Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1065

Wednesday December 5, 2012 Issue 1065 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

New 24-bay coach parking for London's West End p8

LEGAL NEWS:

Fisher Tours issued strongest form of warning by TC p20

Alastair Peoples: We're all on the same side

BUS:

Newport Transport receives �ive new Enviro400s p6

INSIGHT:

Greener Journeys promotes economic value of buses p40

for recruitm

JOB ADVE ent EVERY WERTS EK

RECRUIT N

OW

p26

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tHiS WEEK

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www.coachandbusweek.com ISSN: 1351-3877 © 2012 Coach and Bus Week Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors. This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors.

The rules on the bus go round and round...

I

was interested to hear about TfL’s new campaign outlining the ‘rules’ around the use of the wheelchair space on buses (see p5). With London being very much under the public spotlight, it will be interesting to see how it’s received. On-board space conflict has been around for a long time – but especially so since the advent of low floor buses.

The message on the poster reads: “There’s only one place on the bus where wheelchair users can travel safely. Please fold your buggy or move out of the wheelchair priority area if necessary.”

However, it would appear it still fails to address the highly controversial matter of who ultimately gets priority over the bay.

Clearly, the driver is not going to get out of the cab to intervene for all sorts of practical and safety reasons. A stand-off can still result, but it’s reasonable to assume TfL’s hands are tied by the dreaded so-called ‘polticial correctness’.

Bear in mind whoever is in the bay first, having paid the fare already, may have priority. Can you really ask a passenger who has paid their fare to alight? How would that encourage further bus use?

On a coaching note, I was delighted to read Chalkwell’s local MP give his backing to commuting by coach (p10). With rail fares set to rise in January, it is of course timely. As is well known in this industry, there’s no shortage of coach operators in the area who are equipped and highly experienced players in that particular market segment. Chalkwell says it is to ramp up its publicity – let us hope other operators follow suit and grasp the opportunity.

However, let us also not forget the realistic prospect of a duty rise, which will hit coach and bus travel too after Christmas. By the time you read this, we will doubtless know where we stand – our Chancellor is due to give his autumn statement on Wednesday (December 5).

Gareth Evans Editor

CONtENtS 4

24

38

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

14

All the latest vehicle deliveries in operators’ yards across the country

26

Jonathan Bray on sustainable concessionary fares models

What’s happening across the country’s regions. Plus events diary

18

VOSA CEO Alastair Peoples discusses compliance and ATFs

32

Campaign group brings its five point plan to politicians

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

20

A Irizar Scania from Crowlandbased Tourmaster in Whittlesey

34

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Office Diary column

Deputy TC for Scotland Nick Jones issues strong warning to operator

A look at some suppliers of parts and accessories for the industry

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

Regional News Tour News

Legal News

Deliveries Insight

The Big Picture Industry Guide

pteg Column

40

Greener Journeys

61

Last Stop

62

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.

For all your relief coach driver needs call us today 0845 2416 288 www.justcoachdrivers.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

nEWS

“Come and talk to us if you are unsure.

We would rather meet you than for you to be at risk of being non-compliant.”

Alastair Peoples CEO, VOSA

BriEfly A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire destroyed three vehicles and damaged another at Newport Bus’ Corporation Street depot. The alarm was raised at 0255hrs on Monday and Managing Director Scott Pearson told CBW the fire had destroyed an ADL Enviro200, an Alx 200-bodied Dart and a recently refurbished Alx 400-bodied Dennis Trident double-decker. A training vehicle was also heavily damaged. The fire happened at the top end of the depot where the vehicles are washed and fuelled. Mr Pearson said the company’s services remained unaffected due to the firms’ contingency plans.

Stagecoach Group has announced the appointment of Mike Vaux as its Company Secretary with effect from January 1, 2013. A qualified lawyer, Mike joined Stagecoach in 2009 as Deputy Company Secretary.

He previously held company secretarial roles at Holidaybreak plc, Thomas Cook Group plc and MyTravel Group plc. As previously reported, Stagecoach’s current Company Secretary, Ross Paterson, will become Finance Director (FD) from May 1, 2013. Current FD Martin Griffiths will in-turn succeed Sir Brian Souter as Chief Exective Officer.

The first East Lothian Bus Forum was held Tuesday November 27 as a number of groups met to discuss improvements to county transport.

Established to encourage dialogue, the meeting was attended by bus operators, politicians, community councils, officials from East Lothian Council and SESTRAN, and representatives from the RELBUS campaign group. Discussions ranged from improved timetable provision at bus stops to how best to provide services in rural areas. Councillor Michael Veitch (Con), deputy council leader, said: “A number of very constructive discussions took place, and I am confident that continued joinedup working and dialogue will be pivotal in bringing about the service improvements which we all want to see.” www.coachandbusweek.com

News4,5.indd 4

Snow coach crash inquiry Accounts from teachers and coach driver at odds in Fatal Accident Inquiry The driver of a coach which crashed in a blizzard and killed a teenage schoolgirl asked teachers to consider cancelling the trip, a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) at Lanark Sheriff Court heard.

According to The Herald, Raymond Munro, 63, was at the wheel of a coach taking pupils from Lanark Grammar School to Alton Towers on March 31, 2010.

As reported in CBW at the time, the coach carrying 39 pupils and staff crashed, claiming the life of 17-year-old Natasha Paton.

The vehicle was operated by Lanarkshire-based company Photoflash. It collided with a bridge on the A73 at Wiston, south-west of Biggar and tumbled down an embankment where the front end came to be submerged in the river.

The inquiry last week heard details from a statement Mr Munro gave to police after the accident –

Arriva senior management changes

Arriva Group has announced senior management changes following the decision by David Evans, Managing Director - Arriva Mainland Europe, to retire.

David is recognised as having played a significant role in the effective development of the Arriva strategy over the past 12 years.

He led the growth of the Arriva Mainland Europe division at a key stage in its development, which saw the business enter new markets and deliver a range of innovative, customer focused passenger transport services across 11 countries.

David is retiring on December 14 and made the decision so that he and his wife could spend time travelling the world and dedicate more time to a children’s charity in

although he is not expected to give evidence due to ill health.

Lanark Sheriff Court heard a transcript of the interview where Mr Munro, of Bothwell, South Lanarkshire, claimed he warned teachers about weather conditions and suggested using an alternative route for their trip to popular theme park on March 31, 2010.

During the interview at Motherwell Police office on April 22, 2010, he said: “When I arrived I said to the people on the coach, ‘It’s no’ a very nice day for it. Would you not rather change the day?’

They weren’t too happy about that, changing the day, so I said ‘If you don’t mind we will go the Garrion Bridge way’.

“While we were waiting on somebody coming, the teacher, I think his name was Peter, came down and introduced himself. I was suggesting to him we went the Garrion Bridge way and he said, ‘Well, we’ll ask the kids if the roads are all right’.

“I said ‘The roads are not all

Mike Cooper has been promoted to Deputy Chief Executive Zambia that they set up together.

As a result of David Evans’ retirement, Arriva has made changes to the management structure across the Arriva group.

Mike Cooper, currently an Executive Director at Arriva and who has successfully led the Arriva UK Bus division since 2005, will be appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer from January 1, 2013. He will take on specific accountability for the Arriva Mainland Europe

Insight p26 right because there’s heavy snow.

I would rather go the Garrion Bridge’.”

Giving evidence, Peter Colquhoun, 28, the physics teacher at Lanark Grammar who organised the trip, denied ever discussing cancelling the journey.

Mr Colquhoun also said he did not discuss taking a different route with Mr Munro. He said: “I am very confident he didn’t say that.

The only discussion with him in regards to the weather was when he apologised for being late. I said something like, ‘Don’t worry, you want to take your time in this weather’.”

Mr Colquhoun also said he would have cancelled the trip at the time if he had any concerns.

The inquiry also heard tests on the coach’s tachograph showed it was travelling at 25mph when it crashed and it had reached a maximum speed of 38mph during the journey. A vehicle inspection carried out on the coach found no defects which could have led to the collision or a loss of control of the vehicle. It was also revealed a postmortem carried out on Natasha, who was not wearing a seatbelt, found she had drowned.

Another teacher, Alison Murray, 26, also claimed she did not hear the coach driver raise any concerns over the weather or the route. division.

Bob Holland, who has successfully developed the Arriva UK Trains division over recent years, and prior to that played an instrumental part in developing Arriva’s businesses in Mainland Europe, will be appointed Managing Director UK, taking on the additional role of leading the Arriva UK Bus division from January 1, 2013.

Steve Murphy, currently Managing Director of London Overground Rail Operations Limited, will be appointed to a new role of Chief Operating Officer for the Arriva UK Trains division, responsible for the Arriva UK Trains business and central team, and reporting to Bob Holland.

David Martin said: “I am certain that Mike, Bob and Steve are looking forward to the new challenges ahead of them in the coming months and continuing their contribution to the growth and development of the Arriva group.”

03/12/2012 22:43

December 5, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5

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TfL makes wheelchair space a priority A new campaign outlining the ‘rules’ around the use of the wheelchair space on buses has been launched by Transport for London (TfL).

TfL’s Managing Director of Surface Transport, Leon Daniels, said: “Our research and feedback shows there is some confusion around the priority area, not just among passengers but also with our drivers. The entire London bus network is wheelchair accessible and there should be no reason for a wheelchair user being unable to use a bus. However, wheelchair users tell us they are sometimes refused entry to our buses because the space is already occupied and other passengers will not move.

“We are asking, through this campaign, for passengers to show consideration to their fellow travellers. We are not saying other passengers can’t use the space at all, just that if a wheelchair user does require access during their journey they must be given priority.

Wheelchairs must be positioned

correctly in the priority area to travel safely.”

Guidance has also been provided to drivers to help them deal with this issue. When a wheelchair user wants to board the bus, and the wheelchair priority space is occupied by a buggy or pram, the bus driver will use an automated iBus message and if necessary the PA system to alert passengers. Extra time will be given to allow passengers with a buggy or pram to move out of the way or to fold the pram/buggy to allow the wheelchair to gain access

to the space. On many buses it is possible for the buggy/pram to move back into the priority space, alongside the wheelchair, as long as it does not block the gangway. Bus drivers have been instructed not to move off until both wheelchair and buggy/pram are safely positioned.

For more detials on bus accessibility go to http:// www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/ transportaccessibility/1171.aspx.

A TfL accessibility video can be found at http://tinyurl.com/ bnsj8pr

Bus drivers in London have been instructed not to move off until both wheelchair and buggy/pram are safely positioned

Sir John Armitt appointed Chairman of NatEx Group National Express (NX) has announced the appointment of Sir John Armitt as Chairman, with effect from February 1, 2013.

In addition to being the recent Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, Sir John is Deputy Chairman of Berkeley Group and a member of the TfL Board. He was Chairman of the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council until March 31, 2012. From 2001 to 2007 he was CEO of Network Rail and its predecessor, Railtrack.

In 1997 he was appointed as CEO of Costain, a position he held until 2001. Before this he was CEO of Union Railways, the company responsible for development of the high speed Channel Tunnel Rail Link and previously spent 27 years at John Laing plc rising to become Chairman of the Laing International and Civil Engineering Divisions.

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Sir John will join the Board as a Non-Executive Director on January 1, 2013 and then take over as Chairman on February 1. Sir John will join the Nomination and Safety and Environment Committees from January 1, before being appointed Chairman of the Nomination Committee from February 1.

John Devaney has been Chairman of NX since April 2009 and announced in July his intention to retire from the Board in order to focus on his other business commitments.

Tim Score, Senior Independent Director, said: “Sir John has an strong international track record and extensive knowledge of the UK transport sector. I would like to thank John Devaney for his significant contribution as Chairman, in particular his role in turning the company around and

Sir John Armitt was formerly CEO of Network Rail establishing a strong base from which to generate growth. Sir John will oversee this next phase as we develop opportunities across the US, Europe and North Africa to drive medium-term growth.”

Sir John Armitt said: “I am very pleased to join National Express Group as its Chairman, a company that is respected internationally for the quality of its services. I would like to pay tribute to John Devaney for his Chairmanship.”

A de Courcey Optare Versa EV

SMMT award for Versa EV Optare’s Versa EV has won the Automotive Innovation Award from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) which highlights the importance of research, development and innovation in the industry.

CEO Jim Sumner and Chief Technical Officer Glenn Saint jointly received the award, sponsored by GKN Driveline and supported by The Times, last week at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel attended by leading politicians and motor industry business leaders.

Optare is currently the only producer of full-size batterypowered buses in the UK. The Versa EV is capable of carrying in excess of 50 passengers. Along with smaller Solo and Solo SR EVs, Optare electric buses have been running for up to three years in revenue earning services in Durham, Dorchester (Poundbury), Nottingham, Coventry and at London’s Heathrow Airport.

In all of these places the zero emissions and low noise of these vehicles are contributing to increased passenger acceptance and a cleaner and quieter local environment.

Mr Sumner, who stands down as CEO and Director from Optare on December 31 this year having achieved a major turnaround of the company’s fortunes, said after the event: “We see this award as symbolising a strong platform for future growth of Optare under the aegis of Ashok Leyland and I sincerely wish the team all the very best for the future.”

“It is hugely important that the government, local councils and operators get behind electric buses which are now a reality, as this prestigious award demonstrates.

This is a great opportunity for the UK to take the lead in the rapidly emerging global market for green transport.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

03/12/2012 22:44

6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

15%

nEWS › BUSeS

The percentage local government income is expected to fall by over the next five years

BriEfly CT Plus Jersey Manager Kevin Hart said the £1.70 maximum fare would not change when the company takes over from Connex on January 2, but it would be reviewed later. He said fares may rise but the firm was also introducing a smartcard system which would offer discounted rates.

New Optare Solo SRs have been arriving ahead of CT Plus taking over. Kevin said: “You may see the cash fare rise, but with the multideals we will do on the smartcards as we progress through the year people will see a huge benefit.”

Hertordshire County Council has been forced to refund more than 30,000 penalty charge notices issued since August 2011 after the Chief Parking Adjudicator discovered flaws with the traffic regulation order (TROs) and signage. The authority it estimates will cost about £1.26m for the serious errors with a bus lane in Hemel Hempstead.

First is helping Bristol’s newest youth centre, The Station, attract new members. The operator is providing free transport for three ‘Play Your Part’ days being put on by The Station. It will help bring 150 students to centre.

It has also struck up a deal with The Station staff where members can buy discounted FirstDay Bristol tickets. Sandy Hore-Ruthven, CEO of the Creative Youth Network, said: “This is the partnership young people in Bristol have been waiting for. Transport costs has been one of the biggest issues young people face when accessing the support and activities they need and I am pleased to be working with First to help young people move more easily around Bristol. I see this as the beginning of a partnership that will change the City for the better.”

Stagecoach Manchester completed the acquisition of First’s Wigan operations on December 2. It has replaced the First logos on the buses and a repaint programme will start soon.

The company plans to invest in the Wigan fleet over the coming months. There will be no change in the immediate future to the routes and timetables operated. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Newport Transport launches five new E400s Buses launched as part of a £1.3m investment and will hit the roads next week Newport Transport launched five brand new ADL Enviro 400 doubledeck buses as part of a £1.3m fleet investment at Chepstow Racecourse last Wednesday (November 28).

The launch showcased all five of the new vehicles and was a preview for the public transport industry before the buses are introduced on the road next week.

As well as E-leather seats, seat

belts and tables on the upper deck these buses all feature audio & visual destination announcement technology. It is hoped this technology will not only be a helpful tool for those with a visual or hearing impairment, but provide a benefit for those who are not familiar with the city or its bus routes.

At the launch, Newport Transport was complimented

by Andrea Gordon from Guide Dogs for the Blind and Bus Users UKs chairman Gillian Merron

Scott Pearson, Newport Transport Managing Director (right), with Mayor of Newport John Guy and Bus Users UK’s Gillian Merron

New Grapes Hill Norwich bus lane approved Norwich city and Norfolk county councillors have unanimously backed proposals to widen Grapes Hill in Norwich, in an attempt to help buses travel faster southbound toward the Chapel Field Road roundabout.

Two lanes for general traffic will be retained but these will be narrowed in width from 3.75m to 3m to allow the bus lane to be added.

Taxis and cycles will be allowed to use the new southbound lane, which will operate all day, every day.

The government-funded project also aims to direct cyclists into

a new route parallel to Grapes Hill from the St Benedicts Street junction into Wellington Lane.

Bus operators had warned the three-metre bus lane could be too narrow, and tweaks to the plans have ensured it will now be 3.25m in width.

Cllr Mervyn Scutter told a Norwich Highways Agency committee meeting: “I am still a little bit concerned about the lane widths. I know that’s addressed a few times in the report but I remain a bit concerned.

“If it goes ahead, time will tell whether I am right or not. I hope I’m not.”

on being the first bus operator in Wales to officially make the commitment to provide all new buses with this technology and its dedication to helping those with visual impairments be part of the community by being able to use public transport independently.

Scott Pearson, Managing Director at Newport Transport said: “At Newport Transport we understand that our role as regional transport provider means making our services accessible to anyone who needs them, which naturally includes anyone with a visual or hearing impairment. We are very pleased to be able to say that we are contributing to making life that much easier for those who benefit from audio & visual destination announcements and are looking forward to continuing this work in the future.”

Carl Watkins Sales Manager at E-leather, who was present at the launch, told CBW: “We’ve been working with Scott Pearson and Engineering Director Carl Yeaman to develop a seat design especially for Newport. The seats have a practical high back and are all embossed with the Newport Bus logo. Hopefully they can now carry on with this and use the seats as standard across the fleet.”

Questions were also asked about why the bus lane will be in operation 24 hours a day.

Council officers say the aim is to encourage people to obey the new lane system and not to cause confusion by allowing access at outside of peak hours.

Bert Bremner, city council cabinet member for transportation, said: “In this case I think it’s right as there will still be two lanes [for general vehicles] as before.

“My experience of Earlham Road, where the bus lane stops at 0930hrs, is people don’t read the sign and when I cruise up alongside them, they seem to get quite irritated with me.

“The bus lane might as well be made 24-hour as the rest of the population, apart from me, treat it as that.”

03/12/2012 21:06

170k 400 Number of people employed by the UK bus industry

December 5, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7

The number of National Holidays coaches which visited Warwick Castle over the 2012 peak season

Six-�igure cash boost for Premiere Travel

Nottingham-based Premiere Travel has secured a six-figure banking package to support its continued growth.

The operator is mainly using the finance to update its fleet. Jamie Swift, Brand Manager, told CBW: “We’re moving some of the old fleet out. We’ve already received four Scania OmniCities for our Red 5 route which replaced some T-reg double deckers. We have also had some 59-plate Enviro300s.

“As our competitors are continually upgrading their fleets, it’s important for us to keep up-todate too.”

The transaction was arranged

by Neil Kimberley of Affinity Asset Finance Limited, a national finance intermediary for businesses looking to secure funding, together with joint venture partner Paul Goodman of Goodman Corporate Consultancy. The finance has been provided by Neil Wade from The Co-operative Bank’s corporate banking centre in Nottingham.

Stephen Greaves, MD and Owner of Premiere Travel, said: “Our previous finance facilities were effectively strangling the business when they should have been supporting our plans for profitable growth.

Anglian Bus launches CNG buses

The first of Anglian Bus’ new gas buses went into service on the new 146 route between Lowestoft and Norwich on December 3.

Six of the 13 new MAN EcoCity buses went into operation on the route, where customers will be the first to view the exclusive new liveries and smooth and quiet ride on the ultra low carbon vehicles.

Anglian Bus has invested £2.6m into the 13 brand new gas buses.

They are set for use across Norwich, Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth will operate on biogas, a renewable energy source produced from

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SHARE WATCH

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, December 3.

Stagecoach saw the greatest proportional rise, while Go-Ahead saw the greatest proportional drop. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

329.60p

Price: Year High: 367.50p Year Low: 248.95p

Neil Wade (The Co-operative Bank) Stephen Greaves (MD, Premiere Travel) Neil Kimberley (Affinity Asset Finance Ltd) and Paul Goodman (Goodman Corporate Consultancy) “We have used Neil Kimberley from Affinity Asset Finance for a number of years and he has always structured excellent vehicle funding solutions for us. Working with him to move our commercial banking means we now have the appropriate funding arrangements in place to support our growth ambitions.”

Neil Kimberley, Director of Affinity Asset Finance Limited, added: “I’m delighted to have helped put in place the funding to meet Premiere Travel’s ambitious plans.

“It is company which has grown steadily under Stephen’s stewardship and now has the right finance package in place to support its continued growth.”

Neil Wade said: “Premiere Travel’s situation was common to biodegradable waste materials through an anaerobic digestion process - a widely used source of renewable energy in mainland Europe, but relatively new in the UK. In comparison to a Euro 3 bus, the new arrivals will produce up to 96% less emissions.

Earlier this year Anglian Bus succeeded in a bid for the government’s GBF, granting £624,000 towards the 13 new gas powered buses. The buses were trialled on three routes, all of which received positive feedback.

Andrew Pursey said: “We are excited about the gas buses going into service, especially on such a high profile new route. The project has already stimulated a lot of interest from other operators and organisations across the country, who will be watching with interest.”

that of many companies we speak at the moment – they no longer felt they were getting the support they needed from one of the main banking providers.

“This is a further illustration of how we continue to support those small to medium sized businesses which are so important to helping the economic recovery.”

For companies with annual turnover of more than £1m, The Co-operative Bank provides a dedicated relationship manager who is there to provide full support to the business.

Premiere Travel is a familyowned bus and coach operator largely serving the Nottinghamshire area. The company was formed in 2002 with a pair of Leyland Nationals and now provides local bus services for around 50 routes.

Abus �ined for bus lane use Abus has called on Bristol’s Mayor to help in ending the campaign of harassment that some Council employees seem to be engaged in against the company.

The latest example is the issue of a penalty charge notice to an Abus bus for driving in a bus lane while operating a timetabled journey.

This follows the issue of parking tickets to buses waiting time at locations agreed with the city’s Public Transport team.

Abus MD Alan Peters claimed other operators did not get the same penalties.

The council did not respond to CBW’s request for a comment.

185.60p

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FTSE 100

5,886

Index: Year High: 5,966 Year Low: 5,128

+103 on last week

www.coachandbusweek.com

03/12/2012 21:06

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

nEWS › coaches

BriEfly The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Cumbria, is requesting operators complete an anonymous survey regarding whether it should construct a dedicated coach and car park.

The potential move has come about following the addition of the Bluebird Wing to the museum, built to commemorate the return of Donald Campbell’s famous Bluebird K-7 next year. There are only three dedicated coach parking spaces in Coniston at the moment which are ¼ mile away from the museum and fill up very quickly. Already Bluebird is very popular in Coniston and the people of Coniston expect a lot of extra interest when finally Bluebird K-7 comes home. Find the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/ RDKFLQP. For more details call Philip Johnston on 07775 848 775.

The A49 between the Dobbies Island (A5 Shrewsbury bypass) and the Condover junction is to be shut between 2000 and 0700hrs for about four weeks from December 12. During the closure, diversions will be in place via the A5, A458 and B4368 for southbound traffic and the B4371, A458 and A5 for northbound traffic.

Drivers using the M55 around the Broughton Interchange are advised the link road onto the northbound M6 will close between 2000 and 0600hrs from December 17 to Thursday, December 20. The work involves carriageway repairs and the renewal of markings along a 1.5 mile section of the northbound M6 from J32. Drivers wanting to join the northbound M6 from the eastbound M55 will be diverted from J1 of the M55 onto the northbound A6 to join the M6 at J33, using the A6 via Garstang.

Work continues to install the narrow lanes for the central reservation upgrade on the M25 between J5 (Sevenoaks) and 6 (Godstone) which is due to be completed in Spring 2013. Narrow lanes and a 50mph limit will be in place 24 hours a day when preparations have finished. There will be overnight lane and slip road closures during the scheme. www.coachandbusweek.com

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New coach parking area created on West End 24 spaces created and a CPTbrokered deal also offers a 20% refreshment discount to drivers Westminster City Council has unveiled an innovative way to create a new coach park right in the centre of London.

By remodeling existing kerb and road space at the base of Kingsway, the council’s transport team has created 24 coach bays at the gateway to the West End – within metres of muscials on Drury Lane and the Strand.

The effort, backed by theatres and the coach trade, was seen as a way to also help tackle the amount of coaches which park up on narrow streets in the city, a

problem highlighted by residents.

As many as 40% of theatre goers arrive in the West End by coach.

Redwing has also backed the project and is encouraging drivers to make the most of the new facility to rest and relax. In partnership with the council, Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and Redwing, the CPT has brokered a deal with the Café Amici on Kingsway for a 20% discount in food and drink for drivers.

Karen Tiley, Regional Manager for the CPT London and South East, said the new bays on Kingsway are a welcome relief for the coach industry. “We are delighted that Westminster City Council have listened and understood the

The spaces have been created to tackle congestion caused by coaches parking in nearby narrow streets

Stanley Travel maintain 100% grading from CoachMarque Durham-based Stanley Travel has passed its biennial CoachMarque audit scoring 100% for the third consecutive time.

Sue Viney carried out the audit on behalf of CoachMarque and said: “The CoachMarque accreditation reflects “First class quality and first class service” and Stanley Travel more than delivers in both respects.

“As a visitor, from the moment you walk in the door, what strikes you is the warm welcome and positive atmosphere.

“What is particularly impressive is the professional, enthusiastic and sometimes innovative ways in which Stanley Travel works with every opportunity presented, embracing modern technology to raise the profile of company and drive the business forward.

“With the ability to be proactive and adapt to change, plans for site development and expansion, plus a good succession line, the future looks good for Stanley Travel to my mind as a consultant and auditor.”

needs of our industry to continue delivering tourism to London, its theatres and its vast array of attractions.”

John Wales, Chief Executive of Encore Tickets and a Coach Tourism Council Board member, added: “The positioning of the new bays will further encourage coach operators to feature London theatre trips with so many theatres conveniently positioned around the corner.

“Having spoken recently with operators they can now plan with confidence, issuing firm parking instructions for drivers, knowing the numbers of bays available.

This means they can pick up from theatres in a timely manner preventing congestion and wasted waiting time.”

Cllr Daniel Astaire said: “This is an innovative project which will encourage yet more visitors and tour operators to London’s West End and also provide welcome relief for residents and motorists who often express concerns about coaches parking up on narrow roads.”

Mark Rubinstein, President of SOLT, said: “We want to ensure that the joy and magic of London theatre is accessible to audiences across the country and this is a great example of a scheme which will open up the West End for thousands of theatregoers every year.”

Top marks for Stanley Travel Gavin Scott, Operations Assistant, added: “Personally, I am delighted we once again passed the audit with flying colours. It’s great to see everyone’s hard work pay off, we’ve got a fantastic team throughout the whole business and this is reflected in the results.”

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“The costs of the scheme are rising while available funding is falling. Between 2010/11 and 2014/16, funding will have reduced by 27%.”

Jonathan Bray

Coach driver is First Aberdeen’s superstar First Aberdeen Coach Driver Mike Edwards has been named the company’s ‘Superstar of the Year’ for 2012, recognising the high level of customer service he delivers to his customers.

As a long distance coach driver, Mike has racked up more than 50,000 miles in 2012 and is one of the most travelled drivers in Scotland. He specialises in driving UK tours for a range of well-known holiday firms who contract First’s coaches and drivers. Mike is also a regular on mainland Europe with school parties and skiing trips.

“Mike has earned his Superstar status thanks to the amount of positive commendations he

has received from customers,” explained Duncan Cameron, First Aberdeen’s Director and General Manager. “We receive fantastic comments from his customers on virtually every trip he makes.

He has a real rapport with his passengers – his approach to customer service is first class and he fully deserves his title.”

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Mike said: “It’s a great honour to win the Superstar Award. I love driving coaches and I love mixing with customers. But the best part of my job is the variety – I really enjoy visiting new towns and cities both in the UK and in Europe.

“Although I enjoy European tours and have been to some fantastic places, you can’t beat

Mike Edwards has driven more than 50,000 miles this year

Joint venture creates Door to Door Coach Holidays The UK Holiday Group has teamed up with Belle Vue Coaches from Manchester to launch Door to Door Coach Holidays.

The new service offers a wide choice of coach tours with the luxury of a free chauffeur transfer service directly to and from passengers’ own front doors.

Donna Tarr, Door to Door’s Sales and Marketing Executive, said: “Many coach holidaymakers have concerns about getting to the coach pick-up point and also worry they may have to wait around in the dark or the rain in a coach park.

“Our free chauffeur service means there’s no hanging around on the side of the road, or wasted time spent at expensive motorway service areas and you don’t have to carry your luggage either.

“We even treat passengers to a nice cup of tea or coffee before boarding. It means holidaymakers can relax right from departure, knowing everything is organised, from start to finish.

“Door to Door is small enough to cope with a personalised chauffeur service – but we’re backed by a well-established, respected brand.”

Founded almost 30 years ago, The UK Holiday Group now

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organises holidays for more than 100,000 people a year, while its chain of hotels welcomes more than 150,000 overnight guests.

The UK Holiday Group has teamed with Belle Vue to ensure the new venture runs smoothly.

Profiled in CBW earlier this year, Belle Vue runs a fleet of more than 50 vehicles and offers a wealth of experience and knowledge of the coach travel industry.

The company has grown consistently since it was formed in

1993 by the present directors, and since 2000, it has built a reputation for coach tours, especially its popular door-to-door holidays.

Philip Hitchen, Belle Vue MD, said: “We’re delighted to be working with The UK Holiday Group to develop Door To Door Coach Holidays.

“We’re well known in the Manchester area for our door-todoor holidays for mature travellers so we were the natural choice to team with The UK Holiday Group.

“Part of our mission statement is to deliver excellence and to exceed our customers’ expectations – so we’re sure the new holidays will be a success for us all.”

Door to Door Coach Holidays will provide exactly what the name suggests – a chauffer service from the passenger’s front door

touring in Scotland. I love showing off the country to visitors and have had the pleasure of touring with a wide range of nationalities.

I had a group of French whisky connoisseurs travelling to the Western Isles recently; I’ve had lots of Japanese tourists travelling throughout the UK; and Americans touring Scotland by bus to research their clan history seems to be becoming more popular. It’s all very rewarding and great fun.”

First Aberdeen’s Superstar scheme recognises outstanding customer service by its employees.

Prizes are awarded to staff on a monthly basis with an overall annual winner.

First Aberdeen actively encourages its customers to nominate individual First employees they consider have gone out of their way to provide excellent customer service.

Nominations can be made at www.firstgroup.com/superstars .

Severn Toll won’t be scrapped Hopes for the Severn Bridge toll to be scrapped have been dealt a blow after Transport Minister Stephen Hammond announced cost increases from January.

The cost for vans and minibuses will rise from £12.10 to £12.40 (2.5%), and from £18.10 to £18.60 (2.8%) for HGVs and coaches. Tolls will continue to be charged only when entering Wales.

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones called for control of the bridges to be transferred to the Welsh Government in 2018, arguing the toll money could be used to pay for other improvements on the M4 across South Wales – an idea already suggested by the Chancellor George Osborne.

Like the Dartford crossing, the toll is expected to continue even after the construction costs are paid off in around five years time – despite original promises to the contrary.

Carwyn Jones said: “Obviously the issue of the toll is one we are keeping a close eye on. By the same token we have to remember how important it is to have two wellmaintained crossings.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

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nEWS

National Express wins new American and Spanish contracts The contracts for services Guadalajara and Piedmont are important to the groups overall strategy National Express Group has won important new North American transit and Spanish urban bus contracts.

National Express’ North American transport business, National Express Transit, began operating its first competitively tendered contract on December 1 2012, across the Piedmont ‘Triad’, North Carolina building upon the

three transport operations National Express has acquired in 2012.

The contract includes the management and operation of 42 vehicles, operating seven days a week. The contract, worth around $12 million of revenue, is for an initial two years, with an option of a further three. 13 express and shuttle routes will run in and between the three cities of the Piedmont Triad, and are expected to carry around 500,000 passengers a year.

National Express’ Spanish business, ALSA, has also won the

Chalkwell’s commuter service has been praised by Gordon Henderson MP

MP promotes coach commuter services Sittingbourne’s MP Gordon Henderson (Conservative) believes a planned average rail fare increase of 4.1% in January across South Eastern Rail will encourage more people in Kent to switch to the coach for commuting into London.

Mr Henderson, who recently used a Chalkwell coach, encouraged workers with a regular timetable to use the service.

“My own commuter journey was very good; I was really impressed,” he said. “If I had a job with regular hours I would be more willing to use the coach than the train. The www.coachandbusweek.com

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balance is between reducing the cost of commuting which is cheaper by coach than the train, but the journey takes longer. On the day there was a lot of traffic on the M2 so schedules could have gone out of the window, but they didn’t. I was pleasantly surprised to arrive at Westminster about the exact time Chalkwell had told me. It’s a golden opportunity for operators to advertise their wares and encourage people to switch.”

Andy Bates, Chalkwell’s Operations Manager, said for customers who worked in the Docklands the coach was the fastest means of public transport. The door to door journey for workers on the eastern side of the city was faster by coach than train.

He also announced Chalkwell was about to launch a campaign to persuade commuters to switch to the coach.

tender to provide bus services in Guadalajara. The contract, which is up to 12 years in length, will generate revenue of up to €77 million and begins in mid-2013.

ALSA will run a fleet of 27 buses in Guadalajara carrying an estimated 3.7 million passengers a year. The contract will be managed

by ALSA’s urban division, working alongside its existing platform of operations in suburban Madrid and adding to its long term contracted bus services.

ALSA is due to invest around €7 million to help deliver hi-tech

NHS Forth Valley joins First’s corporate travel club

NHS Forth Valley and Serco are the latest organisation’s to sign up to First Scotland East’s ‘Corporate Travel Club’.

The scheme is designed to help businesses and their employees cut carbon footprints by encouraging people to use public transport rather than their own cars to commute to and from work.

Employees who register can also

First’s John Gorman (left) and Mark Craske, NHS Forth Valley

vehicles with on-board Wi-Fi and real-time information systems on bus stop screens and through QR codes.

Dean Finch, Group Chief Executive of National Express, said: “These contracts demonstrate the attractiveness to local authorities of our market-leading and valuefor-money services. Growth in our North American transit and Spanish urban businesses are important parts of our strategy. We look forward to serving the people of Guadalajara and Piedmont for many years to come.” enjoy discounts on the cost of an annual bus ticket.

Operations Director of First Scotland East, John Gorman, said: “Using the car is becoming more and more expensive especially when you add the cost of road tax, insurance and depreciation to the high price of petrol. Our Corporate Travel Club is a great way of accessing bus travel at discounted rates.”

Mark Craske, NHS Forth Valley’s Travel Manager, said: “We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and actively support a wide range of transport initiatives which offer alternatives to driving. Travelling by bus is an environmentally friendly way of commuting when compared to the car so we are delighted to join First’s Corporate Travel Club.

“It’s a great scheme which gives all our staff an extra incentive to consider bus travel. With more than 5,000 staff across the Forth Valley area and many of them travelling by car, we hope we can persuade some of them to try the bus instead.

“The scheme is also open to Serco employees who provide a wide range of support services at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.”

A number of organisations have signed up to the First Scotland East Corporate Travel Club including, Falkirk Council; Royal Bank of Scotland and Marks and Spencers.

For more information, visit www.firstgroup.com/ scotlandeast

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nEWS › international

ZF – big business in Turkey More than 2,000 buses currently in-build for transport authorities feature ZF technology TURKEY Turkish transport authorities are increasingly specifying ZF driveline and chassis technology as they update their fleets. ZF is currently set to deliver systems for a total of 2,043 new citybuses for Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Gaziantep, Konya, and Erzurum. The buses will feature ZF EcoLife automatic transmission, independent suspensions, lowfloor axles and dampers, as well as steering systems from ZF Lenksysteme.

The consistent extension of the Urban Public Transport Network (UPTN) in the growing metropolises and the changeover to modern lowfloor fleets are making the Turkish bus market increasingly important for ZF: The firm claims it is the main provider of transmissions and chassis systems for buses over 12m long in Turkey – having 80% market share.

“There are numerous reasons for the increasing demand for our broad driveline and chassis technology portfolio: Our products are innovative and reliable, so they contribute considerably to reducing the bus’ life-cycle-cost and increasing passenger comfort at the same time. We also boast a dense service network in the whole country which means we can quickly and effectively support the transport authorities,” said Rolf

159 Citaros for Budapest

HUnGARY Hungary’s largest private bus operator, VT Transman, is to take delivery of 159 newgeneration Mercedes-Benz Citaros from May 2013 for operation in the capital city of Budapest. The contract is the largest order to date for the new Citaro.

All of the 159 Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses comply with the EEV emission standard and will be produced at the two EvoBus plants in Mannheim and Neu-Ulm. The vehicles are being built by both plants because of the short sixwww.coachandbusweek.com

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Lutz, Director of the Commercial Vehicle Technology division.

ZF-EcoLife, the six-speed automatic transmission, is used in 1,108 new rigid or articulated buses made by Karsan, MercedesBenz Türk, Temsa, and Solaris.

The transport authorities IETT in Istanbul, Ego in Ankara, and Eshot in Izmir have placed their orders – based on decisive advantages: With the interaction of modern hardware and intelligent software, the ZF-EcoLife reduces the engine speed in buses in all operating conditions. The standard TopoDyn Life shifting program ensures the automatic transmission shifts up as early as possible depending on the topography and the load condition of the bus. The vehicles use up to 10% less fuel. At the same time, the noise level is noticeably lower, which is welcome news for

people who live near bus stops, pedestrians waiting at bus stops and for passengers and drivers alike. The ZF citybus retarder facilitates up to 90% of braking actions in everyday commercial vehicle operation thereby preserving service brakes.

All 2,043 buses for the seven Turkish transport authorities feature lowfloor rear axles from ZF: The AV 132 drive axle – supplemented by the AVN 132 tag axle, which allows for the same floor height throughout the vehicle.

The axles always offer maximum safety and passenger comfort – and were partly ordered with dampers from ZF. A major proportion is equipped with the RL 75 EC front independent suspension. Some 878 vehicles will utilise steering technology from ZF Lenksysteme to deliver more precise steering.

Istanbul - growing reliance on ZF driveline technology month period between the placing of the order and the delivery of the first buses.

“This major order from Budapest is a big success for us and shows that the new Mercedes-Benz Citaro is the best product on offer as far as our customers are concerned,” said Till Oberwörder, Managing Director of Marketing, Sales & Aftersales at Daimler Buses. “An order of this magnitude is strong proof our customers are highly satisfied with our buses when it comes to quality, environmental compatibility and reliability.”

The order encompasses 80 18m artics and 79 12m rigid buses. All are specified with internal and external CCTV.

Bus strike driver jailed: others are deported SInGAPORE Singapore’s Chinese immigrant bus drivers went on strike last week (Monday 26) prompting action by riot police and criticism from the government.

Around 5% of services run by SMRT Corp. were disrupted due to the action of 171 disgruntled drivers who refused to leave their hostel and board a shuttle bus to take them to work. They are said to be unhappy over the disparity in wages between themselves and Malaysian drivers – who are paid around 25% more. It is the first strike in the country for nearly 30 years.

Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party declared the strike illegal. It warned striking drivers they had ‘crossed the line’ and insisted on a return to work, stationing riot police close by to emphasise the seriousness of its intent. Most of the drivers had returned to work by Wednesday.

As this issue went to press, it emerged one driver has been jailed for six weeks. Another four drivers have been charged and remain in custody. The other 29 arrested had their work permits revoked and were deported on Sunday.

The CEO of SMRT Corp. said the company would not consider adjusting its pay rates to give immigrant drivers the same level as its Malaysian drivers.

The buses are to be built at both Mannheim and Neu-Ulm plants

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14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

nEWS › REGIONAL

nORTH

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has gained planning approval for its new £6.7m bus and tram interchange station for Wythenshawe.

This follows a successful public consultation held earlier this year

by TfGM involving local residents, businesses, elected representatives and Manchester City Council officials.

The new Wythenshawe Interchange will boast a range of modern facilities, including enclosed waiting areas for passengers, CCTV, a travel shop and environmentally-friendly technology to produce light and heat.

It will be based off Poundswick Lane, adjacent to the new Wythenshawe Town Centre Metrolink stop. A construction firm will be appointed by TfGM next year to build the interchange, with the new facility due to open in 2015.

MIDLAnDS

Arriva Midlands has introduced a quartet of Plaxton Centros to its Shrewsbury Garage for use on services 64 (Shrewsbury – Market Drayton) and 164 (Market Drayton – Newcastle – Hanley).

Previously allocated to Wigston Garage, the buses have been refurbished and are now equipped with free WiFi and sport route branding. The news means Shrewsbury Garage is now 100% low-floor.

The vehicles, which have received a make-over in Arriva’s central workshops, were officially unveiled by Simon Jones, Cabinet Member Responsible for Passenger Transport at Shropshire Council and Andy Pearce, General Manager at Arriva Midlands Shrewsbury Garage.

Andy said: “We are committed to providing a reliable service across all of our routes in the local communities we operate in.

“The provision of these buses along our routes 64 and 164 will not only increase capacity, but make it easier and more comfortable for passengers to travel with us, providing them with an improved overall journey experience.”

Cllr Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet Member Responsible for Passenger Transport, said: “This is the final service in Shropshire to have low floor, easily accessible buses and 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.

Barbara McGee, the charity’s fund raising manager for South Cambridgeshire and West Suffolk, said they wanted to raise awareness that the helicopter is now flying at night. Extra funding has been needed for the new gear, with night vision goggles costing £20,000. The air ambulance will now be flying until midnight.

KEY

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

LOnDOn

I am keen to work with Arriva to promote this service.

“To celebrate we’ve launched a competition to name these four new buses with children from two schools on the route – Shawbury and Hodnet.”

Access for buses and coaches in Birmingham could be further disrupted in the future if additional extensions of the Midland Metro tram network go ahead. As previously reported, buses have been removed from the prime shopping area of Corporation Street in preparation for the enlarged Metro system.

Plans are already being developed to use the current Birmingham city centre extension (Snow Hill to New Street) and build a new spur leading from Upper Bull Street across to Moor Street station and the future High Speed 2 railway station.

Plans are also progressing to take the existing Snow Hill to New Street Station extension, which is due to open in 2015, on through Paradise Circus to Centenary Square.

These extensions are being backed by the HS2 Local Connectivity Group, which is made up of authorities, businesses and organisations across the region.

The Local Connectivity Group is also developing as yet unknown plans for a “fast transfer” between New Street Station and the Moor Street HS2 station under, although details are expected to be revealed

in its ‘Local Connectivity Package’ early in the New Year.

EAST

Stephenson’s of Essex is now supporting East Anglian Air Ambulance with collection boxes on its buses and coaches and participating in other fund raising events. The firm already supports the Essex Air Ambulance with its Rochford-based fleet, and has is now supporting the East Anglian as the company covers Suffolk and Cambridgeshire since taking over the former Burtons of Haverhill operation.

Francis Bartlett, Operations Manager of Stephenson’s Duddery Hill depot, said: “We will have collection boxes on many of our buses and when the air ambulance holds special events we will try and get one of our buses there.

“It’s currently something of an experiment – we’ll see how it goes. We’d like it to be ongoing and maintain a good relationship to try and help them as much as possible.

“Being in the transport business we are on the road all the time and see quite a lot of the fantastic job the air ambulance crew does out there, and we would like to ensure that our customers, if they ever need it, can benefit from the work the air ambulance crew does. As our Haverhill depot comes under the air ambulance for Suffolk, I thought we should be looking at helping them.”

The future of two Bromley bus routes is in doubt now the Chislehurst Bridge has reopened following its replacement after safety inspections revealed severe structural weaknesses.

A public consultation will take place next Spring to finalise plans for the 273 and the 61. Local politicians have met with Transport for London (TfL) about the bus routes following the reopening of the Chislehurst Bridge on November 16, which had been closed for more than a year.

Orpington MP Jo Johnson and MP for Bromley and Chislehurst Bob Neill met with TfL’s Managing Director of Surface Transport Leon Daniels on November 28.

It was announced from Sunday the 61 bus will revert to the same route it took before the bridge closed until the outcome of the consultation next year while the 273 remains on diversion pending the results of the review.

All 61 route journeys will run via Chislehurst Road to Petts Wood and will no longer serve Leesons Hill, St Mary Cray and Poverest Road, in Orpington. These areas will continue to be served by route 273.

MP Bob Neill said: “Customers on both the original and diversion routes deserve access to convenient and practical bus services, and the current proposals are a compromise designed to reflect this.

“TfL has now given us a firm commitment to review these arrangements in the spring, by which time we should have a good sense as to whether the changes are working in practice.”

SOUTH WEST

Some of the commercial services withdrawn by South West Coaches have been saved.

Dorset County Council said it has been working with Go-Ahead Group-owned Damory Coaches to amend supported services to maintain some community bus links.

They include the 207

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nEWS › REGIONAL

(Weymouth-Downclose Estate) which is now run in conjunction with route 211 (WeymouthUpwey) with an amended route and timetable on both routes.

However, the Portland service via the Grove and Wakeham has not been saved.

A revised service will be provided by Damory in the Piddle Valley and there will be additional services in the Dorchester area.

Peter Finney, Cabinet Member for Transport at Dorset County Council, said: “I would like to thank Damory Coaches for their help in saving as many of the threatened services as possible without additional subsidy payment, and I hope the revised services will be well supported.”

The first of Go-Ahead’s 13 new MAN EcoCity buses was used during a visit by HRH The Prince of Wales to Poundbury in Dorset, where the Prince opened a new renewable gas plant with the vehicle taking visitors to and from the facility. The new gas plant is the UK’s first fully operational

commercial scale anaerobic digester and biomethane-to-grid plant, and provides renewable energy for Poundbury, the mixed use community being developed near Dorchester by the Duchy of Cornwall.

Go-Ahead’s EcoCity buses are due to enter service in the next couple of months and will be run by Anglian Bus. Go-Ahead is investing in a gas dispensing unit at Anglian’s Beccles headquarters to fuel the buses.

Anglian Managing Director Andrew Pursey was at the event and reportedly chatted to the Prince of Wales about Go-Ahead’s use of gas buses.

Phil Margrave, Go-Ahead’s Group Engineering Director said: “It is good to see our first gas bus playing a supporting role in the launch of such an important development at Poundbury. The new EcoCity buses, obtained through the third round of Green Bus Funding, will reduce the daily cost of running the vehicle by around a third.”

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

The UK Coach Awards ceremoney and UK Coach Rally will be held jointly at Alton Towers over the weekend of April 20-21, 2013

2012 n December 12 Free Transport Apprenticeship Masterclass.

Midland Hotel, Manchester, 101700hrs. 0800 0688585. www. themanchestercollege.ac.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 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. Call 020 7240 3131 or visit www.

cpt-uk.org

n February 24-25 Coach Holiday Conference. Bristol Filton Holiday Inn. www.coachtourismcouncil.com

Kent Angelettes, an Isle of Sheppey baton twirling club, have Chalkwell Coach Hire supervisor Rob Allen to thank for transporting them to national competitions. He has recently driven them in coaches provided by Chalkwell to national championships in Norwich, Crawley and Glasgow where he was able to share the club’s success. For Rob, 47, has two daughters, Melissa, 18, and Molly-Ann, 8, in Kent Angelettes which was formed in 2002 – Melissa being a founder member.

The club gained two seconds and a third in the national final in Norwich; there were three second places and a fourth in the individual championship in Crawley; and they were fourth in the British open in Glasgow. Fourteen members of the club competed in the individual championship and gained 32 places in the top seven.

Rob, who has worked for Chalkwell since 2001, firstly as a driver and then as a supervisor for the last four years, drives the club a minimum of 11 times a year. When he is not driving the club or his daughters, he is designing and updating their website and Facebook site and storing the music for the club’s own annual competition. Kent Angeletteshas 36 girl members aged from four to 18.

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 19-21 The Cleaning Show. NEC, Birmingham. 01737 855 086 www.cleaningshow.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. 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 April 21 London Bus Museum Spring Gathering. Cobham Hall, Weybridge, Surrey. 01932 837994. www.londonbusmuseum.com 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 11-13 ATCO Summer Conference. Merseytravel HQ, Liverpool. www.atco.org.uk 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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nEWS › TOURISM

£11

The cost of admission to Kingston Lacy House, Wimborne, Dorset

BrIEfly At the Dartington Crystal factory visitors can see the renowned glass products in the unique Factory Experience. A full history of the company and the industry is documented in the Visitor Centre which is accompanied by one of the largest Glass Shops in the UK. A licensed Pavilion Café is also on site. Booking is recommended for parties of 15 or more to enable a speedy service.

In addition, discounts are available for groups of 15+ with ample free parking for coaches. The site is accessible to all visitors but parts of the Factory Experience include stairs, therefore access may be difficult for some. For more information call 01805 626242.

The Writers’ Museum in Edinburgh celebrates the lives of three great Scottish writers – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. Admission is free, but donations are welcome and due to the historic nature of the building access to the museum is by stairs only. The Museum has a small shop with a range of gifts for book lovers and though it doesn’t have a coffe shop, there are many cafés, restaurants and pubs along the renowned Royal Mile. Call 0131 529 4901or e-mail MuseumsAndGalleries@edinburgh. gov.uk The tour of Adnams brewery in suffolk explains the beer making process from choice of malted barley and hop varieties through to tasting the finished product. Visitors can see parts of the brewery normally unavailable to the general public and see the sheer scale of the brewing equipment and the buildings in which it is housed.

The tour takes approximately 1 hour and is followed by a tutored beer tasting, 30 minutes. Tickets are £12 per person and is only available to over 18s. Booking is essential as spaces are limited. For more information and bookings call 01502 727225.

Chester Cathedral is home to an excellent restaurant and coffee shop. Visit www. chestercathedral.com. Call 01244 500964. www.coachandbusweek.com

TourNews.indd 18

London as you’ve never seen it before Visitors are invited to ascend The Shard, the city’s newest landmark Designed by Master Architect Renzo Piano the Shard is London’s newest landmark and from February 1, it will be possible to ascend the building and see the incredible views of the city.

The View from the Shard takes visitors up 800 feet (244 metres) to the viewing platform on Level 69, the only place all of London can be seen at once. The 360˚ view extends more than 40 miles (64 km) out to the coast and Windsor Castle on a clear day. Closer to the building are some of London’s most famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and Westminster.

There is also a multi-media experience giving background

information on London’s history.

On Level 69, visitors can use 'Tell:scopes' (sic) to learn more about the city. These high-tech, interactive telescopes can be used to zoom in on the view in real time, or to find out more about the city and its history: focus on a landmark and the 'Tell:scope' brings up information about it, as well as the option to see what it would look like at night-time or on a perfectly clear day. The View from the Shard is the first attraction in Europe to use 'Tell:scopes', and information is available in ten languages.

Those who dare will be able to go up to Level 72, the highest habitable point of The Shard, to stand in the open air 800 ft (244 m) above ground.

However, The View must be pre-booked. New Gift Certificates have been available since October 1, which enable tickets to be given as

a present but allows the recipient to choose when they would like to visit.

Advance tickets and Gift Certificates cost £24.95 for adults and £18.95 for children.

Coach pick-up and drop-off points around London Bridge are severely restricted.

There is a free drop off point at the coach parking bays on Southwark Street and Southwark Bridge. There is also a coach bay just off Tooley Street on English Grounds.

The nearest coach parking is Tower Hill, which has 16 bays. To book space contact APCOA parking on 0870 241 7492.

Tickets can be purchased from www.theviewfrom theshard.com or via 0844 499 7111 (a handling fee applies for telephone bookings only)

Level 72 is the highest habitable point of the structure

Country mansion set in formal gardens & parkland Kingston Lacy is a lavish 17th Century mansion in Dorset, containing an outstanding collection of paintings and other works of art. Famous for its dramatic Spanish Room, with halls hung in magnificent gilded leather, the house and garden are set in a wooded park with attractive waymarked walks and a fine herd of North Devon cattle.

Group admission is £11 per head and the average length of visit is about 1 hour 50 minutes. On board coach welcome and introductory talk are provided and guided tours are available.

There is parking for four coaches available 75 yards from entrance with a drop-off point 10 yards from the entrance. A maximum three coaches per day can visit the site.

The mansion plays host to numerous art collections For more information and for bookings call 01202 883402 or email kingstonlacy@ nationaltrust.org.uk

03/12/2012 12:27

370

The number of stalls at East Lancashire's Bury Market

Wicked UK Tour starts in Sept. 2013 Wicked, the acclaimed musical which tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, will begin a major tour of the UK and Ireland at the Palace Theatre in Manchester on September 12, 2013. Further tour dates and casting will be announced at a later date.

The London production continues its record-breaking run at the Apollo Victoria Theatre where tickets are on sale until November 2, 2013. The West End production is now in its seventh year at the Apollo, where it has been seen by almost five million people.

Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: “With Wicked continuing its successful London run, we are very proud to also now be announcing this nation-wide tour. We're delighted the premiere will take place in Manchester which has such a prestigious history of hosting the regional premieres of so many world class musicals”.

Wicked has been seen by over 35m people worldwide and has seven productions running concurrently.

For more information and bookings visit www. wickedtour.co.uk

December 5, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19

800ft

The height of the open air viewing platform at The Shard in London

diESEl priCES

No Fit State Circus

New Season at Wales Millennium Centre Wales Millennium Centre in 2013 plays host to a number of shows in the new year including, Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty, High Society, Ghost and No Fit State Circus.

Dance showman, Matthew Bourne brings his latest classic fairy tale to the with his new production of Sleeping Beauty (March 5 – 9).

High Society will tour the UK in 2013 with Michael Praed (Robin of Sherwood and Dynasty) will lead

an 18-strong cast of this Cole Porter classic musical from March 12–16.

Ghost the Musical will run from April 8-27. Direct from the West End, the is based on the Oscarwinning movie. No Fit State Circus invites audiences to step into the world of Bianco (May 1-4).

The venue offers a number of benefits to coach drivers who can access the following offers while at the Centre: free cup of tea or coffee, free ticket to see the show (subject to availability on the day) and access to the Green Room (must be pre-booked).

To book or for further information visit www. wmc.org.uk . To arrange coach parking or drop off call 029 2063 6464

dEAlS OF THE WEEK DFDS Seaways is offering an exclusive 10% discount offer for Coach & Bus Week and Group Travel World readers when booking coaches with the company.

The discount applies to DFDS Seaways’ published coach fares on its Dover–Calais and Dover– Dunkerque services and are valid for outbound travel until June 30, 2013.

Bookings must be requested on or before December 31, 2012 and are subject to availability.

The offer is valid for new bookings only and cannot be retrospectively applied to existing bookings.

Bookings can be made either via email at dover.coaches@dfds. com or by telephone to 01304

DFDS Seaways is offering an exclusive 10% discount to CBW readers 874003. The code RM10/12 should be clearly quoted in the email or mentioned during the initial telephone call. n For more information visit http www.dfdsseaways.co.uk

Bury Market, located at the heart of Bury Town Centre in North Manchester is reputed to be one of the most popular shopping destinations in the North West.

The market offers over 200,000

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

141.90 137.88 136.07 131.62 125.27 125.11 123.43 121.33 121.02 120.78 119.65 118.47 114.19 113.95 110.82 110.13 103.83

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

1.23 1.49 9.01 347.10 31.11 5.01

square feet of selling area, 50,000 product lines on 370 stalls with nearly 250,000 shoppers visiting every week. Locted all on one level, it is accessible to all. The market reportedly attracted over 1,000 coaches last year and offers free coach parking which is clearly signposted and a free £5 coach drivers lunch voucher which can be redemmed at five cafes inside.

In addition to the market, the Millgate shopping centre, the award-winning East Lancashire Steam Railway, Bury Transport Museum and Bus Museum & Art Gallery are all accessible on foot.

Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays are reportedly the best days to organise trips when nearly 500 retailers are open to the public.

Saturday afternoon is also the time for the stallholders' discount sales. n For more information, telephone 0161 253 6520 or visit www. burymarket.com www.coachandbusweek.com

TourNews.indd 19

03/12/2012 12:28

20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

LEGAL nEWS › PUBLIC INQUIRY

Strongest warning for Dundee operator After a three year legal battle, Scottish Deputy Traffic Commissioner Nick Jones has issued the strongest form of warning to Fishers Tours – owned by James and Catherine Cosgrove – after they failed to operate services as registered and admitted buses missed out stops to make up for lost time Considering the time taken to deal with the case Nick Jones believed it essential to consider various elements of the delay in three phases: culminating 1 Proceedings in a decision of the Court of Session on January 18, 2011 which quashed previous decisions and ordered a re-hearing before a different traffic commissioner; after January 18, 2 Proceedings 2011 which culminated in a decision of the Court of Session on January 12, 2012; and (or lack of them) 3 Proceedings following the decision of the Court of Session of January 12, 2012.

Phase One The timeline (see overleaf) describes a process culminating in a decision of the Court of Session that there be a re-hearing before a different traffic commissioner.

This appeal set aside both the original 2009 decision of the Traffic Commissioner together with the decision of the first appeal before the Upper Tribunal.

“Of course the partnership cannot in any way be criticised for exercising a right to appeal on a point of law where it was upheld,” said Nick Jones.

“On reading the various transcripts it is clear there was considerable common ground as to various issues as to fact, although some facts were not accepted and a conclusion of the Traffic Commissioner was hotly disputed.”

The partnership had registered services of its choosing, with details of registrations including times and stopping places. It appears to have been accepted that the monitoring exercise undertaken by www.coachandbusweek.com

LegalNews.indd 20

Bus Compliance Officers employed

by VOSA compared service registrations with actual journeys and stops. The journeys in question covered longer distances than normal for typical local registered services, but there is no legal impediment to registering a long route.

“The obligation in statute and set out in Practice Directions is that services adhere to the registered timetable and stop as registered.

The Practice Direction issued by the (then) Senior Traffic Commissioner, Practice Direction No 4 on Standards for Local Bus Services (revised in November 2004) and still current, spells out the criteria to be applied when considering allegations of non compliance,” said Mr Jones. “The English Court of Appeal in Ribble Motor Services Ltd v Traffic Commissioner for the North West Traffic Area (2001) EWCA Civ 267 confirms the proper approach to be taken by traffic commissioners when considering issues of non compliance with registered timetables.”

nick Jones, scottish Deputy TC

“Whatever the reason for the delay in bringing this case to my attention, it is an unacceptably long period and is without justification.”

Nick Jones Deputy Traffic Commissioner , Scotland

Commenting on the compliance officers’ observations, Mr Jones said: “The fact the Bus Compliance Officers observed failures to stop was not disputed by the partnership. The partnership claimed this was done to make up for lost time and amounted to a reasonable excuse. Any cursory reading of the Practice Direction will demonstrate it cannot be a reasonable excuse to miss out bus stops to make up for lost time, it defeats the objective of registrations which is to allow the public to know when buses will arrive and depart from registered stops. Failure to stop at registered stops is a failure to run and will be regarded as a failure which could result in both financial penalties and orders affecting present and future registrations. The Practice Direction makes it quite clear that missing out bus stops to make up for lost time is inexcusable.”

Nick Jones pointed out that in this case the nature of the registrations with various stopping places, afforded the partnership an opportunity to claim a subsidy from the Scottish Government. “The feature which created a series of appeals was the view expressed by the Traffic Commissioner that the failure to stop at the places indicated on the operator’s registered timetable amounted to a ‘sham’.” In this context it would appear the word ‘sham’ may mean it was considered not a genuine exercise and was a means of claiming a grant to which the partnership was not otherwise entitled. “Accordingly it implies deliberate malpractice and an issue which could go to repute,” he added. “This culminated in the Court of Session determining on January 18, 2011 that this feature required to be put to the operator in a call up letter and required fresh consideration by a different Traffic Commissioner if any adverse finding was to be made on this point.”

Phase TwO The staff in the Office of the Traffic Commissioner in Scotland

issued papers for a second Public Inquiry before a different Traffic Commissioner as ordered by the Court of Session. The (then) Traffic Commissioner for the North East of England, Tom Macartney, became seized of the matter and a Public Inquiry was listed.

“I fail to fully understand what was subsequently challenged by judicial review,” said Mr Jones. “It appears to have been suggested on behalf of the partnership that a fair hearing could not take place despite there being a new Traffic Commissioner.”

“There was also a challenge to a named member of staff in the Office of the Traffic Commissioner being involved in acting as clerk. I am perplexed as to the relevance of this point in view of the role of administrative staff.”

“A number of issues were pursued by the partnership, it seems it sought clarification of views on legal points prior to the reconvened Public Inquiry. It is often

03/12/2012 17:17

December 5, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21

Fishers Tours was also accused of running ‘sham’ services in order to gain subsidies the case that Traffic Commissioners receive correspondence questioning or challenging issues in call up letters, they are invariably dealt with at the Public Inquiry itself,” he continued. “This allows the presiding Traffic Commissioner to hear argument or seek clarification. As per the situation summarised in Statutory Document No 9 on Case Management, it is for the presiding Traffic Commissioner to set the procedure.”

“It is now clear the appeal courts have indicated another Traffic Commissioner should review the papers and come to a judicial decision on what to do; this could involve convening a Public Inquiry, but the wording is clear, it does not seek to fetter my judgment in coming to matters afresh.”

Phase Three On the decision that the local Traffic Commissioner in Scotland should not sit on a re-hearing Mr Jones said: “That is in itself

LegalNews.indd 21

not an exceptional feature and all Traffic Commissioners recuse themselves on occasion so that justice is not merely done, but it is seen to be done. The Senior Traffic Commissioner has issued statutory guidance on the subject of The Principles of Decision Making & the Concept of Proportionality, Statutory Document No 10. It was issued on December 2, 2011 pursuant to Section 4C of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 (as amended). Paragraph 51 has the heading ‘Active Case Management’ and articulates what must be good practice for any judicial authority dealing with a case.”

Another Traffic Commissioner was allocated but had retired by the time of the second Court of Session appeal hearing in January 2012.

No-one in the Office of the Traffic Commissioner in Scotland brought the file to the attention of another Traffic Commissioner until late October 2012.

“A potential cause for reticence

“I make a decision that there not be another Public Inquiry. The issue of delay has made a significant contribution to my decision not to convene a public inquiry. Had the case come to my attention promptly in, say, February 2012, I would probably have convened a Public Inquiry; but it is now November 2012!”

Nick Jones Deputy Traffic Commissioner , Scotland

amongst administrative staff dealing with the case may have been the sheer volume of appeal hearings in this case resulting in some wariness,” said Mr Jones “This might have been compounded by the fact that a member of staff in a comparatively junior administrative grade was named as someone being allegedly biased. Although this was rejected out of hand by the Court of Session, I must have sympathy with a member of staff in the Edinburgh office who both dealt with bus registrations and also happened to prepare the Public Inquiry brief and be ready to act as a court clerk.”

“Most staff welcome being able to see a case through in terms of administration and it assists in their development. However I fail to see how a junior member of staff could or would have any influence on the outcome of the case, which is a judicial decision for a traffic commissioner.”

The current system of Traffic Commissioners has seven post holders for eight traffic areas.

Each Traffic Commissioner case manages those matters where proceedings are outstanding, although much preparation work is delegated to administrative staff at management level. Where a Traffic Commissioner has been recused by order of a court or by self recusal, a decision is always made to allocate the file to another full-time Traffic Commissioner, or sometimes to a Deputy Traffic Commissioner. In this case the resident Traffic Commissioner in Scotland who made decisions in 2009 recused herself and played no role in subsequent reviews and consideration.

“The lack of the prompt appointment of another Traffic Commissioner with case management control over the case has both added to delay and led to an unjustified allegation being made about the involvement of a court clerk,” observed Mr Jones.

MaTerial consideraTions and decisions “Whatever the reason for the delay in bringing this case to my attention, it is an unacceptably long period and is without justification.

Moreover, I would expect a decision of an appeal hearing to be expedited and that there be no delay. The lengthy period in this case would, if it came to Public Inquiry, result in a delay of almost a year from the decision of the Court of www.coachandbusweek.com

03/12/2012 17:19

22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

LEGAL nEWS › PUBLIC INQUIRY

Session in January 12, 2012; by any standards that is unacceptable,” commented Mr Jones.

In this case Mr Jones had to consider the property interests of the operator in the operator’s licence; the impact on licences held by other operators; whether there is any issue of safety; and, whether any proceedings can now be fair. In addition he needed to consider whether a public Inquiry is required in order to deal with the identified issues.

Mr Jones was highly critical of the length of the inquiry in making his decision.

“I make a decision that there should not be another Public Inquiry. Had the case come to my attention promptly in, say, February 2012, I would probably have convened a Public Inquiry; but it is now November 2012!” he said.

“I am conscious of two features.

First, there has been a considerable passage of time since the original public inquiry, this is discussed in detail above. Secondly, the observations were carried out by bus compliance officers employed

by VOSA who undertook roles which included monitoring and

checking adherence to registered timetables. For a period of time VOSA has not employed bus compliance officers, instead it uses Vehicle Examiners and Traffic Examiners to periodically speak to operators and ask questions.

“VOSA no longer carries out what a Traffic Commissioner would describe as a real enforcement role in respect of compliance with bus timetables. Instead it now sees its primary role as an educator, encouraging liaison with local authorities. The relevance of this is that if I sought a fresh investigation and analysis of the journeys currently undertaken by the partnership, there is no-one employed to undertake this role effectively.”

“In view of the above paragraph, I reflect that I can only rely on the original monitoring exercise carried out in 2009. I cannot require a fresh monitoring exercise although I could re-hear the original evidence.

However, I remind myself that the partnership did not challenge the fundamental basis of the original bus monitoring exercise, instead it fundamentally disagreed with a conclusion of the Traffic

Chronology of Events: March 27, 2009 Fishers Tours Partnership granted a Standard International PSV Operator’s licence with an authorisation for 23 discs.

May 13, 2009 to June 1, 2009 VOSA’s Bus Compliance Officers monitor six of the partnership’s services.

Outcome later described by Lord Woolman in the Court of Session (2012) CSOH as “Finding a significant degree of non-compliance in respect of scheduled timetables. Seven journeys failed to operate, two journeys were early and twenty-two journeys were late. They prepared a monitoring report for the traffic commissioner.”

October 14, 2009 Partnership appears at Public Inquiry following adverse bus compliance officer report.

December 21, 2009 Traffic Commissioner

Joan Aitken issues her written decision which includes the following: n The operator is ordered to pay a penalty of £12,650 to Scottish Ministers (£12,650 i.e 23 x £550) by January 31, 2010; n There will be a condition on the licence preventing the operator from registering any new local services serving places out with the areas of Angus and Dundee City Council, and this with immediate effect; and, n There will be a condition put on the licence preventing the operator from operating local service registrations PM2937/21;25;33;34;39;46 with effect from 2359hrs on January 31, 2010 and these services will be treated as cancelled from that date.

January 12, 2010 By letter dated January 12, 2010 the partnership appeal the decision to the

Commissioner relating to whether there was a malign motive to register in the way it was done; in other words, to register in a way to collect a subsidy without any real intention to comply with registered timetables.”

“On this last point I am conscious of a decision of the highest court, the House of Lords (of course, now the Supreme Court is the highest authority). In the case of H and Others (1996) 1 All ER 1, the House of Lords considered difficult issues relating to care proceedings involving children who were at risk.

The House of Lords made it clear that the more serious an issue or an allegation, the more cogent the evidence that was needed. In all civil proceedings the standard of proof is the balance of probabilities, however the more serious the issue which is raised or alleged, the more cogent the evidence that is needed before coming to an adverse decision.”

“My reading of the papers in this case is that, partly as a result of the delay in this coming to my attention, I could not make any adverse finding as to whether services were registered as a ‘sham’

Upper Tribunal and request a stay of Joan Aitken’s decision.

January 27, 2010 Joan Aitken issues a written decision in respect of the stay request and agrees to do so on only one of the following conditions: “My order requiring the operator to pay a penalty to Scottish Ministers by January 31, 2010 is stayed pending the decision of the Transport Tribunal or the withdrawing of the appeal.”

January 29, 2010 Judge Michael Broderick grants an interim stay for a period of seven days. The papers reached him January 28, 2010 therefore he required time for proper consideration.

The stay is granted in the first instance for seven days, i.e until 2359hrs on Febuary 7, 2010.

Febuary 4, 2010 Final order issued by Judge Michael Broderick – the stay is agreed and he allows the appeal to continue.

without more recent additional cogent evidence to support such an assertion. There is no-one who is currently capable of investigating this and so I come to the view that I should not conduct an inquisitorial process to consider whether services were a ‘sham’. There has been no determination to date on whether the registered services amounted to a ‘sham’. In order for a determination to be made I would now have to revisit evidence dating back to 2009. The partnership is now well aware that it is under an on-going statutory duty to adhere to registered timetables, including stopping at registered stopping places.

“The partnership accepted buses missed out bus stops and so, theoretically, I could convene a fresh Public Inquiry. Ignoring the so-called ‘sham’ issue, assuming facts agreed in 2009 were also accepted now, I could then reimpose the financial penalties that Traffic Commissioner Joan Aitken ordered in 2009.

“In this case the operator was originally ordered to pay a financial penalty of £12,650 – but the various appeal hearings require

March 25, 2010 Appeal heard by the Upper Tribunal in Glasgow.

April 9, 2010 Written decision issued by Judge Jacqui Beech – appeal dismissed – reference 2010/06.

April 19, 2010 Letter from Office of the Traffic Commissioner to partnership advising that in light of Upper Tribunal’s decision, Joan Aitken’s decision will come into effect at 2359hrs on April 30, 2010 and further that she reminds the partnership of her invitation to cancel all remaining registered local services.

April 16, 2010 Application to Upper Tribunal seeking permission to appeal.

April 23, 2010 Written decision issued by Judge Jacqui Beech refusing permission to appeal.

April 28, 2010 Partnership submits application to vary a

number of local services PM2937/21, 25, 34, 39, 42 & 46.

April 30, 2010 Petition lodged seeking leave to appeal.

Leave granted June 15, 2010.

May 13, 2010 Letter issued by Office of the Traffic Commissioner advising that Joan Aitken has refused all the aforementioned variation applications on the grounds she can not be satisfied the provisions of Section 4(2) of the PSV (Registration of Local Services)(Scotland) Regulations 2001 have been met. Letter further advises that in light of the partnership’s failure to cancel remaining long distance services, as invited to do, she will consider the partnership’s repute at a further Public Inquiry to be held on June 28, 2010 – advising that full details of such will follow.

May 27, 2010 Call up letter issued

www.coachandbusweek.com

LegalNews.indd 22

03/12/2012 17:19

December 5, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 23

a fresh public inquiry before that sum could be re-imposed. Again, I remind myself as to the purpose of my role and I also reflect that the partnership has employed lawyers at the various appeal hearings.

I do not know the actual cost of the lawyers to the partnership, nor do I need to know. However, my knowledge of the likely costs is such that the partnership will almost certainly have expended more than any financial penalty on unrecovered legal costs. So if I do not seek another Public Inquiry it does not mean the partnership has got away with matters, it has incurred not inconsiderable legal costs.

“As a result, my viewpoint is, in balancing the benefits of convening a fresh Public Inquiry, there are also benefits in coming to a view that the cost and delay in yet another judicial hearing would not add much.

“Here the tipping factor is the avoidable delay since January 12, 2012, a feature where no blame can be attributed to the partnership.

“I note the transport managers were added to the call up letter to the second Public Inquiry,

to partnership requesting attendance at Public Inquiry on June 28, 2010.

June 28, 2010 Partnership lodges petition at Court of Session seeking judicial review of the decision to call to Public Inquiry.

January 18, 2011 A detailed written decision issued by Lord Mackay of Drumadoon, Inner House, Court of Session made orders as follows: n Allowing the appeal; n Decisions of both Traffic Commissioner Joan Aitken and of the Upper Tribunal were quashed (2011) CSIH 05; n A finding was made that there was a breach of natural justice in the original public inquiry – that when new issues emerged before the Traffic Commissioner, the hearing should have been adjourned with a fresh notice to the partners, specifying the new allegations against them, giving them a full

Jones chose not to proceed with the fines imposed by Aitken (above)

“Assuming facts agreed in 2009 were accepted now, I could re-impose the financial penalties that Traffic Commissioner Joan Aitken ordered in 2009.”

Nick Jones Deputy Traffic Commissioner, Scotland

opportunity to consider and respond; n Send the case back to the Traffic Commissioner to be considered of new. A traffic commissioner other than Traffic Commissioner Joan Aitken should conduct any future inquiry; and n It being for the new Traffic Commissioner seized of the case to decide how he or she intends to proceed and the terms of any call up letter which is deemed to be necessary.

February 25, 2011 Call up letters issued to partnership and Transport Managers confirming that the new Public Inquiry will take place on April 5–6, 2011 before the Traffic Commissioner for the North East of England, Tom Macartney, who would sit as a Deputy Traffic Commissioner for Scotland.

March 24, 2011 Correspondence from partnership’s agent advising that contents of letter dated February 25,

presumably because any issue of registrations being a ‘sham’ could potentially go to their repute and professional competence as transport managers. In view of my comments above, especially those relating to the avoidable delay since January 12, 2012, no action is taken against either Transport Manager.

“As pointed out by the Court of Session, circumstances have changed since the original Public Inquiry. Indeed, I have been told by staff in Edinburgh that the partnership opted to de-register the original services which were the cause of the first Public Inquiry.

Furthermore, four services have been registered to commence in 2013 with stopping points and timetables.

“I come to the view that, as a result of all the issues raised in this decision, it is proportionate that I do not order a fresh Public Inquiry.”

Instead, Mr Jones issued the “strongest form” of formal warning to the partnership: partnership did not run 1 The to registered timetable; it has a duty to do so and failure to stop at registered stopping places in future will result in severe, albeit

2011 may be subject to judicial review, interdict and seeking assurances that the Office of the Traffic Commissioner will not be proceeding with the Public Inquiry scheduled to take place on April 5–6, 2011.

March 25, 2011 Letter from Office of the Traffic Commissioner to the partnership’s agent advising the contents of the aforementioned letter were noted and that any preliminary submissions, legal arguments or complaints be submitted prior to or at the Public Inquiry. An amended call up letter was sent to replace the original one dated February 25, 2011.

These letters contained details of a further Bus Compliance Officer monitoring exercise carried out in June 2010.

March 30, 2011 A further petition was lodged by the partnership for judicial review. The hearing took place on March 30, 2011. The Office

proportionate, regulatory action; and action is taken against 2 No Transport Managers David Kidd and James Cosgrove. Mr Jones said both will be aware of the need to ensure registered services must be run as registered by the operator.

Mr Jones concluded: “I make this decision having reviewed papers which include an Order of the Court of Session that there be fresh consideration by a Traffic Commissioner.

“Although I am Traffic Commissioner for Wales and Traffic Commissioner for the West Midlands of England, my decision is given as Deputy Traffic Commissioner for Scotland, all full time Traffic Commissioners being Deputies for other areas.”

“An obvious lesson from this case is that the organisation which provides administrative support to traffic commissioners, currently VOSA, ought to review service standards where there has been a recusal,” he added. “With this in mind I am copying this decision to both the Senior Traffic Commissioner and the Head of the Office of the Traffic Commissioner.”

of the Traffic Commissioner only received notification on the day. An interim interdict was granted by Lord Tyreon July 15, 2011, which was assigned as the date for the first hearing.

March 30, 2011 Letters sent from the Office of the Traffic Commissioner to the partnership advising that in light of the petition for judicial review lodged with the Court of Session, the Public Inquiry scheduled for April 5–6, 2011 will not proceed.

January 12, 2012 Written decision issued by Lord Woolman, Outer House, Court of Session as follows: n Recalls the interim interdicts; n Dismisses the petition; n All matters to be considered at a further hearing before a different Traffic Commissioner; n A clear direction making it clear that any new Traffic Commissioner considering matters could and indeed,

should look at all material and not be restricted as suggested by the partnership; to reassess the papers and decide what procedure should be followed, having regard to the statutory provisions; it being a matter for the new Traffic Commissioner considering matters to decide on whether specific staff in the Office of the Traffic Commissioner be excluded or otherwise from dealing with the administrative process; and, n A general point made emphasising Traffic Commissioners should be able to carry out their tasks and that, unless there were very cogent reasons, any challenge should be held after a hearing has taken place.

October 29, 2012 Papers received

by Traffic Commissioner Nick Jones with view to a conducting a fresh review as set out by Lord Woolman. www.coachandbusweek.com

LegalNews.indd 23

03/12/2012 17:20

24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

DELIVERIES

Epsom CoaChEs Quality Line, the bus operating division of Epsom Coaches Group recently purchased eight Optare Solo SRs which are the first twodoor versions of this model in the UK. The company is using the buses on Transport for London route 470, which connects Epsom with Colliers

YourBus Heanor-based YourBus, which runs a combination of both tendered and commercial bus routes in the Derbyshire and Nottingham area, has taken delivery of seven 10.8m Door Forward Streetlites and five 9.5m Wheel Forward Streetlites.

10 of the new vehicles

are being used on tendered services, while two are seeing service on a commercial route. The new vehicles have replaced Dennis Darts which have been retired and sold, making the oldest bus in the fleet only 17-months old.

The buses have reportedly been well received with both the drivers and the passengers.

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nEtwork warrington Municipally-owned Network Warrington has taken delivery of six Optare Versa hybrids for use on its Centrelink services and across the network. The buses were purchased with financial support from the government’s Green Bus Fund in excess of half a million pounds from.

Network Warrington Managing Director, David Squire said: “We are proud to be introducing these stylish and environmentally-friendly Optare Versas into the town as they will assist the Council’s climate agenda in terms of reduced emissions and less fuel use.”

Diesel power for the 11.1m Versas is from a Mercedes-

Wood via Cheam and for which the company has recently had its contract extended by a further five years. Increasing passenger numbers on the route led to the decision both to increase the size of buses used and to specify two doors to speed access and exit.

Epsom’s Managing Director Steve Whiteway said: “We are a big fan of the Optare Solo and the SR styling has resulted in a bus which really

be carried.

These are also Network Warrington’s first buses to feature an audio-visual next stop announcement system.

“This gives customers information on the next bus stop and is particularly useful for those customers who are visually or hearing impaired, or who are unfamiliar with the area,” said David.

Mobitec LED destination equipment is fitted to front side and rear.

FACT FILE

Benz OM904LA Euro 5 engine delivering 130kW. This drives a generator to provide power to the roof-mounted ultra capacitors, which are also topped up through regenerative braking.

Drive to the axle is through twin electric motors and a

summation gearbox. This arrangement is expected to deliver fuel savings of up to one third compared to a conventional diesel driveline, as well as significantly reduced CO2 emissions and a smoother ride.

Esteban Civic V3 seats

have been specified for enhanced comfort and passenger appeal with a seating capacity of 39, including three tip-ups in the wheelchair/buggy bay and two inward facing seats over the front left wheelarch. A further 21 standess can also

CHASSIS/BODy Optare Versa EngInE Mercedes-Benz

OM904LA Euro 5

TRAnSmISSIOn N/A SEATS 39 SpEC Hybrid SUppLIED By

Optare 08434 873 200 www.optare.com

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

Deliveries.indd 24

03/12/2012 17:44

December 5, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 25

have you taken delivery of a new vehicle and want to tell the world about it? email all the details and pictures to james.day@ coachandbusweek.com

gets noticed. Coupled with dual door access, this is a small bus with big capacity and one which is already proving very popular with our drivers and passengers alike.

“The excellent fuel consumption and our experience over the last 10 years of Optare products has shown whole life costs and durability are the best in their class. We look forward to more of the same with these impressive additions to our fleet.

FACT FilE

CHASSiS/BOdy Optare Solo SR EnginE Mercedes-Benz

OM904LA Euro 5

TrAnSmiSSiOn Allison 2100 SEATS 25 SpEC TfL SUppliEd By

Optare 08434 873 200 www.optare.com

Barnes CoaChes Swindon-based Barnes Coaches has recently received its first ever Volvo B9R Jonckheere which has been introduced on the company’s Scottish tour contracts.

“We have always been pleased with the performance and service from Volvo”, said Matt Barnes, one of the firm’s owners. “We had heard good things about the B9R, so with the help of Richard Mann, Volvo Bus Regional Coach Sales Manager, we decided to select that chassis, combining it with the Jonckheere body. We’re looking forward to seeing how it compares in terms of fuel economy.”

Fitted with the rearmounted nine-litre Volvo D9B

engine and incorporating the highly acclaimed Volvo I-Shift 12-speed fully automated gearbox, the vehicle provides a smooth, highly fuel-efficient driveline.

Meeting Euro 5 emission standards, the B9R provides a dependable foundation for high productivity and fuel economy.

Seating 53 passengers, plus the driver on two

axles, interior features of the vehicle include TV, sound system, courier seat, generous luggage space, WC, and DVD player. The seat specification includes all age three-point seat belts, foot rests and leather headrest insert.

“The B9R is a great, relatively low-weight chassis, which gives a powerful performance whilst

remaining highly economical, so it is perfect for tour work”, said Richard Mann.

“Combined with the Jonckheere body, which is aimed at the high end, luxury market, the vehicle scores highly on passenger comfort as well as providing a cost effective choice for Barnes.”

Matt Barnes added: “The Volvo back up and support is another key benefit with Volvo and we’re delighted with the service we receive from Richard Mann.”

FACT FilE

CHASSiS/BOdy Volvo B9R Jonckheere EnginE Volvo D9B TrAnSmiSSiOn Volvo I-Shift 12-speed SEATS 53 SpEC Touring SUppliEd By

Volvo 019 2640 1777 www.volvobuses.com

Bus and coach ƃQDQFH up to 100% LTV.

www.coachandbusweek.com

Deliveries.indd 25

03/12/2012 17:48

26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

inSigHt › vosa

All about compliance Andrew Cream talks to Alastair Peoples, CEO of VOSA, about ATFs, common traps operators fall in, OCRS and the organisation’s commitment to improving road safety

A

lastair Peoples, VOSA’s CEO, has been with the public body since December 2004, when he was recruited as Operations Director after an advert in The Sunday Times.

He was initially responsible for looking at how the organisation delivered its services. This led to a closer relationship between the testing and enforcement sides of the business, making better use of the common skills for inspecting vehicles and addressing the risks to road safety.

After a few years his role expanded to also oversee strategy and performance. During this time, the government was seriously looking at privatising VOSA. Alastair’s job was to prepare the comparator bid to keep the organisation within the public sector, which included the proposal to introduce Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs). In February 2009 the DfT Board approved Alastair’s recommendation to undertake a three-year initiative to deliver major improvements to testing services for lorries and PCVs. He was then asked to take on the role of VOSA’s CEO. Taking a few steps back, Alastair started in the industry “a long time ago” in Northern Ireland.

He had an apprenticeship as a mechanic for the forerunner of BT before becoming a Vehicle/Driving www.coachandbusweek.com

VOSA.indd 26

Above: Alastair Peoples, CEO of VOSA. Right: An ATF at Johnson Bros in Worksop Examiner in 1979 for the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA).

Over the next 15 years he gained operational experience at all levels of the organisation.

When he joined VOSA in 2004, he admitted he didn’t plan on being there for an extended period of time. “I think my aim was to be here for three or four years and then look for a different opportunity in Northern Ireland,” he explained.

“But then you never know what is around the corner.”

Alastair believes his background has helped with his current role, adding: “VOSA has transformed itself in recent years. I have a very passionate workforce. There is a lot of enthusiasm to always do a very good job and one which makes a difference to road safety.

“I think I am in a very privileged position to have

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

VOSA.indd 27

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inSigHt › vosa

such a committed workforce.”

VOSA has a number of facets, according to Alastair, with one of its primary roles being to ensure its strategic direction is in-line with the Department for Transport (DfT).

are increasingly introducing cost cutting initiatives.

Avoiding noncompliance

The ATF strategy

From talking to Alastair, it’s clear VOSA has had a busy few years, with more change on the horizon.

He felt that, when he took up his new position, he had some big issues he needed to deal with.

“The first was we definitely needed to deliver the ATF strategy,” Alastair said. “That was very important as it was what had kept us in the public sector.

“There were a lot of discussions regarding the commitment of VOSA at that time. The biggest issue was to ensure what VOSA was doing was a success and a sign of things to come.”

The year he took over as CEO was very tough, with companies across the country and beyond trying to cut costs as much as possible.

Alastair explained: “VOSA is a trading fund and is therefore required to break even. We had a significant deficit we needed to address and I didn’t want to increase test fees in order to invest.

“As it was the height of the recession, it was very important to reduce the deficit. It was essential to get the industry to buy into that vision of the ATF. Due to this, in part, we have spent very little on our estate in the last three years.

“We have opened close to 300 ATFs. As a result we are on track to recover this financial deficit within five years of 2009, with no increase in fees. We will have the deficit significantly reduced by year end.”

Obviously VOSA had to do more to than this to reduce its deficit. “The organisation has had to reshape,” Alastair said. “We downsized by 500 posts, and our aim was the ensure customers suffered no reduction in service.

Everyone at VOSA worked hard during this period of change and we all want VOSA to be better on account of the transformation.”

With the 300 new facilities, Alastair says downtime caused by testing is significantly reduced and there is also greater customer choice and flexibility. There are an increasing number of operators with ATFs. VOSA’s ATF strategy makes sure it is as lean as it can be, according to Alastair, in a time when companies www.coachandbusweek.com

VOSA.indd 28

Above: Alastair has been working for VOSA since 2004. Below: Nearly 300 ATFs have been opened up in the UK.

Regarding the traps bus and coach operators fall into before testing, Alastair gave a lot of sound advice, initially pointing out headlamps as one of the most significant failures. He explained: “There is a tendency to adjust headlamps but any slanting is more likely to lead to failure. Adjust to the middle of the band and check that left and right are the same. I still see cases where vehicles have one headlamp slanted up and one down.”

“It’s very important operators check the silly stuff before a test,” he added. “For example, washers, markers and wipers etc. Bring spares and tools to replace and check again prior to test.

“These faults can be found with a simple daily walkaround check.

Most faults can be fixed with quick and easy adjustments. It is not necessary for a vehicle to go in for major service before its annual test.

“Don’t re-line brakes right before a test. Let them bed-in so you get their best performance at MOT. A lot of operators are on the margins between pass and fail. Don’t fall behind at any time during the year.

“Operators need to be careful when cleaning vehicles as high pressure vehicle washers can break things.

And if you replace wheels prior to a test, make sure you retorque them.”

OCRS

VOSA:

a brief history

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) was formed on April 1, 2003 following the merger of the Vehicle Inspectorate and the Traffic Area Network division of the Department for Transport.

As the merger was before Alastair’s time, he could only speculate as to why the decision was made. “I assume it was the opportunity to better provide support to the Traffic Commissioners,” he said. “With a bigger organisation to support certain roles such as recruiting, reporting, IT and backup, benefitting from economies of scale.”

VOSA is responsible for: n Processing applications for licences to operate lorries and buses and registering bus services; n Operating and administering testing schemes for all vehicles, including the supervision of the MOT testing scheme; n Enforcing the law on vehicles to ensure that they comply with legal standards and regulations; n Enforcing drivers’ hours and licensing requirements; n Supporting Traffic Commissioners to help them make informed decisions on operator licensing, vocational drivers and bus registration requirements; n Providing training and advice for commercial operators; and n Investigating vehicle accidents, defects and recalls.

Alastair explained VOSA’s role revolves around compliance.

“Firstly,” he said, “we look to ensure that people who apply for an operator’s licence know what it means and what their objectives are. Our role is to ensure operators are compliant and we need to make people fully aware of this.”

VOSA wants to make sure it is compliant itself through external accreditation; a classic case of practicing what you preach.

It has recently made changes to OCRS (Operator Compliance Risk Score). The scheme is used to calculate the likelihood of an operator being non-compliant.

Alastair explained: “It’s about reducing the burden. Plus, we want to recognise those who strive to be compliant.

“What we are hoping is not only does it recognise compliance and good practice but also demonstrates how to move

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inSigHt › vosa

Alastair Peoples says it is not necessary for vehicles to go for a major service before a test; simple walkaround checks can pick up the majority of faults into compliance.”

OCRS is based on actual data from events or tests which VOSA holds on an operator. Points are attributed when an enforcement encounter results in a defect or infringement being identified or when VOSA prosecutes an operator or a driver. The more serious the defect or infringement, the greater the point allocation.

The scoring mechanism calculates the average number of points per event and this score is termed the ‘base score’. The base score will then determine which OCRS band the operator calls into based on thresholds for each band which are set by VOSA. The bands are green, for operators considered low risk; amber, for operators considered medium risk; and red, for operators considered high risk.

OCRS was introduced to try to ensure effective targeting is carried out, by targeting non-compliant operators more effectively as well as reducing the number of compliant vehicles which are stopped. Those operators with higher risk scores are more likely to be inspected than those with lower risk scores.

“What it also does is allows roadside examiners to better differentiate who to stop,” Alastair continued. “Examiners are much more likely to stop operators with red scores and not green. It’s been very well received by the industry so far.”

Examiners can use automatic number plate recognition to determine an operator’s score remotely wihout having to stop the vehicle. This is linked to a database of which most of the information is available online for operators to see. There are three years of data available. www.coachandbusweek.com

VOSA.indd 30

An update to the scheme is that operators can now move straight from ‘green’ to ‘red’ for a serious infringement, whereas before it would have taken more than one breach to land the operator in the non-compliant zone. “This shows we are taking the major offences seriously,” Alastair said.

He did note however that there are some straightforward ways of improving your awareness of your OCRS, including simply going online to see your score. “We’re trying to encourage and reward education and learning,” he added.

Alastair believes one of VOSA’s strengths is how transparent it is as an organisation. It categorises defects in a logical structure, making it clear what actions are available to operators. “We ensure we add value and improve road safety,” he said. “And we are pragmatic in how we apply that, making sure staff are consistent.”

Engineering

An area of work Alastair has always been passionate about is engineering, with his first job being an apprentice mechanic. He stated: “This is my profession. I have taken great pride in ensuring I have been well trained and qualified.”

He is keen to support programmes which celebrate and promote the engineering side of the industry, including the IRTE Skills Challenge.

“In some areas the industry does not always have the highest reputation,” he said. “So I always want to endorse positive development.

“We need to ensure people will serve the industry and achieve greater compliance. These things can only be enhanced through the improved skills of fitters.

“Firms are sending a very clear

“Operators should not ignore the value of the driver walk round check – it is an integral part of the maintenance regime.”

Alastair Peoples

VOSA:

walkaround check tips

Mirrors And glAss n Check that all mirrors which should be there: n are there; n are aligned properly; and n are securely mounted. n Check that your view of the road (especially in the driver’s side swept area) isn’t obscured by: n damaged glass; n discoloured glass; or n obstructions (stickers, etc). n Check the side windows are not damaged or discoloured in a way that obscures your view to a mirror.

BrAkes n Check: n the service brake pedal doesn’t have excessive side play or missing, loose or incomplete antislip provision; and n the parking brake works as intended. steering n Check steering for excessive play. n When checking for leaks underneath vehicle, check the major steering components to ensure they are present and undamaged.

message to me in that they know the value of enhancing skilled staff.

It’s about putting the groundwork in place to be compliant.

“I am very interested to be doing more about that. I will actually be talking to the industry shortly about the importance of apprentices.”

Looking ahead

Regarding future plans, VOSA is looking to build on its ATF scheme by improving the testing service and exploring different avenues.

“We have the opportunity for significant changes in the way we work,” Alastair said. “But they take time to implement and need to be consulted on. We are always striving to provide value for money.

“We will also be making sure there is no increase in fees next year.”

On the MOT side, he confirmed the body is looking at its quality assessment and testing, as well as improving the provision of IT support to the MOT network, ensuring VOSA is “well into the 21st century”.

As a final remark, he wanted to emphasise the things operators can do to ensure compliance.

He said: “You can help yourself.

Daily walkaround checks really make a difference. If the driver completes a robust daily walkaround check the operator should use any defects identified as a guide to the Periodic maintenance inspection intervals.

Operators should not ignore the value of the driver walk round check - it is an integral part of the maintenance regime.

“Come and talk to us if you are unsure. VOSA is all about compliance. We would rather meet you than for you to be at risk of being non-compliant. We are on the same side – it is all about road safety. It is in the hands of operators we encounter.”

03/12/2012 20:23

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32 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

THE BIG PICTURE

Snapped at Whittlesey Market Place on Saturday, September 22, 2012 was this Irizar Century-bodied Scania K114IB4 ‘YN04UKC’, run

by Tourmaster of Crowland, north east of Peterborough. The coach joined the fleet in March 2011, with a quick Google search revealing it was previously operated by Excalibur of London. CBW Editor Gareth Evans noticed it picking up a group of passengers, one of which can be seen greeting the driver on the platform. Fans of JD Wetherspoon may recognise the building behind the coach – The George Hotel. With frequent bus arrivals and departures, the pub offers an excellent vantage point, for those who are so inclined.

www.coachandbusweek.com

BigPicture.indd 32

03/12/2012 20:57

December 5, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 33

www.coachandbusweek.com

BigPicture.indd 33

03/12/2012 20:57

34 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

INDUSTRY

GUIDE

TO PARTS & ACCESSORIES

B

uses and coaches are large and complex vehicles and even with developments in diagnostic software which make identifying problems more simple, you will still need access to a good parts supplier. Many operators do not keep a large amount of spare parts at their depot, avoiding the purchase of parts which may well never be needed. When something does need replacing, you need a supplier who can get the right part to you as quickly as possible.

Replacing parts and accessories is not always about repair however, and many companies specialise in reconditioning and remanufacture.

By replacing some older or obsolete parts in an engine, transmission or other system, the vehicle can be made to run more smoothly or efficiently without the need for a complete replacement.

TRANSpORT DOOR SOlUTIONS

Vehicle transmissions can be remanufactured to their original specifications

Part and parcel of service delivery It’s not always possible to keep all the parts you’ll need in stock and ready to be used as soon as something goes wrong. This week’s Industry Guide looks at suppliers of parts and accessories, whether they are for maintenance purposes or to extend the life of older vehicles and systems www.coachandbusweek.com

IndustryGuide.indd 34

Since the launch of Transport Door Solutions Ltd (TDS) on June 5, 2006 by the Scotland-based vehicle window manufacturer the Mcgregor Young Group, it has continued to grow as an independent bus door, replacement parts and O E door supplier.

In December 2007 the Netherlands-based bus door manufacturer Ventura Systems took a 25% stake holding in TDS and appointed them as their sole UK parts and service provider.

With the demise of two of the UK‘s major bus door manufacturers Deans and Peters in 2009 TDS embarked on a programme to develop a range of universal door spare parts, pneumatic door control spool valves and door cylinders as direct replacements for the Deans and Peters systems as well as use on their own door systems.

The TDS parts range includes: n Top bearings and spindles; n Bearing assemblies; n Cranks and pivots; n Air prep and fittings; n Control Buttons; n Pneumatic Valves; n Cylinders and actuators; n Seals and brushes; and n Electrical parts.

The TDS customer base now covers all main bus operators in the UK and continues to grow for Deans, Peters and Ventura door

03/12/2012 17:55

December 5, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 35

COnTACT To advertise in future industry guides, call Victoria Schult for a features list or more details on 01733 293248, email victoria.schult@coachandbusweek. com. For more information on providing editorial, call James Day on 01733 293244 or email james.day@coachandbusweek.com replacement parts. Now with over 2,000 of their own Epsilon door systems being supplied and the first units coming out of the warranty period, there is bound to be a future replacement parts demand to further enhance their market penetration.

Transport Door Solutions regularly finds sources for older and difficult to find parts.

Equivalents can be offered or parts reverse engineered to a high specification including pneumatic, electronic and mechanical types.

TDS just requires samples, drawings or images to assist in the process.

With the ever increasing demand for their products the company has expanded into two facilities. Design and development, replacement part distribution and administration is conducted from the Halstead facility in Essex and the O E door assembly and delivery is based at sister company Cheshire Vehicle Windows Ltd in Winsford Cheshire.

T: 01787 473000 E: sales@transportdoor solutions.co.uk W: www.transportdoorsolutions. co.uk

SmilES EnginEEring For over 30 years, Newcastle-based Smiles Engineering has specialised in engine reconditioning/engine remanufacture and the company’s reputation for quality has been well earned and recognised over this time with quality and service as policy. The company claims its reputation for petrol and diesel engine reconditioning/engine remanufacture both in-house and on-site is second to none.

Engine reconditioning/engine remanufacture is a specialist trade and at Smiles Engineering the workforce is highly trained and highly qualified in cylinder boring, crankshaft grinding and more. Each engineer is a specialist, fully time served and with particular specialised

knowledge and experience working in engine reconditioning/engine remanufacture.

Services include: n Engine reconditioning/Engine remanufacture n Cylinder boring/Crankshaft grinding n Exhaust emission control systems n PSV chassis refurbishment n DPF filter cleaning n Engine repower.

At the Euro Bus Expo 2012, Smiles Engineering was keen to highlight the environmental and economical benefits of its services as well as promote plans to retrofit gas engines to existing vehicles.

Gordon Mockett, Smiles Engineering Managing Director, 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 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 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 also has to be financially viable.”

Smiles Engineering is committed to quality and was the first company in the North East specialising in engines to achieve quality assurance ISO 9002 to repair and remanufacture petrol and diesel engines both in-house and on-site.

The company supplies, machines and assembles a wide range of engines and engine components for use in various applications where they meet harsh operating conditions. Smiles is approved

www.transportdoorsolutions.co.uk

Bus Door Refurbishing, Service or Maintenance?

Deans or Peters Parts Sourcing Issues?

We can help keep your door systems efficient & functioning by offering many UNIVERSAL product options that are generally available ex-stock.

Popular products we supply Bodybuilders, Repairers & Operators :

VALVES

RODENDS

SPINDLES

BEARINGS

REGULATORS

We now supply over 2000 spare parts including all

BUTTONS

CYLINDERS

BRUSHES

specific items.

As a specialist Pneumatic & Electric door manufacturer with 40+ years industry experience we are well placed to help you solve your UK door system part needs.

Please contact us on T: 01787 473000 F: 01787 477040 E: sales@transportdoorsolutions.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

IndustryGuide.indd 35

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36 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

indUSTrY

GUidE

TO PARTS & ACCESSORIES by the MOD as a sub-contractor.

To discuss the company’s engine repower portfolio, engine reconditioning/engine remanufacture, cylinder boring and crankshaft grinding services in more detail or for those who would like to know more about Smiles Engineering’s DPF filter cleaning service, contact details are supplied below.

T: 0191 2365 296 E: barry@smiles engineering.com W: www.smilesengineering.co.uk

HindlE TrAnSmiSSiOnS Long established Hindle Transmissions, a trading division of the Hindle Group Limited, was set up in 1930 and is an independent re-manufacturer which focuses firmly on the bus, truck and off highway transmission market.

Hindle Transmissions remanufactures and reapirs a variety of transmissions, including ZF,

Engines can be re-manufactured to extend their service life Allison, Voith, Clark, Eaton, Perkins and Deutz, plus a range of axles and differentials.

Hindle’s staff have a wealth of experience in the complete overhaul of the above units and offer them throughout the United Kingdom on a service exchange and cost of repair basis.

Each transmission is subjected to the same rigorous strip, inspection and rebuild process as expected by the original manufacturer. Hindle’s commitment to quality is shown with ISO 9001:2008 approval and its close relationship with customers, OE manufacturers and their dealers.

With a fleet of service support vehicles, dedicated service engineers and the latest in computerised diagnostic equipment, the Hindle Transmissions service team is ready to attend to anything from a simple electrical fault to a complete transmission replacement.

A well-stocked central distribution centre ensures most of the common specification transmission units are available off the shelf for immediate despatch.

Hindle Group said it aims to remain at the forefront of transmission remanufacturing and is committed to the creation of extraordinary customer satisfaction.

Hindle Reman, a division of Hindle Group, manufactures small batches of specialist components, including crankcases, housings and crankshafts. It also offers general engineering disciplines.

T: 01274 756120 W: www.hindlereman.com

Upcoming Industry Guides in early 2013 Below are the upcoming Coach & Bus Week Industry Guides due to be featured in January and February 2013

Passenger Comfort & Entertainment: Content submission deadline January 2, for publication on January 9 Vehicle Presentation: Content submission deadline January 9, for publication on January 16

Telematics: Content submission deadline January 16, for publication on January 23 Training and Safety: Content submission deadline February 6, for publication on February 13

Engines and Transmissions: Content submission deadline February 20, for publication on February 27

To advertise in any of these features, contact Senior Sales Executive Victoria Schult on 01733 293248.

www.coachandbusweek.com

IndustryGuide.indd 36

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680921-1058-Smiles

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SPECIALIST ENGINE REPOWER AND RE-MANUFACTURE

Engine Repowers delivering significant Fuel Economy and improved Emission Levels Award Winning

“

Engine and Emission Control System expertise to help you find

Solution to Pollution

”

Tel: Fax:

0191 236 5296 0191 236 1207

Web: www.smilesengineering.co.uk Smiles Engineering (North East) Ltd Unit 1, Brunswick Park, Brunswick Industrial Estate, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE13 7BA

38 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

ptEg COlUmn › jonathan bray

Concessionary fares must be more sustainable At a time when the costs of the scheme are rising and available funding for the scheme is falling, Jonathan Bray, a Director of the pteg Support Unit argues a more sustainable reimbursement model must be devised The English National Concessionary fares scheme has been highly successful in giving older and disabled people the freedom of free off-peak bus travel. By spring 2008, 83% of older people were aware of the new concessionary fare scheme and, by 2010, 77% of those eligible had received a new pass.

The PTE (Passenger Transport Executive) areas have been no exception. In the four PTEs which did not already offer free concessionary travel, concessionary journeys have increased by 40% on average between 2005/6 and 2008/9. The scheme’s popularity demonstrates its value to older and disabled people.

These groups are more likely than the general population to live on a low income and often do not have access to, or can no longer drive, a car.

Free travel enables them to retain independence, access shops and services and visit friends and family without having to be concerned about, or restricted by, the cost of getting there. This freedom is essential for both physical and mental health and wellbeing. Recent research has found free bus travel has resulted in significant health benefits amongst the eligible population.

Moreover, our analysis suggests trips by concessionary passengers generate economic benefits of £670m per year in PTE areas alone.

This is more than twice the cost of the scheme.

However, the costs of the scheme are rising whilst available funding for the scheme is falling.

Between 2010/11 and 2014/16 the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) will have reduced funding for the scheme by 27%. This in the context of wider reductions in funding for local government with the Local Government Association estimating that local government income will decline by close to 15% over the next five years.

These problems are exacerbated by the fact the total funding provided by DCLG does not have a direct relationship with the costs PTEs and other travel concessionary authorities actually incur from reimbursing bus operators for carrying passholders. The formula used by DCLG to allocate the money available between authorities inevitably leads to winners and losers as it is based on proxies rather than actual patronage or reimbursement costs. For the losers, the combination of these two effects – funding which does not reflect the overall cost of www.coachandbusweek.com

PtegColumn.indd 38

According to Jonathan Bray, between 2010/11 and 2014/16 the Department for Communities and Local Government will have reduced funding for the scheme by 27% the scheme and allocation formulae which are a poor reflection of variations in the cost of the scheme between different areas – could lead to severe financial strain in the near future.

However, even for those which aren’t the biggest losers from DCLG formulae, the concessionary travel scheme has become a ‘financial timebomb’ – with the PTEs most vulnerable to the biggest damage. PTEs could feel the biggest impact because unlike concessionary travel authorities elsewhere, PTEs only do transport. Outside PTE areas, local authorities are the concessionary travel authorities and the costs of running the scheme make up a fraction of their overall local government budgets. That is not the case for PTEs which means that by 2022, funding concessionary travel could lead to a real terms reduction in PTE discretionary spend of around three quarters in a decade.

The discretionary spend of PTEs includes so-called ‘lifeline’ tendered bus services; concessions for children and young people; funding for active travel measures like cycling; dial-a-ride services for older and disabled people; public transport information provision; and maintenance of bus stops, shelters, interchanges and security staff. Not to be forgotten is the ability to plan and deliver on everything from bus priority schemes to the transport links to High Speed Rail 2 hubs.

Nobody – least of all older and disabled people – wants to see the funding for this scheme lead to the end of other key frontline public transport services. In particular, it is pointless for an older or disabled person to have a pass if the service they wish to use it on has been scrapped to

pay for the costs of the concessionary scheme.

What’s more, the way the scheme is funded also creates a perverse incentive to raise bus fares for regular bus users where regular fare payers make up a declining share of the market. As cash fares continue to increase, the bigger the concessionary fares cheque for the operator from the state – which of course, is the very opposite of a virtuous cycle for taxpayers and regular bus users alike.

Naturally, this is one more reason why the need to find a more sustainable way of funding the scheme becomes more pressing by the month.

Jonathan is Director of the pteg (Passenger Transport Executive Group) Support Unit. Jonathan’s background is in both transport campaigning and transport policy. He was one of the founders and co-ordinators of the campaign against the national road programme in the early nineties and later led the campaign against rail privatisation. He has also worked for the Campaign for Better Transport on a range of sustainable transport issues. n Jonathan also has considerable transport policy experience - as a consultant his clients included local transport authorities, the BBC and the Strategic Rail Authority –for whom he led a major national public transport good practice project. n Read more about pteg at www.pteg.net or call 0113 251 7204.

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inSigHt › promoting bus use

Economic value of buses receives cross-party support Greener Journeys fringe events, Britain’s Buses: Driving the Economy Forward, held during late September and October, received tremendous cross-party support, Campaign Manager Meera Rambissoon reports

T

ransport Minister Norman Baker, Shadow Transport Secretary Maria Eagle and former Transport Select Committee member Paul Maynard have all lent strong support to the value of the bus at Greener Journeys’ Party Conference fringe events in September and October.

Greener Journeys’ publication of Buses and Economic Growth, research undertaken by the University of Leeds quantifying the economic value of buses, established cross-party support.

The fringe events, Britain’s Buses: Driving the Economy Forward, were held in Brighton (Liberal Democrats Party Conference), Manchester (Labour Party and invite-only) and Birmingham (Conservatives).

Buses underpin the UK economy in a number of key ways, for example: more people commute to work by bus than all other forms of public transport combined and bus commuters generate £64bn in economic output; more than 50% of students rely on the bus to get to their education or training; people use the bus to make shopping and leisure trips to a value of £27bn.

In the light of these findings, Greener Journeys produced a set of recommendations designed to maximise the potential for buses to support the UK economy and facilitate growth. The report, Bus Policy: a five-point plan for growth, was well received by all three main political parties. www.coachandbusweek.com

GreenerJourneys.indd 40

Baker Backs GreeNer JourNeys reporT iN BriGhToN Norman Baker gave his support to Greener Journeys’ work at a fringe event at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference on September 24.

Baker said: “I have been very impressed by Greener Journeys’ Buses and Economic Growth report which has provided great ammunition for me in promoting buses, their use and their role in delivering economic growth to Ministers in other Government departments.”

Taking steps to encourage cross-

departmental joined-up thinking, Baker said he has sent the report to various departments including the Treasury.

“You don’t have to convince me but you do have to remind others in Government how buses can help them,” he urged. For example, the Department for Work and Pensions helping people in or looking for employment and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs tackling social exclusion.

He added: “Punctuality and making buses more attractive forms

Transport Minister Norman Baker – supportive of Greener Journeys’ work

a virtuous circle and means buses will become more economically viable.”

Meanwhile, Dr Adam Marshall, British Chambers of Commerce, Director of Policy and External Affairs, highlighted the need to change perceptions of comfort, reliability and punctuality among middle and senior managers of businesses.

“Why? It’s these people who have scope over workplace travel planning and who consider whether to subsidise services over and above planning agreements,” said Dr Marshall. “You may even get them using buses.”

He also recommended local businesses and the bus industry join forces to combat some of the inconsistencies in the planning framework and the Government should improve its methods of appraising the benefits of bus use to level the playing field when comparing different modes of transport.

Go-Ahead’s Martin Dean, MD of bus development, said: “The

03/12/2012 19:01

December 5, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 41

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

left to right: Tim o’Toole, claire haigh, prof david Begg, paul Maynard Mp statistics coming out of Greener Journeys’ report show how important the bus industry is.”

For those between the ages of 1619, bus is a “key mode of travel” and it is vitally important to business, with 20% of businesses depending on it.

Dean also highlighted the bus industry is one of the largest private sector employers in the UK, with 170,000 people working in the industry in some capacity and there is still a significant bus manufacturing industry in the UK. Commenting on Greener Journeys’ five-point plan, Dean said: “I commend this report - even if you can only read the executive summary, it is worthwhile for showing the importance of buses.”

EaglE praisEs grEEnEr JournEys EvidEncE in ManchEsTEr Shadow Transport Secretary Maria Eagle MP praised Greener Journeys’ new report for its role in boosting the “Cinderella” bus industry.

GreenerJourneys.indd 41

Sitting alongside shadow transport minister Lilian Greenwood MP on September 17, Eagle said: “It’s a really good piece of work which I think Adam [Marshall, British Chambers of Commerce] could present to some of the employers he talks to. Most people who use public transport, travel by bus - it can make a big, big impact.

“If you can get people around and moving, it is a driver for economic growth. If you can get it right, the bus can promote all kinds of benefits; for example cleaner, greener travel and congestion benefits.”

Emphasising the role of the bus in fostering social inclusion, Eagle commented: “I’ve spoken to kids who can’t get to college because the bus has gone and I’ve spoken to young people who go to work but say ‘my Mum has to pick me up’ - at a time when the Government is expecting more from job seekers.”

Claire Haigh, CEO of Greener Journeys, set out the starting point

for the campaign: the carbon reduction value of modal shift from car to bus. “Switching to just one journey a month from car to bus or coach would remove one billion car journeys from our roads, saving two million tonnes of CO2 every year,” said Claire. “Moreover, recently published research, commissioned

by Greener Journeys, demonstrates that bus has the potential to achieve a 75% reduction in C02 emissions in heavily congested areas.”

Claire went on to highlight the headline and compelling evidence of the value of buses in contributing to economic growth: Bus commuters (12% of the working population) generate £64bn to the economy (via the 2.5m bus commuters and one million who use bus as back up).

1 in 10 bus commuters would be forced to look for another job if they could no longer commute by bus.

400,000 workers are in a better or more productive job as a result of the bus network -

generating an additional £400m for the economy.

More than 50% of students over 16 are bus users who rely on the bus to access education and training.

40% of trips to the high street are made by bus a year and £27bn a year is generated by people access shopping and leisure services by bus.

“These are the macro numbers reflecting what the bus is doing for the wider economy,” she added.

“This is very much a cross-party alliance and while bus has for too long been regarded as the poor relation of the transport family, there are issues we can all unite around.

Mike Cooper, Arriva UK Bus MD, said: “The industry as a whole should commend Greener Journeys for giving us something tangible.”

Citing figures from the report, he highlighted the direct contribution the bus industry is making to the economy: Over 170,000 people are employed in the bus industry and spend £2.1bn in the economy The bus industry creates a further 83,000 jobs through its supply chain, spending £2.5bn Over 50% of new buses registered in to service every year are built by British workers.

“We want a long term sustainable strategy for the industry. We want customers to enjoy customer service and come back to us day in, day out,” said Mike. “The ultimate arbiter of bus services is not me, not Claire but the end user. 92% of passengers are saying they are satisfied with the service we give them. I’ve never come across an industry with satisfaction ratings of over 90%.”

Kieran Preston, Director General of Metro (West Yorkshire PTE), said: “The report is excellent but what we need is the how: what we need to attract non bus users and look at the whole offer, creating something which is legible, which raises the profile of the bus, where there is integration and attractive ticketing which is easy to use.”

MEP Brian Simpson, representing the North West of England, commented on the gulf in perception: “industrial heritage” is seen as cultured whereas buses are seen as “anorak”. “How do you make bus services ‘cultured not anorak’? Buses need to be on the radar of key government departments,” he said.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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inSigHt› promoting bus use

PASSenGeRS noT PoLiTiCS ShouLd Be AT heART oF BuSeS Paul Maynard, MP for Blackpool and Cleveleys North and former Transport Select Committee member, hammered home the importance of the bus at Greener Journeys’ Conservative party conference fringe event in Birmingham (October 8).

“I’m a politician who has had to rely on buses for most of my life,” said Maynard.

“Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 22, I had to return my driving license for one year and I was fortunate it happened to me when I was in London.

“The Transport Select Committee has produced not just two enquiries on bus services but in my post bag I get more letters from bus users than on any other issues.

“Buses matter to people and as politicians we have to attend to what matters to people - not what matters to us.”

Maynard said one of the day trips the TSC made was to Oxford to see what has been achieved there.

“It was quite an eye-opener,” he commented. “Major bus companies were being nice to each other what the hell was going on there?

Councillors were being honest and nice. It was nirvana!

“I thought maybe they were onto something here - how could we apply what’s going on in Oxford to Blackpool? But it is down to the local area; localism is about letting go and making your own mistakes.

“It’s about what passengers need and they have to be put back at the heart of bus services.”

Tim O’Toole, CEO for FirstGroup, also lent his full support to Greener Journeys’ work: “I’m really here to lend my support to the work Greener Journeys has done: the whole industry supports it. I commend an excellent piece of work.

“One element I would like to emphasise is retail, which our services connect to in heavy urban areas.”

Drawing on the short term and the longer term, O’Toole firstly made the point that the Mary Portas report for Number 10 “didn’t even mention buses” even though 40% of those who access the high street are bus users - compared to 30% who do so by car.

“It isn’t all about investment - it is about demand and one issue which is not going to go away and which is only to get worse is congestion,” he continued. “We believe it is companies who provide the www.coachandbusweek.com

GreenerJourneys.indd 42

Above: norman Baker speaks at the Lib dem event. Below: Claire haigh makes a point during the Labour event

Greener Journeys: a brief history

Greener Journeys was formed in 2009 to tackle the carbon agenda by encouraging modal shift from car to bus. Backed by the industry, the organisation aims to raise the profile of buses amongst passengers, central and local Government and businesses, and works by both lobbying and consumer campaign work. Greener Journeys represents the whole of the bus sector and is an alliance of Arriva, FirstGroup, Go-Ahead and Stagecoach and other supporters committed to sustainable transport, including Campaign for Better Transport, CPT, pteg, RAC Foundation and TfL. solutions to congestion. If we are going to do something about the high street and make them viable we have to turn to transport and the most used form of transport is buses.

“We want Government to reverse their decision to put money back into buses.

“For so many cities, buses are the work horse; and the most productive consumers are buses.”

David Brown, CEO of Go-Ahead,

said: “People understand the societal benefits buses bring and people understand the environmental benefits buses bring but they don’t always understand what buses mean for businesses.

“Passengers don’t have a big enough voice, as a starter for 10.

One of the problems with buses is decision-makers don’t necessarily travel by bus. We will be trying to get businesses and town centre managers to understand how

important buses are to the vitality of our city centres.”

Emphasising bus companies are major employers in their own right, Brown pointed out that after the NHS, Go-Ahead was the largest employer in some areas.

“Buses affect how businesses develop and how they bring customers to them. 85% of ASDA’s employees travel by bus - and there’s really good reason because it wants parking spaces to be taken up by customers.”

Claire Haigh said: “We are talking today about economic growth but let us not forget why Greener Journeys came into being in the first place: to achieve reductions in C02 in transport through modal shift from car to bus. The message is as relevant today as it ever was though the emphasis is on growth at the moment. The carbon reduction imperative is not going to go away.”

Professor David Begg, Chief Executive of Transport Times, who chaired each three fringe events, praised the research commissioned

by Greener Journeys and its recommendations report on the back of the findings.

Citing aviation in the South East and High Speed Rail as strong examples, he urged: “What we want for buses is the type of campaign which we have for other forms of transport.”

For more information and to download copies of the reports, visit www.greenerjourneys.com . Get in touch with Meera by calling 020 7257 2520 or emailing meera@greenerjourneys.com

03/12/2012 19:01

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2010 MAN BEULAS 71 seats, LEZ, Gloryeuro5 + EEV, WC, climate control, hot drinks, amazing luggage capacity, fantastic condition, MOT 31/10/2013, fully DDA, only 149,000km, sale due to fleet restructure ÂŁ248,000 + VAT

2009 RENAULT 16 reclining seats, TAWE, perfect for airports, takes 20 big suitcases, A/C, TV, DVD, hot drinks & fridge, 3 point belts, overhead racks, great on fuel, 166,000kms, front entry, sale due to fleet restructure ÂŁ21,500+VAT

Tel: 01787 477 701 Email: info@coachcompany.co.uk 2002 DAF SB220 SLF Ikarus Polaris 12m

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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. £56,900 + VAT Call Dougie at HAGGIS Adventures on 0131 554 9192

2008 Scania K340 Irizar PB 12.2m

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(05) 2005 LDV Convoy 2.4tdi 17 seat minibus, high back seats with three point seat belts, COIF/PSV tacho £4,995

OTHER MAKES FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES (12) 2012 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.2tdci 135ps, tacho, 2300 miles only, ex-demo in silver, COIF/PSV £20,695

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

(12) 2012 Ford Transit Tourneo 9 seat Trend 2.2 125 PS, air-con, Bluetooth, in Midnight Sky Blue, 2,608 miles £14,900 + VAT

(11) 2011 Ford Transit 9 seat Shuttle Bus, twin side loading doors, large rear luggage area, delivery miles only £16,995

(11) 2011 Ford Transit 15 seat 3.5 ton, 2.4tdi engine 115ps, tacho, 10,000 km £17,500

D L O S

(59) 2009 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi 115ps, tacho, air-con, 15,000km only £17,495

(07) 2007 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdci 115ps air-con, tachograph, 76,000kms, COIF/PSV £11,995

(57) 2007 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4TDi 100ps, six speed gearbox, tacho with 16,000 miles, COIF/PSV £11,995

(55) 2005 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus 2.8 diesel, with three point seat belts, tow bar, removable seats to rear, 77,000 miles £6,995 (06) 2006 Volkswagen Transporter 9 seat minibus, 85PS, rear tail gate, twin side loading doors, 112,000 miles £7,995 (56) 2006 Peugeot Boxer 3.5t on 17 seat minibus 2.8 diesel, high back seats with three point belts, 33,000 miles £8,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS (59) 2009 Renault Master LWB wheelchair accessible minibus 10 seats, tracking for three wheelchairs, in board lift, rear heating £15,995 (07) 2007 LDV Maxus 13 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, under floor lift, space for two wheelchairs, electric side step £8,495

(06) 2006 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 cdti 9 seat, inboard lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, 45,000 miles £8,995

LDV MINIBUSES (57) 2007 LDV Maxus 17 seat, high back seats with three point belts, twin side doors, COIF/ PSV, silver £7,500

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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07 (07) VW CRAFTER LT35 16 SEAT INC DRIVER WHEELCHAIR ACCESS INBOARD LIFT 43,000 MILES SILVER METALLIC COIF/PSV £19,995

06 (55) MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDi TREKA BUS W/CHAIR ACC 97000KMS COIF/PSV £17,995 CHOICE

09 (59) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 140PS TACHO COIF/PSV 30,000 MILES £16,995

MULTIPART & LDV/MAXUS PARTS STOCKISTS

(PONTYPOOL) LTD

P.O.A.

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

09 (59) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF 115PS TACHO COIF/PSV 30,000 MILES £16,495

2006 (55) LDV CONVOY ELWB MINI COACH 17 SEATS 90PS EXCEL CONVERSION COIF/PSV TACHO £9,950

• ALTAS CONVERSION • 17 SEAT MINICOACH • DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS • FULL AIR CONDITIONING • POWER DOOR LOW ENTRY STEP

NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE 519CDI

15:55

09 (58) FORD TRANSIT 100T 300M 9 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS £14,995

04 (04) LDV CONVOY 17 SEAT MINIBUS COIF/PSV MARCH 2013 113,667 MILES £5,995

3/12/12

05 (05) VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T30 104 TDi WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS £8,995

06 (06) MERCEDES SPRINTER UVK TREKA 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRACKING FOR UP TO 6 W/CHAIRS, U/FLOOR LIFT COIF/PSV 35,000 MILES £18,495

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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 BENZ 516CDI EVM SHUTTLE 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks and A/C.

BRAND NEW MERCEDES FERQUI TORO 32 high back seats + courier, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.

Order now for March.

MORE PHOTOS AND DETAILS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE: www.connaughtpsv.co.uk

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 513CDI EVM CLASSIC 16/19 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks and A/C.

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 55 REG AUTO 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 55 REG MERCEDES BENZ 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights.

2005 05 REG MERCEDES 814 VARIO MELLOR 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.

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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54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

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BERKHOF AXIAL 50 DAF powered, ZF automatic gearbox 57 seats with 3 point belts Executive coach 12.9mtr

01274 681144

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

take a test drive today

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December 5, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 55

6 x Optare Solo’s M950 Slimlines Choice of 6 vehicles – all 2007 (57 Plates). 32 + 17 standees (various seating options). All have Cummins engines with Alison gearboxes. Full Service History – all with current MOT. LED digital destination displays – front, rear & sides.

CCTV cameras. Average mileages. Esteban Civic V3 seats. We will re-spray in white for £48,000 or in the NEW OWNER’S COLOURS for £49,000

Please ring Graham or Mandy at Courtney Buses 01189 733486 info@courtneybuses.com

2010 Van Hool 14.04 Astron T917 MAN - EURO 5 ONLY ONE COACH AVAILABLE UNTIL 2014

2007 56 Reg ADL Enviro 200 Prototype

28 seats, 40 standing, built as demonstrator for London with flat floor front to back and extra doors at rear. Phone for more details.

£19,950.00

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

1999 T Reg Dennis Trident

East Lancs body, extra long wheelbase and fitted with 78 seats and still DDA compliant, single door (never been twin door), would re-seat to between 80-90 seats and could be belted – 4 available

PREES WINTER BUS, PLANT & TRUCK AUCTION Saturday 15th December 2012 Viewing Friday 14th December

Press Storage Ltd, A49, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 3JX

£17,950.00

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552 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

COACH & BUS SECTION – 3pm

Inc Parcel of 9 x 2008 Mercedes 515 Soroco Minibuses & 5 x 2012 Renault Master Minibuses from easyBus FREE ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE Click the link on our website to register

Contact Charlie Foyle or Graham Johnson with your additional single items or Parcels of equipment

01630 674326 or Fax 01630 674356 www.malcolmharrison.co.uk auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk All overseas and first time buyers not known to the auctioneer must lodge £1000 refundable deposit on registration by cash/credit/debit card.

MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS

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2002 (52 reg) Optare Solo M850 Mercedes engine, 27 seats 23 with belts, currently undergoing body prep and paint.

Dennis Dart Super Pointer 45 seats with belts, Tacho, Euro4 with RPC/LEZ, ready to go

£13,950

£17,950

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552 N Reg Bluebird American School Bus 60 seats with 3 point belts, Cummins engine/Allison gearbox

£5,950

Also 2000 W Reg at

£12,000.00

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552 1999 V Reg Mercedes 814D Vario Plaxton Beaver 2

31 bus seats with belts, new paint and test, Allison auto.

£9,950.00

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552

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

For more information visit

www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552 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

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Kinglong Scotland Kinglong XMQ6130 Tri Axle 57 plus 1 plus 1, luxury recliners, Cummins Euro V 10.1 litre, ZF Astronic box, DVD, 3 screens, PA, CD, W/C, A/C, drivers bunk Only £229,950 + VAT

Kinglong XMQ6127 47/49 luxury recliners, Cummins Euro V 8.9 litre, ZF auto box, DVD, monitors, A/C ,W/C, CD, radio, fridge.

Only £179,950 + VAT

Kinglong XMQ6900 35/31 plus W/C, Cummins Euro V 6.7litre, ZF auto box, A/C, DVD, CD, monitors, PA etc Only £134,950 + VAT

DARTLINE

Kinglong XMQ 6800 31 luxury recliners, Cummins Euro V 207BHP, Allison World Series auto (manual options), A/C, DVD, monitors, PA, CD, radio etc etc ...

Only £109,950 + VAT

USED STOCK AVAILABLE NOW!!!!!

2011 BMC Karisma low mileage - POA 2010 BMC Nifty - POA

2x2005 Optare Solos

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)

2012 Ex Demonstrator Kinglong 9 metre service bus, 23 plus 4 plus 1 plus 22 standees - POA 2004 BMC Falcon service bus - POA

92 Leyland Tiger - long MOT/tax, 55 seats, great workhorse for schools, vgc - POA

Used, nearly new stock available

Authorised stockist Kinglong parts and glass.

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

Tel: 01651 872864 24-hr Mobile 07769719252 Email: kinglongscotland@yahoo.co.uk Station Yard, Oldmeldrum, AB51 0EZ

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HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

BUILDINGS

• Bus Workshops • Secure Storage

• Supplied any width, any length

• Building to BS5590

• Doors high enough for Double Deckers

• Finance available Phone for further information

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime ENGINES

CRAIG TILSLEY Suppliers of Reconditioned

ENGINES

DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS PUMPS ETC

Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527 Fax: 01782 791316

Email: info@craigtilsley.co.uk www.craigtilsley.co.uk

Moorfields Industrial Estate, Cotes Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST21 6QY

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

THE CUMMINS ENGINE SPECIALISTS PARTS & SERVICE DIVISION

D.I.E.S.E.L. LIMITED OFFER A VAST RANGE OF SERVICES FOR ALL TYPES OF CUMMINS ENGINES FREE TECHNICAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT FULL OR 3/4 BUILT RECON ENGINES COMPETITIVE & COST EFFECTIVE SERVICE REPAIRS FIXED PRICE ENGINE REPAIRS/OVERHAULS COMPREHENSIVE PARTS STOCK – NEW AND USED ON SITE REPAIRS FULL ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS CONTACT US TODAY FOR ALL YOUR CUMMINS REQUIREMENTS TELEPHONE UK: 01708 859625 FAX UK: 01708 857630 EMAIL: SALES@DIESEL.UK.COM

Mobile Column Lifts FREE

Set of Axle Stands when you purchase your Mobile Columns JHM Butt & Company Limited Sales: 01302 718226

www.buttsequipment.com equipment.com

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GARAGE EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS Experts in Commercial Garage Equipment

www.bwsequip.co.uk BWS (0117) 9530381 HEATING

REGISTRATIONS FOR SALE

Registration numbers Heaters • A/C Equipment Blowers • Motors • Radiators Silicone Hose • Ducting Wiper Equipment • Gas Struts

Tel: 01993 849522 Fax: 01993 706920 Email: sales@thhs.co.uk

www.thhs.co.uk

UNIT 9 NIMROD BUSINESS PARK DE HAVILLAND WAY, WITNEY OX29 0YG

600 VTW MJI 2378 MJI 2379 DAZ 5046 DAZ 4523 DAZ 4518 HIL 7968 RIB 6581

robert@angelacoaches.com Tel 023 8040 3170

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REGISTRATIONS G

TRIM ‘Buy with confidence – CNDA Member’

£690 CEZ 75 DNZ 45 JXI 62 MXI 42 OXI 76 PEZ 58 TUI 18 TUI 19 VIB 92

Tel/Fax:

SPEEDY REGISTRATIONS CO LTD G £350 £99 £99 £50 ACZ 727 DXZ 1150 LIG 1220 CXZ 4470 AJZ 262 FRZ 1558 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

£50 KIG 8782 LIG 1621 LIG 1622 LIG 1623 RNZ 9198 SNZ 2274 SNZ 2275 TUI 7991 TUI 7992

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

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

TRAINING

TICKETING

Almex Ticket Machine Good working order, spare ticket rolls and instruction booklet included.

£400 plus VAT

astgate COACH TRIMMERS LTD

01751 472229

Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk

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.

7L PH L V PRQH\

All enquiries to 01227 742909 (Kent)

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TRAINING

THE DRIVER CPC IS HERE SAME DAY J.A.U.P.T. REGISTRATION SAME DAY C.P.C. CERTIFICATES DELIVERED AT YOUR OWN DEPOTS

VEHICLE SPARES

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

REMEMBER-REMEMBER 10th SEPTEMBER WE WILL HOLD OUR PRICES FOR 5 YEARS

PCV DRIVER HIRE 0800-731-5007 CORPORATE DEALS AVAILABLE

MERIDIAN PCV DRIVER LTD Rising above all others

www.meridianpcv.com

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

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60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 5, 2012

WIPERS

Manufacturers, Designers and Suppliers of windscreen wiper equipment and bus/coach products

FOR ALL YOUR WIPER EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS PLEASE CONTACT US OR VISIT OUR NEW ON-LINE CATALOGUE

Unit 3, Seaview Road, Bootle, Merseyside L20 4DU

T: +44 (0) 151 922 5933 T: +44 (0) 151 933 4272 F: +44 (0) 151 922 5468 E: sales@transervex.co.uk W: www.transervex.com

A Clear Vision

December 5, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61

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

The ultimate traf�ic jam We’ve had lots to report on the efforts operators are making to improve punctuality and reliability of their service, but as we all know the traffic can sometimes just be against you.

Well spare a thought for those caught in an enormous traffic jam in Russia last week. Heavy snowfall and ice started creating problems on a major motorway in the early hours of Friday, November 30, trapping thousands of vehicles.

Media reports put the length of the traffic jam in the north-western Tver region at up to 124 miles although officials claimed it was closer to 12.5 miles in length. The officials said field kitchens had been operating on the M-10 motorway, although some drivers complained that supplies never reached them.

“Drivers help one another and that’s it: the problems are on the side of the authorities,” lorry driver Sergei told Rossiya 24 TV. Another driver was quoted in the local media as saying that he only managed to move forward one km on Sunday and was feeling cold in freezing temperatures.

We are no strangers to being stuck on motorways in the UK, but our jams are dwarfed by the collosal gridlock witnessed last weekend in Russia

Remember remember the month of Movember…

Jayson Smith has two important reasons for having connected with Movember – his father Kenneth and grandfather Edward were both diagnosed with prostrate cancer.

So Jayson, 42, Operations Manager at Stagecoach Nuneaton has taken part in Movember fundraising for the first time, raising money for a prostate and testicular cancer charity.

He has been with Stagecoach since 2001, starting as a driver in Morecambe and moving to

Dilbert

After three days of chaos, traffic was reportedly returning to normal.

The Russian authorities said late on Sunday they had managed to unblock the traffic jam and vehicles on M-10 were now moving at 90km/h (55mph).

Suddenly the morning run doesn’t sound so bad, right?

Jayson’s moustache suddenly vanished on December 1. We couldn’t imagine why...

Nuneaton as Assistant Operations Manager in 2006.

He raised £170 on his first attempt at growing a moustache.

He said: “I think Movember, which is all about growing a

moustache to raise vital funds and awareness of men’s health, is a very worthwhile charity and every November from now on I will grow a moustache, hopefully to raise even more funds.

“I think it was a very subtle, but highly effective, way of dedicating a month to a great cause.

“Sadly, we have just lost my grandfather who was 98. My father, who lives in the Republic of Ireland, is under treatment at the moment so prostrate cancer as a charity is very close to my heart.”

In 2011 over 854,000 people around the world took part and raised a staggering £79.3m. Jayson ended by saying: “I’m keen to spread awareness through growing a moustache, but from the outset I had no intention of it becoming a permanent fixture.”

Monday: Press day. Andrew leaves early for his two-day Exeter & Midlands trip, leaving Martin, Keith, Alex, James & I to finish the magazine.

Tuesday: Having gained an informal valuation for our home, Sarah & I visit the mortagage specialist at an estate agency. Being a born cynic, I can’t help but conclude it’s in their interest to encourage us to rent our current home – they’re sure to earn more than their 2% selling fee over the life of a ‘management contract’ let. However, I can also see the income stream and the realistic poor pension for my generation.

Big decisions ahead. Catch up on some management admin tasks for CBW – the sort I hate.

Wednesday: With the transport network suffering due to the weather, reluctantly decide not to attend Newport Transport’s bus launch.

Spend the day doing more admin in the office, and working on news, not to mention a feature for a future issue.

Thursday: Leave Peterborough at 0600hrs.

Call in at Edwards Coaches in Llantwit Fardre mid morning – it’s been a good two years since I was last there. Coffee and banter flow instantly – I feel like I’m one of the clan. Enjoy another warm welcome at Mainline Travel of Evanstown, Tonyrefail for an ‘Operator Profile’ feature. There’s more coffee and banter – I feel I’ve made a new friend in Chris Mainwaring. Having enjoyed a cracking day, drive back to Peterborough very much on a high.

Avoid the M50 on the return – there’s miles of single carriageway 40mph due to multiple bridge replacement works.

Friday: A day in the office sub-editing and writing up a feature for a forthcoming issue. The bush telegraph is in full swing late in the afternoon – although I can only report one very small aspect. www.coachandbusweek.com

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RECRUITMENT

New Bus Operations Manager for Stagecoach in Chichester Simon Tramalloni has been appointed Operations Manager at the Stagecoach Chichester depot.

After serving for seven years with the Kings Own Boarder Regiment, Simon started his career with Stagecoach as a trainee bus driver in Fleetwood in 2000. Within 2 years he was promoted to Inspector before taking the post of Assistant Operations Manager at Cheltenham in 2005.

In 2007 he moved to Preston taking a post as a Service Delivery Manager and in 2009 he transferred to Barnsley as their Assistant Operations Manager. Over the last two years he was Assistant

Operations Manager in Carlisle.

Andrew Dyer, Managing Director of Stagecoach in the South, said he is delighted Simon has joined the team of 118 drivers that provide services using a fleet of 62 buses on the Chichester network.

“As we invest and remain committed to providing a first class service within the region, Simon’s experience, enthusiasm, and commitment will be appreciated by everyone involved, including our customers,” said Andrew Dyer.

Stagecoach Chichester Operations Manager, Simon Tramalloni

DEADlINES Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm

CONTACT Ian Gillis 01733 293484

ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

General Manager appointed at Southern Vectis Isle of Wight operator Southern Vectis has appointed Matt Kitchin as General Manager of the extensive bus network.

Leaving Aston University in 2002, Matt started his career as a Graduate Trainee with First Group in 2002 in Hampshire and has held a variety of posts within the group across the UK as part of his career progression. The most recent was based in Southampton as General Manager for First bus services in Hampshire and Dorset.

Andrew Wickham, Managing Director for the Go Ahead Group owned bus and coach operations in the south, said he is delighted that Matt has joined the team of 207 drivers who provide services using a fleet of 120 buses on the island’s network.

“With Matt on board we will be able to continue to focus on

Matt Kitchin is a product of First’s graduate scheme providing a first class service as the group invests to improve the bus fleet, services and facilities,” said Andrew Wickham.

Matt Kitchin said: “Southern Vectis has a tradition of innovation.

I look forward to working with the team to enhance the operation and the company’s reputation.”

Group Operations Manager Based in Fareham, Hampshire

Lucketts Travel is one of the leading coach hire companies in the UK having recently been awarded the UK’s ‘Large Coach Operator of the Year’ at the routeONE Operator Excellence Awards 2012. We have an excellent reputation, second to none for providing quality coach hire and offering exceptional Holidays and Excursions to many thousands of satisfied customers.

Due to continued expansion, we now have an exciting new opportunity for a strategic level manager to join our senior team. The Group Operations Manager role will be required to develop and monitor the overall performance ensuring a unified approach from all companies across the group.

Accountable for budget management, cost control, you will also monitor contract performance; evaluate and improve work methods, monitor competitor activity and provide relevant information to the Board, whilst ensuring at all time that the customer experience is central to everything that happens and that uncompromised standards for service and safety are delivered at all times.

With excellent people management skills, you will have gained experience within a similar role, working at a strategic level across a number of companies within a group.

Industry experience is highly desirable.

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter detailing your salary expectations to the HR Department at luckettsrecruitment@handoverhr.co.uk Closing date for applications: 17 December 2012.

1st stage interviews will be held on 11 and 18 December with an Assessment Centre being held on 21 December 2012.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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Former Managing Director of UK Coach Andrew Cleaves

National Express announces senior management changes National Express (NX) has appointed Andrew Cleaves as International Development Director. As MD Andrew made a significant contribution to the UK coach business, delivering record profits in 2011. His new role will focus on emerging international opportunities for business growth.

NX has also announced Tom Stables has been appointed to succeed Andrew as MD of UK Coach. Tom joined NX in 2010 as Group Business Development Director and has significant commercial and transport experience, including eight years

at FirstGroup. He recently led the groups Essex Thameside rail bid.

Dean Finch, Group CEO of NX, said: “I am delighted Andrew and Tom have agreed to these roles.

Andrew has made a significant contribution to the coach business and I look forward to drawing on this experience as we develop our international opportunities. I am also pleased Tom has agreed to succeed Andrew. Tom has wideranging transport experience and recently led our Essex Thameside rail bid with distinction. I look forward to continuing to work with them both.”

03/12/2012 20:19

“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! CBW is the only paid-for weekly publication serving the coach and bus industry; read by directors, managers, engineers and drivers alike. Your vacancy will be seen in the print and digital editions, and online at www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs.

Due to popular demand, this amazing offer is extended to the end of the year, so don’t delay, contact me, Ian Gillis, on 01733 293484, or via email: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com”

RECRUITNOW www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets Search LinkedIn Groups for ‘Coach and Bus Week (CBW)’

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