Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1002

Wednesday September 7, 2011 Issue 1002 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

BUS:

First £27m investment in provincial smartcard ticketing scheme p8

PEOPLE:

COACH:

Clayton Jones wins CBT and NatEx appeal but �ined £9,975 rail against Coach & licence cut p6 Concession cut p8

Inside this week...

Minibus

First Coaches gets re-styled Temsa Safari HDs

OPERATOR: Xelabus: Success fuelled by sheer enthusiasm p28

for recru i

JOB ADV tment EVERY WERTS EEK

p6

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THIS WEEK

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

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A smart move?

T

he lead story on p8 of this issue is First’s landmark decision to invest a staggering £27m in equipping its 5,000-strong fleet with contactless payment ticketing technology.

Giles Fearnley is certainly not wrong when he describes it as a “groundbreaking announcement for the bus industry” and one which is “good news” for First’s customers.

It’s a quite literally a smart move. Having the ability to cap fares is arguably a positive competitive tool yet one which genuinely makes bus travel easier. Let’s hope the fine folks at the OFT see it that way.

Rightly or wrongly, many will view this as the latest part of Fearnley’s mark on FirstGroup. Will the next major book on First include a chapter entitled ‘The Fearnley era’?

I certainly have a lot of respect for him.

On a coaching note, as the date of its withdrawal steps ever closer, the campaign to retain concessionary coach services fares has stepped up a gear (see p10).

While the combined efforts of National Express and CBT are commendable, realistically I believe it is all but set in stone. In the context of fiscal prudence, it’s an obvious place for the axe to fall – being perceived as a ‘nice to have’ rather than a necessity, and hence the least politically damaging option.

However, I believe the coach changes may yet have an impact on the wider issue of concessionary travel – they will serve as an indicator.

National Express says it runs 18 routes where between 32% and 51% of passengers use the concession. Is this something of a test bed for potential cut backs, ahem ‘revisions’, to concessionary fares on local bus services?

Whether the data will be available for analysis is quite another matter but it will certainly be interesting to see if those currently using concessionary passes will continue to do so once the clock has been turned back to the days of ‘pensioner rate’ fares.

Gareth Evans Editor

CONTENTS 4

28

38

The latest from the industry in the UK and internationally

18

Hampshire independent bus operator marks its first birthday

32

Richard Charnley talks about administrative matters & tachos

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

22

Heroics, tributes and achievements in the world of drivers

34

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dual-fuel roadtested, new low-floor minibus

All the new vehicles in operators’ yards across the UK

24

The latest High Court & Employment Tribunal on rulings

36

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Gareth’s Diary!

CBW looks at suppliers of engines, transmissions & exhausts

Delaine Buses’ 61-plate Wright Gemini on its first ‘in service’ trip

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

Tour News Deliveries

Essential Guide

Xelabus profile Drivers

Legal Update

The Big Picture

Open Platform

41

Minibus

69

Last Stop

70

People

The opinions and views expressed by authors and contributors within Coach & Bus Week are not necessarily those of the Editor or its publisher Rouncy Media Ltd.

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

Contents.indd 5

06/09/2011 02:37

6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7, 2011

nEWS

BriEfly HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) incorrectly attempted to wind up BMC PLC (CBW 1001) over alleged outstanding tax liability involving VAT duty on goods imported from Turkey.

According to BMC, the action did not take into account that the debt was 100% refundable. A High Court Judge set aside the claim for a period of two months to allow time to departments within HMRC to rectify the error.

BMC says “at no stage” was it liable for the monies, other than it being a timing issue between two different parts of HMRC. Paul Bicknell, marketing director at the company has confirmed BMC is still trading and has not entered either administration or liquidation.

The Mayne family of Maynes Coaches, Buckie, made contact with CBW following the obituary of Sandra Mayne in CBW1001. The letter reads: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to fellow members of CPT and the guild of British coach operators, to coach dealers, manufacturers, coach operators and all within the industry who sent cards and messages of sympathy following the sad loss of Sandra.

We would like to thank all those whom attended the church service and internment, some of which travelled some considerable distance to pay their last respects to Sandra. Thanks and gratitude to those who made donations at the church door which came to £1997.76 and will be split between the Anchor Unit ARI and the Marie Curie Nurses. Thanks again for your thoughts compassion and consideration, Gordon, David, Kevin Mayne and family.”

Bendy buses stopped operating London’s route 73 as of Friday (September 2). The remaining routes – 12, 29, 207, 436 and 453 – will have the MercedesBenz Citaro artics replaced with double deckers by the end of the year. Some of the double deck replacement fleet for these routes will feature hybrid drivelines in an attempt to offset any potential increase in harmful exhaust emissions and reduce the carbon footprint. www.coachandbusweek.com

News4-5.indd 6

Appeal victory for Clayton Jones

September 1, Mark Hinchliffe, Upper Tribunal judge, said: “In conclusion, we have found that, in a number of material respects, the TC fell into error. We accept this case was complicated, and was made more so by the addition of issues as matters progressed.

“However, in our judgment, the inclusion of matters which should not have been included in the TC’s considerations in relation to repute, together with our finding that some matters (although rightly included) could not attract significant adverse weight, require us to take a different view from that of the TC. We hold that the findings in relation to the operator’s repute and the consequent revocation cannot stand.”

Hinchliffe continued: “We have also found that some findings were justified on the evidence and were not plainly wrong.”

“We therefore allow the appeal to the extent that the adverse findings in relation to the operator’s repute,

and the transport manager’s repute, are set aside,” he concluded.

“Consequently, the operator’s licence will not be revoked. Instead, we vary the condition specifying the maximum number of vehicles the holder may at any one time.”

Conversely, Clayton told CBW on September 4: “Please note there was no sanction regarding the number of vehicles being reduced.

This is what we requested at the PI and reiterated at the appeal. The only sanction upheld was the fine for running early/late where we are seeking advice on an appeal to a higher jurisdiction.”

Clayton welcomed the overall decision to uphold his appeal. “This was clash of personalities where the TC could not bring himself to understand criticism of certain individuals who regulate transport public sector issues does not mean the death sentence for those who are prepared to challenge their decisions,” commented Clayton.

“Remarkably where it has become custom and practice for the appeal court to refer such matters back to the same TC or a deputy TC from an appeal on many past decisions, on this occasion they simply said he was wrong.”

Clayton issued a warning: ‘’To all those who were dancing on my grave for the past five months, think again. And those local authorities who have acted by cancelling or not awarding contracts before this decision will be having substantial correspondence very shortly as there have been massive losses from a clearly flawed hearing and subsequent decision.”

First in Aberdeen has agreed a long term hire of two new 53-seater Temsa Safari HD touring coaches, with a view to a purchase next year from Arriva Bus & Coach (dealer).

The coaches were on the road in Aberdeen as of September 1. First said this means they are among the

first of a select number of ‘61’ plate coaches to enter service in the UK. Robert White of Arriva Bus & Coach told CBW: “These are the first two to enter service with the new-style Safari body in the UK. They are also fitted with the new Ecolife gearbox. We’ve worked closely with Temsa to match the power unit to the driveline to maximise fuel efficiency.”

Robert also said Safaris are in stock at the Cleckheaton dealership.

Clayton still has fine to pay and number of operator licences reduced to 12 South Wales bus operator Clayton Jones has won his appeal against a decision by the Traffic Commissioner (TC) on the grounds of repute – and his operator’s licence will not be revoked.

However, Clayton has been ordered to pay a fine of £9,975 to the Welsh Assembly Government for lateness of service and Clayton said the company is “seeking advice on an appeal to a higher jurisdiction” on this. Instead of the revocation, the tribunal has reduced the number of operator licences Clayton can use at any one time from 21 to 12.

The background to the appeal is that TC for Wales, Nick Jones, issued a report into Clayton’s activities in April (see CBW997). The TC found the Heart of Wales Bus company no longer satisfied a requirement under the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 to be of good repute.

His report said Clayton’s firm, which was allowed to operate 21 vehicles, had, without reasonable excuse, failed to run one or more of its local services. He also found timetable issues with 27% of services and there was also an issue with Clayton’s private hire licence.

The appeal was adjourned from July 29 to August 10 and the tribunal has ruled the appeal should be allowed, and adverse findings in relation to the repute of the operator and transport manager of the company should be set aside.

In his decision letter dated

The First two new Temsa Safaris in more ways than one.....

For all those “dancing on my grave” for the last five months, think again, warns Clayton

First re-styled Temsa Safaris

06/09/2011 02:13

“It’s something I’d always wanted to do. My careers advisers look puzzled at me when I said I wanted to work in the bus and coach industry.”

Gareth Blair Xelabus

Maria Eagle critical of bus cut effects on the young Shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle has warned of a ‘stealth attack’ on the life chances of young people at the hand of bus cuts.

On the eve of schools and colleges retuning after the summer holidays, Eagle pointed out the following: The Association of Colleges has carried out a survey which found 72% of students take a bus to college with journeys averaging nine miles; One in five students has considered dropping out of further education because of the cost; 94% of colleges believe the abolition of EMA has affected students’ ability to travel to and from college and the cuts to bus services

September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7

Operater profile p28

will simply make matters worse.

Funding for concessionary fares has been cut by £223m since last year; and From next year, further services will be at risk when BSOG is cut by a fifth, removing a further £254m of support for buses.

The report also found where services survive, fares are rising by 8% above inflation on many routes “Despite their hard work and GCSE success, many young people face heartbreak as they realise they can’t take up their chosen college course thanks to the axing of bus services and concessionary fares schemes,” commented Eagle.

“The consequence of the lack of available or affordable local transport is catastrophic for young people’s life chances. It is an absolute tragedy that the lack of a bus service or the cost of a daily fare is the difference between young people reaching their potential.

That cannot be right. That’s why the decision to cut too far and too fast on buses must be reviewed.”

ADL is to unveil a revised styling to its Enviro500 at APTA’s (American Public Transport Association) Expo 2011 in New Orleans on October 3.

All three options in the ADL product line-up – transit, commuter and opentop – are set to benefit from the revised styling which will be progressively rolled out over the next 18 months, including vehicles which will form part of ‘significant new transit orders’. ADL has also revealed that in addition to its high-capacity tri-axle Enviro500 models, which have proved popular in North America, it is to launch a new, low height, “go anywhere” double deck range. These buses will have the same carrying capacity as existing models (around 100) and retain the manoeuvrability which has made the Enviro500 a big favourite with drivers – but, equally important, by virtue of their reduced height they will open up a raft of new route options across the USA and Canada.

making buses a better choice book your places at the exciting 2011 annual conference 14 and 15 September 2011 Nottingham

G Co ues St nf t s ud er pe y en ak vi ce e si t t di rs o nn N er ot tin gh am

in association with

Visit our web site for details: www.ukbusawards.org.uk Book Book online online or or download download aa brochure brochure and and booking booking form form

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06/09/2011 02:13

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7, 2011

nEWS › BUSeS

£27m

The staggering sum FirstGroup is to invest in contactless payment on its entire UK bus fleet

BriEfly BAM Nuttall and its parent company Royal Bam Group is being taken to court by Cambridgeshire County Council with a near £55m claim, according to the website building.co.uk. They say a writ seeking £54.7m from the contractor has been lodged in the Technology and Construction Court, although this has not yet been confirmed by the county council itself.

In the latest re-tendering round, London Buses Ltd (TfL) has announced Stagecoach has retained route 227, while First London East will continue to operate route 236. Both routes will require 12 and 15 new single deckers respectively. The contract for route 236 takes effect on April 28, while that for 227 goes live on June 23.

The Oxfordshire Bus Enthusiasts Society has been founded for those with an interest in all aspects of road passenger transport. The society holds a monthly social meeting in central Oxford. Members are able to attend meetings free of charge but non members are also welcome to attend for just £2 per meeting.

A year’s membership costs £20 per person. Details at www. oxbuses.webs.com or by e-mail on oxbuses@gmail.com .

Transport minister and Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning has written to Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) asking it to refund fines to drivers prosecuted for using a new bus lane. Penning said warning signs on the Moor End Road bus lane should be made larger and asked that any enforcement action be suspended and fines refunded. The bus lane camera caught 3,000 drivers in its first two days (CBW1000).

540

The total bus and coach fleet size operated by Rotala plc

First pioneers touch in, touch out payment £27m project to fit 5000-strong provincial bus fleet FirstGroup is to pioneer contactless payment on its 5,000-strong bus fleet in England, outside London through a £27m investment.

The group intends to be the first bus operator outside London to offer customers ‘touch in touch out’ contactless payment.

The new ticket machines, designed to read contactless debit or credit cards, in addition to ITSO smartcards such as concessionary bus passes, will be introduced to buses from this autumn and will initially allow customers with an ITSO smartcard to touch in. Contactless bank cards will be accepted across England from late 2012.

The new system will act much like London’s Oyster Card, with transactions expected to take less than a second, avoiding the need for correct change. The system will also allow First to offer a range of tickets including capping the daily

fare. Unlike Oyster, customers won’t need to carry an additional card or worry about pre-payment or topping up. Customers using the contactless cards will simply see the cost of the fare deducted from their bank or credit card balance.

First has also ensured that its new system has the capability to accept payment via mobile phone.

Transport secretary Norman Baker, who has pushed the advancement of smart ticketing, welcomed the news. “I want to see smart ticketing rolled out across public transport in England as quickly as possible and this announcement from FirstGroup is a positive step towards achieving that.”

Baker added: “I welcome First using smart technology to improve the customer experience of bus travel. This announcement means that ITSO tickets, such as the 10m concessionary bus passes in circulation, will be read smartly on First’s buses. It also means that passengers will have more choice

First says the technology will go live across the regions from late 2012, including Norwich (above)

in how they pay for travel on First buses. I will be personally taking a keen interest in how this makes bus travel more attractive.”

Giles Fearnley, managing director of First’s UK Bus division, said: “Considerable investment in our buses continues. This is a groundbreaking announcement for the bus industry and good news for our customers.

“The public transport industry will increasingly rely on new technology such as contactless bank cards and mobile phones to both retain and attract customers. It’s an exciting prospect and I’m delighted that FirstGroup is at the forefront and setting new standards in the bus industry.

“We strongly believe that simplifying bus travel and introducing a maximum capped daily fare will strongly support our passenger growth plans. In particular, we think it will encourage car users to make the modal shift to bus especially given the continuing high costs of fuel.”

First’s £18m contract to supply ticket machines has been won

by Swindon-based Almex. Peter Aylward, general manager of Almex, said: “Once again FirstGroup has demonstrated its willingness to embrace technological advancement by selecting the new Optima BL with integrated dualreader (ITSO/EMV); the first of its kind in Europe.

“A project on this scale allows us to strengthen our UK team and further confirms our leading position in the UK market.”

The new ticketing technology will be implemented to all of First’s services in England

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News6-7.indd 8

06/09/2011 02:29

September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

72%

SHARE WATCH

percentage of young people travelling to college by bus with average journeys of over nine miles

ALBUM 2012 details The ‘North Lincolnshire’ venue for the 2012 ALBUM Conference has now been announced. It will take place at the Forest Pines Hotel near Brigg in North Lincolnshire, on Tuesday and Wednesday 22 and 23 May 2012 as previously announced.

The modern hotel is one minute from the M180, not far from the Humber Bridge and 11 miles from Humberside Airport. The hotel has excellent conference and accommodation facilities, a 27-hole championship golf course and award-winning catering.

With 188 bedrooms organiser, Peter Shipp of EYMS in Hull, hopes the conference can be even better than this year’s successful event near Reading, and is promising a combination of serious and informative sessions and sparkling entertainment with a fair portion of fun and humour mixed in.

“This year’s conference delegates occupied 174 bedrooms so with good support from ALBUM members and the wider industry I hope we might actually be able to fill the hotel,” said Peter.

“Even at this early stage I am greatly encouraged by offers of sponsorship from long-standing supporters – without even being asked – and I have had enquiries about trade stands from potential new exhibitors. Delegate fees and exhibitor costs should be available shortly.

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, September 5. Shares were up all around except for Siemens which stayed the same, and BAE Systems which saw a slight drop. Figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

257.70p

Price: Year High: 574.37p Year Low: 288.10p

A National Express Coventry ALX400 Volvo B7 enters Coventry bus station

Coventry bus network reviewed postponed till 2012 A review of Coventry’s bus network has been deferred until next year after an agreement by Centro, the City Council and bus operators. The delay will allow the review to be carried out when the impact of the Broadgate area closure in the city centre is known. Changes are being made as part of a £7m scheme to improve infrastructure for the Olympic football match spectators arriving in the city next year.

Broadgate is set to be permanently shut off to traffic in the autumn. The relocation of Broadgate bus stops to new hubs will go ahead as planned.

Centro said all partners felt it was important the full impact of the closures on traffic was understood

before introducing the new bus routes and timetables.

Coventry and Solihull area manager Steven Hayes said: “Providing a reliable bus network is essential and partners wanted to take the opportunity to understand the implications of this closure (of Broadgate) before introducing passengers to new timetables across the wider network.

“Originally it was intended to introduce the new network at the end of October but it has become clear it is in the best interests of all to make this evaluation first.

“Delaying the review should mean that when the revised services are introduced, they should operate reliably from day one.”

use of the opportunities opened up the Act on voluntary and SQPs. The site contains the framework principles that both CPT and pteg have signed up to on what a voluntary partnership can contain – from both a legal and a policy perspective. There is also documentation on voluntary and statutory partnerships - either signed, sealed and delivered – or on their way. They can be used as template for partnership deals elsewhere so that there is no need for authorities and operators to start from scratch every time.

CPT president Steve Whiteway said: “We believe the website can

continue to play a useful role as a toolbox for getting more schemes up and running more rapidly. After all, why start from a blank piece of paper when you can cut and paste from buspartnership.com from schemes that are already proven successes?”

Bruce Thompson, chair of ATCO chair, said: “Recent years have seen many examples of effective partnerships, both formal and informal, working effectively as a result of local authorities and operators focussing on joint aims to improve services to the benefit of the travelling public. This website offers a valuable knowledge-base for all to use.” pteg’s David Brown added: “It’s pleasing to see the way the content of the site expanding with the growth of partnerships.”

buspartnership.com website re-launched The relaunch of the buspartnership. com website last week, reflects the growing amount of qualifying agreements enabled by the Local Transport Act 2008 (Act), according to pteg.

The site is now backed by ATCO, alongside original sponsors, pteg and CPT, and contains updated documentation on “new or ground breaking” voluntary partnerships and Statutory Quality Partnerships (SQP) from Gateshead to Nottingham, and from Barnsley to St Albans.

The site was set up in November 2009 to help operators and local transport authorities make the best

News6-7.indd 9

349.80p

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

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Price: Year High: 1540p Year Low: 1034.p

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39.50p

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

95.00p

Price: Year High: 99.57p Year Low: 70.44p

12.62p

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

-0.50 on two weeks

+6.10 on two weeks

+3.50 on two weeks

+12.40 on two weeks

+5.50 on two weeks

+0.37 on two weeks

+3.00 on two weeks

+0.00 on two weeks

+0.74 on two weeks

FTSE 100

5103

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

+8

on two weeks

www.coachandbusweek.com

06/09/2011 02:30

10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7, 2011

nEWS › coaches

BriEfly Work to maintain bridge joints along the A1 at Gateshead in Tyneside will get underway on Monday, September 19. A total of six bridge movement joints at Blaydon Bridge, which carries the A1 over the River Tyne, and at Blaydon Haugh Viaduct, will be refurbished in the six week, £400,000 project. The work will be completed by Monday, October 31, and will involve overnight alternating closures of the northbound and southbound carriageways along a 2.5 mile stretch of the route at different stages. The work will be carried out overnight, every night, between 2000 and 0600hrs.

Full and signposted diversions will be in place.

There will be overnight disruption for motorists on and around the M32 junction 1 and Coldharbour Lane from September 5. The closures take place between 2000hrs and 0600hrs and form part of work to increase road capacity and improve traffic flow prior to completion of the showcase bus corridor scheme in Spring 2012. On the M32 junction 1 the northbound slip road from the ring road onto junction 1 of the M32 will be closed on September 8, 9, 10, 22, 23 and 24 for resurfacing works. Coldharbour Lane will be closed on September 5, 6 and 7 for resurfacing works.

On September 19, 20 and 21 there will be lane closures at Coldharbour Lane but the road will still be accessible to traffic.

Both carriageways of the M65 between Junction 7 at Rishton and Junction 8 at Accrington will be resurfaced in the six week scheme which is due to begin on Saturday, September 10. The first stage of the work will start with a round-the-clock closure of the eastbound hard shoulder and lane one for three weeks. The westbound carriageway will be reduced overnight to single lane running using lane 3 or the hard shoulder. The second stage of the work will follow and work will be completed on Friday, October 21. www.coachandbusweek.com

News8-9.indd 10

CBT and NatEx hit out at concessionary coach scheme cut CBT has written to 124 MPs and NatEx urges customers to write to theirs National Express and the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) have taken measures against the cutting of the concessionary coach scheme reported in CBW1000.

The government plans to cut the scheme as of November 1 this year.

NatEx has flagged up the cutting of the scheme on its website, with a scissors logo and urged its customers to “Book now before the concessionary fares scheme closes” but assures them they can still use the scheme “providing you book by

midnight on October 31, 2011 and are travelling on or before August 31, 2012”.

Moreover, NatEx is asking customers to write to their local MP using a letter template, which they can download, add their details to and print off. The website states: “From your letters and emails, we know that many of you rely on the half price fares. Some have also expressed concern that without it, they may not be able to travel.

“If you share these concerns, perhaps you could write to, or email, your local MP to encourage them to raise your concern with the Department for Transport.”

Pressure is mounting to retain concessionary coach fares, a move which will affect passenger such as these seen at Cardiff Central Bus Station

Tempo 100 vehicle sticker rules in Germany There is no requirement in Germany to display a Tempo 100 sticker on vehicles registered on or after January 1, 2008, the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK has confirmed.

The CPT said some members have reported their drivers

have been stopped by the German authorities or police and subsequently fined for not displaying a sticker on vehicles within this group.

The CPT’s confirmation comes after speaking directly with the German Trade Association (BDO) which has investigated the matter on its behalf with the German Ministry of Transport, which in turn has confirmed there is currently no requirement to display a Tempo 100 sticker on vehicles registered on or after January 1, 2008.

If you have unfortunately been fined in Germany for alleged non-

Meanwhile, transport pressure group, the CBT has said the decision could tip a number of coach routes into decline and closure, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas.

The CBT has written to 124 MPs with potentially affected coach routes going through their constituencies. National Express alone runs 18 routes where between 32% and 51% of passengers use the concession.

Coaches are not part of the statutory bus pass arrangement, but the government funded this additional scheme to support coach travel for older and disabled passengers.

“When difficult decisions have to be made at the very least the government should conduct a full assessment of the impacts, including consulting with the disabled and older people affected as well as coach operators,” commented a CBT spokesperson.

“In this case the impact assessment is a hollow tick box exercise and no public consultation was held.

Communication and co-operation is key when trying to make sure that the public is cushioned as far as possible from cuts, but National Express, by far the biggest coach operator, say they have been disappointed by the silence from the Department for Transport. compliance for a vehicle registered on or after this date, the advice given by BDO says any affected UK operators should immediately commence an appeal process with the issuing authority upon their return from Germany.

CPT would also like to hear from any operators who may have been affected by this situation, so please email Graham Messenger at grahamm@cpt-uk.org with incident details, including the level of fine, precise location within Germany and, if at all possible, identification details of the official or police officer involved.

05/09/2011 20:13

September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 11

“I’ve been busy lately visiting operators around the country helping them keep within the law regarding their Operator Licences. And what surprises I found…”

Richard Charnley

Open Platform p38

Parking improved at Albert Embankment

Clampdown on allowance tax Coach operators providing drivers with allowances for overnight tours are being targeted by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), CBW understands.

Currently tax law provides dispensation from tax for certain allowances given to drivers for meals and smaller allowances, such as lunch and breakfast.

However, one concerned operator contacted CBW in order to inform other drivers of his case, in which HMRC tax officials were changing his drivers’ dispensation for allowances. The operator is appealing against this change.

Many drivers have costs of, or contributions towards a mid-day meal awarded by either cash payment or meal vouchers.

According to the HMRC website, these contributions may be treated as not taxable where they either do not exceed £2.00 per day or are paid to lorry drivers whose duties oblige them to take meals away from home and their permanent workplace. Similar treatment may be given to bus or coach drivers in comparable circumstances.

For more information, visit the HMRC - www.hmrc.gov. uk and type into the search box: EIM66145 and EIM66140 for the tax treatment of lorry drivers’ mid-day meals allowances; and EIM05230 for subsistence expenses. Details of Corporation Tax offices on their ‘Contact us’ page. CPT members should contact; www.cpt-uk.org

Conwy and its archways haven’t changed, but coaches are now about a foot wider than in the 1950s, says the council.

Conwy walls obstruct new coaches Businesses in Conwy are becoming concerned coach tourism could be lost because modern vehicles are struggling to fit through its medieval town walls – the BBC News has reported.

Three main routes into Conwy are via narrow 13th century archways and cannot cope with more recent longer and wider coaches.

Conwy Chamber of Trade said urgent action is needed before coach operators stop visiting the popular destination.

Conwy Council has said it is working with coach operators and already held meetings to find a solution to the sensitive problem.

Chris Owens, managing director of Llandudno-based Alpine Travel has been working closely with

Conwy Council on the issue. He said: “European legislation has allowed coaches to become longer and wider. Conwy and its archways haven’t changed, but coaches are now about a foot wider than they were in the 1950s.

“The major problem is the coach park in the town is no longer fit for purpose because of the difficulties getting to it. Some of the arches aren’t square to the road. It taxes the skills of the local drivers and makes a precarious manoeuvre for those who aren’t familiar with the area.

“We need a coach drop off facility which is more suitable and an out-of-town parking area for the coaches which are becoming far bigger than they’ve been before.”

Toby Tunstall, Conwy Chamber of Trade chairman, said the coach trade is extremely important.

“We’ve already been told by some coach companies they are reluctant to come into Conwy because of difficulties with the arches,” he said.

Improved operational times of coach bays on Albert Embankment will make it easier for coach drivers to park and reduce the need to idle.

From Monday September 5, TfL says operational hours of the existing coach bays will increase.

They will now provide short term parking for coaches between 20:00 and 07:00 in addition to the existing hours of 10:00 to 16:00. The 20 minute parking limit remains.

TfL said this short term coach parking on Albert Embankment will help coach drivers looking for a place to park before picking up their coach party. Medium and longer term coach parking is available in other areas of the city.

Extended parking hours follow a recent announcement where London coach parking would increase by 25%.

Darek Podwiazka, TfL’s coach manager said: “With the Olympic Games approaching and the popularity of coach travel to London growing we will continue to work closely with organisations such as CPT, local boroughs and operators to maximise parking where we can.”

For more information visit the Interactive Coach Parking Map on TfL’s website (www.tfl.gov.uk/coachparking) or for a free paper version contact coaches@tfl.gov.uk or call the Coach Drivers Helpline on 0845 604 0770.

Plymouth Citycoach has launched a new corporate image in time for investment in a new online booking system by the Go-Ahead Group, which acquired Citybus and Citycoach in 2009. Two of the nine coaches now sport the new livery (pictured) created by industry designers Best Impressions.

The remaining fleet will be re-sprayed and refurbished. Andrew Wickham, managing director for the Milehouse depot-based companies, said he is delighted to be able to invest an estimated £400,000 over the next two years to ensure the long term future of Citycoach.

“Since 1988 Citycoach’s success has been derived mainly from the promotion of the tours to our Citybus customers. We believe there is the potential for growth by extending the marketing and promotion with the possibility of creating more jobs and expanding the fleet in the future.”

Citycoach has a team of 11 drivers and administration personnel led by coaching manager Ray Rosevear.

The new brochures will be available in the near future from the company offices or on request from www.citycoach.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

News8-9.indd 11

05/09/2011 20:14

12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7, 2011

nEWS › financial

Preston bus acquisition boosts half-yearly results Rotala has released its half yearly financial results for the six months to May 31, 2011.

Revenues rose by 18% to a total of £26.6m (2010: £22.5m). This rise in revenue occurred in both Rotala’s major business streams, Diamond Bus and Wessex Connect, and was attributed partly to the acquisition of largely commercial Preston Bus Limited (PBL) for £3.2m from Stagecoach Group earlier this year.

Revenues in contracted services rose by 8% to a total of £10.3m, with commercial services revenue showing the largest period on period increase with a rise of 32% to £13.8m. Both these rises were attributed largely to PBL - although there was underlying growth in other areas - whilst its charter services showed little change.

Overall profit before tax went up 15% to £0.92m (2010: £0.80m).

Cost of sales was up 21% but gross profits rose by 6% compared to the same period in 2010.

Administrative expenses had a low increase of 4% despite the extra depot in Preston. Profit from Operations was up 8% at £1.7m.

Finance expense was little changed.

Basic earnings per share also showed a substantial 13% increase to 2.75p per share.

The gross assets of the group stood at £49.2m at May 31, 2011, up 13% from the previous year, after the addition of PBL, the purchasing of a new depot at Avonmouth, near Bristol, and selling of about 30 vehicles.

DB remains on track for first half of 2011

German state-owned transport group Deutsche Bahn (DB), which owns Arriva, remains on track for the year 2011 – according to its half-year results.

During the first six months of 2011 the firm recorded the highest revenues it has ever earned in a www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsFinancial.indd 12

The fleet stands at about 540. A dozen new diesel-powered vehicles are due for delivery in the latter part of 2011 - in addition to 15 Optare hybrids, the cost of which has been subsidised £1.6m by the government’s Green Bus Fund.

Around 30 buses are expected to be disposed of in the coming months.

The loans and borrowings of the group, including its obligations under Hire Purchase (HP) contracts, remained at just over £20m. Net assets reached £20.4m at the period end (2010: £18.3m), equivalent to 58p per share.

Cash flows from operating activities increased 94% in net to £2.3m, from £1.2m in 2010.

Investment in property, plant and equipment (net of settlements paid on vehicles disposed of) totalled £0.3m. The capital element of payments on HP agreements totalled £2.1m in 2011 on a larger

business base (2010: £1.8m). £625,000 of the outstanding Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock was paid off early. After dividend and interest payments, the closing figure for cash and cash equivalents was £0.4m.

An interim dividend of 0.40 p per share (2010: 0.30 p) on December 5, 2011 to all shareholders on the register on September 30, 2011.

The terms of the offer were that the life of the loan stock would be extended to December 31, 2014, at the current coupon of 8% per annum. The conversion price (based on the price of a 25p ordinary share on April 27, 2011) would be reset at 45p per share.

The Group uses 13m litres of fuel per annum but has decided to remain unhedged at the current time whilst constantly reviewing the situation.

In his non-executive chairman’s

One of Rotala’s West Midlands businesses, Central Connect, operates Solihull Signature-branded services. An MCV Evolution-bodied ADL is seen in Solihull working route S4 half-year period, along with a surge in profits and a renewed increase in the number of passengers.

Revenues rose by €2.8bn, or 17.2% over the same period last year to €18.9bn. The increase is significantly higher than the additional €1.5bn in revenues contributed by the latest addition to the Group, Arriva.

Dr. Rüdiger Grube, CEO and chairman of the Management Board of DB AG, said: “The figures confirm we have been on the right track and also signal that we should continue on as we have. Above all else we want to become more

customer- and environmentallyfriendly while raising our levels of service and quality. Open and honest communication with our customers is very important for us.”

DB says all business units contributed to the favorable results.

Adjusted results from operations (adjusted EBIT) rose to €1.1bn, or €287m (+34%) more than the same figure a year ago. Net financial debt increased by €351m between December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011 to €17.29bn. DB paid a first-time dividend of €500m to the Federal Republic of Germany in 2011.

For more information, visit www.rotalaplc.co.uk

The number of bus passengers remained unchanged at 408.5m.

However, volumes declined by 1.2% or 56m to 4.72bn passenger kilometers. DB says this is as a result of, among other reasons, the declining number of school children.

By contrast, the number of passengers traveling via DB trains rose again during the first half of the year and increased by 1.9% or 18.4m to 972.5m. Volumes achieved in the rail passenger transport segment were almost unchanged at 38bn passenger kilometers (Pkm).

Ben Morroll

Rotala revenues rise

statement, John Gunn said: “The Board remains very conscious of the need, in these volatile times, to retain adequate capital and minimise risk. We focus particularly on the levels of debt in the business.

In the first half of the year the ratio of total debt to earnings before interest, depreciation and amortisation (pro rata to the full year) fell significantly, when compared to 2010, from 3.3 to 2.7 times. We are determined to maintain this downward trend.

“With the acquisition of Preston Bus, more than 50% of the group’s revenues derive from commercial bus services. Our largest competitors in the West Midlands and in the South West have concentrated this year on trimming their operations and optimising their own performances.

This has enabled us to take up new routes as the incumbent operators have retreated. We feel that, with a lower cost base than our larger competitors and a young bus fleet, we have a worthwhile advantage; we are keen to expand further our commercial bus services. We have also responded to increased operating costs by raising fares. We will take similar action, wherever appropriate, in the rest of the group.

“The bus industry is in a period of considerable change. This produces uncertainty but also opportunity.

Rotala is founded on a solid base with sound finances, strong asset backing and balance sheet, and increasing free cash flows. We see considerable opportunities for organic growth, particularly in our commercial bus business. Therefore the Board feels confident about the firm’s prospects.”

06/09/2011 02:18

Strong half year results for Go-Ahead

steve hodgson

Ben Morroll

Go North East has recently branded its X9 and X10 routes as ‘Tyne Tees Express’, as seen here. This is the Newcastle to Middlesbrough via Billingham (X9) and Stockton (X10)

Go-Ahead Group has reported a 14% rise in operating profit to £115.1m (2010: £101.0m) in its half-year results for the year to July 2.

The Group’s total dividend for the year is maintained at 81 pence per share and it continued strong cash management results. It said the new financial year had started well and that trading was in line with its expectations.

However, analysts claim GoAhead will have to continue with acquisitions of other bus operations to maintain the scale of its financial performance.

Overall revenue increased by £129.7m, or 6.0%, to £2.297bn (£2.167bn for the same period of 2010) and Go-Ahead’s statement added that results for the deregulated bus and rail divisions more than offset a slight 1.3% reduction in its regulated London bus division. The Group expects London operations to improve with a number of new routes having been tendered.

Adjusted earnings per share increased by 6.5% to 135.2p (2010: 126.9p). Basic earnings per share, including exceptional items and discontinued operations, was 157.1p (2010: 40.1p) and profit attributable to members was £67.4m (2010: £17.2m).

Go-Ahead is proposing a final dividend of 55.5p per share (2010: 30p) to maintain the

NewsFinancial.indd 13

total dividend for the year at 81p (2010: 81p).

Chairman, Sir Patrick Brown, said: “I am pleased with the performance of the Group this year.

“Despite facing challenging economic conditions in the last 12 months and the adverse weather in the first half of the year, all of our operations have seen growth in like-for-like passenger revenue and passenger journeys.

“Our bus and rail operations remain fundamentally strong and have benefited from passengers leaving their cars at home and choosing better value public transport alternatives.

“Our outlook for the next financial year has not changed since our trading update in June 2011. We are assuming the broad underlying operating trends experienced to date will continue throughout the financial year to June 30, 2012 and that around £13m of the rail contract management benefits achieved in 2011 will not recur.

“In bus, we anticipate the performance of the business will remain strong despite the reduction in the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) in April 2012 which will impact on the last quarter of the next financial year. Our fuel requirements are fully hedged for the next year at 41p per litre, in line with the cost in the financial year just ended.

“Our balance sheet, cash flow and financing are strong and we continue to view the maintenance of the dividend as a priority.

“We have started the new financial year well and trading has been in line with expectations.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

06/09/2011 02:19

14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7, 2011

nEWS › international

Volvo developing ‘plug-in’ hybrid Battery development promotes adoption of plug-in charging SWEdEn Volvo Buses is developing a plug-in hybrid bus capable of covering long distances silently and exhaust-free on electricity only. Three buses will be tested in Gothenburg, Sweden, supported by the European Union.

Volvo’s highly efficient parallel hybrid system has sold more than 250 hybrid buses, which are reducing fuel consumption by up to 35%, thereby reducing energy consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions by an equal amount.

“Reducing the total global energy consumption is the most important measure ,” said Volvo Buses CEO Håkan Karlsson. “The bus is already today clearly the most energy-efficient vehicle for public transport and our hybrid bus will accentuate its position as the best environmental option.

“But, we must continue to reduce energy consumption and this involves finding solutions to increase electricity use.”

Supported by authorities including the Swedish Energy Agency, Volvo’s new hybrid bus is essentially the same Volvo hybrid bus as today, where the brake energy is recycled and utilised

by the electric motor. But, with a new type of battery and charging equipment it will also be possible to charge the battery via the electricity network.

The concept is based on placing battery charging stations at the end stations of the bus lines. By charging the battery there for five to ten minutes, it could significantly extend the time the bus is able to operate only on electricity.

This could entail distances of up to ten kilometers, with the corresponding advantages in the form of silent traffic with no local emissions. It can be controlled so the bus operates on

electricity in densely populated areas or in particularly sensitive environmental areas, while the diesel engine can be used on other parts of the route.

This technology will generate considerable opportunities to significantly reduce energy consumption as electric engines have very high efficiency.

“We expect to be able to reduce the energy consumption in a city bus by up to 65% compared with today’s diesel buses,” says Håkan Karlsson. “The plug-in hybrid bus will be able to reduce diesel consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions by more than 75%.”

Volvo’s plug-in hybrid development is being supported by the EU

IRU seeks to double passenger numbers

EUrOpE Following the publication in March of the European Commission White Paper on the future of EU transport policy until 2050, and prior to the European Parliament debate on the future of the European transport policy on 8 September, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) is urging Members of the European Parliament to establish a doubling of collective passenger transport by bus, coach and taxi as a strategic EU objective in order to meet ambitious safety and environmental targets and achieve sustainable mobility. www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsIntl.indd 14

A Mercedes-Benz Citaro, operated by SSB (Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG) is seen in Stuttgart, Germany in August 2010 The IRU recommends the EC develops, in public-private partnership, a dedicated strategy and action plan on how to effectively promote collective passenger transport by bus, coach and taxi through business-

friendly legislation. Also, support for industry’s best practices and user-friendly initiatives, such as Bus Rapid Transit, the transit system with the flexibility of buses, and the speed, comfort and reliability of rail, which offers a comprehensive

Volvo Buses expects to have a prototype bus ready for testing in 2011. The next step will be taken in autumn 2012, when a field test will commence in Gothenburg using three chargeable hybrid buses. The buses will be put in service with passengers.

The field test project will be implemented in co-operation with Business Region Göteborg, the Traffic Office in Gothenburg City, Västtrafik and Göteborgs Energi, which will be responsible for the charging stations. On Friday, the project was granted a subsidy of €1.4m from the EU’s program supporting environmental ventures, Life+.

“It is important to the environment we are able to develop new energy-efficient solutions as rapidly as possible,” says Ulf Gustafsson, head of public affairs at Volvo Buses. “We have the opportunity to succeed because we are capitalising on the collective expertise of companies, organisations and authorities, and they are jointly investing the funds required.”

The field test will commence in autumn 2012, but Volvo Buses does not know yet when the company will be able to offer this bus in the market. mass transit service at a fraction of typical costs and enjoys growing popularity around the world.

“Only by placing buses, coaches and taxis at the heart of public transport policy, using best industry practices which have encouraged significant shifts from cars to collective passenger transport, can policy-makers create the necessary legislative, market and operational conditions to encourage change in mobility patterns at the lowest cost for society,” said Graham Smith, IRU vice president.

Industry recommendations and best practices will be presented and discussed by a panel at an event jointly organised by the European Parliament, the European Commission and the IRU on 7 September in Brussels on “The Role and Place of Collective Passenger Transport by Bus, Coach and Taxi in the EU Transport System and Policy”.

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16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7 2011

nEWS › REGIONAL

nORTH

Almost £5m in European funding pledged to help build Hanley’s new bus station has been withdrawn.

The unexpected loss of £4.9m pledged by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) means the council must find nearly £3m to plug the gap.

The council’s cabinet has approved a modified capital spending plan, which also provides for unexpected changes which emerged since the plan was first set in February. Cabinet members were unable to explain why the European funding had not materialised. The council is yet to disclose how it will cover the loss of the European grant but said the project would still be fully funded.

The council originally forecast a cost of £16.2m for the bus station between 2008 and 2015; including planning, building and phasing in after completion. It is now expecting total costs of about £14.2m.

Private developer Realis is providing nearly a third of the funding for the bus station, but only if it is able to proceed with the planned East West Shopping Centre development. Its contribution will include £425,000 to change the city’s roads to allow buses to easily access the new station.

The council’s cabinet has also approved plans to begin making changes to the roads ahead of the bus station’s opening next year and a new right-hand turn lane will be added in Potteries Way to allow traffic to turn into Bethesda Street.

Adrian Knapper, cabinet member for transportation, said: “Now we have approval the work will start as soon as is practical.

“Bus operators can give us 56 days’ notice and use whichever routes they choose, provided they are operating legally.

“But what we are doing behind the scenes is negotiating with the bus companies and putting this investment into our roads in place so they will take a sensible way into the bus station.”

MIDLAnDS

A four-month review looking at Leicestershire County Council’s (LCC) policy of making sure 95% of the population lives less than 800metres from an hourly bus service begins this week, The Leicester Mercury reported.

The policy has seen the council subsidise many unprofitable www.coachandbusweek.com

RegionalNews.indd 16

KEY

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

services at a cost of £5m a year.

LCC now says this is unaffordable and has put together a crosspolitical party panel of councillors to investigate ways of cutting the cost by at least £1m, meaning the least used services and extremely rural routes are likely to be cut.

Conservative David Slater, who will chair the panel, said: “The council has to be realistic about the kind of bus services it can afford to provide.

“We will be speaking to as many people as possible to get as many views on this issue as we can. This will include bus companies and, most importantly, bus users.”

“The policy may need to be tweaked or it may need a complete overhaul, but I don’t want to preempt what committee members may decide.

“The policy has been around for a few years but I don’t think it was based on anything scientific. I believe it was fairly arbitrary.”

Over the past two years LCC has made cuts to some school bus routes by cutting subsidy to services which do not have to be provided by law, in addition to bus subsidies which were cut by £565,000 earlier this year.

Arriva Midlands has announced it is withdrawing a number of services from Sunday September 4.

The services are being withdrawn due to either cuts in funding or because they are seasonal. They include the Sunday

436 service between Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury which is being stopped after funding provided by Shropshire Council was dropped.

Other cut routes include the 99A service between Telford, Ironbridge and Bridgnorth, a summer Sunday service, and the 890 Sunday service between Bridgnorth and Wolverhampton, which was also a service put on during the summer.

Keith Myatt, spokesman for Arriva Midlands, said: “We have also changed the route of the 25 service between Harlescott, Shrewsbury and Bayston Hill to improve reliability. We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Shropshire Council following its award of tenders for services 401 – 404 and 405 to Arriva Midlands.

Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council cabinet member for transport, said “We need to make tough decisions if we are to protect key bus servies that allow people to access essential services.”

Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has made further improvements to its network.

The company has increased service frequency and will provide more direct routes on Sunday September 4.

NCT’s Brown Line 15, 16 and Purple Line 87, 88 will all increase to every 15 minutes during Monday to Saturday daytimes, from the current 20 minute service, and a full evening service is reinstated for Warren Hill every night of the week.

Changes to the 15 and 88 routes also take place which NCT says will provide a direct route for passengers in the Queen’s Bower Road and Chippenham Road areas.

Among other changes, brand new wheelchair accessible midibuses, with real time tracking, will be launched on Brown Lines 15, 16 and Purple Line 87, 88 this month and these modern buses will replace older double decks.

Saturday buses on Go2 Lime Line 58 to Arnold will also be increased to run every eight minutes, to cater for increased demand for weekend shopping.

David Astill, NCT commercial manager said: “In the past year we have improved the frequency on around 20 of our bus routes which has seen our patronage grow as more people find our service an attractive option for getting around”.

He added: “Nottingham City Transport is proud to continue investing in the city bus network and our customer research on the Brown and Purple Line buses highlighted the demand there is locally for better services.”

EAST

Cambridgeshire County Council’s new approach to the renewal of its free concessionary bus pass scheme is due to start from next month.

Cambridgeshire County Council has begun contacting people whose passes expire in 2012, either by post or email, inviting them to re-apply.

This will result in bus pass renewals being automatically staggered.

It is hoped the changes will improve the system and reduce the delay in renewals.

The process has been made even easier by enabling renewal online or by a completion slip attached to a written letter.

National changes to the scheme has meant County Councils have taken over the running of the scheme from District Councils, seeing for the first time the data of thousands of pass holders coordinated in one place.

Passes, which provide free bus travel at certain times for people aged over 60 or with specific disabilities, are generally renewed every five years.

SOUTH EAST

Swindon-based Thamesdown Transport has scored top marks again this year in its annual

05/09/2011 21:22

customer satisfaction survey – marking a continuous year on year improvement since 2007 when the surveys began.

Over three days, questionnaires were provided to passengers on nine services spanning the whole of the town. A total of 635 were returned, covering all ages.

Findings show there is a higher proportion of people regularly using the buses this year compared to last, with 47% of respondents using it six or more times a week, compared to 39% in 2010.

Almost all passengers (97%) were happy with the clarity of destination displays and the ease of boarding the bus. 87% of passengers were satisfied with the comfort of the journey.

Compared to 2010, the most improved aspects were value for money and frequency of services.

More than 80% also thought the service they received had improved or remained the same, with a 30% increase in the number of people who said punctuality was good or

September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17

Coach & Bus Week takes a look at the big issues where you live in our round-up of the regions. If you’ve got a local issue you would like us to cover, contact Gareth Evans at gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

very good.

The most requested improvement was for more Sunday services.

Paul Jenkins, MD of Thamesdown Transport said: “To know that we continue to improve the service we provide to our passengers is very rewarding.”

Increases to Epsom Coachesrun bus service fares kicked in on Saturday September 3.

The E5, E9 and 408 Quality Line services which connect Epsom with Ashtead, Leatherhead, Cobham and surrounding areas such as Manor Park and Clarendon Park will be affected.

Epsom Coaches will now operate a flat fare structure on the E5 and E9, regardless of journey length, with the E5 fare rising from £1.40 to £1.80 and the E9 fare rising from 1.20 to £1.80, a 50% increase.

The 408 fare structure will be simplified into two flat rates of £1.60 and £2.00 depending on journey stages with no option of a return fare.

2011 n September 10-11 Bus Driver of the Year. Blackpool. 01303 251462. www.bdoy.co.uk n September 11 Leicester Bus Running Day. Organised by the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust.

Abbey Pumping Station Museum, Leicester. www.ltht.org.uk n September 11 Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway Bus & Vintage Rally. New Romney station.

Free bus links from Appledore, Folkestone, Ashford and Tenterden.

01797 362353. www.rhdr.org.uk n September 12 – 13 CPT Scotland Annual Conference.

Crieff Hydro Hotel, Perthshire.

0131 2722150, conference2011@ cpt-uk.org n September 14 - 15 UK Bus Awards Annual Conference & Short-List Announcement.

Rutland Square Hotel, Nottingham www.ukbusawards.co.uk n September 15 Association of Trainers AGM. Wembley. Call julia@ asot.org.uk. n September 18 Showbus. RAF Duxford, Cambridgeshire. rally@ showbus.com. www.showbus.com n September 21-22 Group Leisure & Travel Trade. NEC, Birmingham.

01908 613323. www.leisureshow.com n October 2 Cat and Fiddle Cycle Challenge. Contact John Johnson at john@johnsonscoaches.co.uk n October 5-6 Coach and Bus Live. NEC. 01926 833052. www.coachandbuslive.com n October 9 Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust Annual Open Day. Fordneuk Street, Glasgow. www.gvvt.org

Centro, the transport authority for the West Midlands, has completed work at the Bradford Place bus interchange in Walsall after a five week £430k refurbishment programme. Centro spent £160k on installing new glass shelters and a new bus stop, while Walsall council provided £270k for local road improvements. The work, part of a network review of buses in Wolverhampton and west Walsall, aimed to modernise the interchange and improve traffic flow. Centro worked in partnership with Walsall Council, Wolverhampton City Council and bus operators Arriva Midlands, Central Connect, Midland and National Express West Midlands.

Councillor Angus Adams, the chairman of Centro, said: “Centro and Walsall Council have worked closely together to monitor and control traffic flow in the area, reduce congestion to help buses operate more reliably and provide a better environment for residents, shoppers, businesses and bus users. Bradford Place will now be a safer, more pleasant environment where it is quick and easy for people to change between transport services and provide a facility that will attract more people to travel by bus.”

Pictured here at Bradford Place are: Angie Boulton, Centro bus stations and interchange manager, cllr Gary Clarke of Walsall Council and the Integrated Transport Authority, cllr Tom Ansell, Walsall Council portfolio holder for Transport and Environment, and cllr Angus Adams, chairman of Centro.

n October 16 Bus & Classic Vehicle Rally. Oxford Bus Museum, Long Hanborough, Witney, Oxfordshire. www. oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk n Oct 18-21 Course on Bus and Crew Scheduling. Birmingham. courses@qv-associates.com. Call QV Associates on 01905 613527. n October 20 2011 Trapeze UK User Conference. Radisson Hotel, Manchester Airport. 0844 561 6771. www.trapezegroup.co.uk n October 21-26 Busworld.

Kortrijk, Belgium. www.busworld.org n October 23 The Very Best of London Buses. The first event at the new London Bus Museum

The UK national gathering of buses and coaches that is Showbus will be held at the RAF Museum in Duxford, Cambridgeshire on Sunday, September 18. Seen here at the 2010 event is part of the contingent from Lodges Coaches (Cobham) at Brooklands, Weybridge, Surrey. www.lbpt.org n November 7-10 World Travel Market. ExCeL, London. www.wtmlondon.com n November 22 SMMT Annual Dinner. Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London. 0808 1788818. annualdinner@smmt.co.uk n November 29 UK Bus Awards.

Hilton Park Lane, London. www.ukbusawards.org.uk 0870 900 1450

2012 n January 26, 2011 CPT Annual Dinner. Hilton Park Lane, London. www.cpt-uk.org n March 14 – 15 Best of Britain and Ireland (BoBi). Travel Trade Forum. NEC, 01926 834796. www. bestofbritainandirelandevent.co.uk n April 19-21 Busworld Turkey.

Istanbul Expo Center, Turkey www.busworldturkey.com/en/ index.html n April 24-26 CV Show. NEC, Birmingham. 01634 261262. www. cvshow.com n May 22-23 ALBUM Conference.

Forest Pines Hotel, Brigg, North Lincolnshire. www.album-bus.co.uk n September 20-27 IAA Commercial Vehicles. Hannover. +(00)49 30897842. www.iaa.de n November 6 – 8 2012 Euro Bus Expo. NEC, Birmingham. 01926 834790. www.eurobusxpo.com

2013 n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition. Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 6100

Do you have an event to promote? Send details to gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

RegionalNews.indd 17

05/09/2011 21:23

18 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7, 2011

nEWS › TOURISM

60,000 Annual visitor numbers attracted to Hall Hill Farm near Lanchester

BriEfly A 19th-century townhouse in the City of London has opened as a small and intimate venue for events and meetings.

The listed building, 12 Austin Friars, was formally the Furniture Makers’ Hall and is still the home of the craft guild, the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers. The venue is now managed by food and events specialists Kudos who are now developing one-to-one sessions with prospective event bookers to help buyers understand the venue. The house can cater for small and private events and meetings from two to 70 guests.

Kudos is offering a 25% discount on room hire for every first booking. Visit www.12austin friars.co.uk Hall Hill Farm, near Lanchester has re-homed an orphaned miniature Shetland pony.

The three-month old pony has been hand reared after its mother died and will be accompanied for the rest of the summer at Hall Hill Farm by another foal and mother.

In addition, visitors to Hall Hill Farm will be met by a bumper crop of baby animals arrived at the farm this spring for its 30th anniversary year. A fun indoor Playbarn also opened at the site earlier this year providing a play area for families.

The farm is open daily from 1030–1700hrs until September 18 and weekends throughout October.

Visit www.hallhillfarm.co.uk Tickets are now on sale for the first ever cross-site venture between the Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon and the National Railway Museum, York. Steam and diesel shuttles will be running between Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon and the National Railway Museum in York on September 17, 18, 24 and 25. On September 24 and 25, Locomotion, Shildon will host its 7th Annual Steam Gala with steam rides, trade stands by heritage associations and cab access to locomotives in light steam. Admission to Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon and the National Railway Museum in York is free. For more information, visit www.nrm.org.uk/shuttle www.coachandbusweek.com

TourNews.indd 18

Venomous spider on show Recently found spider re-housed at butterfly farm One of the world’s most venomous spiders has been found and safely re-housed at the Stratford Butterfly Farm.

Two weeks ago the spider was found in a warehouse in Coventry which brings in produce on pallets from all over the world. The people who found it could not speak English but realised it was unusual and took it to KBN Reptiles in Coventry who then delivered it to the Stratford Butterfly Farm.

The spider, which is usually found in tropical South and Central America, appeared in the Guinness World Records in 2010 as the world’s most venomous spider. The bite is potent and can be deadly in some cases.

The spider hit the headlines earlier this year when it was found its venom can cause four-hour long erections and ‘could be the new Viagra’. A two-year study has

found that the venom contains a toxin, called Tx2-6, which causes erections. However, other sideeffects on top of the long-painful erections (called a priapism which can lead to long term erectile

Known as ‘Phoneutria Nigriventer’, the Brazilian wandering spider and is highly aggressive and venomous

Christmas at Royal home

Queen Victoria’s favourite ‘tableaux vivants’ are to be on show over the Christmas season at Osborne House, the private home built for the queen on the Isle of Wight.

In the 19th century, members of the royal family and their staff used to entertain themselves by dressing up in special costumes for performances of ‘living pictures’, an important part of the seasonal celebrations.

From November 23, visitors will be able to see the projected photographs when the house is decorated for Christmas in traditional style and with some of the gifts and cards given to Queen Victoria on display. There will also be guided tours explaining how Victoria and her family spent Christmas at Osborne.

The house, which was extensively rebuilt for Victoria and Prince Albert, is widely known as Victoria’s favourite retreat. Marble

Queen Victoria wrote that it was ‘hard to imagine a prettier spot’ than Osborne House sculptures commissioned by the royal couple line the classical Grand Corridor, portraits and frescos adorn the walls, and the richly decorated Durbar Room celebrates Victoria’s role as Empress of India.

The House’s grounds include formal terraced gardens as well as a miniature fort and barracks for the

dysfunction or even impotence) include loss of muscle control, severe pain, difficulty breathing and if its victim is not treated with anti-venom, could lead to death due to oxygen deprivation.

The spiders can grow to have a leg span of up to 4 - 5 inches.

Their body length ranges from 0.7-1.9 inches. Wandering spiders are so-called because they wander the jungle floor at night, rather than residing in a lair or maintaining a web. During the day the spiders hide inside termite mounds, under fallen logs and rocks, and in banana plants.

Emma Butt, marketing manager of the Stratford Butterfly Farm said: “We are delighted to have re-housed this Brazilian wandering spider which, although dangerous, is safely installed in one of our alarmed tanks and completely safe for visitors to view.

Emma added: “We are grateful for KBN Reptiles in Coventry delivering it to us and adding to our fantastic range of venomous species!”

Stratford Butterfly Farm is open from 1000hrs – 1800hrs. For more information, visit the www.butterflyfarm.co.uk or call 01789 299288.

royal children and a Swiss Cottage where they could learn domestic skills.

A Victorian Christmas weekend with sideshows, singing chimneysweeps, traditional Victorian fairground stalls and visits from Father Christmas and a mock ‘Queen Victoria’ takes place on 19 and 20 November.

After Albert died 150 years ago, Victoria chose to spend Christmases at Osborne House with her nine children. Her mourning for Albert’s death softened over the years and Christmases became cheerful with decorated trees, gifts, cards, a lavish celebratory meal and the elaborate ‘tableaux vivants’.

Victoria died at Osborne 22 January 1901.

The Osborne House Christmas decorations are on display from November 23 to January 8, Wed–Sun 1000–1600hrs. The Victorian Christmas weekend takes place from November 19 to 20. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/ osbornehouse

06/09/2011 00:49

1.9”

Length to which Stratford Butterfly Park’s Phoneutria Nigriventer spider legs can grow

TV faces star in stage revival

London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket is to stage James Goldman’s ‘The Lion in Winter’ from November. The production stars Joanna Lumley and Robert Lindsay, and will be directed by Trevor Nunn.

The play is the story of King Henry II’s Christmas celebration which turns into a reunion of deceit, betrayal, bitter power games and scabrous wit as his family wait to hear him name his successor as King of England.

Comedienne and actress Joanna Lumley is best known for playing Purdey in ITV’s The Avengers and Patsy Stone in the BBC TV series Absolutely Fabulous.

Robert Lindsay currently stars as Ben Harper in the BBC series My Family.

The Lion in Winter first premiered in New York in 1966, directed by Noel Willman with a cast led by Rosemary Harris and Christopher Walken. Anthony Harvey directed the 1968 movie version starring Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins and Peter O’Toole.

The new production opens at the Theatre Royal on November 4 and runs to January 28. For tickets visit www.trh.co.uk or call 0845 481 1870

dEAlS OF THE WEEK Groups visiting the The Bowood Estate can enjoy the almost 2000 acres of private parkland without any invasive public roads.

This oasis of calm and beauty is only 90 min from London, 35 min from Bristol, 15 min from the M4 and close to Chippenham which has main line train connection to London Paddington.

Purchased by the 1st Earl of Shelburne (1705–1761) in the mid 18th century, Bowood House and Gardens have been improved by successive generations up to the present day. Many famous architects and garden designers have been employed, including Henry Keene, Robert and James Adam, ‘Capability’ Brown, C.R.

342acres

September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19

Total size of the grounds at Osborne House, the former Royal home built for Queen Victoria

Royal Shakespeare Company offers celebratory autumn programme

RSC autumn 50th anniversary celebrations The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is welcoming autumn with a programme of performances and events as it continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary season.

‘The RSC: A Musical 50 Years’ opens on Sunday September 25, featuring songs from some of the RSC’s most iconic musicals, including Les Miserables, played by a seventeen piece orchestra and a choir of eight.

Visitors can take advantage of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre’s other attractions, such as the views across Stratford-upon-Avon from the Tower’s 32 metre high viewing platform, seeing a free exhibition or enjoying a meal or refreshments

Cockerell and Sir Charles Barry.

Visitors will see fine 18thcentury architecture and splendid interiors: the Adam Orangery, the Chapel and Library by C.R. Cockerell, the New Hall, the Sculpture Gallery and the Laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in 1774.

Exhibition rooms contain a wealth of fine furniture, costumes, pocelain, jewellery and paintings.

Outside, the house is surrounded by ‘Capability’ Brown’s stunning park; magnificent formal gardens, a ‘Picturesque’ rockwork garden; and the renowned pinetum and arboretum. Bowood has its own hotel and spa which was recently awarded four gold stars by VisitBritain.

The House is open from 1100 – 1730hrs, with the grounds open to visitors half and hour longer, until 1800hrs.

Groups of over 20 people

in the Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, Riverside Cafe or Theatre Bars.

John Evans, head of the RSC’s Property Workshop, who has worked at the RSC for 41 years, said: “Every new production sees the creation of specially made props, sets and costumes, all made by in-house teams. This can be anything from paper props to thrones and bespoke furniture.

“As part of the 50th Birthday Season, we wanted to open up a bit of this back-stage world for people to experience for themselves.”

For tickets and information, visit www.rsc.org.uk or call 0844 800 1110

Groups can explore the The Bowood Estate’s vast gardens and grounds booking in advance can gain special discounted tickets - £8.50 for adults, £7.00 for senior citizens and £6.50 for children aged 5 to 12. n For more information, directions or to book group tickets, email reception@bowood.org or call 01249 812102.

Waddesdon Manor is gearing up for Christmas, with decorations throughout the East Wing themed to reflect the culture

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

139.80 135.16 128.81 126.96 126.45 125.90 125.64 123.88 123.35 122.82 120.01 118.41 116.74 111.09 110.25 108.71 104.04

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

1.15 1.25 9.00 316.00 28.00 4.67

and art of Italy.

Christmas at Waddesdon begins on Wednesday November 2 with shops festively decorated and full of gift ideas. The East Wing reopens for Christmas on Wednesday November 16 to January 2, 2012.

The Christmas Gift Fair opens from Thursday November 2 to Sunday November 6. Groups of 15+ will recieve special rates of £12.00 (£13.50 for weekends) for adults and £8.50 (£10.00 for weekends) for children aged 5 to 16. To qualify for the rate groups must be booked 14 days in advance.

Special areas have been allocated for coach parking and passengers can be dropped off at, and collected from, the front of the House or the Stables. A refreshment voucher will be issued to all coach drivers transporting pre-booked groups. n For more information, visit www. waddesdon.org.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7, 2011

£4,900

nEWS › BUSINESS

Money each small firm pays on average per year for legal guidance

BriEfly The CBI Service Sector Survey revealed that within the business and professional services sector, which includes travel services, the value and volume of business fell by 22% over the quarter. This is the first fall in volume and the fastest drop in value since November 2009. Within the consumer services sector, business volumes dropped by 25%, while values had declined by 15%. “This quarter we’ve seen more evidence of the ongoing decline in consumer services spending, as people with increasingly squeezed household incomes are forced to cut back their discretionary spending,” explained Richard Woolhouse, CBI head of fiscal policy. “What is new and was not expected this quarter is that spending on business and professional services also fell.”

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) last week published its new Quarterly Economic Forecast, downgrading its prediction for UK GDP growth in 2011 and 2012. Though growth is expected to be weaker over the short-term, the forecast predicts a gradual improvement, and warns against unjustified gloom about the UK’s economic prospects. However, this is the third time the forecast has been reduced this year alone, and it expects the economy to expand just 1.1% in 2011, compared to its prediction of 1.3% in June and the 1.9% estimate at the start of the year.

Effective leadership is important to long term business success, yet according to research only a third (36%) of UK leaders and one in five (18%) UK HR professionals would rate the quality of leadership as ‘high’ within their organisations. The figures come from new research from talent management consultancy, DDI, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) UK. Meanwhile, 38% of both UK leaders and HR professionals have rated their organisations’ leadership development programmes as highly effective, while 20% of leaders and 24% of HR professionals rate the programmes as ineffective. www.coachandbusweek.com

BusinessNews2.indd 20

Consultants’ fees for compliance costs spiralling Shop around for more affordable business services, says FPB Small firms pay almost £6bn a year to outside consultants for support on complying with regulations, research from the Forum of Private Business (FPB) has shown - a month before a raft of legal changes take place.

The FPB said the cost reaches more than a third of the £16.8 billion annual red tape bill.

With the latest ‘common commencement date’ for new regulations coming on October 1, more than two thirds of respondents (67%) to the FPB’s latest referendum survey have seen consultancy costs rise since 2009, when the previous ‘cost of compliance’ research took place.

The research shows the following: small firms pay external contractors £5.8bn for regulatory compliance services, while internal time costs total £11bn; On average each firm hands over £4,900 per year to companies offering legal guidance, including advice on employment, health and safety and tax – over double the £2,100 average annual bill in 2009;

Bank reforms postponed until 2015 onwards Business Secretary Vince Cable was last week at the centre of a clash over banking reforms.

Cable said bankers were being “disingenuous in the extreme” in arguing for a delay in plans by the independent banking commission (IBC) to force banks to ringfence their retail and investment banking operations.

Prevention is better than cure, says Phil Orford, FPB chief executive the combined amount paid each year to consultants and accountants for tax advice is in excess of £3.3bn; and external health and safety support costs almost £986m per year and employment law consultancy services come to £752m.

“Small businesses face a constant struggle to control costs – particularly in the current economic climate – but are being thwarted by the mounting tide of red tape they have to negotiate every day,” said Phil Orford, FPB chief executive.

“With just a month to go before

Vince Cable as viewed as taking a U-turn last week However, Cable has since softened his position, as the more stringent capital requirements this will impose will not take effect until 2015 at the earliest. “The balance

October’s common commencement date there is no hiding from the fact that red tape compliance costs – including steep consultancy fees – are hindering job creation and, by extension, economic growth.

“Unlike large firms, small firms do not have internal resources dedicated to complying with regulations, so either the business owner or a senior manager is forced to devote time to this task, an average of almost 40 hours per month, or they have to pay for a costly outside consultant.”

Orford added: “Compared to other industries, at present we are seeing a relatively robust services sector, including business services, which suggests that more struggling small firms are seeking out external support. Perhaps some companies providing commerciallydriven business services are exploiting this demand by charging high fees. It is always advisable to shop around for a better deal.

“There are also steep legal costs incurred when businesses are charged with breaching regulations.

The answer is that prevention is better than cure – it is so important put in place internal processes geared towards complying with the law in the first place.” is growth, and growth has to stay at the top of the agenda,” said Cable.

CBI director-general John Cridland had claimed last week that the forced separation of retail and investment banking operations would put economic recovery at risk. “Taking action at this moment this moment of growth peril, which weakens the ability of banks in Britain to provide the finance that businesses need to grow - is just to me barking mad,” he said.

CBI president Roger Carr described the 2015 target as a “more thoughtful position as things stand today”. “There is no challenge to the principle - the issue is timing of enforcement,” he said.

06/09/2011 01:35

1.1% £5.8bn Amount economy to predicted to expand in 2011 (BCC)

CBI president criticises UK’s ‘punitive’ tax regime CBI president Sir Roger Carr last week criticised the UK government’s tax regime as “punitive” while insisting that business and political leaders are “on the same page” when it comes to economic recovery.

In his first major speech in Scotland since taking up the post in June, he told his Glasgow audience the Treasury’s “misguided” levy on North Sea production had weakened investment and could eventually further raise the price of oil and gas in the UK. He also called for a reduction in rates of personal taxation, which should not just be replaced by another method of tax.

Sir Roger Carr, CBI president since June, addressed the CBI Scotland’s annual dinner last Thursday Carr told CBI Scotland’s annual dinner: “High personal taxes may seem like good politics, but they’re bad for business. They should come down – and not just be replaced by a damaging property tax.

“The UK needs motivated entrepreneurs, and it’s a fantasy to think that highly-mobile, talented people will forever tolerate some of the most punitive tax rates in the developed world.

“We need less regulation, more public service reform and a faster pace on infrastructure development and renewal, and we don’t need these by the end of the parliament we need them now.

“Above all, the government must not be deflected from its core task of repairing the public finances. It remains the bedrock of our global financial credentials and our recovery momentum.”

BusinessNews2.indd 21

September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21

Total amount small firms pay external consultants for regulatory compliance issues a year

BLOG of the week

SpOntAnEOUS? WAry? AdvEntUrOUS? WHAt typE Of riSK tAKEr ArE yOU?

Understanding risk types provides leaders and managers with insights into how and why decisions are taken. Which type are you, asks Geoff Trickley, MD of Psychological Consultancy on www.businesszone.co.uk

Little attention is paid to the human nature of risk and the effect it can have on an organisation, boardroom or team, yet while surface attitudes towards risk flex and change, an individual’s underlying personality remains consistent and when we are under pressure, we revert to type.

According to a survey by Labour Force, 274,000 people heading to work this morning will suffer some form of physical injury while carrying out their duties – that’s more than enough to give risk a seriously bad reputation. Yet no enterprise would get far without it.

This is self evident in the case of investment, soldiering or working in the emergency services or any other dangerous job.

Less obviously, leadership, creativity, entrepreneurialism and acts of heroism all depend critically on people exposing themselves to risk and the possibility of failure, humiliation or harm as well, of course, of glorious success.

Whether you are fearlessly adventurous or anxious and cautious is determined by your temperament and it is deeply rooted. Personality research can be complex and research into risk even more so. However, current knowledge has been distilled into eight risk types; types that each have a persistent bias towards very different perceptions, expectations, actions and decisions.

The challenge for leaders and managers must be to deploy risk types appropriately, to achieve the appropriate balance of risk types within any group, at the level of the boardroom, team, the department or the organisation as a whole.

This has been difficult to achieve because the human risk landscape has been virtually invisible.

SPonTAneoUS, UnInhIBITeD AnD exCITABle: This risk type enjoys the spontaneity of unplanned decisions. They are attracted to risk like moths to a flame, but are distraught when

Are you cautious or carefree in your approach towards risk? things go wrong. Their passion and imprudence make them exciting but unpredictable.

InTenSe: The intense type tends to be highly strung, pessimistic and nervous about any threat to their equilibrium.

In extreme examples, personal relationships and decision-making can become an emotional minefield.

Passionate and self-critical by nature, they react strongly to disappointment, taking it personally when things don’t work out.

WARy: Self-disciplined and cautious of risk, the wary type is organised but unadventurous and puts security at the top of the agenda. They will be drawn to the idea of securing their future but anxious that however well something worked for others, in their case it will go wrong.

PRUDenT: Very self-controlled and detailed in their planning, the prudent type is organised, systematic, conservative and conforming. Conventional in their approach, they prefer continuity to variety and are most comfortable sticking to what they know.

DelIBeRATe: Self-confident, systematic and compliant, the deliberate type tends to be unusually calm and optimistic.

They experience little anxiety and tackle risk and uncertainty in a business-like and unemotional way. They never walk into anything unprepared.

CoMPoSeD: The composed type is cool headed, calm and optimistic, but at the extreme may seem almost oblivious to risk and

unaware of its effect on others. They take everything confidently in their stride, seem quite imperturbable and manage stress well.

ADvenTURoUS: The adventurous type is both impulsive and fearless. At the extreme, they combine a deeply constitutional calmness with high impulsivity and a willingness to challenge tradition and convention.

Intrepid and never discouraged, they quickly rebound from any setback.

CARefRee: Spontaneous and unconventional, the carefree type is daring, excitement seeking and sometimes reckless. Not good at detail or careful preparation, they often seem unclear about their objectives. Their impatience and imprudence can lead to hasty and unwise decisions.

TyPICAl: Individuals who show none of the extremes that characterise other risk types are classified as typical. Because they score close to the centre they will not naturally be exceptionally prudent or unusually reckless, neither will they be particularly emotional or extremely calm.

Any pronounced risk-taking behaviours will likely be due to attitudes developed from specific experiences. you can discover your risk type for free go to www. psy-key.com - use the access code TrainingZone and complete the Risk-Type Compass 10 minute questionnaire. your seven-page report drops into your inbox immediately. www.coachandbusweek.com

06/09/2011 01:35

22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7, 2011

DELIVERIES

PC COACHES PC Coaches of Lincoln has taken delivery of three different variations of the Wrightbus Streetlite to begin operating this month.

The first of the vehicles supplied by Mistral is a 9.5m model fitted with seatbelts and a digital tachograph. The second and third vehicles are 8.8m and 9.5m variants, and

are fitted with 33 seats and 37 seats respectively.

The buses are powered

by Cummins Euro 5 engines, coupled to a Voith gearbox with integrated retarder.

Mobitec destination equipment and parking sensors are also fitted.

The vehicles will be running on a new route awarded by Lincolnshire County Council from Lincoln to Newark and Witham St

Hughs.

With a 33 and 37 seater already delivered, Peter Smith, managing director of P C Coaches told CBW: “On the basis of the positive response from my driving team and a number of customers who had already seen the vehicles, a further order was placed for the Streetlites.”

PC Coaches was established in 1978 and has since grown to a fleet of over 70 vehicles.

PEWSEY VALE COACHES Wiltshire-based Pewsey Vale Coaches has taken delivery of a new VDL Bova Futura FHD 127.365PR Automatic in the livery of tour operator ‘Just Go Holidays’ .

The Futura is a 13-metre long luxury coach built to EC Directive 2001/85 with whole vehicle type approval and is

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODy Wrightbus

Streetlite

EngInE Cummins E5 TRAnSmISSIOn Voith SEATS 33/37 SpEC Mobitec destination gear SUppLIED By

Mistral Bus & Coach 0800 781 4144 www.mistral-bus.com

TAW & TORRIDGE COACHES Merton-based Taw & Torridge Coaches has taken delivery of a 13.2 metre Van Hool T917 Altano tri-axle over-deck luxury coach.

Constructed to EC vehicle type approval and with an overall body height of 3.73m, the specification of this vehicle includes a 480bhp (353kw) MAN D2676 LOH27 12.4 litre Euro 5 engine with EGR & CRTec particulate filter, 12 speed ZF ASTronic gearbox, with Intarder, ABS & ASR traction control and 705-litre fuel tank.

The vehicle has independent front suspension and electronichydraulically steered tag axle wheels, fitted with Alcoa Dura Bright alloys. Headlights are Xenon (dipped and main beam) with LED daytime

powered by a 365 bhp DAF PR Euro 5 engine, with ZF automatic transmission, ZF Intarder with hand control and ASR traction control. The coach has LED rear lighting and Xenon headlights.

It seats 53 in Vogel Conturo luxury reclining seats with contrasting leather trim to headrest pad and piping, adjustable footrests, seat back tables and decency screens.

percolator located behind crew seats, washroom/toilet compartment and fridge. The coach is air-conditioned and also has a Webasto thermo 300 pre-heater.

The vehicle is finished with a Vinyl wrap in the new livery of tour operator PGL. Family-run Taw & Torridge Coaches can trace its roots back to 1947. Based at Merton, near Oakehampton, Devon, today the company operates 40 coaches.

FACT FILE

running lights. Floodlights are positioned over nearside coach length and entrance/ exits, with rear LED lighting.

There are 61 ‘Body Luxe’ seats with contrasting leather trim to headrests and piping, adjustable footrests, and seat back tables with a reclining and swivelling courier seat.

Side and rear windows have

curtains and are double glazed and dark tinted.

Overhead storage is equiped with locker doors, while the luggage space below is centrally locked. Interior lighting is provided along both sides of the centre sunken aisle and with fibre optic strips on step edgings.

Passengers can enjoy a

full audio/DVD multimedia package including CD/ DVD/MP3 capability all displayed through three saloon monitors and a dash mounted driver display, with Bluetooth connectivity for drivers. The driver also has access to interior surveillance and reverse cameras. There is a TM40 ‘Café perfect’

CHASSIS/BODy Van Hool T917

Altano

EngInE MAN D2676 LOH27 480bhp 12.4 litre TRAnSmISSIOn ZF Astronic 12 speed SEATS 61 SpEC CD/DVD/MP3/CCTV SUppLIED By

Moseley in the South 01823 653000 www.moseleysouth.co.uk

Tel: 01353 773000 Fax: 01353 773001 Email: info@mcv-uk.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

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September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 23

Have you taken delivery of a new vehicle and want to tell the world about it?

Email all the details and pictures to cbwinbox@ rouncymedia.co.uk

The coach features cruise control and a reverse camera with dash integrated display screen, a radio/PA/CD system, and a DVD system with two flat screen monitors.

Passengers have access to a fridge, water boiler and centre sunken WC. The Futura has woodeffect flooring, carpets to centre gangway, step wells and drivers area - together with curtains to side and rear windows, which are dark tinted and double glazed.

FACT FilE

CHASSiS/BOdy VDL Bova Futura FHD EnginE DAF PR 365 bhp Euro 5 TrAnSmiSSiOn ZF automatic SEATS 53 SpEC Touring SUppliEd By

Moseley in the South 01823 653000 www.moseleysouth.co.uk

INTRODUCING

ARRIVA Optare has completed delivery of 16 Visionaire open-top tour buses to Arriva for use on its sightseeing operation in London, which trades as ‘The Original Tour’.

Based on the 12.3 metre Volvo B9TL tri-axle chassis with 310bhp six-cylinder four-stroke Volvo engines, the 97-seater buses were dispatched on time, in line with the demanding delivery schedule set by Arriva and have been put straight into service across the tour’s three main sightseeing routes.

The Visionaires are fitted with Fainsa Metropolis seats with each seat housing a headset plug point through which passengers can receive digitally recorded commentaries in eight languages through the V6E multi-lingual system. A PA

V

its kind in the world and in June celebrated its 60th Anniversary. It began life as London Transport Service J in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations. The current name was adopted in 1996. The service covers three main sightseeing routes and is served on a ‘hop on, hop off’ basis.

Tickets are valid for 24 hours, with unlimited use during that timeframe, and the three routes travel to over 80 stops. system, tinted side windows and Hanover LED destination equipment has also been specified.

Featuring low floor and wheelchair accessibility, Arriva said the Visionaires are particularly welcome as it prepares to play a part during the busy Olympic and Paralympic games in London next year.

Colin Atkins, managing director of The Original Tour, said: “These Optare Visionaires form part of our continuing investment in new vehicles. Optare has performed well in meeting our detailed and exacting requirements and in delivering them on time.”

The Original Tour is the largest single operation of

e olution

FACT FilE

CHASSiS/BOdy Volvo B9TL/ Optare Visionaire EnginE Volvo TrAnSmiSSiOn ZF 6-speed SEATS 97 SpEC Open-top touring SUppliEd By

Optare 0113 264 5182 www.optare.com

• NEW GENERATION • NEW DESIGN • NEW IMAGE

DESIGNED TO LEAD. BUILT TO L AST. Sterling Place, Elean Business Park, Sutton, Ely, Cambs CB6 2QE Telephone: 01353 773000 Fax: 01353 773001 E-mail: sales@mcv-uk.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7, 2011

eg

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

› engine transmissions

Gearing up on transmissions The power, performance, versatility and reliability of bus and coach gearboxes is growing ever-important not least for driver convenience, passenger comfort and speed and noise control. Coach & Bus Week looks at the engine transmission services on offer from industry specialists from retrofit options from Eminox to Allison Transmissions’ Torqmatic series.

BEAT THE LEZ rUSH, SAyS EmINOx With the next phases of London’s low emission zone less than four months away, Mike Galey, marketing director at Eminox, is urging bus and coach operators to act now to avoid a bottleneck in supply.

As many operators are now well aware, Transport for London (TfL) is tightening the emission standards and widening the scope of the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) with the new phase 3 and 4 restrictions coming into force on January 3, 2012. TfL estimates a total of 145,000 vehicles will fail to comply with the new restrictions, and in the current economic climate, are expecting more than 20,000 to take the retrofit compliance option. Against such a high demand, the industry is becoming increasingly concerned at relatively small numbers of vehicles which have so far been fitted with the necessary equipment to comply.

Operators who continue to leave it

too long could face a bottleneck in supply during a last minute rush, potentially missing the deadline altogether.

Phase 3 will extend the range of vehicles affected to include minibuses and vehicles from 1.2 tonnes which will be required to meet Euro III particulate matter (PM) standard, and Phase 4 will set a tougher standard of Euro IV PM for buses and coaches over 5 tonnes.

The expected increase in the number of vehicles affected by the new restrictions has heightened the industry’s concerns regarding the need for operators to fully understand the options on the table and act to avoid paying the price of non-compliance.

The penalties are high. Operators who leave it too late will need to pay a daily charge of £200 for every non-compliant vehicle that has to travel into the LEZ, or face a fine of up to £1,000 for non-payment.

Many fleet operators affected by the first phases of the LEZ enforcement back in 2008

www.coachandbusweek.com

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AlliSOn mEEtS yOUr dEmAndS Allison Transmission prides itself on offering the broadest and most advanced range of fully automatic powershifting transmissions which are built to be reliable, easy to use, durable and able to match the specific demands of bus and coach businesses.

Allison’s bus offer includes its Torqmatic series of fully automatic powershifting transmissions. It is specially designed for the unique

demands of city and suburban buses. The 2000 Series transmission is the ideal solution for smaller buses providing optimum performance and fuel economy.

Allison fully automatic powershifting transmissions combine torque converter operation with “closed loop” adaptive controls to provide the smoothest possible ride.

Continuous electronic monitoring and adjustment enable the electronic control unit to “learn” how the vehicle is

Bus and coach operator TGM Group selected Eminox’s CRT (continuously regenerating trap) technology to upgrade 71 vehicles for the London LEZ earlier this year. have benefited from Eminox’s two TfL-approved full filtration retrofit systems – the Eminox CRT (Continuously Regenerating Trap), which is complemented by the FBC (Fuel Borne Catalyst) for smaller vehicles.

The CRT system has been a popular choice for operators affected by phases 1 and 2 of the London LEZ. Both the CRT and FBC systems achieve more than 90% particulate matter reduction whilst CRT also virtually eliminates hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.

Eminox also provides comprehensive after-sales support.

The filters contained in approved emissions systems need to be maintained in order for vehicles to keep their LEZ approved status. The company offers the next generation of filter servicing using the patented Xpurge cleaning technology and Veritex inspection technology. The technology can deliver ‘as new’ levels of filter performance with longer service intervals.

For a full breakdown on the restrictions, routes to compliance and an up-to-date list of approved suppliers and technologies visit TfL’s website: www.tfl.gov.uk/ roadusers/lez T: 0808 156 2012 for Eminox’ dedicated London LEZ team E: lez@eminox.com W: www.eminox.com

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eg

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

› engine transmissions

driven, ensuring perfect shifts which self-adjust to changes in load, terrain and traffic conditions.

Allison transmissions maintain constant power delivery to the wheels during gear changes, so acceleration is brisk and steady, even on steep grades. So your drivers can keep to their route times and your passengers are happy. Drivers enjoy easy, stress free operation and can give more attention to their passengers.

The electronically controlled output retarder in an Allison transmission allows smooth progressive stopping and the seamless transition between the retarder and service brakes ensures greater control at low speeds.

Even on heavily congested city routes with constant stopping and starting, the exceptionally smooth shifts of an Allison transmission can go completely unnoticed by the passengers. They can just sit back and enjoy the trip.

An Allison transmission is designed to operate as quietly as

possible, minimising stress for the driver and maximising comfort for the passenger. The planetary gears are helical cut resulting in significantly reduced noise output both inside and outside of the bus. The transmission’s modular structure has fewer moving parts and the lock-up clutch ensures no mechanical slip between the engine and transmission.

TorqmaTic SerieS This is the ideal choice for city buses and coaches, advanced electronic controls ensure efficient operation in all kinds of terrain and inner city traffic. The torque converter operation and close ratio gears optimise engine efficiency.

The early lock-up engagement with “closed loop” adaptive controls ensures outstanding shift quality.

1000 SerieS Allison’s 1000 series brings superior performance of electronic controls from 6 to 11.8 tonne vehicle GVW. The engine and

transmission communicate by a powerful microprocessor providing precise, perfectly timed shifts whatever the road or load conditions. Standard features include lock-up operation in second to fifth range and helical gearing for reduced transmission noise.

2000 SerieS This series increases torque capacity for higher powered vehicles within a lighter weight package. Adaptive technology ensures optimum performance is maintained at all times. It also enables the transmission to compensate for variations in driving conditions, such as loads, drivers and traffic patterns.

3000 SerieS Allison’s 3000 series - flexible enough to work in a wide variety of vehicles, designed with a choice of close ratio for city streets and highway driving and wide ratio for construction and refuse applications. The torque converter

results in better ‘startability,’ particularly on gradients and an optional output retarder provides effective auxiliary and vehicle braking.

4000 SerieS High horsepower and torque ratings making heavy-duty commercial vehicles more productive and easier to drive.

With Allison electronic controls a 4000 Series can adapt to operate efficiently in a wide variety of conditions for superior performance in severe applications.

Programming options can be set to prevent gear engagement whilst the auxiliary equipment is in operation.

T: 01525 408600 W: www.allison transmission.com

ZF HELpS rEDUCE FUEL CONSUmpTION German-based ZF develops and produces transmissions, steering

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systems, axles, and chassis components as well as complete systems for commercial vehicles.

Each new generation of automatic transmissions helps reduce fuel consumption by 3-6%. They also provide a direct link to the engine and improve performance by offering sports car-like shifting precision, comfortable handling and a long service life.

ZF’s Driveline and chassis portfolio includes the EcoLife product - the six-speed automatic transmission which can handle transfer torques of up to 2,000 Newton Metres and resists operating temperatures of modern Euro 5 engines or future engine generations.

The Ecomat six-speed automatic transmission is a good example.

As a supplement to lowfloor technology it is also ideally suitable for “Bus Rapid Transit” systems.

ZF’s AS-Tronic has passenger comfort as a core consideration.

Clutch operation and shifting happen smoothly and

ZF EcoLife six-speed automatic can accommodate 2,000Nm input torque automatically. Furthermore, ASTronic provides a choice for the bus driver - by pushing one button he or she can switch from the automatic to the manual mode and vice versa at any time.

The AS-Tronic lite represents a financially viable option for light city bus and coach operators with limited resources. ZF also offers hybrid options.

T: Phone: 00 49 7541 77 0 W: www.zf.com

DinEx HOt On ExHAUSt & EmiSSiOnS Exhaust and emissions specialist, Dinex was founded in 1982 with just 15 staff. Today, headquartered in Denmark, it operates through 15 companies and employs over 800

staff in Germany, Latvia, Turkey, Russia, and China.

Dinex is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of innovative engineered exhaust and emission control products and solutions for the heavy duty diesel engine and vehicle industry.

The constantly growing portfolio of more than 15,000 part numbers and complete systems represents everything from pipes, silencers, clamps, flexible pipes, insulations and after treatment products like SCR. Dinex is the only manufacturer worldwide of exhaust and emission products with its own technology and production platforms of emission substrates and coating facilities.

Dinex Technology Centre was completed in 2007 and is state of the art for advanced development and system integration of complete emission solutions for the industry.

T: 00 45 63 41 25 00 E: dinex@dinex.dk W: www.dinex.dk

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OpErAtOr prOfilE › xelabus

Building a bus business Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans talks to Gareth Blair, 32, co-director of Xelabus, the Eastleigh-based independent bus operator which is about to celebrate its first year of operation

M

any who work in the bus and coach industry have at some stage in their lives harboured a desire to own and run their own operation. It’s an industry which generates a great deal of passion.

While it’s easy to dismiss some individuals as mere ‘anoraks’, few industry professionals truthfully escape picking up at least some of that enthusiasm, no matter how hard they try.

Gareth Blair, who at 32 years old, is co-director of Hampshire independent bus operator Xelabus, is one such individual ‘living the dream’, as it were.

“I believe I’m one of the younger owners of a bus company. It’s something I’d always wanted to do,” explained Gareth. “My careers advisers look puzzled at me when I said I wanted to work in the bus and coach industry.”

Recalling his early interest in the industry and expressing a view which many will doubtless identify with, Gareth said: “As a child I was never the ‘cool kid’ at school because I wasn’t interested in football. Don’t get me wrong, life wasn’t all about buses – I enjoyed motorsport too. I would attend rallies at weekends but other children would play football.

However, now I’m the one who is www.coachandbusweek.com

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running the business while some of my contemporaries are out of work.”

Having left school in 1996, Gareth attended Southampton City College, where he studied for a GNVQ in business and marketing.

However, he admits he was “still unsure at that stage” whether he wanted to go into the bus industry.

Gareth took up the story: “I worked in a Halfords branch but decided it was not for me. I then worked for the Hendy Ford dealership in the parts department, before moving into the leasing and fleet department, which I really enjoyed. It involved managing 1,500 cars and HGVs. I got my provisional HGV licence. Sadly the fleet side of the business was sold and ended up being run by accountants. That was seven years ago.

“I left Hendy on the Thursday and got married on the Saturday. After enjoying a two-week honeymoon, I started working for dad at a time when PB Bus Marketing still had offices at Barton Park. The Tesco contract was also new at that point.”

Gareth still works full-time for PB Bus Marketing but said it has always been his intention to run a fleet of vehicles.

Why was the name ‘Xelabus’ selected? At first glance, it sounds like something almost Roman or of curious overseas origin. However, the story is a far more poignant one.

“I lost my son Alex when he was

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OpErAtOr: Xelabus lOCAtiOn: Eastleigh, Hampshire flEEt: 12 COntACt: 023 8027 5000 www.xelabus.info

Gareth admits to being proud of what has been achieved in the year since Xelabus took to the road

aged three to a terrible cancer. It was one of those occasions when you have to sink or swim. I wanted to make Alex proud – he was mad about buses and indeed, vehicles in general. As a result, the name of the company is Alex spelt backwards,” explained Gareth.

“PB Bus Marketing funded my CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence). I went away for a week’s intensive study in the Bristol area. The deal I agreed with dad was that if I passed my exams, he would buy me a couple of buses. I wasn’t expecting to pass. Out of four candidates, only two of us passed.

It involved sitting five exams in a day. I did it through the CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport), which I would thoroughly recommend.”

Gareth continued: “True to his word, dad bought me a pair of ex Lothian Alexander-bodied Olympians, which had latterly been in service with Preston Bus, and which were acquired via Ross Newman at Ensign Bus.” Even prior to the acquisition of the first vehicles, the company name had already been decided and likewise the livery.

“The origin of the livery is historic – it’s Hants & Dorset, but our version works on a modern bus. A lot of people say it looks right and smart whether it’s applied on a 20-year old Olympian or a 10-year old Dart.

“The reason I own 51% of the business is my name is on the O-licence. The remaining 49% is owned by my father, Phil. When we started, we had two buses and four discs.

“The Olympians were supplemented by two of dad’s collection of preserved ex

Southampton Citybus vehicles – namely, an East Lancs-bodied Olympian and a 1995-registerd step-entrance Plaxton Dart.

Significantly, they helped bring money in through the door. The set up costs of a bus company are extortionate.”

All ran well until Saturday March 12 this year when the firm’s depot fell victim to an arson attack – as reported in CBW977.

At the time, Xelabus director Phil Blair told CBW: “We’ve lost three excellent buses to what’s been associated as an arson attack.

There’s no reason to believe it’s an electrical fault – none of the vehicles had any problems – this was purely an act of mindless vandalism.

“I read with sadness in your magazine stories of this nature happening to others but it’s completely different when you fall victim to it.”

Mr Blair said the seat of the fire was in the Dart. “Fortunately the wind was blowing away from the building, which is home to

“I lost my son Alex when he was aged three to a terrible cancer. It was one of those occasions when you have to sink or swim. I wanted to make Alex proud – he was mad about buses, so the name of the company is Alex spelt backwards.”

Gareth Blair MD, Xelabus

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£3

OpErAtOr prOfilE › xelabus

The return fare charged on Xelabus’ first commercial bus route, the X12 both PB Bus Marketing and some vehicles .

“We are so grateful to the efforts of Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service.

We would also like thank fellow operators and our many friends for their support and offers of assistance – we really appreciate it.”

Speaking to CBW almost six months since the incident and uttering words which civilised members of society regard as text book examples of ‘broken Britain’, Gareth said: “Out of six buses parked at the front of the building, we managed to save three. The seat of the fire was close to the building. It’s an unfortunate fact that the vandal is known to both the police and the fire brigade but they say they can’t charge him because they’ve yet to find enough evidence.”

The buses lost in the fire were Plaxton Pointer–bodied Dennis Dart ‘M321YOT’ and Alexander-bodied Leyland Olympians ‘E324MSG’ & ‘E327MSG’.

“We replaced the buses with three super low floor Plaxton Darts – two of which carry Xelabus livery, while the third sports an all over ad, which is on a two-year contract. As a small firm we can’t afford to turn away income,” continued Gareth.

“We want a standardised fleet – comprising Plaxton Darts and Alexander Olympians. The fact I’ve bought ex Lothian Olympians is down to Phil Stockley at Velvet Bus. I drove for him for a spell and experienced the type at first hand.

“We now operate a dozen vehicles. We’ve applied to increase our O-licence authorisation to 10 discs. I’m amazed at our rate of growth in our first year.”

Business Mix

Xelabus has recently been successful and won a number of Hampshire County Council tenders.

The four-year contracts start in October, one of which is the Sunday service on the ‘C’ route, while the remainder is school work.

“The task is now to find something for those buses to do in between,” commented Gareth.

“We’re also on the tendering list for other Hampshire areas.

We’re looking at Portsmouth. My philosophy is to grab opportunities as they arise because you never know what’s around the corner.”

Xelabus also operates a number of supermarket shopper services.

“Our ASDA Totton and Tesco Winchester and Bursledon services www.coachandbusweek.com

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Xelabus operates a number of supermarket shopper services

“You’re never going to be a millionaire running open toppers but the key thing is it breaks even.”

Gareth Blair MD, Xelabus

The operation of a coach was a short-lived experiement

have seen a good level of growth and our Eastleigh Town service has proved to be very popular,” explained Gareth.

“Our X4 ASDA service from Fair Oak to ASDA Eastleigh has also seen strong ridership growth. The service has now attracted many regulars using it on a weekly basis.

We have also recently introduced a commuter service to Southampton West Quay Monday to Friday, numbered X12, we are operating the service at peak times with low fares.”

Among the new areas of business developed this year has been an open top bus tour of Southampton docks. Branded ‘Sea the City’, this uses ex Lothian Olympian ‘F357WSC’.

“It’s been successful. You’re never going to be a millionaire running open toppers but the key thing is it breaks even,” said Gareth. “These ocean liners are huge. Getting up

close alongside them is a surreal experience. We’ve teamed up with port owners ABP who have allowed us to operate inside the docks.”

Another new venture is the operation of a heritage bus for wedding hire on a commercial basis.

“We’ve bought a Routemaster (RM) – ‘SMK679F’. There are very few others in the area who can offer a vintage bus for wedding hire and such like. We’ve had the RM for six weeks and it’s been out for four of those,” explained Gareth.

“We hire the RM out for £500 per wedding and we get it. I’ve been told wedding cars charge £450 yet our RM has 76 seats.

“My biggest thing with buses is cleanliness. I don’t want to put a dirty bus out. Even our tyres are painted at weekends. I run our buses like a coach company in terms of presentation. That’s why all our vehicles are fitted with

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51%

The Xelabus shareholding owned by Gareth Blair

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September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 31

The seating capacity of the firm’s Routemaster, ‘SMK679F’ age of smart phones.

Clearly proud of the team, Gareth said: “I like to involve our drivers.

We have regular team meetings.

After all, the drivers are the ones who are out there day in, day out.

They’re 100% committed. Having the team behind us is vital. We don’t like the ‘them and us’ idea – it’s just that some of us have more legal responsibilities that others.

“I’m 32 and most of our drivers are in their 40s and 50s. A number of them call me ‘son’ yet I’m their boss. I take the mick as much as they do of me,” he mused.

Concluding, Gareth said: “We are proud of Xelabus. We don’t take too much notice of what other operators may think. That’s not to have a hard nosed attitude.”

maintained by Sparks Commercials in Totton. They’re a great company to deal with. They’re very efficient.”

As for suppliers of consumables, Gareth commented: “We don’t currently have a tyre contract in place but we’re looking into having one in 2012. We get discount prices on forecourts from Esso for our fuel at the moment. However, we hope the new depot will have on-site fuelling to reduce costs.”

The fleet is fitted with Centrad destination gear. Gareth described Geoff Cross as “a great guy”. “We’re very pleased with Geoff’s blinds.

We’re now looking at fitting CCTV to our school contract doubledeckers,” he added.

“I’m still on a learning curve in this industry,” admitted Gareth.

“I’ve dipped my toe in the water by registering one return express commercial bus route between Eastleigh and Southampton at around half the return fare (£3) of another local operator and our service also runs direct.

“With the start of the new academic year, upon arrival in Southampton, the bus on that service will go on to work a school contract, so it will pay for itself.

Subsidies are nice but you’ve got to be brave sometimes and take the commercial risk.

“Obviously being part of a marketing company, it’s natural for us to have our own publicity, such as at-stop information, paper timetables etc. A key thing is having a good website, particularly in an

Gareth Blair MD, Xelabus

Ex Lothian open-topper (above) and former Southampton City Bus and ex Lothian Olympians respectively. The livery is shown to good effect (below)

“My biggest thing with buses is cleanliness.

I don’t want to put a dirty bus out. Even our tyres are painted at weekends. We run our buses like a coach company in terms of presentation. That’s why all our vehicles are fitted with wheel trims” wheel trims.”

However, it would be wrong to portray Xelabus’ first year of business as a total success story – as Gareth readily admits.

“We did buy a coach. Going back to my childhood, with its sloped front end, I’ve always liked the Plaxton Excalibur body. We painted it up but the problem was we had to mix EU and domestic drivers hours rules. It caused a headache, which we didn’t need. To be perfectly honest, the coach proved to be an expensive toy to stand on the forecourt. Another mistake I made was the coach wasn’t LEZ (Low Emission Zone) compliant.

All schools in this area want to go to London, so we traded it in with Ensign for four Darts.”

The Future

Turning to the future, Gareth said: “We operate from a site in Eastleigh, but we’re currently in negotiation on another site. Our vehicles are

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DRIVERS

Send your driver news and stories to gareth.evans@rouncymedia. co.uk or call 01733 293 243.

Special silver service for Barnsley driver Driver rewarded for using skills to prevent crime on buses Barnsley Stagecoach driver Paul Keating has been presented with a special award for his commitment to cutting crime on public transport.

Paul, from Hoyland, picked up the silver community accolade at the 2011 Stagecoach Group Champion Awards for his efforts to help reduce vandalism and improve safety.

Paul is also a Special Constable for South Yorkshire Police and has used his dual role to fight against anti-social behaviour. He began his career as a passenger service vehicle driver for Stagecoach before progressing to a lead driver and recently a traffic controller.

The Special Constabulary is made up of volunteers who support their local police force. ‘Specials’ come from all walks of life and form a vital link between the

Nostalgic trip for 90th birthday

A former bus conductress took a nostalgic trip down memory lane when she boarded a 1964 classic AEC Regent double decker for her 90th birthday.

The now retired Beatrice MacDonald relived her bus conducting days with the East Kent road car company when she donned her original uniform for the special journey.

Susan Sheppard, floating support officer at the 90 year-old’s retirement home said: “Beatrice is a lovely lady. We have literally had hours of fun talking about her exploits during the War and her bus conducting days, which spanned some 30 years.

“I really wanted to do something special for her. When I contacted the Friends of the East Kent Road Company (FEKRC), they remembered her with fondness and agreed to donate a bus for her trip.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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regular police officers and the local community.

Paul’s role includes conducting intelligence-based patrols, taking part in crime prevention initiatives, enforcing road safety projects, tackling anti-social behaviour, assisting at the scene of incidents and working closely with South Yorkshire Police’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

Paul Keating with his silver award The bus went on the same Folkestone to Dover route Beatrice had worked on.

She said: “In some ways it was as if I never left, it was a fantastic surprise and a wonderful memory which I will remember for the rest of my days.

Ben Bridges, a Stagecoach controller and volunteer driver with the FEKRC said: “It is always great fun to go back in time. I really enjoyed driving one of East Kent’s original clippys back through her old bus route.”

Beatrice returned to conduct an original AEC Regent

The 27-year-old was presented with his award by Stagecoach UK Bus managing director, Les Warneford, at the company’s head office in Perth.

Paul said: “I love being a Special Constable for South Yorkshire Police and it has been rewarding to use the new skills I’ve learnt during my training to help ensure Stagecoach buses remain safe and crime free for passengers.

“It was a surprise to be nominated for the award and even more so to win. I’m really proud of the award and hope it inspires others to help their community too.”

Paul Lynch, managing director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: “Paul is a fantastic ambassador for the company and an inspiration to his peers at Stagecoach too. We are delighted to recognise his hard work and determination to tackle crime on South Yorkshire’s roads with this community award.”

Stratford driver’s 25 years

A Stratford-upon-Avon bus driver is celebrating 25 years in the industry.

Stagecoach has marked Geoff Morris’s length of service at its Stratford depot by presenting him with a Dreyfuss watch which he says he will proudly keep for ‘special occasions’.

He was already an HGV licence holder when he applied for a driving job with the former Guide Friday operation in Stratford 25 years’ ago, and has driven the open toppers on the City Sightseeing tours ever since.

Geoff learned much of the town’s history through his early connections with the sightseeing tours and continues to be a familiar face behind the wheel of Stagecoach’s open toppers.

“I believe these already popular tours will attract even more custom this year, as more people are holidaying at home,” said Geoff.

To advertise on this page, contact Harley Denham on 01733 293 249 or e-mail harley. denham@rouncymedia.co.uk

Driver on theft charge A Blackpool Transport driver will appear before the courts this month over allegations he stole nearly £17,000 from the company’s staff benevolence fund – The Blackpool Gazette reported.

Police launched an investigation after staff union representatives discovered the cash was missing from the account for the Unite Benevolence Fund.

A 52-year-old man has now been summoned to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on September 12 to face allegations of theft.

Financial investigators were drafted in to help the police with the inquiry and they have now submitted a report.

A police spokesman said: “A 52-year-old man has been reported for summons for an alleged offence of theft.

“Back in March he was interviewed on a voluntary basis.

As a result of that he has then been reported for summons. The alleged offence is theft between January 1, 2004 and October 6, 2010. It relates to a figure of nearly £17,000.”

Geoff has driven approximately a quarter of a million miles during his career in Stratford He provides the weekday commentary to visitors of many different nationalities and a translation is provided in French, German, Italian and Japanese.

“Through the commentary which I do in English I also continue to learn about Stratford’s history,” said Geoff, 57. “I like to think I now know the historic houses and theatre pretty well.

“It’s a wonderful job and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” concluded Geoff, who has driven approximately a quarter of a million miles during his bus driving career.

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LEGAL UpdAtE › summary dismissal

Summary dismissal beats notice period Steve Mayerhoff, a solicitor and director at Backhouse Jones reports on a case of a hasty employment termination.

In M-Choice UK Ltd v Aalders, the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) has handed down a useful judgment which confirms the proposition where an employee is summarily dismissed during their notice period, the date of termination will be the Effective Date of Termination (EDT) for unfair dismissal purposes and not the date on which employment would have ceased had the notice period continued to run.

Background The Claimant, Miss Aalders, began her employment with M-Choice on February 1, 2010. Under contract of employment, she was entitled to six months notice of dismissal.

On July 26, 2010, the Claimant was sent a letter giving notice to terminate her employment by February 1, 2011. The Claimant

subsequently presented a claim for Unfair Dismissal on January 11, 2011 to the Employment Tribunal explaining her employment would terminate on February 1, 2011, by which date she would have accrued the one year’s service to entitle her to bring such a claim.

Her employers then wrote to the Claimant on January 21, 2011, informing her of employment termination with immediate effect i.e. summarily dismissing her before completion of a year’s service. The Claimant then amended her ET claim to add a complaint that her employment had been terminated early on January 21, 2011 because she asserted a statutory right to claim the right not to be unfairly dismissed.

The assertion of a statutory right is one of the limited situations an employee’s unfair dismissal claim can proceed even if one year’s service has not accrued.

At a pre-hearing review, the employment Judge had to consider which date was the EDT and

Supreme Court’s ruling reduces scope of right to legal representation In R (G) v Governors of X School, G was a music teaching assistant suspended in October 2007 following a complaint he had had inappropriate contact with a 15 year old boy on work experience at the school. The CPS did not commence legal proceedings but the school conducted an internal investigation and disciplinary hearing, and dismissed the Claimant for abuse of trust. The school also reported G to the Secretary of State (“SOS”) to determine whether or not to place G on a statutory register preventing him from working with children in the future. The Independent Safeguarding Authority (“ISA”) replied, explaining their role was to advise the SOS who would then make his own decision. www.coachandbusweek.com

LegalUpdate.indd 34

Due to the allegations, G requested permission for legal representation during the disciplinary hearing but the school refused.

By way of Judicial Review, the Claimant sought to challenge the school’s decision not to allow him legal representation at the disciplinary hearing (or the forthcoming appeal hearing) on the basis that those decisions violated his status under Article 6 European Court of Human Rights. Such rights included the right to a fair hearing and to have legal assistance.

Despite the fact there were no criminal proceedings, the High Court found the Claimant was entitled to legal representation in civil proceedings as did the Court of Appeal.

The school appealed again to

whether the Claimant had sufficient continuous service to claim. The ET Judge found the second dismissal did not deprive the Claimant of the right to claim “ordinary” unfair dismissal and held February 1, 2011 as the EDT. M-Choice then appealed.

The EAT allowed the appeal and held that the Claimant’s summary dismissal had terminated her employment on January 21, 2011.

The EAT referred to the case of Stapp v The Shaftesbury Society 1982 stating there was a “clear and unambiguous‟ statement of the law, which meant the summary dismissal of an employee who is serving notice brings forward the EDT, even if that deprives him / her of sufficient continuous service to claim Unfair Dismissal. Accordingly, the Claimant had not acquired the requisite one year’s service to claim Unfair Dismissal.

Notwithstanding the fact the Claimant could not claim “ordinary” Unfair Dismissal, the EAT has referred the claim back to the ET

In association with

to determine the principal reason for dismissal so as to consider the merits of the automatic Unfair Dismissal claim.

If the ET considers the reason for summarily dismissing the Claimant on January 21, 2011 was because she had asserted her statutory right not to be unfairly dismissed on February 1, 2011, the ET will have jurisdiction to hear the claim as the Claimant will not be required to establish one year’s service.

Furthermore, the employer may then have to incur not only the legal costs involved in defending this claim but also an award of compensation to the Claimant.

comment The EAT’s finding that a summary dismissal can bring forward the EDT where an employee is already working their notice seems sensible. However, employers should take note of this case because it reminds us employees can still bring claims for Unfair Dismissal before accruing a year’s service. Accordingly, employers should not make hasty decisions to terminate a staff member’s employment before one year’s service has accrued. If in doubt, employers should seek legal advice as to which procedures should be followed so as to avoid ET claims being presented. the subsequent ISA process) as it was for the SOS to decide whether or not to place G on the ‘barring register’.

ruling has implications for school bus drivers and escorts the Supreme Court. By a majority, the Court held that the school’s disciplinary proceedings only concerned G’s employment and not the civil right to practise a profession. Accordingly, they held that G’s Article 6 rights would only be engaged by the subsequent ISA proceedings (despite the fact the school’s findings could easily have a knock-on / influential effect on

Backhouse Jones acts for clients in the private and public sector, both national and international operators from one to several thousand vehicles. Backhouse is absolutely “industry specific”.

Whilst the company can trace its heritage to 1819 it only represented its first Road Transport Operator in 1930.

The explanation for this is that the first transport act was only introduced in 1930 n The Independent Chambers Guide 2009 describes Backhouse Jones Limited as a specialist company with a national reputation for “first class strength, experience and understanding of the transport industry”. n Contact 01254 828300. Visit www.backhousejones.co.uk

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Unit 15 Moorlands Business Centre, Balme Road, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 4EZ Tel: 01274 870919 Fax: 01274 870929 www.reglaze.co.uk

Visi at the t Reglaze N & Bus EC Coach 5 & 6 Show on Oc Stand tober C45

Same day quality glazing service

Established in 2003 and independently owned by Gary Blackmore, based in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, Reglaze are a specialist supplier and installer of replacement glass to the Coach, Bus, Horsebox, Motorhome and Rail industries and much more.

Having being in the business for over 25 years Gary Blackmore truly understands the demands within this industry. Reglaze are committed to helping customers 24x7 and will not let clients down. The company holds a huge range of stock which helps Reglaze deliver ʻsame day serviceʼ in most cases. Stock is reviewed each day and re-

ordered where required.

The preferred supplier to Reglaze is Carlyle glass as they are reliable and have depots in Manchester and Birmingham, and operate a delivery service – including 24x7 – which means that the company are never without glass.

The aim is to provide a ʻsame day

quality serviceʼ 100% of the time, with a vast wealth of knowledge in both glass and installation, so if you have any queries please call to discuss.

Customers needs are the priority within Reglaze and the Mission Statement is: To be the preferred specialist glass installer for the Coach & Bus industry

Bradford to Lake Garda

Reglaze delivered on their promise ʻsame day serviceʼ but with a twist – Steve Plant tells us the story:

“One of our customers called to say that they were stuck in Lake Garda, Italy with a broken windscreen and a coach full of tourists and they couldnʼt get any local company out to assist.

Life in the fast lane for Reglaze...

An unusual request came through for Reglaze to glaze the mobile hospitality suite which was launched in Finland for the Ford World Rally Team.

“This was an unusual request, however Reglaze are always up for a challenge and like to cover anything glazing,” said Gary Blackmore. “We are really proud of our achievements with this work and so were our customers.”

Olympic glazing

“We priced the job up, checked the ferry times and off we went. The job was completed within 24 hours including our travelling time. The customer was really pleased and the passengers were fascinated, some even videoed the event!”

Director Gary says that refurbishment work has already begun on the London red buses. Reglaze have teamed up with Bus & Coach World Ltd, Blackburn to complete the marathon job. Reglaze will replace damaged glass/windscreens for over 140 vehicles.

“We are halfway there with a further 70 to complete before the visitors arrive in London for the games,” said Gary.

For a 24x7 fast, friendly, reliable quality service • Replacement glass on Coaches, Buses, Mini Buses, Horseboxes, Boats, Trams, Trains, Motor homes etc • NO call centres – straight through to an experienced member of staff on one number • Based in West Yorkshire • Competitive pricing • Over 50 years combined experience • Quality PU glue used • Continuous staff training • 99% of jobs completed same day • Repairs and Glass filming • Insurance work covered • Customer accounts upon request • On-site service • Now conducting Customer Service Questionnaires which measure quality & service – in July Reglaze scored 98% (based on 45 surveys)

36 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7, 2011

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September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 37

THE BIG PICTURE

Last Thursday (September 1) Delaine Buses of Bourne, Lincolnshire introduced into service the first bus outside London to conform to the new European Whole Vehicle Type Approval specification. It is also the first time the renowned family-run firm has chosen Wrightbus to body one of its new double deckers. ‘AD61DBL’ is a standard-length Volvo B9TL chassis with Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini 2 bodywork and is numbered 150 in their fleet. Caught on camera

by Delaine driver and CBW reader Graham Lord, the attractivelystyled bus poses at Morton Church prior to working its first ever journey, the 0730hrs service 101 to Peterborough.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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05/09/2011 14:15

38 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7, 2011

OpEn plAtfOrm › RICHARD CHARNLEY

Mysteries of the odd operators Richard Charnley shares tales about tachograph compliance – or rather noncompliance - and office filing systems I’ve been busy lately visiting operators around the country helping them keep within the law regarding their Operator Licences. And what surprises I found…

In a large depot belonging to a major group, there were two digital driver card readers on the manager’s desk, little green lights glowing encouragingly. Pointing to them I asked: “How often do you read the driver cards?” The manager looked blank. “We download the vehicles every month,” he explained. “Isn’t that all we have to do?” After a little experimenting with my own card I was able to find out that although plugged into the computer, there was no link to any software from the card readers.

True, they had been uploading from the (Vehicle Units) VUs but had no picture of the drivers’ overall activities. Happily the company’s analysis bureau was quick off the mark and the readers were soon made active and driver card readings initiated.

At another location, this time a small satellite depot for a larger operator, I looked for the tachograph analysis reports. “We don’t get any,” the manager told me. “We read the driver cards every week and the vehicles are downloaded every month, but we just assume that this information is sent to head office.” Needless to say, head office hadn’t realised that the satellite depot wasn’t getting any reports at all.

Investigations are now underway.

Even more mysterious was what had been going on at a Scottish company. The manager there had only been in post for a few months, after the sudden departure from the firm of a director who had been responsible for vehicles and drivers. The first thing the new manager found was … well, nothing. No tachographs charts, no digital data, no inspection reports, no defect reports, no drivers’ timesheets, no nothing! At the time of my visit the manager had been in touch with the tachograph analysis bureau the company used, and they were very surprised to hear from him because they didn’t know that he even existed: they’d never had any data for analysis from that location, ever. By now they’d had things set up and everything was being done properly, but what the departed director had been up to goodness only knows.

As the new manager explained: “We would see him downloading from the VUs in the vehicles regularly, and the drivers’ cards were read every week.” So what happened to all that information?

Did it disappear into the Lanarkshire Triangle? www.coachandbusweek.com

OpenPlatform.indd 38

Drivers are legally required to retain 28 days worth of tachograph charts on them

“When operators moan to me about the burden of bureaucracy, I want to ask them, “Who created it?”

And it wasn’t just the companies who sometimes got things wrong. Part of my visits will always involve having a look over a vehicle and checking that the driver is legally compliant.

“Have you got 28 days’ charts on you?” I asked the driver of an analogue tachograph-equipped vehicle. ”Sure,” he replied, opening up his tachograph wallet and producing charts which went back to May (This was in August). “Er… you’ve got a few too many here”, I told him. “Well I’ve been on holiday”, he said, “and you have to keep 28 working days, don’t you?” Once the rule had been clarified for him he was quite happy to hand in his surplus. To be fair the charts themselves were among the most accurately completed ones I’ve seen in a while, but why hadn’t his company noticed that he hadn’t been handing them in? Then again, I shouldn’t have been too surprised, because the company had neatly filed their charts in suspension files, but only up to January this year, and they weren’t too sure where the more recent ones were. They knew some had been sent off for analysis, but had no record of which ones or when.

I can usually tell when people have made a bit of an effort when they know I’m coming: a flurry of infringement letters going back months all signed off with a very recent date generally gives me a clue. But what good does this do when the incident has been long forgotten by the driver?

Infringements need to be brought to the driver’s

attention as soon as possible after the event, when it is still fresh and the lesson more readily absorbed.

This reminds me of another puzzle: why, in this digital age, with instant transfer of information, do people still send digital tachograph data to an analysis bureau and wait weeks for written reports to come through the post? Analysis software can read a drivers’ card or the VU download instantly and present the information on-screen there and then. Of course the bureaux supplying the software will charge for access, as they should, but viewing the information immediately is a facility every operator should enjoy. An additional benefit is that all your data is stored on the software company’s secure servers so you can access it anytime, from any computer. No more overstuffed filing cabinets!

Speaking of which, I’m always amazed at how reluctant people are to throw away old documents. There may be a case for keeping vehicle maintenance records from day one, even though only 15 months’ worth are required, but VOSA itself says that ‘nil’ defect reports need only be kept until the next ‘nil defect’ report is received, or you could keep them until the next workshop inspection as this ‘wipes the slate clean’. But after that, what for?

In a small operator’s office in Wales there were some long spikes in the office, one for each of his vehicles. The routine was for the drivers to stick their daily check report on the spike - although the accumulated paperwork barely reached a third of the way up the spike, the bottom one dated from 2007.

Why would an operator keep all his road tax reminders, or photocopies of old tax discs - or even holiday request forms from 10 years ago?

When operators moan about the burden of paper work, I want to ask them, “Who created it?”

Richard Charnley runs If It Moves, a travel, logistics and transport management services consultancy based in Leamington Spa. He can be contacted on 01926 88 8283. ric.charnley@btinternet.com If you want to let off some steam, just tap away at the keyboard and send your rant (or carefully-reasoned views) to cbwinbox@rouncymedia.co.uk, 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

06/09/2011 00:36

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minibus The essential read for Minibus Operators

September 2011

p52

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Future for lowfloor minibuses?

T

he arrival of a fully tested and type approved lowfloor minibus (see news pages) accompanied by a considerable stream of interested parties wanting to trial the vehicle, seems to indicate there is now a sustainable future on the cards for this type of vehicle.

Successful service applications would appear to stem from the growing interest in using lowfloor minibuses for Demand Responsive Transport and for maintaining rural routes where subsidies have been cut or completely withdrawn. Loss of BSOG support only underpins the viability of lightweight vehicle options. The economics of using buses capable of returning over 20mpg (potentially over 30mpg

from Euro 5s) with a significantly lower capital outlay than the cost of a traditional midibus cannot now be ignored.

Local authority operations appear to be the prime candidates but I suspect a lot of commercial operators will also quickly recognise this is one of the few ways they can submit competitive tenders for much of the service requirement if fare levels are to be kept attractive enough to keep people out of their cars. If they can cope with capacity demands, these smaller vehicles could provide the lifeline many communities are threatened with losing. martin Cole Editor

CONTENTS 42

News

New video from Mellor Coachcraft promotes accelerated 100,000km wholelife test of Type Approved lowfloor Fiat Ducato

46

Sprinter NGT

Spot the difference? - Only a badge on the rear door gives anything away about the bivalent nature of the gas/petrol 316 Traveliner

50

Q’Straint Q&A

Q’Straint provides the answers to commonly asked questions concerning passenger restraint

52

NHS Bloodbank Sprinters

EvoBus UK and Enza Motors seal a major deal for 38 Sprinter Transfer minibuses for the blood transfusion division - NHS Bloodbank

UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1

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05/09/2011 23:43

42 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | September 7, 2011

NEWS

Mellor and Al-Ko form lowfloor partnership Wholelife test video underlines new model’s durability Mellor Coachcraft is about to launch a fully type-approved lowfloor minibus which is the result of a development partnership between Mellor and Al-Ko Kober, the specialist chassis producer.

The new model, based on a Fiat Ducato cab/drive unit, offers single step entry and will be available in two lengths – whether with a single or double rear axle depending on customer specification for seating capacity. It has undergone stringent testing at dedicated facilities in Germany to determine its durability and the reliability of components to ensure it will deliver an acceptable whole life value. This has included the equivalent of 100,000km of running on a mixture of tarmac, pot holed road, pave and washboardstyle rumble strip. Furthermore, Mellor has commissioned a video of the testing in action and interested parties can view it at www. wholelifetest.co.uk Sales director Geoff Hudson said: “We have a strong relationship with Al-Ko and our intermediate height, type approved bus was very much an off-the-shelf product as we just used a widely available low-frame

Speedicars – UNVI GTR 29 seat coach

Speedicars, based just off the Old Kent Road in London, has recently added a new Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz Vario 816-based UNVI GTR to its fleet.

Featuring a 5 speed automatic gearbox, the new vehicle incorporates 29 Politecnica Grand Rally seats trimmed in grey virtual

Above: Al-Ko staff assemble a triaxle chassis unit. Below: New minibus development has single-step entry and flat floor

chassis. We built 70 specifically for Lancashire County Council and while this specification meets their needs perfectly, our other customers and many potential leather and cloth plus a courier seat. Hispacold air conditioning with automatic temperature control also features along with convection radiators, double glazing, parcel racks with individual service units, reverse camera, Blaupunkt radio/ cd/pa/dvd and an extra large luggage boot with underfloor lockers.

Speedicars started trading in 1987 with minicabs and private hire cars, predominantly serving local social clubs. The company began operating coaches in

customers are continually asking for full lowfloor, single step entry products.

“We were faced with either developing our own chassis for the purpose or seeking a development partner and Al-Ko looked at the project and decided they wanted to be involved. With their expertise and technical ability we have been able to produce a chassis which is around 300mm lower than the original Fiat chassis frame. It meets all the necessary requirements and we have gained sole access to it 1997 with purchases from other operators but has bought one new coach per year in the last ten years. The current fleet of nine vehicles covers 16 to 49 seats. All are fully air conditioned and under three years old, including a very impressive discobus and limousine.

A fleet of 80 minicabs is also operated but from a second site.

The new UNVI was supplied by Minis to Midis.

Contact: Alan White, Minis to Midis on 01302 833203

until the end of 2013.”

The new chassis joins an extensive range of commercially available chassis which Al-Ko produces under its AMC (auto motive chassis) banner. Its UKbased assembly plant is located in Southam, near Leamington Spa. Mellor Coachcraft has been involved in lowfloor minibuses before and built a number on the now discontinued Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 616. Geoff Hudson said: “There has always been a very keen element in the market for a lowfloor product but most of them never lived up to expectations.

After we had overcome a number of difficulties we managed to turn the 616 development into a very functional product, but it carried an £84,000 price tag and was really far too expensive. By the time we’d ironed out the functional problems we heard the model was to be discontinued. Since then there hasn’t been much to work with. Now, with this new chassis availability, we are anticipating we will be able to supply the market with efficient, cost effective lowfloor minibuses which satisfy the desires of our customers to meet the accessible transport needs of their passengers.

“Prices will start around £60,000 for two-axle examples.”

People viewing the video ( www. wholelifetest.com ) showing the vehicle undergoing accelerated testing need to register their email address. For each new registration received, Mellor has pledged a donation to Cancer Research.

The UNVI GTR interior features 29 Politecnica Grand Rally seats

UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1 www.coachandbusweek.com

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06/09/2011 02:17

£60k

Entry-level cost of Mellor’s new Fiat Ducato wih Al-Ko lowfloor chassis

ITS launches mobility interest group ITS United Kingdom, the Intelligent Transport Systems association for the UK, has held a launch event for its Mobility Interest Group in Manchester. ITS UK Members Transport for Greater Manchester acted as hosts for the event, which attracted some forty delegates.

The IMIG facilitates understanding and co-operation between Intelligent Transport Systems professionals, researchers, implementers and suppliers, disabled and older people plus their representative bodies. IMIG is already well established as an active group within ITS UK and the purpose of the launch event was to

MW Healey Coaches takes new UNVI Vega GT

M.W. Healey Coaches has become the first London operator to take delivery of a new Vega GT. Fully coachbuilt with an R66 rollover compliant structure. Based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Vega GT offers an added dimension to UNVI’s Vega range which previously featured only conversions.

The MW Healey model was built to order and is based on the 516 Cdi chassis fitted with a five-speed automatic gearbox. The customer specified Politecnica Relax GTV seats trimmed in black and grey virtual leather with fold down armrests, seat back magazine pockets and rear grab handles are fitted along with pleated full draw curtains and a gangway carpet.

The Vega GT features full length parcel racks with service units, full saloon air conditioning which is also fed through the dash vents and

41

The number of coaches now operated by City Circle

publicise how the Group welcomes input and participation from those outside the ITS sector.

The launch event speakers looked at the challenges posed by the ageing society, compliance with anti-discriminatory legislation, new technologies and the current economic climate in the UK, and discussed the role of ITS in securing good outcomes for disabled transport users.

With speakers including UK Government and academia, transport service providers and also Polish and German participants, there was a wide opportunity to learn and also to make new useful contacts for all delegates.

Dr Simon Edwards of Newcastle University, who chairs the IMIG, commented “It was wonderful to see such a great turnout of people from a variety of backgrounds, and

September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 43

20,000 The number of caravan chassis built annually for the UK by Al-Ko

especially those from the continent.

There were so many positives the IMIG can take forward to shape its future strategy and membership profile in order to provide expert guidance for national and local government and service providers, while keeping older and disabled people themselves up-to-date with the latest in intelligent transport systems for accessibility and mobility.“ David Hytch, Information Systems Director at Transport for Greater Manchester, said “We were delighted to support the IMIG at this meeting particularly as we continue to understand how to make transport even more accessible and useful for people with disabilities both in Greater Manchester and beyond. Getting the experiences from studies and practical examples across Europe was added value.”

A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based UNVI Vega GT joins MW Healey convection heating as standard.

Access is via an electrically operated plug door, there is also a driver’s door and 4.2 cubic metres of luggage capacity courtesy of the extra large rear boot with manual parallel lift door and underfloor lockers. Bosch pa and hand microphone were also specified to compliment the Sound 20 audio system which also features bluetooth connectivity. Paintwork is in Mercedes Benz silver metallic.

The new model will operate on incoming tourist work, private

hire and support for London’s key event venues in which the company specialises.

All Vegas benefit from a threeyear Mercedes-Benz warranty along with two-year bodywork warranty from UNVI. The coachbuilt Vega GT is available with 8 to 18 seats and can be tailored to meet customer’s individual requirements.

It was supplied by Minis to Midis.

Contact: Alan White, Minis to Midis on 01302 833203

Plaxton Cheetahs prove their worth for City Circle’s small party trips

More Cheetahs for City Circle Following the introduction of two Plaxton Cheetahs in 2010, London and Edinburgh coach operator City Circle has taken delivery of three more of the coachbuilt minibuses.

“Until last year we ran only fullsize coaches,” explains City Circle managing director Neil Pegg. “The Cheetahs showed us there is a clear demand for high-quality coaches from smaller groups, so we decided to invest in another three this year.

“Apart from creating a more intimate atmosphere the Cheetahs bring us real benefits in lower operational costs. It is much more cost-effective to take a small group in a fuel-efficient small coach than to carry them in a full-size vehicle.”

Comfort and quality are the keys to City Circle’s success and in the Cheetahs, based on Mercedes-Benz Vario chassis, the company aims to match the quality of other vehicles in its fleet. Both were specified with 25 full-leather seats for maximum comfort, they are air-conditioned, have a DVD player and a hot and cold drinks facility.

City Circle operates 41 coaches and maintains a high level of investment. None of its vehicles are more than three years old.

“Last year’s Cheetahs proved valuable additions to our fleet,” Neil Pegg concludes. “As such we had no hesitation in placing a repeat order with Plaxton.”

The new Cheetahs were supplied by Plaxton Coach Sales. Tel 01909 551166

UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1

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06/09/2011 02:17

44 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | September 7, 2011

NEWS

Q’straint first in testing and design for accessible type approval Full Type Approval compliance enhances Q’Straint capability Q’Straint, the specialist in wheelchair passenger safety based in Kent, has recently enhanced its design and testing capabilities by achieving European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) compliance for accessible vehicles through extensive R&D investment and new in-house expertise.

Q’Straint claims to be the first wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint (WTORS) specialist to fully comply with both parts of ISO10542 which is required for full ECWVTA compliance. Part 2 of ISO10542 is commonly satisfied by several WTORS suppliers, however Part 1 stipulates that all belt systems and components are subject to rigorous environmental testing in accordance with UN/ ECE Regulation 16. Q’Straint has enhanced it’s procedures to comply with all the multitude of product performance tests required which include mechanical, chemical and temperature-related examinations. This total ECWVTA product conformity is supported

by Q’Straint’s continued delivery of occupant restraints which only ever encompass an upper third-point side-wall anchorage above and behind the passenger’s shoulder. A system without upper anchorage such as a floor fixed passenger restraint does not comply with ISO10542 and therefore will not be able to meet ECWVTA. Many factors such as these have led to Q’Straint launching more of a consultative service for its customers so that potential engineering issues can be eliminated before M1, M2 and M3 accessible vehicles reach ECWVTA examination. Dan Turnbull, Head of Operations for Q’Straint explains:

Dan Turnbull, Head of Q’Straint Operations (left) with Victoria HodkinsonGibbs, Q’Straint Technical Manager, have both been instrumental in developing new consultative procedures to help vehicle converters consistently achieve Type Approval “Here at Q’Straint we understand the concerns associated with Type Approval amongst manufacturers and converters of commercial passenger vehicles. This is why, as an international safety specialist, we are leading the way in providing support through this complex process to ensure hassle is minimised and ultimately Type Approval is consistently achieved for our customers. ECWVTA is a challenge, but by leveraging our close relationship with the VCA and other approval organisations throughout Europe, employing our talented in-house team of technical experts and consulting on overall accessible vehicle conversions while in the design phase, we have already successfully delivered Type Approval to a number of

major converters in the UK and throughout Europe. Another industry first is the structured procedure originated by Q’Straint for delivery of reports to approval bodies. Developed by Q’Straint’s Technical Manager Dr Victoria Hodkinson-Gibbs, utilising her vast legislative experience from her time at the Department for Transport and The Highway Agency to produce a concise and accurate scheme for packaging data to the approval body so ECWVTA is achieved effectively and without delay.”

Before accessible vehicles enter ECWVTA examination, Q’Straint now has additional resources to deploy highly experienced UK-based engineers for test days at established facilities such as

Millbrook Proving Ground so that design programmes can progress efficiently and positively. Working with an accredited organisation such as Millbrook is essential as no wheelchair passenger solution can be deemed ‘safe’ unless it has been tested independently. This supportive role at test days is an integral part of the new consultative approach that Q’Straint now offers throughout the wider design process involved with a vehicle conversion. This holistic ethos ensures that the Q’Straint WTORS which are already fully ECWVTA compliant, can be installed in equally well conceived vehicles so that passenger safety is maximised.

Dan concludes: “Over and above ECWVTA, the level at which we have tested our components at UTAC and other accredited test centres across Europe over the past 25 years has steadily increased year-on-year to ensure maximum passenger safety. This has led to us becoming first choice for WTORS in many countries across the world and our progressive mission for safety and innovation continues to result in increased global market share. All of our components exceed the basic standards required as there cannot be any margin for compromise in a safety product that ultimately saves lives. In addition to product testing, we believe it is important to give something back to the industry as Q’Straint employs such a unique, diverse range of multinational talent. This has resulted in the deployment of our free design support services and even more advanced testing. Q’Straint continues to raise the bar in terms of industry safety standards and I look forward to assisting many more accessible vehicle converters and manufacturers successfully achieve Type Approval in the coming years.”

UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1 www.coachandbusweek.com

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September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 45

GoldLimoPARTYBUS Lights, cameras... ACTION!!!

Goldlimo is now in production of fully VOSA COIF’ed 16 seater PartyBuses, with 40" & 20" TV, lazer shows and smoke machines, 1000 watt stereos, fibre optic lighting, mood lighting and 8 mini ice bars – all finished to the highest specification.

All vehicles have tachographs, speed limiters, are London Emissions compliant and also for all the new 2012 Government road laws.

Prices start from £19,995 Every week is PartyBus time with Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Race Meetings, Hen Nights, London Theatre Trips, School Proms and many many more events throughout the whole of the year.

“Our PartyBuses are out every weekend, all year round, because it’s birthday week, every week" says Bob at Goldlimo. “Call us now to discuss this high profit per mile, high profit per pound invested, Limousine PartyBus sector that serves the leisure market.

Order your PartyBus today contact Goldlimo on 01268 754 985 or coachbuild@goldlimo.co.uk

46 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | September 7, 2011

fIrSt drIvE › Mercedez-benz sprinter 316 nGt

Dual fuel option – the Sprinter 316 NGT There is no external indication, other than NGT badging, to show the Sprinter runs on gas

UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1 www.coachandbusweek.com

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The NGT/ petrol bivalent drivetrain provides a greener option in a practical package to aid in reducing an operator’s carbon footprint

O

ne of the latest options to appear in the MercedesBenz Sprinter line-up is the NGT (natural gas technology) variant which is designed not just for operators running mainly in environmentally sensitive areas, but with the capability to perform equal tasks to diesel engined Sprinters anywhere.

Customers for this vehicle can specify, within limits, just how much compressed natural gas they wish to carry – a typical choice would be whether to have three gas cylinders installed (standard) or up to maximum of six. The six cylinder option obviously provides scope for a greater range running on the natural gas fuel, but it does add weight to the vehicle and therefore has a negative effect on payload. To ensure the vehicle has a perfectly adequate working range and need not be stranded in areas where gas refuelling is unavailable, it has a good-sized 100 litre petrol tank as an alternative means of support.

Combined with the on-board gas storage, the range of the vehicle can reach up to

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fIrSt drIvE › Mercedez-benz sprinter 316 nGt

740 miles per filling. On gas alone, a six cylinder system can achieve up to 240 miles – depending on the weight being pulled, driving conditions and quality of fuel.

Fuel consumption tests which compare like-for-like costs per mile indicate the combined gas and petrol operation is roughly equivalent to the cost of running a diesel. However, the operator faces no congestion charge payments and is emitting considerably less pollution.

Practical application

The NGT option is available across a broad range of Sprinter models and Mercedes-Benz UK has a Traveliner in its demonstration fleet which potential customers can try. The unit I borrowed was equipped with three gas cylinders which I found would deliver just over 120 miles.

It also had an automatic gearbox, cab air conditioning and the highspecification COMAND unit in the centre console providing satellite navigation, reversing camera screen and Bluetooth connectivity.

Everything else was as you expect to find on any other medium wheelbase Traveliner.

Choice of fuel is selected by a simple switch on the dash labelled ‘NGT.’ Drivers can switch at any time – stationary or on the move.

It will always switch automatically to petrol for starting and switch to gas automatically once the control electronics have established the integrity of the gas system.

The driver can override this by switching back to petrol at any time. When running in gas mode, if the tanks become empty the switchover to petrol is immediate and undetectable – except for the fuel gauge icon in the instrument display panel.

Experimenting with the system to see if there was any difference in performance in either fuel mode, I set the cruise control for a steady 50mph on a gradual incline and switched to see if it pulled better or worse with one fuel or the other. It was impossible to tell. There was neither a drop or gain in speed nor change to the sound from the engine, signifying the manufacturer

has balanced the system perfectly.

In essence, this is exactly what Mercedes-Benz wants. It feels there should be no detriment to performance which could lead to driver dissatisfaction and place barriers before customers seeking to use alternative fuels.

Fully laden, there may be a slight difference in power when switching between fuels, although I doubt it.

I suspect the difference would only manifest itself in the quantity of gas consumed.

So, where would the NGT Sprinter fit as an operational minibus? It certainly lends itself to inner city operation, either as a passenger shuttle or for accessible transport. Both types of work are usually relatively low on daily mileage and present opportunities to refill gas tanks when convenient.

The added advantage of retaining the standard fuel tank for petrol means the vehicle can be operated on long journeys. In such circumstances, portions of the journey where there may be an LEZ in place or reasons to operate in an an environmentally sensitive manner, the driver can switch to gas and minimise the emissions substantially – generally below the requirements for Euro 5 or EEV (The demo model was actually a Euro 4 specification, but the range is on the cusp of upgrading to Euro 5 – which will offer even lower exhaust emissions).

Top: NGT badge location. Above left: Standard interior. Above mid: standard saloon entrance. Above right: Gas filling point above the standard petrol filler cap is neatly concealed behind the flap.

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“Overall, the NGT Sprinter does not disappoint. Certainly where the payload of the vehicle is not too critical the NGT can hold its own. However, if the last available ounce of payload is required then it may not quite stand up to scrutiny.”

It offers fleet managers a tangible means to show a reduced carbon footprint. A number of local authorities became early adopters of electric vehicles for just this reason but soon discovered the impractical nature of operating them. Often these vehicles remain on the books purely to show a lower carbon footprint, but in reality, they remain parked up and the work continues to be carried out using conventional vehicles.

This is where the NGT Sprinter differs. It is extremely usable in the right environment. As long as the operator has access to a gas filling site the vehicle can be run and will perform its duties as well as any diesel-engined Sprinter – but with minimised exhaust emissions.

An added bonus for some will be the NGT Sprinter’s ability to run on bio methane derived from decomposing waste and recycling.

Switching to petrol operation does not offer any cheap commercial alternative to running the vehicle but it does give it the flexibility to react to any situation.

Drivers finding they are a long way from home and unsure of finding gas filling facilities can at least fill the tank with a readily available fuel to complete the journey.

Operators considering acquiring an NGT Sprinter – or a fleet of them, can get assistance in establishing fuelling facilities at their own site.

Mercedes-Benz has the capacity to

deliver on-site compression and filling equipment which can be acquired as part of an operating lease. These facilities can be installed virtually anywhere there is a mains gas supply.

There are a number of filling stations dotted around the country where compressed natural gas can be obtained – but there are far from sufficient commercial outlets to call it a network. The situation will improve considerably as gas-fuelled vehicles increase in popularity and filling station chains recognise the requirement for a gas filling facility – as they have done with LPG previously and AdBlue more recently.

Driveline

The Sprinter 316 NGT is powered by a Mercedes-Benz M271 petrol/ gas engine. This is a four-cylinder unit with a capacity of 1,796cc and is equipped with a supercharger and charge-air cooling. It develops 156bhp @ 5,000rpm and 240Nm of torque between 3,000 – 4,000rpm.

Its output is not too far away from the diesel-engined Sprinter 316, but

Top: Dash-mounted fuel selection switch. Above: Supercharged MercedesBenz M271 features charge-air cooling and develops 156bhp

power and torque are developed at much higher engine speeds.

Because of the combustion requirements for running compressed natural gas, the cylinder head gasket is made of a different material, as are the valves and valve seats, in order to withstand higher temperatures.

Gas tank options need some consideration from potential purchasers. The entire range of factory produced NGT Sprinter models is designed to have the cylinders installed within the bounds of the chassis so as not to reduce passenger or cargo space.

Minibus examples fitted with coachbuilt bodies may need to vary the original installation. A recent example, built by Mellor Coachcraft, had cylinders installed between the chassis and body sides – yet positioned so as not to interfere with an entrance footwell area.

Where a minibus conversion might require the installation of a step at the saloon entrance, or a passenger lift installation, determines where cylinders can be installed. Both could reduce the potential for fitting any additional cylinders.

The demo model was equipped with a five-speed automatic gearbox but the six-speed manual is also available.

Conclusion

Overall, the NGT Sprinter does not disappoint. It has similar power to diesel models but doesn’t match them on low-speed pulling power.

The engine runs at higher speeds and wants more frequent gear changes to keep it alive, but it cruises very nicely. It looks just like any other Sprinter as only the NGT badge gives anything away. The gas filling point is just above the petrol filler cap, concealed behind the conventional flap – so nothing indicates the use of gas until the flap is opened.

Certainly where the payload of the vehicle is not too critical the NGT can hold its own. If the last available ounce of payload is required then it may not quite stand up to scrutiny.

However, it does offer a reasonable ‘near equivalent’ with ‘green’ advantages.

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INSIGHT

Wheelchair passenger safety explained Welcome to the fourteenth in a series of Q&A features from CBW in association with Q’Straint.

These provide key tips and facts regarding restraint systems for securing wheelchair passengers in accessible vehicles and help answer many of the topical questions vehicle professionals ask us. This feature focuses on PSVAR regulations, the EU Bus directive and the safety transportation of wheelchair passengers on low floor city buses using the QM3 from Q’Straint.

What is PSVAR 2000 (Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations) and what purpose does it serve?

The UK Government is committed to comprehensive and enforceable civil rights for disabled people. Achieving a fully accessible public transport system is a key element of the policy. Section 40 of The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 gives the Secretary of State a power to make regulations to ensure public service vehicles are accessible to disabled people. The Government used these powers to bring the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (S.I.2000/1970) (‘the Regulations’) into force on 30 August 2000.

The Regulations apply to any public service vehicle with a capacity exceeding 22 passengers used to provide a local or scheduled service. Vehicles covered by the Regulations are referred to as ‘regulated public service vehicles’.

In terms of less able passengers, the extensive requirements include elements for forward-facing wheelchairs such as: ■ A suitable space for a wheelchair

Q A

The QM3 provides an easy-to-use, safe and secure solution for transporting wheelchair passengers. The compact QM3 design does not compromise floor space in a low floor city bus i.e. 1300mm longitudinally, 750mm transversely and 1500mm vertically ■ Suitable and fully compliant safety provisions e.g. retractor based restraint systems from Q’Straint. These can consist of floor anchorage points and pelvic restraint (lap belt) which conform to the 1977 Directive ■ Restraint systems which are easy to release in the event of an emergency and comply with all PSVAR static and dynamic tests guidelines ■ One or more fold-away seats which can be stowed to allow

wheelchair access with appropriate signage ‘please give up this seat for a wheelchair user’ For rear-facing wheelchairs, the many directives include: ■ A suitable space for a wheelchair i.e. 1300mm longitudinally, 750mm transversely and 1500mm vertically ■ A space should be fitted with a wheelchair backrest which – - provides a cushioned, continuous surface - a bottom edge not less than 350mm and not more than 480mm above the floor - a top edge not less than 1300mm above the floor

- a width not less than 270mm and not more that 470mm - provide a surface angle of no less than four degrees and no more than eight degrees ■ a stanchion capable of bearing a load of 1000 Newtons for a minimum of two seconds The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000, prescribe the minimum acceptable to meet the needs of disabled people. The guidance explains the intention of the regulatory requirements and provides advice on best practice to be followed, recognising there may be circumstances in which design or operational constraints apply.

Nothing contained in the best practice guidance may be used as a reason for refusing to issue an accessibility certificate. It is, however, vitally important for manufacturers and operators to recognise that designing down to the minimum will not provide the best opportunity to travel for disabled passengers – who are likely to constitute a significant new passenger market for the industry.

The PSV (Accessibility) Regulations 2000 (SI 2000 No. 1970) (as amended by SI 2005 No. 2988 re: EC Directive 2001/85) (see below) apply to single and double deck buses and coaches with a capacity for more than 22 passengers used to provide local and scheduled services, which it defines as registered local services and any service provided by PSVs carrying passengers paying separate fares: ■ Along specified routes ■ At specified times and ■ Picking up and setting down at predetermined points Excursions and tours are not included.

Summary Start dates for compliance in respect of new vehicles and end dates for compliance by existing vehicles

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Brought to you by

What is the EU Bus Directive (2001/85/EC) and what purpose does it serve?

Each of the 27 different Governments in the European Union (EU) has its own rules on deciding whether a newly designed bus or coach can have Type Approval within their country. So a company can build a bus and might be able to sell it only in certain countries, depending on each country’s rules.

The whole purpose of the single market is that barriers between countries should disappear to allow free trade and movement of people. This is why the European Commission of EU officials has published what it hopes will be a single set of design rules for all 27 Governments to use. The European Commission is similar to the civil service, with paid employees who can suggest and monitor laws across the EU. This law allows each of the 27 Governments to keep its own method of Type Approval if so wished, but they cannot stop bus and coach manufacturers applying for the EU Type Approval. The advantage to the manufacturer being, if it has an EU certificate, then no Government can refuse permission for a company to sell or use its bus or coach in that Government’s state. So it is cheaper and simpler for companies.

Many of the wheelchair security stipulations in the EU Bus Directive (2001/85/EC) are similar to those specified in PSVAR 2000 and also include dimensions and best practice for steps, door access and control, lighting, boarding aids and priority seating.

Q A

versions, provide a flexible and efficient securing system for wheelchairs and powerchairs on lowfloor city buses. They are easy to operate, quick to use and have been specifically designed to be compatible with virtually all wheelchairs, powerchairs and scooters.

QM3 from Q’Straint meets all the design requirements of these two directives, which results in

straightforward compliance with all EU regulatory bodies. Ultimately in the event of sudden vehicle turning, braking or acceleration, the QM3 range will help reduce possible injury to occupants and liability to operators.

The QM3 range comprises of a wheelchair backrest, steel frame and varying levels of restraint depending on the version selected.

The backrest can be installed

The ergonomic, aesthetic QM3 design is generic and fully in-keeping with all vehicle interiors. Below: The QM3 provides ample ground level clearance which allows easy access by wheelchairs user who use a powerpack

Is there a universal product available that will secure wheelchairs in transit and fully complies with PSVAR 2000 regulations and the EU Bus Directive (2001/85/EC)?

The QM3 range from Q’Straint conforms to all the PSVAR 2000 regulations and the EU Bus Directive. All three variants – Standard, Deluxe and Max

Q A

as a rearward facing solution in lowfloor city buses or in either direction within a train or tram. All upholstery and backrest materials conform to fire retardancy standards and every QM3 unit is foam filled for shock absorbance.

The surface material is easy to clean and resistant to most mild acids, alkalis, drinks and stains. To ensure even contact with the wheelchair or powerchair in transit, the QM3 backrest is angled at six degrees and has been engineered with a narrow width so its restraining compatibility is maximised. This flexibility is further enhanced by ample clearance space at floor level so it is ideal for accommodating wheelchairs with rear-mounted powerpacks.

The QM3 backrest is mounted onto a durable nickel-plated, innovatively designed tubular frame. This in turn is securely fastened to the vehicle floor via four x M12 bolts and under floor fixing plates. Integrated in the Standard QM3 solution is a lap belt to provide stability for the wheelchair and occupant and consists of two automatic locking retractors, with tongue and buckle fittings and up to one metre of webbing on each belt. The QM3 Deluxe encompasses the standard features plus two extra QRT retractors to secure the wheelchair and prevent any tipping during sharp turns, accelerating and braking. A shoulder belt and flip-up armrest are also added. The feature-rich QM3 Max, currently the top of the range, combines the Deluxe features with cable releases on the QRT retractors for maximum ease of use.

It is the intention of Q’Straint to add two further models to the range, which consist of QM3 Pro and Ultra versions, which include ‘angle’ and ‘height and angle’ adjustable backrests respectively.

We hope this Q&A has been useful and if you have any further queries regarding risk assessment within accessible vehicles, please contact one of the specialist Q’Straint team on – Tel: 01227 773035 Email: info@qstraint.co.uk

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MANUfACtUrEr UpdAtE › evobus

NHS Bloodbank takes 38 EvoBus Sprinters Availability of a turnkey product from a main manufacturer has proved highly attractive to one of the most vital and highly regarded of National Health Service divisions catering for the country’s blood donors

E

voBus UK has supplied 38 Mercedes-Benz 316 Cdi Sprinter Transfer 34 minibuses to the NHS Bloodbank division, through the Enza Motors CV dealership in Warrington.

All the vehicles were produced in-house by EvoBus at its minibus facility in Dortmund although three were supplied without seating and have undergone further conversion work in the UK from Minibus Options. These have been converted into mobile display/promotional vehicles which Bloodbank uses to market its services when encouraging people to give blood – typically by visiting town or village halls, workplaces, fetes, county or regional shows, gymnasiums or wherever they may gain substantial exposure to the general public.

These vehicles are equipped like an office with plenty of display holders on the sidewalls for promotional information leaflets and feature wind-out awnings to provide rain shelter or shade.

NHS national fleet services manager Larry Bannon said: “We have over 80 operating centres, including 14 main centres, each running a minibus. They are used to transport the teams of staff to and from the blood collection sites where they perform the transfusion service.

Left: Spacious interior. Above top: Automatic boarding step. Above mid: Parcel shelf and cargo net.

Above: Lee Gibson (EvoBus), Larry Bannon (NHS) and Chris Lawder (Enza Motors). Top Right: One of the 35 minibuses. Right: A marketing vehicle complete with awning

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“The new minibuses represent something of a change in direction.

We are reorganising how we do things and moving away from the dualcab style of vehicle we have used in the past.”

Each of the vehicles is equipped with 14 passenger seats – including the double seat beside the driver.

They have an automatically deploying and retracting step at the sliding side entrance door and the area behind the seats features a ‘parcel shelf’ and elasticated cargo netting to ensure secure carriage for the collected blood. In addition to the cab area air conditioning, a roof-mounted factory-fit AC 408 system supplies climate control to the saloon. Parktronic proximity and reversing sensors were also installed.

A few of the vehicles are specially equipped for ‘Blue Light’ operation should emergency supplies of blood be required at hospitals anywhere in the country.

Lee Gibson, minibus manager at EvoBus UK, said: “EvoBus along with its partner, Enza Motors, is delighted to be the preferred supplier to the NHS Bloodbank and to support its invaluable work in the community. Along with the colleagues at our production facilities in Dortmund, EvoBus has worked hard over the last three years to develop and launch 10 new minibus variants for the UK market.

This major order to a key customer such as the NHS gives us confidence there is a desire from the UK market for a turnkey product direct from the manufacturer.”

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BUS STOPthe place to buy and sell

To advertise on these pages for as little as £20 just call 020 8320 1351 Optare Toro

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

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

£47,500 +VAT

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Minibus World

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11 plate Ford Transit 17 seat bus COIF, PSV and tacho £24,995

2008 Peugeot Boxer 17 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, COIF, PSV, one owner, fsh, electrics £19995

09 plate Ford Transit 17 seat minibus wheelchair accessible, 35k miles, fits 2 chairs, underfloor lift £23,995

LDV Convoy 17 seater choice of 2 from £3,995

Choice of 8 and 9 str buses, Traffic, Vivaro, Tourneo, 54 to 10 plate, factory bus and wheelchair conversions

2004/2005 Ford Transit 17 Seater Minibuses choice of 5 from £7,495

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Telephone Lara Odumosu on 020 8320 1351 or email lara.odumosu@rouncymedia.co.uk

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To advertise on these pages for as little as £20 just call 020 8320 1351 2006 SETRA S415 GT.HD (EURO 3) & 2006 SETRA S416 GT.HD (EURO 3) Equal specification on each vehicle: A 48 seater with leather headrests, M-Benz engine 12 speed ZF-As tronic, with approximately 390,000 & 400,000 Km, with TCS, ESP, aircon, centre toilet, servery, fridge, continental door, seatbelts, crew seat and onboard vac. Excellent condition, owned, operated, and maintained by us from new.

2006 S415 GT HD - £102,000.00 + VAT 2006 S416 GT HD - £110,000.00 + VAT We would consider contracting with purchaser to undertake tour work.

OFFER FOR SALE DUE TO FLEET UPGRADE

2004(04) IVECO BEULAS EL MUNDO, 51 seats, auto, full exec £82,000 now ..............£76,000 2003(53) IVECO BEULAS STERGEO, 49/53 seats, auto , full exec ..............................£75,000 2003(52) DAF SB300 VAN HOOL T9, 51/53 seats, auto, full exec .................................£79,000 2002(52) SCANIA K124 VAN HOOL T9, 49 seats, comfort shift, full exec ......................£75,000 2002(02) SCANIA K114 IRIZAR, 49 seats, comfort shift, full exec £68,000 now ............£63,000 (All coaches are in excellent condition with low miles, base white with removable transfers)

PART EXCHANGE CONSIDERED ON ALL ABOVE 2003(03) MERCEDES 311 CDI, 8 seats, MOT Feb 2012 .................................................£3,995 1998(S) IVECO DAILY 2.8 diesel, 15 seats .......................................................................£2,995 1998(S) FORD TRANSIT 2.5 diesel, Jumbo XL, 17 seats ................................................£1,995 SOLD 1991(J) MERCEDESS 814D, 29 seats New MOT ...............................................................£3,250 OLD ALL PRICES ARE PLUS VAT

For more details contact Steve or Russ 01884 252646 or 07702 626542

AdvertiseyourCoachorBushereforaslittleas £20.00 aweek!

Call Lara Odumosu on 0208 301 8310 or email: lara.odumosu@rouncymedia.co.uk

For further details please contact: Martyn Burke, MD on 01255 689000 or by email martynburke@crusader-holidays.co.uk or Mark Brooks on 01255 221830 email MarkBrooks@crusader-holidays.co.uk

CRUSADER HOLIDAYS STEPHENSON ROAD WEST, CLACTON ON SEA, ESSEX CO15 4HP

Bus & Coach Business near Dublin For Sale

Private Hire, Tours, School Buses, Staff Transport Contracts, Local Town services.

20+ vehicles with turnover in excess of 1.5 million Euro.

Extensive Yard, Offices, Service and Maintainance Facilities.

Enquiries in the first instance to:

doylecurtisassoc@gmail.com

Coach Operators Wanted Crusader Holidays Ltd are looking to partner with experienced coach tour operators to undertake UK and Continental tour work for the remainder of this year and 2012.

If interested, please contact Michael Davis or Martyn Burke Tel: 01255 425453; email michael@crusader-holidays.co.uk or martynburke@crusader-holidays.co.uk

FREEDESIGNFREEWEBADFREEFULLCOLOURFREEDESIGNFREEWEBADFREEFULLCOLOUR

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DOUBLE DECK E 1997/8 VOLVO OLYMPIANS Seatbe exampleslted no available w

LEZ

LEZ

COMPLIANT

COMPLIANT

Volvo engines, Euro 2, 78 seats, converted to single door, new COIF, tyres included, UK registered ready to work.

2000 W/X REG V0LVO B6BLE’S

Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats.

1999/2000 T/V/X REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

ZF gearboxes, Wrights bodies, ramps, 35 seats, very clean, £13,000 each supplied with new MOT and COIF.

Cummins/Allison, 28 seats, new MOT, all mods completed.

ZF 6 speed manual, Caetano Enigma body, 49 seats, centre toilet, MOT June 2012.

1998 VOLVO B10M

6 speed ZF manual, 49 seats with rear toilet, Plaxton Premiere 350, air-con, MOT 12/11.

1995 M REG DENNIS DRAGONS

ZF automatic, Irizar body, 49 seats, rear toilet, air-con, supplied with new MOT. One only at £44,000.

2007 PLAXTON PRIMO

1999 T REG VOLVO B10M

2003 SCANIA K114

Cummins/Voith gearboxes, Duple Metsec bodies, recent floors and 92 coach seats.

2007 DART MPD

Euro 4, Cummins/Allison, MCV body, 9m, 32 seats.

One available at £47,000

2001 Y REG DART SLF’S

Cummins/Allison, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX200 bodies with either 30 seats and 2 doors or 34 seats converted to single door, ramps, DDA certified and compliant.

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY - B

Juliette Close, Purfleet Industrial Pa Telephone 01708 865656 Fax: 01708 864 Visit our website for current sto

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K ER SPECIALIST 1994 K REG VOLVO OLYMPIAN

2007 56 PLATE ENVIRO 300

Northern Counties low height bodies, Volvo engines, good selection with long MOTs.

6 speed ZF manual, Marcopolo body, 67 seats, MOT 02/12.

1995 PP DENNIS JAVELIN

Cummins ISBE engine, ZF automatic, 12m, DDA, Hanover destinations, 44 seats.

Two available at £52,000 each

Onyx body, 24 coach seats with 3 point belts, MOT April 2012.

1999 MERC VARIO 614

1998 S REG DENNIS DART SPD

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

Cummins / Allison, Caetano body, 34 seats, Hanover LEDʼs. MOT June 2012.

ZF automatic, Plaxton Excalibur body, 49 seats, NSR toilet, air-con, MOT 05/12.

One only at £26,000.

Plaxton President bodies, LEZ post 2012 with traps, single door converted and 72 seats.

ZF auto, East Lancs body, DDA compliant, 78 seats.

Cummins C series engine, ZF 6 speed manual gearbox, Wadham Stringer body fitted with 70 seats with belts and air-con.

One only.

2000 W REG VOLVO B10M

2001 VOLVO B7TL

2000 W REG DENNIS DART MPD’S Cummins/Allison, Plaxton bodies, 8.8m, 29 seats.

1999 V REG DART

2000 W REG VOLVO B7TL’S

1995 DENNIS JAVELIN

Mercedes engines, Slimlines, 2.34m wide, 7.8m long, 24 seats, Hanover LEDʼs.

2006 OPTARE SOLO’S

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rial Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 708 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com ent stock at www.ensignbus.com

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NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS (11) 2011 Ford Transit 17 seat medium roof, 2.4tdi, air-con, tacho, air-con, Bluetooth, fogs, colour coded bumpers, ONLY 3,000 miles £23,750

W at NE se 17

(60) 2011 Ford Transit 15 seat 2.4 tdci minibus, tacho, air-con, Bluetooth, silver £18,995

(10) 2010 Ford Transit 12 minibus 2.2tdci 115ps tacho, air-con, Bluetooth, parking sensors, in silver, 1,400km £17,495

(10) 2010 Ford Transit 9 seat Shuttle Bus 2.2 tdci 140ps, air-con, sat-nav, Bluetooth, parking sensors, in silver, delivery miles only £17,995

FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES (08) 2008 Ford Transit 15 seat minibus, high back seats with three point belts, tacho, 41,000 kms £14,750

(08) 2008 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi, tacho, high back seats with three point belts, 33,000kms only, COIF/PSV £15,200

(06) 2006 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi minibus high back seats with three point belts, tacho, in white £8,995

LDV MINIBUSES New LDV Maxus 17 seat minibus 2.5 diesel, LWB, twin side loading doors, 2 year mechanical warranty, COIF/PSV £16,995

(57) 2007 LDV Maxus 15 seat minibus, high back seats with three point belts £7,495

(03) 2003 LDV Convoy 17 seat 2.4tdi LWB Hi Roof, COIF/PSV with new test £3,995

OTHER MAKES (08) 2008 Renault Traffic Sportive 9 seat LL29 dci, 31,000 miles, in silver £10,750

Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat School minibus diesel 2.2 120ps six speed, COIF/PSV. Choice of colours £21,995+VAT

5 3.

n to

OTHER MAKES (07) 2007 Volkswagen Crafter 8 seat 2.2 diesel inboard lift, fully tracked floor, rear heating, 48,000 miles £13,995 (55) 2005 Chrysler Grand Voyager 7 seat Auto 2.8 diesel, DVD, heated seats, radio/CD, electric mirrors, electric windows, one owner from new with FSH, silver, 67,000 miles £7,750

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS (58) Fiat Doblo 1.4 petrol, 3 seats, low floor, lightweight ramp, E/W, C/L, CD, 19,000 miles £9,995 (07) 2007 Fiat Dobol 1.4 petrol, lightweight ramp low floor, 5 door, ABS, air bag, air con, electric reels, E/W, PAS, radio/ CD, C/L £6,995 (05) 2005 Renault Master SWB 2.5dti, electric wheelchair lift, E/W, rear saloon heating, full aircon front and rear, three rear saloon passenger seats, privacy glass, 10,000 miles only £10,500 (05) 2005 Renault Master LWB 13 seat minibus 2.2 HDI, 13 high back seats, tracking for 3 wheelchairs, inboard lift floor, rear heating, side step, 21,000 miles, FSH £10,500 (04) 2004 Mercedes Sprinter 413cdi minibus 2.2 diesel, front entry drop step with power door, inboard Clearway lift, fully tracked floor to take 4 wheelchairs, rear heating, 77,000 miles £9,995

PART EX TO CLEAR (R) 1998 FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT 2.5 DI, WHITE, COIF/ PSV NOVEMBER 2011 £1,500

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 NPA 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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Mini Coach Sales

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

BRAND NEW MERCEDES OPTARE SOROCO 19 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.

BRAND NEW MERCEDES 813 VARIO 24 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power plug door, luggage boot.

2008 08 REG MERCEDES 515 CDI SPRINTER (IN SILVER) 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power door and large boot.

2007 07 REG FORD TRANSIT 14 seats, 3 point belts.

2006 06 REG MERCEDES 413 CDI OPTARE SOROCO 16 high back reclining seats, forced air, reading lights, A/C, power door, large boot.

2006 06 MERCEDES 814D PLAXTON CHEETAH 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights D/G, power door.

2005 55 REG MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON CHEETAH 29 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, D/G, power door and large boot.

2005 05 REG MERCEDES 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, large luggage boot.

BARGAIN BUS STOP 2004 54 REG LDV 16 SEATS 2002 52 REG RENAULT 10 SEATS + RAMP 2004 04 REG MERCEDES 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, luggage racks, coach back end and large boot.

2003 03 REG MERCEDES 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks.

2001 51 REG RENAULT 8 SEATS + RAMP

SOLD

2000 X REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 16 SEATS

Steve Peach Tel: 01302 770863 Mob: 07836 551020 Email: steve@connaughtpsv.co.uk

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September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 63

Volvo Olympian N, P, R + S reg Choice of Northern Counties or Alexander bodies 72/78 seats

• Full preparation to include: • Overhaul body and panel prep + full repaint any solid colour • Re trim if needed • New seat belt installation and cert by market leaders, Barry Hall Installations • NEW MOT • Ready in time for new term if you order quickly

FROM £14,950.00 FINANCE AVAILABLE

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

BUS & COACH SALES

BUS 2001 2000

LEY DAF NUTRAK 24 SEATS MERCEDES 614 WELFARE BUS 16 SEATS

COACH 2006 SETRA S416 TRI AXLES 49 SEATS A/C 2005 DENNIS R CAETANO ENIGMA 49 SEATS A/C

2004 2004 2004 2003 2003 2002 2001

SCANIA IRIZAR CENTURY 49 SEATS A/C VOLVO B12 CAETANO 49 SEATS A/C SCANIA VANHOOL 49 SEATS A/C SCANIA IRIZAR CENTURY 49 SEATS A/C VOLVO B12 CAETANO 48 SEATS A/C SCANIA IRIZAR CENTURY 49 SEATS A/C SCANIA IRIZAR CENTURY 49 SEATS A/C

TO VIEW CALL DANNY 07979 295668

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Quality Coach Sales

64 | COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7, 2011

1 x 1996 Dennis Javelin Berkhof 53 Seater

New MOT & Spray £12K Plus VAT

1999 T Reg Mercedes Benz 814D

SOUTHDOWN BUS SALES 01342 711840 www.southdownpsv.co.uk

PLAYBUS/HOSPITALITY/EXHIBITION UNIT on 1999 (V) DAF DB250 NORTHERN COUNTIES Only £32,500 +VAT

• Daf RS 8.65 Euro 3 engine • LEZ compliant to Euro 4 • Voith auto gearbox • Full Service History • Low mileage • 12 months MOT • Full inspection facilities • Air conditioned • 7000 watt generator • Microwave & fridge • Many cupboards and storage areas • Off bus power land line Southdown PSV Silverwood Snow Hill Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EN

Norvelle 20 Seat Executive Coach, 20 Red Leather Seats With Tables If Desired With Toliet & Kitchen Area, Large Boot, & Air Conditioning New MOT & Plain White. Amazing Coach £23K Plus VAT

1994 Volvo B10M Plaxton Premier 350 ZF Automatic 53 Fixed Seats with Rear Level Mounted toliet, Full Retrim In Grey & Spray White, NEW MOT Amazing coach £22K

www.SDRcoachhelp.com 24 Hrs 0844 576 3300 We have loan vehicle avalaible as well so you can commence your contracts

Vehicles for sale?

Call Lara on 020 8320 1351

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September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 65

1991 Leyland Olympian Northern Counties, Cummins L10 ZF gearbox, 78 seats, Front Hanover LED fitted. Very tidy. £5,500+VAT

Dennis Darts SLF Seat Belted: 1997 Plaxton Pointer 1. 39 seats fully belted with Tachograph, Hanover LED front, side & rear fitted.

Bargain at £9,500+VAT each.

T916 ACRON AVAILABLE 57 seats, Full Exec

01274 681144

Dennis Darts SLF: 1997-8, Plaxton Pointer 1 & 2 bodywork, 36-38 seats.

Hanover LED front, side & rear fitted. Bargain at £7,500+VAT each.

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

take a test drive today

Dublin Bus

OFFER FOR SALE BY TENDER

‘RV’ BUS – 38 x Volvo Olympian / Alexander ‘R’ Double Deck Also: 3 x Mercedes-Benz 709D Minibuses with ʻEuro Coachʼ bodywork, featuring Mercedes Benz OM364 engines with Allison AT545 fully automatic transmission & Telma electric retarder. Vehicles are converted to “Ticket Bus” configuration.

Original seating capacity: 23

(1999 –Volvo D10A245 /Voith 863.3 & ZF4HP500 Mixed Examples)

These vehicles are to be withdrawn from the Dublin Bus fleet over the coming months (Minibuses currently off service) ALL VEHICLES ARE SOLD AS SEEN

To request a tender form and to make arrangements to view the vehicles please contact: Mr. Paul Duffy, Procurement Dept, Dublin Bus, 21 Phibsboro Road, Dublin 7, Ireland Telephone +353-1-7033474 Facsimile +353-1-8303126 Email: paul.duffy@dublinbus.ie Closing date for receipt of completed Tenders is 17:00 on Friday 16th September 2011.

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ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING

BUILDINGS

CHECKPOINTS

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

TO PURCHASE CHECKPOINT/ DUSTITE

loose wheelnut indicators or to locate your nearest stockist:

Tel: 01524 271200

www.checkpoint-safety.com Email: info@checkpoint-safety.com

BREATHTESTING

GETNOTICED! AdvertiseyourProducts &Serviceshereforaslittle as£30.00 aweek!

Call Sade Obisesan NOW on 0208 320 1353 or email: sade.obisesan@rouncymedia.co.uk

CRAIG TILSLEY

ENGINES

Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527

Fax: 01782 791316

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

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

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September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 00

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES ENGINES

Crewe Engines Ltd MERCEDES ENGINE SPECIALISTS

WE ALSO RECONDITION ALL MAKES OF BUS & COACH ENGINES Direct from the UK’s No.1 for 30 years

VOLVO - CUMMINS - SCANIA MAN - DAF - IVECO FULL FITTING FACILITIES

HEATING

FUEL

Heaters • A/C Equipment Blowers • Motors Radiators • Silicone Hose Ducting • Wiper Equipment • Gas Struts Tel: 01993 849522 Fax: 01993 706920 Email: sales@thhs.co.uk

www.thhs.co.uk

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

INSURANCE

‘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 Green Fields • Stanton • Shrewsbury • Shropshire SY4 4LR

Tel: 01939 251 351• Fax: 01939 251 051 Mobile: 07831 332 913 REGISTRATIONS G £750 30 NXX 33 WXE 40 NXA 40 OXW 90 PXL 99 WNX PJZ 88 RJZ 66 RJZ 77

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

£350 £99 £99 £50 KIW 696 HIG 1686 ONZ 1115 AXZ 9177 MCZ 949 HIG 1687 PEZ 9824 AXZ 9178 MUI 797 JHZ 6118 REZ 3378 BXZ 7175 NUI 656 JNZ 5986 REZ 3379 BXZ 7176 SBZ 545 JNZ 5987 RUI 2117 CRZ 4816 UIW 161 MHZ 9958 SEZ 8950 CRZ 4817 VIW 979 MJZ 6748 TLZ 1202 DRZ 1305 YIB 202 MJZ 6749 TUI 1441 DRZ 1306 YIB 303 MNZ 1182 UEZ 1920 DRZ 1307 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange

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

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

£50 IIG 9293 IIG 9294 JIG 8091 JIG 8092 JIG 8093 SUI 8175 SUI 8176 TUI 2556 TUI 2557

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68| COACH & BUS WEEK | September 7, 2011

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES SEATING

TRAINING

URBAN

SERVICE

COACH

SERVICE

HAND RAIL PADDING

ACCESSORIES

G Hand Rail Padding G Next Day Delivery G Seat Belt Installations G Double Deckers Seat Belted G Seat Belt Supplies Securon Amsafe/Safetex Fasching ISRI Reflex Schneeweis Orion MCF Fainsa Vogle Keil Politecnica Esteban + many more

CPC Nat / International Driver CPC Digital Tachograph Drivers’ Hours Tachograph Analysis

TRIM

COACH TRIMMERS LTD

Supplying the Bus and Coach Industry with quality seat retrims and interior refurbishment.

The UK’s No1 Seatbelt Installers Call the Experts: 01522 689911 Email: info@bhiuk.com

Don’t forget to mention that you saw it advertised in

www.bhiuk.com

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 TYRES & EQUIPMENT

• Tyre fitting machine now available •

Phone now for unbeatable prices!

205/75R 17.5 215/75R 17.5 215/75R 17.5 235/75R 17.5 245/70R 19.5 265/70R 19.5 275/70R 22.5

Premium Budget Steer Premium Budget Steer Budget Barum Steer Budget Steer

275/70R 22.5 275/80R 22.5 295/80R 22.5 295/80R 22.5 295/80R 22.5 295/80R 22.5 295/80R 22.5

Matador FU1 Regal Steer Budget Steer Barum Steer Barum Drive M+S Bridgestone R297 Bridgestone M729 M+S

ALSO CONSUMABLES & BREAKDOWN COVER NOW AVAILABLE.

www.tdtyres.com

295/80R 22.5 315/80R 22.5 315/80R 22.5 315/80R 22.5 315/80R 22.5 315/80R 22.5 305/75R 24.5

Bridgestone M788 M+S Budget Steer Barum Steer Regal Drive M+S Bridgestone R297 Bridgestone M788 Goodyear LHS

ew Number N 01684 560029 Adam : 07841 239411 Steve : 07545 735303

More stock available. All prices subject to VAT and availability.

September 7, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 69

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

Brand matters ‘What’s in a name’ is a question often posed. This retailer perhaps takes things a step further. Is it a perfectly innocent error made by those of other cultures or a play on

words like French Connection UK? Contrary to first impressions, this is not a reproduction of the sort of material which does the rounds on e-mail jokes - the shop really does exist. Indeed, it was caught on camera by Stephen Griffiths during a recent visit to Stavanger in Norway.

A Google search reveals the shop

has its own website at http://www. shittm.com/index.cfm?id=198043 .

To quote: “The SHIT FLAG STORE in Stavanger in Norway is our second FLAG STORE. First it was Jeffrey’s Bay in South Africa, and then we opened our second on Nov. 9, 2007 in the heart of Stavanger in Norway - the city where this striking Trademark was founded.”

Monday: Press day. Meera is in the sick bay, leaving us a valuable team member down. Complete the magazine at a reasonable hour of the day.

Tuesday: Spend the afternoon in the office working on a feature for a forthcoming issue. A good friend calls for a chat in the evening.

In addition to the usual banter, we discuss serious aspects of the industry – one of which will make an interesting article in a forthcoming issue.

A good or a bad sign? Hmmm…

Ikea’s free hotel for sleepy drivers Swedish furniture giant Ikea recently opened a temporary hotel at a service stop on one of France’s busiest motorways offering free rooms for 20-minute naps. The goal was to help drivers who have become sleepy at at the wheel, as well as selling a mattress or two.

Dilbert

The hotel, which opened for a period in July, featured 28 soundproofed, air-conditioned rooms measuring four square metres. Each came with a rug, a mirror, a night table and a bed with an Ikea mattress, which had a price tag affixed to it - just in case the guests liked what they’d dozed on.

Ikea set up the temporary hotel on the A6 motorway near the city of Beaune at one of Europe’s largest rest areas. The store expected some 10,000 naps in total during the hotel’s two-and-a half week

existence, according to an Ikea spokesperson. She declined to reveal the cost of the operation, with was paid for entirely by Ikea.

The rooms were cleaned after every nap, while the sheets and pillow cases were donated to the homeless charity Les toits du coeur.

We concluded in the CBW office that it was certainly an innovative marketing idea. We also couldn’t help wondering whether Ikea had taken the idea of travellers ‘sleeping’ on their purchasing decision a little too literally? Hmm…

Wednesday: A hectic day in the office forging on with my feature and other editorial tasks. With two years having passed since brother’s untimely death, I’m not on form.

Truthfully, it’s a rollercoaster of a day, one where I sail near the emotional line, yet I make every effort to remain professional. Not feeling in celebratory mood, I can’t face attending Irena’s leaving do – despite me thinking a lot of her.

Thursday: A hectic day where I try to cram as much in as possible. It’s also James Ingrey’s last day with us as he sets off to start a new life in London. Martin returns in high spirits after an overnighter with Mellor (see Minibus). Finish my ‘Operator Profile’ feature on Xelabus and also leave instructions for my team. Having been a manic day, touch base with designer Keith in the evening.

As ever, tell him to contact me if he needs me, but he’s insistent, as indeed are the rest of my colleagues, that I enjoy a proper break.

Friday: Rise bright and early to head off for a much-needed weekend away with my fiancée on the South Wales coast. With my late grandparents having lived in the Vale of Glamorgan, we revisit some of my childhood haunts and a wealth of happy memories. For once I get an entire weekend off from CBW. www.coachandbusweek.com

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RECRUITMENT

Lothian Buses staff go the extra mile

Gunnell goes for gold at First Monster Challenge Olympic gold medalist Sally Gunnell and Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings joined a sell-out field in the First Monster Challenge.

The pair raced with almost 1000 other competitors in the 120km team relay duathlon around Loch Ness on September 3, in aid of Save the Children. FirstGroup, event organisers, hailed the First Monster Challenge a resounding success.

FirstGroup’s marketing manager, Avril Gill, said: “For the third year running, our event has sold out. Teams have travelled from all over the UK to take part and I was pleased to see 21 teams from FirstGroup, including a team from our Greyhound operations in the USA.

Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings (left) and former Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell took part in First’s120km relay dualthlon in aid of Save the Children “We hope to have raised around £200k for Save the Children, and other good causes.”

The First Monster Challenge, now officially accredited by the British Triathlon Foundation, consists of teams of four. Each competitor is required to complete

two legs of the eight-legged event, one 10km run and one 20km cycle.

To access the results in full or for more information about the First Monster Challenge, log on to www. firstmonster.com

Staff from Lothian Buses are set to take part in the Pedal for Scotland charity cycle event on September 11.

A 39-strong team of bus drivers, management and IT staff will join around 9000 other cyclists of all ages peddling from Glasgow to Edinburgh, a distance of 51 miles, in the challenge ride’s 13th year.

The Lothian Buses team will donate all money raised from sponsorship to the St Columba’s Hospice and the Edinburgh-based charity, Children with Cancer and Leukaemia Advice and Support for Parents (CCLASP).

Lothian Buses managing director Ian Craig said: “We’re delighted that our staff will be participating in this event, and some have really gone that extra mile by cycling to work as part of their training.

Your First Choice for Recruitment

CBW’s well-established recruitment portfolio attracts candidates across sales, marketing and management, delivering not just quantity but quality candidates, providing exceptional value for money.

In addition to our unrivalled print-based product, at no extra cost recruitment adverts are also automatically placed online at www.coachandbusweek.com, where they remain on view until a position’s closing date.

CBW and www.coachandbusweek.com combine to create the ultimate recruitment solution, guaranteeing your vacancy is seen by every job seeker that matters from sales agents to board level.

To get your vacancy seen by quality candidates, call Harley on 01733 293249 or email harley.denham@rouncymedia.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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DeaDlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.30pm

Dr Chris Owen joins SMMT Dr Chris Owen has been appointed chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT’s) Industry Forum productivity improvement and training business, it has been announced.

Since 1995, the organisation has provided support services to global companies across manufacturing industries. From October 10, Dr Owen will take charge of the business calling on his experience in technology, product engineering and quality roles at Perkins Engines and as General Manager of a Caterpillar manufacturing business in France.

Commenting on the new appointment, Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: “I am delighted that Chris has agreed to lead SMMT

ContaCt Harley Denham 01733 293249

harley.denham@rouncymedia.co.uk

Industry Forum through its next stage of development.

“The automotive heritage of SMMT Industry Forum is valuable to companies in the manufacturing industry,” said Chris Owen. “There are great new opportunities for this business and I am honoured to have the chance to lead it through such an exciting period.”

The SMMT Industry Forum is linked with worldwide automotive industries and involved in other sectors, such as aerospace and pharmaceuticals, through its training and business improvement services.

The SMMT was formed in 1995 from a collaboration between the UK and Japanese automotive industries to increase the competitiveness of the UK supply base. The SMMT exists to support and promote the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad. Visit www.smmt.co.uk for more information.

ASSISTANT OPERATIONS MANAGER SWINDON Under our stewardship, many management staff have progressed quickly to more senior positions, as has our previous postholder in Swindon.

Accordingly, we now have a vacancy for an Assistant Operations Manager, based in Swindon and also covering Cirencester outstation with around 55 vehicles and 120 operational staff.

Swindon is a major future growth area with around 30,000 new homes projected to be built by 2026, all of which need to be supported by evolving bus services and our Company has an impressive track record of organic passenger growth.

Ideally you should have previous experience of supervising staff in a transport environment and be an effective and resilient organiser. You will also be committed to first class delivery of our services to our customers.

This is an excellent opportunity to advance your management career once you have shown us your capabilities.

A competitive salary with benefits is offered for this post, together with relocation expenses, if applicable.

Applications including a CV with handwritten accompanying letter giving a statement of the qualities and energies you will bring to the post should be sent to: Sholto Thomas, Operations Director, Stagecoach West, 3rd Floor, 65 London Road, Gloucester, GL1 3HF Closing Date: Thursday, 15th September 2011.

SUBCONTRACTING The Star Bus Company is looking to work in Partnership with fellow quality contractors in the Hertfordshire and North London areas to service one or more of our contracts.

The value of the work could be substantial and would be for a fixed period.

If you wish to register your interest then please email info@starbus.co.uk with the subject heading SUBCONTRACTING. Please include in your email the name of your company, name and contact number of the prime contact for us, type of vehicles you could supply, number of vehicles in your fleet and any other information you wish to include.

We will request additional information before awarding any work.

We require service providers of passenger assistants, PCO drivers and PCV drivers.

Vehicle requirements would be for saloon cars, MPV’s, accessible cars, mini-buses up to 8 seats, mini-buses 9-16 passenger seats, tail-lift mini-buses, accessible welfare buses, service buses/coaches.

Executive contractors also sought. www.coachandbusweek.com

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