats in moquette, 3 point belts, complete flat floor, powerdoor front entry, plant on glass, complete flat floor, external PLS fully automatic tailift, lots of Unwin tracking, showroom condition inside and out, excellent value £11,995

LEZ

COMPLIANT

PSV’d

READY TO WORK

06 IVECO 50C14 fitted with 12/16 highback passenger seats, covered only 40,000 miles, lots of Unwin tracking, full width power door, external PLS fully automatic cassette tailift, reversing camera, Eeberspacher heater, COIFed, very clean, these must give excellent value for money, choice of 3 £10,995

LEZ

PSV’d

COMPLIANT

56 RENAULT MASTER MM33 covered 25,000 miles, Ricon fully automatic internal Clearway tailift, 6 high back passenger seats plus wheelchair spaces or would up seat, SLD with electric cassette step, totally showroom condition inside and out £12,995

PSV’d

READY TO WORK

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

PSV’d 54 MERCEDES VARIO 614 with 15 highback passenger seats, complete flat floor, powerdoor front entry, external PLS tailift, analogue tacho, fully colour coded, totally immaculate in every way. low miles, excellent value £12,995

03 MERCEDES VARIO 814 Coachbuilt with 16 highback seats or would up-seat to 24, low miles, complete flatfloor, powerdoor front entry, external PLS fully automatic tailift, totally immaculate and excellent value for money £10,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

PSV’d 52 MERCEDES SPRINTER411 CDI Koch low floor service bus fitted with 13 passenger seats plus 3 standees, powerdoor entrance with wheelchair ramp, digital destination, triptronic transmission, very clean, 10 months PSV test, good value £4,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

05 RENAULT MASTER MWB, covered 41,000 miles, lots of Unwin tracking, Ricon internal tailift, SLD with cassette step, totally showroom condition inside and out, excellent value From £9,495

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

54 PLATE IVECO 50C13 IRIS BUS 16 highback passenger seats, 3 point belts, full air conditioning, panoramic tinted windows, front low step entry, one owner, looks excellent, excellent drive, excellent value, 12 months PSV test, ready to work, choice of 2 From £9,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

PSV’d

LEZ

PSV’d

COMPLIANT

59 IVECO 45C15 LUXURY MINIBUS covered 51,000 miles, silver metallic, front low step entry full plant on panoramic windows, 16 high back passenger seats in coach moquette with contrasting centre panel, luggage racks, reading llights, forced air, walnut dash, large full height boot, skirts, Euroliners, an excellent example offering excellent value for money £22,995

08 IVECO 40C12 good quality Iris Bus conversion, covered 60,000 miles, one local authority plant on, panoramic windows, 16 highback passenger seats, 3 point belts, full air conditioning, Euroliners, totally showroom condition inside and out £16,995

55 CITROEN DISPATCH only covered 15,000 mliles, Ricon internal fully automatic tailift, 3 seats plus wheelchair, twin SLDs, special electric seat, totally showroom condition inside and out £4,995

WERE DO YOU FIND THESE 07 MERCEDES VARIO 616 Mellor Coachcraft coachbuilt, 15 high back seats all on Unwin tracking, complete flat floor, Ricon fully automatic internal tailift, powerdoor front low step entry, a good quality bus, LEZ compliant, will come with 12 months PSV test, excellent value £14,995

Let us take the stress out of the purchase of your next minibus, leaving you to concentrate on running your business. 1, PSV tested. 2, Tacho fitted. 3, Finance options if required – 36, 48, 60 months low deposits, etc. Details on request. 4, Delivered to your premises. 5, Tail lift certificates. Where can you find one of the largest stock of wheelchair accessible/conventional minibuses? Ready to work, combining this with over 50 years of experience in the industry. Just one friendly phone call to Wayne or Philip will simplify your job.

HEATONS MOTOR CO. WIGAN

ALL PRICES PLUS VAT We guarantee quality vehicles, right prices, no pressure sales. Come and have a coffee while you browse at your leisure. Junction 23, M6 or 20 miles from Manchester/Liverpool airport.

52 Bickershaw Lane, Abram, Wigan, Lancashire WN2 5PL

Tel: 01942 864222

SEE ALL OUR STOCK ON OUR WEBSITE www.heatonsmotorco.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

FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES (05) Ford Transit 17 seat 2.5 diesel 115ps, high back seats with three point belts 25,000 miles only £8,750

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

(03) 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

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS (07) 2007 Volkswagen Crafter 8 seat 2.2 diesel inboard lift, fully tracked floor, rear heating, 48,000 miles £13,995

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

(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

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

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

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

(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

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

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

(08) 2008 Renault Master 17 seat minibus 2.2 diesel, high back seats with three point belts, 61,000 miles £9,750

(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) 2007 Peugeot Boxer 17 seat 3.5 ton minibus, 2.2 diesel, high back seats with three point belts, rear row of seats on tracking, 18,000 miles only £10,495

Y 2001 Renault Mascot 2.8 diesel, 16 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, front entry drop step, fully tracked floor to take five wheelchairs, under floor lift, rear heating, COIF/PSV £7,750

SOLD

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%

554105-1023-Pickrell

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H.W. PICKRELL

MINIBUS AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

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

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

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

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINI BUSES

2004 54 REG IVECO 50c13 IRIS BUS 2.8 TURBO DIESEL

2004/05 54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 416CDI AMBULANCE

56 REG IVECO DAILY 40c12 IRIS BUS 2.3 TD

56 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD

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

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

Manual gearbox, LWB, PAS, side loading door, AVS electric step, 12 high back removable seats, PLS underfloor t/ lift, ex local charity, tacho fitted, 47,827 kms only.

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, Mellor conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 14 high back seats, AMF m2 fully tracked floor, new Ricon tail lift, only 35,756 miles, choice of two.

58 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.2TD

55 REG PEUGEOT BOXER 2.5 TD

09 PEUGEOT EXPERT TEPEE 1.9 HDI

06 REG MERCEDES VARIO 814

Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 8,630 miles only.

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, Kirkham conversion, side loading door, side step, 11 rear high back seats,double passenger seat + driver, Ricon tail lift, ex local school bus, only 54,756 miles.

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

Manual gearbox, LWB, PAS, tacho, Mellor coach conversion, electric power door, fold out low entry step, 32 high back removable seats, Eberspacher, PLS underfloort/ lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, only 84,000 kms.

06 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD

08 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD

08 REG MERCEDES VARIO 613D

2005 54 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD

Manual gearbox, high roof, Widnes conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Portaramp & winch, 8,947 miles.

Auto, high roof, PAS, LWB, Minibus Options conversion, electric full height low entry side loading door, 10 high back seats, Unwin tracking, climate control, air suspension, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, only 46,019

Euro 4, manual gearbox, tacho, Minibus Options conversion, electric power door, AVS manual step, 16 x high back removable seats, all age belts, Ebers-pacher, PLS underfloor t/lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, only 82,000 kms.

Manual gearbox, high roof, Atlas conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 5 high back seats plus 2 x w/chair, air con, heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 8,166 miles.

06 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD

07 REG RENAULT MASTER SL33 2.2TD

56 REG RENAULT MASTER SL28 2.2TD

06 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.2TD

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

Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, air con, heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 22,166 miles.

Automatic gearbox, low roof, Widnes conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 36,891 miles.

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

07 REG FORD TRANSIT 350 2.4TD

53 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 416 CDI

54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI

2007 MERCEDES VARIO 613D

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

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

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

Euro 4, manual gearbox, tacho, Mellor coach conversion, electric power door, AVS manual step, 16 x high back removable seats, all age belts, Eberspacher, Ricon inboard t/lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, 132,000 kms.

06 REG VOLKSWAGEN LT35 2.5 TD

08 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD

07 REG RENAULT MASTER LH35 2.5TD

58 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD

Manual gearbox, MWB, high roof, SCW conversion, side loading door, manual side step, 10 high back seats plus 2 x w/chair, heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 45,531 miles.

Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 2 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 36,831 miles.

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

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, Mellor conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 12 high back seats, amf m2 fully tracked floor, Ratcliff tail lift, only 35,755 miles.

2011 (11) FORD TRANSIT 9 SEAT SHUTTLE BUS 115PS TWIN SIDE LOAD DOORS INK BLUE £17,495

58 08 VAUXHALL VIVARO SPORTIV 9 SEAT W/CHAIR ACCESS, STANFORD CONVERSION, ON BOARD LIFT £15,750

2004 (04) IVECO DAILY 50C15 17 SEAT BUS COIF/PSV £10,495

2010 (60) RENAULT TRAFFIC 9 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE DELIVERY MILEAGE £24,995

VANFIT & LDV PARTS STOCKIST

(PONTYPOOL) LTD

P9 BJT

REGISTRATION PLATE FOR SALE – £500

NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE 516CDI ALTAS CONVERSION 17 SEAT MINICOACH £69,995 NOW AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING

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

06 (06) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS MEDIUM ROOF WHITE 115PS COIF £8,995

2006 (55) LDV CONVOY ELWB MINI COACH 17 SEATS 90PS EXCEL CONVERSION COIF/PSV TACHO £11,995

07 (07) MERCEDES SPRINTER 511 LWB 17 SEAT CONCEPT CONVERSION FRONT ENTRY DIGITAL TACHO COIF/PSV 52,000 MILES £20,495

17:37

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

6/2/12

08 (08) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS SILVER COIF £14,995

p51_CBW_1023 Page 1

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2003 DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PROFILE Registered Dec 2003, double glazed tinted glass, Cummins 275 engine, 6 speed manual gearbox, 49 seats, toilet & washroom, ready for immediate use, MoT tested, 120,000 miles, choice of two. £P.O.A

Straight from MOD

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

Dec 07, low mileage, 7 seats, quick release tracking for wheelchair use. £12,500 + VAT

MERCEDES VARIO 612

1998, 20 new seats, wheelchair lift on wheel tracking, 20 new seats. Choice of 6. TRADE SALE OR SEPARATE

06 MAN EVOLUTION

14/220, 37 seats, SLF automatic, wheelchair ramp, superb condition throughout, fully MoT’d. £45,500 Part exchange considered

1995 DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PREMIER HIGHLINER 53 recliner seats, 290 Cummins, automatic, continental door, toilet, full years MoT, must be seen. £POA + VAT £19,500

BERKOF RADIAL 1998

53 seats, seats, Cummins 53 Cummins 300 300 engine, ex ex council, engine, council, manual box, box, air cond, manual cond, MoT, veryMoT, low mileage, full years very low mileage, super condition. super condition. £POA £19,500

02 LDV

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

£P.O.A.

CAETANO (SALVADOR) 1998

57 seats, in white, Cummins 245 engine, MoT Sept 2012, very clean vehicle. £19,500 + VAT

1996 DENNIS JAVELIN

10 metre, new MoT, 41/47 seats, 220 Cummins, 6 speed box, new stretch panels, repainted. Choice of 2. £POA + VAT

BMC AIRPORT BUS

32 seats, 220 Cummins, new MoT this week. QUICK SALE WANTED.

£15,000

1996 VOLVO PLAXTON PREMIER HIGH LINER

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

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IVECO SERVICE BUS

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

£65,000 + VAT PX considered.

PLAXTON PARAGON 48 reclining seats plus courier seat, air-con.

£49,500 + VAT

03 MERCEDES VARIO

With wheelchair lift, 13 seats, low mileage.

£12,000 + VAT

1995 PLAXTON PREMIER

B10 engine In excellent condition throughout MOT

£16,000 +VAT

02 SETRA

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

£45,000 + VAT

Part exchange considered

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54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

BUS & COACH SALES

2010 2007 2007 2006 2006 2006 2005

MAN Panther DDA 49 seats A/C front w/chair lift Setra S416GTHD Tri axles 48 seats A/C Setra S415GTHD 48 seats A/C Mercedes Tourismo 49 seats A/C Setra S416GTHD Tri axle 49 seats A/C MAN Plaxton 49 seats A/C Dennis R Caetano Enigma 49 seats A/C

2004 2004 2004 2003 2003 1998

MAN Marco Polo 70 seats A/C Volvo B12B Caetano Enigma 49 seats A/C MAN Noge Catalan 51 seats A/C Volvo B12M Caetano Enigma 49 seats A/C Volvo B12B Caetano 48 seats A/C Volvo B10M Excalibur 49 seats

TO VIEW CALL 07979 295668 Call Peter today on: Three Plaxton Beaver Mk 2’s For Sale

0131 554 5413 Three Other Coaches For Sale

2 x 2003 SCANIA IRIZAR CENTURY’S with 49 reclining seats. One vehicle is white with no markings and and is MOT’d till September 2012. The other has removable vinyls. MOT’d till May 2012. Toilet, PA system, air-con in both coaches and they are in very good condition. These vehicles can be sold Euro IV LEZ Compliant if required. Priced at £65,000 o.n.o. 2002 MAN MAGO 1 Charcoal gray with 33 reclining seats. Air-con and pa system. To be sold with new MOT. A rare vehicle possibly the only one in the UK. We have had this Midi coach since new and it has performed very well for us. Priced at £30,000 o.n.o

Year 2006, Mileage 400,000 km, seating for 27 six standing, seating for 23 with one wheelchair plus six standing, or convertible to 33 seater, manual transmission, analogue tachograph, LED destination signs, luggage pen onboard, wheelchair lift, COIF, three point seatbelts all seats. Assistance with re-registration and new MoT’s (Irish registered at present), impeccable exterior presentation and ready to work. Priced at £25,000 o.n.o.

2006 MERCEDES 16 SEAT SPRINTER 413CDI Excellent condition. MOT’d till June 2012. Silver in colour with removable vinyls. No air-con. Priced at £15,000 o.n.o.

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56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

London United Busways Ltd CLEARANCE SALE – Don’t miss this opportunity to pick up a bargain Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 2 SLF 10.7m

Merc V8/AsTronic box, 75str, white ext/blue int, air con, drinks, fridge, ski box, 160,000 miles since factory engine, MoT Oct 2012, Eminox fitted to Euro 4, RPC for reduced road tax (£190 P/A), very good condition, low mileage coach. Ideal people mover for the Olympics. £109,000 + VAT ono

NEOPLAN SKYLINER 2003

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)

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)

1 - 7.8SE 23str with seat belts and semi coach seats, digi tacho, radio, approx 142,000 miles. MoT June 2012 £49,500 + VAT ono 2 - 7.1SE 23str approx 195,000 miles, MoT May 2012 £47,500 + VAT ono Both vehicles Euro 4 Mercedes engines, white exterior/blue interior, Hanover destination, vgc.

2 OPTARE SOLOS 2007

Tel: 01296 398300 Motts Travel, Buckinghamshire

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

LDV Convoy factory 16 seat mini buses

From 2001 to 2006, some PSV with tachograph, all low mileage, choice of 10

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

p00_CBW_1023_CoverPage

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PROMOTION

JADE CASSIDY 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk

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58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES BUILDINGS

CHECKPOINTS

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

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

Commercial Garage Equipment Suppliers of a wide range of commercial vehicle equipment for the smaller, independent garages to the largest commercial vehicle fleet workshops.

Bradbury commercial brake testers approved by Vosa for ATF lanes

Brake Testers

Inspection Pits

Steel fabricated commercial workshop pits

ENGINES

Crewe Engines Ltd

Commercial Lifts

MERCEDES ENGINE SPECIALISTS

Mobile Lifts

WE ALSO RECONDITION ALL MAKES OF BUS & COACH ENGINES

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

Delivery & Installation

Scissor lifts 8 - 40 tonne lifting capacity

3.5 - 80 tonne lifting capacity

Refurbished commercial brake testers

Tel: 07538 218194 www.commercialgarageequipment.co.uk Email: sales@commercialgarageequipment.co.uk Commercial Garage Equipment (Midlands) Ltd, 5 Hanley Terrace, Malvern, Worcs WR14 4PF

INSURANCE

01270 526333

Federation of Engine Re-Manufacturers

www.creweengines.co.uk

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, 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

Getnoticed! AdvertiseyourProducts &Serviceshere foraslittleas£30.00 aweek! Phone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email: jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk

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February 8, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES SEATING

REGISTRATIONS G £750 70 NNX 90 PXL ECR 767 JUI 808 MIW 808 RXI 85 SCZ 87 SXI 900 WIB 808

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

£350 £99 £99 £50 AJZ 989 HIG 5651 MNZ 1195 AXZ 5618 JBZ 484 HIG 5652 ONZ 1637 AXZ 5619 JHZ 939 IIG 7764 REZ 3379 CRZ 4825 LLZ 949 IIG 7765 RUI 2117 CXZ 2215 MKZ 686 JIG 1575 SEZ 4324 CXZ 2216 PDZ 818 JIG 1576 SUI 2171 DRZ 7320 PKZ 626 KIG 1901 SUI 2172 DRZ 7321 PXI 434 KIG 1902 TJZ 1118 DRZ 7322 YIL 202 MJZ 6749 TJZ 1119 IFZ 2418 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange

£50 IFZ 2419 JIG 8031 JIG 8032 KIG 1885 KIG 1886 RNZ 1127 RNZ 1128 TUI 3638 TUI 3639

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

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

Getyourbusiness noticed! AdvertiseyourProducts &Serviceshere foraslittleas£30.00 aweek! Phone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email: jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk SEATING

ERGONOMIC SEATING SPECIALISTS

Full range of Static, Mechanical and Air Suspension seats available for Coaches, Service Buses, Vans and Trucks

Prices from £150+VAT

G G G G G

Hand Rail Padding Next Day Delivery Seat Belt Installations Double Deckers Seat Belted Seat Belt Supplies Securon Amsafe/Safetex Fasching ISRI Reflex Schneeweis Orion plus many

MCF GWR Fainsa Vogle Keil Politecnica Esteban more

(No carriage charges)

Parts Hotline - Graham White

12 Murray Place, Righead Ind Est, Bellshill ML4 3LP Tel: 01698 845352 • Fax: 01698 844325 Email: TScottco@aol.com

Email: info@bhiuk.com www.bhiuk.com

graham@bhiuk.com 01522 689911

Fax: 01522 689922

The UK’s No1 Seatbelt Installers

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60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES TYRE EQUIPMENT

SNOW CHAINS

TICKETING

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

TRAINING

Driver CPC – Farrow Training UK Ltd

Driver CPC Training available in West Midlands, Worcestershire and Shropshire at a time and place to suit you.

Get Legal - Get Trained

www.trainingforcpc.com Tel: 07970 853663

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

www.twigley.com

February 8, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61

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

Squawking buses? Passengers on Reading Buses’ route 17 couldn’t believe their eyes when they were joined on board by a parrot. The parrot was perfectly at home sitting on top of a seat, happily surveying all around him, and keeping the passengers amused during their journey. Reading Buses has fitted voice announcement equipment to the latest buses in its fleet. “The next stop is…” is designed to help passengers get off at the right bus stop. “Perhaps the owner of the parrot thought it was a good idea to have a back-up to announce the stops,” commented Jake Osman, Reading Buses marketing manager. “Imagine it: The parrot repeating ‘Next stop, next stop, next stop! Perhaps even ‘Fares please!’ ‘Hold on tight!’”

No corners cut on lawnmower bus

What started life as a lawnmower became a quirky working model of a London bus thanks to the creative genius of Derek Jakeway. Now the transport enthusiast is hoping to find someone to give his model masterpiece a new home. Mr Jakeway said he has always had a passion for London transport and loves problem-solving, which is why he set himself the challenge of making the bus. He said: “I really enjoyed making the bus. What interests me is solving problems and designing structures, and buses and trains have always been a life-long interest

Dilbert

Monday: Press day. Having enjoyed a rare full weekend off after visiting my parents, I’ve not been able to do my usual writings before press day, which impacts slightly on today. Designer Keith is working remotely and thankfully we only have one minor blip with our internet connection. Subscription manager Kirstyn is delighted to be joined by a Tia, who will also help with other tasks in the office.

The next stop will be announced in parrot fashion on Reading Buses... of mine. It is London transport I am most interested in because I was brought up in Woodford Green.” Mr Jakeway, a former RAF man, started his model in 2007. He said it took about four years to transform the former ride-on lawnmower into a model bus, and said his son Duncan helped him with the electrics. The project cost a couple of thousand pounds to complete. The finished result is a brilliant recreation of the iconic London transport, seating four children or small adults plus the driver. Mr Jakeway has paid great attention to detail, with a rolling sign on the front of the bus which tells people whether it is travelling along the number 20 route to Epping or is not in service. It has working headlamps and interior lighting, and even a mechanism

allowing the driver to open the back doors for passengers while sitting in the driver’s seat. The body of the bus, made mostly from wood, proudly displays the London bus sign and it includes a reference to Loughton Garage. “As we are planning to move soon we do not think we will have room to take it with us, so we are looking for a new home for the bus,” he said. “I hope somebody will have a lot of fun with it. It would be good for somebody with a large garden.” The project is the second bus Mr Jakeway has created – he previously converted a Mini into a London bus, which has since been sold. Any readers interested in buying a new pint-sized vehicle for their fleet? Call Mr Jakeway on 01603 437411 or email derek.jakeway@gmail.com

Tuesday: Having had a late finish yesterday, start in the office after lunch. Tap away at a feature for a forthcoming issue and catch up on some administration. Wednesday: A new face on the sales team debuts in the office. As Jade goes through the usual induction, Ian tells her about how the editorial team are always happy to help. Andrew and James pipe up that I’m normally grumpy on a Tuesday afternoon. A spot of banter then kicks off in the office – all good fun. We’re really motoring on the production front for this issue. Thursday: Andrew and I spend an interesting two and a half hours at the UK Coach Rally media briefing at Peterborough Show Ground. At the risk of sounding pompous, I’m pleased they’ve seen fit to consult the trade press this year. After all, if we don’t get the photos we need, the coverage suffers. Steve Telling’s enthusiasm and determination is only too apparent. Friday: The rate of progress slows considerably as we spend time on the phones hunting news stories. I catch up with an ever-helpful PR person in a plc operator. I also enjoy a catch up with a couple of friendly coach operators. A friend at BBC Wales calls to ask for additional input with the Welsh BSOG cut. She also invites me to take part in a radio discussion. A weekend with my better half in Peterborough beckons. www.coachandbusweek.com

LastStop.indd 61

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62 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 8, 2012

RECRUITMENT

New operations director Maidstone joins Stagecoach Manchester and District reunion Christopher Bowles added: Stagecoach Manchester has “Matt’s wide experience and his welcomed Matt Davies as its new returns track record of bringing forward operations director. Matt, who formally took up his new post on February 1, had previously held the same post at First in Greater Manchester, Chester and Wirral, since 2006. Prior to this, he worked at Arriva North West for eight years, giving him more than 14 years’ experience at senior level in the industry. Matt will be tasked with driving engagement with the operations team to ensure services from the firm’s four depots run efficiently and to the highest standards. Matt said: “I’m looking forward to joining the award-winning team at Stagecoach Manchester and working with them to maintain their high standards and further improve their offering.” Stagecoach Manchester MD

improvements to services, as well as his reputation for developing relations with staff and stakeholders, will be key benefits our businss. We look forward to welcoming him to the team.”

Matt Davies has 14 years experience in senior bus industry roles

A rare opportunity for former Maidstone & District (‘M&D’) and East Kent Bus Company employees to reunite will take place on Saturday March 31 at Kent Showground, near Maidstone. Last year’s ‘M&D 100’ celebrations attracted around 5,000 people. The 60th anniversary of The M&D and East Kent Bus Club offered an ideal celebration around which to base the follow-up event. The club has studiously recorded the vehicles and routes of the Kent and East Sussex-based bus fleets for sixty years and continues to have an active membership. This year’s event, ‘M&D and EK 60,’ will be expanded to all the smaller bus and coach operators in

the area covered by the club. One of the popular features at ‘M&D 100’ was the Reunion Tea Room where those who used to work for the company were able to meet old friends and colleagues. It is hoped a similar facility this year will also reunite large numbers of East Kent employees. One of the event organisers, Richard Lewis, who is a longstanding Management Committee member of the bus club as well as Arriva’s Southern Counties’ publicity manager, said: “Although the club has spent many decades recording the comings and goings of the vehicles running services in Kent and East Sussex, the successful operation of those buses and coaches relied on the many thousands of people employed over the years at the ‘sharp end.’ and in the offices, depots and workshops.” Full details of ‘M&D and EK 60.’ are shown online at www.arrivabus.co.uk/MDEK60 . The event is also on Facebook.

Your First Choice for Recruitment

Coach and Bus Week’s well-established recruitment portfolio attracts candidates across sales, marketing and management, delivering not just quantity but quality candidates, providing exceptional value for money. In addition to our unrivalled print-based product, at no extra cost recruitment adverts are also automatically placed online at www.coachandbusweek.com, where they remain on view until a position’s closing date. Coach and Bus Week and www.coachandbusweek.com combine to create the ultimate recruitment solution, guaranteeing your vacancy is seen by every job seeker that matters from sales agents to board level. To get your vacancy seen by quality candidates, call Harley on 01733 293249 (email harley.denham@rouncymedia.co.uk) or Ian on 01733 293254 (email ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk) www.coachandbusweek.com

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DEADlinES Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm

February 8, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 63

COntACt Ian Gillis 01733 293484

ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk

Harper is CMS’ sales & marketing director Telematics and driver behaviour specialist CMS SupaTrak has appointed Alex Harper as its new sales and marketing director. Alex has a wealth of fuel management experience within the commercial vehicle and fleet sectors. Prior to joining CMS SupaTrak, he spent more than 20 years at Keyfuels as its head of sales and marketing where he was responsible for communicating the benefits of fuel cards to a wide range of target audiences. In his new role Alex will head up a number of significant product launches in 2012. Speaking of his appointment, Alex said: “After 20 years of providing fuel card and fuel

Alex joins CMS SupaTrak after 20 years at Keyfuels management solutions to the commercial sector, I felt the time was right to look for a new challenge. “We provide services to assist fleet managers with the operational challenges they face. Amongst these are fuel cost reduction, duty of care, and carbon footprint management, all of which are key issues being encountered. “I’m looking forward to using my wide range of experience to target new customers for CMS SupaTrak.”

Operations Director (salary + package neg.)

www.oxfordbus.co.uk

Oxford Bus Company and its associated companies operate 200 buses and coaches in Oxfordshire and surrounding counties, and to central London, Heathrow and Gatwick airports. It has won numerous awards and is particularly noted for its high quality, environmentally sensitive operating model. A vacancy has arisen for Operations Director, reporting direct to the Managing Director, who will have control over more than 600 staff and who will be tasked with leading the team which delivers the companyÕ s services to a highly demanding and increasing customer base.

To obtain an information pack about this challenging job, email lesley.pacey@oxfordbus.co.uk Closing date for applications is 2nd March 2012.

We are looking for an ambitious, self-motivated individual who will show strong leadership and strategic vision, along with a practical Ò get things doneÓ attitude. The successful candidate will be instrumental in the continued success and growth of the company. This post will be attractive to those who have a strong grounding in operations management and wish to progress their career, and to those already in this type of role but who may relish the freedom which the Go-Ahead Group allows its operating companies.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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