Wednesday December 12, 2012 Issue 1066 | ÂŁ2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com
COACH:
HMRC tightens rules on self-employed coach drivers p8
BUS NETWORK: BUS: How Nat Ex West Midlands keeps its services relevant p32
Operators offer free trips for unemployed in January p6
Regency's reliance on heritage coaches
SUPPLIER:
Just Coach Drivers & Western Driver Training p24
for recruitm
JOB ADVE ent EVERY WERTS EK
RECRUIT N
OW
p20
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tHiS WEEK
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Budgetary details
I
try not to do politics in the column as you doubtless get enough of that from your regular source of media, but this week I’m making something of an exception as the Coalition’s Autumn Statement affects us all. As is so often the case, the devil is in the detail. The ever-politicised media coverage appears to have been dominated by the decision to cap benefits in real terms. Perhaps it’s not enitrely unreasonable to say the vast majority of working people have not had a pay rise recently, so is it any different? In my opinion, the issue of fuel duty is of far greater importance as it affects everyone – whether you’re a cyclist, bus user or a ‘petrol head’ due to inflation. As I’ve written here previously, I’m the first one to welcome the duty freeze – both as an individual and one who’s passionate about the coach and bus industry. However, our Alex found it is scheduled to rise in September 2013 – but again, we’ve not had that shouted across our ‘mainstream’ media. Another example is from January 1 for two years, the Annual Investment
Allowance in plant and machinery will be increased tenfold. As Richard Grey rightly pointed out, this will provide a welcome boost to the coaching sector, which tends to be dominated by SMEs. Of course the austerity measures will continue to be painful for us as a society – and for our industry, it will inevitably mean further real term cuts to contract prices for school runs and tendered local bus services. While perhaps creating an opening for new, smaller entrants to the market with their (sometimes) lower cost bases, quality will almost inevitably fall – and that could spell bad news for established operators. Do I want us to become like Greece and continue to borrow by the bucket full in an unstainable manner? No. However, the Coalition does itself no favours by giving away billions in aid to obscure and airy fairy projects in various parts of the world – ranging from wind farms to ‘green’ agriculture. Surely, if the nation’s finances are in such dire straights (as we’re led to believe), wouldn’t that provide a welcome dent in our national debt? Gareth Evans Editor
CONtENtS 4
24
36
The latest from across the coach and bus industry in the UK
16
An overview of Western Training Services and Just Coach Drivers
28
All the latest vehicle deliveries in operators’ yards across the country
What’s happening across the country’s regions. Plus events diary
18
Stanley Travel’s new Plaxton Panther-bodied Volvo B9R coach
30
A key industry figure talks politics, concessionary fares and fuel duty
Selfless driver protects passengers & new driver campaign from Shell
20
A look at some suppliers of recovery and repair services
32
A lighthearted look at the industry. Plus Office Diary column
Doing things the old fashioned coaching way with Regency Tours
Nat Ex West Midlands’ Andy Foster talks about route management
All the latest people moves from across the industry
News
Regional News Drivers
Operator Profile
Supplier Profile Big Picture
Industry Guide
Network Review
Deliveries
38
Open Platform
54
Last Stop
55
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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nEWS
“We get a lot of repeat business. There’s a small element of passenger who only book day trips but the majority book both those and holidays.” Sarah Screaton Regency Tours
BriEfly Stagecoach has been rated equal eighth out of 254 businesses surveyed in Britain for the quality of its management by Management Today. It was also voted the top public transport group in the Britain’s Most Admired Companies 2012 survey. In the overall poll, Stagecoach was rated higher than companies like Tesco, Morrisons, Everything Everywhere and BT Group. Management Today asked Britain’s largest public companies to rate their peers on financial soundness, quality of goods and services, value as a long-term investment and quality of management, amongst other areas. The Britain’s Most Admired Company Award 2012 went to drinks company Diageo with a score of 73.33. Bristol City Council has responded to a request for comment on Abus receiving a fine for a bus driving in a bus lane (CBW1065). A spokesman said: “The ticket served for using the bus lane was clearly issued in error due to a fault and will be cancelled. However, there is a longer running issue with parking at bus stops. The council has issued a number of perfectly valid Penalty Charge Notices to Abus for leaving buses unattended at bus stops. This impedes stopping for other services and prevents disabled people from accessing their bus. We would treat any operator in the same way.” The Government is considering raising the speed limit for HGVs over 7.5t on single carriageway roads - currently 40mph. Suggested benefits are: it may result in time savings for hauliers or other road users stuck behind; and a possible reduction in accidents from risky overtaking manoeuvres. Counterarguments include: travelling at 50mph emits more noise and pollutants than at 40mph; potentially more serious accidents; and loss of the “platoon effect,” which is useful for those waiting for a gap. CPT is encouraging members to vote for one of three options: leave it at 40mph: increase it to 45mph; or 50mph. You can vote at http:// www.surveymonkey.com/ s/2LFR2QC, closing on January 31. www.coachandbusweek.com
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Operator Profile p20
George Osborne’s Autumn Statement Decision on fuel duty increase is deferred until September 2013 as economy growth figures are revised down The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, made his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons on December 5, updating forecasts for Government finances and outlining fiscal policies for the coming year. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasts the economy will shrink by 0.1% this year, down from the 0.8% increase predicted in the Budget, but the OBR forecasts the economy will grow by 1.2% next year, then 2.0% in 2014, 2.3% in 2015, 2.7% in 2016 and 2.8% in 2017. However, Government departmental budgets will be reduced by 1% next year and 2% in 2014, with schools and hospitals protected. In addition a spending review is to take place in first half of next year and local government budgets will be cut by a further 2% in 2014. Plans to take High Speed 2 to the North West and West Yorkshire will be announced in the New Year and £16bn is being made available to upgrade the A1 to motorway standard between London and Newcastle, link the A5 to the M1, dual the A30 in Cornwall and upgrade the M25. A further £1bn loan and guarantee has been provided to extend the Northern Line to Battersea.
The main rate of corporation tax is to be cut by 1% to 21% from April 2014 and the government has announced the creation of a new Business Bank, providing it with £1bn of extra capital to help small and medium sized firms and bring together existing schemes. The doubling of the Small Business Rate relief scheme is being extended to April 2014. In addition, from January 1 for two years, the Annual Investment Allowance in plant and machinery will be increased. Instead of £25,000 worth of investment being eligible for 100% relief, £250,000 worth of investment will now qualify. Posting on Twitter Richard Grey of Grey’s of Ely described the tenfold increase as “a welcome
While the proposed 3.02p rise in fuel duty on January 1 has been cancelled, the increase has been deferred to September 1
Wide Horizon Coaches forced to cease trading Hinckley-based bus and coach operator Wide Horizon Coaches ceased trading last Monday (December 3). The company operated the H1 service which runs from Aston Flamville through to Sharnford, Sapcote, Stoney Stanton and Hinckley. Centrebus has been given an emergency three-month contract to run the service.
Wide Horizon also ran five school contracts. Other operators including Beaver Bus, McPherson Coaches, Premier Cars and Robinsons took over the contracts on an emergency temporary basis. Owner Jonathan Clarke said: “We have faced a huge rise in outgoings recently including spiralling fuel costs and have found it impossible to continue making a loss. It is a
announcement for SME’s in the coaching industry.” Notably, the Government has cancelled the 3.02 pence per litre fuel duty increase planned for January 1, 2013. However, the 2013-14 increase has been deferred to September 1, 2013 with subsequent increases taking effect on this date each year, instead of April 1. James Hookham, FTA’s Managing Director of Policy & Communications said: “This early Christmas present from the Chancellor is a good start, but we will not let this issue go. Spiralling fuel costs have a devastating impact on haulage businesses, their customers and ultimately everyone through the price of goods on the shelves, and the campaign for a fairer deal will continue. January’s rise would have cost a 10 vehicle freight operator around £14,000 - which could be one employee’s wages. While we are relieved the immediate danger has passed, in order to get the UK back on the road to economic recovery it is vital we have a cut in fuel duty and a long-term strategy to prevent future rises and uncertainty.” Research commissioned by FairFuel UK from the National Institute for Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has found a 3p reduction in fuel duty could generate an additional 75,000 jobs, grow the economy overall by 0.2% at a net cost to the Treasury of £3bn. huge blow as we have eight fulltime drivers and mechanics who have lost their jobs and a further four part-time drivers. We are a family-run business which was set up by my parents more than 40 years ago. This has hit them very hard and I am just sorry for everyone affected by this.” As well as providing a bus and coach hire service, Wide Horizon Coaches also offered vehicle MOTs and repairs at its base. Jon Clarke Garages Limited has now been set up and will carry on offering vehicle MOTs and repairs.
10/12/2012 18:15
December 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5
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Rotala gains £11m of funding from RBS
a supportive partner. The agreed suite of increased and flexible facilities will help us to deliver on our short and medium term strategic objectives, as well as allowing us to respond quickly to future opportunities.” Ben Dawson, Structured Finance, Corporates, RBS CIB, added: “RBS
Birmingham-based Rotala Plc, has received £11m in facilities from the Royal Bank of Scotland Corporate & Institutional Banking (RBS CIB). The finance will support Rotala’s aim of continuing to grow both organically and by acquisition. The group operates from a network of six depots across the West Midlands, North West, South West and Heathrow and carries around 35 million passengers annually under a variety of brands including Diamond Bus, Wessex Connect, Flights Hallmark and Preston Bus. Simon Dunn, CEO of Rotala plc, said: “In the relatively short time we have been dealing with RBS they have proven themselves to be
Blue Diamond is one of several brands used by Rotala plc, which carries 35 million passengers annually
CBW partnership with Transport Ticketing 2013 and local authorities, but as part of our partnership, Coach & Bus Week subscribers are entitled to a 15% discount on the standard Workshop rates. The event will feature over 50 expert speakers, including Norman Baker, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for transport, Dave Lynch, Group Technology and Procurement Director of Go-Ahead Group and Marcus Gemeinder, Senior Project Leader Innovation
Coach & Bus Week is proud to announce a partnership with the Transport Ticketing conference & expo 2013. Transport Ticketing 2013, to be held on January 28-30, 2013 at the Park Royal Plaza Riverbank Hotel, Albert Embankment, Lambeth, London, is Europe’s largest transport ticketing and fare collection event and attracts the entire ticketing ecosystem. The conference is free to attend for all transport operators
£750
UDIT
IANCE A
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is delighted to support Rotala by providing a new facility suite. This encompasses a significant increase in facilities to underpin Rotala’s growth strategy. Simon and his team have continued to deliver a strong performance, despite headwinds in the sector, and are well positioned for the future.”
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Projects (PPI), Deutsche Bahn. Transport Ticketing 2012 attracted over 350 attendees representing over 30 countries. Previous operator attendees include representatives from all of the big five operators, ITSO, SYPTE, Eurotunnel, Lothian Buses and Abellio Group, among many other companies across bus, coach and rail. Quote TT13MPCB to receive the 15% discount and for more information visit www.transport-ticketing.com/ homepage-global-platform-/ s1927/
Virgin Trains retains West Coast line Virgin Trains, which Stagecoach Group holds a 49% stake in, will continue running services on the West Coast main line for a further 23 months. The deal, announced by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, will see Virgin carry on with the London to Scotland route until November 9, 2014, after which the West Coast line will be let under a long-term franchise. The Government announced the DfT could shorten the 23-month period “by up to six months if a subsequent franchise can be let on a shorter timescale.” Stagecoach said under the new agreement Virgin will initially earn a fee equivalent to 1% of revenue with the DfT taking the risk where revenue and/or costs differ from those currently expected. Stagecoach Finance Director Martin Griffiths said: “We now want to press ahead and develop the West Coast business further, maintaining the high quality of service and bringing more improvements to our customers. “We believe the future prospects for the West Coast franchise and the wider rail network are very positive.” Patrick McLoughlin has ordered an independent inquiry into the franchise system, while halting the existing bidding processes. The fallout could impact on the rail divisions of First, which was originally awarded the West Coast main line, and National Express.
Contains 100% compliance Long lasting protection L
email: julia.davies@backhouses.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com
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6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 12, 2012
nEWS › BUSeS
32.7%
The decrease in new bus registrations in November, according to the latest SMMT figures
BriEfly National Express West Midlands (NXWM) is raising its fares from January 2, in line with inflation. The firm says the new fares reflect rising costs, specifically fuel. It will allow NXWM to support the delivery of smartcards in 2013. The change will mean most singles are unaffected with only the adult single increasing by 10p. Daysavers will also increase by 10p and Travelcards by 50p a week. Peter Coates, NXWM MD, said: “We have kept the increase to a minimum with the average change in line with inflation. The price rise will allow us to continue our significant investment into the region’s bus network and meet rising business costs such as fuel.” McGill’s Buses opened its Dumbarton depot last Monday (December 3). The firm will now operate a network of 11 services across Dumbarton and the Vale. It will offer a number of local routes as well as an express 204X service between Balloch and Glasgow city centre. To launch the new network, McGill’s is offering passengers a buy one, get one free offer for December on its day, week and four-week tickets. David Taylor, Depot Manager for the new network, said: “We’re looking forward to introducing our reliable, affordable and comfortable buses to the local residents of West Dunbartonshire. Our BOGOF ticket offer is our way of helping everyone make their money go that little bit further – and at Christmas time, we’re all trying to do that.”
Free buses for the unemployed Scheme provides free travel for those who are eligible during January More than 800,000 jobseekers are set to benefit from free bus travel in England, Scotland and Wales as part of a new industry initiative, Bus for Jobs – first revealed in CBW1063. The scheme organised by the Greener Journeys sustainable travel campaign is supported by all major bus operators and enables jobseekers, especially the young, to use their services free of charge for a month in January 2013. The deal covers over 70% of the nation’s bus routes and aims to give a helping hand to people who are actively hunting for work or training. Bus travel is the most popular mode of transport used by Britain’s commuters, with 5.2 bn
bus journeys in the UK each year. The Bus for Jobs scheme will provide free travel on the bus services of participating operators for the month of January and jobseekers who have been unemployed for between three months and a year will be eligible, although the scheme is particularly targeted at young people for whom unemployment rates remain high. Latest government figures show the offer will be available to as many as 817,000 people who are currently out of work and claiming benefits. Arriva, First, Go-Ahead, National Express, Stagecoach and other operators including Blackpool Transport, Kinchbus, Cardiff Bus, Network Warrington and trent barton have agreed to support the joint initiative. The scheme will cover holders
The ‘Big Five’ operators have all pledged their support to the scheme
of a JobCentre Plus Travel Discount Card. Those who are eligible for the card, which is available through JobCentre Plus, include people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance or Income Support and actively engaged with a Jobcentre Plus adviser in returning to employment. Claire Haigh, CEO of Greener Journeys said: “In difficult economic times, this new scheme will enable job hunters to travel around more easily in search of employment, to interviews with prospective employers, and to training courses which will help them find work.” Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “Good bus services play a huge role in boosting economic growth by helping people to access employment and training opportunities. I have been encouraging operators to look at the fare deals they can offer to young people looking for work, so I congratulate the operators for doing so in January and look forward to seeing more offers.” David Brown, CEO of the GoAhead Group said: “Buses already support the UK workforce, with more people commuting by bus than all other modes combined. Bus for Jobs can help people find work, go to interviews and access training opportunities which is good for jobs and the economy.” Sir Brian Souter, CEO of Stagecoach Group, said: “Bus for Jobs could make the vital difference for those who are struggling to get that first job or training place. I hope we can help more of our youth make a better start in life.” Visit the dedicated website at www.busforus.co.uk
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10/12/2012 19:02
2,600 £116.1m The mileage covered by Regency’s 25-day European tour in May
December 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7
The profit before tax recorded by Stagecoach Group in the six months to October 31
New MCV Volvo buses ordered by Golden Tours
Nine new Volvo B9TL double deck buses, including six open top variants, have been ordered by London-based operator Golden Tours. Significantly, the new vehicles are the first Volvo B9TLs ordered with all new MCV bodywork in the UK and Ireland. “We have a requirement for some additional double decker buses for our London operations and we have ordered three,” explained Golden Tours MD Nick Palan. “Further to this we have also ordered six open top Volvo buses specifically for our sightseeing tours.” “We’ve worked with Volvo in the past and they were informative and helpful with the order of these latest buses.” Golden Tours’ new two axle B9TL double deck buses are to be specified with a 9.4 litre D9B diesel engine, capable of 260hp. Volvo claims the powerful engine provides instant response to the throttle, controllable acceleration and excellent low-rev lugging ability. Volvo Bus Regional Sales Manager, Phil Fletcher said: “This order is particularly pleasing as these vehicles are the very first MCV double decks ordered into the UK market and secondly we will also be delivering six open top bus variants as part of the order, which demonstrates Volvo’s capability to provide a completely different type of vehicle.” “We look forward to completing the delivery of these vehicles in 2013 and continuing our successful working relationship with Golden Tours in the future.”
Golden Tours currently runs several ex London Tridents on its open top services
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SHARE WATCH
Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, December 10. 21st Century saw the greatest proportional rise, while Optare and Rotala remained constant. Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk
337.85p
Price: Year High: 367.50p Year Low: 248.95p
Simon Pearson, First Bus (North Region) Commercial Director, Chris Hanson (Centrebus), Shaun Walmsley (Transdev) and Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive member for the economy and developmen
Leeds operators accept each others’ tickets on A65 routes First, Centrebus and Transdev are now accepting each others’ tickets for journeys on the A65 Kirkstall Road bus corridor in Leeds. Leeds City Council has welcomed the move – saying it will give customers more choice of which bus to catch on the A65 corridor. Bus operators are looking to work in partnership to encourage more people to try out buses and therefore grow passenger numbers on the busy A65 bus services. The improved A65 between Kirkstall Lane and the Inner Ring Road was officially opened in September, marking the completion of a new £21m public transport scheme which has been developed in partnership by Leeds City Council, Metro and the city’s bus operators. The corridor is already
showing signs of delivering a range of benefits to bus users. First has invested £20m in nearly 100 new buses in Leeds, many of which are now serving the A65 corridor. Services covered by the scheme include First 33/33A; CentreBus 757 to and from Commercial Road/ Bridge Road; First 5 to and from Burley Place/Viaduct Road; First 508.670/671 and Transdev 760 to Savins Mill Way/Morrisons supermarket. David Shelley, Commercial Director at Centrebus, said: “This is a great example of how bus companies are working together when they can to deliver more flexibility for existing customers, and make buses a better travel choice generally.”
The Competition Commission (CC) is investigating First’s plan to withdraw a service and change some others in Glasgow. The firm is looking to cancel the 64 between Carmyle and the city centre and change route 19 from Easterhouse to the city centre. Plans to change services between East Kilbride and Glasgow and from Airdrie to the city centre are also being looked at. The CC is seeking evidence to
ensure the changes are in line with undertakings given by First when it won the ScotRail franchise in October 2004 that it would not seek to use its monopoly in a way which would adversely effect passengers. There were concerns it could shift passengers from bus to rail, by withdrawing bus routes. Ronnie Park, MD, First Glasgow, told CBW: “The services we are seeking to change attract very few passengers. In many instances our buses carry just one or two customers which is clearly not sustainable. Therefore, we propose to alter our service provision so that we can better match demand and supply. We look forward to learning the CC’s verdict.”
CC looks at First Glasgow route plans
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10/12/2012 19:02
8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 12, 2012
nEWS › coaches
BriEfly improvement work began on december 5 on three bridges carrying the m1 in north west london and is due to be completed on January 9. the northbound carriageway is closed between J1 and 5 for nine nights, excluding weekends. the southbound side is closed between junctions 6 and 1 for 10 nights from december 18. diversions are in place. the work is being carried out overnight monday to thursday between 2200 and 0530hrs and on fridays between 2300 and 0600hrs. work will not be carried out at weekends or over christmas. slight delays are expected overnight at the a184 testos Roundabout, south tyneside, on the eastbound approach to the island for re-signalling works. one lane will be open between 2000 and 0500 until January 12. delays are expected on the a66 between bowes and the cumbrian border for resurfacing works. there will be daytime lane closures and a 50mph speed limit in force east and westbound between 2000 and 1700 until december 20. new arrangements for closing the a66 in cumbria during severe weather are in place this winter. alongside the installation of new snow gates on the eastbound carriageway a mile east of brough, new electronic and manual warning signs have also been provided. the signs will supplement electronic variable message signs further west along the m6 and a66 around Penrith. the revised arrangements remove the need to divert traffic through brough and provide quicker implementation of the road closure and re-opening following snow and ice clearance operations. Resurfacing work on the m54 between J1 and 2 began december 10 and is expected to last for five nights. the work involves a complete closure of the westbound carriageway. drivers are being diverted off the motorway at J1. diverted traffic will then be returned back onto the westbound carriageway using the J2 entry slip road. www.coachandbusweek.com
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The end for selfemployed drivers? Criteria set for self-employed drivers to stay on the right side of HMRC HMRC is tightening up its regulations on what makes someone self-employed – according to Just Coach Drivers MD Derek Haggerty. Agencies and coach operators in particular are being told to be aware as they could be liable for their self employed drivers’ tax and NI. Derek said: “A lot of people are asking me where I stand on self-employed coach drivers vs. employed drivers because I have built my company using only self-employed drivers. However, ironically in order to go forward, I have had to go full circle with this part of my business. “When I started out I only used self-employed drivers because the work was sporadic and it helped my ‘lean’ business model. Now we have grown, we find ourselves giving regular work to our drivers and in fact for the majority of our drivers we are their main source of income during the main season. “This has meant going through some pretty tough growing pains and changing our work contracts almost annually. We are now working closely with HMRC to manage our drivers’ transformation from self-employed to employed and have come out the other side
Woods wins local award
Woods Travel of Bognor Regis scooped top prizes in the Arun Business Partnership Awards held recently on the south coast. The Elsmere family who own and run Woods, picked up three key awards; Customer Care, Business of the Year (over 10 employees) and Overall Business of the year. Tina Shaw-Morton, a Director at Woods Travel was ecstatic about the fact the company had triumphed. She dedicated its success to the overall hard work
with a fully-endorsed structure. Like any successful firm we have competition but if that competition is relying solely on self-employed drivers, they will fall foul of the employment laws and HMRC.” There are several criteria drivers must satisfy to call themselves selfemployed: Right of substitution Once a job is accepted, can the driver find someone else to do the job if he/she suddenly can’t make it? If yes, does the original driver take payment from the customer and pay the other driver for doing the job? If you answer yes to both these questions, this points towards self-employment. Place and time of woRk If the driver is being told by the operator where to be and what time to be there to start a job, and what to do during the job, i.e. a route and itinerary, then this points towards employment. If the driver can choose when to start and how to do the job, this points towards self-employment. RegulaR woRk If a driver is getting regular work from an operator and almost expects to be given work, this points towards employment. Risk Could the driver be out of pocket by accepting a job at a fixed price i.e. will the travel, meals, expenses and driving time add up
the award is presented to directors tina shaw-morton, kristy elsmere & alison waterfield-Jones of the Woods team. She said: “I am speechless; I didn’t expect us to win business of the year. It has been a good year for us as a company, which is shown by the number of
to less than what the driver is being paid? If there is a risk, then this points towards self-employment. If the driver agrees a fixed price plus reasonable expenses, then there is no risk which points towards employment. insuRance Public Liability Insurance isn’t compulsory for drivers but it points towards self-employment. The majority of operators’ fleet insurance will cover named drivers, but a few cover employees only. In this case self-employed drivers needs to protect themselves by getting insurance with cover up to say £10m. unique tax RefeRence numbeR (utR) Self-employed drivers need to have a UTR which indicates they declare their self-employed driving income. However, a UTR itself is no indication the driver satisfies all the criteria of a self-employed person. invoices This is probably the weakest argument for a self-employed driver and is no indication whatsoever that they’re self-employed. Derek added: “This list is by no means exhaustive. In short we’ve had to change how we work to comply with employment and tax laws. We’d encourage operators and drivers alike to do the same. Look carefully at how you operate as HMRC are on the case now.” customers we have had – many of whom are doing repeat business with us, which is fantastic. To have won the customer care award was really pleasing, as that’s the main reason we are still here and are continuing to grow.” Fellow Director Kristy Elsmere said she was “incredibly proud” to have won three awards in a particularly tough year in the tourism industry. She added: “They are a testament to the continued commitment of our staff to be the best at what they do. The Overall Business of the Year Award was the icing on the cake, as the winner is chosen from all of the nominees, not just the category winners.”
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“We’re trying to go back to basics by mirroring common car journeys. People don’t want to wait long for a bus and they want it to go fast...” Andy Foster NXWM
Lucketts supports Wessex Heartbeat campaign Lucketts is supporting the Wessex Heartbeat charity by helping to raise the profile of its HIGH 5 appeal. The campaign aims to raise £500,000 to create a special cardiac unit at Southampton General Hospital for patients aged 16–30 with life-long heart conditions. One of the Fareham-based operator’s school coaches now carries giant pictures of two local young people who have benefited from the help of Wessex Heartbeat. At the moment heart patients have to move to an adult ward when they reach 16. It means many youngsters find themselves being treated alongside much older people with very different needs from their own. Wessex Heartbeat wants to provide a dedicated ward which could help any of the 7,000 young patients with congenital heart conditions who attend
the Wessex Cardiac Centre in Southampton every year. An estimated one in every 100 children born in the UK has a
congenital heart condition and the charity has been helping youngsters in Southern England since 1992. Wessex Heartbeat CEO Alison Farrell said: “No one should underestimate the impact of a life-long heart condition on young people. This is why what we are
Left to right: Ashton Hicks Heartbeat Patient, David Luckett MBE Lucketts Chairman, Alison Farrell & Ken Wilde Heartbeat Charity
New drop-off/pick-up arrangements for Stoke Stoke-on-Trent City Council has announced changes to arrangements for coach operators going to the city centre. The new bus station is currently undergoing construction so coaches are no longer allowed to drop off passengers or collect them on Lichfield Street, Bagnall Street, John Street, Bethesda Street or Pall Mall. Any coaches waiting or allowing passengers to get in or out of the coach in these streets will
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block the road or will have to stop on a bus stop which is reserved for local buses only. Blocking the road is illegal and the police will issue penalty charge notices for any vehicle causing an obstruction. The bus stops in front of the Potteries Museum are now designated for local buses only. To accommodate coaches taking passengers to and from the Regent Theatre, Victoria Hall and the Potteries Museum, coaches may
use the lower part of Piccadilly to drop off passengers and to return to collect them later. The area is within the city centre pedestrian zone and should not be abused by waiting for any longer than is absolutely necessary to drop off or collect passengers. Any coaches using this area for parking will be issued with a PCN. Free coach parking will continue to be provided for three vehicles in Hinde Street but there are also an additional 20 coach parking bays in Clough Street. Coach parking is no longer allowed in the loading bays in Pall Mall or Bagnall Street – these are loading bays for goods vehicles
setting out to achieve through the HIGH 5 Appeal is important, and why we’re extremely grateful to Lucketts Travel for doing so much to support us. Without question, the advert on the coach will help us spread the message to many people in the local area and hopefully encourage more supporters to join us in helping young people.” Lucketts Travel will also be providing transport to and from the Mayflower Theatre for school children taking part in Wessex Heartbeats HIGH 5 Variety Show on March 10 next year. There will also be a schools competition to design a special HIGH 5 coach tour. David Luckett MBE, of Lucketts Travel, said: “We are delighted to give Wessex Heartbeat the back of our coach to help raise awareness of their HIGH 5 campaign. The charity does such amazing work and we know a new dedicated ward for young heart patients could make a big difference to their recovery from treatment and future lives.” and not coach parking bays – nor on the bus stops in Bethesda Street. Coach parking is also available close to the Potteries Shopping Centre off Bryan Street. There will also be major changes to one-way streets and new bus gates will be introduced as the opening of the new bus station gets closer. Coaches will not be permitted to use any bus lanes as these are reserved for local buses and taxis only. A more detailed plan and further information on other changes is available at www.stoke.gov.uk
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Reading Transport launch RNIB ‘Swap with Me’ tour Norman Baker takes part in first RNIB event at Reading bus station which puts bus drivers in the shoes of passengers with visual impairments Norman Baker, along with bus drivers and managers from Reading Transport and a group of blind and partially sighted people, has taken part in the first ever Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) ‘Swap with Me’ event on December 11 at Reading bus station. Reading bus drivers swapped places with visually impaired passengers to experience the different pressures and barriers each face when using buses in a busy town. Norman Baker has given full backing to the RNIB bus campaign: Stop for me, Speak to me. The campaign is calling on bus operators to remove the barriers blind and partially sighted people face when making a bus journey, such as trying to flag down, board and get off a bus at the right stop. Similar Swap with Me events are planned across the country. The aim is to prompt operators to take on board the campaign’s key asks. Hugh Huddy, RNIB Campaigns Officer for Inclusive Society, said: “Catching a bus should not be a sight test. Local bus travel is a lifeline, providing an important means of transport within the community for those who are not able to drive. “Buses are often the only
New registrations slow in November
There has been a slowdown in new bus and coach registrations in November, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). New bus registrations saw a 32.7% decrease on November 2011, with 189 registered. www.coachandbusweek.com
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affordable way for people with sight loss to travel independently to work, appointments or to visit friends and family. However, the difficulties they face in making journeys, which other people often take for granted, are unacceptable and often unnecessary. We welcome the Transport Minister Norman Baker’s support for our campaign to encourage bus operators to remember one simple principle: Stop for me, Speak to me.” David Cowdrey, Head of Campaigns at Guide Dogs for the Blind, commented: “We fully support what RNIB is doing. It ties in well with our ‘top tips for bus drivers’ initiative, where we have been advising drivers to stop for passengers to ask them if it is the bus they need and ensure passengers with sight loss are
seated before leaving the stop. “New legislation is coming in on March 1, 2013, requiring bus operators to carry on board passenger information. Our own Talking Buses campaign is an ideal way to address this – by providing audio-visual systems on buses, you’re not only providing for passengers with sight loss or who are hard of hearing, but also ticking this legislative box and removing the anxiety from regular passengers who are not familiar with the service. “AV doesn’t have to be expensive and hi-tech, it can be simply a sign with route information and a driver trained to give next stop announcements with an on board microphone. We can offer free training to keep costs down even further.”
Drivers are being encouraged to stop and ask passengers to ensure those with sight loss do not miss the bus – as at Brighton & Hove (above) Registrations of purpose-built double-deckers fell 56.3% to 56, while single-deckers over 16t saw 20 registrations, down 52.4%. Single-deckers between 8.5t and 12t saw 26 registrations, up 30%. 24 coaches were registered in November, all within the >16t single-deck catergory, an increase of 4.3% within the category, but no change in raw numbers on November 2011. Conversions saw a 27.3% fall. Despite the slowdown in November, registrations are still up across the board, looking at rolling year figures. Bus registrations are
up 14.6%, coaches by 10.2% and conversions a substantial 66.4%, giving a 34.5% increase overall. Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Overall the market fell 28.7% in November, but the significant growth posted so far in 2012 puts the sector on a firm footing as we head into 2013. “Wider economic challenges will continue to impact industry next year, but we expect market demand to be boosted as the fourth round of the Green Bus Fund comes into effect from May 2013, encouraging greater uptake of low carbon technologies.”
Stagecoach finances: share earnings up 51% and interim dividend up 0.2p per share
Large profit boost for Stagecoach Group Stagecoach Group has released financial results for the six months ended October 31. Group revenue increased by 8.5% to £1.403.3m (£1,293.7m 2011). Total operating profit saw a rise of around 37% to £136.4m (£99.4m 2011), while profit before taxation was up 29% at £116.1m (£90m 2011). Earnings per share improved by more than 50% to 15.7p (10.4p 2011), with interim dividend per share up 0.2p to 2.6p. Commenting on the results, Stagecoach Group CEO, Sir Brian Souter, said: “Our success is built on strong partnerships across our bus and rail networks. “In the UK, we have achieved further growth in our regional bus operations and we continue to make good progress at our contracted London bus business. Passenger revenue growth remains good on our UK rail networks and we have further developed the alliance with Network Rail at South West Trains. “In North America, we are pleased with the performance of the businesses acquired in the summer from Coach America. Our budget coach brand, megabus.com, continues to expand to new regions and we now offer low-cost travel to customers in around 120 locations in the United States and Canada. “This summer, many of our employees put in a massive effort to deliver a hugely successful transport operation for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I am proud of their achievement and once again I would like to thank them for their professionalism and dedication.”
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Seventh Starliner for Ellisons Ellisons Travel MD describes Starliner as “ideal product” The seventh Neoplan Starliner to enter the Ellisons Travel fleet has been signed up by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club to handle its first team travel. The club’s players, manager and physiotherapy teams all put their ideas forward on the style of coach travel they would like to enjoy for their away games and the new Starliner is Ellisons’ response to those challenges. Ellisons’ MD Andy Magowan said: “The Starliner is the ideal product for our customer base. This one was very well received by the Tottenham team and its management when we unveiled it this week. It’s no surprise every one of our other Starliners is also working with a Premier League club.” The operator already has an eighth Starliner on order, but, as Andy noted: “The trouble is every time we get a spare, someone sees
it and wants to contract it from us. Everyone loves the sense of interior space and feeling of airiness - and let’s face it, in any coach park the very first vehicle to take the eye is a Starliner. It’s just that sort of coach. “There’s no doubt we are having to work harder at chasing business but there’s plenty out there if you
The classy, yet airy interior of Ellisions’ seventh Neoplan Starliner
Mercedes on order for Swans Travel
Manchester-based coach operator Swans Travel has continued its investment in Mercedes-Benz products by ordering a new Tourino for delivery in December and six new Tourismos for delivery in April 2013, with a further three the following September. All vehicles will be to Swans’ executive specification. “This latest order from Swans Travel is fantastic news”, said Jonathan Prime, General Manager Coach Sales at EvoBus (UK). “Swans are continually investing in our products and these new additions to their portfolio mark a significant stage in our ongoing relationship.” Kieran Swindells, Swans Travel MD, said: “Business has been excellent this year. We are nearing completion of an acquisition, have new corporate and tourism contracts starting in 2013 and therefore felt the time was right to invest in what will be our 40th EvoBus product.” www.coachandbusweek.com
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can offer the right value for money. Having the right vehicles certainly helps with that.” The soon-to-be eight Starliners are accompanied in the Ellisons’ fleet by 10 sister vehicles, in the shape of Neoplan Tourliners. Local support is obviously another key to successful operation.
Livery refresh for First buses in Doncaster
Arriva North East has opened a new depot in Belmont. In place of the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony, Ernest Teesdale, Arriva Durham’s longest serving driver drove a bus through the ribbon. Ernest said he was touched to be asked to open the depot: “Everyone is excited to be moving to the new depot. It’s an honour to be asked to open the new building. The lads have been joking that I was there when the old one opened and while I’m proud to say I have had 46 years of service with Arriva, it hasn’t been quite that long!” After 84 years at Waddington Street depot, Belmont is now the focal point of all Arriva’s bus operations in Durham.
First buses used on the busy 55 and 57 routes linking Doncaster with Rossington and Cantley are undergoing a refresh as part of a wider ranging plan to improve service delivery on key bus corridors to deliver passenger growth. South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority has welcomed the move – saying it will help to encourage more people to try the bus. First staff in South Yorkshire have been busy painting buses in the new ‘refreshed’ livery (purple, lilac and white). In keeping with the new style of livery and bringing services closer to the community the word ‘Doncaster’ is on the side of the bus in large letters and carries the silhouetted skyline of some of the notable land marks of the Doncaster area. This ‘Cityscape’ consists of: Frenchgate Shopping Centre, the
Andy said: “We lost our local testing station so now our entire fleet is reliant on the MAN customer support branch at Manchester. They have done a good job at getting through the learning curve quickly and enthusiastically. “They fully appreciate the value of each vehicle and, in the case of our Starliners, each one is different and is dedicated to a Premier League club: and each one has to be operational all the time. We even have one driver who is not currently allowed to remove his Movember moustache or get his hair cut, as the team he drives for has a growing superstition it is bringing them luck. That’s the level of importance attached by some of these teams to having their ‘own’ coach for their travels. We can’t just turn up with another coach without an unanswerable reason for it, so our focus all the time with the support team at MAN Manchester is very much on preventive maintenance.” Racecourse, Doncaster Minster, The Dome, Doncaster Rovers FC and Robin Hood Airport. Over the next few months more buses and routes in Doncaster will undergo the refresh. Peter Mair, Operations Manager for First in Doncaster, said: “Local teams of drivers, engineers and operations staff have been working hard to deliver new High Frequency routes across South Yorkshire.” Cllr Mick Jameson, who Chairs South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority, said: “We welcome this move by First to further improve the quality of the bus service in Doncaster. Improving service delivery standards is key to attracting new bus users.”
Cllr Mick Jameson, Chairman of South Yorkshire ITA and Peter Mair, Operations Manager for First in Doncaster
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Stagecoach expands megabus to two additional states California and Nevada become latest states to be served by network in North America USA Stagecoach Group has announced it is expanding its megabus.com network to cover California and Nevada. New express coach services were due to start running on December 12 to eight new locations in the two states, namely: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Riverside, Sacramento, San Jose and Oakland in California – and Las Vegas, Sparks/Reno in Nevada. All fares have been priced at $1 for the first week of travel from December 12 to 19. The expansion means more than 120 destinations are now covered by megabus.com in the United States and Canada. It comes only six months after megabus.com launched a new network of routes in Texas. The growth has created 80 new jobs, bringing the total new positions created by the company to more than 1,000 since it started services in North America in 2006. Dale Moser, President and COO of megabus.com in North America, said: “We’ve seen impressive growth across North
America. As well as helping connect people across the United States and Canada, we’ve also created hundreds of new jobs. We are confident our 21st century double-decker buses with WiFi and power outlets, combined with our outstanding prices, will prove popular with people in California and Nevada.” Megabus.com has also partnered with Clean Air-Cool Planet, a national non-profit organisation which works to reduce carbon emissions and help create a sustainable environment. Megabus. com donated $1 to Clean Air-Cool
Planet for every new Facebook friend and Twitter follower added on November 28. Closer to home, a fleet of 11 15m-long coaches equipped with free WiFi is being delivered in December for megabus.com routes covering Scotland and England. Included in the order is a coach in a special metallic version of the megabus.com livery to mark the 10th anniversary of the budget service in 2013. For comprehensive details of the megabus network, visit www.megabus.com.
The expansion means more than 120 destinations are now covered by megabus.com in the United States and Canada
Nobina orders first Van Hool Exqui.Cities
SWEDEn Van Hool has signed a contract with Nobina, the largest passenger transport company in Scandinavia, to supply 15 hybrid Exqui.Citys for use in Malmö and the Skane region in Sweden from June 2014. Van Hool is the first manufacturer to be awarded a contract for this kind of vehicle in Scandinavia. Sometimes referred to as a ‘tram-bus’ because of its appearance, the hybrid ‘Exqui.City design Malmö’ will be an electrically driven, 24m-long, bi-articulated vehicle. Its electricity is produced www.coachandbusweek.com
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The hybrid “Exqui.City design Malmö” is an electrically driven, 24m-long, bi-articulated vehicle. The generator is fuelled by biogas by a generator connected to a Euro 6 biogas engine. Van Hool has previously been awarded contracts to supply 92 similar models of the Exqui.City in Metz (France), Barcelona (Spain), Parma (Italy) and Geneva (Switzerland), among other places. As reported in CBW at the time, Van Hool unveiled a roadworthy
prototype of the Exqui.City at last year’s Busworld in Kortrijk. The Exqui.City combines the flexibility of a bus with the efficiency of a tram. The vehicle has a multipropulsion platform which allows it, in 18m or 24m form, to be configured as a trolleybus, hybrid, fuel cell hybrid or full electric bus.
These Conectos mark a return of Mercedes-Benz to Warsaw’s streets after an absence of several decades
60 Conecto artics for Warsaw POLAnD The first batch of Mercedes-Benz Conecto articulated buses, from a total of 60, have been delivered to Warsaw public transport company Miejskie Zakłady Autobusowe Sp. z o.o. (MZA). For Mercedes-Benz, this is a significant achievement as it marks a return of the brand to Warsaw’s streets after an absence of several decades. MZA currently owns 1,300 buses and is in the process of modernising its fleet to provide greater levels of passenger comfort, lowfloor accessibility, environmentallyfriendly drive systems and higher safety standards. All 60 Conectos are to be powered by EEVcompliant engines. Five 22 inch (56 cm) monitors are installed in each bus. They display news, advertising and information about what’s going on in the city. There are also two 38 inch (96 cm) screens which are used exclusively for showing route information, transfer points and stopping points. Passengers can also use the free WiFi. A high-performance air conditioning system keeps the driver’s cab and saloon comfortable at all times. The Conecto articulated buses in their contrasting signal yellow and traffic red livery are being produced at the Mercedes-Benz bus plant in Hosdere, Turkey and will all have been delivered to the customer by December 20, 2012. The 18m lowfloor bus can carry up to 160 passengers. A handover ceremony for the new buses was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Warsaw, Jacek Wojciechowicz. Roman Biondi of Mercedes-Benz Omnibusse EvoBus GmbH. handed over the symbolic key to the bus company.
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nEWS › REGIONAL
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Cllr Andrew Fender, Chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Committee, and Cllr Colin Lambert, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, were invited to Rochdale Interchange on December 3 to tighten the final bolt of the newly erected steelwork. The £11.5m Smith Street interchange is scheduled to open next year and is being jointly funded by the Department for Transport, TfGM and Rochdale Borough Council. Once completed, TfGM claims the interchange will be a European first, providing a reduced carbon public transport hub running with the aid of hydropower, thanks to a hydroelectric turbine which converts energy from the adjacent River Roch, producing up to 86,000kWh of electricity every year. The interchange will also have 14 bus stands coordinated by LCD information boards, a travelshop and accessible public toilets. In future, it will also provide easy access to the new Rochdale Town Centre Metrolink stop. Alongside the interchange Rochdale Borough Council is planning to upgrade River Street and Faulkner Street, incorporating a new taxi rank and waiting shelter and improved loading facilities for local businesses. Rochdale Interchange is one of four major interchange projects being delivered by TfGM under an £85m investment, with brand new facilities also being developed in both Bolton and Wythenshawe and Altrincham Interchange undergoing a major refurbishment. Cllr Fender said: “Rochdale Interchange will be a very striking gateway into the town and will provide improved public transport options for local residents, including the new Metrolink line.” Cllr Lambert added: “It’s great to see so much progress being made on our new Interchange which, together with Metrolink, will make travelling to and from the town centre easy. “This will be increasingly important as the exciting plans we’re delivering to create a distinctive and unique town centre for residents and visitors come to fruition.” Arriva North West has invested £3.7m in new buses for Bootle and Birkenhead, taking the total investment figure for the www.coachandbusweek.com
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building go, but what will replace it will be a very good bus station, which will bring more people to the shops,” she said.
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SCOTLAND NORTHERN IRELAND REP OF IRELAND NORTH WALES MIDLANDS EAST LONDON SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST
year to over £8m. 66 new buses have been introduced in the North West during 2012 as part of the company’s ongoing investment with Bootle, Birkenhead, Runcorn and Chester receiving new Wright Pulsar 2-bodied VDL SB200 and Winsford and St Helens with Optare Solo SR 9600s. Phil Stone, Managing Director for Arriva North West, said: “New buses not only make a huge difference to our passengers in terms of comfort and reliability, but also have an impressive environmental impact. Our latest investment in new buses in Birkenhead and Bootle really tops off a year of impressive investment to services across the region and we look forward to our hybrid and gas buses arriving in 2013.” Darlington Association on Disability is supporting a civil action against Arriva North East, claiming drivers failed to stop for wheelchair passengers. The case, which opened at Teesside County Court in Middlesbrough, is due to last two weeks. Seven disabled people also claim wheelchair users have been refused access to some buses where there was already a pushchair on board. Chris Fury, of Unity Law, which is representing the group, said: “There have been a series of incidents going back a number of years, where it is alleged bus drivers have
SOUTH EAST
not done enough to free up space for disabled passengers. They have essentially been dumped back on the pavement and been told to wait for the next bus.” The operator has denied it discriminated against disabled passengers, stating it complied with the Disability Discrimination Act and offered disability training to all its drivers. The firm said it adhered to Department for Transport guidelines which state that if other passengers are occupying wheelchair spaces, staff are not obliged to move them or make them move. It also said the opportunity for a wheelchair user to travel may depend on other passengers and how full the vehicle is.
EAST
Work to build a controversial new £7m bus station in Northampton has started. The station will be built on the old Fishmarket site and passengers will be able to wait indoors for the buses. The bus station will replace the ageing Greyfriars building, which is to be knocked down for the expansion of the Grosvenor Shopping Centre. Northamptonshire County Council Deputy Leader Joan Kirkbride said the new bus station would improve the town. “It will be sad to see an old
Three special services are being run by Chalkwell to help customers with their Christmas shopping. For the first time Chalkwell’s Canterbury Shopper will run on a Monday as well as a Wednesday and Friday. The Canterbury Shopper starts on the Isle of Sheppey at 0930hrs and serves the communities of Sittingbourne and Faversham, returning from Canterbury at 1330. “We have introduced the Monday Canterbury Shopper in response to demand from customers,” said Chalkwell’s Operations Manager Andy Bates. “It has been introduced not only for Christmas, but for all other times of the year which will help local communities. The Monday Canterbury Shopper will help to give customers more variety.” Christmas shopping will also be provided by Chalkwell’s Faversham Tuesday Shopper which starts from Sittingbourne and runs along a route to serve the villages of Lynsted, Doddington and Newnham. Christmas shoppers also have the choice of the 339 on Thursdays from Sheerness, Minster and Sittingbourne to Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre.
LOnDOn
Passengers in London face further fare increases according to a new document published by Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport for London (TfL). TfL’s draft 10-year business plan confirms “fares will increase at RPI plus 1% each January for the period to 2014/15”. Since coming to office in 2008 Mayor Johnson has increased fares each year, most recently announcing an average increase of 4.2% from January 2013. The business plan sets out TfL’s proposed investment for the next decade, but is reliant on central Government funding and isn’t binding on future Mayors. Proposals include providing additional capacity on the London Overground and Tramlink and doubling spending on TfL’s road network to £3.8bn. In addition, investment on bus accessibility will include a target of making 95% of
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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. bus stops fully accessible by 2018 and the Mayor’s team is in the process of putting together a plan to improve accessibility which is to be published soon.
SOUTH WEST
Public transport campaigners have expressed concerns after four bus stations in Wiltshire, Dorset and North Devon were earmarked for closure with particular focus on the future of Salisbury bus station, which could be sold off by Wilts & Dorset. David Redgewell, from the South West Transport Network group, said similar closure decisions are affecting bus stations in Amesbury, Swanage and Ilfracombe. He said: “This is a worrying trend for bus stations to be closed. There are lots of concerns about this from councillors too. If anything else, what happens to National Express passengers when they arrive at Salisbury? It’s a major city with a lot of tourists who arrive by coach – they’ll be greeted with just a
pavement to get out to, no kind of welcome at all. “Salisbury will be probably the largest place in the country without a proper bus station. Other places are not seeing the need to get rid of bus stations. In Gloucester, they are working on a brand new bus station, and the plans for the regeneration of Swindon include a great new bus station, so it’s not like this is common. It’s really worrying for public transport in Wiltshire and Dorset.” Wilts & Dorset Operations Director Ed Wills said: “Neither bus station is essential to our services, but as they age they are costing more to maintain and operate from each year. We believe this cost can be better used to provide bus services and the land could be put to much better use for the community and local economy.” The 100 buses the firm runs in and out of Salisbury will park up in the street and use the depot in Castle Street.
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
The Commercial Vehicle Show 2013, which is to be held at the NEC between April 9 – 11, is again set to feature a selection of minibuses
2012 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 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 January 28-30 Transport Ticketing 2013, Park Royal Plaza Riverbank Hotel, Albert Embankment, Lambeth, London SE1 7TJ. Call 0207 384 79201 or visit www.transport-ticketing.com
Birmingham MPs are supporting National Express West Midlands’ (NXWM) campaign to ensure bus vandals receive tougher sentences. The campaign was launched by NXWM Managing Director Peter Coates after figures revealed a few vandals were causing over a million pounds of damage to the city’s buses. The MPs signed a joint letter to Birmingham magistrates calling on them to ensure vandals ‘pay for the damage they have caused’ to buses and for repeat offenders to face the ‘toughest possible sentences’. The MPs are also calling on passengers to join the campaign by anonymously feeding intelligence into the ‘See Something Say Something’ initiative. Recent joint operations between NXWM and West Midlands Police have led to repeat bus vandals being taken to court and facing fines which do not cover the cost of the damage they caused. The MPs have now called for vandals to be made to pay for the damage they cause as a stronger deterrent to future acts of vandalism and a clear message to others that the city will not tolerate their actions. Mr Coates said: “We have worked hard to cut on-board anti-social behaviour and crime by 61% over the last five years. However, we know the appearance of some of our vehicles is being negatively affected by the actions of a handful of mindless vandals. We are working closely with the police to tackle this problem and have had great success recently in bringing these vandals to court.”
n February 24-25 Coach Holiday Conference. Bristol Filton Holiday Inn. www.coachtourismcouncil.com 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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DRIVERS
In association with
DriveTech
Send your driver news and stories to alex.tyler@coachandbusweek. com or call 01733 293 481.
Bus driver hailed as a hero after ‘gun’ ordeal The trent barton driver put his life ahead of his passengers by ordering them to safety A trent barton driver has been praised for his actions after a man was spotted holding a gun in public. The driver on the indigo route told passengers to go to the back of the bus and get out of sight under seats during the ordeal.
Armed police were called to the incident in William Street, Long Eaton. When officers arrived they were confronted by a man holding what appeared to be a gun. The man made his way to College Street still holding what police now understand to be an imitation firearm, where shortly after, he was arrested. trent barton’s Alex Hornby
The Ashton drivers raised money while ‘route hopping’ in fancy dress
Stagecoach drivers work their magic Six Stagecoach Manchester drivers, based at the Ashton depot swapped the steering wheel for magic wands recently to raise over £500 for St Ann’s Hospice by dressing up as wizards on popular routes. Driver Martin Dunkerly, organised for himself and five other drivers to add a touch of magic to passengers’ journeys, by ‘route hopping’ in fancy dress, to raise money for the hospice which cares for patients with cancer and other life limiting illnesses.
St Ann’s Hospice has been Stagecoach Manchester’s chosen charity for the past 15 months and the firm has already raised nearly £8,000 through various fundraising events, including sponsored walks, bike rides and raffles. Due to the success of the partnership, the operator has pledged its support to St Ann’s Hospice until August 2013. Stagecoach Manchester MD, Christopher Bowles, said: “We’ve already raised a large amount of money for St Ann’s. We’re looking forward to seeing more fantastic fundraising efforts from everyone over the next nine months. “We really appreciate the staff giving up their own time to support this cause, not to mention the generosity of our passengers.”
said: “Thankfully, incidents such as this are very rare and we will obviously support the police in their investigations. We certainly echo the many positive comments we have already received about our driver and his undeniably brave and selfless actions in looking after his customers.” A number of messages on the operators’ Facebook page hailed
the driver as a hero. One read: “I would just like to praise and thank your driver, who was a real hero. “After the incident he dropped my daughter and her friend outside our home. Thank you so much to this brave man.” Another said: “Your driver on College Street last night was a very brave man doing what he did. He needs a medal or something for his bravery – big well done. If I could shake your hand, I would.” A police spokesman said a 38-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm in a public place and said no one was injured in the incident.
Shell campaign to help fleet drivers save fuel & cut costs New research by Shell suggests 76% of drivers are not selecting an economic fuel and are missing out on a range of other techniques for reducing fuel consumption. The research, titled the Shell FuelSave Index, also revealed 55% of drivers are not driving smoothly and only 53% use the top gears frequently. Shell believes changing these habits and following other tips, as well as choosing the right fuel, fleet drivers could reduce their fuel consumption. As a result Shell has launched Target One Million, a Shell FuelSave campaign designed to help a million drivers learn how to save fuel and reduce fuel costs. The site includes a series of interactive mini-games
to help equip fleet drivers with the skills to become more fuel efficient. TV presenter Quentin Wilson, who collaborated with Shell to launch the initiative, said: “Programmes like Target One Million are the latest step in our commitment, demonstrating that by using these fuels and making a few simple changes to habits, it’s easy to make a difference to the amount of fuel your firm uses.” Shell has also promoted 10 fuelsaving tips and ‘10 Golden Rules for Efficient Drivers’; a set of guidance which aim to help fleet and truck drivers cut their fuel consumption. Visit www.shell.co.uk/ target1million
Shell is campaigning to promote fuel efficiency
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Bus and coach ƃQDQFH up to 100% LTV.
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OpErAtOr prOfilE › regency tours
A pair of Plaxton Panorama Elitebodied AEC Reliances. EUU117J (right) dates from 1971, while WFR167K (left) was built in 1972
A trip down memory lane Tim Deakin visits Regency Tours in Northwich to find out about the company’s heritage vehicles, its first rate customer service and 2,600-mile long European excursions www.coachandbusweek.com
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N
orthwich-based Regency Tours – or the Regency Road Pullman Touring Company, to use its trading name – utilises a small fleet of coaches equipped with well-spaced seats and onboard kitchens for its programme of day trips and longer excursions. Some of the latter venture abroad; nothing particularly rare about any of that, or so you may think. But actually, there is something very unusual here. Regency Tours’ newest vehicle celebrated its 30th birthday last year and its fleet flagship has been on the road for a further decade beyond that. Beautifully turned out, one could
be forgiven for thinking all of its three coaches had been sealed in a time capsule since they rolled out of Plaxton’s factory and released only days before CBW’s visit. “I was brought up with the business because my dad had his own coach company,” said Sarah Screaton, Owner and Manager of Regency Road Pullman Touring Company, which she founded in 1998. “I’ve been involved with coaching all my life.” Sarah also takes care of much of the driving, sharing it with her father Clive, who at 83 years of age is still very much involved in day-to-day operations. Mother Hazel is also part of the company, assisting in the office and holding the fort when Sarah is on the road.
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OpErAtOr: Regency Tours lOCAtiOn: Northwich, Cheshire EStABliSHEd: 1998 COntACt: 01606 42233 www.regencypullmantours.co.uk
which are arranged in bays of four around tables. A mid-mounted door is also present on the Volvo, which is another ex-Glenton vehicle, and was the principal reason behind its purchase. Sarah credited the layout as generating a more convivial onboard atmosphere, adding the resulting twosome beside the driver is highly prized amongst travellers thanks to its panoramic views. “In Glenton days they charged extra for seats one and two,” Sarah explained. “I don’t think we’d get away with that!” An on-board hostess service is provided on both daytrips and longer outings, with the rearmost two rows of seats having been removed to provide a separate, partitioned kitchen area. Light lunches and tea and coffee are prepared in here and served to passengers at their seat during rest stops. “We do a little bit of private hire,” explained Sarah. “We’ve never done school contracts or anything like that because of the nature of the vehicles we’re using. We do church
groups, that sort of thing. The bulk of our work is day excursions and touring holidays.” While running long distances with older vehicles may draw a bout of wistful teeth sucking from some in the industry, Regency Tours’ reliance upon such equipment is part of its charm, and something appreciated by regular passengers. Much of the operator’s client base is made up of retired persons. “A lot of them like the old style, a bit of nostalgia. It’s something different. I think they’re just reliving the past, some of the time,” Sarah continued. She added that this reminiscing isn’t unique to passengers and explained how some other operators’ drivers
“When we went to Russia, apart from the spare wheel we always carry we took another two in the boot.” Sarah Screaton
often want to take a closer look at Regency’s vehicles when they’re parked at service stations or attractions. “A lot of the older drivers certainly do,” she enthused. “They’ll come across and say they haven’t seen a coach like ours for years, or they’ll remember they used to drive one, or say they passed their test on one.” She related an experience from 2011 when a group of drivers from a well-known top-end operator encountered one of Regency Tours’ AECs in Windsor. “They all came over. There were a couple of older drivers and some younger ones. It’s nice, because most of them do take a genuine interest.”
Door to door service
Both day trips and longer tours see passengers collected from and later dropped off at their homes, or as close as practically possible. “The majority are from the Northwich and Warrington areas,” Sarah explained. “We try to keep it down to about an hour for picking up. We have local minibus companies and taxi operators bringing people in so they’re not sitting on the coach driving round and round.” Although most passengers live relatively close to Regency Tours’ Cheshire premises some are from further afield. “We do have people from South Wales who travel with us, and some even from the other side of Fort William. We also get quite a few from Yorkshire,” Sarah continued.
To Russia with love Charm and nostalgia
Some of Regency Tours’ overseas trips have been to parts of Europe well off the radar of almost all other UK-based coach operators, but even this is less unusual than the vehicles Sarah transports her clients in. A Volvo B58 with Plaxton bodywork dating from 1981 is the most recent addition to the fleet, but the apple of her eye is one of a pair of AEC Reliances, which still provides sterling service when called upon to travel halfway across Europe. This vehicle was delivered in 1971 to the famous Glenton Tours, and features the longdeparted London-based operator’s trademark centre door. In common with the other two members of the fleet it has 28 seats, most of
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Above: Appropriate branding, for lunch is served on continental tours using fine china. Top: Boards advertising tours give an idea of the rates charged
Passengers from more distant locations more commonly take advantage of the longer-distance, multi-day expeditions operated by Regency Tours. These don’t come in much more ambitious form than May 2012’s 25-day itinerary which observed a circular routing via Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the Baltic states, Germany and the Netherlands, a journey which included 2,600 miles of travel aboard the treasured ex-Glenton AEC. Even more remarkable was the fact this wasn’t the first time the by then 40-year old Reliance had visited the former Soviet Union under Sarah and her father Clive’s command. An earlier tour was operated in 2006 which took in both St Petersburg and Moscow, although this year’s odyssey didn’t venture as far in an www.coachandbusweek.com
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OpErAtOr prOfilE › regency tours
easterly direction, going as far as the former Leningrad but missing the Russian capital. Preparation for such ambitious trips begins well over a year before departure. “We plan an outline of what we want to do and put it together. We use an agent a lot of the time because it makes it easier for us and less time consuming,” explained Sarah. “Then you look what you’ve got; look at the map thinking ‘we’ve got to change this’, so it can be sixteen months in advance. “That gives us time to advertise it, because if we’re not going to get enough people then it allows us to put a couple of smaller tours together instead.” Prime considerations are the routing – a daily mileage of no more than 250 is preferable in view of the vehicles’ advancing years – and what suitable hotels may be available. All on May’s tour were to four-star standard. Taking a suitable quantity of spare parts is another important consideration. “When we went to Russia, apart from the spare wheel we always carry we took another two in the boot. We had fuel pumps, various pipes, compressors – all sorts of bits and pieces,” said Sarah. Such an extensive amount of spares naturally cuts into the coach’s luggage capacity, which from Regency Tours’ point of view is perhaps the only advantage modern vehicles, with their expansive side lockers, have over members of its fleet. “It’s getting difficult, because these days people want to take so much stuff,” said Sarah. “In the brochure we mentioned a certain size of suitcase would help us for loading purposes, because we’ve only got the boot at the back. We’ve got a couple of side lockers, but we need those for our spares and various other items.” The coaches’ lower than normal seating capacity and back-to-back layout helps in this respect and there is copious above-floor storage for passengers’ bags. “When we went to Russia we did have to say to people that we realised it was a long time away, but asked them to please travel as lightly as possible.” The most recent trip to the former Soviet Union finished with a visit to the AEC Society’s centenary rally at Newark Showground on the final leg of tour. “As we ended up at the rally it was quite emotional for us really,” Sarah noted. “They www.coachandbusweek.com
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Above: Sarah Screaton, the firm’s Owner and Manager has been involved with coaches all her life knew we were coming and announced over the public-address system that we were on our way back from Russia. It’s something we’re very proud of – especially for my dad, who still does a lot of the maintenance. It was quite an achievement.” Another trip to Russia isn’t likely, principally thanks to diesel-related price increases and the sometimes awkward entry procedure, but longer-distance ventures to other destinations will continue. “We may do another big Norwegian tour to the North Cape again, because we haven’t done one of those for three or four years. Perhaps not next year
but maybe in 2014,” Sarah mused. “It’s much easier than going to Russia and the Baltics. You can take your time and nobody bothers you. Also the people are friendlier,” she continued, having already described a not overly pleasant encounter with obstinate Russian border officials which was eventually resolved with the help of a friendly Finnish coach driver. Customs there recognise Scania, Volvo and even Leyland when recording vehicle details – but not AEC.
Loyal passenger list
Although Regency Tours had a loyal client base, some of whom
‘HYR17W’, a 1981-registered Plaxton Supreme-bodied Volvo B58
are hardy travellers in their own right, there is naturally a degree of crossover amongst those who also travel with other operators. Comparisons are inevitable, with the most commonly mentioned topic being Regency’s level of customer service. Carrying an on-board hostess to look after fewer than thirty passengers means comments are invariably favourable. Placing such an onus on customer care generates a high level of return bookings. “We’ve got ladies who have travelled with us for 10 or 12 years, who go on four or five holidays per annum,” noted Sarah. “We get a lot of repeat business. There is a small element of passengers who will only travel on daytrips with us, but the majority book both those and holidays.” The laid-back nature of Regency Tours’ operations is an important part of the customer experience. “Obviously we’ve got to take our time with the vehicles. We can’t be rushing around,” Sarah continued. Sticking amongst the inside lane’s procession of LGVs at about 55mph is her favoured tactic on motorways. “But I think it’s just how we look after people and the service we provide them with. It can
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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek be difficult trying to get new customers. We’ve tried to advertise in the local newspaper but you just get a little box. It’s very hard to put across to people what we do. When we do get new clients, they travel with us and often think ‘this is different’. Then they book with us on a regular basis.” Holiday planning habits, however, have changed over recent times. “Five years ago people were reserving well in advance,” she explained. “Whereas now we’re finding people are leaving it more to the last minute to book things. But we are seeing the weekend and fiveday tours are going very well for us, as are theme breaks.”
Above: Commemorating Sarah’s 38 years of coaching. Above right: Endless destinations visited. Below: Old & modern in the driver’s area on an AEC
No hidden extras
Sarah is quite up front when she acknowledged that Regency Tours does not market itself on price alone. Whilst its tours and holidays may not be at the bargain end of the market she was careful to explain the total charged, be it for a day tour or four-week European excursion, is all inclusive. Besides travel and accommodation, meals – either prepared and served on board the vehicle or taken in a restaurant or hotel – are included, as is morning coffee and tea and biscuits. One tour to northern Spain during August even featured a beach picnic as part of the package. “We find a lot of our customers like things which are included rather than just having a basic itinerary where we drop them off somewhere for three or four hours,” said Sarah. “They like to go on a boat or steam train, or visit somewhere. All our tours are fully inclusive. People who haven’t travelled with us before might think it’s a bit expensive, but once they’ve paid for their holiday they won’t have to cover anything else. All they need is their spending money. “On the coach they get morning coffee and afternoon teas and on continental holidays passengers get a light lunch every day, more or less. We stop, the tablecloths come out with the fine china and so on. All of that is carried on board – but fortunately we don’t have too many breakages.”
Not a man’s world
Although the Volvo B58 in Regency Tours’ fleet has been brought up to the same standards, internally and externally, as its pair of AECs, Sarah still prefers the latter. “I do
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In the days of yore, Glenton charged extra for the front pair of seats
Regency Tours: the brochure
Although Regency Tours has a website much of its marketing is conducted via the traditional methods of a high-quality brochure – separate publications are issued, one for daytrips and another for holiday tours – and mailing list. “We also have the odd flyer which we post out,” explained Sarah. “The daytrip brochure comes out every couple of months, so if there’s a tour which isn’t selling too well we’ll put a flyer in with it and try to get it out that way. We’ve found it works. We could do a big holiday brochure and four or five months down the line put those same tours on a flyer in with a daytrip publication. It jogs people’s memories. “I think perhaps at the beginning of the year they might look through the holiday brochure and it could then be lost down the side of the chair, in the magazine rack or similar and forgotten about. That’s why we’ve started doing two a year now.”
like them, because it’s really driving. It’s a challenge. When you get in the Volvo you’re spoilt as it’s got power steering, a nice light clutch and a power door. The AECs have ‘assisted’ steering, but in a tight spot it certainly makes you use your muscles.” Regardless of more enlightened attitudes to what was once considered a strictly male domain, the sight of Sarah piloting a 40year old AEC often draws curious glances. “Especially abroad, people will do a double-take when they see an old coach with a female driving. However, because I do it all the time, I don’t take a lot of notice – I just get on with it.” The Volvo took many months to bring up to scratch thanks to it having spent some years stood outside prior to coming to Regency Tours. Besides its centre-doored layout, one of the reasons behind its purchase was a hoped-for relief to the issue which surrounds obtaining spares for the pair of Reliances. “We felt that with AECs now, not many people have actually heard of them. With a Volvo we should be able to get hold of parts more easily.” Spares aren’t impossible to find for the older duo, helped by Regency Tours’ membership of the AEC Society. Sarah’s father Clive also retains a number of useful contacts in the industry, whilst Martyn Hearson at the fittinglytitled Reliance Bus Works (RBW) in Newcastle-under-Lyme is able to obtain various parts as required. RBW also undertakes bigger jobs on the vehicles when they become necessary. None of the three coaches work during January, when the opportunity is taken to perform thorough inspections, cosmetic work and MOT preparation. Early 2013 will see the fleet’s other AEC, a one-time Abbots of Blackpool coach, receive serious work as it has stood spare for some months and is now rather tired, Sarah mentioned. Besides a customary January break, there also exists a smaller gap in Regency Tours’ calendar during this month. This isn’t vehicle-related but is rather to allow time for Sarah and her fiancée to get married. Fittingly the ceremony is due to be performed by one of her regular clients, the vicar of a church on the Wirral peninsula. The bride’s transport on the big day? Her prized AEC Reliance, of course.
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SUppliEr prOfilE › Just coach drivers & western training services
Raising the standard Coach & Bus Week’s Andrew Cream visits the team who run Just Coach Drivers and Western Training Services to find out how the companies were set up, how they work and what they can offer to the industry
W
estern Training Services and Just Coach Drivers are two separate bodies, bound together by Owner and Director Del Haggerty and his team, based in Exeter, Devon. Out of the two operations, Just Coach Drivers (JCD) came into existence before Western Training Services (WTS), in 2007. Originally operated out of Del’s own home in Torquay, JCD was set up out of Del’s personal frustration. As a self-employed coach driver himself, he was fed up of being dropped every winter during the slow season. But instead of losing sleep over it, he decided to be proactive. Del took up the story: “I set up jobs for myself, getting hold of companies and asking if they needed drivers. The first person I went to was John Shaw at Travellers Choice. I asked him what he needed in terms of relief drivers and the initial strength of the business was based on their requirements. “This got the ball rolling and I started needing more people for the jobs I was being offered, so then there was a small army of us. “I then knew there was a gap in the market I could utilise. The company built up from there.” Up until April this year the company was called Freelance Coach Drivers, but it’s a name the team is trying to shake off. The problem with the ‘freelance’ part of the name was that drivers who had nothing to do with Del were claiming to be part of the company, due possibly to the general, overarching meaning of ‘freelance’. These drivers were often not up to the standards set by Del, which led to problems with the www.coachandbusweek.com
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but this is not the case. “Our drivers also need to show high levels of respect. The coach they are driving is that company’s bread and butter. “If necessary, we’ll take a driver, shake him about a bit and then put him back in the pot. It’s all about improving drivers’ customer service skills. We talk to operators to find out what drivers can do to keep up the standards and make sure drivers who do come in are just as good if not better than the ones on operators’ books.” The company can offer drivers continuous CBT training from the WTS arm of the business. There is more to it than just
Above: Left to right - Charlie Haggerty, Del Haggerty and Tim Wickson. Right: CBW’s Senior Sales Executive Victoria Schult gains some coaching driving experience from Charlie, while parked up outside the WTS offices firm’s reputation. Del continued: “Something had to happen, although at first I didn’t know what to do to sort out this problem. We decided to change the name to ‘Just Coach Drivers’. No driver likes saying they are ‘just a coach driver’ – and at the same time we managed to form a unique identification for ourselves. “We are recognised now and it’s turned us into a brand which people know.” And there is still plenty of expansion on the cards for JCD. Currently, it’s a nationwide company with offices in Exeter and Edinburgh and the business may well set up an office in London in 2013.
Professional relief
Put simply, JCD is a source for coach operators looking to fill a space behind the wheel, often at short notice. Del describes JCD as
a meeting point for drivers and operators. He knows what the drivers want but also knows what companies are after from their driving staff. It’s not just another ‘agency’ though. “JCD really does raise the standard and makes drivers accountable,” Del explained. “We’re here to help the operator and the driver. “We are changing the way people view relief coach drivers. Coach operators normally shy away from agencies. Technically, we are an agency but we are reputable.” With that in mind, it’s also about changing drivers’ attitude towards the operator. “We make sure our drivers are going to look after the customer,” Del continued. “They need to turn up smart and professional. Drivers can sometimes think the operator isn’t going to care what they look like as they just want the coach to go out,
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SUppliEr: Just Coach Travel & Western Training Services lOCAtiOn: Exeter, Devon COntACt: 0845 2416 288 www.justcoachdrivers.com
making sure drivers go out and perform well. JCD allocates certain drivers to certain posts, depending on their skills. Operators also often request certain people from JCD’s books. “It’s a big business and we have to make sure the right drivers go out for the right people,” Del added. JCD also performs rigorous checks on drivers before adding them to its books, including CRB checks and thorough driving licence checks. Charlie Haggerty, Del’s son and a Company Director, said: “I’ve seen it all. Some driving licences appear clean, but some further investigation shows the driver once claimed they lost their licence, so
applied for a new one and therefore had one clean and one with multiple convictions.”
A growing requirement
Del believes JCD is becoming more and more relevant for the coach industry. With the market shrinking somewhat, Del says smaller operators often can’t afford to keep all their drivers on, especially during quieter periods of the year. By using JCD, operators don’t have to pay drivers during downtime, whereas we can often give them work with another operator. “100% of operators have used agencies at one point or another,” Del said. “We are very much alive
here. All events need coaches and drivers and those drivers need to know how to do their job.” By using JCD for their driver needs, Del said: “This puts more money into operators. Drivers are 100% reclaimable. Operators can just ring me up and say ‘I don’t want that driver tomorrow’ and I can just take them out and swap them with someone else. I deal with all the allocations.” Regarding how drivers fare out of working for JCD, Del said: “I think we play a very fair game with our drivers and pay them very well. We are very loyal to our team. “Drivers actually like the way we work. Some will have been driving
for 20 years and they just want two to three days a week work. We are ideal for these people and they are ideal for us, as they are very experienced and know the job.” The company currently provides support to 62 operators and has 500 drivers on its books, with around 115 of them working regularly. Of that 115, around 60% of them are in close to full-time employment six months of the year.
The training arm
WTS is a relatively recent addition to the family, with the acquisition taking place in January 2012 and is headed up by the same team which runs JCD. Before the
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SUppliEr prOfilE › Just coach drivers & western training services
Above left: Victoria learns how to extinguish a fire correctly. Above right: The Just Coach Drivers team at the Euro Bus Expo at the NEC. Below: WTS shares the same offices as Just Coach Drivers in Exeter. Bottom: A snapshot of WTS’s smart new online testing centre which has 15 testing stations acquisition, JCD was one WTS’ best customers, according to Del. “Those who previously owned WTS didn’t know if they wanted to continue with it,” he explained. “I told them I wanted first refusal. It took a lot of discussions but we ended up coming to an agreement.” WTS was previously located at premises nearby to JCD’s Exeter operations, but after the purchase it was moved into the same building. The training company has recently expanded with a smart in-house test centre, featuring 15 computer test stations. For the coach and bus industry, WTS offers Driver CPC training as well as Transport Manager CPCs, first aid and PCV driver training. When WTS came under new ownership, the test centre was only one of five online test centres for this industry in the country. Del admits that when the DCPC regulations came in, he was a little sceptical, but he soon realised the benefits of the training. “Every driver says ‘I don’t need the CPC, I don’t need to hear this. I know everything about tachographs and digicards’ etc, but that simply isn’t the case,” he said. “DCPC is an upgrade to the individual. Some drivers still don’t know how to use a tachograph properly, for example. “It’s important to know how you are expected to conduct yourself around certain people, like OAPs or children. Drivers are not just the bloke at the front – their job involves lots of different kinds of scenarios. We are the most underestimated individuals. “Drivers have many trades. They are authorities on history www.coachandbusweek.com
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and geography as well as first aid etc. Coach drivers know the right place to go and they have great knowledge of places like Paris, Edinburgh, London and Dublin.” “Our industry is stepping up to the mark,” Del continued. “I honestly believe DCPC is very important because I can genuinely see how drivers are benefiting. It’s why I bought the company as training drivers is a natural progression. “We’re currently specifically aiming WTS at the coach operator. Operators are now recognising there’s not much time left so we are making it very easy for them – they can come to us in Exeter or we can go to their workplace if necessary. Whatever suits the company and its drivers best. “We’re also currently booking operators in for the next five years so nobody is left behind next time. It will be a smoother process between 2013 and 2018. “At the end of the day, DCPC is
vital. Systems change and if you don’t keep up with it you are out. Training is an ongoing necessity for the industry.”
Looking ahead
While Del and the team have built up a strong business, there is still plenty of room for expansion, on both sides of the company. A London office for JCD is already on the cards, and Del is looking into franchising out both JCD and WTS to take them truly nationwide. Franchising is a risky business though, Del mused, as you have to put an awful lot of trust in someone to take your name
forward professionally and in the right direction. Del sees nationwide transport and logistics recruitment company Driverhire as the model he’d like to aspire to, albeit probably not on quite the same scale. Del said: “We’re looking to expand in 2013 so operators are more aware of us. Once they are aware of how we work they will be able to see how we fit in with them. Our core centre will always be in Exeter though.” Another exciting expansion for the driver hire arm of the business is Just Bus Drivers, which is coming at some point in 2013. “I worked with a couple of operators during the Olympics and I found similar problems in this market. Bus drivers are rostered and if a guy falls ill he can’t roster, which can potentially cause problems,” said Del. “There is more scope for us in this market as it is much bigger and it’s less seasonal. “I have looked into it. I have spoken to bus companies and they like the idea. Now we need to convince companies we have the standard of driver they are after.” Finally, something in the pipeline for WTS is the pertinently titled ‘Driver CP-Ski’. As the name suggests, this would involve training drivers while they are out on resort at skiing locations. As Del explained: “Sometimes there are 200 or 300 drivers on resorts with nothing to do between journeys as they are not allowed to ski. It would be the perfect time to get them all together and give them some important CPC training during their down-time.”
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THE BIG PICTURE
County Durham-based Stanley Coaches has taken delivery of its first new Volvo B9R-based Plaxton Panther. The family-run firm’s full-size coach fleet is comprised entirely of the Plaxton – Volvo combination. The 12.8m-long two-axle vehicle features 53 Politecnica GTV reclining seats with all age three-point seatbelts trimmed in blue moquette with blue leather headrest inserts and piping. Stanley Coaches is the Coach Marque accredited PCV brand of Stanley Travel, a business established by the Scott family in 1961. Including the Stanley Taxis brand, the firm now runs over 60 vehicles from a base in the town which gave the company its name.
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INDUSTRY
GUIDE
TO recOvery & repairs
B
reakdowns and accidents can be costly, whether it’s a bus service stopping and potentially putting the day’s timetable completely out of shape, or a coach full of passengers which will need a replacement vehicle. Third party engineering services can be very useful and can mean less workshop staff on the payroll. This can keep costs down by avoiding something which you may not always need if the fleet remains reliable. If you are outfitting your workshop, equipment is becoming more and more high tech and efficient. By investing in the best equipment, problems can be identified and repairs can be made swiftly and effectively.
PAUl ClARK SERvICES
Even minor accidents may require a vehicle to be recovered – but choose wisely
On the road to recovery With strict peak vehicle requirements or schedules to keep to it’s important to get broken down vehicles back on the road as quickly as possible. This week’s Industry Guide examines some experienced suppliers or services and products to help keep the fleet operational www.coachandbusweek.com
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Paul Clark Services Ltd (PCS) has now been in existence for over 15 years and has seen steady growth year on year with an increasing annual turnover and the number of engineers growing to a peak of around 50 during 2012. This year has been an exceptional year for the business, with volumes of skilled engineers being required in London to help support the main bus operators with the prestigious tasks of running extra bus operations for the Olympics and Paralympics. Business is still brisk and signs are looking very encouraging for next year. Following the steady growth of the business, Paul Clark, Managing Director and Michael Kerslake, Finance Director took the decision to strengthen the management team and this year, Mike Britten has been recruited as Service Delivery Manager. This follows on from the recruitment of Ray McAlle as General Manager last year. The team at PCS is focused on keeping the business on track and ensuring the growing customer base is provided with the high quality engineering support they require 24/7, 364 days a year, with operators and suppliers such as Arriva, Stagecoach, Abellio, National Express TWM, First, ADL, Wrightbus and BAE Systems. Training has been an integral part of the support process and working with BAE/ADL on their hybrid product has meant significant investment in training and equipment to facilitate this.
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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 PCS is already a member of the Freight Transport Association and early next year will see accreditation of the company’s Quality Management system ISO9001, further strengthening the focus on quality and compliance within the business. In a nutshell Paul Clark Services remains the preferred supplier of skilled engineering technicians to the UK bus industry, and this remains the core activity of the business. However, PCS also continues to diversify into other engineering sectors as the business grows.
T: 01793 613122 E: info@paulclark services.co.uk W: www.paulclarkservices.co.uk
WindSCrEEn WizArd Established 28 years ago, JT Handtools is a specialist manufacturer and supplier of tools to the automotive glass industry in the UK and Europe.
Windscreen Wizard can remove windscreens in minutes, making replacement a quick and simple process which keeps the workshop free for other works It has recently introduced Windscreen Wizard (patent pending), a specialised bespoke manufactured product which allows the user to remove a whole windscreen in minutes. Designed in conjunction with specialist engineers, windscreen removal companies and windscreen technician experts,
this product is a perfect solution to the growing need for a wire removal system for modern day windscreens. Using a system of wires and suction cups, Windscreen Wizard is remarkably fast, and can see a windscreen completely removed in minutes. A 10-minute demonstration can be seen at
http://youtu.be/GWVZ5AbXPLM. JT Handtools’ specialist manufactured tools are of a supreme quality, all carrying lifetime guarantees. Richard Vaughan, Director, said: “Our company is built on the principles of making quality products and providing reliable service. Our diversified product range continues to grow by following trends, improving our standard products and listening to the customer. “Our unique service has established our place in this industry. This allows us to make a distinctive and substantial impact for our clients.” The company also stocks and supplies a wide range of general tools for automotive glass from other manufacturers including UltraWiz, Olfa, Fein, Esprit & Meritool. T: 01142 449989 E: sales@windscreen wizard.com W: www.windscreenwizard.com
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inSigHt › bus networks
Network Management Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans talks to Andy Foster, Head of Network Management at National Express West Midlands and learns about how the firm is keeping its routes relevant to the communities it serves
E
nsuring your bus network remains relevant is vital. Of course, any form of change in all aspects of life almost inevitably proves controversial – but failure to respond to changing times can lead to decline. Therefore, it was with interest CBW learned how National Express West Midlands (NXWM) has been updating its network. “Network Reviews and Area Reviews are really the same,” explained Jack Kelly, Head of External Communications. “We work with Centro and look at changing travel patterns. Clearly, it’s pointless serving an old industrial estate where most of the factories have shut, when a new technology park has opened up the road – ideally buses should serve both. Patterns of life change and the bus network needs to adapt accordingly. “We’ve recently completed our review of Sandwell. While it is about the network, it’s essentially a huge customer feedback operation. “We’ve just introduced the X1, an express direct link between Wolverhampton and Merry Hill for the first time ever. We’re using a new marketing approach – such as our plan to hand out mince pies on the service in the week before Christmas. It’s about re-energising services. “Like everything, businesses have to move with the times – there’s a reason for the emergence of Tesco Metro. Network Reviews are NXWM’s response.” Andy Foster, Head of Network Management for National Express West Midlands took up the story: www.coachandbusweek.com
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“Over the last two to three years Network Reviews have been part of our transforming bus travel programme, which has also included the introduction of hybrid buses. “At the end of the day, people simply want to get from A to B. Nice new hybrids are no use if they’re not going where people want to go. The network you’re providing is crucial. “We’ve delivered patronage growth in several areas. We’re trying to go back to basics by mirroring common car journeys. People don’t want to wait long for a bus and they want it to go as fast as possible. Realistically there has to be some compromises – and that means understanding your market. OAPs for example, are happy with
a half-hourly service with minimal walking, whereas a commuter prefers a faster, more direct service. The days of 9 – 5 have gone. The attraction of a bus departing town at 1710hrs are also a thing of the past – people want higher frequencies.” Andy said a success story is the X51 on the Birmingham to Walsall corridor. “There used to be three variations. The 51 was all stops, the 951 was limited-stop and then there was the X51, a peak hour service which was introduced three years ago between Birmingham, Walsall and Cannock. The fast services only had three arrivals in Birmingham before 0900. We’ve now simplified the timetable so all fast journeys are operated as the X51, with the result there are
Changes in Weoley Castle have led to increased ridership on route 29. A Wright Volvo heads down Broad Street
now 11 arrivals before 0900. We’ve doubled the peak service and the market is still growing.”
Area Reviews
Hybrids are no use if they’re not taking people where they want to go
“We’ve completed five Area Reviews since April 2010. All have achieved an increase in patronage. They’ve been done through increasing frequencies where possible using the same level of resource. “However, in some instances it’s led to the loss of direct links or meandering services and has caused some minor local problems. “North Walsall was completed in April 2010. Patronage grew 4.5% in the first year and 3.5% in the second year – and it’s still growing well. “A particularly large Area Review was that undertaken in East Birmingham in March 2011. The level of growth has not been as
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good but it’s still 25% – against a backdrop of reduced retail spending and rising unemployment. The Local Transport Sustainability Fund (LTSF) should help growth in that area as it will tackle traffic pinch points.” One of the more radical reviews to date centred on Wolverhampton, when a revised network was introduced in July 2011 to coincide with the opening of the city’s brand new bus station. Many frequent hub and spoke services which previously served the facility were merged to form new cross-city routes, and no longer called at the station. “One of the difficulties was it was tied in with the bus station. The consultation found there was demand for city centre services rather than the bus station, so the network was designed around the city centre penetration. Of course,
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there’s always the significant majority who want to go to the bus station for the interchange and railway station,” explained Andy. “We’ve tweaked it since then – a prime example being the trial diversion of route 2 to serve the bus station. It seems modifying the service has actually supressed demand – in contrast to other routes.” Prior to the implementation of the most recent network review in Coventry, Andy said patronage in the city was significantly falling due to three factors: current state of the 1 The economy; centre changes – closing 2 City Broadgate; and network was too 3 The complicated. “Again, the revamp had its fair share of controversy but patronage
has risen 7% since the changes were implemented,” commented Andy.
Methodology
Explaining some of the methodology, Andy said: “Our Network Reviews are evidencebased as much as possible and there is also a substantial amount of consultation. We typically get 1,500 to 2,000 responses. People always like to say their comments are not taken into consideration – but we do. They tend to be those who don’t get out of it what they wanted. You’ll always get conflicting views. “We do a lot of analysis of existing data – ticket machines, and Centro n-bus (multi-operator ticket) monitoring. In areas of uncertainty, there’s nothing like getting someone out with a clipboard asking people for their views.” Andy continued: “We also
undertake web-based surveys, as we did in East Birmingham. However, it’s difficult to get people’s interest just before a Network Review – until it’s almost upon us. “We try to model passenger flows, taking walking, interchange times and overall journey times into consideration.” However, he conceded: “There will almost always be teething troubles. During the course of Network Reviews and separate individual Route Reviews, we look at traffic pinch points. Again, we use ticket machine and AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) data to check for accurate times. That’s leading to more seasonal changes in timetables. Birmingham’s Outer Circle 11A/C (anti-clockwise/ clockwise) is a good example. While out on the road passengers should not notice any
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inSigHt › bus networks
difference, we set different working timetables in June, September and October – when the clocks go back and traffic conditions differ. We also alter the number of buses and drivers on the road to minimise waiting times at the roadside. “Again, the 11 has been very successful. We’ve reduced EWT (Excess Waiting Times), so reliability has increased. In October and November last year there was a PR push on the route, which was all based on the 11-11-11, which led to rise in passenger numbers.” He said similar review on the Inner Circle 8A/C, because it hadn’t been touched “for years.” “We maintained frequencies, but changed running times and modernised the route to take it away from traffic hot spots. We had to increase resource. Although the Peak Vehicle Requirement (PVR) remained the same, the off-peak PVR rose to ease the running times. Buses were getting stuck in the peaks and then never catching up because of the nature of a circular route.” A key route change was instead of going via Hagley Road and Monument Road, it now continues straight over Five Ways along the A4540. NXWM has seen a 1.5% increase in patronage on the route – and that’s without renewing rolling stock. The T and V-plate MercedesBenz 0405N, which date from 1999/2000 remain in service. “The 8 is a strange route,” observed Andy. “Gradually in the areas it’s served industry has gone, which has lead to patterns of employment changing. By contrast, the 11 has not experienced that change.”
Route renumbering
An apparently highly controversial aspect of the transforming bus travel programme has been the re-numbering of routes which have been around for almost 40 years. Traditionally in the West Midlands, in broad terms to minimise confusion across the network, lower numbered routes ran into Birmingham and the 5xx series was used in Wolverhampton, while the 3xx and 4xx series was used in Walsall and West Bromwich areas. Asked to explain the idea behind the renumbering, Andy replied: “Three figure numbers were introduced in the 1970s. Criticism for changing route numbers seems to come more internally than externally. After being trialled in Walsall, we found at worst it made no difference to patronage. In fact, www.coachandbusweek.com
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Above: A Mercedes-Benz 0405N branded for the 8. Below: A Wright-bodied Volvo B7RLE works route X62
we found there was more evidence passenger numbers rose as it was easier to understand. “We believe because people changing schools, jobs and retiring means up to a third of our passengers are doing something different this year compared to last year, which is where the renumbering comes in. “For example, in North Walsall, going up Lichfield Road people could get the 334, 346, 348, 394 etc. By contrast, those routes are 8, 9 and 10, which is far easier to remember. Existing passengers can cope with a change in their route number and don’t stop travelling because of changing numbers. “Look at where Stagecoach and Go-Ahead Group have been successful with renumbering. The citi network in Oxford is a prime example – 30 years ago you had a complex network yet now the Blackbird Leys is just the 5. “I found it interesting in Wolverhampton how when speaking
to people in the city centre, none said they caught the 559 to Ashmore Park – they said the 59, so we only did what people want.”
Mixed results
Clearly, it would be wrong to suggest all reviews have resulted in headline-grabbing growth – something Andy is not afraid to admit. A prime example is the mixed results achieved with the South Birmingham Network Review. “We made fewer changes in South Birmingham than other places so the patronage has not been so good,” explained Andy. “However, in areas where we made more changes, such as in Weoley Castle by boosting the 29s, we have seen increased ridership.” Andy said an “interesting experiment” was to introduce two limited stop services – the X62 (Birmingham to Frankley, via Selly Oak & Rubery) and X64 (Birmingham to Rubery via Selly Oak, Weoley Castle, Frankley &
Rubery). “There has been growth overall on the Bristol Road corridor but it’s not been as strong as other areas. I think the problem is the two services have not got enough time advantage over all stop services. Their introduction was probably more led by the public consultation rather than strict analysis. Put it this way, it’s certainly led me to be more wary of people saying they will use something rather than historically what they’ve done. “Some further tweaks have since been introduced, with the X62 serving Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Birmingham University. Essentially we’ve given both routes two years to grow and had vehicle investment in new Volvo singledeckers.” As Andy rightly acknowledged, “It’s about taking a balanced risk. If we would be overcautious, we would just have taken cost out and reduced frequencies. Clearly that’s not the answer.”
Conclusion
Perhaps Andy summed things up when he observed: “If you look back to the golden years of public transport in the mid and late 1950s, Midland Red ran a bus every 15 minutes between Walsall and Birmingham. We’re now operating a stopping service on an eight-minute frequency and a fast every 10 minutes during peak periods. It shows you have to experiment and adapt travel patterns. You’ve got to do things to promote and encourage growth, but sometimes that means upsetting a few people.”
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DELIVERIES
JEWELS TOURS Jewels Tours of Gravesend, Kent, has again opted for the Scania/Irizar combination for its recently acquired new high spec PB touring coach. Focussing on passenger comfort, the operator decided on just 46 seats and has had fitted, by AD Systems, a rear servery/kitchen unit which includes a pull-out fridge,
cupboard and toaster. Jewels has established a close business relationship with the Scania South East dealership in Sittingbourne where the coach will be cared for within an inclusive repair and maintenance arrangement. Now operating two PBs, the firm chose Scania/ Irizar again because of the reliable aftersales support received over the years
and the professionalism of the complete procurement process, as well as the “head turning” attributes of the PB which continues to impress customers. Julie Loynes, Managing Director, told CBW: “This PB is an upgrade to our fleet and replaces a five-yearold model. It’s been with us for seven weeks and it’s gone down well with our customers. The driver really likes it too. It’s mainly being used on tours and day trips as well as some private hire.”
WILFREDA BEEHIVE Wilfreda Beehive has recently taken delivery of five new Scania K400EB 6x2*4 coaches. Four of the vehicles are Scania’s own OmniExpress vehicles. These vehicles were specified with 63 reclining seats threepoint belts, twin monitors and Bosch professional line audio/video equipment. Seat
FACT FILE
CHASSIS/BODy Scania/Irizar EngInE 13-litre EGR TRAnSmISSIOn 2-Pedal
OptiCruise SEATS 46 SpEC Touring
SUppLIED By
Scania (Great Britain) 01908 210210 www.scania.co.uk
TRAVEL DE COURCEY Travel de Courcey has invested £1.7m in 10 Mercedes-Benz Citaros as part of its contract to operate the on-site shuttle bus service for the NEC Group in Birmingham. The buses were officially unveiled during the recent Euro Bus Expo. Each two-door vehicle can transport up to 101 passengers at a time between the car parks and hotels to exhibition halls located around the site. Adrian de Courcey, Director of Travel de Courcey, said: “The Citaros are exceptionally high-quality buses and we are confident their attractive appearance and high specification will further help to create a positive
back tables, foot rests and leather trimmed headrest inserts all compliment the passenger seats. The fifth vehicle is a 13.9m 50-seater Irizar i6. All five benefit from a reversing camera and Scania’s two-year repair & maintenance programme. Phil Haxby, Director, told CBW: “These coaches are partly replacing older vehicles and partly representing expansion. “We received them in
the wider region and now a depot at the NEC. Gary Masters, Security and Traffic Operations Manager at NEC Group, said: “Travel de Courcey is not just a service provider for us, but they are now very much part of Team NEC; their staff are part of our team and like our other service partners, we work seamlessly together to provide the best service to our customers and visitors.” FACT FILE
CHASSIS/BODy Mercedes-Benz
Citaro
impression to the millions of visitors to the NEC each year. “Winning this prestigious contract is further recognition of Travel de Courcey being a major player in the
provision of public transport in the West Midlands and Warwickshire regions. It has resulted in the creation and safeguarding of up to 27 jobs.”
The work with the NEC Group follows Travel de Courcey’s expansion from its base in Coventry, with a new depot in Newtown Row, Birmingham, to serve
EngInE 6.9-litre Euro 5 TRAnSmISSIOn Automatic
6-speed ZF EcoLife SEATS 63 SpEC Synetics CCTV SUppLIED By
Evobus UK 02476 626000 www.evobus.co.uk
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Have you taken delivery of a new vehicle and want to tell the world about it? Email all the details and pictures to james.day@ coachandbusweek.com
early June. The feedback has been great. Our drivers like Scanias.” The coaches are being used on a number of duties, including Wilfreda’s extensive holiday programme and private hires. Additional feedback from customers has prompted the firm to remove eight of the seats in a couple of the OmniExpress vehicles to give greater legroom which has resulted in very high levels of customer satisfaction. FACT FilE
CHASSiS/BOdy Scania
OmniExpress and Irizar i6 EnginE 13-litre Euro 5 Scania TrAnSmiSSiOn 8-speed 2-pedal Opticruise SEATS 63 and 59 SpEC Touring SUppliEd By
Scania (Great Britain) 01908 210210 www.scania.co.uk
ROBINSONS HOLIDAYS A new B9R coach with Plaxton Panther bodywork joins a growing number of Volvos in the fleet of Blackburn-based Robinsons Holidays of Great Harwood. The Lancashire operator has a fleet of 16 vehicles, 11 of which are now built on the Volvo chassis. “We know Volvo very well,” explained Robinsons Holidays Director, David Lord. “Our new B9R has already entered service and we’ve just finalised the purchase of another Volvo coach, to be delivered at the end of this year. “The reason we went with the B9R was it allowed us a generous seating capacity of 53, but on a two-axle chassis. Added to that is the back-up, service and support you get with Volvo, which is supplied
to us by Thomas Hardie Commercials in Deeside and Preston.” “Our vehicles cover a lot of miles,” he continued. “They travel all over the country and down to our hotels on the South Coast, so we need to be able to trust in the product and by specifying Volvo – we can. “I’d also, once again, like to put on record my thanks to Volvo Bus Regional Sales
Manager, Duncan Crosby, for his continuing hard work and customer service. I’ve dealt with Duncan over many years and he and Volvo really are first class.” Robinsons’ new B9R is finished in the firm’s highly recognisable dark blue livery and features a 9.4-litre diesel engine capable of 380hp, connected to the Volvo I-Shift gearbox. The vehicle is also
specified with a TV monitor, CD/DVD player and sound system, while an onboard reversing camera provides an added aid for the driver during manoeuvres. “Robinsons was the first operator in Lancashire to take a new B13R earlier this year,” explained Duncan. “They’ve now followed it up with a new B9R. This demonstrates the solid relationship which has formed between Robinsons and Volvo. They are a pleasure to deal with.” FACT FilE
CHASSiS/BOdy B9R Plaxton
Panther
EnginE 380hp 9.4-litre diesel TrAnSmiSSiOn Volvo I-Shift SEATS 53 SpEC Touring SUppliEd By
Volvo 02476 210250 www.volvobuses.com/bus/uk/ en-gb
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OPEN PLATFORM › DENNIS DART
All’s fare & unfair Coach & Bus Week’s new columnist, Dennis Dart, a key industry figure, asks why the operation of local bus services is of such interest to politicians and bemoans concessionary fares reimbursement and fuel duty rebate Why do bus services hold such a fascination for politicians? Why do they wade in with their wonderful new policies and ideas at every opportunity? Why are they so quick to tell operators what they are ‘doing wrong’ but slow in correcting anything they do which doesn’t work? I believe it’s all our own fault. We make it look so easy, whether it is altering a local route or timetable to accommodate a local Councillor’s wishes, or co-operating in major schemes such as concessionary fares. We just raise our eyebrows, scratch our heads and reach for a pencil and rubber, (or computer) and – hey presto! It all happens! Let us just examine the concessionary fares scheme. Nobody is denying the elderly the right to free travel paid for by the government, but it’s the last part of that sentence which is wrong. The bus operators are subsidising the government as we do not get paid the rate for the job. Do you recall the wording when they first introduced the scheme? ‘No better or worse off’ was the slogan. Yet the government’s own statistics show that not to be the case. It’s getting worse, not improving. Can you imagine the government telling Tesco that they must provide a loaf of bread free to the elderly and the government will then reimburse them with 50% of the cost? Easy. Tesco and the like would simply stop selling bread. But we cannot stop carrying passengers. Yet there is no equivalent concessionary fares scheme available on the railways, and have you ever asked yourself why? It’s simple – the government would have to pick the entire tab up itself, with nobody else to carry the burden for them! Now let us look at BSOG (Bus Service Operators Grant). It was originally known as FDR – Fuel Duty Rebate – and it was simply a way of returning the tax paid on fuel to local service bus operators, which was a reasonable thing to do and enabled the operators to charge lower fares. Gradually the gap widened between the amount of tax paid and the figure returned, until some bright spark had the idea of renaming it BSOG, thus being able to divorce it from the tax regime entirely. Now it appears BSOG will be withdrawn from operators running tendered services, with it being paid instead to the Local Authorities (LAs), where it will not be ring-fenced and can be www.coachandbusweek.com
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Bus operators are subsidising the government’s concessionary fares scheme, according to Dennis Dart. An elderly gentleman boards a GHA Coaches service in Wrexham – which appropriately enough, is operated using a Mini Pointer Dart… spent on anything they wish. The result will be an increase in price to the LAs, so nothing will be achieved. However, if the government decides to divert all of the current BSOG payments on commercial services to the LAs as well, then the results will be dramatic, with bus routes and services being cut left, right and centre. Don’t forget the passenger transport industry provides employment for many thousands of people, plus many more thousands in the supply chain. Buses carry more people to work on a daily basis than all other modes of public transport added together. That is a huge number of people who rely on us, yet the government treats our industry as though it is of little importance or significance. However, when there is a catastrophe of any description affecting transport, which mode is up and running first? Yes, of course – the buses. You only have to look across the Atlantic to New York where they suffered a severe storm which shut everything down, but it was the buses which resumed first, before the trains, subways, taxis or private cars. We are looked upon as the poor relations to the railways, the airlines and the ferries. We don’t possess the ‘oomph’ and we aren’t ‘sexy’ enough! However, let’s return to BSOG or the imposition of tax on the fuel that we use. Did you know the railways pay very little, the ferries nothing, airlines nothing, helicopters nothing, private light aircraft nothing? So why do buses? As one Politician stated, when confronted with
that statement said “they never have” and when pressed further as to why it could not be a level playing field the retort was “we daren’t impose it now.” One has to ask – why not? This industry of ours just sits quietly and takes whatever is thrown at it. We don’t jump up and down, we don’t make a fuss, we might grumble amongst ourselves, but we just get on with the job. Maybe its time for us to be more vocal, and to bring to the attention of the travelling public the fact that their services are near breaking point due to the increasing financial burden being heaped upon the operators? 2013 is going to be a very interesting, but difficult year for the bus industry, and I fear for its future in its current form. The opinions and views expressed by authors and contributors within Coach & Bus Week are not necessarily those of the Editor or its publisher Coach & Bus Week Ltd. If you want to let off some steam, just tap away at the keyboard and send your rant (or carefully-reasoned views) to gareth. evans@coachandbusweek.com, or fax 0845 280 2927. Make ‘Open Platform’ the subject line. Alternatively, send your missive to: CBW, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX
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5 ) & ." 3 , & 5 ' 0 3 7 & ) * $ & 4 1 3 0 % 6 $ 5 4 " / % 4 & 3 7 * $ & 4 1RZ RQ F RDF KDQGEXV PDU NH W F RP RSH U DW RU V F DQ V H O O XV H G Y H KL F O H V DO O \ H DU U RXQG I U RP DV O L W W O H DV Â… H [F O XGL QJ 9$7 %X\ RQH RI RXU JU H DW Y DO XH I XO O \ H DU DG SDF NDJH V I U RP W KH ZH EV L W H DQG V W DU W V H O O L QJ V W U DL JKW DZD\
Â… D \HDU
Â… D \HDU 8QO L PL W HG RQO L QH Y H KL F O H I RU V DO H DGY H U W L V H PH QW V RQ F RDF KDQGEXV PDU NH W F RP 8S W R SHU ZHHN RI [ SUL QW DGYHUW L VHPHQW V L Q &RDF K %XV :H H N PDJD] L QH +DO I SUL FH UHFUXL W PHQW DGV L Q &RDF K %XV :H H N PDJD] L QH DQQXDO GL JL W DO VXEVFUL SW L RQV W R F RDF KDQGEXV ZH H N F RP DQQXDO SUL QW VXEVFUL SW L RQ W R &RDF K %XV :H H N PDJD] L QH
([F O XGL QJ 9$7
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40 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 12, 2012
U P B E W F S U J T F P O U I F T F Q B H F T G P S B T M J U U M F B T c K V T U D B M M 2003 Mercedes Sprinter
2007 Bova Futura Executive 49 seater, low mileage at 188,000 miles, WC facilities, tea and coffee making facilities, reclining seats, full service history, taxed and tested until March 2013, any inspection welcome, plus possible tour work provided.
UNVI RIADA GT -2008
Call 01246 233765 or email info@novatours.co.uk
2002 DAF SB120 SLF Wrights Cadet 10.8m
• Wheelchair accessible • 15 seater
20098 Scania K340 Irizar Century
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. ÂŁ56,900 + VAT Call Dougie at HAGGIS Adventures on 0131 554 9192
Low mileage, 92,800kms, wheelchair accessible (rear underfloor cassette lift) with 15 seats or 10 plus 3 wheelchairs. Superb mechanical condition, calibrated analogue tachograph. MOT till Sept 2013.
ÂŁ5,500
The Street Earsham NR35 2TZ Tel: 07825187488
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. 39 seats + 23 standees, fully DDA compliant, Hanover LED, Cummins/Allison, very clean ex-lease vehicle. ÂŁ21,950 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk
2008 Scania K340 Irizar PB
ZF automatic, 49 seats, climate control, TV/DVD, Euro 4 EGR (no AdBlue required).
ÂŁ145,000
Scania Bus and Coach 01909 553102
ÂŁ19,950.00
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
1998 Volvo B10M Jonckheere Mistral <RXÂś UH L Q FRQW URO
ZF automatic, 49 seats, climate control, centre sunken toilet, Euro 4 EGR (no AdBlue required).
ÂŁ149,000
Converted to 70-seater in September using Cogent 3+2 seating all fitted with 3 point belts, MOTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d till October 2013, no known defects.
Scania Bus and Coach 01909 553102
ÂŁ35,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365
2008 DDA Iveco Beulas Cygnus
2002 DAF SB220 SLF Ikarus Polaris 12m
53 seats, centre wheelchair lift (PLS), Hanover destination equipment, Cursor 10 450bhp engine, ZF AS-Tronic gearbox, Euro 4.
ÂŁ120,000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PX accepted
Scania Bus & Coach 01909 553102
44 seats + 25 standees, DDA compliant, Hanover LED, DAF/ZF, very clean ex-lease vehicle. ÂŁ15,000 + VAT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CHOICE Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk
7DNH W KH SKRW RV ZU L W H W KH DG DQG F KDQJH L W O DW H U L I \ RX ZDQW W R DO O I U RP \ RXU RQO L QH GDV KERDU G 6H O O L QJ D Y H KL F O H L V V L PSO H RQ
Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
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December 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 1
U P B E W F S U J T F P O U I F T F Q B H F T G P S B T M J U U M F B T c K V T U D B M M
BARGAINS – MUST GO DUE TO RESTRUCTURING MAYPOLE COACHES HAVE THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES FOR SALE: 74 bus seats, Eminox exhaust, 12 months MOT, air-con, choice of 4 £9,550 + VAT each
1997 VOLVO OLYMPIANS
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 £248,000 + 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 £21,500+VAT
1994 VOLVO B10M JONCKHEERE DEAUVILLE
Retrimmed 2 yr ago, 12 mths MOT, 51 seats with belts, toilet, DVD/monitor £11,250 + VAT
Tel: 01787 477 701 Email: info@coachcompany.co.uk 2000 SCANIA T9
53 seats, excellent condition, PSD 26/5/13, Taxed 30/4/13, service records. £24,750
1993 VOLVO B10M VANHOOL T8 BODYWORK
12 mths MOT, toilet, DVD/monitor, 49 seats with belts £10,250 + VAT
1 ) 0 5 0 4 " / % ' 6 $ 0 0 6 3 " 4 4 5 " / % " 3 % 0 / " 7 & ) * $ & ' 0 3 4 " & " % 7 & 3 5 * 4 & .& / 5 4
Contact William on 07733 914050
2000 Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer 10.1m
1996 Toyota Optimo
28 seats + 29 standees, Cummins/Allison, DDA compliant, very clean ex-lease vehicle, supplied with new MOT. £8,000 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk
18 high backed seats with belts, MOT 23rd May 2013 re-panelled and re-painted August 2012, looks good and drives well. £5,000 For further information please contact: Nigel Busbridge on 01303 261870 or email nigel@buzzlines.co.uk
Scania K360 Irizar Century
2006 Setra 416 GTHD
Back off contract hire. Euro 5 EGR (no AdBlue), 2-pedal Opticruise automated gearbox, 49 seats, climate control.
£175,000
Scania Bus and Coach 01909 553102
49 reclining seats with lap belts, toilet/fridge/hot water boiler, CD/DVD player, Euro 4 certified, owned by us from new, good condition. £95,000 + VAT For further information please contact: Nigel Busbridge on 01303 261870 or email nigel@buzzlines.co.uk
ZF gearbox, Cummins engine, 63 seats with 3 point seat belts, 12 months MOT, 3 point belts, tacho, choice of 2 £5,500 + VAT each
1992 LEYLAND LYNX
Tel: 0151 547 2713 or 07802 235778 2009 Scania K340 Irizar PB 12.2m
1997 Scania K113 VanHool Alizee
LD O S 49 seats, climate control, WC, TV/DVD, Euro 4 EGR (no AdBlue).
£159,000
Eminox exhaust fitted to euro 4, comfort shift gearbox, converted this year to a 70-seater using Cogent seating, very clean and tidy.
Scania Bus and Coach 01909 553102
£33,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365
2008 Scania K340 Irizar PB 12.2m
2003 Dennis Trident 2 SLF Alex 400 10.5m
ZF automatic, 49 seats, climate control, WC, TV/DVD, Euro 4 EGR (no AdBlue), white.
£145,000
Scania Bus and Coach 01909 553102
67 seats + 18 standees, Cummins euro IV/ZF, conversion to single door available – please call for details. Very clean ex-lease vehicle. £27,500 + VAT – CHOICE Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk
Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com
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Ensig DOUBLE DECK 1999 T/V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS
LEZ
COMPLIANT
Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps, Plaxton President bodies, 62 seats dual door (£13,000) or 70 when converted to single door (£16,000).
Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats.
1999/2000/2001 V/X/51 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS
Cummins / Allison, Wrights Cadet body, ramp, wheelchair space, Hanover LED’s, CCTV, 39 retrimmed individual seats, from our own fleet and very tidy.
2000 DAF SB120
1999 T/V REG DENNIS DART SLF’S
Caetano Compass bodies, 39 seats, ramps.
2000 W REG MINI POINTER DART
Volvo Euro 2 engine, ZF gearbox, Northern Counties body, 78 seats.
1997/98 VOLVO OLYMPIAN
Cummins / Allison, 8.8m, 29 seats.
1998 R/S REG OPTARE SOLO’S
ZF automatic, LEZ compliant, Van Hool T9 body, 53 seats.
2001 Y REG DAF SB3000
Merc engines , 8.5m long, 30 seats. £4500 each plus tyres.
2001 Y REG DENNIS DARTS
Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, 10.1m , Cummins Euro 2 engines, DDA, 31 seats, CCTV, particulate traps fitted, LEZ compliant, only £6000 each plus tyres.
2005 MINI POINTER DART Cummins Euro 3, Allison automatic, 8.8m, 29 seats, new MOT.
OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -
Juliette Close, Purfleet Industrial Telephone 01708 865656 Fax: 01708 8 Visit our website for current s
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nbus
K ER SPECIALIST 1998 R REG VOLVO B10BLE’S Manual, Ikarus body, 53 seats, air-con.
1998 R REG DAF SB300
ZF 6 speed manual, Plaxton Premiere 350, 53 seats.
1998 R REG DENNIS JAVELIN
Euro 3 Cummins engines with traps, Marshall bodies, 8.8m, 25 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.
2002 DART SLFs
Cummins L10 / ZF, Alexander RH body, 78 seats with retractable belts, MOT Oct 2013, tacho.
1992 LEYLAND OLYMPIAN
2002 52 PLATE VOLVO B7TL’S
Voith automatic gearboxes, SLF, Alexander ALX300 bodies, 44 seats and 27 standing, heavy duty low floor buses. They can also be converted to be DDA compliant.
2002 02 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS
Euro 3 Cummins engines, DDA compliant , Plaxton President bodies, Hanover LED’s, 67 seats converted to single door or 62 seats as dual door.
Van Hool Alizee body , 55 seats, MOT 10/13, £4500 plus tyres (£275).
1993 K REG DAF MB230
2001 Y REG MINI POINTER DARTS
Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, 8.8m, Cummins Euro 2 engines, DDA, 25 seats, CCTV , particulate traps fitted, LEZ compliant.
2002 52 plate Volvo B7TL’s, Euro 3 with particulate traps, LEZ and DDA compliant, Alexander ALX400 bodies, 67 seats converted to single door or 62 seats as dual door.
Cummins / Allison, Alexander ALX200 bodies, 9.2m, 27 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.
2001 Y REG DARTS
- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 8 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com t stock at www.ensignbus.com
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NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS New Ford Transit 17 seat 4.3ton 135ps minibus. From £20,595 + VAT
(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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46 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 12, 2012
2002 (52 reg) Optare Solo M850
Dennis Dart Super Pointer 45 seats with belts, Tacho, Euro4 with RPC/LEZ, ready to go
Mercedes engine, 27 seats 23 with belts, currently undergoing body prep and paint.
£13,950
£17,950
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552
49 reclining seats, Manual, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £40,000
Mercedes Touro
65 reclining seats, Automatic, A/C, W/C £40,000
Jonckheere Mistral, MAN
49 reclining seats, AS Tronic gearbox, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £95,000
31 reclining seats, Manual, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio £68,000
61 reclining seats, AS Tronic gearbox, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £120,000
65 reclining seats, One Shift gearbox, LEZ compliant, Disabled access, A/C, W/C, CD, Radio, DVD, 2 Monitors £125,000
MAXI 3, Iveco
Neoplan Euroliner, MAN
Plaxton Panther, MAN
Plaxton Panther, Volvo
Contact Daniel Gillison dan@applegates.co.uk 01453 810314 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
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
000000-1064-Ventura
26/11/12
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48 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 12, 2012
2002 52 Reg Mercedes Sprinter 413D
IN STOCK
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 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
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
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
DARTLINE 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)
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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
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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50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 12, 2012
THIS SATURDAY
PREES WINTER BUS, PLANT & TRUCK AUCTION
Saturday 15th December 2012 Viewing Friday 14th December
Press Storage Ltd, A49, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 3JX
2010 Van Hool 14.04 Astron T917 MAN - EURO 5 COACH & BUS SECTION – 3pm
ONLY ONE COACH AVAILABLE UNTIL 2014
Including Parcel of Mercedes 515 Soroco & 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 1999 T Reg Dennis Trident
8QO L PL W HG RQO L QH Y H KL F O H I RU V DO H DGY H U W L V H PH QW V RQ F RDF KDQGEXV PDU NH W F RP 8S W R SHU ZHHN RI [ SUL QW DGYHUW L VHPHQW V L Q &RDF K %XV :H H N PDJD] L QH +DO I SUL FH UHFUXL W PHQW DGV L Q &RDF K %XV :H H N PDJD] L QH
([F O XGL QJ 9$7
D \HDU
KKKKKKDU NH W KK L V RXU QH Z V W DQGDU G DQQXDO DG SDF NDJH V I RU 2 O L F H QF H KRO GH U V
£17,950.00
For more information visit
www.staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774/07803 222552 V d PS ste te
DQQXDO GL JL W DO VXEVFUL SW L RQV W R F RDF KDQGEXV ZH H N F RP
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
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
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December 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 51
BUILDINGS
AUDIO & VIDEO
ENGINEERING SUPPORT
HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS
Bus Workshops - Secure Storage Supplied any width, any length Building to BS5590 - Doors high enough for Double Deckers - Finance available For further information phone
BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime
CHECKPOINTS
Wheel Nut Indicators and Retainers
++44(0)1524 44(0)1524 2271200 71200 checkpoint-safety.com
www.
5 I F NB S L F U G P S 7 F I J D M F T 1 S P E V D U T B O E 4 F S W J D F T
CRAIG TILSLEY Suppliers of Reconditioned
ENGINES
Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527 Fax: 01782 791316
Email: info@craigtilsley.co.uk www.craigtilsley.co.uk
DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS PUMPS ETC
Moorfields Industrial Estate, Cotes Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST21 6QY
FUEL MANAGEMENT
‘Stop Fuel Theft’ Prevents access to tank, while allowing unrestricted filling Prevents trash being put into tank Wide range to suit most coach and bus fuel tanks
Contact JBL Mechanical Engineers
GARAGE EQUIPMENT
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
7L PH L V PRQH\
Green Fields • Stanton • Shrewsbury • Shropshire SY4 4LR
Tel: 01939 251 351• Fax: 01939 251 051 Mobile: 07831 332 913
8SO RDG \ RXU Y H KL F O H DG L Q D PDW W H U RI PL QXW H V DQG L Q QR W L PH DW DO O W KH F DO O V F RXO G EH F RPL QJ L Q
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52 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 12, 2012
INSURANCE
REGISTRATIONS
TRAINING
FOR SALE
Registration numbers 600 VTW MJI 2378 MJI 2379 DAZ 5046 DAZ 4523 DAZ 4518 HIL 7968 RIB 6581
robert@angelacoaches.com Tel 023 8040 3170
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
<RX¶ UH L Q FRQW URO
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
LIVERY
TRIM REGISTRATIONS G £690 CEZ 75 DNZ 45 JXI 62 MXI 42 OXI 76 PEZ 58 TUI 18 TUI 19 VIB 92
SPEEDY REGISTRATIONS CO LTD G ‘Buy with confidence – CNDA Member’
£350 £99 £99 £50 ACZ 727 DXZ 1150 LIG 1220 CXZ 4470 AJZ 262 FRZ 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 1517 SBZ 171 JIG 9792 RUI 2117 FRZ 1518 VIW 979 JIG 9793 SUI 8836 JFZ 8261 WJI 848 KIG 6556 SUI 8837 JFZ 8262 XJI 474 KIG 6557 TJZ 1119 KIG 8781 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange
Tel: (028) 6638 7124 Fax: (028) 6638 7771
Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ
COACH TRIMMERS LTD £50 KIG 8782 LIG 1621 LIG 1622 LIG 1623 RNZ 9198 SNZ 2274 SNZ 2275 TUI 7991 TUI 7992
Supplying the Bus and Coach Industry with quality seat retrims and interior refurbishment. Full floors re-laid and centre gangways. Collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK, seven days a week.
Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk
Tel/Fax: 01751 472229
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MANAGEMENT & REPAIRS
MOUNTAIN TYRES LTD VEHICLE CERTIFICATE AGENCY
QUALITY AVON TREAD USED
Mountain Tyres is a newly established company making commercial retreaded tyres. We have a modern retreading plant based near Caerphilly, and we only use Grade One Tyre Casings in the production of all our tyres to produce a top quality tyre. All our tyres are guaranteed against failure.
• FREE DELIVERY FOR ALL ORDERS OVER 10 TYRES • Our staff have over 25 years experience in the Retreading industry and we are Certified by the Vehicle Certificate Agency
PRICE LIST
205-75-17.5 from ........................................................£50.00 215-75-17.5 from ........................................................£50.00 245-70-19.5 from ........................................................£60.00 275-70-22.5 from .....................................................£120.00 295-80-22.5 from .....................................................£125.00 315-80-22.5 from .....................................................£125.00 385-65-22.5 from .....................................................£135.00 MAJOR REPAIRS ..........................................................£35.00 MINOR REPAIRS ..........................................................£15.00 All Prices Plus VAT
Email: bernard.llewellyn@btopenworld.com Ffynonau-Duon Farm, Pentwyn, Bargoed, Caerphilly, CF81 9NP
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Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd
TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY
Call 01226 723147 Night Service 01226 716479 Fax 01226 700199 Email wigleys@btconnect.com
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54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | December 12, 2012
Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com, fax 0845 2802927 or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX
The world’s best bacon butty A bacon butty from a roadside cafe on the A90 between Dundee and Perth has been named the best in the world in an online poll – according to STV. Made by The Horn milk bar, the snack has attracted around 800 votes on technology news website www.theregister.co.uk. Named the ‘A90 Behemoth’ the snack beat rivals from across the world. The £3.60 meal is made with between 10 and 15 rashers of unsmoked streaky bacon on a soft white roll. The Horn’s owner Kenny Farquharson said he was delighted. He said “It feels great to win, especially when it’s worldwide. We’re not cheap but we like to think we give value for money. We probably put more bacon on our rolls than anyone else.” Kenny added: “You’ve got to have the right ingredients. We get bacon from the butchers in Blairgowrie and the rolls come from a bakery in Dundee.”
Can’t put a price on honesty…
An Austrian bus driver has been praised for his honesty after handing in a bag he found on his bus containing €390,000 (£315,000) in cash. The sum, made up of neatlystacked €500 banknotes, represented the entire life savings
Dilbert
Monday: Press day. It’s a particularly late finish by our standards these days – leave the office at 2300hrs.
It’s astonishing to think a year has passed since the last Mercedes-Benz Citaro bendy bus ran on scheduled TfL service in London. The honour (depending on whether you sit in the pro- or anti- artic camp) fell to First very early in the morning of Saturday, December 10, 2011. The last journey to depart was driven by the photographer, Matthew Wool, from Hayes By-Pass, arriving at White City at 0054hrs – although due to a significant difference in directional running time, the last bus to actually still be in passenger service was the final journey from White City to Hayes ByPass, which arrived after 0100. This photo shows Mercedes-Benz Citaro no.EA11049 (LK05EZX) after it arrived at White City. of an elderly lady whom the police managed to track down. The 77-year-old had withdrawn the funds from the bank earlier the same day before forgetting them on the bus. The driver, named as Wolfgang R, said he initially thought the bag behind the driver’s seat might contain medicines. “I always do my rounds and see if someone has forgotten something,” he told a local newspaper of the incident, which happened in late November 2012.
“I took the bag, looked into it and saw some of the money. There were many notes - something you never see.” Police were able to trace the owner through a passport and bank deposit slips which had also been left in the bag. The man’s employers, public transport authority Wiener-line, said they were very proud to have such an honest employee. It is not known whether he was given a reward for returning the cash to its rightful owner.
Tuesday: Start in the office at 0830hrs after dropping my better half off at work. With my old clothes on, make a start on a partial re-arrangement of the office to accommodate an additional member of staff. The girls are impressed by my vacumming techniques and ask where I learned them – at home and at Tanat Valley Coaches. Moving desks is afterall, a prime opporunity to reach the nooks & crannies – as it were. Friendly office banter is of course a vital ingredient on such occasions as it helps to get the job done easier and minimises stress. Wednesday: A hectic day in the office feature writing. Also try to sort out an irritating IT issue to no avail. The new member of staff starts in the office but I don’t get to speak to her until the end of the day – when she spots me putting the dishwasher to go. Thursday: Finish typing up the first part of an interview with a soon to be retired industry professional. It’s full of serious and amusing tales of the past, which even if I say so myself, I’m sure will make some interesting reading for a forthcoming issue or two. I make a point of introducing the new face to CBW’s editorial and sales teams. I always try to make people feel welcome. Hand over another completed feature for Art Director Keith for design. Friday: A particularly busy day getting material to Keith and sub-editing designed pages. It is after all, effectively the second press day of the week. By close of play we’ve got about two-thirds of the editorial pages completed – the position I like us to be in by Friday. Head ‘back home’ to the Welsh borderland in the evening.
www.coachandbusweek.com
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RECRUITMENT
New AOM for Stagecoach Manchester St Andrews Univerity graduate Abbey Pettigrew has been appointed as an Assistant Operations Manager at Stagecoach Manchester. Abbey, who is now based in Cheadle, south Manchester previously worked at Stagecoach Oxfordshire for a year, as a Graduate Trainee, where she worked in various areas of the business, from engineering to commercial operations – in addition to spending time driving the buses after gaining her PCV license. Her new role at Stagecoach Manchester’s Stockport depot involves managing over 400 drivers and 158 vehicles, to maintain high levels of customer service, ensuring the depot’s operations run efficiently and manage drivers’
DEADlINES Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm
training and conduct. Commenting on her appointment, Abbey said: “My time with Stagecoach Oxfordshire gave me a great insight into all areas of the business and I am now looking forward to using this knowledge to help support the operations team and continue to build on the successful reputation of this busy garage. “A key part of my new role will be working with the wider team, specifically the bus drivers, to ensure our customers continue to receive the best service possible, which is something Stagecoach Manchester prides itself on.” Christopher Bowles, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester, said: “Abbey’s endless enthusiasm, commitment and previous experience will be extremely beneficial to Stagecoach Manchester. We know her appointment will assist the whole team in continuing the outstanding service already offered from the Stockport depot.”
Heavy Vehicle Technician Do you have the right stuff to join our highly experienced team, based at our excellent workshop in Lower Sydenham, South East London? Requirements for the successful candidate will be: • Fully skilled HGV/PCV Technician • Experience of all types of repairs to commercial vehicles • Background in Mercedes/Setra/Scania coaches preferred but not essential • HGV/PCV licence essential • Conscientious and reliable, able to work on own initiative. We offer: • Competitive salary • Training and development programme • Excellent working facilities, friendly team, modern vehicles • Group personal pension scheme • Paid holiday For more information or for an application form please call 0208 768 9637 and ask for Steve Holden. Alternatively please complete and application form online at our website www.clarkescoaches.co.uk
December 12, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 55
CONTACT Ian Gillis 01733 293484
ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com
Stagecoach recognises long serving staff members A group of dedicated Stagecoach Manchester staff members have been recognised at the company’s annual Long Service Awards, where they celebrated more than 1,000 years’ collective service.
Long serving Manchester staff
A total of 34 staff, who have each served between 20 and 45 years with Stagecoach Manchester, were congratulated by Cllr Andrew Fender and presented with a gift of their choice at the Long Service Awards dinner, which was recently held at the city’s Lowry Hotel. The recipients included bus drivers, engineers and inspectors from across the company’s four depots, situated in Ashton, Sharston, Stockport and on Hyde Road. Christopher Bowles, MD of Stagecoach Manchester, said: “In this industry, having a solid group of loyal and long serving staff members is the key to running a successful operation. Each recipient had at least 20 years’ service and seven members of staff were recognised for 40 years or more with the company, which is an incredible achievement.”
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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