Wednesday February 22, 2012 Issue 1023 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com
COACH:
New Volvo Plaxtons for Andrew's in the Shetland Islands p9
PEOPLE:
Tributes paid to TAS founder Peter Huntley after tragic death p4
Inside this week...
Minibus
BUS:
FLEET:
Go North East proposes Stagecoach Group invests £60m in 390 alternative to Nexus' new vehicles p5 Quality Contracts p6
Latest advances at Yorkshire's Arriva Bus & Coach
for recru i
JOB ADV tment EVERY WERTS EEK
p34
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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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A poignant week
I
t’s been poignant start to the week already. Scenes from the coach crash in France in the early hours of Sunday morning have been beamed across the media. It’s enough to say our condolences go to all connected with it. I have no intention of adding to the burden which is already piled high on them. Then there’s the tragedy of the untimely death of a popular (and sometimes outspoken) industry friend and notable professional Peter Huntley. We were left dumbfounded when the news broke formally in the CBW office on Monday morning as this issue went to press. He will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies go to his family, friends and all who were fortunate to meet him. Rest in peace Peter. It’s staggering how time flies. As a strange coincidence it may be but 20 years ago to today, February 22, 1992, the first issue of Coach & Bus Week landed on your desks. I would like to thank retired Stagecoach employee Brian Holmes who wrote to
me last week to kindly point this out. On a personal note, it’s now been over five years since I joined this magazine on a full-time basis. Yes, you really have had to put up with reading my writings (witterings?) for that long... Back to the real world, yet another spike in the price of diesel fuel is bad news for our industry and for society as a whole. A cynic may conclude the media hype is actually only further fanning the price upwards. With BSOG being slashed in three corners of the UK in the coming weeks, bus industry margins will be hit yet again. Will the bus minister wake up to our industry’s plight? It’s pleasing to hear the ever-helpful FTA (Freight Transport Association) call for the chancellor to cut duty by at least 5p a litre and to scrap the increase planned for August. Will he listen? Let’s hope political pressure mounts in the coming weeks. Gareth Evans Editor
CONTENTS 4
20
32
The latest from across the coach and bus industry in the UK
10
Businesses could have more say in local transport, says Greening
22
One of Sullivan Buses’ new ADL E200s on its TfL route 298
Steve Salmon responds to an Equality & Human Rights report
16
The latest developments at the Arriva Bus & Coach dealership
26
Exclusive road test of a Vito E-Cell plus a look at Renault’s new Master
What’s happening across the country’s regions. Plus Events Diary
18
A look at what was inside an issue of Coach & Bus Week 20 years ago
31
A lighthearted look at the industry. Plus Gareth’s Diary!
...From tourist attractions and events. Plus ideas for group visits
Arriva London’s important ruling on the Working Time Regulations
All the latest people moves from across the industry
News
Practical Disability Regional News Tour News
Business News
Supplier Update
CBW Retrospective Legal Update
The Big Picture
35
Minibus
61
Last Stop
62
People
www.coachandbusweek.com
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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 22, 2012
nEWS
BriEfly Construction can now begin on an extension to the National Express Groupoperated Midland Metro tram from Snow Hill Railway Station through Birmingham city centre to New Street Station, transport minister Norman Baker announced on Thursday (February 16). The Department for Transport will provide £75.4m towards the £128m cost of the scheme, which is being led by Centro, the region’s transport authority, in partnership with Birmingham City Council and the Black Country district authorities. The decision gives final approval for Centro to forge ahead and sign contracts for the new fleet of trams, a bigger maintenance depot at Wednesbury and for the construction of the city centre extension. Two vehicles belonging to Scott Ellis Travel have been destroyed in a suspected arson attack at a depot in Greenock, Inverclyde. Fire crews were called to Earnhill Industrial Estate during the early hours of Sunday morning. A 49-seat coach and a 16-seat minibus were completely destroyed in the fire, while a third bus also suffered minimal damage in the blaze. Firemen took 55 minutes to extinguish the fire. DC Sharon Crawford said: “The damage is in the region of £100,000 and enquiries are continuing into the cause of the fire, although it is being treated as deliberate.” Coachcare in Leicester, which ran four routes in the city and county, has ceased trading. The firm operated route 162 from the city centre to Tatlow Road. Deputy city mayor Rory Palmer, who is responsible for transport at Leicester City Council, said: “We were informed Coachcare had to cease operating. We immediately put arrangements in place to ensure the continuity of the bus services in the short term, while looking at a longer-term solution.” Coachcare also ran two services in the Market Harborough area. The 44 ran between the town and Fleckney via Foxton. The 33 was a circular route around Market Harborough. The outstanding services will be run in future by Centrebus. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Tribute to Peter Huntley Tragic death of chairman of TAS Partnership and former Go North East MD a sad loss to the industry Coach and Bus Week would like to pay tribute to Peter Huntley, who was tragically killed in a fall from High Street Fell in the Lake District on Sunday (February 19). Peter (54), a keen cyclist, climber and walker, was preparing for a trek to the North Pole in aid of transport charity Transaid in April, having stepped down as managing director of Go North East (GNE) last year. He was highly esteemed across the industry, not least for his forward-thinking approach, lively personality and commitment to public transport and he more than made his mark transforming GNE. Peter was chairman of the TAS
Stagecoach invests in 390 new vehicles Stagecoach Group announced on Monday (February 20) it is investing around £60m into 390 new buses and coaches for its provincial UK bus and coach networks. Further orders will be placed later in the year. It follows an annual competitive tendering process and brings Stagecoach’s total investment in
Partnership consultancy, which he was the driving force behind. Longstanding colleague and TAS director John Taylor was with Peter when the accident took place. “Peter slipped and fell near the
The late Peter Huntley was a respected industry figure new vehicles for its regional bus operations over the past five years to more than £370m. The first of the new vehicles will be delivered in May 2012. Included in the fleet are the UK’s first orders for new 15-metre state-of-the-art Plaxton Interdeck coaches, which will run on Stagecoach Group’s growing megabus.com budget coach operations. Les Warneford, Stagecoach UK Bus MD, said: “This latest multimillion-pound investment is part of our commitment to give local communities high-quality, good value bus travel.”
Five new Wrightbus Eclipse Volvo single-deckers will join the 10 already dedicated to the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway (pictured)
summit of High Street, and fell approximately 700 feet,” said John. “It was a tragic accident, and our only consolation is he was doing something he loved on a beautiful day, full of plans and optimism for the future.” Adrian Grant, managing director of TAS, said: “We are all deeply shocked by this tragic accident. Peter’s leadership was an inspiration to us all, and we shall miss him very much indeed.” TAS director Chris Cheek, with whom Peter co-founded the UK Bus Awards in 2005, commented: “In the 22 years I have known and worked with Peter, he has maintained his total belief in the future of high quality public transport in the UK. Whether writing in the trade press, advising clients or running a bus business at the sharp end, his commitment was total, and he never wavered from his passionate commitment to serving the customer.” Peter was born in Hartlepool and started working in buses at the age of 15 as an office junior. He worked his way up, taking night classes to The latest orders include: 11 Volvo B11 Plaxton Interdeck coaches, a new model for the UK. The 72-seat coaches are designed to allow level access wheelchair boarding. 8 extra buses for the popular Cambridgeshire Guided Busway. The new buses – three ADL Enviro 400 Scania double-deckers and five Wrightbus Eclipse Volvo single-deckers - will run on 100% recycled biofuel. 19 hybrid-electric buses, as previously announced, which are due to enter service in Perth and Aberdeen this summer. The ADL Enviro E350H single deckers, which are also a new model to the UK, have been purchased through the Scottish Government’s Green Bus Fund at a cost of £5.3m, including a grant of £1.8m from the fund. All of the new vehicles are due to be in service by January 2013. Details of the new orders are as follows: n 19 ADL Enviro 350H singledeckers (9 for Perth, 10 for Aberdeen) n 38 ADL Enviro 400 Dennis Chassis double-deckers n 57 ADL Enviro 400 Scania Chassis double-deckers n 54 ADL Enviro 300 Dennis
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“We’ve been able to offer more third party assistance in our workshop, keeping our ethos of giving quality service and back-up on all the products we supply.” Robert White Arriva Bus & Coach gain qualifications to progress. After a career in transport operations and planning, which started at Hartlepool Corporation Transport and included spells at Grampian Regional Council and Lancashire County Council, Peter co-founded trade magazine Local Transport Today, and went on to launch his own specialist public transport consultancy, the TAS Partnership in 1989. After relinquishing day-today involvement of TAS in 2005, Peter took to the helm of Go North East in 2006 and as chairman of TAS, he led the company’s transition into an employee-owned business in the autumn of 2009. Paying tribute to Peter, David Brown, chief executive of the Go-Ahead Group said: “We were extremely saddened to hear the news of Peter’s death. Peter had worked at GNE for six years, during which time the business was transformed under his leadership. Peter cared deeply about public transport and passenger service and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with Peter’s family and friends.” Chassis single-deckers n 28 ADL Enviro 300 Scania Chassis single-deckers n 5 Wrightbus Eclipse Volvo singledeckers n 140 ADL Enviro 200 midi-buses n 1 Optare Versa midi-bus n 11 Optare Solo mini-buses n 9 Plaxton Elite Volvo B13R coaches (15m) n 10 Plaxton Panther Volvo B13R coaches (15m) n 11 Plaxton Interdeck Volvo B11 coaches n 7 Van Hool Astromega coaches.
Supplier Update p34
Price of diesel hits record high The price of diesel has hit a record high, having risen by 10p per litre (ppl) in 12 months – a 7% increase. Diesel is currently at 143.05ppl, a level which could derail Government plans to curb inflation, according RMI (Retail Motor Industry Federation) Petrol chairman Brian Madderson. Global factors including rising crude oil prices, closing refineries and pressure on supply mean by Easter fuel prices may be even higher. Inflation for diesel is now almost double the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 3.6%. Madderson said the coming March Budget is the ideal opportunity for chancellor George Osborne to cut fuel duty, as he did last year. Madderson also called on the Government to ease the pressure on the economy by ditching plans to raise fuel duty by 3.02ppl from August 1, 2012. Such a rise would result in a 4.00ppl price hike once VAT at 20% is included. Madderson said: “It’s all very well for the Government and the Bank of England to declare CPI is heading down, but try telling that to our cash-strapped retailers and to the millions of motorists, truckers and van drivers now paying an average 143.05ppl for their diesel. We are seeing run-away inflation for diesel, and petrol is little better.” On Friday (February 17), RMI Petrol made a formal submission to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) recommending it conduct an urgent
The pump prices at an Esso garage in Peterborough on Saturday new study into the UK fuels market. “This record price for diesel, plus the rising costs of petrol, means household budgets, big business and small and medium sized operators are all being squeezed by these high fuel prices. Our economic recovery seems to have stalled and Government must resist the temptation to hike fuel tax,” said Madderson. “We have not seen prices like this since the record was set on May 9, 2011, during the ‘Arab Spring’ uprisings when diesel hit 143.04ppl. RMI Petrol had warned the Government this worrying price rise was inevitable and now it is with us. It must cast serious doubt over any hope of the Government hitting its 2% inflation target by the Autumn.” Petrol costs are also on the rise, 5% up on February 2011 (though the average at 135.09ppl for petrol is short of the May 2011 record of 137.43ppl). RMI Petrol’s report to the OFT calls for an immediate investigation into the UK fuels market under the Enterprise Act: 2002. Madderson
said: “Business and consumers deserve the truth about the costs and pricing of such a vital commodity. “Alleged unfair pricing and predatory pricing tactics by certain hypermarkets and oil companies are driving independent operators out of business at the rate of 250 to 300 sites a year. This death of the independent fuel retailer will lead to higher prices and a loss of refuelling facilities, particularly in our rural areas. “This will be the most important study of the troubled UK fuels market for more than a decade. Rising pump prices show no sign of abating. Now more than ever it is absolutely crucial that the OFT obtain real transparency into the structure of wholesale costs and retail competition. We would welcome, as we know would many MPs would welcome, swift action by the OFT to progress this study.” In 1990 there were more than 20,000 forecourts. Today there are just 8,500 – a massive drop of nearly 60% - leaving fuel deserts where motorists have to drive miles to find a garage. The latest victims are Scottish petrol station chain Calanike, with 19 outlets and 170 employees, which went into receivership in January. Pressure on pump prices continues to grow. Goldman Sachs predicts Brent Crude will push through the US$120/barrel barrier within three months due to greater global demand and production shortages across Europe. Several refineries remain for sale and others have closed either for extended maintenance or due to lack of profitability, all of which puts more pressure on retail prices.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 22, 2012
20
nEWS › BUSeS
The number of buses First is to draft in to Cornwall for its newly won council contracts
BriEfly Arriva Yorkshire has teamed up with a car recycling scheme, offering free bus travel to people who choose to give up their vehicle. The operator has partnered with Trade Your Transport, and is offering three four-weekly tickets as a reward to people who choose to scrap their car. Trade Your Transport is a new scheme from Cartakeback, which is the largest scrap car recycling network in the UK. For more information visit www.arrivabus. co.uk/tradeyourtransportyorkshire/ Edinburgh City Council’s traffic control team is to move in with Lothian Buses. The current traffic control centre is located in the City Chambers, and has been working closely with the municipally-owned operator since tram works started in 2009. They have planned to co-locate in a new operations control centre Lothian Buses is building at Annandale Street. Mark Turley, director of the city council’s services for communities department, said: “Co-location of the two control rooms and the closer working relationship this brings will deliver benefits to both organisations. It is established practice in continental Europe, where multi-agency control centres are commonplace. Lothian Buses will benefit from much improved access to the staff who control and co-ordinate traffic flow.” TfL increased its penalty charge for fare dodgers from £50 to £80 on Sunday (February 19). It will cover all of TfL’s services. Fare evasion across all modes of transport is estimated to have cost TfL around £63m last year. The new £80 penalty will be reduced to £40 if paid within 21 days. Steve Burton, director of community safety, enforcement and policing at TfL, said: “We know our honest, fare paying passengers feel angry when they see others not paying for their journey and this should reassure them we are tackling this issue head on. However, the simple way to avoid this penalty is to ensure you pay the correct fare for your journey in the first place.” www.coachandbusweek.com
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Go North East’s Charter for Positive Change GNE says its alternative charter will eliminate “unnecessary bureaucracy” Go North East (GNE) has launched a campaign in response to Nexus and Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority’s proposals to introduce a Quality Contract Scheme (QCS) to the area. The operator’s Charter for Positive Change presents “a real alternative to the ITA’s proposals”. It is encouraging customers and other stakeholders to offer feedback to help build on the charter. GNE commercial director Martin Harris, said: “We’re not against change; we thrive on it, but not in the form of these so-called quality contracts. They’re unnecessary, uneconomic and ineffective, and they’re just not right for Tyne and Wear. “The reality is, it is bad news for passengers. It won’t do anything to
improve reliability. It will eliminate competition around fares and it will remove passenger choice. “We think there’s a better alternative - we want a working partnership with Nexus and the Integrated Transport Authority but it’s vital we work together if we are going to serve the best interests of the passengers.” GNE claims its alternative charter will eliminate “unnecessary bureaucracy”. The charter’s main aims are to protect customer choice, keep fares competitive, protect jobs and ensure the best interests of passengers are protected. The charter also includes sections on “positive change” for business and local authorities, and how it will be delivered. Bernard Garner, director general of Nexus, said some bus services were “not good enough” under the present system. He claimed only seven out of 10 people are satisfied
Go North East has a track record of investing in its fleet, including the area covered by the QCS, as seen here by Steve Hodgson with a new Solo SR
HCT Group preferred tenderer for Jersey’s buses HCT Group has been chosen as preferred tenderer for the provision of bus services in Jersey. The news follows last month’s announcement confirming HCT was preferred bidder for bus services in Guernsey. To get to this stage, HCT Group out-competed several of the world’s largest commercial
operators in a rigorous tendering process and believes its string of business successes reflects its social enterprise business model. Focusing on delivering real value for service users and local communities rather than shareholders, is increasingly being recognised as a viable alternative in
with their bus services and want to see a more publicly-accountable body running the local bus network. Speaking to CBW, Martin said: “Nexus has issued to the operators a list of 98 demands, actions and principles they want to be adopted. They range from impossible to doable.” He added: “There’s no dialogue from Nexus about what is wrong. Satisfied customers are not being listened to. We’re a local firm, which has been around for a hundred years, and we employ 2,000 local people. The QCS will not only put their terms and conditions at risk but also their pensions, and ultimately their jobs. “Saying ‘yes’ to the charter means saying ‘yes’ to affordable improvements in services, a new, more transparent approach to involvement in decisions about bus services, the simplicity of customerdriven services and the value which healthy competition brings. “It also means saying ‘no’ to costly and unnecessary increases in bureaucratic control at a time when public funds are stretched to the limit.” Speaking of the current economic climate, Martin concluded: “This is a call for Nexus and the ITA to work with the operators. If ever there was a time when the public and private sectors should work together it is now.” If the QCS is approved, it could be two years before it is introduced, following a formal consultation. Visit the dedicated website at www.sayyesnow.co.uk
the marketplace. Dai Powell, HCT Group’s chief executive, said: “Our model is well established - we use the surpluses generated from commercial contracts to create real social value on a local level. We don’t distribute profits to shareholders.” Subject to negotiations, CT Plus (part of HCT Group) will commence operating Jersey’s bus services from January 1, 2013. The contract is for the operation of all bus services on the island, including school buses.
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£2m
The investment made by Arriva Buses Wales in new Wrightbus Gemini DLs
All change in Cornwall contracts First has won the contracts to operate 13 additional routes in following a retendering exercise by Cornwall Council. From April 1, First has won the following services, which are currently operated by Western Greyhound: 445, 500, 511, 516, 534, 535, 537, 538, 540, 542, 543, 576 and 582 (evenings and Sundays). First has also retained the contract for evening and Sunday journeys (unless otherwise stated) on routes 2, 5/6 (fully tendered), 10/10A, 14/18, 17, 38 (fully tendered), 39 (fully tendered), 41, 68, 81C and 300. The council funds an extension to the latter otherwise commercial service between Easter and May, and during September. As a result, First will draft in over 20 vehicles to Cornwall. It will also be recruiting drivers. The move means Western Greyhound will be back to what might be regarded as its traditional size of 100 vehicles. Marc Reddy, regional commercial and business growth director for First in the South West and Wales, said: “We’re thrilled to have won this additional work. Things in Cornwall have been tough in recent times as there was a lot of uncertainty following the cuts. “These contract wins are a welcome boost for the business.” Interestingly, First has lost the Bude Town Service to Stagecoach, which has won it on a minimum subsidy basis.
trent barton study shows car to bus migration
The high cost of fuel is driving more motorists out of their cars and onto public transport, according to research carried out by trent barton. As part of a series of customer satisfaction surveys, trent barton found around three quarters of people questioned said travelling by bus was now cheaper than taking the car.
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February 22, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7
298
The TfL route number for which Sullivan Buses has acquired new ADL E200s
SHARE WATCH
Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, February 20. Optare saw the greatest proportional rise while 21st Century experienced the biggest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk
325.40p
Price: Year High: 574.37p Year Low: 257.70p
New ADL E200 MAN midibuses joined the Carousel Buses fleet in 2010
Go-Ahead acquires Carousel Buses Go-Ahead has announced the acquisition of Carousel Buses with effect from Saturday, March 3 and has said the company will retain its existing brand identity and vehicles. Based in High Wycombe, Buckingshire, Carousel currently operates 50 buses on a mixture of commercial and contracted services, including schools. The current owners of Carousel, Steve Burns and John Robinson, will step back from day-to-day operation on acquisition and act as advisers to the new owners. All other staff, including drivers, will continue to work for Carousel, which will be run by the Oxford Bus Alex Hornby, commercial director at trent barton, said: “On some routes, 78% of customers said they had saved money by taking the bus rather than travelling by car and across the entire network around 70% said bus fares offered good value for money.” Alex continued: “85% of spondon flyer users into Derby said the bus was just as quick, if not quicker, than taking the car, while 70% of customers on the sixes and the allestree agreed fares were good value and the bus was cheaper.” The research also revealed the popularity of a recently introduced express service connecting Ripley and Heanor with Nottingham city centre. In the run-up to Christmas,
Company director team under the leadership of MD Philip Kirk. “Carousel fits perfectly with our strategy of acquiring innovative, well-managed businesses which have a strong commercial core and can provide a solid basis for increasing passenger numbers,” said David Brown, Go-Ahead Group CEO. “We’re pleased to be taking on a bus firm which prides itself on running a safe, reliable, affordable and customer focused service. “In 2011 we acquired Thames Travel which was a similar size business and has been highly successful since joining the group, with significant tender wins. It has also successfully converted several services which were subsidised by local authorities into commercial services. Thames Travel has retained its own identity and prospers under our devolved business model. I am confident that we can repeat this success with the purchase of Carousel.” the firm’s rapid 1 service, saw more than 8,000 passenger journeys. The survey revealed 80% of customers are visiting Nottingham more often thanks to rapid 1 and 17% said they had travelled into the city by car until the service was introduced.
302.65p
Price: Year High: 416.90p Year Low: 302.65p
1322.5p
Price: Year High: 1540p Year Low: 1034p
229.35p
Price: Year High: 272.10p Year Low: 203.85p
272.00p
Price: Year High: 281.90p Year Low: 158.30p
0.37p
Price: Year High: 6.75p Year Low: 0.24p
41.00p
Price: Year High: 43.50p Year Low: 24.90p
95.00p
Price: Year High: 99.57p Year Low: 66.86p
15.75p
Price: Year High: 16.60p Year Low: 5.75p
+5.40 on last week
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+15.00 on last week
+1.70 on last week
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-0.02 on last week
+0.00 on last week
+0.00 on last week
+2.75 on last week
FTSE 100
85% of customers using the spondon flyer said the bus was just as quick, if not quicker
5945
Price: Year High: 6,105 Year Low: 4,790
+39 on last week
www.coachandbusweek.com
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8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 22, 2012
nEWS › coaches
“Apprenticeships are an attractive training method for employers, but we think the government could boost their appeal by making them much more business-friendly.” Jane Bennett FPB head of campaigns
BriEfly Work starts this week on the reconstruction of Bushley and Ripple Viaducts near Tewkesbury. They carry the M50 between junctions 1 and 2 over Bushley and Ripple brooks. The first phase of work takes place on the eastbound viaducts and is expected to last approximately 10 months. It is predicted the work on the westbound viaducts will then take an additional nine months to complete. A contra flow system with one lane open in each direction and a temporary 40mph speed limit is being introduced. Occasional overnight and weekend closures of the carriageway can be expected. Resurfacing works on the M1 northbound between Junction 18 and 19 to the east of Rugby begin on Monday, February 27, and finish on March 15, weather conditions depending. Work is taking place overnight to minimise disruption to road users. It involves resurfacing sections of carriageway and then replacing road markers, road studs and traffic detection loops. Expect some lane closures and a 50mph speed restriction. The northbound slip road at Junction 18 is being closed and diversion routes will be clearly signposted. Work to improve junction 5 of the M5 near Droitwich starts on February 20 for approximately eight weeks, variable due to weather conditions. The work involves widening the A38 southbound carriageway at junction 5 to increase capacity of the junction and reduce traffic congestion at peak travel times. The overnight work takes place between 2000 and 0600hrs. It involves the removal of all existing infrastructure and its replacement with new kerbs, signs, lighting, drainage and fresh road markings. A two-week long project to resurface just over a ninemile section of the northbound M5 between junctions 7 (Worcester) and 8 (Strensham) began on Thursday, February 16. Work takes place overnight between 2200 and 0600hrs. The junctions are being closed to all traffic for the fortnight duration of the works. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Business News p20
Coach crash in northern France Coach driver due to face French court after man dies in incident in Rheims area of France A coach carrying a Worcestershire school party back from a skiing trip crashed in northern France early on Sunday morning, killing a teacher and injuring more than 20 people. Peter Rippington, 59, who taught at Alvechurch School, died in the crash near Chalons-en-Champagne, and on Monday morning, as CBW went to press, 10 people were still in hospital. Police are investigating whether the coach driver, who suffered minor injuries, fell asleep at the wheel. It is understood the driver tested negative for alcohol and drugs and the coach’s tachograph reportedly showed nothing unusual. He was being held by police in Chalons-en-Champagne and was expected to be placed under formal
First names coach after celebrity golfer
FirstGroup has named one its DAF-powered Temsa Safari coaches after Paul Lawrie ‘Aberdeen’s most celebrated golfer.’ The Aberdeen-based group is one of the sponsors of Lawrie, who won the Qatar Masters two weeks ago. FirstGroup’s marketing manager, said the coach is one of the newest in the coach fleet and is primarily used for private hire – weddings, shopping trips, holidays - and transports the Aberdeen FC first team. “My hope is, as the coach passes through cities, towns, villages and the countryside throughout Scotland, it will remind people Paul is one of the finest golfers Scotland has produced,” she said. “We are delighted to be one of Paul’s sponsors. We have also supported his Junior Golf
investigation for involuntarily causing death and injury. The vehicle involved, a 61-plate Plaxton Volvo, was owned by Solus Coaches, based in Tamworth, Staffordshire, which was operating under contract to Mansfield-based tour operator Interski. A statement posted on Solus Coaches’ website on Sunday read: “We are extremely saddened to learn of the tragic coach accident involving one of our vehicles in the Rheims area of Northern France at approximately 0230hrs GMT this morning. Our thoughts are with the bereaved to whom we offer our sincere condolences. We are also obviously highly concerned for the welfare of the injured passengers and all others involved in this incident. “It will be appreciated we cannot comment further at this stage but would reassure we are liaising closely with the tour operator
involved, Interski, in addition to making every effort to assist the foreign and other authorities.” There were two coaches in the party and most of the children have now arrived back in Worcestershire. There had been 20 adults including two drivers and six ski instructors - and 29 schoolchildren on board the crashed coach. The school party had been on a skiing trip to Val d’Aosta in Italy and was returning when the coach went down an embankment on the A26 motorway. An Interski statement read: “We also extend our sympathy to the four seriously injured passengers, to 22 passengers with minor injuries and to all others involved in this tragic incident.” The Foreign Office said it was working with French authorities and was assisting the passengers involved and their relatives.
FirstGroup sponsors Paul Lawrie who won the Qatar Masters two weeks ago Foundation for seven years. Paul is a tremendous ambassador for golf in Scotland and given his recent achievements we wanted to demonstrate how proud we are of him.” Paul Lawrie said: “I’m both astonished and very surprised with the gesture from First. The company has been hugely supportive over the years, but the
last thing I expected on my visit here today was a coach named in my honour. I am very humbled by the gesture.” He added: “I was also taken aback by the number of First staff who came out today to offer their congratulations and best wishes. “It was a good opportunity to thank the company and its staff for their fantastic support.”
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February 22, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9
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Andrew’s receive two new Volvo B9Rs Two new Volvo B9R Plaxton Panther coaches have entered into service with Shetland Island-based operator Andrew’s. Managing director Morris Morrison said: “The vehicles are required to cover a wide variety of contracts for us, including cruise transfer, worker transfer and touring holidays, both in the UK and abroad, so it was important they were adaptable. “The size of the coaches was also important. I had the opportunity to test the B9R demonstrator last year and it was good to drive, so it ticked all the important boxes.” The operator has a long-standing relationship with Volvo Bus regional sales manager, Duncan Crosby. “We’ve dealt with Duncan since the early eighties,” continued Morris Morrison. “It’s fair to say he was pretty instrumental in our decision to specify Volvo again this time.” The 53-seat B9R combines the
New French breathalyser rule from July
All drivers travelling to France will need to carry a breathalyser kit with them from July 1 and from November face a €11 fine for not complying, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) warns. The new rule, which the CPT confirmed will apply to all drivers, applies to anyone travelling (driving) into or through France, even just for a day trip, as well as French drivers. The IAM said single-use breathalyser kits will satisfy the requirement. The legal limit in France is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood, lower than in the UK, which is 80mg. The kits cost between £1 and £2 and they will be available at ferry and tunnel terminals for crossings to France. The IAM said the intention is for people to be able to test themselves to check whether they are over the French limit. “Motorists in France to have at
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EvoBus open days in March
Each of the new Andrew’s Volvo B9R Plaxton Panther coaches have been specially fitted with front-mounted spot lights, LED destination equipment and air horns, giving them a distinctive appearance driving qualities of Volvo’s full-size B13R platform with the versatility of the B7R, resulting in a mid-range, economic and adaptable coach. The vehicles are fitted with a rear-mounted Volvo D9B 9.4-litre Euro 5 engine capable of 380hp, connected to the I-Shift gearbox. The coaches have been specially fitted with front-mounted spot lights, LED destination equipment and air horns, giving them a distinctive appearance. They also feature Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminium wheels, which make for least two breathalysers at all times, so if one is used you still have one to produce for the police if you are stopped,” said the IAM. IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “The new French rule is a genuine attempt to reduce the number of alcohol related-accidents. France’s lower limit means it’s very easy to be over the limit the morning after as well. As always, the best advice for motorists is not to drink and drive at all.” A spokesman for the CPT said it is looking into the details. “We are talking to our French colleagues but broadly speaking this will apply to bus and coach,” he said.
a professional looking finish. “I’ve been dealing with Andrew’s for quite some time,” explained Crosby. “It’s an operator I know well and one that we as an organisation have a long relationship with. The B9R offers that extra level of versatility a lot of operators are looking for these days.”
EvoBus UK is holding its annual Open House Event on March 7-8. It will take place between 0830 and 1600hrs at Evobus UK’s Coventry headquarters and will be serving a continental-style breakfast until 1100 followed by fish & chips for lunch until 1400hrs. “Visitors will find some very special Catch of the Day Deals across a varied range of used vehicles, some with added parts packages,” said EvoBus. EvoBus will be answering queries, and they will have some attractive finance offers available. The new and used bus and coach display will also be joined by “a very special visitor” – a 1954 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing. Call the used vehicle department on 024 7662 6046 or visit www.evobus.co.uk
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20/02/2012 19:59
10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 22, 2012
nEWS
CPT responds to Equality & Human Rights commission Steve Salmon addresses the concerns and recommendations from the Hiding in Plain Sight report Following its report on harassment of disabled people, ‘Hiding in Plain Sight,’ the Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) wrote to the CPT with a range of recommendations and requests, which Steve Salmon, CPT’s director of policy development, has formally responded to. The statement opened by stressing that while the CPT does have some influence and can act as a natural channel of communication with government, it doesn’t have control over its members’ actions. While it concedes disabled people are harassed on public transport, the CPT believes staff are well trained to aid disabled passengers, and the industry has not generally “owned” the problem of passengers harassing each other. Evidence gathered appearing to show high levels of discrimination is obtained from passengers who may have had a single unacceptable experience, losing sight of high consumer satisfaction in the industry. The CPT also describes some suggested measures, such as stopping a vehicle to call the police, as impractical and unattractive to the industry. The CPT also challenged the idea that the industry has a
CorE rECommEnDatIonS the ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’ report made seven core recommendations, which the CPt response addressed: is real owner1 there ship of the issue in organisations critical to dealing with harassment. Leaders show strong personal commitment and determination to deliver change. “We can commit to disseminating knowledge of the report and its recommendations widely through the industry.
‘public sector equality duty,’ since only 20% of operators outside of London are secured by public authorities, with an estimated 10% of passengers. All other bus services are operated on a market initiative basis by businesses which are generally in the private sector. The CPT response commented on recommendations directed towards public transport: Transport providers should identify ways to design out the potential for conflict in fleet and transport infrastructure design. They should also ensure disabled access provisions are clearly identified and enforced and promptly resolve any disputes regarding these. “The design of buses is highly regulated. The government, public authorities, the industry and a wide range of bodies representing disabled people were involved in drawing up regulations which are, inevitably, a compromise between the needs of different groups of passengers, and also take account of economic factors. Our members ensure all signage around shared space and dedicated seats makes it clear disabled people have priority. Prompt dispute resolution is not always possible as some passengers refuse to move or fold their buggy even when asked by the driver.” Operators should develop reciprocal reporting arrangements between providers
We’ve already included the recommendations, and the rationale for them, in a report to our highest level body, the council.” is available which 2 Data spells out the scale, severity and nature of disability harassment and enables better monitoring of the performance of those responsible. “as a first step towards this goal, we will encourage members to make it easy for harassed passengers to report the fact. the value of this information is greatest in the companies where harassment has occurred
so people can report harassment experienced at stops, stations and onboard to whichever operator they encounter. They should also develop systems to allow repeat perpetrators to be refused entry to each other’s vehicles. “The first of these recommendations is much more complex, and resource intensive, than making it easy for people to tell the relevant operator or infrastructure provider (or the police) about their experience. Seamless reporting is easier to achieve when a single body has broad responsibility (as in London). It’s virtually impossible for operators to ban passengers because it involves checking every boarder against a list.”
Steve Salmon: “I must challenge, I’m afraid, the implication in the report that the Public Sector Equality Duty applies across the bus industry.”
(and their partners in law enforcement). We see less value in aggregating data, particularly if doing so gives a false impression.” criminal justice 3 the system is more accessible and responsive to victims and disabled people and provides effective support to them. “Evidence gathering and rapid reaction where problems arise in the field could be key components of this accessibility and responsiveness.” have a better 4 We understanding of the motivations
Regular training should be provided for staff on handling disability-related harassment and clear guidance to staff on routes to take when reporting an incident. “We fully endorse the thrust of this recommendation. These practices are already adopted.” Disabled people should be involved in policy development and providers should work in partnership with criminal justice agencies to reduce risk on around transport provision. “The involvement of disabled people is already extensive, as far as providers and public transport policy makers are concerned.” Data on high risk areas and actions to reduce risk should be collated. Based on this data they should provide adequate protection where known high risks exist - for example, around football matches. “It’s likely closer relations with public authorities and the police will develop as a result of the recommendations of the report. Data collected by operators will help to best deploy resources.” Giving his reaction, Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus CEO, said: “All passengers have a right to travel without the fear of being harassed. However, we accept bus travel suffers from the same problems as the rest of society. There are steps operators can take to ensure cases of harassment are properly reported and dealt with. “We’re looking at the EHRC’s report and will be responding soon with our own position.” The EHRC report can be found at http://tinyurl. com/6by9dnc
and circumstances of perpetrators and are able to more effectively design interventions. “We can support this aim, but practical steps are challenging.” wider community 5 the has a more positive attitude towards disabled people and better understands the nature of the problem. “If this goal is achieved, and harassers become marginalised, it will be easier for us to improve the public transport experience of the people who are currently at risk of
harassment.” approaches 6 Promising to preventing and responding to harassment and support systems have been evaluated and disseminated. “We are always ready to disseminate a good practice.” frontline staff 7 all who may be required to respond to disabilityrelated harassment have received training. “We have a good track record. Future training is to be around the measures put in place for reporting incidents, and helping staff to mediate in disputes.”
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20/02/2012 18:24
February 22, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 11
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12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 22, 2012
nEWS
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New Arriva ‘Cymru Coastliner’ fleet Luxury E-Leather seating fitted to the iconic North Wales route Arriva Buses Wales has introduced a fleet of brand new buses to North Wales, following a £2m investment. The new fleet of 10 ADL Wrightbus Gemini DLs will serve passengers who travel between Rhyl and Chester on the number 11 service. The vehicles are all fitted with low floors for easy access and Wi-Fi. The new ‘Cymru Coastliners’ were unveiled during a special launch on February 9, at the Marine Lake in Rhyl. The event was attended by the minister for local government, communities and transport, Carl Sargeant, and town mayor for Rhyl, councillor Win Mullen-James. Carl Sargeant, who was on-hand to cut the ribbon, said: “This new fleet of buses is welcome news for the area and will further improve one of the most strategically important bus routes in North Wales. “Passengers will be able to travel in more comfort as all of the new vehicles are equipped with coachstyle seats, which are also made locally in Wrexham. “The Cymru Coastliners will set the trend for improved bus services, and we welcome the investment being made by Arriva.” Michael Morton, Arriva Buses Wales MD, said: “This is a significant investment to a vital part of our network and underlines Arriva’s commitment to providing a high quality service to our customers. As well as benefiting communities in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Flint, these marvellous new buses will also
Baker to speak at ALBUM
Norman Baker has accepted an invitation to speak at this year’s ALBUM Conference and will make his presentation during the first conference session on Tuesday, May 22, at the Forest Pines Hotel near Brigg in North Lincolnshire.
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enhance the journey of thousands of holidaymakers, who flock to the North Wales Coast every year.” Following a successful year-long trial on Arriva’s ‘Cross Rivers’ route, linking Birkenhead with Liverpool city centre, E-Leather was chosen to provide the seating for the vehicles. The Cymru Coastliners, along with an additional 17 double deckers on Arriva Yorkshires route 110 (CBW1023), have been fitted with Esteban V3 E-Leather upholstered seats to provide
The vehicles contain striking E-Leather seating
individual styling with an easy cleanable, low maintenance finish. Richard Hoare, general manager at Arriva North West in Birkenhead, said: “Despite the original concern of vandalism to the seats, we are seeing the opposite, with the seats appearing to be more respected. “Our passengers are taking the time to thank us for providing what they see as a brighter, cleaner and fresher interior which reflects Arriva’s commitment to providing the best environment possible during their journey. “Maintenance and cleaning is noticeably reduced compared to the moquette which the E-Leather has replaced and it provides a surface that is both hygienic and durable and has not been subject to any damage whatsoever.” In addition to the introduction of E-Leather passenger seating, Arriva have confirmed the use of the material as standard fitment to all of its driver seats.
Arriva Buses Wales MD Michael Morton with the new fleet Organiser Peter Shipp of EYMS Group in Hull said the line-up of speakers is now complete and urged anyone wishing to attend or book a trade stand or vehicle display to contact EYMS soon. Peter said: “I am confident we have a programme which will give us some interesting and enjoyable sessions and we have some cracking entertainment lined up. “The annual ALBUM conference has firmly established itself as a popular event in the bus industry
calendar and this year the support from operators and the trade has been even better than ever. “Apart from a few rooms left at the conference hotel on the Monday and Tuesday nights we are now accommodating new delegates at the nearby Premier Inn. We will run a shuttle bus at appropriate times during the two conference days. “Due to the great interest from manufacturers and suppliers we have found a way to expand the trade exhibition area to accommodate
Scooter owners to be issued bus permits South Yorkshire mobility scooter users will be issued with permits to clear up confusion over whether they are allowed to travel on buses. The region’s passenger transport executive (SYPTE) is launching the Scooter Code scheme with First and Stagecoach. Scooters are accepted on buses provided they are no more than 600mm wide and 1000mm long with a turning radius not exceeding 1200mm. These measurements are in line with CPT’s Mobility Scooter Code. The passes will be free and issued after a free assessment. David Brown, director of SYPTE, said: “We have to make sure they are safe to use on the bus so they can’t be too heavy and have got to be able to get up the ramps. “Those ramps will take up to 300kg which is 47 stone so they can only take so much.” He added: “There are some of those really fast 6-8mph buggies, they are too big and won’t get on a bus as they could get stuck.” Brown said the permits were intended to give “100% confidence” to mobility scooter users wishing to travel by bus. “People will be able to turn up at the bus stop, hopefully a bus turns up and space permitting they will be able to get on with no argument or no question.” First and Stagecoach are having a Scooter Code start day at Sheffield Transport Interchange on February 22 from 1030 to 1500hrs. They will be offering to carry out assessments and provide information. six more stands. “If all are taken this will give us 48 trade stands and to date we also have nine demonstration vehicles on display.” The Optare-sponsored “golf day” will run on Monday, May 21, before the conference, although it is fully booked with a reserve list. John Horn, organiser of the event, said: “Like the conference itself the golf day is proving even more popular with bookings still well ahead of this time last year.”
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nEWS › international
Solaris expands in Germany and Finland 44 vehicle order for Germany and agreement signed for entry into Finnish market POLAnD Solaris is supplying 44 Urbino low-floor city buses to five operators from the Rhineland region of Germany. In order to generate synergies, the municipally-owned companies jointly tendered for new buses as part of Kooperationsgemeinschaft Mittlerer Niederrhein (KMN) group and chose Solaris for the third consecutive time. Solaris was chosen as supplier for all buses after submitting
Call for Keolis to end lockout at Acadian
CAnADA A global union federation, the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation), has called for Keolis, a French multinational public transport operator, to intervene with its Canadian subsidiary Acadian Coach Lines to end a lockout of workers and arrange a negotiation. Acadia Coach Lines locked employees out in the provinces of New Brunswick and King Edward Island in December 2011, after 11 months of attempts by ATU (Amalgamated Transit Union Canada) Local 1229 to win a cost of living increase for its members. ITF inland transport section secretary Mac Urata said: “This dispute is crying out for a negotiated settlement. The lockout is now in its third month. “Our member union the ATU Canada has signalled its willingness to talk through the night to find a solution to this dispute. If Acadian won’t take them up on that offer then we – alongside our colleagues in France’s CGT Transports, CFDT and Force Ouvrière unions – have to appeal to their parent group to make them commit themselves to a mediated dialogue.” www.coachandbusweek.com
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the best bid for the cities of Mönchengladbach, Krefeld, Neuss and Viersen as well as neighbouring Heinsberg District. The order consists of 24 Urbino12 standard-length buses and 20 articulated Urbino18. Małgorzata Olszewska, Solaris director of global sales and marketing, said: “We are delighted that all five KMN partners have once again chosen the Solaris Urbino. Whenever our customers come back to us for repeat business, we have successfully been able to pass an extended quality control check.”
Solaris first delivered buses to some of KMN’s members in 2010. In 2011, all operators chose Solaris and together ordered 27 Solaris Urbino diesel buses. The Polish bus and coach manufacturer built nine diesel-electric hybrids for KMN operators for separate orders. With the 2012 delivery, nearly 100 Solaris buses will operate in this part of Germany. Additionally, Solaris has teamed up with Valmet Automotive in Finland who will consult and support Solaris’s entry to the Finnish market area. Possibilities for product development
City Group CEO Richard Woods (second from left) receiving the awards from John Sargeant and event chairman Paul McKay
City Group CEO awarded certificate of excellence KUWAIT Richard Woods, CEO of Kuwait’s leading public transport operator City Group Co. (CGC), has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence at the 15th annual British Excellence Awards in Kuwait City. The gala evening, organised by the British Business Forum (BBF), a non-profit association of British business people in Kuwait, recognises and rewards those in the private and public sector for their contribution to British and Kuwait
business in 2011. It was held at the British Embassy atrium on Friday, January 27. Richard joined CGC in 2007, having previous held senior positions at Stagecoach and Arriva. He worked in the UK transport industry for over 25 years. The evening was attended by guest speaker John Sergeant. Six certificates of excellence were awarded in total. Other winners included Anthony Coleby, partner and head of corporate advisory at Al Markaz Law Firm, and Rachael Gibson of Top To Toe hair and beauty studio. CGC’s Citybus division has been operating since March 2002. In 2011, it provided over 46m passenger journeys on its 400 regular services across 19 routes.
cooperation are also being considered. Within the open-ended agreement, Valmet Automotive has a versatile role as Solaris’s partner in Finland. Solaris will operate as the importer of its buses while local partner Pehycon will be responsible for service and maintenance. Hans Svensson, Valmet Automotive’s business services sales and marketing director, said: “Bus operators in Finland have been waiting for Solaris’s entry. We are pleased we can help Solaris in their efforts in Finland from the very beginning. Solaris introduces several interesting, modern and competitive alternatives.” “Solaris intends to establish itself strongly in the Nordic Countries, and entry in Finland is a strategic choice. We are pleased to partner Valmet Automotive in Finland,” said Malgorzata Olszewska.
Youngman buses head to Israel
ISRAEL Israeli automotive company Feldman Limited has signed a long term exclusive agreement with Youngman Automotive to begin importing and selling the Chinese manufacturer’s buses in Israel. Youngman buses and coaches are produced in Jinhua, Zhejiang province. It specialises in producing Neoplan-design buses and coaches, under special license from the German brand, with a monocoque body structure and the Neoplan independent front suspension. The vehicles to be exported to Israel will be equipped with a Cummins 11-litre Euro 5 engine with 420hp, ZF drive axle, ZF EcoLife automatic transmission and ESC system. Israel vehicle homologation regulations are strict, with high barriers for emission and safety. Youngman is expected to meet these standards. The first model to be imported to Israel is a Neoplan CityLiner, 12-metre luxury coach. It is expected to land in Israel around the middle of this year with commercial orders soon to follow. In addition, Feldman Ltd is arranging to import city buses from Youngman, including an 18-metre articulated model, together with intercity and midibuses.
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nEWS › REGIONAL
SCOTLAnD
Stagecoach Highlands is giving free travel to residents on a Black Isle route this month to compensate for problems with the service. The operator acknowledges previous reliability problems in the area and has offered one week’s free travel to residents in the Ferintosh area as a thank you for their patience while the issue is resolved. In Ferintosh, Stagecoach made changes to timetables in May 2011 and, following community feedback from unhappy customers, additional journeys were added between Culbokie and Inverness for commuters. The company has since reported increased reliability statistics. Routes 21 and 22 operate between Culbokie and Inverness, with route 21 offering links to Dingwall as well as a demand responsive service across the Ferintosh area on certain days. Steve Walker, Stagecoach in the Highlands’ managing director, said: “We have been monitoring these routes for some time and have seen an improvement in reliability across the last 10 months. Minor changes made in January this year may also have assisted and we sincerely hope residents in the Ferintosh area have seen a difference. “As a thank you for their patience while we endeavour to get things right, we’re offering a week’s free travel for customers in this area until the end of February, providing a seven-day megarider ticket for travel in zones 2 or 3 completely free. The voucher will be provided to households across the Ferintosh area this week.” Bruce Morrison, chairman of Ferintosh Community Council, said: “Steve Walker and his team have transformed their past performance into a very acceptable sustainable service which we are able now to use with confidence. “I also know Steve is determined to push performance further to become one of the best in the country and any resident support would be welcome in order to help him achieve that. “I appreciate the thought behind Stagecoach’s free travel offer which may also nudge us towards fewer car miles and more bus miles.”
nORTH
The city of York is to bid for £2m from The Better Bus
www.coachandbusweek.com
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KEY
SCOTLAND NORTHERN IRELAND REP OF IRELAND NORTH WALES MIDLANDS EAST LONDON SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST
Area Fund to introduce smartcard payments to make public transport more attractive and reduce delays to services. City of York Council says it will put up the additional £2.2m required to implement the scheme from its newly created Economic Infrastructure Fund. This proposal is in addition to an existing development where the council is introducing paper-based interoperational tickets this spring – allowing passengers to use a single ticket for a journey covered by more than one operator. The new scheme, if the bid for Department for Transport funding is successful, will allow passengers to store credit electronically on their cards – as with the London Oyster Card scheme. The council says it plans to create five bus interchange points at Stonebow, Piccadilly, the Theatre Royal, Rougier Street/Station Road and the railway station. Each would offer real-time electronic information boards, improved timetables and map displays. It is also suggested the service routes through the city will be ‘eased’ to improve reliability, punctuality and reduce delays. Principal transport planner Andrew Bradley is to submit plans this week to cabinet member for city strategy Councillor Dave Merret. It highlights problems for operators in getting across York which, it claims, lead operators
to build excessive slack into their schedules to avoid late running. This is often causing services to have long waiting times at bus stops along with additional congestion. The report indicates council studies show some bus stands are taken up by waiting buses for as much as 35 minutes every hour. Proposals to improve the situation include CCTV enforcement of the Coppergate area, a bus lane on Clarence Street and placing a ‘bus controller’ on each service to monitor punctuality and remove obstructions to services when necessary. The council says it may also team up with the West Yorkshire PTE scheme which is making its own application for BBAF funding to develop on-street ticketing. Two Northumberland villages’ last remaining bus service may cease in April. In January, Arriva North East decided to reroute its services to avoid Newton on the Moor and Swarland to cut costs, leaving just one service operating. Rothbury Motors’ 813 service operates on Thursdays, going from Holystone or Rothbury to Alnwick via a number of villages including Swarland and Newton on the Moor, and is the only remaining service. In a letter to parish councils, Ian Coe, transport support manager at the county council, said the service went out to tender but those received were “so expensive they do
not offer value for money”. Chairman of Newton on the Moor and Swarland Parish Council, Councillor David Rixon, who has been trying to fight for better public transport in the parish, said: “It won’t just have an effect on the villages from which the services are being withdrawn. It will have a big effect on Alnwick as there will be fewer people going there for shopping. Young people won’t be able to go to work or college either. They can’t use cars because insurance premiums are so high, so they are stuck. “We, as a parish council, have put a bit of funding aside so we are going to have to see if we can get together with other councils to try to pay for it ourselves. Therefore, we are going to have to pay even more because the county council is withdrawing services.” County councillor Trevor Thorne, ward member for Shilbottle, raised the issue at the county council’s north area committee meeting on February 13. He said: “People can’t get to work, students can’t access higher education. It is a really difficult position. “There have been meetings and Ian Coe has been good but we are in a situation where two villages are completely without any public transport.” In his letter, Coe said: “I am, however, keen to explore possible ways of maintaining some level of service to those communities concerned who would like to work with the county council. “Retaining the existing Thursday service in its current form would require the parishes concerned to contribute £6,000 per year between them.” He said this may be beyond the combined resources of the parish councils, although he is keen to explore alternative ways of providing a service.
MIDLAnDS
Derby City Council is another local authority which is proposing to bid for money from the DfT’s Better Bus Area grant. It will be used to help fund a multioperator ticketing system, allowing passengers to travel across the city with just one pass. The council has yet to agree how much it will apply for as it has to provide match funding, but authorities can bid for up to £5m. There is already £550,000 set aside
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by the council within its transport plan and a further £300,000 which could be put towards it from agreed budgets in the next couple of years. The bid would have to show the council would use the money to increase the number of people using bus services, as well as reduce congestion and carbon emissions. The council could also use the grant to introduce improved bus service information which could send details to mobile phones and improve bus stops and traffic signals to eliminate bottlenecks.
EAST
Kings Lynn-based operator Norfolk Green has launched a new bus service in Ely. The service is made up of two orbital routes linking the housing estates on the outskirts of Ely with the city centre and the new Sainsbury’s store on Lisle Lane. One loop travels via Cam Drive while the other loop runs via Beresford Road, providing an hourly service to those residents and giving a half-hourly service to the city centre and Lisle Lane. It is understood Sainsbury’s, which provided £800,000 in developer contributions in October, will contribute funding for the
February 22, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17
Coach & Bus Week takes a look at the big issues where you live in our round-up of the regions. If you’ve got a local issue you would like us to cover, contact James Day at james.day@rouncymedia.co.uk.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
service for the first year, with an option for a further two years. Fares will be £1.50 for a single ticket, £2 for an all day ticket and £8 for a weekly ticket.
2012
SOUTH EAST
Bus drivers and office staff from First in Clacton, Colchester and Harwich depots raised £2,250 in December for Colchester’s St Helena Hospice, by taking to the buses in fancy dress. Passengers were greeted by a number of Father Christmases, a Zorro lookalike and even a male bride as drivers invited those onboard to leave a charitable donation in appreciation of their efforts. Staff also held a series of raffle events, sponsored dog walks as well as selling spaces on a giant homemade Christmas card. Kevin Howard, a driver for First in Chelmsford, said: “We are only too pleased to be able to support St Helena Hospice in this way, and all of the staff enjoy taking part in the various fundraising events which take place. “I have already started planning what we will do next year, but I’m not giving anything away at the moment.”
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 21-22 Young Bus Managers Network conference. Lansdown Hotel, Brighton. For more details, email alex.hornby@ youngbusmanagers.org.uk. Visit www.youngbusmanagers.org.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
Young Olympic athletes of the future have been issued the recently launched ‘key’ smartcards by Go-Ahead-owned Bluestar, offering 12 months of free bus travel. Twenty five members of the Hampshire County Council’s Hampshire Talented Athletes Scheme will benefit from the donated key cards, each worth £760. Nikki Honer, commercial manager at Bluestar, said the firm was delighted to offer practical support to members of the scheme, which helps the carefully selected top athletes over the age of 11, from a wide variety of sports, to reach world class podiums. Thanking Bluestar for the donation, Hampshire County Council’s sports development officer Nicola Wright said: “These athletes are competing at the highest level and spend a lot of time and money realising their sporting dreams. The Bluestar key cards save them money and enable them to get from training and competitions without relying on their parents. It is a fantastic offer that the athletes very much appreciate.”
n April 19-21 Busworld Turkey. Istanbul Expo Center, Turkey. www.busworldturkey.com/en/ index.html n April 21-22 UK Coach Rally. East of England Showground, Peterborough. 01753 631170. www.coachdisplays.co.uk n April 24-26 CV Show. NEC, Birmingham. 01634 261262. www.cvshow.com n May 22-23 ALBUM Conference. – Forest Pines Hotel, near Brigg, North Lincolnshire. www.albumconference.co.uk
The Commercial Vehicle Show, the largest and most comprehensive road transport and logistics event in Britain, is being held at the NEC in Birmingham between April 24 and 26. Hundreds of exhibitors attend the event each year 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 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
Do you have an event to promote? Send details to gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com
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18 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 22, 2012
nEWS › TOURISM
1990
The year Mr Straw’s House was acquired by the National Trust
Mr Straw’s House is a modest semi-detached dwelling which has been preserved almost unaltered till it came to the National Trust in 1990. The original interior provides a rare glimpse into inter-war, lower middle-class life. Nearest coach parking is 100 yards away on The Baulk. Group admission is £6 per person, and a guided tour costs an extra £3 each. Groups are not accepted on Saturdays. The house is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 1100 – 1700hrs, between March 13 and October 27. The average visit length is an hour and a half, and trips can be combined with a visit to nearby Clumber Park, Cresswell Craggs or Harley Gallery. To book a visit email mrstrawshouse@nationaltrust.org. uk or ring 01909 482380. Tanfield is the world’s oldest railway, dating back to 1725. The North East’s biggest and most popular steam railway delivers spectacular scenery and a truly unique atmosphere. Located less than 30 minutes from Newcastle, steam trains run every Sunday and Bank Holiday on a picturesque six-mile round trip from Sunniside in Gateshead to East Tanfield near Stanley. Groups can take advantage of a reserved saloon carriage, complete with a guide if required. Guided tours of the railway are also available. Parties of 25 plus receive discounts on timetabled operating days. Visit www.tanfieldrailway. co.uk or ring 0845 463 4836 to book a visit. On Saturday February 25, EventCity in Manchester is hosting Great Days Out, an essential exhibition for the travel trade. It will be packed with new ideas, features and information from over 200 destinations and attractions, representing all regions within the UK and abroad. Exhibitors will include Irish Tourism, Merlin Entertainments, West Midlands Safari Park, Youth Holidays and many more. Also, the UK Coach Awards shortlist announcement is taking place at the show. EventCity is located adjacent to the Trafford Centre, just off junctions 9 and 10 of the M60. Visit www.greatdaysout.com to register for a free ticket. www.coachandbusweek.com
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World-famous art and scenic park at Petworth The house is home to an extensive collection of paintings and is set in a 700-acre park Petworth House is one of Britain’s finest stately homes. It is set within a beautiful deer park in the heart of the South Downs National Park. The 17th-century mansion opens between March 10 and November 7, 1100 – 1700hrs, on Monday to Wednesday and weekends. The shop, restaurant and grounds are open between February 11 and December 23. Group admission is £10 per person.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the grandeur of the house containing a world-famous collection of paintings, with many works by Van Dyke, Reynolds and Blake, together with ancient and neo-classical sculpture and intricate carvings by Grinling Gibbons. The house stands in a 700acre landscaped park, known as Petworth Park, which was designed by ‘Capability’ Brown. The estate is located in Petworth, West Sussex, between Midhurst and Horsham. There is parking for three coaches, 600 yards from the
entrance. The drop-off point is at Church Lodge entrance. There are a number of special interest tours available. A Family Collection lets visitors discover the secrets of the mansion’s collections, while the new Connoisseur’s Tour guides enthusiasts through the house’s extensive British Art collection. There is also a chance to be led round the picturesque grounds by an expert gardener. Introductory talks are available for groups, and out of hours tours can be arranged. As well as the weekly tours, a number of special events are planned for 2012. Included is What’s Cooking?, where costumed interpreters help discover how a historic kitchen prepares food fit for an earls table. This will take place daily between March 31 and September 30. A trip can be combined with a visit to nearby attractions Arundale Castle, Fishbourne Roman Palace or Goodwood House.
The house is set in a deer park in the heart of South Downs National Park
Email petworth@ nationaltrust.org.uk or ring 01798 342207 for more information.
West Dean’s interesting delights
Unique sights at Ripley’s London
West Dean gardens are situated in the grounds of West Dean House, which is located about six miles north of Chichester in West Sussex. The 90 acres include many interesting architectural delights, national plant collections and unique features, including Victorian Glasshouses, sunken gardens and St Roche’s Arboretum. Pre-booked groups of 15 plus pay £4.25 per person. A number of events are hosted throughout the year, including MedFest: A Taste of the Mediterranean (June 23 and 24), Chilli Fiesta (July 27 – 29) and Apple Affair (September 29 and 30). Garden and food lectures are
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! London attraction is home to 700 peculiar, amazing and fun exhibits across five floors. The museum’s exhibits include a replica Tower Bridge built from 264,345 matchsticks, remarkable fossils and a tribute to the world’s tallest ever man. Group admission is £20.21 adults, £16.46 children and £18.71 seniors and students. It is located at The London Pavilion in Piccadilly Circus. Nearest coach parking is Victoria Coach Station or Albany Street in Camden.
The garden is home to many architectural delights also available on selected dates. Visit www.westdean.org.uk/Garden/ Home.aspx for more information. For information on group bookings email gardens@ westdean.org.uk or ring 01243 818210.
Visit www.ripleyslondon. com for more information.
NTPL JOHN MILLER
BriEfly
20/02/2012 18:30
The acreage of parkland surrounding Petworth House
Relax and admire at Bowood House Bowood House & Gardens offers a fantastic day out for all the family. Famous for one of the UK’s best adventure playgrounds, children are guaranteed a great time. There is 100 acres of parkland to relax in, with a lake, arboretum, pinetum and cascade. The house itself hosts numerous unique items, from Queen Victoria’s wedding chair to Napoleon’s death mask. During the spring the Rhododendron Walks offer breathtaking vistas of colour and beauty covering over 60 acres. The house is located in Wiltshire, 19 miles east of Bath, and opens daily, March 28 - November 4. Group benefits include free entry and meal for the coach driver, a free familiarisation visit for the group organiser, special group catering and free parking. Admission for group members is £8.50 adults (13 and above), £7 seniors, £6.50 juniors (5-12) and £4 children (2-4). Visit www.bowood-house. co.uk for more information.
21
Number of rooms displaying items in Manchester Art Gallery
diESEl priCES
The castle has the largest banqueting hall ever built in medieval Scotland
Discover the history of Scotland’s famous castle Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s largest and most important castles, situated in the centre of Stirling, 30 miles from Glasgow and just over 40 miles from Edinburgh. The castle is split up into a number of different sections, each available for public viewing. These include the palace, one of the finest and best-preserved Renaissance buildings in Great Britain; the Great Hall, the largest banqueting hall ever built in medieval Scotland;
the palace vaults, which house a series of exhibition spaces geared to younger visitors; the Stirling Heads Gallery; and The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum, where visitors can see exhibits and memorabilia from conflicts all round the world. There are a number of group activities available, including tours of the castle and Argyll’s Lodging, a presentation on the Palace Project and tapestry talks. Stirling Castle is open all year round apart from Christmas Day and Boxing Day and groups receive discounted admission. All travel trade enquiries should be directed to hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or 0131 668 8831.
dEAlS OF THE WEEK
CROWN COPYRIGHT REPRODUCED COURTESY OF HISTORIC SCOTLAND
NTPL JOHN MILLER
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Manchester Art Gallery is a free award-winning attraction close to the centre of Manchester, which attracts almost 400,000 visitors each year. The collection is made up of fine art and decorative art. It is probably most famous for its PreRaphaelite paintings but all periods are covered, from ancient pottery to contemporary art. Over 2,000 items are on display in 21 rooms, spanning over six centuries. The gallery is hosting a number of exhibitions throughout the year, including Shadow Land, between March 30 and May 13, showcasing internationally-acclaimed photographer Roger Ballen whose work offers a powerful social critique and an extreme,
The gallery attracts almost 400,000 visitors each year uncanny beauty. A highlights tour is available for groups which introduces the gallery and the gems of the art collection. Custom-made and special interest tours are also available on request. The gallery is located on Mosley Street, with the best coach parking on Owen Street, off City Road East,
one mile away. Opening times are Tuesday to Sunday, 1000 – 1700hrs. n Visit www.manchestergalleries. org/ for more information. Denby Pottery Company in Derbyshire gives visitors the chance to take a tour of the working factory, as well as browse
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)
1.20 1.44 8.99 344.13 29.78 4.99
the award-winning shop and watch a free cookery demonstration in the Denby Kitchen Theatre. Opening hours are 0930 – 1700hrs Monday to Saturday, and 1100 – 1700hrs on Sundays. Groups benefit from a 10% tour discount, a free Denby gift for the group organiser, shopping vouchers for every party member and a free meal and cash reward for the coach driver. There are six coach spaces and all parts of the centre are fully accessible by wheelchair. The Pottery is located on the B6179 (just off the A38), two miles south of Ripley and eight miles north of Derby. Set price lunch deals are available in the Bourne’s Restaurant on site for groups of 20-50. n For more information, or to arrange a familiarisation visit, email tours.reception@denby.co.uk or telephone the Tours Information Desk on 01773 740799. www.coachandbusweek.com
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20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 22, 2012
nEWS › BUSINESS
0.9%
GDP growth in 2012 predicted by the CBI, down on the forecast
BriEfly At least 50% of small and medium sized businesses in the Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland believe just surviving will be one of their greatest challenges in the coming year, according to a new survey. Conducted by NatWest, the survey found 50% of firms in Wales highlighted the problem of company survival compared to Scotland (58%) and Northern Ireland (54%). Only 7.7% of Welsh managers said they expected 2012 to pan out as a better year than 2011, compared to 30.2% of Scottish firms and 33.3% of businesses in the North East of England. The survey also suggests firms in Wales, the West Midlands and Northern Ireland see little opportunity in the Olympics. The number of small firms which have used a bank overdraft or loan has fallen in the past two years, in spite of measures aimed at boosting lending such as Project Merlin, according to a Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) survey. The survey of more than 11,000 FSB members found only 35% used an overdraft in 2011, 11% a secured bank loan and 7% an unsecured bank loan. That was a drop of eight, three and four percentage points respectively since 2009. The CBI has said it expects 0.9% GDP growth in 2012, a little down from November’s forecast (1.2%), mainly reflecting the impact from the GDP contraction in the fourth quarter of last year. Modest growth of 2.0% is predicted in 2013. Quarter-onquarter growth will remain fragile in the first two quarters of this year (0.2%, 0.2%), improving modestly in the second half of the year (0.6%, 0.5%), as inflationary pressures ease. The CBI said households will remain cautious because of modest wage growth and continuing high unemployment, likely to peak at 2.9m in the first quarter of 2013. Net trade and business investment will continue to provide the most positive contributions to growth, with exports growth of 4.3% and 6.4% expected in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Total business investment of 4.3% is forecast for 2012 and 5.0% for next year. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Businesses could have more say in local transport DfT consultation proposes local transport bodies, including LEPs, budgetary control over schemes in their area Local communities and businesses could be given control of decisions and budgets for major local transport schemes in their areas, under proposals announced for consultation by transport secretary Justine Greening recently. The new system could potentially see decisions on capital funding for local schemes – including new local roads, public transport schemes, better pedestrian routes, and new local rail stations – devolved to democratically accountable local transport bodies. Currently central government must approve all schemes over £5m. The government is proposing that from 2015 local transport bodies will be able to decide for themselves how to spend their money on priorities best suited to their local needs without Whitehall approval. The primary role of local transport bodies – involving both Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and local authorities – would be to agree, manage and oversee the delivery of a prioritised
programme of transport schemes from 2015 onwards. The Department for Transport (DfT) is spending around £1.7bn on local transport projects between 2011 and 2015. The consultation proposes allocating funding to local transport bodies by formula rather than a competitive bidding process. In return for devolution, the bodies would need to assure the government of governance and financial management arrangements, accountability for decisions and achieving value for money. “We want a system which is much more responsive to local
Transport secretary Justine Greening is calling for a system more responsive to local needs
Chancellor urged to turn small steps into giant leaps John Walker, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said the government’s tentative steps in the right direction need to become a giant leap if firms are to see genuine change in their business. Speaking at the FSB’s annual dinner earlier this month and addressing chancellor George Osborne MP, guest speaker at the event, Walker urged him to press ahead with actions which have already been promised to create a better environment for small businesses to grow, as the March 2012 Budget approaches. “The Autumn Statement was a step in the right direction for small
George Osborne (left) was urged by FSB chairman John Walker to be more ambitious
needs and it makes good sense to give local residents and passengers a greater say in the transport infrastructure that they rely on so much,” said Greening. “These proposals could hand real power to communities so they can make locally accountable decisions on what transport improvements are needed in their area. This is a key plank to our localism agenda, freeing local authorities from central government control, so I look forward to responses from across the country.” The DfT has said it intends to publish a range of indicative allocations per individual LEP area by August this year. There are currently 39 LEP, tasked with determining local economic priorities and undertaking activities to drive growth and create local jobs. The DfT’s consultation ‘Devolving local major transport schemes’, closes at 1700hrs on April 2, 2012. To access a copy, visit www.dft. gov.uk/consultations and to respond, write to Karl Murphy, Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR or email: karl.murphy@dft.gsi.gov.uk
firms and we welcomed the seed investment scheme – to encourage investment in small businesses from sources other than the banks,” said Walker. “This is critical at the moment given, the problems members are still facing getting credit from high street banks. “We urge the chancellor to keep up the pressure and be more ambitious in helping our members to grow, create jobs and flourish.” Walker said confidence levels fell dramatically last year and the FSB’s ‘Voice of Small Business’ Index ended the year at its lowest ever level. “We are hopeful the pressure from high inflation will ease as 2012 continues and that confidence will return,” continued Walker. “But, it’s clear small firms need to see action which has a direct impact on their day-to-day business.”
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39
The number of Local Enterprise Partnerships in Britain
4.3% Total business investment forecast for 2012
Boost credibility of apprenticeships, urges FPB
The Forum for Private Business (FPB) has urged government to make a number of adjustments to make its apprenticeships scheme more appropriate to the needs and requirements of businesses. The FPB made its response to the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee’s inquiry into apprenticeships in the week, which coincided with National Apprenticeship Week (February 6 -10). The FPB says training courses such as apprenticeships need to be seen as more worthy, with better information provided to managers about courses and their effectiveness. It is also urging decision-makers to: incentivise small firms which take on young people and reward them; work more closely with employers on delivering training provision in terms of local need; and
BLOG of the week
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Government could boost the appeal of apprenticeships by making them more business-friendly, says FPB head of campaigns, Jane Bennett simplify other aspects of these types of training schemes. “Our members value onthe-job training, and our latest research backs this up,” said Jane Bennett, FPB head of campaigns. “Apprenticeships are an attractive training method for employers, but we think the government could
boost their appeal by making them much more business-friendly. “The problem is the majority of courses are not flexible, which is essential for small firms. There is also a lack of information available to small businesses about course benefits and therefore they find it difficult to navigate a complex system made up of numerous courses. “Clear information on the effectiveness of courses is especially important because small firms need good quality that increases competency.” Bennett said the FPB would like to see small firms who recruit apprentices to be given financial help to cover training costs and at least some of the wages. BIS research suggests companies see payback after three years, which she said is too long for small firms. “While we welcome apprenticeship subsidies for those which go through the National Apprentice Scheme, we feel they should be extended to those who carry out in-house training, either through tax or subsidies.” The FPB also suggests closer co-operation between firm and
WHy TrAdE SHOWS – PArT OnE
Entrepreneur and sales expert Liz Gilmour advises on the value and viability of attending trade shows and how to get the most out of them on www.businesszone.co.uk Trade shows can be the best or worse when it comes to getting value for your marketing spend, and throughout my business life I have seen and experienced both outcomes. Can you afford not to be there? In many cases you have to exhibit, and shows can be the main marketing activity you undertake in a year, certainly the one with the biggest budget so it is important to get it right. Just turning up expecting to do great business because the show organisers have tempted you with high visitor figures is not the answer – there is an art to trade shows – before the show, during the show and the all important follow-up. BEForE ThE show As you run around booking the space, scheduling staff and designing the stand it is important to ask yourself ‘why would someone stop at my stand?’ or if you are attending a large show where only a fraction of visitors would be interested in your company ‘will they be able to find us?’ So here are a few pieces of advice before the show. Make sure the location of the stand is in an
It’s important to display something new at a show. optare launched its new Tempo in 2011 area where your prospects will head for. Being close to competitors is a good thing as trade shows are about researching the products and services on the market and if a prospect visits your competitors and you are close by they will want to check you out as well. Tell prospects you will be there and invite them to come to the stand. Remember the big guys will not only attract their prospects through their brand and a large impressive stand they will invite them, flying them in, putting them up in hotels and feeding and watering them. If they need to go to the trouble to do this you need to at least make sure a prospect knows that it is worth the effort to come and see you. Make sure your stand design clearly reflects
education providers to allow a more tailored approach to local skill needs and also welcomed the announced reduction on health and safety compliance for apprenticeships, but urged more in this area. “Training providers must work with small firm to better understand the needs of the local community and create courses which reflect the job opportunities in the labour market. “Recent announcements on reducing health and safety compliance for small firms which employ apprentices are welcome, but this reform should go further in cutting red tape, by reducing employment law burdens, and making it easier to let unsuitable apprentices go. “As well as recommendations on apprenticeships, we believe improving the skills system more generally would help to improve the quality of training schemes. Small firms need work-ready recruits who have the basic skills. This we know is not always the experience of our members,” she concluded.
your offerings. I worked for company which had a beautiful stand built for a big show but the signage and graphics did not show clearly what we did and because the brand was not particularly well known, we spent far too much time either explaining what we did to confused looking people or watching people stroll by. Clear signage on a comfortable stand is important if you want to capture those passer-bys. Saying that – if a large percentage of visitors fit your prospect profile, another idea is to make sure the design stands out so much that it becomes irresistible. The firm I worked for had just launched in the UK and we had no time to get the word out before a very important show so we hired cappuccino machines and offered everyone who walked by a good cup of coffee – by the end of the show our brand awareness had grown substantially. And I won’t go into the time when we did five minute aerobic sessions on the stand four times a day to attract the punters – it was the 80s! If you have a product launch or something fantastic to say, let the press know about it. A press release or a press conference can create excitement and drive traffic to the stand. Hiding your great news amidst hundreds of other stands all as proud as punch about their own offerings will result in your news hitting the market like a damp squib. Trade shows come with a high price tag and take up a lot of your precious time so surely it is worthwhile to use a little more time to ensure a strong return on investment. www.coachandbusweek.com
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22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 22, 2012
SUPPLIER UPdAtE › ARRIVA BUS & COACH
Serving our industry Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans talks to Robert White about the latest developments at long established West Yorkshire coach and bus dealership Arriva Bus & Coach
A
rriva Bus & Coach is one of our industry’s longer established bus and coach dealerships. It offers a friendly service combined with a bit of good old-fashioned Yorkshire conservatism. Conveniently located within sight of the M62 near Bradford, the five-acre premises at Cleckheaton offer much more than mere vehicle sales. The site is geared to accept all types of bus and coach service and repairs – with multiple bays in covered workshops for service and MOT, tachograph calibration, paint, body and valeting. In addition to providing the renowned backup for its body and chassis partners, the firm also offers support for products, which include Allison, ZF, Voith, Cummins, Wabco, KnorrBremse and Telma retarders. Indeed, Arriva Bus & Coach says its parts stock holding covers 17,500 parts lines, valued at £1.7m.
Developments
The firm’s acclaimed service and parts area has been refurbished. Gone is the rather dark area – it’s now been opened up with large UPVC windows and an airy, open desk area, which it could be said is indicative of the warm welcome inside. On the personnel front, following the retirement of Ian Collingwood and Colin Stephenson, Stuart Raikes and Richard Orme have been www.coachandbusweek.com
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Above: Service and parts area has been refurbished. Right: Renowned family-run operator Weardale has taken delivery of its second brand new coach this year – this impressive Van Hool T917 Altano, which is seen here on the day prior to dispatch from Cleckheaton appointed service manager and financial controller respectively. Martin Blakely remains parts manager. Robert White, sales manager took up the story: “We’ve introduced a new internal management team promoted from within. While they remain focused on customer requirements, they are looking at new opportunities. For example, we’ve been able to offer more retail assistance in our workshop, keeping our ethos of giving quality service and back up on all the products we supply. “We’re looking at expanding our sales team by one as our product becomes more valued, thanks to our strong relationships with our body and chassis partners.” Robert continued: “We’ve
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OPERATOR: Arriva Bus & Coach ESTABLISHED: 1951 LOCATION: Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire CONTACT: 01274 681144 www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk
www.coachandbusweek.com
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SUPPLIER UPdAtE › ARRIVA BUS & COACH
Above left: Inside the showroom is an unregistered Wright VDL and a used Bova Futura. Above right: The showroom and parking area at the front of the building with new and late used stock on display. Below: Current stock includes this unregistered Temsa Safari HD (left) and a Van Hool T915 Acron been very pleased to have the new look Temsa Safari, which gives a high-quality product with a great capacity on a two-axle vehicle. “Van Hool integrals have increased the range offered this year by incorporating a 13-metre two-axle coach. As such, we’ve taken orders for this and the range built on the TX model – from the TX11 Alicron through to the TDX27 Astronmega, all powered by a Euro 5 Paccar DAF engine. Having a close relationship with VDL enables us to supply chassis on body options in the coach and bus industry.” Robert said the Berkhof Axial 50-bodied VDL SB4000 is popular this year, both as a Leger Holidays Silver Service specification vehicle and as a two-axle, 12.9m 57-seater executive. Wheelchairs can be accommodated through the front door or behind front axle. Arriva Bus & Coach is also able to offer buses in two chassis configurations and two body options – namely; the VDL SB180 with MCV bodywork, which is available with seatbelts, and the VDL SB200 with Wright Pulsar bodywork. Asked about the Temsa MD9 midi coach, which enjoyed its public debut at last year’s UK Coach Rally, Robert said: “We’ve been working closely with Temsa to produce a first vehicle for this year. More details will be announced in the not too distant future.”
Market trends?
Asked how the market is performing this year, Robert replied: “The market has slowed down but customers are very enthusiastic. On the back of that we’re finding it encouraging but tough. We’re finding more twowww.coachandbusweek.com
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Arriva Bus & Coach: a brief history
Incorporated in 1951, Stanley Hughes & Company Limited was involved in sale, repair and dismantling of commercial vehicles. In 1972 the company changed its name to Stanley Hughes (Holdings) Limited. In 1982 as Stanley Hughes (Holdings) Limited the firm became a subsidiary of the Paul Sykes Group, selling DAF chassis with a number of body options. In the early 90s after being granted exclusive rights to import DAF Bus chassis products, the business concentrated its activities on the sale, rental and repair and finance of DAF Bus chassis-based products. In 1988 the business was sold to the motor retailing group T. Cowie plc with the head office based at Sunderland. The Cowie Group changed its name to Arriva plc and reflecting this change in 1998, the Cleckheaton business was renamed Arriva Bus and Coach Limited. In 2003 DAF Bus International changed its name to VDL Bus International. Throughout all the name changes, the firm’s says its ethos of providing quality vehicles to the UK bus and coach market has remained constant. Over the years, Arriva Bus & Coach has fostered long term commitments with its chassis and body builder partners, which include VDL Bus, Van Hool, Temsa, Berkhof, Wrightbus, Plaxton and MCV. The firm’s on-site workforce and field engineers have accumulated a vast amount of product knowledge, which along with the regular training enables the business to maintain and develop the quality of vehicles and service for which it is traditionally renowned.
axle vehicles have been ordered compared to last year. Whereas previously tri-axle vehicles have been very popular, we’re now finding customers are wanting two-axle coaches, between 12 and 13 metres long. I don’t think there is any one reason for this.” Current coach deliveries include Weardale’s impressive executive new Van Hool Altano 61-seater, which is powered by a DAF MX 12.9-litre engine. In addition to three-point seat belts, it’s also been specified with additional Hanover destination gear and a tow bar. “This is Weardale’s second new vehicle this year – the first being a Berkhof Axial 57-seater executive in January,” explained Robert. On the bus front, Robert said “a number are going out”. Due into stock are new MCV Evolution VDL SB180s in 10.3m 36-seaters and 11.1m 40-seaters. Also on order are Wright Pulsar VDL SB200s. They’ll all be fitted to standard Arriva Bus & Coach stock specification, which includes 44 Esteban Civic2 seats and Hanover destination gear. Overall, Robert said he expects bus deliveries “to be up on last year”. Turning to rentals, Robert said: “It’s an important part of our business, very much about bespoke customer partnerships, helping to grow their business and develop opportunities. We offer a wide range of specifications from standard to luxury coaches. Our buses range from 10m to 12m single deck, low floor having up to two doors, for use on daily service to park and ride and airport service work. Rental requirements vary from as short as a day to weekly, monthly and longer.”
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RETROSPECTIVE › CBW FeBruary 1992
I
t’s 20 years ago to the day since the first issue of Coach & Bus Week was published – February 22 – which of course, was the successor to Coachmart and Bus Business. While the commemorative 1000th issue provided an overview of the first issue, it felt appropriate to review what was in the news a week later in issue 2 – February 29, 1992. Back then the front cover was one of the few pages printed with an element of colour in it - it was not full colour as the smaller sidebar pictures were in black and white. The cover story was about a four-year old ex Shearings Plaxton Tiger being road tested, more of which later.
Back to the future: 20 years ago With the first issue having been published 20 years ago this week, present day editor Gareth Evans digs through the archives and gives a synopsis of the stories and features in issue 2 of Coach & Bus Week in 1992 www.coachandbusweek.com
RetroCBW2.indd 26
Kings Ferry’s £1m order AVE Berkhof was delighted to announce a £1m order for single and double-deck coaches from The Kings Ferry and The Londoners. The former included four single-decker Excellence 2000-bodied Scania K113s and two tri-axle double-decker 2000HD coaches. The Londoners opted for three 53-seat Excellence 1000-bodied Dennis Javelins. “‘I’m fed up with double-decks,’ joked Peter O’Neill, Kings Ferry MD. ‘I keep getting contract hire enquiries when I can’t supply them. Hopefully, the work will keep coming in for the new ones. I’ve been looking for late secondhand deckers but I haven’t seen anything decent. ‘I had a look at the ILG Coach Europe vehicles, which were fine but had 900,000 km on the clock for barely three years’ use. I have ’86 deckers which have still clocked up only 400,000. ‘Deckers can be among the best selling secondhand machines but there isn’t much choice around for the buyer. I’m sure, too, that standards have gone down because there haven’t been many new vehicles sold.’” It was also reported “The orders are the latest in a line of successes for AVE Berkhof, headed by sales director David Waterman. In 1991, the company - owned by Len Wright’s Q Drive – sold 30 Berkhof vehicles, compared to six sold in the previous year. Among the successes for AVE Berkhof has been the introduction of a Javelin-based model for the British market.” Valley threat to CVt’s op “Renewed competition in Aberdare by the end of the month is a distinct
possibility as Western Travel’s new subsidiary, Valley Bus Services, beds in for its fourth week of competition in Merthyr Tydfil. “Chairman Mark Thomas is keeping his options open as the extent of the involvement of municipal Cynon Valley Transport becomes clear: ‘Western Travel doesn’t lash out at other operators as a rule, but it is unhappy not knowing who it is competing with,’ he said. “Operations at Merthyr and Aberdare were purchased for around £500,000 from the new Rhondda Buses company by Offa Demo Ltd, a company set up by CVT MD George Shaw and three other council nominated directors (CBW, February 22), with the help of a loan from the Welsh Development Agency. “Offa Demo continues to run services as before but on CVT’s O-licence, while the former National Welsh operations at Aberdare have been closed with the loss of all jobs. “CVT operations manager, Rhydian Williams said his company had introduced five new routes and taken 11 vehicles from Nat Welsh. ‘We’ve covered all the Nat Welsh services with just 14 extra drivers.’ “Williams would not comment on the future of the depot site, which may be sold to Gateway supermarkets.”
london CoaChes new sale doubt “London Coaches’ sale to Guide Friday has hit problems, say sources in the capital. “The first London Buses’ operating company to be privatised had Stratford-based Guide Friday as its preferred bidder but London Transport (LT) is now believed to be considering the bid led by London Coaches MD Pat Waterman. “Guide Friday offered a rumoured £750,000 for the sale of the entire operation after seeing the initial prospectus and subsequently employed accountancy firm Ernst and Young in a due diligence assessment once it had won preferred bidder status. As a result, a revised bid was submitted. The next best and most favoured offer for the entire operation is from Mr Waterman’s management.” “London Coaches’ most profitable business is with its sightseeing operation, which has an exclusive stop in Baker Street. The value of this business has been brought into doubt with the
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announcement by Westminster that it may restrict operator access to pick-up points this winter. “The fragility of the sightseeing operation has also been underlined by last year’s Gulf War problems, which effectively closed down the foreign tourist market, which produced at least half the passengers. “London Coaches’ coach work includes a number of commuter routes in the south-east which help bolster turnover during winter. The top-specification DAF coaches are leased. “Bidders for the operation include one who offered £10. A bid of £320,000 for the sightseeing operation came from Citirama but was turned down.” All bids for the firm were due to be considered by LT as the issue went to press.
SBL Buyout team pLan re-SaLe cutS “The management employee team formed to buy out Strathclyde Buses plans to cut jobs and rationalise facilities, according to a document leaked to CBW.” “‘As labour costs are approximately 70% of total costs, many others of which are fixed, the proposals must result in lower unit costs,’ says the document. “It goes on to warn staff location
changes, shift transfers and redundancies will consequently result from acceptance of the proposals.” “The proposals are bound to add to the controversy already surrounding the sale of the 800-vehicle company. Brian Souter of Stagecoach has publicly claimed that SBL’s profits have been undervalued. Stagecoach’s own calculations gave SBL an operating profit of £215m in 1990/91, £2.115m in 1989/90 and £5.367m in 1988/89 compared with
reported figures of £952,000 loss, £522,000 profit and £3.838m profit respectively. “The leaked document also reveals other radical proposals for the management/employee buy-out. It is intended that employees excluding directors and management will own up to 70% of the ordinary equity of the company. The management team forsees no fundamental changes in network strategy, corporate livery and identity.” Headed by MD and CEO John
above: two big stories - the kings ferry order and London coaches’ sale
Churchill, the management team leading the buy-out included director and commercial manager Malcolm Stewart, chief engineer John Hodson, company secretary Peter Shaw and operations & passenger manager Gerry Kelly.
teSting the new ec Limit “As part of a eagerly awaited PSV industry safety campaign, CBW is taking up the baton from its illustrious predecessor, Coachmart to test the effect of motorway running at 62mph. “Tour giant, Wallace Arnold (WA), and top selling chassis builder Volvo will stage a controlled test to demonstrate the effects of the proposed EC 1994 speed limit for coaches. Three major issues will be highlighted – safety, time and fuel economy. “Wallace Arnold operations director Steven Barber is laying on three of last season’s Volvo coaches. One will run with the speed limiter set at 70mph whereas the other two will be limited to the threatened EC 100 kph limit – 62mph. Because Mr Barber’s biggest worry is a consequential HGV-type ban on outside lane operations, one of the drivers will be instructed to keep out of the fast lane. “Observers from CBW, Volvo and WA will record any variable likely to effect the outcome of the test which will give coach industry the data it needs to turn the impending threat to its advantage. Only then can we confront the Government with the consequences.”
optare orderS mean more Staff “Booming demand for the new generation Optare MetroRider had led to the recruitment of 25 additional staff, as the Optare workforce tops the 300 mark for the first time in the company’s eight-year history. “With over 100 MetroRiders either built or on order for this year, MD Russell Richardson said sales were exceeding expectations.” “Large orders have recently been completed for London Buses and Kentish Bus with orders for 15 from SMT of Edinburgh, 12 for APCOA at Heathrow and 10 from Capital Citybus in the pipeline.”
above: one of the big issues of the day was the planned implementation of the outside lane ban for coaches
workS cLoSe Caldaire Holdings subsidiary West Riding of Wakefield will amalgamate its two city
www.coachandbusweek.com
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28 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 22, 2012
RETROSPECTIVE › CBW FeBruary 1992
garages in April, after winding up the central works. Its low-cost unit of 35 vehicles will move from Saville Street to Belle Isle where the old works will become a running shed, but the prime site will not be sold. “West Riding’s MD Mike Hunter said the influx of new buses into the fleet with the ending of the Olympian overhaul programme rendered the central works redundant.”
Small coacheS win at raceS Small coach operators took up the gauntlet of excursions to the first-ever Earl’s Court Motor Racing Show this year, providing the bulk of group business out of 31,000 visits. The show’s manager Neil Crofts told Coach & Bus Week – in which the show was advertised – he was surprised that the small, rather than large companies which took up the challenge of selling a new product. Sheffield operatorS blame SYt for jamS “North East Traffic Commissioner (TC) Fred Whalley will hold a PI into traffic congestion and alleged overbussing in Sheffield city centre, after an application from Sheffield City Council for traffic regulation conditions on vehicles entering the centre.” “The move comes after a voluntary cut of 15% by some operators on the number of vehicles using certain city streets. They point to South Yorkshire Transport’s refusal to reroute Eager Beaver service 52 out of the High Street as the main cause of the current problems. “Yorkshire Terrier’s MD Bill Baldwin alleges SYT is continuing to fill the city with unnecessary duplication on some routes.” “SYT points to the inactivity of the city council as the main reason for the first voluntary code of conduct, agreed in March 1989, failing. A spokesman said: ‘The council sat back and did nothing to alleviate congestion.’ “Under the new calming strategy agreed last November, the city council was asked to deliver its part of the package in the form of easing bus passage through the city centre and introducing an early ban on private cars.” “It now appears growing traffic congestion is being firmly blamed on the growth of bus competition. Authorities appear to have ignored www.coachandbusweek.com
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and seasonal airport transfers.” “All three have been supplied since last August by Crystals of Doncaster and the “latest purchase boosts the number of Crystal conversions in the fleet to five.” An usual vehicle, which nowadays would be featured on the ‘International News’ page, was a 14-seater Ernst Auwarter Clubstar coach acquired by Leaf Tours of Dusseldorf, a German-based operator of North African private charter tours.
above: a news story about paul cresswell & alan wilson. willowbrook advertised its warrior bus. below: ‘fleet Update’ is now ‘deliveries’
the phenomenal growth of private car traffic entering the city centre, and prefer to see a restriction of bus movements to be the cure for all ills.” One independent operator told CBW politicians on the City Council and SYT were seeking to use congestion as an excuse to check the successful growth of Sheffield’s independent operators. ‘We see this as totally contrary to the spirit of free competition, as we will be telling the TC that if he really wants to restrict the number of buses in the city centre, he should limit SYT, as it is the only operator to have lost market share without a commensurate vehicle cut. We have all increased our passengers and voluntarily limited the number of vehicles,’ he said.”
fleet Update The section which is today known as ‘Deliveries’, featured six J-plate vehicles, the first being a Caetano
Toyota Optimo II for now ceased Great Yarmouth-based operator Caroline Seagull. Another now ceased operator featured was D Coaches (latterly Diamond Holidays) of Swansea, which took delivery of three Plaxton Pointers to upgrade its bus services “linking Ammanford, Pontardulais, Llanelli and Carmarthen”. The Dyfed County Council-contracted services “involve unusually high mileages – around 90,000 miles a year – for each of the three vehicles.” Cardiff Bus took Plaxton Verdebodied Scana N113CRBs. “The 14 buses were available for immediate delivery and are required for Cardiff’s move into ex-National Welsh territory in Caerphilly and the Vale of Glamorgan. Also included in the order are three N113 Alexander double-deckers.” South Devon-based Dartline Coaches took delivery of “a third Mercedes-Benz 609 24-seater coach for a local prison contract
tiger Still ShowS itS Strength On the feature front, a four-year old ex Shearings Plaxton 3200-bodied Leyland Tiger was road tested. Priced at £64,750, the article stated: “Large numbers of potential buyers will be leading in the air at the chance of a late model, good quality coach which meets this basic, but ever so practical specification. Many is the moan that manufacturers no longer make them. “Here is your opportunity thanks to the buying power of Shearings. There’s not one but 20 young Tigers straining at the leash and eager for a new owner at Stuart Johnsons’s Worksop yard. Each machine is ready for work and fit for a wide range of duties.” “Plaxton’s styling has become as ubiquitous as Ford’s Sierra and has evolved in much the same way.” “Caution is often the greater valour when approaching a fleet car – the same is true of a coach. Somehow there are expectations of abuse. Surely a vehicle known by its number does not receive the same care and attention as an ownerdriver would lavish on his pride and joy. “First impressions challenged any such assumptions. Every panel was straight, each tyre had less than 50% wear and the interior was spotless. But rust has taken a hold on the roof mounted extractor cowl and near the emergency door.” Turning to the verdict, the coach was described as a “coach fit for UK and near continental tours while remaining suitable for the occasional local service or school contract run.” “It deserves special consideration from operators looking for a well maintained coach without potentially expensive complexities.” “On the downside we have a vehicle with poor security, limited luggage space and poor fuel consumption.”
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February 22, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 31
LEGAL UpdAtE
Tribunal hands Arriva victory for common sense Peter Woodhouse describes the importance of knowing the reasons for a sanction against a staff member As a frequent advocate in the employment tribunal, I have lost count of the many occasions when witnesses have complained of inherent bias in the employment tribunal system. Curiously, the complaints which come from employers are reasonably well balanced by claims which come from (ex-) employees. It can probably be concluded that employment tribunals not infrequently apply the law on a commonsense basis. The recent case of Nicolaou v Arriva London South Ltd was a case which called for such an approach. The Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR) are based on a European Directive designed to protect workers’ health and safety at work. Regulation 4 WTR provides for an average 48-hour working week limit but also provides that an employee may opt out of this limit. In common with many other statutory provisions there are anti-victimisation provisions. In other words, workers are protected if they have action taken against them because they rely upon a particular statutory protection. Arriva had a policy whereby no working rest days were to be offered to a driver who had not signed an opt out as described above. The Claimant, a bus driver, had not signed an opt out and worked the average 38 hour week. However, the policy fell into disuse and upon an audit it was noted that the Claimant had worked a number of rest days. Arriva issued a notice to staff pointing out that unless an opt out agreement was signed (for which there was no compulsion) no driver would be given a worked rest day or overtime. The Claimant complained he had been told if he did not sign the opt out, he would not receive rest days or overtime and he was being wrongly penalised as a result. At the first hearing, the employment tribunal upheld
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The Employment Appeal Tribunal said Arriva London implemented a reasonable policy designed to ensure compliance with a statutory duty the complaint saying, as a basic matter of causation, the Claimant’s treatment had been caused by his failure to sign the opt out. The employment tribunal made a declaration to that effect but gave no financial compensation. The matter then came to the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT). The EAT said the employment tribunal had been wrong. It said to decide this case it was necessary to look at similar tests in discrimination law which have been subject to a fair amount of recent judicial consideration. Fundamentally, the test to apply is not whether “but for” the Claimant’s objection to the opt out, the treatment would have occurred, but what essentially was the “reason why” the treatment occurred. On that analysis, it said the reason for the withdrawal of the rest day was not the Claimant’s refusal to opt out. The implementation was not designed to penalise him for not opting out
nor to force him to opt out, rather it was the implementation of a reasonable policy designed to ensure compliance with a statutory duty. In this way, the EAT sidestepped what would otherwise have been a technical legal construction of the WTR. In doing so, it applied what some might think of as a dose of common sense. The point of all this is if an employer acts for a discriminatory reason then it is likely to be liable, but an employer should not be liable for all things related to discrimination if this was not the reason for acting. If the employer can find a feature of the employee’s conduct which can properly be seen as separate from a protected act then it is free to rely upon it. This principle is an important one as it cuts across many areas of potential complaint by staff. For example, take an employee who makes a criticism of an employer on the internet. He may claim he was whistleblowing. However,
if the reason for a disciplinary sanction was that it was done in work time then the whistleblowing provisions may be avoided. Or take an ex-employee who is in litigation alleging discrimination against the employer and the employer refuses to give a reference. If the reason for refusal is that they are in litigation rather than the discrimination claim, the discrimination provisions should be avoided. Managers dealing with human resources matters need to be alive to these kinds of arguments. Key points for managers are to: ensure you are very clear as to the reasons for a particular sanction – for example, is it for something the employee has done – or for the way they have done it? focus on any distinction between something which may be discrimination and something which may be linked to but separate from discrimination; ensure any disciplinary correspondence including the invitation to disciplinary meeting, disciplinary notes and any dismissal letter clearly reflect that distinction. In this way, when the matter gets to an employment tribunal you have done your bit, and it is time for the advocate to do theirs. Peter Woodhouse is a specialist employment and transport lawyer at Stone King LLP, based in Bath. Peter is an experienced Employment Tribunal advocate and his work has been case reported as advocate in the Employment Appeal Tribunal. He has trained and written courses for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. n Peter is also widely recognised as a leader in the transport sector. He has acted for bus and coach operators and hauliers in many matters of significance to the industry. He is a member of the Road Haulage Association Regional Council, and chairman of the South West Freight Transport Association Regional Council. Peter is a panel solicitor for both organisations. He regularly presents seminars and assists operators in dealing with regulatory matters. He can be contacted on pmw@stoneking. co.uk . Visit www.stoneking.co.uk or call 01225 337599.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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32 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 22, 2012
THE BIG PICTURE
Sullivan Buses has chosen six new ADL Enviro200s to operate on the firm’s new Transport for London (TfL) contract, route 298, which links Potters Bar with Arnos Grove. Dean Sullivan, managing director of the renowned Potters Bar-based operator, said: “After great success with our current Enviro200s, which have proved a big hit with both customers and drivers, we have decided on another six for this new route. As a business we aim to set high standards and in terms of comfort, style, reliability and fuel efficiency our Enviro200s tick every box. The ADL team has also been hugely responsive, which is a big help when you are a smaller operator. “The new Enviro200s are ideal for route 298, meeting all of the demanding TfL specifications and contractual obligations. I will certainly have no hesitation in ordering more in the future.” The new Enviro200s are 10.8m in length, powered by Cummins ISBe four-cylinder 160PS EEV engines with Allison S2100 transmissions. They have dual doors and can carry up to 63 passengers.
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minibus The essential read for Minibus Operators
February 2012
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EVs – the dawn of a new era?
I
have, over the last decade or so, seen a lot of electric minibuses, none of which have proved either reliable or economically viable. Different manufacturers or developers have come up with new and highly expensive technology which failed to meet expectations. Many years ago I visited Cornwall’s Polperro Tram Company which successfully operated three electric minibuses it had converted from time-served milk floats. Based on the company’s success it makes you wonder just how the ‘experts’ fail to get it right. The buses ran all day up and down the hill from the village centre to the car park (and later to the holiday campsite a mile or so further away) and were brought in for an hours charging at 1700hrs before resuming work and carrying on until 2300hrs. All this was
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accomplished with only lead-acid battery cells and technology no-one would describe as ‘rocket science.’ But, at last we seem to be making progress as the Mercedes-Benz E-Cell Vito (exclusively featured in Minibus) is showing signs of meeting something approaching normal expectations. It is certainly capable of doing some specific duties very well and future versions are almost certain to widen its application further. I believe it will be this ‘next generation’ which begins to see much wider adoption and acceptance of EVs. martin Cole Editor
CONTENTS 36 News
A round up of topical interest from the minibus and minicoach operating sector in the UK including new vehicle deliveries to commercial operators, CT and charitable organisations.
42
mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell
Our exclusive first look at a passenger carrying EV direct from a major manufacturer. The E-Cell shows great competence for limited applications and promises wider scope in he future.
46
Renault master
The new Euro 5 Master proves to be an attractive off-the-shelf package combining quiet running with passenger comfort and a purposeful and stylish appearance.
www.coachandbusweek.com
20/02/2012 18:18
36 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | February 22, 2012
NEWS
Centro – Consultation on door-to-door transport A consultation is to be held over proposals to bring the application process for Ring and Ride in line with some similar schemes elsewhere in the UK Regular Ring and Ride users are being sent questionnaires seeking their views on possible changes to the way people apply for the doorto-door transport service. At present people wanting to register with Ring and Ride, run by West Midlands Special Needs Transport (WMSNT), fill in a form identifying their disability and declaring they find it difficult or impossible to use conventional public transport. Transport authority Centro, which funds Ring and Ride,
New lowfloor minibuses for Bristol CT
HCT Group’s community transport operation in Bristol, Bristol Community Transport (BCT), is celebrating the award of a significant grant from the Social Enterprise Investment Fund (SEIF) of £148,700. The funding will be used for two new accessible vehicles, which will be put into use in community transport services providing an extra 45,000 passenger trips in Bristol per year. The vehicles are lowfloor, custombuilt Volkswagen Crafters, specially adapted by VDL Kusters in the Netherlands. The win demonstrates how local communities in Bristol are already benefitting from BCT joining HCT Group. One of the reasons for the merger, announced in December 2011, was to give BCT access to
launched a review of the service last year to see how it can be improved and strengthened. The review has already determined Ring and Ride remains the best way of meeting the travel needs of those people unable to use buses, trains and trams. Centro has been looking at ways of making the application process more structured so it can better demonstrate how funding is targeted effectively at those people who have no transport alternative to Ring and Ride. The cost to council taxpayers of providing the service is more than £10 million a year. Cllr Angus Adams, Chairman of Centro, said: “The proposals will help ensure people who cannot
use buses, trains and trams will continue to get the best Ring and Ride service possible from the funding available. “The service is a lifeline for many, allowing them to get out and about and lead independent lives in their own homes for as long as possible.” It is proposed people wanting to use the service in future will need to be given membership of Ring and Ride by Centro, which already deals with applications for concessionary travel passes for blind, disabled and older people. Other proposals include renewing membership every three years and offering temporary membership to people who have short term mobility needs such as after a knee or hip replacement.
Sprinter version of a VDL Kusters accessible minibus Bristol CT opted for the resources and investment of the wider HCT Group, which is one of the UK’s largest and most successful social enterprises. Its CT Plus trading arm began operating in Bristol in September, delivering the A4 Bath Road Park and Ride service (route 904). It will take over the 902 service in April 2012.
The profits generated by the operation of commercial transport contracts in Bristol are reinvested into community transport services for local communities, delivered by BCT. These services are focused on helping those who find it difficult to use mainstream public transport, such as the elderly and those with
Footballer’s charitable initiative Pupils at Spalding’s Priory School cheered former Chelsea and England football legend Dennis Wise as he presented them with the first new minibus out of 100 which his charity plans to distribute among worthy causes. Alongside his old friend, company director Steve Frankham, Dennis Wise has raised over £650,000 for children’s charities. They chose Priory School to launch the new ‘Dennis Wise in the Community’ minibus initiative and handed over a new Renault Master. Headteacher Daran Bland said: “As a special school we invest a lot of effort in getting pupils out of the classroom and into the community so it’s just what we needed. We were all also thrilled Dennis and Steve came personally to present it. It’s a hugely generous gesture.” mobility difficulties, to get out and about. Dai Powell, HCT Group Chief Executive, commented: “HCT Group has only been working in Bristol for a few months and already we have been able to unlock the power of social enterprise to achieve the greatest social impact. The SEIF funding success means we can reach out to more communities in the long term by expanding the range of services we are able to offer to local people.” The Social Investment Business’ chief executive, Jonathan Jenkins, said: “HCT Group is an inspiration – delivering good for the communities it serves while building a successful and professional organisation. The work in the South West through BCT allows HCT to replicate good practice developed in Hackney and provide vital transport routes to some of the least mobile. HCT Group will really make a difference and improve the quality of life in communities in Bristol, Hackney and elsewhere.”
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February 22, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 37
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Euro 5 Sprinter cat-theft protection Maple Fleet Services’ CatSecure is a catalytic converter theft prevention device, for Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters. Thefts of Catalytic Converters have risen dramatically since the beginning of 2011. With the price of precious metals increasing, scrap value for catalytic converters, which contain platinum, rhodium and palladium, has escalated. Prime targets are commercial vehicles like the Sprinter, which has become coveted prey – and the favoured hunting ground is inevitably the fleet depot. With the latest model of Euro 5 Sprinter (from 2009 onwards) the catalytic converter has been moved closer to the engine at the front of the vehicle. A determined thief can remove the cat in under five minutes, by activating the bonnet release (smashing a cab window first) and unbolting it from the engine compartment. Fleet operators can quickly see costs spiral as it is not only the expense of replacing the cat (up to £1,500.00) but the added cost of repairs for damage caused
removing the cat, any hire vehicle costs while repairs are completed, vehicle & driver downtime and potential loss of business as a result. This is very inconvenient if it happens to one vehicle. Replicate it across five, 10, 20 (less than 2 hours work) or more vehicles and it becomes less of an inconvenience and more a threat to livelihood. Dealers may hold one or two cats in stock but it’s unlikely they will hold any more, meaning it could take days, even weeks, before a fleet is back up to speed. And of course once a fleet has been targeted, chances are the perpetrator(s) will return. Maple’s developed CatSecure
following approaches from customers who had experienced repeated attacks on Sprinter fleets. CatSecure is a bonnet lock which ensures access cannot be gained to the engine compartment. Even if cab windows are smashed and the bonnet release lever pulled, the release mechanism will not enable access. The Maple Bonnet Lock costs £139.00 and can only be released with a high security key, thus access to the catalytic converter is nigh impossible and therefore prevents its removal. Further details on 0161 429 1580, or visit the www. maplefleetservices.co.uk
Simple CatSecure installation could avert catalyst theft from Euro 5 Sprinters
Christchurch Dial-a-Bus Christchurch Dial-a-Bus has taken delivery of a new minibus thanks to the Big Lottery administered Transition Fund, Bournemouth Airport Community Fund, Christchurch Borough Council and Christchurch Community Partnership. The scheme has now procured its first 17-seat accessible minibus which was launched this week by the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Sue Spittle and the Friends of Christchurch Dial-a-Bus, along with representatives from the organisations funding it. The scheme provides doorto-door wheelchair-accessible transport for people with disabilities of all ages who find it difficult to use existing public transport. It operates four days a week and can be used for shopping, banking, visiting hospital and excursions. The bus is a Peugeot Boxer L4 H2 with a 120bhp engine and six-speed manual gearbox. Five seats remove to accommodate two wheelchairs. Boarding is via a PLS underfloor lift. Additional items included a reversing camera and audible reverse alarm.
Lotto fund aids SNVB
Cumbria receives community transport funding from DfT
SNVB (the South Northants Volunteer Bureau) has taken delivery of a new Renault Master L3 H2 for its Village Networks service, a new Lottery-funded project. The 16-seater is available for hire by regonal community, voluntary and non-profit groups. “So often local groups tell us transport is a real problem”, said Nick King, project co-ordinator. “Now we have a solution: a new minibus and trained drivers.” The minibus and driver is operated and insured by SNVB with a section 19 permit. Community
Cumbria County Council will receive £288k from the Department for Transport (DfT) to support the development of community transport services in the county. Plans are under way to determine how the funding can be best used to develop a sustainable and flexible transport structure in partnership with commercial and community transport groups. It may be carried forward to future years if this allows transport schemes to develop and become more sustainable. The grant awarded is the second
New Master minibus for SNVB groups can apply for membership and once approved can hire the minibus for trips, excursions and events. The Master is a standard specification Renault minibus with a manual gearbox supplied through Jaybee Motors of Banbury. Signage was produced by Edge Signs of Banbury.
wave of revenue funding for Cumbria County Council from the DfT since 2011. County councillor Tim Knowles, cabinet member for transport, said: “Community transport is especially important for a rural county such as Cumbria. “In particular, residents who live in the beautiful but most rural parts of the county can find it difficult to move around Cumbria than those in urban areas. This grant from the DfT will help us develop important services that people need and will be a big step towards developing the county’s transport connections.”
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38 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | February 22, 2012
NEWS
New Year and a brand new minibus for Trinity Hospice Benjamin Weir Trust donates a new Mercedes_Benz Sprinter for Mulberry Place passengers Trinity Hospice in Clapham gained a large Christmas present at the end of December in the form of a new Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 CDi minibus. The vehicle was formally handed over on 6 December by Stanford Coachworks’ representative Mike Gasper, to the local mayoress, Councillor Jane Cooper and the donating Benjamin Weir Trust organisation. Before its official working life some final additions, in the form of Eberspacher climate control, vehicle registering and testing, were made. Trinity Hospice, established for over 120 years, took the keys on Thursday 22nd December. The much needed minibus replaces an old Iveco Daily used to transport patients in the local community and has been the focus of two years fundraising. The hospice cares for people with cancer and long term conditions such as the heart, lung or neurological illness in and around
Far from a ‘rubbish’ idea
Pupils at Godshill Primary School on the Isle of Wight are taking advantage of the recent wheelie bin invasion to help boost funds towards the purchase of a school minibus. They are selling pre-cut numbers and street name letters so Island residents can personalise their new bins. According to Clare Fradgley, head of the school’s PTA, the idea has really taken off with the school
Central and South West London. “Our brand new Mercedes minibus is a wonderful donation from the Benjamin Weir Trust,” said Anne Hooper, chief executive of Trinity Hospice. “We are very grateful for such a generous gift – as a charity we rely on the support of local people, businesses and organisations to enable us to continue providing skilled and compassionate end-of-life care for people in our communities who are
at an advanced stage of illness. The LWB Sprinter features an automatic gearbox, EJ6 audio command system and will transport up to nine passengers plus driver. It is wheelchair accessible with options to accommodate up to four wheelchairs with access gained via a rear Ratcliffe RTP50, 500kg capacity long platform chair lift. Floor tracking allows removal or repositioning of five seats.
New LWB Sprinter minibus for Trinity Hospice avoids LEZ penalty charges receiving more than 60 orders in just three days, including one order from New Zealand after the story appeared online. She said: “The students have been brilliant. They came up with the idea. “At the moment, we have to hire school coaches and obviously if we had our own minibus we could take the children to so many events and to our other two schools in the federation, which would be fantastic.” She explained the pupils had been learning about recycling in class and came up with the idea of producing the bin stickers during a
meeting of the school council. They are produced by parent, Michael Banks, who has a son and daughter at the school. The school is delivering the numbers and letters locally and posting them to those in other areas of the Island. They have also been delivering flyers to residents’ homes and putting up posters. The whole sticker, which can include the house name or number and address, costs £2 and can be ordered by calling 01983 731490 or by picking up an order form from the school. They are made from exterior grade vinyl.
Ms Hooper explains: “Our patients often have many different illnesses which may restrict their mobility and some can require breathing apparatus while travelling so they can access our day services at Trinity’s Mulberry Place. This minibus has a high specification and has been well adapted to meet their needs and make journeys as comfortable as possible - we are very pleased with the standard of workmanship which went into creating this special vehicle for Trinity.” The Stanford Coachworks M2 tested safety floor system is fitted with a non slip vinyl covering. The original base vehicle has been up-rated to 3880kg GVW. Insulation has been built-in to all rear, sidewall and roof cavities for extra comfort and warmth. The vehicle is fully VOSA certified and includes 12 months warranty for the conversion. “The handover highlighted the significance of the new low emission zone legislation coming into force from 3 January,” explained Jess Rider, co-director of Stanford Coachworks.
Greener Sprinters
Mercedes-Benz is soon to offer a greener version of its Sprinter. Currently under evaluation as a Traveliner, it features a revised final drive to raise the gearing slightly. The aim is to allow the vehicle to travel at its limited or a chosen cruising speed at lower engine speeds. It should certainly benefit Sprinter minibus operators who tend to carry low weight cargo. The modification could help cut fuel consumption and operating costs.
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80
The number of miles per charge a Mercedes-Benz Vito can operate
£10m 2 The annual cost of the West Midlands Ring & Ride service
The Centre for Youth & Community Development (CYCD) has been presented with a new Vauxhall 17- seat Movano minibus for the year. Vauxhall’s community relations officer said: “Transport is expensive for everyone and this donation will make it affordable for more people. CYCD has carried out exceptional work in the community. The minibus will be placed with them and their booking system ensures other charities in the county can benefit from this resource when it is not being used by CYCD.” CYCD director Mir Juma says: “Vauxhall’s incredibly generous gift will make an enormous difference to us, transporting the very young, to the very elderly, taking summer school and youth club youngsters on regular trips and generally providing a much-needed community resource. We can’t thank them enough.”
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The number of VW Crafters ordered by Bristol Community Transport
SCW bariatric on the TV A Stanford Coachworks converted bariatric ambulance, delivered last October, based on a Fiat Ducato Maxi L3 H2 dci160, is playing a strong support role in a six-part part documentary reporting on the issues faced by the bariatric department of Thames Valley Hospital. Bariatric is a branch of medicine concerned with obese patients. The new ambulance was the subject of several weeks filming for the programme which commences on Wednesday 22 February on Channel 5 at 20:00hrs. The bariatric ambulance conversion is the tenth produced by Essex based Stanford Coachworks and one of over 50 ambulances the company has converted and supplied to Thames Ambulance. A bariatric ambulance is designed to mobilise individuals
weighing up to 50 stone. The interior is fully wipe clean for hygiene purposes with an 18mm WPB ply floor with non-slip blue lino, roller blinds and LED lighting throughout. It has two single 425mm Phoenix tip and fold seats with all-age belts and one Phoenix tip up seat, all with isle side support armrests. Two full lengths of centre floor tracking allow for secure wheelchair provision. A reinforced passenger lift copes with heavy duty wheelchairs and eases the strain on ambulance and hospital support workers. Emergency and safety equipment include piped oxygen, Ferno Harrier XL stretcher, two fire extinguishers, one PSV first aid kit, a one- ton winch, storage for scoop board, carry chair and spinal board, 12 volt incubator sockets, multiple grab handles and storage compartments. Perhaps the programme will do for Stanford Coachworks what ‘London’s Burning’ did for Dennis.
All EVM Chassis come with 3 Years Mercedes Benz UK Unlimited mileage warranty (not importer or 3rd party warranty) www.coachandbusweek.com
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42 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | February 22, 2012
EXCLUSIVE FIRST DRIVE › vito traveliner e-cell
E-Cell – a practical approach to low carbon operation There are currently only two Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell minibuses in existence and they are both here to evaluate potential in UK markets. Martin Cole becomes the first journalist in the world to drive one
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hen the first fully electric Vito E-Cell vans arrived in the UK last year it seemed highly unlikely MercedesBenz would pursue a passenger carrying option. Essentially, the battery system is contained within the floor pan under the load space (saloon), therefore installing seat mounts or floor tracking could be considered dangerous or just impractical. Creating an independent raised floor might seem a sensible option but would involve considerable additional testing and certification while reducing headroom in the saloon. However, the manufacturer has found a means of configuring the layout safely and the result is a Vito Traveliner with six passenger seats which looks identical to any other form of Vito. Two of these vehicles have been built in right-hand drive format for the UK market and are based on the Long Vito platform which measures 5.008m. For this development to happen it is obvious there has been some significant interest shown. No potential customers are being named at present but what is certain is there is now a clear end-user interest in zero-emission vehicles for use in deliveries and passenger shuttles. The very first E-Cell van supplied to a UK
customer went to a funeral director based on a growing requirement for people wanting ‘green funerals.’ One of the two E-Cell Vito’s has already departed Milton Keynes for a dealership in London where it will be engaged in a busy programme of demonstrations and trial operation. A number of very high profile names spring to mind as possible users but the manufacturer is remaining tight lipped over any potential negotiations. It is well documented TfL has a strong fleet of Vito minibuses converted for special accessible transport operations within its dial-a-ride operation – potentially they could all be replaced with E-Cell Vito which would fit with TfL’s pursuit of clean air targets and reduced carbon footprint for operators in the city. There are many other potential users, but none so big as the Black Cab operation. Vito has already made a considerable impact on the taxi business by introducing modern styling, vastly improved fuel economy and low emissions. Vito taxi operators are saying they are getting exclusive and repeat bookings, something they have never experienced before as one black cab is much the same as another. Passengers notice a big difference when they’ve been in a Vito. Vito taxi qualifies for Hackney Carriage operation due to its specialist conversion to create
rear-wheel steering at low speeds. This results in a very tight turning circle and more than meets the requirements for London operation. However, it is this rear steering modification which immediately creates a problem for developers as an E-Cell Vito in Taxi specification would be overweight. Feedback from the taxi industry says it definitely wants the E-Cell option – so it’s highly likely the weight issue will be overcome. Data collected by MercedesBenz through its monitoring of leased conventional vehicles has also indicated there are many companies using vehicles which seldom travel more than 19 miles on their daily duties, yet they take all day covering the distance and the engine is running virtually all the time. Such work is well within the scope of an EV and would considerably impact on air quality improvement. According to Mercedes-Benz, some large retailers are now also seeking to pursue greener transport options backed up by a major manufacturer. In recent years there have been a great many fledgling companies emerge which offer technical advancement and radical change with EV or hybrids. Their entrepreneurial approach is always ambitious and too often over stated. Few stay the course. Typically, they hit financial difficulties and fade into oblivion, often leaving
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“The E-Cell Vito has been carefully devised to ensure it has can handle practical operation under a reasonably wide range of applications.”
Above: The Vito E-Cell connected to a charging station. Left: Only graphics indicate E-Cell is different. Right: Interior looks very normal
customers with extremely expensive additions to their fleet with no means of aftermarket support and little prospect of any sensible residual value. To counter this scenario Mercedes-Benz is not selling E-Cell to customers. It will only provide them as part of a leasing package until the market reaches a point where economies of scale mean E-Cell can be produced at a reasonably competitive price. This system benefits the manufacturer in a number of ways because the vehicles can be supplied with a support package which not only guarantees dealer back-up it gives the manufacturer access to all the operational data which allows it to monitor performance and make any adjustments necessary to the mapping of its profiles. Customers benefit from confidence in support and backup from a major manufacturer, operating with largely fixed costs and with no worries over residual values. Much of this data is transferred via the charging system. When the E-Cell is plugged into its charging point the information can be delivered to management computers. Transport managers can therefore see at a glance what the operational state of any vehicle is. While a full charge can take up to six hours to complete, it may not be necessary for the vehicle to receive a full charge before moving on to its next job. (A fully charged Vito E-Cell can cover up to 80 miles per charge – using current battery technology.) As a pattern of usage emerges from the accumulation of data, it allows the system to be configured more exactly to the customer’s requirements. At the end of the lease period, Mercedes-Benz will recover the vehicles and pull them apart to determine exact levels of wear and viability of all components. The dealer servicing also ensures a close eye is given to the integrity of the electrical system to identify any potential hazard to users and determine if all the normal wear and tear of vehicle operation is having any detrimental effect on safety.
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44 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | February 22, 2012
EXCLUSIVE FIRST DRIVE › vito traveliner e-cell
The charging connection cable for E-Cell is, in itself, a very ‘smart’ item providing safety for the user as well as for the vehicle. A typical charging station charges at 400v and can accomplish a full charge in six hours. If only a 240v dual phase system is available the charge period will be doubled to 12 hours. At each end of the cable is a seven-pin connector capable of transmitting two or three-phase voltage to charge the battery. The connection point replaces the traditional fuel tank filler point behind a flap on the passenger door pillar. The cable is first plugged into the charging unit but will not transmit any power until the connection is made and verified on the vehicle, so it is safe for users even if it is raining heavily. Once the other end is plugged in an illuminated orange ring becomes visible to show the connection is established. It will flash periodically while the vehicle interrogates the supply system to make sure it is capable of delivering the correct current, then settle to a constant display once it is satisfied the supply is appropriate. It then changes to a green light to show it is charging. If the system detects a fault, either with the charging system or an on-board fault, it reverts to an orange light and the charging process is halted. When the charge is completed the light reverts to white. The initial connection requires the handbrake to be applied before it can be made and once connected
Very minor changes have been made to the dashboard’s appearance, switches or basic controls
“Inside the Vito the noise is minimal, the electric motor is very quiet and virtually inaudible over the sound of fan motors, electric pumps and transmitted road noise.”
Dial shows power regeneration (left) or demand (right).
the vehicle cannot be started, so there is no chance of someone getting aboard and moving off with the cable still attached. In the event of someone cutting the cable – through deliberate vandalism or by accidentally running over it, the power is instantly shut off from the charging point. While the charging process is under way the plugs are locked in position and cannot be removed. If the user wants to interrupt or end the process unlocking process on the key fob
will stop the charging and a white light is then displayed which means the plug is unlocked and can be withdrawn.
Driving experience
A cursory glance at a Vito E-Cell which doesn’t have promotional graphics advertising its nature would not distinguish it from any other. Externally, the only giveaway would be the E-Cell badge on the rear door. Internally, there are some significant changes to the
Batteries reside in the floor space and don’t intrude into the saloon
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February 22, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 45
Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek specification although visually it looks much the same. It retains the traditional joystick gear selector although it no longer has a gearbox. It is used purely for selecting forward, reverse or park options. There is a new dial face alongside the speedometer which indicates the state of charge and level of economy. It works very like a vacuum gauge. A centred needle swings clockwise proportionate to load and demand on the system and is highlight through shaded yellow bands through to orange. Under braking, where the regenerative process occurs, the needle moves anticlockwise through a green band indicating the level of recovery being achieved. Power comes from a 60kW electric motor which provides up to 280Nm of torque and is fed by two lithium ion batteries with a capacity of 36kWh. The most efficient use of regenerative braking is to apply the pedal lightly and progressively as the maximum recovery occurs at about 10% of pedal pressure. Harder and more sudden application of the pedal forces the on-board controller to believe there may be a hazard or incident requiring foundation brake application to guarantee safety – so it will introduce them automatically. To operate the E-Cell, first insert the key and turn it clockwise one position. The display becomes active, system checks are done and a ‘state of charge’ indicator tells the driver (usually) all is well. Turn the key a further position and the display changes slightly – which indicates the system is ‘running’ – although there is nothing to hear. All there is left to do is release the handbrake and select forward or reverse. However, a word of caution – while the E-Cell has a limited top speed of around 56 mph, its initial acceleration is extremely and surprisingly rapid. It doesn’t take much getting used to, but has taken a few people by surprise. This spritely performance combined with the Vito’s nimble and very agile handling means it is an absolute pleasure to drive in tight, twisty places and it is only
when the road becomes clear and straight it very quickly runs out of steam and the top speed limitation suddenly delivers a reality check. In a congested urban environment it would hardly be noticed – but the 56 mph at least puts it on a par with heavy trucks. Driving the Vito around Milton Keynes proved not much of a challenge. The roads are generally wide and free running during off-peak times of the day. However, it was far from an unpleasant experience. It confidently kept pace with the bulk of traffic flow and there appears to be no down-side as long as you don’t want to do motorway work. For everything else it seems well equipped to cope. Using the brakes gently to get the most from the RBS (recuperative braking system) is the key to
extending the operating period to the maximum and as Milton Keynes is inundated with roundabouts there was always an opportunity to replenish some of the charge. Inside the Vito the noise is minimal, the electric motor is very quiet and virtually inaudible over the sound of fan motors, electric pumps and transmitted road noise. With no conventional engine there is also no conventional heating to be derived from the cooling system. In a bid to provide a heating system with high efficiency to minimise the power requirement from the batteries, Mercedes-Benz has done a considerable amount of research into the passenger environment. It has discovered by providing electrically heated seats the need for high ambient temperature in the saloon is much less. This means
passengers can experience a very comfortable environment with considerably less draw on power. Currently only the driver and front passenger seat are electrically heated. Future versions may offer greater performance, but given the current battery technology, speed and performance are sacrificed in order to allow a full battery charge to achieve a day’s work. MercedesBenz is already talking about iridium polymer battery technology as a possible next stage to achieve higher levels of performance for longer periods – as we’ve all seen over time with the mobile phone market. Just think back to the early portables which were the size of a brick and now there are internetcapable units commonplace, all of which can store masses of music and video data – and they are not much thicker than an ice cream wafer.
Verdict
Above: Boot door carries an E-Cell badge. Below (L) Smart cable cannot be removed when charging. (R) 400v charging station for six-hour full charge
E-Cell Vito is far from an attempt to create a zero-emission just for the sake of it. It has been carefully devised to ensure it can handle practical operation under a reasonably wide range of applications. Its performance limitations are not really a problem to anyone contemplating using one in a busy urban environment and as development progresses over the next few years it is very likely it will have much greater range and wider application. A larger version, the E-Cell Sprinter, is currently under development but it may be some time before it emerges. At a guess, I’d bank on it being launched for the IAA in Hanover in September. Sprinter’s heavier initial mass will require additional battery cells and its much larger size will allow this comfortably – but more batteries means more weight and we’ll have to wait and see just how much the payload figure is affected when it is eventually launched. An E-Cell Vito retains a payload of 775kg (diesel Vito Traveliner has a payload of 1,240kg) – so has no issues with weight for its passenger capacity.
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46 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | February 22, 2012
FIRST DRIVE › Euro 5 rEnault mastEr
Renault’s Euro 5 Master minibus features a host of improvements
Renault’s new Master minibus Always a popular option in the minibus market, the new Renault Master offers enhanced specification, greater comfort, improved fuel economy and lower emissions with some options which make it stand out
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R
enault’s new Euro 5 specification Master minibus was first seen at the CV Show last April but remained quietly hidden away for some time. Minibus finally managed to get hold of an official Renault minibus two weeks ago which now allows what would seem to be a belated test – although there remain other manufacturers who still haven’t officially introduced their Euro 5 products to the industry press. The model in question, an LM39 dCi 125 front wheel drive, long wheelbase Master is the largest offering in Renault’s range. It is
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equipped with 16 passenger seats and is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or the automated Quickshift6 transmission. There is also a supporting range of passenger carriers under the ’Combi’ branding with six or nine seats depending on choice of short or medium wheelbase. The shortest six-seater model can be based on all dCi 100 or 125 platforms with a low roof (SL). Medium wheelbase nine-seat options (MM33) offer dCi 125 or 150 variants and the MM35 models are available on all platforms. The LM39, however, benefits from having its own bus-style specification and attributes not applicable to Combi models – one of which is the grey, blue and magenta ‘Funaia’ seat upholstery – which is unusual to find in manufacturer-produced minibuses as they are generally quite staid and conservative in nature. It also has an automatic electrically operated entrance step at the sliding saloon entrance door, a sunken gangway to ensure adequate headroom and independent heating for the saloon. This particular model had also been equipped with a number of optional extras. They included additional side airbag for the driver and airbag for front passenger, automatic lights and wipers, cab air conditioning, pollen filter, 16” alloy wheels, heated rear windows, onetouch electric windows, TomTom Live, electric sliding saloon door, cornering headlights, front fog lamps and driver-controlled rear door locks. Altogether, the Master we had on trial was a very well rounded package. The alloy wheels gave it a lot of kerb appeal and people were really surprised and delighted by the interior as it presented a distinct change from what they were used to. The saloon not only looks comfortable, it feels comfortable. The seats are reasonably well spaced and feel very supportive. Personally, I didn’t get the opportunity to travel in them, but they were certainly very comfortable for a brief sit down. The saloon is tidily trimmed and has a ‘warm’ feel to it. The inclusion
Tinted glazing and alloy wheels add to Master’s kerb appeal
Left: Cab seating has good leg room. Right: Extent of rear door opening. Below: Raised seat platform creates sunken gangway for good headroom
of overhead parcel racks, complete with integral vents and lights over the seat places aids the impression of coach styling. Standard van rear doors with upper glazed panels (heated) are employed at the rear. There is no space for luggage between the doors and the rear seating and this means also no room for a spare wheel – so the Master is not supplied with one. There is a tyre repair kit provided. One strange thing about the rear doors was their (seeming) inability to open fully to 90 degrees. I’m sure there must be a way of doing it but I couldn’t work it out and nor could a few other people who seemed equally perplexed. As the vehicle is not ‘accessible’ there is no actual need for people to be entering or leaving via the rear doors and there is no rear luggage space so full access in not necessary for loading. There is no specific side emergency door but side windows are marked as emergency exits. I can understand the doors opening only to around 75 degrees would be sufficient to allow passengers on or off as the aperture is wider than the gangway they would have to pass along, but it does seem a very awkward arrangement. I’m probably missing something obvious! The driver’s area in the cab is well appointed, spacious and comfortable too. From what I remember of earlier Renault Master models, comfort is vastly better and the whole set of ergonomics has been well thought out and implemented. Virtually all the controls and switches fall immediately to hand, except the tachograph which is mounted centrally, above the windscreen in its own moulded nacelle. While the digitac remains unobtrusive in this location it is not easy to operate it or read any on-screen messages without getting out of the seat and physically moving across the cab to get in front of it. The TomTom Live navigation display is also centrally mounted on an arm just like a rear-view mirror. When not in use it displays the time. A remote control
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48 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | February 22, 2012
FIRST DRIVE › Euro 5 rEnault mastEr
Left: Fire extinguisher and extra power socket at the rear. Centre: Uncluttered dash layout. Top right: Digital tachograph neatly housed with TomTom Live satnav positioned below. Below right: Additional independent saloon heating for passenger comfort. unit for the satnav functions sits in a cradle on the dash and it also controls the radio/CD functions. Additional fingertip controls for volume control are on a stalk from the steering column, just below the wheel. The instrumentation is clearly visible and drivers can change what is being displayed in the dedicated screen area using buttons on the end of the windscreen wiper control stalk. It can show trip mileage, journey average speed and fuel consumption, range left in the tank and other useful information. What is really nice about the Master is how quickly a driver feels completely at ease with it. Vision is excellent and the mirrors well positioned. The steering feels slightly heavy but is very positive and, if anything, seems to add to the overall feeling of stability. It delivers a very smooth ride and runs very quietly. The lack of noise is quite common now among all Euro 5 platforms and it helps create a very pleasant environment inside the vehicle. A downside to this is the reduced indication the vehicle could do with dropping down a gear. Under normal cruising the engine is very flexible and requires little use of the gearbox but when a reasonably steep incline is encountered it can drop the engine speed with little audible warning
and begins to judder. A little more familiarity with the vehicle would, I’m sure, be a big help and is the sort of scenario which would be completely avoided if the automated gearbox had been fitted. A driver more used to the new Master would be more aware and probably anticipate the situation before it made itself quite so obvious. Another downside to such a quiet engine is when you need the heater/demister switching to full, the fan seems irritatingly noisy. Neither of these issues amount to much more than nitpicking as they are hardly ‘serious’ faults. There isn’t a great deal else one could criticise about the Master’s
driveability. It seems extremely sure-footed, shows little indication of body sway and handles very well. The brakes are smooth and progressive with plenty of feel, and acceleration is adequate for the job in hand. The short joystick-style gear lever mounted on the dash is very easy to operate. Changes are light and smooth and the gear ratios nicely spaced. All the engines used in the Master range are based on the 2.3 litre MT9 common rail unit with direct turbocharging. The ratings are: dCi100 – 100bhp 285Nm torque @ 1,250rpm; dCi125 – 125bhp 310Nm torque @ 1500rpm; and dCi150 – 150bhp 350Nm torque @ 1,500rpm. Both LM39 minibus
options, with manual or Quickshift6 transmissions have only the dCi125 option, which also carries the ‘heavy duty’ tag. Official testing shows fuel consumption for the manual gearbox model to be 25.92mpg against 29.12mpg with a Quickshift6 for the urban cycle. The extra-urban figures reverses the advantage with 40.35mpg quoted for the manual gearbox against 38.7mpg for Quickshift6. Combined cycle result just give Quickshift6 the edge with 34.45mpg against 33.63 for the manual. Basic price for the LM39 is £29,120+VAT – on the road price (inc VAT) £35,769. Basic price for a Quickshift6 model is £29,920+VAT – on the road price (inc VAT) is £36,729.
Summary
Renault’s MT9 common-rail Euro 5 diesel engine
Overall the Master has successfully raised its image profile. It has a dramatic and purposeful styling and the optional attractive internal Funaia trim and upholstery give it a status very close to what people might term as mini ‘coach’although it does not have provision for luggage other than the overhead parcel racks. In its various guises, as a Vauxhall or Nissan, it is already selling into the minibus market quite well and seems likely to become even more popular than its predecessors.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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February 22, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 49
COACH&BUSMARKET – the 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
Registration Number for sale:
PB11 BUS On retention document transfer paid.
£500 no VAT Potters Bar Coach Hire 01707 652706 anytime
2002 Dennis Dart SLFs
01293 518307
Call Dougie at Haggis Adventures on 0131 554 9192
8.8m Marshall body, DDA compliant, power ramp, 25 seats/50 capacity, Euro 3 Cummins engine. Choice available – £16,000 each
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.
To view contact Tom Smith, Operations Manager, Alfa Travel on 08451 305777
! R E F F O SPECIAL
BRAND NEW 2012 TRANSIT TOURNEO TREND 9-SEATER
Pre-reg, delivery miles, Stage 5 (Euro 5), latest model, silver, aircon, cruise, CD system, 3 year warranty. These Euro 5 models are extremely good on diesel. We run a number of these vehicles on holiday feeder.
Save over £7,000 on list price, offered at £16,500+VAT
Potters Bar Coach Hire • Tel 01707 652706 pottersbarcoach@btinternet.com
t Contac Jade Cassidy
0173dy3@rou2nc9ym3ed2ia4.c7o.uk
jade.cassi
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
LEZ
COMPLIANT
COMPLIANT
Volvo engines, Euro 2, 78 seats, converted to single door, new COIF, tyres included, UK registered ready to work.
44 seats, SLF, extremely clean, long MOT.
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
ZF 6 speed manual, Plaxton Premiere 320, 70 seats.
2003 ENVIRO 300
1998 DENNIS JAVELIN
1999/2000 DENNIS TRIDENTS
Slimline, Mercedes engines, 23 seats, long MOTʼs.
2006 OPTAR SOLO’S
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 (£400).
Hanover LEDʼs, East Lancs Myllenium body, 39 seats.
2003 MAN 14220
Euro 3, ZF automatics, 35 seats, East Lancs Myllenium bodies.
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.
2003 MAN 11.2220’S
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, SLF, Wrights bodies.
2006 VOLVO B6’S
- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS
rial Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 708 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com ent stock at www.ensignbus.com
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553368-1025-Pembridge
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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 (10) 2010 Ford Transit 17 seat M/R 140PS with air-con, tacho, COIF/PSV £17,995
(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
(04) 2004 Ford Transit 2.4tdi 15 seat, tacho, COIF/PSV £3,995
(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 (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
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS (07) 2007 Volkswagen Crafter 8 seat 2.2 diesel inboard lift, fully tracked floor, rear heating, 48,000 miles £13,995
(57) LDV Maxus LWB 9 seats tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, 49,000 miles, £9,995
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
(06) Fiat Ducato LWB, high roof, panoramic windows, inboard tail lift, 6 seats plus wheelchair tracking, 42,000 miles £10,995 (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
New Renault Master 17 seat LM35/ 2.2di 125ps, six speed, satnav, tacho, fully tracked floor with removable seats £21,995
(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
(10) 2010 Renault Trafic 9 seat LL29, twin side loading doors, air-con, alloys, tail gate, 50,000 miles £11,995
(53) 2003 Mercedes Vito 108 cdi 2.2 diesel, 6 seats, low floor with lightweight ramp, tracking for two wheelchairs £5,995
(09) 2009 Renault Master 16 seat minibus, tacho,high back seats with three point belts, 35,000km £15,650
Y 2001 Renault Mascot 2.8 diesel, 16 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, front entry drop step, fully tracked floor to take five wheelchairs, under floor lift, rear heating, COIF/PSV £7,750
Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304 Contact Graham Thatcher – email: sales@minibussales.co.uk
Pembridge House, The Park Business Centre, Plough Road, Goytre, Penperlleni, Nr Usk, South Wales NP4 0AL – 10 minutes from M4 motorway. Viewing by appointment only Finance Contract Hire and Finance Lease Available. We deliver Nationwide. All vehicles prepared to VOSA standard COIF/PSV specialist
All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%
554105-1024-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
54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI
06 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.2TD
56 REG IVECO DAILY 40c12 IRIS BUS 2.3 TD
06 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD
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.
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.
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.
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.
58 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.2TD
08 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD
09 PEUGEOT EXPERT TEPEE 1.9 HDI
2004 54 REG IVECO 50c13 IRIS BUS 2.8 TURBO DIESEL
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.
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
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, 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.
56 REG RENAULT MASTER SL28 2.2TD
2004/05 54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 416CDI AMBULANCE
08 REG MERCEDES VARIO 613D
07 REG RENAULT MASTER LH35 2.5TD
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.
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.
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.
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.
08 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD
07 REG RENAULT MASTER SL33 2.2TD
06 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD
55 REG PEUGEOT BOXER 2.5 TD
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.
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.
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.
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.
53 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 416 CDI
07 REG FORD TRANSIT 350 2.4TD
06 REG MERCEDES VARIO 814
2007 MERCEDES VARIO 613D
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.
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.
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.
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
56 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD
2005 54 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD
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, 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.
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.
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.
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HEATONS MOTOR CO. WIGAN 01942 864222 THE NORTH WEST’S PREMIER MINIBUS SALES, SUPPLYING NATIONWIDE FOR OVER 40 YEARS 02/03 MERCEDES VARIO 814
F7 O ICE O PSV’d CH
PSV’d
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
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, from £12,995 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
READY TO WORK
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
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
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
PSV’d 55 VOLKSWAGEN LT 46 Mellor Coachbuilt, 15 highback coach seats, complete flat floor, Ricon internal fully automatic tailift, powerdoor front entry, totally immaculate, Eberspacher heater, COIFed, excellent value £10,995
PSV’d 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
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
LEZ
04 PLAXTON BEAVER 2 with 32 passenger seats, covered only 100,000 miles, fully repainted, powerdoor front entry, external PLS cassette tailift, analogue tacho, chrome Euroliners, will come with 12 months PSV test, these give fantastic value for money, choice of 5 £17,995
PSV’d
READY TO WORK
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
LEZ
LEZ
COMPLIANT
PSV’d
LEZ
READY TO WORK
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
PSV’d
COMPLIANT
COMPLIANT
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
COMPLIANT
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 £10,995
WERE DO YOU FIND THESE 07 MERCEDES VARIO 616
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 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 £15,995
06 IVECO 50C14 Covered 40,000 miles, 16 highback passenger seats, lots of Unwin tracking, full length Cant rail, full width side powerdoor entry with electric step, external fully auto PLS cassette tailift, reversing camera, Eberspacher heater, totally immaculate inside and out, excellent value choice of 3 £10,995
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
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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56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 22, 2012
COACHES & BUSES WANTED FOR AUCTION 2000 Dennis Dart 8.8m (MPD)
2002 Optare Solo M850
24 seats, (choice)
28 seats, (choice)
£8,950
£14,950
for our UK & Commonwealth buyers Our main interest is equipment available due to Retirement or Fleet Reorganisation.
1999 Volvo Olympian Alexander RH 74 seats, (needs COIF)
£9,950
1996 Volvo B10M auto Plaxton Premiere 350 57 retrimmed seats
All equipment would be marketed worldwide through our Special Auction Events Team.
£24,950 (£5000 deposit+18 months @ £1250)
WEALDEN PSV Ltd 01892 833830 or 07885 838989 Many other vehicles available – please call!!
For further information please call Malcolm Harrison on 01630 674326 or email malcolm@malcolmharrison.co.uk MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS
London United Busways Ltd CLEARANCE SALE – Don’t miss this opportunity to pick up a bargain Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 2 SLF 10.7m Single door 35 Seated 25 Standing T/V reg (1999) LEZ compliant Look CCTV system Manual ramp, Cab Air con, From £9,999.00 + VAT + Tyres (£250)
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
31 Seated 27 Standing T/V reg (1999) LEZ compliant Look CCTV system, Power ramp, Cab Air con, Single door conversion available. From £4,999.00 + VAT + Tyres (£250)
Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 2 SLF 10.2m 27 Seated 30 Standing V reg (1999) LEZ compliant Look CCTV system Power ramp, Cab Air con, Single door conversion available From £4,500.00 + VAT + Tyres (£250)
Contact Joseph Sage 0208 400 6680 Email Joseph.sage@lonutd.co.uk
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
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February 22, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 57
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
Are you in the South of England and looking to upgrade or convert your vehicle to meet the January 2012 Low Emission Zone?
We may be able to help… Close Asset Finance
Close Asset Finance are specialist commercial vehicle financers and are able to offer operator solutions to help comply with the new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) regulations. • Flexible Finance available for new and used vehicles (subject to status) • Release equity for existing fleets to help pay LEZ conversion costs (subject to status) • Stock of Euro 3 vehicles available with the option to finance LEZ conversion costs Talk to us NOW - Don't leave it too long to comply with LEZ regulations… DAN HADDON on 020 8339 7341 - dhaddon@closeasset.co.uk CHRISTINE CLARK on 020 8339 4823 - cclark@closeasset.co.uk
www.closeasset.co.uk
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ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES BUILDINGS
BUSINESS FOR SALE
HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS
SUBSTANTIAL FREEHOLD 7 BED DETACHED HOUSE 2 minutes J23/M25 South Mimms/Potters Bar (London Olympics 25 minutes)
SMALL YARD AND PARKING FOR UP TO 10 MINIBUSES Bus Workshops - Secure Storage Supplied any width, any length Building to BS5590 - Doors high enough for Double Deckers - Finance available For further information phone
BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime
Established 10 years £650,000 Freehold May sell just business £50,000
Also 1 BED LUXURY MAISONETTE Next to Potters Bar BR station £195,000 Principles only please, apply in first instance to pbch@ymail.com or call 07941 063540
CHECKPOINTS
CRAIG TILSLEY
ENGINES
Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527
Fax: 01782 791316
Moorfields Industrial Estate Cotes Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST21 6QY
Suppliers of Reconditioned DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS PUMPS ETC
ENGINEERING SERVICES
Get noticed! Advertiseyour Products&Services hereforaslittleas £30.00 aweek! Phone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email: jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk
TO PURCHASE CHECKPOINT/DUSTITE loose wheelnut indicators or to locate your nearest stockist:
Tel: 01524 271200
r .FDIBOJDBM "TTJTUBODF r &MFDUSJDBM "TTJTUBODF r $PBDI CVJMEJOH "TTJTUBODF r .BOBHFSJBM "TTJTUBODF
www.checkpoint-safety.com
Ray McAlle (General Manager) Mobile: 07530 387394 Office: 01666 510158 Fax: 01793 840514 Email: info@paulclarkservices.co.uk Web: www.paulclarkservices.co.uk
ENGINES
Crewe Engines Ltd MERCEDES ENGINE SPECIALISTS
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
01270 526333
Federation of Engine Re-Manufacturers
www.creweengines.co.uk
VOLVO - CUMMINS - SCANIA MAN - DAF - IVECO FULL FITTING FACILITIES
SPECIAL OFFERS
GARAGE EQUIPMENT
Don’t forget to mention that you saw it advertised in
Specialists in Used Commercial Garage Equipment
BWS 0117 953 0381 www.bwsequip.co.uk
email: bwsequip@hotmail.com
INSURANCE
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ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES REGISTRATIONS G £750 20 HXY 44 NXA BIG 177 ECR 767 IIG 62 IIL 36 JUI 808 MIW 808 RXI 85
SEATING
SPEEDY REGISTRATIONS CO LTD G ‘Buy with confidence – CNDA Member’
£350 £99 £99 £50 AJZ 989 HIG 5651 MNZ 1195 AXZ 5648 JBZ 484 HIG 5652 ONZ 1637 AXZ 5649 JHZ 939 IIG 7764 REZ 3379 CRZ 6395 LLZ 949 IIG 7765 RUI 2117 CXZ 3441 MKZ 686 JIG 1575 SEZ 4324 CXZ 3442 PDZ 818 JIG 1576 SUI 2171 DRZ 7321 PKZ 626 KIG 1902 SUI 2172 DRZ 7322 PXI 494 KIG 1903 TJZ 1116 IFZ 4861 YIL 202 MJZ 6749 TJZ 1119 IFZ 4862 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange
£50 JIG 8031 JIG 8032 KIG 2285 KIG 2286 RNZ 1127 RNZ 1128 TUI 4740 TUI 4741 TUI 4742
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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ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES 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
Call 01226 723147 Night Service 01226 716479 Fax 01226 700199 Email wigleys@btconnect.com
www.twigley.com
TYRE EQUIPMENT
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 TRIM
COACH TRIMMERS LTD
Supplying the Bus and Coach Industry with quality seat retrims and interior refurbishment. Full floors re-laid and centre gangways. Collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK, seven days a week.
Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk
Tel/Fax: 01751 472229
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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
News reporter James managed to find this rather worrying video of a school bus driving over a flooded road which has essentially become the edge of a waterfall. Two people are seen climbing onto the roof of the bus and seem unfazed, merely trying to avoid wet shoes by the looks of things. Onlookers watch with profound unease as the bus crawls through the floodwater. When it finally gets across, it meets another bus, which seems to consider going the other way. In the CBW office we couldn’t decide if it was bravery, stupidity or another Sat-Nav failure… The video can be found at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=DRu-3LkzJx0
Bus stops which can tell your gender Following on from last week’s fibreglass baked potatoes, a street advert which uses facial-recognition technology to tell men from women is to be used for the first time. The electronic hoarding, to be unveiled on a bus stop in London’s Oxford Street this week, plays a
Dilbert
Monday: Press day. The editorial team is at full strength in the office, with Keith, Martin, James and Andrew and Meera is back from a four-day long weekend away in Bridgnorth. We’re steaming through it but one part of the mag requires fixing later in the evening. That said, we still finish ahead of the deadline. Tuesday: With my work and personal phones being switched on 24/7 as technically I’m on call, I receive an unwanted wake up call from a CPT director. I don’t answer it but listen to the voicemail in case it’s anything urgent. The threeminute message is one of those where the ‘caller’ has forgotten to lock the keys: doh! Catch up on correspondence in the office and enjoy a session going through the archive issues.
40-second advertisement - with a different message depending on the gender of the viewer. Women will be able to view the full message, which is for a charity promoting female education worldwide, while men will just be directed to its website. The advert echoes 2002 Tom Cruise dystopian thriller Minority Report, in which billboards directly targeted individuals by scanning their eyes. The system uses a camera to guess gender by measuring the
distance between eyes, width of nose, length of jaw-line and cheekbone shape. A spokesman for the charity, Plan UK, said: “We’re not giving men the choice to see the full ad - so they get a glimpse of what it’s like to have basic choices taken away.” Privacy campaigners condemned the advert as “creepy” and experts said it marked a future of personal advertising with “no boundaries.” The Daily Mail commented: “I wouldn’t wear that shirt, dear - you might confuse the bus stop ads.”
Wednesday: Spend the day in the office writing up my Arriva Bus & Coach feature and the 20th anniversary piece. Martin is up to his eyes with Minibus. James and Andrew are busy on the phones chasing news and getting our own angle & adding value to stories sent in by others. Thursday: Discuss forthcoming feature ideas with James and Andrew, who are full of their now only too familiar enthusiasm. A supplier, who has heard much about us from others, visits the office for a meeting, enabling him to meet many members of our team. We agree a strategy and he books a series of ads on the spot. Forge on with my features and start subbing Minibus and CBW pages. Friday: A hectic day in the office writing and subbing. Friday is a the second peak day of the week. After everyone else has left for home, discuss some important matters with Jonathan and Martin. I’m delighted in the evening when I find out German family friends have confirmed the dates of their visit this summer. www.coachandbusweek.com
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RECRUITMENT
Excelsior Coaches mechanic wins apprentice competition Excelsior Coaches’ mechanic apprentice Craig Adams has won the Bournemouth Daily Echo’s Apprentice of the Year 2012 competition. Craig, 21, is to receive £100 worth of equipment to help him on his career path, as well as a certificate and framed front page. He was nominated by managing director Kathy Tilbury, who has matched the £100 prize. Commenting on the award, Craig said: “I’m really chuffed. I’ve worked hard towards my apprenticeship and I know I’ve got a job at Excelsior now, so I will work towards that. “I’m more practical with my hands and less academic and it’s helped me with lots of things.” Craig attends college in Boscombe once a week and spends the rest of his time in the
coach operator’s garages. In October last year he undertook a week’s intensive training to obtain his PCV licence and driver CPC qualification, which he passed first time. Kathy added: “We’re delighted Craig’s won Apprentice of the Year, it’s deserved. “Across the business we’ve got a commitment to training and development to all staff, but it’s not a sexy industry and it’s important that we attract new young blood into the industry which we can mould and develop, working with the training providers, into an apprentice who can grow and develop with the business after their apprenticeship.” Craig joined Bournemouth-based Excelsior Coaches in May 2009 as a PSV apprentice. He will complete his NVQ in August.
we need a star...
Operations Manager
Municipally-owned Network Warrington has announced the appointment of John Burke to the post of finance manager. John brings with him a wealth of experience having been a qualified accountant for 30 years and has a background in new I.T. installations – particularly with the Sage suite of programs which are currently being installed at Network Warrington.
Speaking to CBW, John said: “It’s a very good company with very nice people. It’s a good, wellmanaged business. “There are a lot of new systems we’re currently getting up and running as quickly and as efficiently as possible.” Although John is originally from Leeds, he has lived in Warrington for 20 years.
Have you got what it takes to lead a team? Bluestar is looking for an Operations Manager to lead and develop our driving and supervisory team to help ensure we continue to deliver exceptional service to our customers. Working closely with the local Bluestar management team, the successful applicant will be rresponsible for all aspects of staff management and service sst delivery, whilst continuing to d strengthen the Bluestar brand. st tr CV and covering letter to: Diana Wilks Human Resources Manager Go South Coast Towngate House 2-8 Parkstone Road Poole BH12 2PR or by email at diana.wilks@gosouthcoast.co.uk
Applications to b be received by 1200 on 16 March 2012 A li i
www.coachandbusweek.com
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DeaDlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm
ContaCt Ian Gillis 01733 293484
New deputy director of VDL Groep
for the sales and after sales of buses and coaches throughout the Benelux. Alongside president Wim van der Leegte, the general board of the VDL Groep comprises four other members. They are Wim Maathuis, Jan Mooren, Theo Toussaint and Rini Vermeulen. The team is then supported by eight deputy directors. They are Wim van Bakel, Simon Bambach, Rémi Henkemans, Jan Karssen, Christiaan Kluiters, Henri Koolen, Pieter van der Leegte and Willem van der Leegte.
As of February 14, 2012, Willem van der Leegte has joined the management team of VDL Groep in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. He will be combining his new position as deputy director of the VDL Groep with his current position as managing director of VDL Bus & Coach Nederland and VDL Bus & Coach Belgium. Willem van der Leegte has been employed with the VDL Groep since 2004. He started at VD Leegte Metaal in Hapert (the Netherlands), the very origin of the VDL Groep. There he was introduced to all facets of the company, before focusing on sales. In 2007, he became managing director of VDL Bus & Coach Nederland and in 2010 of VDL Bus & Coach Belgium, which makes him responsible
ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk
Willem van der Leegte started his employment at VDL Groep in 2004
HEAD OF OPERATIONS Network Warrington is a dynamic bus operator serving the town of Warrington and the surrounding area. We were Bus Operator of the Year in 2008 and hold a number of important awards including OHSAS 18001 Health & Safety Accreditation and Investors in People (Bronze). Our annual turnover is £11.5M, we operate a fleet of 110 buses with a total staff of 270. Due to the impending retirement of a key member of our team, we are looking for an experienced Head of Operations to lead the operations and commercial function of the Company. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will be responsible for managing the delivery of a high quality customer driven bus network, including operational delivery, schedules and marketing and you will be fully conversant with the setting and adherence of budgets and Business KPIs. You should have a proven track record of operational and commercial management experience leading to exceptional standards of service delivery, people management skills, be able to challenge established procedures and be keen to motivate and inject enthusiasm into the role. This post will be the principal Transport Manager and therefore an International CPC is required, membership of the CILT or similar body would be advantageous. Please send a letter of application stating why you think that you are the right person for this role, together with a CV stating current salary to Gina Dale, PA to Directors, Network Warrington, Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington WA4 6PT, to be received by Friday 16 March 2012. This position offer a salary of £48,000; 25 days annual holiday (+ Bank Holidays); contributory pension and travel benefits. Interviews will be scheduled to take place on 28/29 March.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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