Wednesday November 14, 2012 Issue 1062 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com
COACH:
Maynes of Buckie invests £1.7m in seven new coaches p9
SHOW REPORT: BUS: A 32-page overview of last week's Euro Bus Expo trade show p18
Stagecoach to buy Bluebird & First's Cheshire business p6
TECHNOLOGY: £20m Green Bus Fund boosts bus manufacturers p4
The online market for vehicles, products and services. Sell faster, buy smarter
Shearings selects Setra for 2013
for recruitm
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Coach & Bus Week, First Floor, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX Switchboard 01733 293240 Fax 0845 280 2927 Web www.coachandbusweek.com Distributed by COMAG
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Latest GBF: good or bad?
L
ast Tuesday’s Green Bus Fund (GBF) announcement seemed to come out of the blue. As is protocol, we announced it on Facebook and Twitter immediately and encouraged our followers to air their views. The news was welcomed by many, but of course, as the discussion on our Facebook page showed, opinion is decidedly divided – and the same goes for those I talked to at Euro Bus Expo. A friendly bus MD told me the announcement was timely as a key customer wanted to bolster its ‘green’ credentials and hence the GBF could provide a much-need boost for his company. The news also gives a welcome bonus to our manufacturing and supply industry – even ‘foreign’ made buses include parts from the UK. Meanwhile, a respected ITA (Integrated Transport Authority) figure told me the surplus couldn’t be spent on much-needed concessionary fares reimbursement because it would be seen as an admission from Westminster the system is not working. Once again, there is nothing for the coaching industry. Let’s hope the FairFuelUk succeeds in its campaign to cancel the planned duty and the resultant VAT increase. I don’t buy the whole ‘green
transport’ thing – fuel hits us all in the pocket at a time when employers can ill afford to increase wages. It also deals a blow to consumer confidence, which of course, is bad news for local bus services and coach hire and touring a like. I’m about to contact my two MPs – Glyn Davies and Stewart Jackson, who I follow on social media, about the fuel duty issue. On a brighter note however, I was delighted Norman Baker MP recognised the efforts and success of ADL, Britain’s biggest bus and coach manufacturer when he spoke at the show. At least he seems to be publicly taking an interest in our industry. It was also great to be present as operators and dealers enthused about vehicle sales and acquisition deals at last week’s Euro Bus Expo – particularly the coaching sector. Thankfully, there didn’t seem any shortage in coming forward with such positive news. I’ve already got an exclusive road test in the can with at least one coach operator. On a final note, I shall be in London for two events next Tuesday – the UK Bus Awards and the ATCO Winter Conference. I’m due to be a panellist at the latter. I look forward to catching up with you at both. Gareth Evans Editor
CONtENtS 4
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36
The latest from across the coach and bus industry in the UK
6
Optare in South Africa for the launch of Busmark 2000 Solos
12
A scenic shot of a Van Hool Volvo B10M run by Berwyn Coaches
Stagecoach grows through acquisition in Cheshire
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What’s happening across the country’s regions. Plus events diary
18
A lighthearted look at the industry. Plus Office Diary column
New coach orders from Shearings, Alpine, Motts and Maynes
A combined report on the highlights of the NEC show
All the latest people moves from across the industry
News
Bus News
Coach News
International News Regional News Euro Bus Expo
The Big Picture
68
Last Stop
69
People
The opinions and views expressed by authors and contributors within Coach & Bus Week are not necessarily those of the Editor or its publisher Coach and Bus Week Ltd.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 14, 2012
nEWS
“We are here for the long haul thanks to Ashok ownership. Despite our problems, we have not neglected our products.” Jim Sumner Optare CEO
BriEfly The Department for Transport (DfT) has started consulting on plans to raise HGV speed limits on A-roads. The current limit on single carriageways for lorries over 7.5t is 40 mph. Under the proposals, this could be increased to 45 or 50mph. DfT statistics on monitored free-flow roads estimate around 70% of HGVs currently travel over 40 mph and it is argued these HGVs have an unfair competitive advantage over those who stick to the speed limit. The limit for smaller HGVs (those between 3.5t and 7.5t) is 50 mph. This will remain unchanged. This consultation does not cover any other speed limits. Read and respond to the consultation at www.dft.gov.uk. Total bus and coach registrations fell 23.9% to 486 units in October, but climbed 44.9% over the year-to-date. The purpose-built bus and coach market declined 35.3% in the month, but rose 16.1% during January-September. Converted bus registrations dipped 8.5% in October, but rose 84.6% during the first 10 months of 2012. “Despite overall bus and coach registrations falling in October, the solid market performance seen so far this year provides a clearer picture of the health of the sector,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “Maintaining this upward trend will be tough next year as wider economic challenges impact on industry, and therefore it is crucial that government maintains its commitment to targeted incentive schemes which will boost market demand and the uptake of innovative technologies.” FirstGroup has become the 25th company and the first public transport operator to be awarded the prestigious British Standard, BS11000, since its introduction in December 2010. It is the world’s first national standard for ‘collaborative business relationships’. Paul Keen, FirstGroup’s Head of Supplier Relationship Management, said: “Improving our long term supplier relationships and ensuring greater collaboration will result in better value for money and ultimately will benefit our bus and rail customers.” www.coachandbusweek.com
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Euro Bus Expo p18
Norman Baker MP announces Green Bus Fund round four The DfT also launched an online calculator to assist potential applicants looking for a share of the £20m An extra £20m is being made available for the government’s Green Bus Fund, after an announcement from Transport Minister Norman Baker at the Euro Bus Expo on Tuesday, November 6. Opening the show, Mr Baker said: “I am happy to announce today I am able to allocate a further £20m for the Green Bus Fund. This will help operators to purchase around 300 more low carbon clean and cutting edge buses and it helps our manufacturers.” Turnining to the bidding process,
he said: “All will be revealed in due course. We’re looking for some element of choice and want to make sure the money is all allocated.” Mr Baker has also launched a so called “easy-to-use toolkit” to allow local authorities and bus operators to make informed decisions on investing low carbon buses. The £20m funding is the fourth round of the Green Bus Fund, bringing the total support for this initiative to £95m since its launch in 2009. The additional funding has been found from an underspend in the DfT’s budget and those wishing to make use of it can apply for the round four support this financial year. Mr Baker added: “Cutting carbon emissions from transport is not a
A beneficiary of a previous Green Bus Fund was Stagecoach Manchester, which runs a number of ADL Enviro400 Hybrids
First slashes Manchester fares by 25% First is to slash its fares in Greater Manchester to encourage more people to use buses. From Sunday November 18, new cheaper day and weekly bus tickets will be available to customers travelling on First services within the M60 ring road, the Oldham Metropolitan Borough Area, and
on journeys between Oldham and Manchester City Centre. The new fares also allow travel on First’s brand new cross city service 18 linking North Manchester with hospitals, universities and businesses on the Oxford Road corridor. Transport for Greater Manchester welcomed the move – saying First’s decision is “a significant step in responding to public demand for affordable fares.” First carried out a number of fare promotions in Greater Manchester this summer. These attracted
choice, it is a necessity and that is why I am prioritising green buses and giving operators and local authorities an extra £20m to deliver on this. “Our new toolkit will be indispensible in allowing those considering investment in low carbon buses to see the advantages for themselves. “The new online low carbon bus calculator will make it easier to quickly work out the savings that can be made over time through cheaper running costs and fuel efficiency.” Details on the bidding process and eligibility will be published soon on the department’s website: www.dft.gov.uk. The new low carbon bus toolkit will help operators and local authorities work out how the finances might stack up, with or without support from the Green Bus Fund. It can also work out how long it will take for a low carbon bus to pay for itself, with the calculator allowing them to quickly work it out using assumptions around capital costs and fuel efficiency. The toolkit also allows the user to tailor the calculation of costs to their specific circumstances. Find the toolkit at www.dft. gov.uk/publications/lowcarbon-bus-calculator/
growth in ridership. Dave Alexander, Regional MD for First in the North of England said: “We have listened to customers who asked for financial incentives to use the bus more often. By saving as much as £5 a week, people will have extra money in their pockets which can be spent elsewhere in the local economy. “We will monitor the success of this initiative and if popular with our customers then we will consider rolling it out to other parts of the First bus network in Greater Manchester.”
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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek
FirstGroup freezes dividend as profits drop
anticipated reductions in operating profit for UK Bus and in UK Rail as a result of the transition to the three year extension period in First TransPennine Express. Following the cancellation of the InterCity West Coast competition, in which FirstGroup had been chosen as the winning bidder and the
FirstGroup has released its half yearly financial report. Revenue rose 2.6% to £3,250m (2011: £3,168.8m), EBITMA fell 8.2% to £291.2m (2011: £317.3m), statutory operating profit dropped 57.6% to £91.7m (2011:£216.3m) and statutory profit before tax dropped by a significant 93.4% to £8.4m (2011: £93.4m), which FirstGroup said reflected “lower underlying operating profit and a charge for exceptional items this half year driven by a one-off exceptional gain of £73.3m due to actions to de-risk the UK Bus pension scheme. Basic earnings per share were at 1.7p (2011: 18.3p). The Group said results reflect the
FirstGroup said anticipated reductions in its UK bus operating profit were reflected in the results. A Wright Volvo is seen in Manchester
Scania’s Euro Bus Expo 2012 a great coach success
Tiverton, Devon-based Blakes Coaches confirmed an order for two Scania Irizar i6 coaches; Attain Travel of Birmingham placed an order for a new Scania Irizar i4, the ninth new Scania coach taken by the firm; Weymouth-based Barrys Coaches ordered its first brand new Scania coaches at the show: two high-spec 400bhp tri-axle 61-seater Scania Irizar i6 tourers; Nailsea-based Blue Iris ordered a Scania Irizar i6. Based on a 360bhp Scania two-axle chassis with the new generation Scania Opticruise gear-selection system, the 53-seater will be used on Majestic UK tours;
Scania GB enjoyed a very successful Euro Bus Expo 2012 with a total of 16 orders taken for new vehicles over the course of the three day event. A summary of the orders which Scania took at the show is as follows: Fareham, Hampshire-based Lucketts Travel ordered a total of five new Scania coaches in a deal sealed at the show;
£750
UDIT
IANCE A
COMPL
pausing of the current rail franchise competitions, FirstGroup decided to hold the interim dividend at last year’s level and will consider the appropriate level for the full year dividend in May 2013. FirstGroup’s Chief Executive, Tim O’Toole, said: “With fundamentally strong and diverse operations
AT PLUS V
tel: 08450 575 111
Minibus Executive Travel purchased the show Scania Irizar i6. The 12.45m long 3.6m high vehicle is the first i6 to feature a flat floor throughout. It will be delivered to the firm in December; Tring, Hertfordshire-based J&L Coaches took two 400bhp tri-axle Scania OmniExpress’s, one being the show vehicle with half leather seats and wood effect floor. Both coaches will be delivered in January 2013, fitted with 63 seats; Hills of Wolverhampton ordered a 320bhp two-axle Scania Irizar i4. Fitted with 59 seats, the 12.9m long vehicle is equipped with new generation Scania Opticruise gear-selection system
together with our improvement programmes, we are confident of achieving our goals to enhance performance and deliver improved growth and returns. The Group is in a period of transition and while there is significant work still to do, we are satisfied with the progress of the actions we have taken so far, though we remain cautious in respect of the continued economic weakness. “In the short term we have to contend with the uncertainty around future rail franchises created by the DfT’s decision to cancel the West Coast contract and pause the current franchise competitions. Prior to this we had been awarded the West Coast contract and were shortlisted for the remaining three current competitions, the outcomes of which would have been known by early summer 2013. As a result of this uncertainty, the Board has decided to hold the interim dividend at last year’s level.” and delivered in May 2013; and Terravision Transport placed an order for a two-axle Scania chassis with a 360bhp engine and the new generation Scania Opticruise gear-selection system. The 12.6m overall length vehicle is equipped with a 53 seat Irizar i6 body. Built to full DDA specification, this coach will also have a front wheelchair lift. Scania GB Bus, Coach and Engine Sales Director Tony Tomsett, said: “In addition to the signed orders themselves, the two models on display on our stand – a Scania OmniExpress and a Scania Irizar i6 – attracted great interest and a hatful of operator enquiries.”
Contains 100% compliance Long lasting protection L
email: julia.davies@backhouses.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com
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£1,350
nEWS › BUSeS
The sum Yellow Buses has raised this year for the Breast Cancer Care charity
BriEfly Contractors are due to start vegetation clearance work on part of the Leigh Guided Busway next week – Transport for Greater Manchester has announced. The busway will eventually link Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton with Salford and central Manchester. The 4.5mile guided section of the 14-mile busway stretches from Leigh to Ellenbrook and follows the route of a former railway line. City of York Council is set to begin the construction of a new bus lane along the inbound side of Boroughbridge Road between Plantation Drive and Princess Drive in Acomb this week. The bus lane and traffic light-controlled bus gate will enable buses and taxis to have quicker access into city centre. The works form a key part of the Access York Park & Ride project, which will support the operation of a new Park & Ride site at Poppleton Bar. The three-month project is scheduled for completion in January. Fares across London’s transport network are due to rise by 4.2% on January 2. The increase means a single bus journey on an Oyster pay-asyou-go will go up by 5p to £1.40, while the daily Oyster cap will rise by 20p to £4.40 – up 4.8%. Bus cash fares will cost £2.40, a 4.3% rise. The changes have been described by Mayor Boris Johnson as “balanced”, being 1% above the Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation. Concessionary fares for young people and veterans have been protected as has free travel for the elderly and disabled. Yellow Buses has launched a remastered website. The bybus.co.uk website has a detailed route-planner section and regular competitions, plus dedicated pages which advertise special offers. Passengers can also top-up their travel “Glo” cards straight from the site that also issues regular traffic alerts. The Bournemouth-based operator said it wanted to be as transparent as possible, which is why details of fares are included. It was been designed by Base Creative of Bournemouth. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Stagecoach splashes the cash in Cheshire and Manchester £14m deal to buy Bluebird of Manchester and First’s Birkenhead & Chester subject to OFT approval Stagecoach appears to be on something of an acquisition spree – with agreements reached to buy Greater Manchester independent Bluebird and First’s operations in Cheshire and the Wirral. Stagecoach is looking to add to its bus operations in Greater Manchester with a £2m agreement to acquire independent operator Bluebird Bus & Coach from owner Mike Dustan, a former GM Buses
South employee. Bluebird operates primarily in north Manchester and employs 80 staff. The purchase includes a leased depot at Greengate, Middleton, and 40 buses. In financial terms, Bluebird generated revenues of £4m in the year to January 31 and underlying profits of £480,000. The Bluebird operations will become part of Stagecoach Manchester, which is led by Managing Director (MD) Chris Bowles. The agreement commits Stagecoach to acquire the business only if clearance is given by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). If
A Bluebird-operated MCV Evolution-bodied ADL E200 is pictured at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre on April 20, 2012
Gap between London & provinces widens – says pteg New analysis of Treasury public spending figures by pteg (Passenger Transport Executive Group) has found the transport funding per head in London has now risen to £644 compared with £243 for the West Midlands and the North of England combined. The figures per region are: £223 for the North East, £279 for the North West, £251 for Yorkshire and Humberside, and £198 for the West Midlands. The gap has widened since the
Pteg Chairman Geoff Inskip said the increased transport funding in London is all too clear for any visitor to see
approved, Stagecoach expects the acquisition to be completed in the first quarter of 2013. However, it is understood only one Stagecoach route touches Bluebird territory – it’s competitors being First and rival Middleton-based independent JPT. Commenting on the deal, Les Warneford, MD of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “This is a good fit with our existing successful bus network in Greater Manchester. We believe there is scope to develop the business and attract more customers to bus travel through our good value fares and high quality of service.” As this issue went to press on Monday, it was announced Stagecoach had also agreed to acquire First’s operations covering Birkenhead, Chester and Wrexham for £4.5m. The deal involves 290 staff, who will transfer to Stagecoach. The deal is expected to be completed by next month or in January 2013. Glenvale, a Stagecoach subsidiary, is leading the takeover of the FirstGroup operation which includes 110 buses and bus depots in New Chester Road, Rock Ferry, Liverpool Road, Chester, and a leased outstation in Wrexham. The latter works yellow school bus contracts. previous years’ figures with spend in London rising from £642 per head to £644 per head, whilst the spend in the West Midlands and North of England fell from £269 per head to £243 per head (the lowest figure in five years). Pteg said the disparity in public spending on transport between London and the regions is not matched for public spending as a whole, or for spending on education or health. It is also a relatively recent phenomenon rather than the historic norm. The analysis is entirely based on figures in the Treasury’s 2012 Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses which is published on HMT’s website.
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90%
The percentage of FirstGroup’s UK operations which now using OmniMAP from Omnibus Stagecoach says the deal will allow it to expand its successful bus operations in the North West where it’s Merseyside and South Lancashire business already operates more than 300 buses and employs over 900 staff. In the 12 months to March, 2012, the FirstGroup business had revenues of £12m and an operating profit of around £600,000. Les Warneford said: “This acquisition will extend our operations in the North West of England, particularly in Merseyside. We believe there is significant scope to develop these businesses and improve their financial performance by investing in the quality of the bus fleet.” Commenting Giles Fearnley, First’s MD of UK Bus, said: “Birkenhead and Chester are businesses where we have previously seen lower than average margins and they are not core to our operations. They fit better with Stagecoach’s existing portfolio in the area and also allow us to realise efficiencies in support costs. The sale of these operations marks further progress in disposing of selected assets and businesses as we review the scope and scale of our portfolio and reposition it for the longer term. We are progressing our detailed programme to recover performance and equip our UK Bus business to achieve sustainable revenue and patronage growth.” The latest plan for expansion in the region comes just a week after Stagecoach agreed to takeover FirstGroup’s bus operations in Wigan in a £12m deal. That deal is unlikely to worry the OFT as Stagecoach has previously had no presence in Wigan.
Second strike to hit First D&C
A second 24-hour strike is set to hits First Devon & Cornwall this Thursday (November 15). The action follows what the RMT Union called “a rock solid” strike on October 26. Chris Bainbridge, Service Delivery Director for First South Coast, explained: “The deal we’ve put on the table is a very good one. It guarantees drivers and engineers a simple 2% pay increase
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November 14, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7
The number of new Setra coaches Shearings Group has ordered for next year
SHARE WATCH
Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, November 12. 21st Century saw the greatest proportional rise, while FirstGroup saw the greatest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk
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Go-Ahead Group-owned konectbus has taken delivery of five new 79 leather-seated ADL E400s for its half-hourly Watton to Norwich routes 3 and 6 which also serve the town of Wymondham and the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. These latest arrivals bring the total number of E400s in the 55-strong fleet to 15. They have replaced Optare Tempos which have been cascaded to other routes. Operations & Commercial Director Julian Patterson told CBW: “Passenger numbers are increasing so not only do these double deckers provide much needed extra capacity, they also give room for further growth. We’ve invested almost £1.9m in new double deckers this year, which re-affirms our commitment to growth and helping to keep the quality bar raised high on inter-urban services.”
UKBA 2012 Games transport heroes shortlisted The UK Bus Awards (UKBA) has announced no less than eight people have made the shortlist for the Transport Heroes of the 2012 Games award. Nominations were drawn from all of those people working for a bus and/or coach operator in any capacity in the planning, organisation, management or operation of bus and coach transport services for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic
Games. The shortlisted nominees are Caroline Ward of Arriva London, Mick Coombes and Mike Wills of First Games Transport, Nick Ringrose, Stephen Elliott and the Hayes Team of First London, plus Simon Green and Stephen Walker of Transport for London. The winner will be announced at next Tuesday’s (November 20) UK Bus Awards ceremony at the London Hilton hotel on Park Lane.
from December 2 and a further 2.3% rise from April next year, with no changes to the terms and conditions of current staff. “The pay offer on the table adds to an already generous pay and benefits package. On average our drivers earn around £17,000 a year with the opportunity to earn much more through overtime. “The bus industry is already facing challenging times, with millions of pounds worth of funding cuts, cost increases affecting all parts of the business and the recession impacting on the number of people using our services, we would expect our staff to work with us to grow the business and make it
stronger, rather than undermining efforts in this way by persisting with unnecessary strike action.” However, RMT General Secretary Bob Crow hit back, when he said: “The refusal to honour back pay deliberately watered down the value of the deal and that pennypinching has led us back into strike action this week. “The determination to secure a fair deal is rock solid amongst the bus workers. First Devon and Cornwall must recognise that and get round the table with us to sort out a deal that properly rewards this key group of transport staff without unacceptable strings and conditions.”
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nEWS › coaches
BriEfly Nighttime closures of the southern end of the M6 are currently in operation between 2000 and 0600 to allow resurfacing to be safely carried out. The work, which is due to take place between now and the night of November 22, will see the southbound carriageway closed between Junctions 4 (M42) and 3 (Bedworth) and northbound between Junctions 2 (A46/ M69) and 4. On the southbound carriageway, this will include closure of the M6 Toll link and the M42 northbound link to the M6 southbound and all other associated exit and entry slip roads and entry and exit to Corley Services. Northbound, this will include a closure of Junction 3 northbound entry slip and entry and exit to Corley Services. For the next three weeks expansion joints are being replaced on three bridges between M5 Junctions 5 (Droitwich) and 6 (Worcester). The work is due to be carried out between 1900 and 0600hrs. Traffic will be diverted via the A38 and A4538. Joint replacement work is also underway on the Bowden Hill Bridge, which carries the A34 over the local road between Lower Bullington and Upper Bullington. The six-week project is due to be carried out during day time hours with some overnight closures. From now until midDecember, there will be overnight closures of the M62 on most Saturdays between Junctions 29 (Lofthouse) and 30 (Rothwell) to enable the installation of the remaining four new gantries which form part of the managed motorway scheme between Junctions 25 and 30. Overnight work to resurface the A47 Cucumber Lane roundabout in Brundall, Norfolk is due to take place for four nights from Monday November 19. While work takes place, the carriageway will be closed between the A47/ A1042 Postwick Interchange eastbound and the A47 Yarmouth Road junction westbound. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Shearings and Evobus executives: Jan Aichinger, Ian McInnes, Chris Brown, Mike Beagrie and Mick Forbes
Shearings commits to Setra for 2013 season £7m deal means 60% of fleet will be Setra from next year Shearings Group has ordered 30 new Setra coaches to support continued growth in its National Holidays and Shearings Holidays divisions. The order comprises 10 tri-axle S416GT-HDs for Shearings and 20 two-axle S415GT-HD coaches for National Holidays. Since early 2009, Shearings has acquired 165 new coaches from Setra, with more than two thirds of the group fleet now comprising new specification Setra vehicles. The additional £7m deal is being facilitated by a new leasing agreement with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, who work closely with Setra worldwide to provide innovative funding solutions for the brand, and have been closely involved with the programme since its inception. The Wigan-based Group, which focuses on holidays and hotel breaks for the over 50s market, reported a 3.5% rise in annual sales to £193.7m in 2011. Shearings, which provides UK and overseas holidays by coach, air and rail, as well as ocean and
The Champagne is on hand as the order paperwork is completed on the Evobus stand on Thursday river cruises, also said like for like revenues and profits in the first nine months of 2012 were ahead of last year, with particularly strong growth from its value focused brand National Holidays and improved profitability from its Shearings Holidays brand. Denis Wormwell, CEO of Shearings Group, said: “Despite challenging market conditions, we’re continuing to grow our customer base thanks to the quality of our product, our value for money proposition and the loyalty of our existing customer base. “This latest deal with Setra demonstrates both our commitment to invest in the
business and the confidence we have in our forward growth.” Commenting on the deal, Mike Beagrie, Director Coach Sales at EvoBus UK said: “It is hard to believe that it is almost four years since Shearings committed to purchase their first Setra coaches with Mercedes-Benz drivelines from EvoBus and at the time it was seen by some as a real leap of faith. From that first order, we have worked closely with Shearings to deliver on our promises, resulting in further purchases for a total of 165 coaches. “We see this continued investment and trust in the products and services we can deliver as a real affirmation of our efforts and now look forward to the sustainable growth that will come from our partnership”. Shearings Group, which employs over 3,000 staff and comprises Shearings Holidays, National Holidays, Caledonian Travel, a chain of 50 holiday hotels under the Bay and Coast & Country brands, and eight Wallace Arnold Travel shops. Visit www.shearings.com
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“We are hoping to move into the bus market and we are in negotiations to that effect. If one operator takes it up then it’s likely others will follow...” Dave Whittock Alcolock GB
Maynes seven new coaches at Euro Bus Expo Renowned North of Scotland coach operator Maynes of Buckie placed orders for seven new coaches at last week’s Euro Bus Expo show. The investment, which totalled around £1.7m, included ‘virgin’ vehicle types to the firm. The two smaller vehicles comprise a 16-seater MercedesBenz UNVI Vega GT has been ordered from Coach Traders. The coach-built vehicle will have full air con, leather seats, tables and an onboard entertainment system. A surprise purchase, however, is a BMC MidiLux 27 seater midi coach from BMC UK. “This is the first BMC coach our company has bought, it will fit nicely into our popular range of midi coaches we already have in our fleet. The MidiLux will be used on all our private hire and corporate customer travel requirements,” Kevin Mayne, a Director of the family-run firm told CBW. “The 16-seater was bought in the 50 minutes we were at the show. We’d talked about the Nifty for some time. We’re planning to use it as an extra vehicle for private hire and corporate work.” Moving to the large coaches, Maynes has three Vanhool DAF TX15 coaches from Arriva Bus and Coach. Kevin continued: “This is the first time we have bought this
combination, although we are no strangers to Van Hool and DAF having had these makes many times before. The new coaches will be built by Vanhool to our exact executive specification complete with 49 seats, full air-con, WC, hot and cold drinks and an on-board entertainment system. These new coaches will blend into our touring and private hire fleet undertaking a mixed workload throughout the UK and Europe.” Maynes has also remained loyal to one of its suppliers of choice – MAN. “We’ve also ordered another two new 53-seater Neoplan Tourliners from MAN Coach Sales coaches. These will join the three 53-seater Tourliners
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already in the fleet. These coaches have become a very popular size - they will predominantly be used on incoming tour work and our own private hire work. These new additions keep our number of Tourliners in our fleet to eleven all of which are all under three years old. All coaches are due for delivery during Spring 2013 and interestingly, they will be sport a new silver livery. Established by James Mayne in 1947, the firm operates 30 coaches from depots in Buckie, Elgin and Orkney. Visit Maynes’ website at www.maynes.co.uk
The Nifty coach which will join the Mayne fleet, was displayed on BMC stand at last week’s Euro Bus Expo show at the NEC, Birmingham
Orders from Alpine & Motts
Alpine Travel and Motts Travel, two highly-respected family-run coach operators, placed orders for new coaches for the 2013 season at last week’s Euro Bus Expo. Chris B Owens of Llandudnobased Alpine Travel told CBW: “We’ve ordered a Mercedes-Benz Tourismo for a local tour operator. The specification is superb. We’ve also bought a Plaxton Pantherbodied Volvo B9 for the Alpine fleet. Without question, the level of
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Roger Mott and Mike Beagrie shake hands on the deal on Thursday support from Volvo and Evobus is second to none.” Motts has ordered a pair of Setra S416GT-HDs for tour work at its Clacton-based Crusader operation. Roger Mott, MD at Motts Travel
told CBW: “We’ve evaluated other products. Motts has traditionally been very Volvo-minded. 2013 will be our first full season since we took over Crusader, we felt there was pressure to provide more of the same, which led us to Setra. Price is important – we were offered a competitive quotation. “We’ve yet to finalise the spec but we’re leaning towards them being 48-seaters, like our others, as leg room is important on continental tours. We view Setra as the ultimate touring coach – everything is in the right place. There is a premium but we’re biting the bullet.” Mike Beagrie said: “It’s fabulous news for me. Crusader and Motts can see the value of Setra.”
West’s Coaches has a distinctive blue, read & white livery
Dan’s Luxury Travel takes over West’s Coaches West’s Coaches of Woodford, Essex, has been taken by South Woodfordbased Dan’s Luxury Travel. Bob West, 70, has decided to call it a day running the business his dad Leslie created in 1949. “I don’t really want to retire, but it’s got to the point where I can’t carry on forever,” explained Mr West. Dan Brown, 62, owner of Dan’s Luxury Travel worked with Mr West in the early 70s when he was setting up his own business. Mr West added: “Dan has been keen to take over for a number of years, so it made sense to merge our companies. What I loved most about the job was that I wasn’t at home. I’m not in the right frame of mind to put my feet up at the moment though.” Mr Brown took over the company on November 1 after first enquiring about his rival’s retirement four years ago. He said: “I said to him ‘when are you going to retire? You’ve been doing this far too long’ and now he has finally retired. “This is a fantastic take over for us and it is a fabulous business to work in.” Taking over West’s Coaches means Mr Brown has added an additional 15 coaches to his fleet of 25. Mr West will continue to play an active role in the company and visits the depot on a daily basis to keep an eye on things. Visit www.dansluxury travel.co.uk and www. westscoaches.co.uk
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Optare’s Solo SR launched in South Africa Kits made in UK to be assembled at new ‘integrated manufacturing business park’ in Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA With the first Solo SRs from an order for 190 about to enter service in Cape Town, Optare, along with its partner Busmark 2000, has introduced the model to the wider South African market. At a launch event in Cape Town on November 7, Busmark also announced plans to expand its presence in the Western Cape by developing an integrated manufacturing business park in Cape Town. At the heart of this will be a new bus assembly plant which will act as a hub for smaller companies producing components both for the plant and for export. Speaking at the event, Optare CEO Jim Sumner: “Busmark is an excellent partner for Optare because we share the same vision. Following delivery of a demonstration Solo SR in February 2011, Busmark went on to win a contract for 190 from the City of Cape Town to be built locally from kits prepared in our Yorkshire
plant. Their progress has been impressive and to date they have built over 80 buses, of which the first 30 will enter service next month as planned. “The launch of the model to bus operators and public transport authorities across South Africa augurs well for further sales as other cities see the success of Cape Town’s Bus Rapid Transport system. This version of the Solo
SR has been developed especially for this sophisticated network, which makes extensive use of new technologies and which will itself need more buses as it is progressively expanded. Both Optare and Busmark are hopeful of securing further significant tranches of business as a result.” In a keynote speech, Councillor Brett Herron, Mayoral Committee Member for Transport on Cape
The first Solo SRs are about to enter service in Cape Town
Arriva joint venture wins Budapest bus contracts HUnGARY Hungarian bus operator VT Transman, a joint venture between Arriva and Videoton Holding, has won two eight-year bus contracts operating across Budapest, Hungary’s capital city. The contracts are the first to be awarded on a new tender basis by Budapesti Közlekedési Központ. They will begin to operate from May 1, 2013 in a phased introduction over a three-month period and an optional two-year extension. The services will operate in the North Pest area of the city. Revenue from the contracts will be €29m a year. The contracts add to VT Transman’s presence in Hungary www.coachandbusweek.com
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Municipal BKV (Budapest Transport) operates much of the city’s network but the market is being opened up to other operators, such as VT Transman where it provides regional, urban and contracted bus operations, currently with 225 buses and 450 employees. Over €40m is to be invested in 150 new Mercedes Citaros for the contracts, consisting of 12 metre and articulated vehicles. All vehicles will feature passenger information
systems, air conditioning and “infotainment.” Combined, the contracts will see Arriva and Videoton operate an additional 11.5million kms a year and employ an additional 500 people. The contracts will operate from the existing depot and a new depot in Budapest.
Town City Council, congratulated Optare and Busmark on the launch of the Solo SR in South Africa. He said: “It seems to me that your decision to assemble the Solo here in Cape Town and ultimately to grow an integrated manufacturing business premised on the initial contract awarded to you by the City of Cape Town, is evidence of great foresight and an acute understanding of the opportunities that exist in Cape Town, in South Africa and in the world, within the public transport sector. “Within the coming weeks Cape Town will begin to see the 9m Solo SR operating on the MyCiTi feeder routes. From the moment I first saw the prototype a year ago; I’ve eagerly awaited the sight of the it, branded MyCiTi, on the roads. “I firmly believe this little bus will be a major contributor to growing our public transport market. It hits all the right design and operating requirements to express what we are trying to communicate – that the new order of public transport in Cape Town is efficient, safe, desirable, modern and dignified and that we expect people to move from private car to public transport and to use this bus and the new network. “I am confident the Optare Solo will assist us to grow public affection and affinity for public transport and the MyCiTi brand.” Dominic Palleschi, director Eastern Europe, at Arriva, said: “These are the first contracts of their kind in Budapest. They allow the transport authority to provide an upgraded, modern fleet for its passengers, significantly improving the travel experience. “The Hungarian transport market is opening to competitive tender and we are well positioned to work closely with the client body and to advise as they establish the best solutions for their local transport needs.” Arriva entered the Hungarian bus market in 2008 where VT Transman is the country’s largest private sector bus operator. It has been running sub-contracted services in Budapest since 1999.
The contract wins strengthen Arriva’s presence in mainland Europe where it runs a range of services in 11 countries in addition to the UK. Visit www.arriva.co.uk
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nEWS › REGIONAL
nORTH
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has invested £15,000 in 16 new highquality CCTV cameras for Ashtonunder-Lyne bus station. The cameras, offering recordable and transferable digital footage, will monitor the bus station 24/7 and have been placed at locations throughout the facility. They have replaced an older CCTV system which dates from 1994. Michael Renshaw, Bus and Rail Director for TfGM, said: “We are committed to making passengers feel safe and secure and these new advanced cameras are a real demonstration of that. “Our excellent relationship with the police is also vital in ensuring Ashton bus station continues as a no-go area for crime and anti-social behaviour. “These new cameras mean we and our partners are now in an even stronger position to tackle any problems swiftly and decisively.” Superintendent Nicola Spragg, from the Tameside Division of Greater Manchester Police, added: “We have worked alongside TfGM to improve the CCTV system at Ashton bus station. “The updated system will be a key asset in our commitment to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in this busy transport hub. “We also have a police information pod at the station which will provide reassurance to the community as Ashton bus station becomes busier with shoppers in the run-up to the festive period.” A £5.15m transport scheme in Grimsby has been approved by councillors, with work due to start in the spring. The bus station is set to be redesigned and repositioned within Riverhead Square allowing for expansion of the Freshney Place shopping centre. The station will also include a cycling hub for people to park or hire bikes. Links to the bus station will be improved – some bus stops will be relocated and electronic passenger information signs added. One-way systems on some streets will also be introduced or reversed. Most of the scheme will be funded with a £4.3m government grant, with the rest coming from North East Lincolnshire Council. Councillor Peter Wheatley, www.coachandbusweek.com
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Coach & Bus Week takes a look at the big issues where you live in our round-up of the regions. If you’ve got a local issue you’d like us to cover, contact James Day on james. day@coachandbusweek.com.
SOUTH EAST
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SCOTLAND NORTHERN IRELAND REP OF IRELAND NORTH WALES MIDLANDS EAST LONDON SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST
portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “The funding we received has allowed us to design a number of significant improvements to the public and sustainable transport networks, which will help encourage development, create jobs and improve levels of accessibility.” Jason Longhurst, the council’s Head of Development, said: “We’ve worked closely with a number of local businesses, community transport groups and other organisations, including Stagecoach and Grosvenor, the owners of Freshney Place, to develop the proposals, so we’re confident what is delivered will be a major asset for the town centre and the people and businesses using it. “The award of the funding for this was one of the biggest in the country and shows the town is punching above its weight in terms of attracting investment of this type.”
WALES
For the remainder of the season, Cardiff Bus is treating Cardiff City football club fans with reduced fares and a dedicated shuttle bus for Saturday home games. The service will operate between Cardiff Bus Station and the ASDA bus stop on Leckwith Road. On production of their match ticket or season ticket, fans can enjoy a day ticket for the price of £2.20, a saving of £1.20. Victoria Rees-Price, Marketing Manager at Cardiff Bus said: “Cardiff
Bus is a long-standing supporter of the city’s football team and we want to be able to say thank you to the loyal fans who come out to support their matches.”
MIDLAnDS
trent barton has released a mobile version of its website so bus users can find out information on bus times and route maps while on the move. The website also has details of the latest ticket offers and improved top up options for the one-in-four customers who pay their bus fares using a MANGO smartcard. Alex Hornby, trent barton Commercial Director, explained: “We’re always trying to make life easier for our customers and now they can find the nearest stop, or the time of the next bus, wherever they are and at whatever time of day. “Our website already attracts more than 56,000 visitors per month and around half of them access it using a smartphone. This development will make it much easier to use when they’re on the go.” The mobile-optimised website also includes a number of other useful features such as a postcode search for easy route planning. Alex added: “This latest innovation means you can carry the details of the entire trent barton network in your pocket.” The website can be found by entering www.trentbarton.co.uk into the smartphone browser.
Brighton &Hove City Council’s plans for installing bus lanes along Lewes Road have been given the go ahead and work should commence early next year. The Council’s Transport Committee voted the plans through with all political parties supporting them. Under the plan, half the width of the current dual carriageway, from outside the Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company’s Lewes Road Depot all the way to Falmer will be used for bus and bike lanes. Novel designs have been drawn up for bus stops so that cyclists will not come into conflict with buses. Provision has also been made for articulated buses in the designs. Furthermore, the scheme will see an extension of the 30mph speed limit northwards to the A27 at Falmer. For the tenth year in a row RATP-owned Yellow Buses turned pink to raise money and awareness for a breast cancer charity. Drivers, engineers and administration staff swapped their uniforms and overalls for garish garments. The decade of fundraising by the Dorset-based firm has raised thousands of pounds for Breast Cancer Care. Jenni Wilkinson, Head of Marketing at the award-winning Bournemouth-based operator, who was dressed from head to toe in pink, said: “It’s been very good this year. It is always a feel-good day. All our staff all enjoy it and the passengers have come to expect it now. “It’s a lot of fun and does not only raise money for cancer, but awareness as well. The company is well known for the support we give to a variety of local charities.” The day raised a total of £1,350, with a donation from Yellow Buses. Following an approach from Cranleigh Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Arriva Southern Counties is cutting the price of its single and day return fares as part of initiative aimed at encouraging people to take the bus into the town to support their local shops and businesses. The initiative follows the granting of Town Team Partnership funding to the Surrey town, and the cutprice bus fares are an integral part of a campaign which aims to reinvigorate the town by encouraging residents to shop locally rather than going further afield to Guildford or Horsham.
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Arriva’s Regional Publicity Manager, Richard Lewis, said: “We’re delighted to offer these reduced fares, especially in the runup to Christmas, to help ensure that more people hop on the bus into the town instead of incurring petrol and parking costs. “Our buses run up to every twenty minutes across the town and we hope by giving consideration to using the bus for their local journeys we will carry more people, the shops will do more business and the customers will save over the cost of using their cars and having to pay to park.”
SOUTH WEST
A political row has broken out over the recenetly reported news that articulated buses will no longer be used on Bristol’s planned £130m Bus Rapid Transit system – and that ‘green’ single-deckers are set to be used
instead. According to the City Council, the story came as a result of a political statement issued by the head of transport Tim Kent with the backing of mayoral candidate Dr Jon Rogers. The council said it was issued not as a statement of policy but a statement of Dr Roger’s approach, if he was elected mayor. The Chief Executive and the council are not allowed to make political statements during elections. However, the council did add that a decision on bendy buses would not be made for at least 18 months – according to The Post. The decision will also need to be made in agreementwith neighbouring authorities – South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, as the network will run across municipal boundaries. Bus operators will also be involved in the decision making process.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
The free to enter and attend 20th Annual Swansea Festival of Transport takes place on June 16, 2013. DJ Thomas supported the 2012 event
2012 n November 15 CPT Northern Bus Summit. Manchester Conference Centre. Details from contact CPT NW Regional Manager Phillipa Sudlow on phillipas@cpt-uk.org. n November 20 UK Bus Awards London Hilton Park Lane.
www.ukbusawards.org.uk
n November 20-21 ATCO Winter Conference 2012. Local Government Association House, London, SW1. Will include AGM. www.atco.org.uk n December 15-16 Santa at the Oxford Bus Museum. 01993 883617. www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk
2013 n January 1 New Year’s Holiday Open Day. Oxford Bus Museum. 01993 883617. www. oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk
Stagecoach has invested £1.7m on 14 new ADL Enviro 200s for the Nuneaton town network. The buses have been deployed on a variety of routes around Nuneaton, with focus on routes 5/5A from Chapel End, Camp Hill to the town centre and route 10 from Grove Farm, Stockingford, Black-a-Tree Road to the town centre, both of which run up to every 10 minutes. The vehicles were launched at Nuneaton Town Football Club by Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones and Stagecoach Midlands Managing Director Steve Burd and entered service last Monday (November 5). Steve said: “This huge investment in the bus network in Nuneaton shows our commitment to providing the town with a first class bus service. We have continually reinvested in the network to improve the quality of the service in order to give people what they want; a reliable and frequent service, coupled with value for money travel and comfortable clean buses.” Marcus Jones said: “I was delighted to help launch new state-of-the-art buses and welcome the significant investment Stagecoach is putting into public transport in Nuneaton. It is vital that people have quality public transport in the town and this investment will be welcomed by many who use the buses regularly.” The new investment is the second in as many years, with Stagecoach spending over £4.3m in the period, following the introduction of 24 new buses on route 48, which runs from Nuneaton to Coventry in the south, Atherstone in the north and Leicester in the east.
n January 1 Annual King Alfred Running Day, Winchester. Further information from www. fokab.org.uk k n January 24 CPT Annual Dinner 2013, Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, 45 Prescot Street, London E1 8GP. For further details, call 020 7240 3131 or visit www.cpt-uk.org n March 13-14 Best of Britain and Ireland (BoBi). Travel Trade Forum at the NEC in Birmingham. 01926 834796. www. bestofbritainandirelandevent.co.uk n March 20-21 UK Bus Awards Annual Conference. The conference is booked to take place in Fareham and will feature a visit to Hampshire’s Eclipse BRT project. Further deatils in due course. www.ukbusawards.org.uk
n April 6 South East Bus Festival 2013. Kent Showground, near Maidstone, Kent, brought to you by the organisers of ‘M&D 100’ and ‘M&D and EK 60’. www.facebook. com/southeastbusfestival n April 9-11 CV Show 2013. NEC, Birmingham. www.cvshow.com n April 20-21 UK Coach Awards & UK Coach Rally. Alton Towers, Staffordshire. 01753 631170 www.coachdisplays.co.uk or www. ukcoachawards.co.uk n May 14-15 ALBUM Conference. Belton Woods Hotel near Grantham, Lincolnshire. www.albumconference. co.uk n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition. Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 610 n June 16 Swansea Festival of Transport. Free to enter & attend. Call organiser Ashley Lovering on 07814958379 or email swanseatransport@aol.com. Visit www.ntfwswansea.co.uk. n July 21 Alton Bus Rally. Anstey Park, Anstey Lane, Alton, Hants. www.altonbusrally.org.uk n July 28 The Annual Peterborough Bus & Commercial Vehicle Rally. Sacrewell Farm (A47/A1 junction). All buses and commercials welcome. Free entry. 07828 754412 or 01462 626750k n September 22 Showbus 2013. Imperial War Museum, Duxford. www.tshowbus.com n October 2-3 Coach & Bus Live 2013. NEC, Birmingham. www. coachandbuslive.com
Send your event details to gareth.evans@ coachandbusweek.com
www.coachandbusweek.com
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SHOW REVIEW
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Euro Bus Expo: A Jolly Good Show The Coach & Bus Week magazine’s editorial team report on the bi-annual three-day Euro Bus Expo, which was held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham last week www.coachandbusweek.com
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rganisers of coach and bus trade show, Euro Bus Expo, have heralded the event a success with an increase in visitor numbers and the announcement of industry orders worth around £250m. More than 9,200 industry professionals attended the threeday show held in Hall 5 at the NEC in Birmingham, an increase of 5% on the last show held in 2010. The event was opened by Transport Minister Norman Baker MP, who reinforced the importance of the biennial show to the coach and bus industry by using it to announce £20m of government money for the fourth tranche of Green Bus Funding. BBC1’s Breakfast show broadcast its business programme live from the show on the first morning. Interviews with the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK manufacturers, suppliers and operators provided the focus for a
number of business-led reports. Among the manufacturers and suppliers using the show to announce orders was ADL, which announced it had won orders worth £220m for almost 1,000 vehicles to be delivered in the next 18 months. High-profile industry figures attending the show included Shadow Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood MP and Senior Traffic Commissioner, Beverley Bell. Overseas visitors included a senior delegation led by the Minister of Transport for the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Vehicles ADL
ADL CEO Colin Robertson confirmed orders for 1,000 vehicles – the bulk of which (800) are for the new Enviro 500 and Enviro400 hybrid double decker now featuring stop/start technology which is claimed to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 output
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1: An ADL E500 for KMB of Hong Kong. 2: The trusted ADL E200. 3: Newport Transport’s ADL E400, due for launch at the end of November, featured an impressive interior which included some tables on the top deck. 4: The bright and airy interior of the E200. 5: ADL’s E350 Hybrid single-decker
4 by 8-10%. New orders for 175 Enviro200s were also announced. Robertson said ADL would build over 600 of this model over the next 12 months. He was pleased over a third were being supplied to smaller operators and many were repeat orders. Plaxton announced it is to deliver a total of 71 high specification 12.8m Panther coaches to the MoD between now and the middle of next year. All are being equipped with 55 reclining seats, air conditioning and are based on the Volvo B9R chassis. They will replace existing vehicles approaching the end of their working life. Plaxton Sales Director Kevin Wood said: “This is a real boost to our revitalised business and spells good news for both Plaxton and the industry in general. Against the toughest of global competitors we have emerged ahead of the pack. This is a resounding vote of confidence in our brand, our market leading products and our ability to give customers exactly what they want.”
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5 “As a business, we are passionate about listening to our customers, understanding their wants and needs – and building vehicles that make a difference, enhancing both the passenger experience and the profitability of our customers in the process. Our success in recent years has been built on our ability to respond rapidly and to provide innovative, customised solutions. It is a winning strategy and one we will continue to pursue.”
BASE
BASE had four vehicles on display – three inside and one outside. Inside was a 70-seat Tata Hispano Intea on a MAN A91 chassis, with two fullsize power doors and three-point seat belts, for Wheelers Travel in Southampton; a 12.2m Beulas Spica with 49 seats, toilet and wheelchair lift going to Runcorn-based Anthony’s Travel; and a 14.6m 93-seat Beulas Jewel on a MAN RR8 tri-axle chassis. Outside, BASE had a 72-seater Beulas Glory on an MAN R37
chassis for Hatts Travel. Mark Aspinall, Director, said: “There have been a lot of enquires for the Beulas products for the new season which is encouraging. “We have got a good product range which means we are able to meet a lot of different needs and that’s a great position to be in.”
MAN
The official hand-over of Arriva’s first MAN EcoCity gas-engined bus from MAN Truck & Bus UK was a key highlight of MAN’s programme. It was the first of 21 EcoCity buses for service in Runcorn and Darlington which are supported through the last round of Green Bus Fund grants. The MAN EcoCity was specifically designed for the UK market and offers potential operating cost savings of around 30%. Its ability to run on biogas can result in carbonneutral operation. “Naturally, we are delighted to have secured what we hope is the first of many orders for
our EcoCity,” said Tony Griffiths, General Manager Bus Operations. “To receive the order for such a significant quantity of chassis and from such a high-profile operator is justification for all the hard work we, and the Gas Bus Alliance, have put in over the last 24 months.” “We have always had the utmost confidence in the MAN EcoCity product. We’ve been open and honest with our calculations on economy and other running costs, and it’s enormously gratifying to see customers realise the full potential of MAN EcoCity. Also new for the UK was Starliner 2 – the new 12.9m triaxle touring coach from Neoplan. It features a steered rear tag axle and is powered by a 505bhp MAN D26 EEV engine with TipMatic automated gearbox. Starliner 2 is priced for retail at a very attractive £299,950, some £60,000 lower than the 14m version. A premium saloon specification includes 53 seats (Kiel 1020 Avance) and WC. Neoplan’s other coach offering, the Tourliner, has www.coachandbusweek.com
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SHOW REVIEW
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1: The first of its kind in the UK – a restyled Beulas Spica, on the new MAN RR8-360 chassis, for Anthony’s Travel. 2: A left hand drive Beulas Jewel for Spanish firm Francisco Carrea. 3: A 70-seater Tata Hispano-bodied MAN A91 for Wheelers of Southampton. 4: An integral Irizar i6 on the Irizar UK stand seen significant success in the past 12 months with over 40 units sold. On the stand was a 13.26m variant, with centre sunken toilet, capable of seating 53/55 passengers. Air conditioning is standard and it carries a high-level of specification.
Optare
‘HERE FOR THE LONG HAUL’ Optare held its annual pre-show press event on the eve of Euro Bus Expo where CEO Jim Sumner summarised the year’s achievements and outlined the company’s plans for the future. With the imminent arrival of its 10,000th vehicle, which is currently on the production line, alongside the introduction of innovative new products Optare is adamant it is now in a position to secure a strong future. Jim Sumner said due to a change in Optare’s financial accounting year since its takeover by Ashok Leyland, it was currently in a close period ahead of announcing interim results and he was therefore only able to reveal very limited www.coachandbusweek.com
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information. He confirmed the rationalisation process had now concluded with the Blackburn facility being handed back to the landlord by the end of November, The sale of the Rotherham site at the end of June and the move from Manston Lane to Sherburn completed. The Manston Lane site has already been demolished to make way for new housing in Leeds. The immediate benefit to the company has been a reduction in its fixed cost base from around 22-24% down to 12%. In addition, outsourcing of components has cut costs by a further 12-14%. Sumner said now the moving process was complete the delivery programme had vastly improved and production was now moving ahead of requirements. Compared to 2011, output was 70% higher in terms of complete and CKD vehicles. Optare’s CKD assembly partner in Cape Town, BusMark, is currently producing 25 vehicles per week for the rapid transit project there. “We are now here for the long
haul, thanks to Ashok ownership,” said Sumner. “Despite our problems we have not neglected products. We dominate the single deck hybrid market and also have successful EVs in operation. Operators are becoming very interested in EVs in the face of Euro 6 and the future technology will see substantial growth in a few years’ time. We have other options such as the mechanical hybrid which also has huge retrofit potential. Likely to be here in Q1 next year is a new double decker. It is fully tested and homologated although the sector is not too strong at present and we know to sell it we have to bring something new to the market. We are seriously considering developing it as a pure EV double decker. “As with single deck buses we aim to maximise seating capacity and minimise weight. We’ll be targeting these products to achieve greater fleet sales.” Operations Director Glenn Saint introduced the show vehicles starting with the new 11.7m Versa
for trials with Go North East. It can accommodate 44 seats and weighs less than eight tonnes. According to Saint, it achieved double figure miles per gallon in trials with Arriva and is available with either a four cylinder Mercedes-Benz or a six-cylinder Cummins engine. Hybrid or EV versions are also optional. It retains he Allison 2,000 series automatic gearbox and Klam retarder in the driveline. He said the fuel economy had already stirred considerable interest from big operating groups. Making its debut appearance too, is the Bonito, a lightweight composite construction minibus aimed directly at accessible and community transport operation. It features a glass fibre and carbon composite body for extremely low weight and is said to have a GVW below four tonnes fully laden with 16 passengers. The whole vehicle is being built in Holland by Plastisol to Optare specification and employs a Fiat Ducato Maxi drive with the option of six-speed manual gearbox or the Comfortmatic
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1: The recently launched Merecedes-Benz Citaro K made its public debut. 2: Edward Morris and Matthew Toms from E P Morris. 3: A King Long XMQ6127 for Birmingham-based Aston Manor Coaches. 4: A stylish King Long XMQ6130Y acquired by Prospect Coaches of Lye near Stourbridge automated manual transmission. Saint said the specification included double rear doors and an access ramp although it was possible for customers to opt for no rear doors if necessary – but he indicated the Bonito was not intended to compete as a PSV – although it would ideally suit Demand Responsive or Dial-a-Ride. It has a completely flat floor with minimal wheelarch intrusion and full length Unwin tracking. Phoenix seats are installed as standard and with all of them removed it can carry up to seven wheelchairs. Other features include LED interior lighting and a CD/MP3 player. Also on show was a new two-door citybus designed for high intensity operation and to compete specifically in London. The MetroCity has its own distinctive styling but shares structural compatibility with the Versa. It is available as a 10.6m (on show) or at 9.9m (with four fewer seats). The 10.6m model has 29 seats plus three tip-ups and a total capacity for 60 passengers. Customers can www.coachandbusweek.com
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opt for a 185bhp Cummins ISBe4 or a 154bhp Mercedes-Benz OM904 with Allison 2100 transmission. The final drive ratio has been altered to 5.3:1 which now allows full use of all the gears and aids fuel consumption – as does the switch to electric cooling fans and a switch to LED lighting. It also features an integrated driver protection system which is claimed to provide adequate safety without impeding vision. Completing the line-up was a 9.0m EV version of the Solo SR with its Enova drive system and Valence batteries. Solo EVs currently operate in Durham, Nottingham, Poundberry and at Heathrow Airport. They are achieving a range of 80-100 miles per charge. An overnight off-peak full charge costs around £6.40 which has the potential to save operator between £8,000 - £12,000 in fuel expense. Jim Sumner pointed out if these vehicles were acquired on a lease rather than through capital expenditure customers were into immediate savings, without waiting
for a payback period of four or five years. All products are now being offered at attractive finance rates through Optare Direct.
Scania
Scania Bus, Coach and Engine Sales Director Tony Thomsett highlighted key points the organisation had achieved or developed. These included an increased level of service – not least through driver and technical training courses. The Scania apprenticeship programme, based in Loughborough, is open to all and a fuel card has been introduced which gives small and large operators access to fuel at bulk diesel prices. The company’s coach offerings now included 53-seat executive option with an Irizar i6 body and its OmniExpress could now provide 63 seats and had been given a revised interior design. Also on the stand was the first of the new 12m gas bus chassis for Reading Buses which is being fitted with an ADL Enviro300 body.
Reading CEO James Freeman revealed an artist’s impression of the new vehicles and their proposed livery which has been designed by Best Impressions. He said: “We chose gas buses specifically to win a contract. The credentials of gas gave us the edge we needed and made us carbon neutral. “I foresee a strong future for gas as road fuel. We already have 100 Scanias in our fleet. They go very well and we are confident in their reliability – so we were very happy to see the Scania/ADL combination emerge. We have ordered 20 and they are due to go into service in May 2013.” Scania success at the show saw confirmed orders placed for 16 vehicles in addition to many enquiries which will be followed up in due course. Tony Tomsett said: “Furthermore, the appearance of the first of 20 gas bus chassis destined for Reading Buses drew operators to our stand and generated a terrific amount of
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1: A 31 leather seated King Long XMQ6800. 2: An MAN EcoCity for Arriva, 10 of which are going to Runcorn, with a further 11 to Darlington. 3: MAN’s new midibus, the CitySmart, is achieving double figure miles per gallon in trials with Arriva. 4: An interior view of the MAN CitySmart discussion, as gas buses represent a sustainable alternative with the potential to be classified carbonneutral if operated on biogas.” Orders taken included five coaches for Lucketts Travel, two Irizar i6 for Blakes Coaches of Tiverton, one i4 for Attain Travel, two triaxle 61-seat Irizar i6 with Opticruise transmission for Barrys Coaches of Weymouth, a 53-seat i6 with Opticruise for Blue Iris of Nailsea, the flat-floored 12.45m Irizar i6 show exhibit was purchased by Minibus Executive Travel, two triaxle OmniExpress coaches (including the show exhibit) for J&L Coaches of Tring, a 12.9m Irizar i4 for Hills of Wolverhampton and a 12m i6 with Opticruise for Terravision Transport. The latter will be built to DDA specification and include a front wheelchair lift.
Volvo
Volvo launched its new 7900H bus, its first complete hybrid single deck for the UK – of which 10 are www.coachandbusweek.com
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currently in build for Lothian Buses - and officially unveiled the new Volvo B11R-based Jonckheere and 13m Sunsundegui SC7 coaches. Also on display was the triaxle 13m 9700 Prestige Plus coach, with updated TS2000 Comfort Plus seating for 53/55 passengers. Volvo claims the B11R offers an extremely efficient, lightweight and versatile package allowing operators to specify full sized practical vehicles on two axles while enjoying the flexibility of a wide range of power ratings, vehicle lengths and a three axle option to cover a wide spectrum of operation. All ratings, 370, 410 and 450bhp are available with i-shift transmission and the 370 option can be supplied with a ZF EcoLife fully automatic gearbox. The chassis can be supplied with independent front suspension or a beam axle. Confirmed orders for new Volvo buses, for delivery next year include 172 B5L hybrids with Wrightbus bodies – 10 for Go-Ahead, 9 for National Express, 12 for Metroline, 4 for Rotala,
60 for Arriva London and 77 for Arriva’s provincial operations. Single deck 7900H hybrid orders include 10 for Lothian buses and 29 for First. B9TL double deckers with Wrightbus bodies include 20 for Metroline, 13 for Go North East and two for Delaine. Golden Tours is taking seven B9TLs with MCV bodies. Coach orders include 14 Jonckheere B13Rs for Lochs & Glens, the first B11R Jonckheere for McDermott Coach Hire, a 13m 9700 for Galloway European, a B9R Sunsundegui for Three Star Coaches and Athena Travel and 30 for Stagecoach – which include the 11 B11R triaxle Plaxton Elite i Interdeckers for megabus.com . Aftermarket support is also being geared up with the expansion of Volvo’s technical team which provides assistance to and through its service dealerships. Expanded by four personnel it now incorporates six specialised field operatives and three highly skilled technicians. Expanding its digital information availability, Volvo also launched an
Android App for mobile phones to complement existing dedicated iPhone and iPad Apps.
Wrightbus
The newcomer to the Wrightbus line-up – a plug-in hybrid version of its Streetlite – was the first of a new generation of vehicles which are to enter trials in Milton Keynes with Arriva. It was shown alongside the new 11.5m Streetlite Max equipped with a Euro 6 Cummins engine and four-speed Voith automatic gearbox. Also on show was London’s new iconic ‘Borismaster’ double decker hybrid and, demonstrating the company’s more conventional capability – a Euro 5 Pulsar 2 VDL SB200 – one of 65 being supplied to Arriva this year. Mark Nodder, Wright Group MD, said the company was ‘advancing on all fronts.’ It had experienced a record year with an output of 1,100 vehicles and was ‘going for growth’ through strategic expansion in its bid to become a global manufacturer.
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SHOW REVIEW He indicated Wrightbus was involved in a number of exciting projects with Volvo and its other technology partners – including the development of a new lightweight B5TL double decker to coincide with Euro 6 implementation. He was also delighted the Streetlite was rapidly developing into a diverse range offering variations on length and configuration plus driveline options including diesel, EV, hybrid or induction charging. He also claimed Wright’s capability with composite materials would see advances in structural weight saving which were necessary to help reduce fuel consumption and to counter increased weight through implementing Euro 6. He added Wrightbus had successfully moved to lean engineering, which was reducing lead times, and meet the ambition of increasing production levels. He was confident Wrightbus could rapidly respond to any increase in demand from the market. Growth in the market for CKD had taken the company to new areas with sourcing and cost saving. He also announced the launch of two new Apps for those who make use of social media – one for information on Streetlite and the other for NBfL – with the promise of more to come. In pursuit of further export opportunity, Nodder announced the establishment of a new office in Hong Kong for newly-formed Wrightbus International in addition to the existing facility in Singapore. He said these would not only provide support for vehicles in service or in-build but act as a vital link in the supply chain, especially for sourcing materials and parts for Customcare’s aftermarket support operation. He said talks with potential assemblers of CKD products in mainland China were ongoing and at an advanced stage. For the group’s recent contract with SBS over its fleet replacement programme, considerable investment had already been made in tooling and facilities for assembling buses just outside China.
Suppliers AlcoDigital
AlcoDigital, in partnership with Autotag, has continued to develop the AlcoSafe product displayed at the CV Show, adding on a small CCTV camera. The safe holds keys and its www.coachandbusweek.com
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on a battery, turning it off if it gets too low to ensure enough charge remains to start the engine. The device is programmable to an operator’s needs (through a number of preset levels). Ensuring the battery is never entirely depleted, it also prevents it from sustaining damage, which occurs if it is allowed to go completely dead. The device is solid state with no relay switch, increasing reliability. The product can also be set up to prevent power from the battery being used without the vehicle’s ignition active. The PowerTector series ranges from 10 amp models priced at £20, to 200 amp versions at £150. Keith Reilly, Alfatronix MD, told CBW: “At such low cost, it is reasonable to expect the installation of these low voltage disconnectors to become industry best practice.” “There are other disconnectors on the market, but the PowerTector is of a higher quality than what is available now,” he claimed. The product is expected for release in February.
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2 1: Optare launched its MetroCity at the show, which is aimed specifically at the London market. 2: A Plaxton Elite for Fourway of Leeds attached breathaliser prevents access to it without first passing a breath test. The new camera timestamps footage, effectively deterring a sober individual from taking the breath test for someone over the limit and avoids accusations of false or fraudulent tests. The company said it has seen interest from multiple industries, including mining, where it can control access to explosives. It claimed drivers were often quite accepting of the technology, as it ensured other drivers on the road were safe.
Alcolock GB
From its stand Alcolock GB, a supplier of breathalyser locking systems to UK fleet operators was highlighting its technology and management system. The company is known for its close relationship with National Express, as outlined in CBW1057, and thanks to this partnership in 2008 the product has evolved. Working closely with leading engineers and other national
fleet operators, the company has developed a complete management system, GMS, which can monitor and help control all aspects of drink driving issues. Additionally, the software allows operators to construct a comprehensive body of data on the habits of its drivers, revealing patterns on routes and vehicles. Speaking to CBW at the show Director David Whittock enthused the importance of show attendance. “It’s good to put faces to names,” he said. “It’s also a good opportunity meet new clients, as well as improve relations with old ones.” In regards to his hopes for the company he said: “We are hoping to move into the bus market and we are in negotiations to that effect. If one operator takes it up then it’s likely others will follow.”
Alfatronix
Alfatronix showcased its new PowerTector Solid State Battery Guard. The product, a low voltage disconnector, monitors the voltage
A.T. Industries supplies textiles, fabrics and floorcovering finishes, encompassing every aspect of vehicle interiors from floor to ceiling for the coachbuilding industry. While it can supply for all kinds of vehicles including vans and boats, minibus companies make up the largest part of the firm’s business. Managing Director Peter Johnston went through the company’s catalogue, displaying a wide variety of different finishes. They range from the “very popular” metal-type PVC designed for particular areas to self adhesive products to velvet finishes. The velvet finish is a new product which has been designed to be installed above the driver as roof lining. The company has a strong relationship with Stanford Coachworks which stretches back 15 years. It has also supplied companies such as Van Hool and VDL. “We can do everything in one go – that’s our big strength,” Peter explained. “Plus, everything is available from stock. We have a very strong stock supply in our 14,000sq ft warehouse. “Everything we supply is technically specified for bus, from the very simple to luxurious leather.”
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1: Jade and Georgina taking care of business on the CBW stand. 2: A Scania OmniExpress. The show vehicle was one of two bought by J&L Coaches. 3: The Scania Irizar i6 which was purchased by Minibus Executive Travel. 4: Scania’s gas bus chassis, the first of which will be operated by Reading Buses
Chapman Driver Seating Chapman Driver Seating launched its new suspension seat The NovaGlide MK2. Due to a change in European Legislation driver seat suspension will be required on all new buses. The company believes operators dislike air suspension due to poor reliability and high maintenance costs, in addition, when they fail they can cause the vehicle to be VOR. In addition to this, operators and manufacturers insist on a safe working load of 30 stones. With these requirements in mind, the company focused its efforts on designing a mechanical suspension which could adjust to the drivers’ weight based on one of its previous designs, the Chapman MK175 Cantilever first constructed in 1965. By introducing a number of cams and springs to what the company describe as its “simple but brilliant” weight distribution system, the driver is able to adjust the seat setting with relative ease. www.coachandbusweek.com
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CT Space A new development in accessible transport seating, CT Space, seems set to take the market by storm. It has been jointly conceived and designed by London Hire, Rescroft and NMI. Effectively, CT Space is a seat which has a fold-up squab. It sits on specially crafted NMI legs and quick release fixings and can ‘concertina’ up in into a small space to allow wheelchair space reconfiguration without any lifting or seat removal involved. London Hire Director Peter Moxom said: “We have increasing issues with Health and Safety and unions over care staff or drivers having to lift and manoeuvre seating. It’s also very inconvenient if a seat has to be removed from the vehicle – where do you put it? They either get leant against walls at a day centre or are left on the pavement. This system means anyone can move seating with little effort. It remains in the tracking and slides forwards or
backwards. “Two folded seats pushed together take up less room than a single seat on its own. They are far more practical than tip-andfold seats which tend to be heavy, they rattle, they take up valuable internal width and often impede a wheelchair passenger’s view. We couldn’t believe when we designing this it would work. We felt ‘if it was this simple – why hasn’t it been done before?’ It will certainly make life much easier for our staff and it removes a lot of operational issues if you have the odd breakdown. It’s easy to send a replacement bus equipped with these seats because if it needs reconfiguring for three wheelchairs instead of two – it takes just seconds to do it.” CT Space seats displayed on the stand revealed the simplicity of the design while a practical installation in a Mellor Coachcraft Sprinter demonstrated the ease of moving seats backwards and forwards. CT Space seating is already certified to M2 requirements.
Cummins Cummins announced it is to develop a CNG version of its ISB engine to achieve Euro 6 and EPA2013 regulations is scheduled to enter production in 2015. The ISB G engine will employ spark ignition and a combination of cooled EGR and stoichiometric combustion. The resulting low temperature combustion process reduces emissions and noise. A three-way catalyst is used in the exhaust system, which is maintenance-free with no requirement for a DPF. A CNG version of the 8.9 litre Cummins ISL – the ISL G – was on the stand. Bus application versions are rated from 250 to 320bhp and deliver peak torque of 1,350Nm. For Euro 6 compliance it features a closed crankcase (CCV) ventilation system and upgraded electronics. Euro 6 diesel engines were also on display for the first time in the UK. They included the four and six-cylinder ISB models with power ratings from 150
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1: An impressive looking new Temsa Safari HD for Bibby’s of Ingleton. 2: The Roeville crew – Ken Hays, John Roe, James Brailsford, Raynor Williamson and Adam Leggott. 3: A Van Hool Altano acquired by Westway of London. 4: A nearside view of Callinnan’s Van Hool TDX21 Altanto – 310bhp. The larger 8.9 litre ISL now offers up to 380bhp for coach application and delivers 1,700Nm torque. Bus versions are rated to 330bhp with peak torque of 1,500Nm.
E Leather
Asked for his view on the show, Carl Watkins replied: “It was a brilliant show, an unqualified success, with many orders confirmed. The big thing for us was the presence of Arriva’s MAN EcoCity and Newport’s ADL E400, the interiors for which used E Leather. We found the quality and quantity of visitors very good too.”
Envirox
Visitors to the Envirox stand were greeted by the ever-friendly Mike Attfield. “We’ve come here to meet customers, both actual and potential,” he told CBW. “We’re also promoting our new product, Envirox DPF Assist. With the www.coachandbusweek.com
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introduction of Euro 6 each bus will have a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), which we see as an opportunity. The idea is soot has a certain temperature to burn. If you don’t get the exhaust hot enough, the soot won’t burn away.”
GreenUrban
Brian Firth, Business Development Manager for GreenUrban, was at the stand ready to talk about the company’s exhaust systems. Its core business is emission control at the exhaust, for the bus and commercial vehicle market, reducing diesel particulate and black carbon. This technology converts older engines to Euro 4 and Euro 5 standard using a range of passive and active technical systems. The firm is based near Penrith in Cumbria. “But we have nationwide strategic partners trained to fit our systems so we can react quickly to anybody’s needs,” Brian said. He also explained how workshops had a corporate responsibility to control their
emission standards, adding: “Now there is a real understanding that health and safety matters must be addressed at work as well.” Brian spoke of how they benefit from being a smaller company. “Since we are an SME, if someone wants something different we can do some of the jobs the bigger companies can’t do.”
INIT, Innovations in Transportations
INIT, a supplier of integrated ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) and ticketing technology, was showcasing its latest systems at the show. The company’s on-board Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM), EVENDpc, is equipped with a high-speed thermo printer for a fast operation and is designed with an easy-to-use driver interface. The ETM can handle conventional cash payments as well as smart ticketing. EVENDpc is fitted with an ITSO-compliant card reader to allow smartcard
payments and acceptance of passes like concessionary cards. A 2D barcode reader can also optionally be added to enable prepaid ticketing via mobile phones, for example. Operators are able to optimise their fare collection system and offer maximum payments flexibility for passengers. EVENDpc is currently being prepared to provide operators with the option for on-board contactless bank card payments in the future. EVENDpc is also designed to determine the highest level of AVL accuracy. Operators can monitor exact locations of their vehicles to provide reliable RTI. AVL data can also be applied for statistical analysis, e.g. with the combination of automatic passenger counting figures for effective fleet management. INIT also showcased its hosted AVLC/RTPI and ticketing back office systems. With a data centre in Beeston, Nottingham, INIT offers operators an alternative for realising back office systems.
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SHOW REVIEW The virtualised platform means the central system is located at the data centre allowing for easy implementation and operation. Operators just need to use to internet to access data, allowing maximum user access flexibility.
specialising in electronic information systems. With its integration into the Luminator Technology Group, Mobitec and its sister company Twin Vision, which is based in the United States, now belong to a group of companies which operate on a global scale. The Luminator Technology Group includes Luminator, Lawo and Focon, three companies that are known for their passenger information and lighting systems. The technologies developed by these companies are used in buses, trains and airplanes around the world. Commenting on the deal, Derek said: “These are exciting times for all involved, we already have a very strong relationship with Mobitec and now have the same with the rest of the Luminator Technology Group, it gives us great scope for growth and we are able to tap into some incredible expertise and expand our product base I can just see us going from strength to strength.”
Just Coach Drivers / Western Training Services It was quite difficult to miss the gigantic yellow bags given out by Just Coach Drivers. It certainly caught the eye of marketing sorts from other exhibitors, who CBW was told came to congratulate the team on their quite brilliant marketing and express their mild annoyance at their own bags being hidden away inside. The team which heads up the two companies started as a coach driving agency in 2006. It gradually grew, gaining more drivers and became a limited company in 2008. Now the firm has around 600 drivers on its books. Charlie Haggerty, a Director of both companies, said: “Just Coach Drivers simply specialises in drivers for relief work. “Operators using our drivers can save on expenses like holiday pay and tax. Plus, there are no employment issues. We pay the drivers and operators have the flexibility to swap them. Transport Managers can often sit in their office and pull their hair out over driver-related issues. “We are available 24/7 – someone will always answer the phone.” The company works with some major operators and the Olympics helped increase the company’s profile as many coach companies were taking on a lot of extra work. “We still are improving on what we do,” Charlie added. “We do thorough checking of the drivers; we’re a registered DVLA checking centre and we do CRB checks too.” WTS started last year. The online training centre trains Transport Managers and offers DCPC training amongst many other courses.
Karcher
Karcher was displaying its brand new TBD 4.0 drive through bus wash, the example in question due to be taken up to Manchester after the show for use in Stagecoach’s Hyde Road depot. The machinery is all run through hydraulics, with a small electric www.coachandbusweek.com
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2 1: This impressive Van Hool TDX21 Altanto is destined for Callinan. 2: The Envirox crew – Andrew Roberts, Mike Atfield and Stefano Magliozzi control panel. The motors are placed to the bottom of the washer instead of at the top, which makes the machinery significantly easier and more efficient to maintain, requiring two service visits per year instead of six. Unique for Karcher, the product is currently being built in the UK for the time being, after the UK based wash division designed it.
Martyn Industrials
Tarabus self adhesive flooring, imported by Martyn Industrials, was on display. The products key selling point is in time savings. Where flooring products usually require sprayglue and bonding agents, a process taking a vehicle out of service for some time, the Tarabus product sticks straight to the floor. A quick demonstration showed that it gripped quite solidly straight away. Branded flooring was on display also, with different materials fused together through heat and pressure in a warming press. This prevents
the materials from separating under wear and tear. Mike Housten from Martyn Industrials said: “In this industry you can either go downwards, making products progressively cheaper, or you can go upwards and innovate. “Tarabus has a whole collection of innovations keeping it moving forward, with new materials released every couple of years.”
McKenna Bros
Derek Dawson, MD of Manchesterbased destination and display specialists McKenna Brothers was pleased with the show. “We’re showcasing our new on-board system, called Full Onboard Mobiscreen, the first operators for which include Newport Bus and Network Warrington. It includes visual display and next stop voice announcements.” On a separate note, Mobitec has recently become part of the Luminator Technology Group, joining a group of companies
MiX Telematics launched the new generation of its dashboardmounted RIBAS display which provides drivers with instant driving-style feedback. The new unit’s functionality has been extended to include Green/ Amber/Red status lights. These lights reflect the current drivingstyle, telling the driver when they are driving correctly, when a pre-programmed operational parameter is in danger of being exceeded and when a parameter has been exceeded. In this way, the new generation RIBAS display works pro-actively to help drivers stay within their vehicle’s preprogrammed safety and efficiency parameters at all times. “Since its introduction four years ago, RIBAS has helped revolutionise the fuel returns and safety records of fleets nationwide,” said MiX Telematics Marketing & Operations Director Steve Coffin. “Key to this has been the system’s impact upon drivers’ awareness of how well or otherwise they are performing behind the wheel. Operators have confirmed to us time and again that RIBAS has proved itself in service as a simple yet effective means of securing a safe and efficient driving style. “Now, we are once again raising the bar by providing
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Bus and coach ƃQDQFH up to 100% LTV.
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1: Wright and MCV-bodied VDL buses, the latter sporting the new front end styling. 2: A tri-axle VDL Futura acquired by Birmingham International. 3: Volvo launched its new 7900H bus, its first complete hybrid single deck for the UK. 4: Volvo also displayed a now familiar 9700 coach on its stand drivers with an additional layer of information to allow them avoid exceeding any of the vehicle’s parameters at all times. This means not only will the system help safeguard against infringements, it will also protect a driver’s performance record. This is something we know professional drivers and their employers will very much welcome and we now look forward to delivering our customers even greater savings and higher levels of operating efficiency and safety.” Steve added: “The market is still facing challenging times but we had a successful trading year and we are making inroads, especially into Europe. We know what we have is working in the UK and that it is transferable to mainland Europe. “We are continuing to listen to requests from customers, regularly revisiting our clients, and we are still growing the business into different environments. One of the most valuable things we are able to do now is driver workshops – we look at specific areas trying to tailor www.coachandbusweek.com
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things for customers. “We got a little bit brave with Cardiff Bus and asked drivers what they thought but the response was very positive. We need to be sure we are doing the right thing.”
Mobile onboard
Mobile onboard was debuting at a coach and bus industry trade show. Matthew Poole, Director of Technology told CBW: “We’ve been promoting our single on-board WiFi and mobile ticketing. We’ve been overwhelmed by interest from small and large operators alike. I don’t think operators realise quite how easy our systems are to install. “It’s our first show. We’ve also learnt a lot from customers and other suppliers – we’ve created relationships.”
Omnibus
Omnibus, a supplier of passenger transport software, was keen to highlight its recent partnership with FirstGroup.
The operator has almost completed the rollout of OmniMAP, the advanced GIS module. OmniMAP has been designed specifically for bus operators for planning, displaying and editing bus services and stop networks. OmniMAP allows users to create and edit routes simply and quickly, using street level mapping. Distance and timings between bus stops can be calculated and bus-specific restrictions can be accommodated in automatic routing between points. OmniMAP integrates with Omnibus’ timetabling and scheduling software and the NaPTAN data set, allowing the creation of EBSR- and RTPI-compliant TransXChange documents. The firm is working closely with FirstGroup to develop the software further. David Houston, Scheduling Systems Analyst for FirstGroup, said: “Around 90% of our UK operations are now using OmniMAP and it has been extremely well-received. It was
designed specifically for bus schedulers but remains intuitive and very easy to use. Omnibus is unique in its customer/supplier relationships; they have a very different approach meaning the software has been developed specifically for us. “The Omnibus team responds quickly to our feedback and make their products work the way we want them to.”
Parkeon
Parkeon showcased its Wayfarer P50 handheld ticketing device. Unlike some of its other products, the device features touchscreen functionality and it carries a builtin thermal printer, detachable European Paymaster on the reverse side and a 3D barcode reader. Parkeon was keen to show the P50 is heavily future proofed. It has 3G connectivity, is capable of using NFC technology and can even be used as a mobile phone. Parkeon said the P50 has just gone live with Centro
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THE BIG PICTURE
For this week’s Big Picture we’ve travelled to the top left hand corner of Wales – to the Lleyn Peninsula. This scene, with the attractive backdrop provided by Yr Eifl mountain range lit by the afternoon sunshine, was taken at the premises of Berwyn Coaches, which is located in the village of Trefor, Gwynedd, about a dozen miles south of Caernarfon. The trusty Van Hool T8-bodied Volvo B10M ‘P218YGG’ was caught on camera by CBW Editor Gareth Evans on September 27. While firmly a reputable and reliable operator, Berwyn Coaches normally prefers to remain out of the limelight and quietly gets on with what it does best. The company’s operating centre is located in part of the former Trefor Granite Quarry site, the workings of which are located on the mountainside and overlook the village. Indeed, if you look carefully above the coach, you can about make out some other old quarry workings. Out of shot to the left is the Irish Sea.
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SHOW REVIEW Metro. Also on the stand was a modernised Wayfarer 200 ticketing machine, with a small touchscreen combined with an NFC receiver for passenger use. It is designed with quick boarding times in mind, with the passenger identifying whether they are an adult, child or senior citizen and swiping a smartcard past the receiver.
impervious to ingress of salt spray, contaminants and other pollutants while maintaining air quality within the vehicle. Meanwhile oxygen cannot enter the motor unit and cause sparks which eliminates the risk of fire.
Synetics
Roeville
Roeville occupied a prominent location near the main entrance. “We’re promoting the latest version of e-commerce website for coach tour operators. We’re also showcasing the latest features and additions to our Private Hire System, including automatic product updates,” said John Roe.
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Smiles Engineering
The Newcastle-based engine repower company was keen to highlight the environmental and economical benefits of its services at the show this year as well as promoting plans to retrofit gas engines to existing vehicles. The engineering firm has over 30 years experience in the industry and provides installation of new engines from the Cummins range and is renowned for delivering bespoke solutions combining optimal engine selection with cooling system efficiency with customers reporting fuel savings ranging from 20 to 100%. The company’s services include the remanufacture of petrol and diesel engines up to 750 BHP with repowers for Bus and Coach touted as a speciality from its modern fully equipped premises. Smiles has recently completed full inhouse development and testing of repowers up to Euro 5 and EPA07 for DAF SB250, Dennis Trident 2, MAN A69, Optare Solos and Versas. In addition, the firm is developing a Euro 5 option for the Volvo B7 which should be available to operators in the near future. Engine in chassis overhauls and repairs as well as Exhaust Emission System fitments and servicing including filter testing and cleaning are also available. Speaking to CBW Gordon Mockett said: “The ability to re-engineer and recycle a bus rather than purchase a new one is an attractive prospect to both small and large operators, and we aim to deliver a robust service to www.coachandbusweek.com
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2 1: Volvo showcased a new 13 metre-long Sunsundegui SC7-bodied B11R coach. 2: Service with a smile – Tachomaster’s MD Derek Beevor increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.” Asked about the prospect of retrofitting Gas engines to buses, he said: “The engines are produced by Cummins Westport Inc and we are hoping to secure innovation grants in order to help fund this project. Like every we business, we wanted to sell loads of them yesterday but we are working to streamline the whole process and we have a few people in mind when it comes to this service. Obviously, it essentially leap frogs Euro 6 which is great for emissions and for the environment but it has to be financially viable.” In regards to Arrivas’ recent purchase of 21 Man EcoCity buses, he commented: “For the cost for one of those vehicles, we would hope to retrofit four to five existing buses.”
SPAL Automotive
SPAL showcased its latest generation of high performance axial cooling fans. These are able to operate effectively over extended
periods in the harshest possible conditions. The smart, lightweight fans, which feature brushless technology and deliver over 30,000 hours in operation, are completely sealed so that ingress by water, dust, sand and other pollutants is virtually impossible. To prove the case, SPAL Automotive UK subjected a fan to the ultimate test – continued operation underwater. The sealed unit, which was fully submerged, has continued to operate without problems for over twelve months. The secret to its success is the fully sealed motor unit which is equipped to function in extreme environments by keeping out the elements. It is particularly important for challenging climates from hot, humid or dusty, to wet or icy conditions, and importantly can alternate between these extremes instantly. For the transport provider, another key advantage of the sealed unit is ultimate safety. SPAL fans comply with the advanced IP68 and IP6K9K specifications and are
Restructuring at Quadnetics Group (former LOOK CCTV parent) has seen the creation of Synetics plc, a group of companies, one of which, Synetics Mobile Systems, is dedicated to CCTV and all mobile communications. New appointments have been made to bring in new ideas and a fresh approach. Jeff Fail is the new MD and Iain Stringer becomes Sales & Marketing Director. Determined to provide the highest levels of customer support, the company has rolled out handheld PDAs to it 50-strong team of service engineers – giving them fingertip access to the complete vehicle CCTV maintenance history. The device allows real-time video fault recording so engineers can take visual record which can immediately be shared with the Synetics team in Poulton-le-Fylde. The company’s Genius telematics with its integral CCTV health Checker automated fault reporting system reports any detected or called-in faults directly to the PDA. Alerts are sent to the engineer to schedule a visit. On arrival, the PDA will have a complete history of the vehicle’s CCTV system – identifying if the fault is recurring problem or a one-off. Once rectified, the PDA emails details to Synetics and to the customer. It also controls engineers’ stock replacement and accepts electronic signatures to sign off completed work. A new and impressive camera on display provided an extremely wide-angle image – which carries the typical fish-eye distortion. However, when reviewing recorded footage, any area of the image which needs to be scrutinised can be de-warped and appears normal.
Tachomaster
Renowned Hertfordshire-based Road Tech was promoting its new tracking system called Falcon and PreDrive, an electronic drivers daily walk round check – in addition to its popular Tachomaster product. Asked about the performance of the show,
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SHOW REVIEW
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1: Mckenna Bros’ recently launched Full Onboard Mobiscreen passenger information system. 2: SPAL displayed its latest generation of axial cooling fans, which was tested underwater. 3: The New Bus for London LT3 was displayed on the Wright stand and appeared to be a real talking point among visitors Derek Beevor, MD of Road Tech replied: “The show has been terrific – our stand has been full on all three days. We’ve made a lot of new contacts and caught up with existing customers. It’s been the best trade show we’ve attended all year.”
TEK Seating
Two new seat launches featured on TEK Seating’s stand this year. The company offers a range of driver seats for most applications and budgets from manufactures including KAB Seating, FISA, Isringhausen, Grammer and Be-Ge. TEK displayed the brand new FA416 from FISA for the first time. The high spec seat comes with adjustable mechanical suspension, left hand controls and adjustable height, seat depth and backrest. Optional extras include lumbar support, adjustable headrest, armrests, a three-point seatbelt system, turntable and right-hand controls. KAB Seating’s new GSX 3000 www.coachandbusweek.com
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was also on view. TEK claims this seat provides superior comfort and orthopaedic support. Available in high and medium spec versions, the GSX3000 is designed to meet the service needs, performance requirements and certifications for all commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of six tons or more. Other KAB seats shown were the economical KAB714B air seat with a three-point belt and the Kingman, a seat from Grammer for longdistance driving and touring.
Timespace
Timespace is a CCTV equipment manufacturer and supplier for public transport based near Cambridge. The company was showcasing its digital CCTV recorder, the Timespace V400 H.264. The product was designed in conjunction with TfL and can come with eight, 12 or 16 independent video channels with up to 200ips. Craig DeFries, Technical Support
Engineer, said: “It’s a simple plug and play system. You literally bolt it down into the bus. It’s a lot more robust than other products; this is important as it constantly has to be on and will be vibrating rigorously. It also features an SD card for backup in case of accidents. “We also have a new feature coming out at the end of the year. Our Timespace Reviewer lets you connect straight away to see instant images instead of using a laptop.” Timespace sells directly to installers such as 21st Century and Synectics.
Transport Door Solutions
Transport Door Solutions (TDS) is the appointed UK agent for Ventura Systems of Holland and at the show was promoting its full part and service support on the now commonly fitted inward gliding and plug sliding door systems in all major UK fleets. Also, TDS highlighted its range of refurbishment and repair kits as well as its component sourcing
for older and difficult to obtain parts. TDS said equivalents can be offered or if necessary pneumatic, electronic and mechanical parts can be reverse engineered to a high specification providing samples or images are provided. Further to this, the firm offers a fully trained Service Agent Network on the UK mainland, as well as onsite training programmes to improve in house maintenance of door systems. TDS also offer preventative maintenance and inspections for older UK fitted door systems alongside parts inclusive packages with the aim of prolonging the life of the system.
21st Century
In addition to providing a free WiFi zone at the entrance to the exhibition, the mobile technology company 21st Century was showcasing its automatic passenger counting devices, CCTV systems and EcoManager software. The firms fully automatic passenger counting solutions
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SHOW REVIEW
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1: A Wheel Forward Wright StreetLite powered by a Siemens ELFA-II electric drive. 2: A Euro 6 Door Forward StreetLite Max. 3: Alcolock GB’s Dave Whittock demonstrates one of his company’s products. 4: Mobile Onboard’ Katie Luckwell and Matthew Poole. 5: TEK’s leatther GSX 300 driver seat include cameras and infrared sensors and are reportedly accurate to 97%. The information can be referenced for date, location and route and is designed to give operators the ability to create targeted audits on passenger numbers and fare revenues.
Uniform Express
Uniform Express was showcasing its stock range and own-branded suits. All products on show had been designed with branding in mind, from ‘invisible zips’ in suit jackets allowing embroidered frames to be put in without damaging the jacket, to in-house heat sealing to brand hi-vis. Also on show was a soft shell jacket, a very smart looking alternative to a fleece.
Vix
Vix, which provides fare management and passenger information systems as well as communication and engineering www.coachandbusweek.com
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devices, was on hand to discuss its latest projects and product developments. These included Vehicle Viewer 2.0 which provides a real time map display of an operators’ fleet as well as dynamic views of bus stop display information. With the aid of a powerful search facility, users are able to locate any resource currently under their control and identify any routes, stops or signs which are associated with a specific vehicle or service. In addition, Vix has recently updated its Horizon web-based service management system with a number of features to improve efficiency and ease of configuration. The company has also developed a mobile phone App for passengers, providing real time bus information. The Vix App is available to local authorities for localisation and can be configured to individual customer requirements. On the passenger side, the company was also showcasing its range of RTPI signs. Sasha Scott, Marketing Manager
said: “We are promoting ourselves as a one stop shop for smart technology. We have a strong reputation from Asis and Erg and our customers have been excited by our recent developments.” Alongside its stand, in the Master Class Theatre Michael Hart from Vix Technology gave a talk entitled ‘Smart Infrastructure Choices for Bus Rapid Transit’ outlining the company’s views and methods on achieving route and network efficiency via the use of proper planning and smart technology. During the presentation Michael made reference to both the Eclipse and Cambridge BRT systems and stressed the “size of an operation need not be a barrier to entry” in regards to making use of smart technology.
Voith Turbo
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in the UK, Voith Turbo highlighted its latest DIWA 6 automatic transmission and also revealed its involvement in the flybrid
mechanical hybrid development programme to implement KERS technology into the Wrightbus Streetlite. The project is about to enter proving trials at Millbrook and subsequently will start operational trials with Arriva. The technology will have retrofit capability on all Streetlite drivelines. Sister company Voith Industrial Services has seen strong growth since its launch in 2010 and its Make Ready Service is now catering for over 1,000 buses per day. The company provides contract cleaning services and can offer internal and external cleaning, shunting, coolant and lubricant checks and vehicle fuelling. Additional services include cleaning external areas, workshop floors, inspection pits and toilets.
Presentations
Throughout Euro Bus Expo 2012, a number of a presentations were given from some familiar faces in the industry. Norman Baker introduced the show itself, announcing the next phase
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SHOW REVIEW of the Green Bus Fund. Several presentations were given by Greener Journeys, including a talk from First UK Bus MD Giles Fearnley, BAE Systems spoke about its work with ADL advancing hybrid technology and Ray Stenning & Alex Hornby gave an entertaining and lengthy presentation on branding. There were also new faces speaking at the show however, with Irish communications technology company QuantumVPN speaking about WiFi and showcasing its own notable multiple network WiFi system.
Norman Baker
Introducing the show, Norman Baker said: “I have tried to make sure we support the industry and get more people on buses – that’s my primary objective.” Before announcing the next phase of the Green Bus Fund, he added: “There is so much money we are spending in the industry I would run out of time speaking about it.” The minister also expressed pleasure regarding ADL’s export orders for Hong Kong. Regarding the state of the industry, he said: “Of course there are some concerns but it’s in a pretty good shape. I think the future is bright. “There are a number of measures we can take to make buses more attractive, it’s about making everybody know the value of buses.” Mr Baker also answered some questions from the floor. Responding to a question regarding joining up forms of transport, he explained that the government is working on a project to support day-to-day journeys directly from one door to the end destination using multiple forms of transport, identifying the weakest links and curing them.
Quantum VPN
The CPT’s Director of Communications, John Major, introduced QuantumVPN’s CEO Justin Collery and Sales Executive John Deering before they gave their presentation at the Master Class Theatre. During his introduction, he mentioned that the subject of what the government is doing to improve public transport WiFi was asked of the culture secretary on Tuesday, November 6, making it a particularly prominent subject. QuantumVPN is an Irish www.coachandbusweek.com
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2 1: One of the Wrightbus Pulsar-bodied VDL SB200s handed over to Arriva at the show. 2: Chris Godbold, Steve Barker and June Carroll from TBF company offering an onboard communications platform. The system bonds up to eight sim cards and boosts both sent and received signals, allowing a continuous connection which functions almost 100% of the time in any environment. The speed of the connection at the end is equal to 85% of the speed of all of the networks the system is connected to combined. The signal strength is also improved by 10db, effectively doubling the surface area covered by masts which the system connects to. Justin Collery said: “In our view, free WiFi is put behind many other services on coaches and buses. “Each of these services tends to have its own method of connection to the operator’s headquarters, whether it’s telematics, CCTV or tracking. In an ideal world, a single communications hub should manage all of these system, instead of new hardware being added to vehicles every time a new system is installed. “Right now, it’s almost like
having different modems for email, browsing the internet and playing video.” Two case studies were given in QuantumVPN’s presentation. The first was a test performed for the fire service in Ireland, where Justin Collery drove through some mountainous terrain with very low network coverage. When the 3G signal on his phone returned, he received a call from his wife, who had been trying and failing to get through to his mobile phone for over an hour due to signal problems. QuantumVPN’s system, however, achieved a consistent 2-6mb/s connection. The port of Amsterdam was another example. The Port Authority fleet carried an on board Citrix thin client on each vessel, which connected to a central server containing applications needed for daily duties. The port had difficultly keeping on board communications reliable enough to maintain connections. Drops in connection required operators to log in again, wasting
time and preventing duties from being completed. A number of single- and later multi-operator fail over and load balancing systems were trialled, but the systems would not revert to a backup link when a connection became slow, instead waiting until the first link failed completely. This caused a disconnect, not solving the problem of having to restart the session and merely resulted in less downtime between disconnections. QuantumVPN’s onboard communications platform was trialled in a single vessel and overcame all of the inherent failures in systems used over the previous two years. It is now being rolled out to all port vessels. It found certain networks were favoured based on location in the port, time of day and local online traffic, and used multiple networks simultaneously, loading traffic across the networks intelligently. With changes transparent to the user and no need to break links to change networks, the system’s uptime is extremely reliable, perfect for bus and coach services which constantly move in and out of 3G signal areas for different mobile operators. John Deering told CBW: “We’ve learnt a lot about the industry during the show. For instance, we now know operators already carry multiple sims on board their vehicles for their various systems. “The coach and bus industry is somewhere we’re just starting to get involved with and the show has been very successful for us.”
Greener Journeys
DAY 1 Opening the first of a series of presentations at the Live Environment Stage, Meera Rambissoon, Greener Journeys Campaign Manager, said: “Why are buses important? They oil the wheels of the economy. “Research we commissioned the Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds to carry out shows bus commuters generate £64bn in economic output a year and the bus and coach industry itself, which employs 170,000 people, contributes £2.1bn a year.” “At the launch of the [Bus Policy: a five-point plan for growth] report at the House of Commons, Norman Baker showed he was on side and said ‘you don’t have to convince me’.” Baker sent the report to BIS, Treasury, DWP, DoH and
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1: A recently refurbished ALX400-bodied Trident on Rowan Telmac’s seating stand. 2: The transtrading crew – Jo, Mel, Mandy and Darren. 3: The M2 compliant CT Space, jointly developed by London Hire, Rescroft and NMI, is a great new innovation for accessible or community transport minibuses DCLG and Greener Journeys has since written to ministers and their officials to draw their attention to the wider benefits of the bus relevant to their respective fields. Meera’s main message to industry was “help us make the case and show you love buses”. “Take the arguments and use them in meetings with local authorities, councilors, MPs, Government, using them whenever and wherever you can. “If you don’t have such meetings, set them up – citing just three killer statistics could be a game-changer in persuading local decision makers.”
DAY 2 On the Wednesday, First UK Bus MD Giles Fearnley, Chairman of Greener Journeys, gave a brief talk entitled “Making the business case for the bus”. He said: “Greener Journeys represents the coming together of a number of organisations, focusing on the bus and what it can deliver. “The research gives me hope for two reasons: it demonstrates www.coachandbusweek.com
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what we know and what a huge opportunity we have in bringing businesses on board with buses.” In terms of accessing employment, Giles stated more people travel to work by bus than all other forms of public transport combined. It amounts to 2.5 million commuters (with a further million using it as a backup) or around 12% of the UK’s working population. Unsurprisingly, a large proportion of commuters have no access to a personal car, 43% in total. 70% of those with no car use the bus, compared with 20% of those with access. However, it was claimed “people are willing to pay over and above their fares to have a bus service available to them, even if they have a car,” which displayed the importance of the bus service to many communities. Giles also pointed out that bus services can reduce congestion, which is estimated to cost businesses at least £11bn per annum in urban areas. Young people were highlighted as a key demographic, with more
than half of 16-19 year olds being regular bus users and 19% of them using it to commute. More than a third in the 20-29 age bracket were regular users. For reaching education and training, 12% said losing their service would mean missing training sessions and 6% said they would end up looking for a different and likely less suitable course. Of those depending on the bus service for training, all were in low paid, low skilled occupations, meaning the bus was vital to help them gain access to “more productive jobs.” 30% of these people lived within the 10% most deprived areas in the UK. Of the businesses Greener Journeys surveyed, more than 50% said the bus had a role in recruitment and retention, though only a fifth considering it central to their business operations. A quarter of commuters surveyed said they had turned a job down due to lack of services, while 50% said better services would improve their job opportunities. Giles said: “Nobody was given a
sales pitch before these questions. We need to educate people on the importance of bus services and what they can do.”
DAY 3 Concluding the three Greener Journeys presentations on the last day of the show, Martin Dean, GoAhead UK Bus Development MD, set out the multiple benefits of the bus. “If you look at the column inches in newspapers, it’s easy to forget people travel by bus more than any other form of public transport combined,” he said. “A lot of us are concerned about the health and vitality of city centres, and retention and recruitment are vital to businesses. “One thing our study is very keen to demonstrate to opinion formers is that although support to a bus network can be a very easy thing to cut, this can have an impact on the local economy. “Our five-point plan shows the importance to the vitality of town centres via the bus. The CPT has already announced job
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SHOW REVIEW seekers will be able to travel free on buses in January next year with certain operators and the key thing there is bus operators working with businesses and employers to get staff to work.” Citing the good work already happening on the ground, Martin referred to a partnership in Lowestoft between Go-Ahead owned subsidiary Anglian Bus and FirstGroup through Local Sustainable Transport Funding (LSTF) funding. “There is a new bus link which in effect has kick-start funding for the next three years and we hope we will build up enough patronage to sustain it.” Martin concluded: “There is an opportunity for a virtuous circle for buses, and right in the middle are local communities – if they are thriving, this leads to passenger growth.”
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BAE Systems
Matthew Lawrence, Head of Technical Services at BAE Systems, gave a talk following the Greener Journeys presentations on each of the days. Entitled ‘The journey to zero emission urban mobility,’ it centred around BAE Systems’ work with ADL developing hybrid technology. The most significant development in the partnership has been increasing the hybrid’s engine off capability, with power maintained to the steering. The engine can be shut down with the bus able to continue running. This stop-start technology removes idle fuel usage and allows the bus to arrive and depart completely in electric mode. This is estimated to save 10% on fuel compared to other hybrid vehicles, route depending. Also shown was the concept of electric buses charged by the grid, either through conductive or wireless inductive methods.
Best Impressions
Ray Stenning of Best Impressions and Alex Hornby, trent barton Commercial Director, gave a very entertaining and well attended presentation at the ‘Master Class Theatre’ entitled ‘The Business of Branding.’ Alex opened by saying the presentation would be “deliberately provocative,” and 45 minutes of in depth branding analysis followed. The key message was that branding should not be an www.coachandbusweek.com
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1: Alex Hornby of trent barton. 2: Giles Fearnley spoke for Greener Journeys. 3: Norman Baker opened the show with a new GBF announcement. 4: James Freeman revealing the proposed new gas bus livery for Reading Buses operational inconvenience or an engineering nightmare, but something which serious time and thought should be put in to. Two brands Alex highlighted for their strength were Virgin, “the saucy upstart taking on the big companies” and Innocent, whose tone of voice Alex said trent barton had used as inspiration. Innocent, which topped the Social Brands 100 2012 list displaying the brands making use of social media (trent barton were 29th), has particularly interesting branding, since its tone of voice deflects attention away from the fact the company is now owned my the global behemoth brand Coca-Cola. Ray said branding relied on: ■ The experience; ■ The culture; ■ The Values; ■ Building Confidence; and ■ Creating Desire (citing the iPhone) He also highlighted the importance of identifying contact points, listing the people, infrastructure, interiors, exterior (highlighting a theatre ad on a bus,
an attraction on the route itself, over a pasty ad), social media and ticketing. trent barton’s Spondon Flyer was given some attention, where Alex claimed the branding was strong enough that local paper housing adverts would say ‘next to Spondon Flyer’ instead of just any bus route. A number of clever and often quite funny adverts were shown, with staff dressed as pilots or cabin crew, as well as on board signs resembling airline safety sheets often seen tucked into the back of seats on planes. There were also examples of bus stop waysides designed like airport departure boards. “We really took the piss,” Alex joked. “We pushed the boundaries of bus branding and had fun.” After all the examples of good branding, a grim picture of Victoria Centre Bus Station in Nottingham appeared, with Ray declaring “welcome to hell.” This lead into a number of examples of bad branding, from overly zealous
warning signs to a handwritten advert on the back of a driver’s cab advertising two used cars. Images of negative signage and advertising were also shown, such as warnings to passengers on medication not to mix up pills and another telling them not to spit, which Ray believed subliminally said bad things about passengers, “depicting them as absolute dodos.” “We as an industry are let down by the weakest of us,” Ray opined. Other key points from the presentation were to do research instead of make decisions based on hunches or what you perceive to be a good idea, and to get the fundamentals of a vehicle interior right (with a photo of bus seats so close together a size nine shoe had to be turned sideways to fit between them). Ray concluded the presentation by asking: “Do your customers love you? Do they even like you? “The bus needs to be brought back into the centre. There’s no reason passengers shouldn’t ‘choose’ to go by bus.”
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U P B E W F S U J T F P O U I F T F Q B H F T G P S B T M J U U M F B T c K V T U D B M M
...then 50 come BARGAINS – MUST GO along at once. DUE TO RESTRUCTURING MAYPOLE COACHES HAVE THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES FOR SALE:
74 bus seats, Eminox exhaust, 12 months MOT, air-con, choice of 4 £9,550 + VAT each
1997 VOLVO OLYMPIANS
Due to a major influx of new vehicles, we are selling a number of ex-TWM service buses.
1994 VOLVO B10M JONCKHEERE DEAUVILLE
Retrimmed 2 yr ago, 12 mths MOT, 51 seats with belts, toilet, DVD/monitor £11,250 + VAT
They’re in great condition for their age and have been maintained to a very high standard. There are currently 50 vehicles available, all stored at our site for viewing.
1993 VOLVO B10M VANHOOL T8 BODYWORK
12 mths MOT, toilet, DVD/monitor, 49 seats with belts £10,250 + VAT
Although mainly Volvo, Scania and Optare single deck, there are some double deck buses also available. All will be sold with 12 months MOT and repaint if required.
ZF gearbox, Cummins engine, 63 seats with 3 point seat belts, 12 months MOT, 3 point belts, tacho, choice of 2 £5,500 + VAT each
Please call for more details. Finance and rental packages available.
Volant PVS Ltd, Beecham Business Park, Northgate, Aldridge WS9 8TZ T: +44 (0)1922 457003 volantpvs.co.uk
1995 Van Hool DAF SB 3000 Executive
Manual gearbox, rear toilet, coffee machine and video. Overhauled in our workshop. Tested to June 2013.
1992 LEYLAND LYNX
Tel: 0151 547 2713 or 07802 235778 1991 Plaxton Volvo B10M
£12,000
Any inspection or trial. Further pictures by email if required. Possible part exchange for 16 to 24 seater coach.
Woods Coaches Barnsley Tel. 07976 923313
53 seats with seatbelts, tax and MOT till Feb 2013 With LEZ system £6,000+VAT - Without LEZ system £4,000+VAT
Telephone Martin 07850 489648
Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales
UNVI RIADA GT -2008 Mercedes-Benz 0816 Vario chassis with rear air suspension, 29 passenger seats with 3pt lap and diagonal seat belts, courier seat, dark tint double glazed windows, air con, radio/CD & PA system, DVD player and monitor, full draw curtains, large boot space and side lockers. Full service history. £57,950 + VAT Call Dougie at HAGGIS Adventures on 0131 554 9192
Dennis Pointer Dart Mk2 x 130 All spares available - includes engine, gearboxes, seats, etc.
Call: 01226 727769 Mobile: 07912 103497 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com
1 ) 0 5 0 4 " / % ' 6 $ 0 0 6 3 " 4 4 5 " / % " 3 % 0 / " 7 & ) * $ & ' 0 3 4 " & " % 7 & 3 5 * 4 & .& / 5 4
Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
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Ensig DOUBLE DECK 1999 T/V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS
LEZ
COMPLIANT
Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps, Plaxton President bodies, 62 seats dual door (£13,000) or 70 when converted to single door (£16,000).
Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats.
1999/2000/2001 V/X/51 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS
Cummins / Allison, Wrights Cadet body, ramp, wheelchair space, Hanover LED’s, CCTV, 39 retrimmed individual seats, from our own fleet and very tidy.
2000 DAF SB120
1999 T/V REG DENNIS DART SLF’S
Caetano Compass bodies, 39 seats, ramps.
Volvo Euro 2 engine, ZF gearbox, Northern Counties body, 78 seats.
1997/98 VOLVO OLYMPIAN
2000 W REG MINI POINTER DART
9.9m, 2 door, 62 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant, large choice.
ZF automatic, LEZ compliant, Van Hool T9 body, 53 seats.
Cummins / Allison, 8.8m, 29 seats.
2001 DENNIS TRIDENTS
2001 Y REG DAF SB3000
LEZ
COMPLIANT
2000 W REG DENNIS DARTS
LEZ
COMPLIANT
Cummins / Allison, Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, LEZ compliant, 2 door, CCTV, large choice, £4500 each plus tyres (£400).
2005 MINI POINTER DART Cummins Euro 3, Allison automatic, 8.8m, 29 seats, new MOT.
OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -
Juliette Close, Purfleet Industrial Telephone 01708 865656 Fax: 01708 8 Visit our website for current s
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K ER SPECIALIST ZF automatic, Plaxton Premiere 320 body, 53 seats, exhaust trap fitted, LEZ compliant.
1998 R REG DAF SB3000
1998 R REG VOLVO B10BLE’S
2001 DDA COMPLIANT DENNIS DART
Plaxton Pointer 2 dual door body, 31 seats, CCTV, particulate trap fitted, LEZ 2012 compliant, only £6,500 plus tyres (£400). LAST ONE
I-shift, Caetano Enigma body, 49 seats, rear toilet, air-con, great value at £43,000.
2006 VOLVO B12B
Cummins L10 / ZF, Alexander RH body, 78 seats with retractable belts, MOT Oct 2013, tacho.
1992 LEYLAND OLYMPIAN
2002 DART SLFs
Voith automatic gearboxes, SLF, Alexander ALX300 bodies, 44 seats and 27 standing, heavy duty low floor buses. They can also be converted to be DDA compliant.
1992 J REG LEYLAND OLYMPIANS
Iveco Euro 3 engines, Alexander bodies, 68 seats.
1988 SUPER METROBUS OPEN TOPS
Re-engined with Cummins ISB Euro 3 engines, Voith gearboxes, 63 seats upstairs.
Euro 3, DDA, 44 seats.
2003 IRISBUS AGORALINE
LEZ
COMPLIANT
Euro 3 Cummins engines with traps, Marshall bodies, 8.8m, 25 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.
Cummins / Allison, Alexander ALX200 bodies, 9.2m, 27 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.
2001 Y REG DARTS
- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 8 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com t stock at www.ensignbus.com
553368-1060-Pembridge
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NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS New Ford Transit 17 seat 4.3ton 135ps minibus. From £20,595 + VAT
FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES (11) 2011 Ford Transit 9 seat Shuttle Bus, twin side loading doors, large rear luggage area, delivery miles only £16,995
OTHER MAKES New Peugeot Boxer 16 seat 3.5 ton and 17 seat w/chair accessible minibuses, 2.2 diesel 120ps, six speed gearbox LEZ COMPLIANT From £23,500 + VAT
New Renault Master 17 seat LWB LM39dci 126 Minibus, tacho ONLY £20,350
(07) Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus, 2.2 diesel with three point seat belts, 28,000 miles, COIF/PSV £10,495 (11) 2011 Ford Transit 15 seat 3.5 ton, 2.4tdi engine 115ps, tacho, 10,000 km £17,500 (06) 2006 Volkswagen Transporter 9 seat minibus, 85PS, rear tail gate, twin side loading doors, 112,000 miles £7,995 (59) 2009 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi 115ps, tacho, air-con, 15,000km only £17,495
(57) 2007 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4TDi 100ps, six speed gearbox, tacho with 16,000 miles, COIF/PSV £11,995
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS (57) LDV Maxus LWB 9 seats tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, 49,000 miles, £9,995
(07) 2007 LDV Maxus 13 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, under floor lift, space for two wheelchairs, electric side step £8,495
LDV MINIBUSES
D L O S
(57) 2007 LDV Maxus 17 seat, high back seats with three point belts, twin side doors, COIF/ PSV, silver £8,995
(05) 2005 LDV Convoy 2.4tdi 17 seat minibus, high back seats with three point seat belts, COIF/PSV tacho £4,995
(06) 2006 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 cdti 9 seat, inboard lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, 45,000 miles £8,995
(03) 2003 Fiat Doblo SX 1.9 diesel, low floor, four seats plus one wheelchair, lightweight ramp, 45,000 miles £3,495
OTHER MAKES (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 £6,495
Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304
Contact Graham Thatcher – email: sales@minibussales.co.uk
Pembridge House, The Park Business Centre, Plough Road, Goytre, Penperlleni, Nr Usk, South Wales NP4 0AL – 10 minutes from M4 motorway. Viewing by appointment only Finance Contract Hire and Finance Lease Available. We deliver Nationwide. All vehicles prepared to VOSA standard COIF/PSV specialist
All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%
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56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 14, 2012
N Reg Bluebird American School Bus
2002 (52 reg) Optare Solo M850
60 seats with 3 point belts, Cummins engine/Allison gearbox
Mercedes engine, 27 seats 23 with belts, currently undergoing body prep and paint.
£5,950
Also 2000 W Reg at
£17,950
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
£12,000.00
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
49 reclining seats, Manual, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £40,000
Mercedes Touro
65 reclining seats, Automatic, A/C, W/C £40,000
Jonckheere Mistral, MAN
49 reclining seats, AS Tronic gearbox, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £95,000
31 reclining seats, Manual, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio £68,000
61 reclining seats, AS Tronic gearbox, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £120,000
65 reclining seats, One Shift gearbox, LEZ compliant, Disabled access, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £125,000
MAXI 3, Iveco
Neoplan Euroliner, MAN
Plaxton Panther, MAN
Plaxton Panther, Volvo
Contact Daniel Gillison dan@applegates.co.uk 01453 810314 1999 V Reg Mercedes 814D Vario Plaxton Beaver 2
31 bus seats with belts, new paint and test, Allison auto.
Dennis Dart Super Pointer 45 seats with belts, Tacho, Euro4 with RPC/LEZ, ready to go
£13,950
£9,950.00
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
681133-1062-Lothian
7/11/12
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681388-1062-Pickrell
H. W. PICKRELL
12/11/12
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MINIBUS AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES
Gardiners Lane North • Crays Hill • Billericay • Essex • CM11 2XE Tel: 01268 521033 • Mobile: 07860 894331 • Fax: 01268 284951
Email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk - www.hwpickrell.co.uk Finance available on all vehicles (subject to status) Written details on request.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINI BUSES For latest stock arrivals follow @h_w_pickrell
09 REG PEUGEOT BOXER 330 2.5 TD
2009 59 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO SL28 2.0 TD
07 REG FORD TRANSIT 100 350 2.4 TDCI
60 REG FORD TRANSIT T430 JUMBO 2.4TD
Manual, LWB, semi high roof, Atlas Bus conversion, side loading door, step, 16 x high back seats plus driver, exlease, only 19,675 miles. s.
Manual gearbox, low roof, O & H conversion, PAS, twin side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, modified low floor, electric winch & fold out ramp, 15,491 miles.
Manual, MWB, high roof, PAS, DL conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 8 high back seats, fully Unwin tracked floor, Eeberspacher heater, Ricon tail lift, 28,779 miles.
Manual gearbox, high roof, factory bus conversion, side entry slam door with low entry step, 16 x high back seats plus driver, ex local authority, only 6,900 miles.
08 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5 TD
07 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD
06 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.2TD
07 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD
Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, AVS side step, 13 high back seats plus driver, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon internal tail lift, 33,175 miles only,choice of two.
Manual gearbox, high roof, Warnerbus conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, sat nav, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Webasto, Unwin innotrax floor, Ricon tail lift, 14,300 miles only.
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.
Auto gearbox, coach built body, KFS conversion, PAS, side loading door, low side step, 15 high back seats plus driver, full air con, Webasto, Unwin tracked floor, lowering air suspension and ramp, 44,087 miles only.
08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4TDCI
09 PEUGEOT EXPERT TEPEE 1.9 HDI
09 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD
07 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR50 UVG TREKA
Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, AVS side step, 13 rear high back seats, Unwin tracked floor, Eberspacher heater, air con, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, tacho, 53,946kms.
Manual 5 speed gearbox, PAS, CD player, air con, twin side loading doors, 2 high back seat in rear, double passenger seat front, cut out floor, fold down ramp, blue metallic silver, alloy wheels, 14,932 miles.
Manual gearbox, high roof, Warnerbus conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 7 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, full air con, Webasto, Unwin Innotrax floor, Braun tail lift, 27,087 miles only.
Auto gearbox, climate control, n/s/f electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, 81,280 kms.
06 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4 TDCI
58 REG IVECO DAILY 50c13 IRIS BUS 3.0
54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVG TREKA
2008 57 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD
Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, side step, 11 rear high back seats, full Unwin tracking, Eberspacher heater, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, 31,813 miles.
Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, power front entry door, 16 rear high back seats, Unwin tracked floor, Eberspacher heater, destination board, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, COIF, 63,371 miles.
Auto gearbox, LWB, PAS, climate control, n/s/f electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, 104,180 kms.
Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, SCW conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 10 high back seats, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, 27,478 miles.
06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI
08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4TDCI
06 REG RENAULT MASTER SL33 2.2TD
57 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR35
Auto gearbox, LWB, PAS, Frank Guy conversion, n/s full height electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF’d, 103,080 kms.
Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, electric side step, 11 high back seats, Unwin tracked floor at rear, Eberspacher heater, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, 34,954 miles.
Manual gearbox, low roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 17,491 miles.
LWB, semi high roof, BC conversion, PAS, SLD, side step, 12 rear high back seats, front storage area or double passenger, air con, Unwin tracked floor, space for wheelchair, AMF internal tail lift, only 25,000 miles
54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI
2008 58 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO LM39 2.5TD
09 REG IVECO 65c15 IRIS BUS 3.0
2008 57 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO LH28 2.0 TD
Tiptronic gearbox, Euromotive PSC bus conversion, front entry slam door with low entry step, 16 x high back removable seats, Eberspacher, ex local authority, COIF'd, tacho fitted, only 66,780 kms.
Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, O & H conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 8 high back seats + driver, Unwin tracked floor, stretcher, Ricon tail lift, piped oxygen, Eberspacher heater, 48,441 miles.
Automatic, tacho, LWB, PAS, Mellor body, power door, low entry, only 8 seats but space for upto 24 high back removable seats, climate control, Unwin tracking, Ricon internal tail lift, very low 16,000 kms.
Manual gearbox, hi roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 5 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 30,280 miles only.
681292-1062-Epsom
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5/11/12
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November 14, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61
2002 52 Reg Mercedes Sprinter 413D
UVG body, 16 seats + wheelchair, PSC and tachograph, low mileage for year
£8,450.00
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
DARTLINE 2x2005 Optare Solos
56, 57, 58, 59 & 11 Reg Ford Transit Factory Minibuses 15 and 17 seaters, PSV and Class 5 Choice of 10 For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
9.2 m, 33 seats, Mercedes engines, approx. 220,000 miles, good order throughout, more pictures if required, new MOT’S £32,500 + VAT (Discount if both taken)
2008 Temsa Opalin
Auto, 35 seat midicoach, air-con, large boot, side lockers, approx. 195,000 kms, LEZ compliant, MOT Exp May 2013 £70,000 + VAT
2003 Renault Master SL28 Dci
5 passenger seats,1 removable seat on centre track, N/S sliding door, double rear doors, approx. 55,000 miles, MOT (Class 4) Exp August 2013 £3,000
Contact Simon on 01392 872900
V d PS ste te
2011 11 REG FORD TRANSIT 15 seat factory bus, PSV, COIF and tacho, 20K miles, ready to go
£16,450
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
6 T F P V S M B V O D I P G G F S
U P B E W F S U J T F P O M J O F G P S ' 3 & &
05 (55) FORD TRANSIT 350 17 SEAT MINIBUS 115PS £7,495
09 (59) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF TACHO COIF/PSV 30,000MILES CHOICE OF 115 & 140PS £16,495
09 (59) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS DIGITAL TACHO COIF/PSV 74000 MILES £13,995
MULTIPART & LDV/MAXUS PARTS STOCKISTS
(PONTYPOOL) LTD
COME ALONG AND MEET US AND VIEW THE NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE ALTAS CONVERSION AT THE ALTAS STAND D70 – NEC CENTRE, BIRMINGHAM NOVEMBER 6TH - 9TH
P.O.A.
• ALTAS CONVERSION • 17 SEAT MINICOACH • DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS • FULL AIR CONDITIONING • POWER DOOR LOW ENTRY STEP
NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE 516CDI
Tel: 01495 757111 Mob: 07850 739446 (Haydn) or visit our website www.minibussales.biz to view the above stock
06 (55) MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDi TREKA BUS W/CHAIR ACC 97000KMS COIF/PSV £17,995 CHOICE
2006 (55) LDV CONVOY ELWB MINI COACH 17 SEATS 90PS EXCEL CONVERSION COIF/PSV TACHO £9,950
09 (58) FORD TRANSIT 100T 300M WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS P.O.A.
2008 (57) VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR35 W/CHAIR ACCESSIBLE 29,000 MILES COIF/PSV £19,995
14:56
07 (07) LDV MAXUS W/CHAIR ACCESSIBLE 4 SEAT INBOARD LIFT UNWIN TRACKING £12,495
5/11/12
58 PLATE VW CRAFTER CR50LWB 16 SEAT W/CHAIR ACC MINIBUS STANFORD CONVERSION 2.5/135PS TDCI COIF/PSV £29,995
p65_CBW_1061 Page 1
679547-1059-Connaught
22/10/12
14:36
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Mini Coach Sales
BRAND NEW MERCEDES FERQUI SOROCO 16 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot. Order now for March/April
BRAND NEW MERCEDES FERQUI TORO 32 high back seats + courier, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot. Available for immediate delivery.
MORE PHOTOS AND DETAILS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE:
BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ FERQUI SOROCO 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights and boot. Order now for March/April
BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ 516CDI EVM SHUTTLE 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks and A/C.
BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ 513CDI EVM CLASSIC 16/19 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks and A/C.
www.connaughtpsv.co.uk
2009 59 REG MERCEDES 515 SOROCO 16 high back leather trimmed Vogel recliners, 3 point belts, AC/DG, forced air, reading lights, DVD, power door, large boot.
2008 08 MERCEDES BENZ 815D VARIO OPTARE TORO 28 high back seats, courier seat, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, A/C, D/G, power door and large boot.
2007 07 MERCEDES 515 CDI COACH BUILT SOROCO 16 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, AC/DG, power door and large boot.
2005 05 REG MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON CHEETAH 33 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, auto gearbox, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.
2005 55REG MERCEDES BENZ 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights.
2001 51 REG TOYOTA CATEANO OPTIMO 5 22 high back seats plus courier, lap belts, forced air, reading lights, curtains, power door and boot.
Steve Peach Tel: 01302 770863 Mob: 07836 551020 Email: steve@connaughtpsv.co.uk www.connaughtpsv.co.uk
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64 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 14, 2012
AUDIO & VIDEO
BUILDINGS
GARAGE EQUIPMENT
HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS
Bus Workshops - Secure Storage Supplied any width, any length Building to BS5590 - Doors high enough for Double Deckers - Finance available For further information phone
BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime
CHECKPOINTS INSURANCE
Don’t forget to say that you saw it in
Wheel Nut Indicators and Retainers
++44(0)1524 44(0)1524 2271200 71200 checkpoint-safety.com
www.
ENGINES
CRAIG TILSLEY Suppliers of Reconditioned Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527 Fax: 01782 791316
Email: info@craigtilsley.co.uk www.craigtilsley.co.uk
DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS PUMPS ETC
LIVERY
Moorfields Industrial Estate, Cotes Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST21 6QY
GARAGE EQUIPMENT
Mobile Column Lifts
REGISTRATIONS G
FREE
Set of Axle Stands when you purchase your Mobile Columns JHM Butt & Company Limited Sales: 01302 718226
www.buttsequipment.com equipment.com
£690 CEZ 75 DNZ 45 JXI 62 MXI 42 OXI 76 PEZ 58 TUI 18 TUI 19 VIB 92
SPEEDY REGISTRATIONS CO LTD G ‘Buy with confidence – CNDA Member’
£350 £99 £99 £50 ACZ 727 DXZ 1150 LIG 1220 CXZ 4470 AJZ 262 FRZ 1411 LIG 1222 DXZ 2267 CEZ 979 HIG 5338 MJZ 6749 DXZ 2268 KBZ 181 IIG 2278 MNZ 1195 ERZ 6181 RBZ 696 IIG 2279 REZ 9451 FRZ 1516 SBZ 171 JIG 9298 RUI 2117 FRZ 1517 VIW 979 JIG 9299 SUI 8836 JFZ 8261 WJI 848 KIG 6556 SUI 8837 JFZ 8262 XJI 474 KIG 6557 TJZ 1119 KIG 8781 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange
Tel: (028) 6638 7124 Fax: (028) 6638 7771
Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ
£50 KIG 8782 LIG 1621 LIG 1622 LIG 1623 RNZ 9198 SNZ 2273 SNZ 2274 TUI 7991 TUI 7992
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November 14, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 65
TRAINING
REPLACEMENT LEZ EXHAUSTS
Direct Replacement LEZ Exhaust Systems Typical 2-4 Hour Install 2 Year Standard Warranty Unique Maintenance Modules - Keep your Vehicle on the Road Passive and Active Systems available - Suitable for all Drive Cycles For your Regional Agent or Further Information, Contact Tom or Brian on :- 01768 480111 or sales@greenurban.co.uk
TICKETING
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
6 T F P V S M B V O D I P G G F S
U P B E W F S U J T F P O M J O F G P S ' 3 & &
<RX F DQ DO V R W DNH DQ DG V SDF H I RU ZH H NV RQO L QH DQG TRAINING
TICKETING
Almex Ticket Machine Good working order, spare ticket rolls and instruction booklet included.
ZH H NV L Q &RDF K %XV :H H N I RU RQO \
&RQW DF W -DGH &DVVL G\ W R O H DU Q PRU H DERXW DQ\ RI RXU RI I H U V £400 plus VAT
All enquiries to 01227 742909 (Kent)
DGH F DV V L G\#F RDF KDQGEXV ZH H N F RP M
681144-1061-Cabmasters
5/11/12
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New Van & Bus Parts Cummins 5-9 B series Short Engine ESN 29111177 Druk 0032serx
Cummins L10 Short Motor Daily Spare Wheels 22-75 16C
Pirelli New
Diggi Techo 1
Drivers Suspension Seats New £250+VAT
Ducato Front Passenger £175+VAT
Fiat Ducato Rear Doors Old Model
Gramma Air Seats New
Gramma Paddle Change Seats New
Iveco Daily Mirrors £50+VAT Each
Iveco Daily Rim Continental Vanco 195-75R-16C 107-105R Tyre
Iveco Daily SLD £250+VAT
Iveco Daily Wings £35+VAT
Leyland GB397,390
MB Sprinter 616 Axel part no A9053500300
MB Sprinter VW LT Doors old model £150+VAT
MB Vario 24 Volt Wiper Motors £35+VAT
MB Vario Bumpers £75+VAT
MB Vario Headlamps £35+VAT
New MB Vario Parts
New Sprinter Spare Wheels Continental Vanco Winter 235 65 R16C Tyres
New Transit Spare Wheels Continental 215 75 R16C Eco Tyres
Nissan 2-7 TD New
Peugeot Boxer Relay Fiat Ducato Doors £300+VAT pair
Renault Master Rear Mavano Doors £300+VAT Pair
RUD Matic Snow Chains
Sprinter & Crafter Wings £35+VAT
Toyota Landcruiser V8 20 inch Alloys Dunlop 285 50 R20 Unused
tTansit Millennium Bus £750+VAT
Transit Minibus Seats Unused
Transit Millennium Doors £125+VAT
Transit Tourneo Seats Unused £500+VAT
Vauxhall Astra Mk2 Convertible Bodyshells
VW Crafter Mercedes Sprinter Front Doors £200+VAT
ZF 16S-109
www.cabmasters.com ZF Astronic 12-AS-1930-TD
01706 211 838
ZF S6 36-2 Gearboxes ZF Reman
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November 14, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 67
TYRES
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MANAGEMENT & REPAIRS
MOUNTAIN TYRES LTD VEHICLE CERTIFICATE AGENCY
QUALITY AVON TREAD USED
Mountain Tyres is a newly established company making commercial retreaded tyres. We have a modern retreading plant based near Caerphilly, and we only use Grade One Tyre Casings in the production of all our tyres to produce a top quality tyre. All our tyres are guaranteed against failure.
• FREE DELIVERY FOR ALL ORDERS OVER 10 TYRES • Our staff have over 25 years experience in the Retreading industry and we are Certified by the Vehicle Certificate Agency
PRICE LIST
205-75-17.5 from ........................................................£50.00 215-75-17.5 from ........................................................£50.00 245-70-19.5 from ........................................................£60.00 275-70-22.5 from .....................................................£120.00 295-80-22.5 from .....................................................£125.00 315-80-22.5 from .....................................................£125.00 385-65-22.5 from .....................................................£135.00 MAJOR REPAIRS ..........................................................£35.00 MINOR REPAIRS ..........................................................£15.00 All Prices Plus VAT
Email: bernard.llewellyn@btopenworld.com Ffynonau-Duon Farm, Pentwyn, Bargoed, Caerphilly, CF81 9NP
TYRE EQUIPMENT
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
68 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 14, 2012
Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com, fax 0845 2802927 or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX
Monday: Press day. Martin leaves mid afternoon to attend an editors’ dinner with a manufacturer. Andrew follows – they’re both at the NEC tomorrow. Taking pride in what I do, I feel my place is in the office putting CBW to bed, with the invaluable efforts of Alex and James. Tuesday: I’ve divided our show coverage up so the editorial team do two days each at the NEC.
Catching up with friends is a vital part of any trade show – something we at CBW are firm believers in. As is widely recognised, personal relationships are key - particularly on the coach side of the industry, which tends to be dominated by family firms. On that note, CBW’s Victoria Schult, who joined us in April and was recently promoted to Senior Sales Executive, is pictured enjoying a spot of banter with the ever-friendly and approachable crew from Just Coach Drivers – David Wright and Charlie Haggerty.
RIP Buster A loyal member of the canine section of our industry passed away last Monday. Some of you may recall how back in early August (CBW1048), Buster the dog was mentioned in an ‘Operator Profile’ feature on Peelings Coaches. He provided a welcome greeting to friendly visitors to the family-run firm in the delightful Norfolk village of Tittleshall – he certainly liked plenty of fuss. He also enjoyed his own presence on Facebook.
Dilbert
At least one stand appeared to be child-friendly at Euro Bus Expo – if this photo is anything to go by. As is so often the case on this page, however, all is not as it seems… Arriva Bus & Coach’s ever-friendly office-based Sales and Rentals Representative Steve Fletcher, or ‘Fletch’ as he’s perhaps better known, to his colleagues and customers alike, shows off the new design of MCV seat. Furthermore, the usual warm welcome could be found on the Arriva Bus & Coach stand. Indeed, a cup of coffee can just be seen in this shot. No points for guessing who that was destined for…
Wednesday: Rise at 0515hrs and head to the NEC. My reputation as a coffee adict comes in handy – there’s no shortage of kind offers. I’m ‘duty manager’ for our crew as we overnight in a nice hotel. Thursday: I’m in my element talking to people and taking pics. Accept an invitation to be best man for a close friend. I joke the stag do is sorted – buses, beer and curry. The journey home from the NEC sees us barely move for 45 minutes or so – it seems a vehicle is on fire. Keep calm and get on with it. My reputation for always having snacks in the car for such occasions has gone before me – the girls ask for biscuits and chocolate. Friday: A hectic day in the office. As is unfortunately often the case, a colleague picks his moments and demands something is done ‘yesterday’ – when I’ve got a mag to put produce by Monday evening. Today is effectively the second press day of the week. I’m furious and don’t mince my words. If you’re too nice all the time, people take advantage of you. I smile when my fiancée, a teacher, texts me to say: “I’ve been with you too long. Kids watching a DVD this PM. Had a look at the choices - there’s one called ‘Busy Buses’. Lol!” Nip round to my ‘in laws’ after work, whose cats Jess and Tabbie want lots of fuss – isn’t it funny how animals always seem to act as ‘de-stressifiers’.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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RECRUITMENT
DEADlINES Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm
November 14, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 69
CPT’s John Major retires After over five years as the CPT’s Director of Communications, John Major is taking early retirement, prompting a reorganisation of the CPT’s information hub. CPT CEO Simon Posner praised the contribution John has made during his time at the Drury Lane Head Office. “He certainly brought us into the 21st Century with a greater use of technology, enabling us to provide our members with up to the minute support and assistance. He leaves behind a solid base onto which we can build and further improve our service. “John’s retirement comes at an interesting time for his team. Communications Officer Clare Chittenden has just started maternity leave and this, along with John’s move has given us some resourcing decisions to make. I have decided to restructure the Unit,
CONTACT Ian Gillis 01733 293484
ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com
Volvo aftermarket team takes on six staff
Pauline Gaunt, John Major and Chris Nice with Deputy Director, Chris Nice stepping up to a slightly revised Communications Director role. “Chris has been with CPT for over ten years, during which time he has been on secondment to Greener Journeys, the industry’s modal shift campaign, and FirstGroup in the South East and Midlands. He knows exactly how the Association works and what our members
want. He is John’s obvious and natural successor. Chris will be supported by ex DfT Parliamentary Clerk, Pauline Gaunt who joins us as Communications Manager.” Simon concluded by saying: “Pauline has a wealth of experience in the industry and we are lucky to have secured her services. She’ll bring a new dynamic to the team which will benefit our members.”
Volvo Bus has expanded its Aftermarket team. Neil Heron, Area Service Manager South and Andy Olver, Area Service Manager London offer experience and industry knowledge to what is largely a new aftermarket team. The four most recent additions to the Aftermarket team are Darren Green in the Midlands, Paul Jenkins at Thomas Hardie Commercials in the North West, Ricky Mason in Ireland and Arthur Gribbin for the North and Scotland. “Each of these individuals has contributed significantly in strengthening Volvo’s support in their particular geographical area,” said Ian Wallace, Volvo Bus Aftermarket Service Manager.
SERVICE DELIVERY DIRECTOR
TGM Group is part of Arriva’s UK Bus Division and operates a diverse portfolio of bus, coach, airport and aviation services across the UK, with the majority of these being based in the south east. In strengthening our senior management team an opportunity has been created for a qualified and experienced engineer to join the team based at Heathrow. The new role will cover operational and engineering aspects of the business, with the successful candidate having full accountability for engineering performance and maintenance of a fleet of 470 vehicles, while also overseeing the performance of some 1000 staff who deliver our operations across our 9 UK sites. Applicants will need to demonstrate a proven track record of managing multi-site operations and must demonstrate a progressive career in successfully initiating change to maximize business efficiency and profitability. Other key responsibilities include:• Leading depot teams to deliver continual improvement in operational KPI’s • Managing engineering processes and standards in vehicle maintenance • Compiling and delivering budgets and forecasts • Developing commercial engineering and service opportunities Reporting to the Managing Director, the successful applicant will be highly organised and task orientated, whilst being able to lead, develop and motivate their people. They will work closely with our operations, commercial and financial teams to achieve key performance objectives whilst delivering improvements in service quality, efficiency, customer satisfaction and profitability. Interested applicants should apply in writing with a CV and covering letter, to include their salary expectations, to: Ms Sim Gupta – Group HR Manager, Building 16300 Electra Ave, London Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, Middx, TW6 2DN. Email applications to sim.gupta@tgmgroup.co.uk Closing Date for Applications is 30 November 2012.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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70 | COACH & BUS WEEK | November 14, 2012
RECRUITMENT
Stagecoach driver cycles length of UK Bus driver Jason Stenson, 39, from Stagecoach Manchester recently hopped on his bike and cycled 950 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats, successfully raising £430 for the company’s charity of the year, St Ann’s Hospice. Remarkably, Jason began training for the event in May. He successfully managed to overcome a broken hand, faced torrential rain, battled high winds and fought through thick fog during the gruelling challenge, eventually completing the journey in just 11 days – something to be truly proud of. Jason performed the feat just weeks after participating in the TfGM Cycle Challenge, which encouraged Greater Manchester organisations to compete to recruit as many friends and colleagues
Jason Stenson at Lands End as possible to cycle for just 10 minutes over a three-week period. Jason and his colleagues from the firm’s friendly Sharston Depot came second in the 500+ employee category, cycling an accumulative distance of 2,110 miles in the process. Christopher Bowles, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester,
DEADlINES Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm
CONTACT Ian Gillis 01733 293484
commented: “Completing the Lands End to John O’Groats cycle in aid of St Ann’s Hospice was an incredible achievement. Jason’s commitment to his training and dedication throughout a very difficult journey is an inspiration and we are extremely proud that he has raised so much money for the hospice.” Stagecoach Manchester provided Jason with an employee loan which enabled him to purchase his bike for the challenge and also made a donation to his fundraising efforts. Jason, who has worked for Stagecoach Manchester for twoand-a-half years, commented: “From starting training to finally reaching John O’Groats, exhausted, bruised yet completely elated, I have been absolutely committed to completing this challenge. “I was spurred on by the thoughts of the hard work the staff at the hospice do in making the lives of the patients and families as ‘normal’ as possible. It helped me no end to put the pain I was going through into perspective.”
NX boosts Business Development
ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com
National Express has strengthened its business development team with the appointment of Steven Areington, 27, as a Senior Account Manager. He joins the eight-strong business development team from Nestle, where he spent two years in business development. His role will see him concentrate his efforts on growing the firm’s share of the lucrative airport traveller market, which currently makes up around a third of it’s routes. Although based at National Express’ UK Head Office at Birmingham Coach Station in Digbeth, his role will also see him travel the UK as he strengthens close relationships with key airline partners, including Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted.
Staff Manager
Driving Standards Manager
Based in Beddington (Croydon) Attractive Salary and Benefits package
Based in Twickenham Attractive Salary and Benefits package
We are currently advertising a vacancy for a Staff Manager for our Beddington depot.
We are currently advertising a vacancy for a Driving Standards Manager for Twickenham depot. The successful applicant will assist the Operations Manager and depot to be responsible for all matters related to driving standards and their effective and efficient management and control to meet TfL and company requirements.
The successful applicant will assist the Operations Manager and depot to be responsible for all matters related to staff and their effective and efficient management and control to meet TfL and company requirements, ensuring staff quality at its highest standards. You will maintain Company Standards by means of training, disciplinary and other procedures, ensuring that the Company rules are adhered to by drivers and other staff.
You will investigate all accidents and incidents involving the Company’s vehicles and take appropriate action with staff and where necessary liaise with the Intervention Team as appropriate.
You will work with colleagues in achieving the annual driver costs budget and associated action plans and monitor and manage staff sickness and attendance.
You will ensure all accidents e.g. road or personal injuries and employer liability are recorded and investigated. You will investigate and make sure Customer Complaints are internally being responded to in a timely manner as appropriate.
Further details of the role are included in the role profile / job description which can be obtained by email from Karen.morrison@abellio.co.uk.
Further details of the role are included in the role profile / job description which can be obtained by email from Karen.morrison@abellio.co.uk.
Applications by way of a C.V. and covering letter clearly detailing your experience, knowledge and suitability for the role are to be forwarded by email to Karen.morrison@abellio.co.uk or post to:
Applications by way of a C.V. and covering letter clearly detailing your experience, knowledge and suitability for the role are to be forwarded by email to Karen.morrison@abellio.co.uk or post to:
Karen Morrison HR Co Ordinator, Silverthorne Road, Battersea, London, SW8 3HE
Karen Morrison HR Co Ordinator, Silverthorne Road, Battersea, London, SW8 3HE
Closing date for applications:
Closing date for applications:
Wednesday 28th November 2012 Abellio is an equal opportunities employer
www.abellio.co.uk
Join the team where your skills and experience will be respected.
Wednesday 28th November 2012 Abellio is an equal opportunities employer
www.abellio.co.uk
Join the team where your skills and experience will be respected.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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“Advertise all your recruitment vacancies the affordable way; book a series of three adverts; buy one week, get the second week half price and have a third week on us… yes, that’s free! Your vacancy will be seen in the print and digital editions, and online at www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs. This amazing offer is extended to the end of the year, 2012, so don’t delay, contact me, Ian Gillis, on 01733 293 484, or via email: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com”
RECRUITNOW
WITH
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Managing Director Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company
Brighton & Hove Buses is at the heart of the local community.The company operates a modern bus fleet and provides the local service for customers in the city of Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area. Its fleet of 281 buses and coaches delivers well over 47 million passenger journeys a year through the efforts of 1,175 employees. This is a unique and fantastic opportunity for an experienced, high quality candidate to build upon a strong legacy and who has the ability to inspire an award-winning team to even higher levels of innovation, quality and partnership working. The Managing Director of Brighton & Hove will report directly to the Go-Ahead Group Chief Executive. Responsibilities will include all commercial, financial and operation matters relating to the successful running of the bus company. Candidates will possess the energy and passion to deliver excellent customer service through a strategy of effective marketing and high operational standards. Go-Ahead operates a devolved management structure and the successful candidate will have significant autonomy in order to innovate and grow the business. The role is based at the company’s headquarters in Hove. To apply, please e-mail your CV and a covering letter to Val Proctor, Group HR Director at Go-Ahead. e-mail: val.proctor@go-ahead.com buses.co.uk go-ahead.com
www.coachandbusweek.com
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