Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine
D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland.
Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826
Email: enquiries@fleet.ie ISSN: 1649-9433
Managing Editor: Jarlath Sweeney
Editor: Sean Murtagh
Contributors: Cathal Doyle, Donal Dempsey
Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh, Paul White, Paul Sherwood, Dallas Dallaghan
Administration: Orla Sweeney
Advertising: Mary Morrissey
Design: Crackerjack Design House
International Bus & Coach of the Year Awards
www.fleet.ie
80 neWS
Setra wins International Coach of the Year 2026
Aveuro set to enter Irish market
82 reVIeW
Busworld 2025, Brussels
86 GroUp TeST
Coach Euro Test 2025 - Modena, Italy 88 reporT FORE! Golf tourism in
Alexander Dennis Enviro 100 AEV wins award
91 on ToUr
With the new Wrightbus Contour
92 lAUnCH pAD
New Higer V10 coach launched
94 ConDUCTorS’ STAnD State versus Private PSV providers
95 FleeT BUS & CoACH AWArDS 2026
Feature reports and pictures of the all happenings at the biennial Fleet Bus & Coach Awards Gala Banquet.
Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Green Fleet Management/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/
Disclaimer: Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Bus & Coach management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers. The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.
Daimler Bus luxury coach brand, Setra was announced as the winner of the 2026 International Coach of the Year (ICOY) with its Top-Class S516HDH model at Busworld 2025 in Brussels, Belgium.
Elected by the International Bus & Coach Jury of which Fleet Bus & Coach is a long standing member, and following extensive trials at the Coach Euro Test held in Italy during September, the 13.3m Setra Top-Class S516HDH beat off stiff competition from the Iveco Evady’s and Neoplan Skyliner.
Over the two day test exercise, the coaches were driven on a route that took in motorways, some city driving and mountainous sections. The Setra
Top-Class S516HDH, came out ‘top of the class’! Powered by the OM471 engine (510hp) mated to a fully automatic Mercedes-Benz PowerShift transmission, it is fitted with 48 seats. One of the features remarked on by the jury members was that the coach had all the mandatory safety systems, but all were enhanced.
Meanwhile, as part of the Coach Euro Test activities, the International Bus & Coach Jury elected a new President in Gianluca Ventura, an Italian commercial vehicle journalist and editor of Pullman bus and coach magazine. He replaces Tom Terjesen from Norway, who has retired from the position after many years at the helm.
In 2015, Aveuro, the Romanian passenger transport operator set up a separate business to convert light commercial chassis into minibuses for its own usage. In the first few years of production it exported finished buses to other parts of Europe, predominantly based on Mercedes-Benz Sprinters. Now exports account for 80% of production. Since 2024 Avero has
ventured into offering electric buses.
This year more than 800 minibuses will be produced, both diesel and electric powered. The experience gained from being an operator gives the company a competitive advantage, operating over 200 buses on a mix of private hire and school services.
Making its second appearance at Busworld, on display was an array of electric and diesel models, converted from Ford Transits and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. Anveuro estimates that the range distance is similar on both chassis for electric operation, depending on the battery size. Making its debut at the show was a 7m low floor school bus with capacity for 15 passengers and 10 standees.
Aveuro is a dynamic company and has eyes set on the Irish market, with a plan to enter here in 2026 with the full range, both diesel and electric. More variety for Irish operators to choose from.
Every two years the Bus & Coach industry gathers for the biggest passenger transport show in the world. Traditionally held in the small Belgian town of Kortrijk, a few years ago it moved to a much bigger venue in Brussels. Each show is defined by the trends of the day and challenges facing into the future, for example the move to Euro 6.
Environmental issues continue to be at the forefront. This year many visitors were taken aback at the number of electric coaches presented. At many tourist spots, and at bus depots, conversations have long been about the arrival of electric buses. Most are now of the opinion that while electric city buses have become a feature of life, for electric coaches, well that’s a different story.
However I think after spending a few days at Busworld that those opinions might need to be revised. Nobody expects to see electric coaches in big numbers on European roads next year, but the speed of arrival is certainly increasing.
Ir ISH AT B USWorl D
Busworld has always been a firm favourite for the Irish Bus & Coach sectors as it is an essential window into the future trends coming in vehicle technology and practice. Government officials and regulators and operators were all well represented.
David Conway, Chairman of the Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTTC) led a group of operators to the show, taking in some meetings and presentations. Former CTTC Chair, Willie Martin, spoke at one of the seminars, focusing on driver training and recruitment.
While no Irish distributor displayed at Busworld, many were in attendance with their manufacturing partners. Fleet Bus & Coach met most of them, all generally upbeat and looking forward to a bumper year in 2026. They included: Brian Noone Ltd, (Eerduman, Geyushi), JJ Kavanagh & Sons (Ilesbus), Westward Scania (Irizar), Bartons (Neoplan), Central Bus & Coach Sales (Yutong), EVM (Ferqui, Tremonia, Karsan, Indcar, Carbus, Forveda) Harris Bus & Coach (Higer), OHM Group (VDL), Dermot Cronin Motors (Temsa) Volvo Bus (MCV) and Paramount (UNVI).
Two new Irish liveried vehicles were displayed at the show. A Volvo-bodied MCV coach is destined for Bernard Kavanagh & Sons, Urlingford and a Turas 900S midicoach from Brian Noone & Sons for Furey’s of Sligo. With access for the wheelchair at the back, it is ideal for Local Link services.
Built in Egypt, as a strategic partner with Volvo Bus, there have been a number of units sold in Ireland. Like other coachbuilders, it is focused on the development and sale of alternative drivelines. To coincide with Busworld, it launched a Hydrogen fuel cell bus with a range of 600 km.
ZF is one of the largest manufacturers of components for buses and. coaches. With 32 thousand employees worldwide, the
German company spends 8% of its annual turnover on research and development. Last year its income was €7.7 billion. At the show it presented new axles and a control unit, expected to reduce running costs.
Daimler Bus brand, Mercedes-Benz launched an electric inter-city bus, the Intouro. Europeans tend to distinguish between inter-city buses and coaches, whereas Ireland sees them as the same vehicle. The Intouro has a range of 500 km and will be in serial production, ready for delivery by mid-2026. News on the e-Citaro is that operators are confirming that the TCO (total cost of ownership) is on a par with a diesel bus. In terms of coach development, Daimler Bus is standing by its commitment to have an electric coach ready for 2030.
K A r SA n
Turkish manufacturer Karsan now has developed a full electric range in addition to focusing on autonomous bus manufacturing and continuing to roll out deliveries in many cities. Launching the e-ATA Hydrogen with a range of 600 km, one of the advantages of hydrogen is the fast fill aspect - less than 10 minutes in total. Karsan last year appointed EVM as its Ireland & UK distributor.
featured was a Levante body was built on an electric chassis which is expected to be available for sale in the UK by mid-2026. The range distance is 600 km. As per the trucks in the brand, a new 11-litre diesel engine is also available with fuel savings of up to 8%.
Over 200,000 Iveco buses and coaches are operating in the world at the moment. Like all manufacturers Iveco is focused on alternative drivelines. Iveco claims to have 12% of the electric bus market in Europe and 29% of “clean” vehicles sold in same continent, mainly due to its multi-energy strategy. A new, improved low-floor e-Daily electric mini-bus was presented.
Over the past five years, TEMSA has introduced seven new models into the market. As the Turkish brand grows in the European market it is also improving its parts supply chain, increasing the number of spare parts and components in stock. Currently 120,000 parts are available. Concurrently remote diagnostics are being rolled out, adding to a reduction in downtime for operators.
coach. Also
launched can carry up to 63 people with no loss of luggage space. Lion’s e-Coach will be built in Turkey, and serial production will begin mid-2026. MAN is also planning on selling the e-chassis outside Europe. When asked about a RHD option, brand management was coy, but did not rule it out.
Having just taken over SamAuto in Uzbekistan, Anadolu Isuzu, based in Turkey will take time to work through developing synergies between both operations before looking at other takeovers. Updates on the Grand Toro and the Cityvolt were presented. A range of 400 km can now be achieved on the Nova Cityvolt. Anadolu Isuzu’s Novo Ultra model buses are manufactured under the AOS brand,
VDL shared a stand with the Vanhool brand, now operating jointly under the new brand name, VDL Bus & Coach & VDL Vanhool. The new company will promote both brands, focussing on the delivery of five different models. VDL launched the new Futura 3, with the key focus on safety and fuel economy. Savings of 15% are promised, delivering a significant reduction in operating costs. Other developments on the new Futura include a re-designed climate control system
Yutong has a strong presence in the Irish & UK marketplaces for many years, but mainly due to some “Brexit” related problems, the Chinese brand was somewhat restricted with supply to the Irish market. All that is now changed and through Irish dealer, Central Bus & Coach Sales, Yutong will be back strongly in the Irish market for 2026, with ample stock available.
Higer bus launched a new V series coaches for the European market. Two high end tour coaches, V12E & V12E Pro, along with the V13E, an inter-city Coach were introduced. All the electric buses have a minimum range of 500 km. An indication of the Chinese manufacturer’s commitment to service European customers is the establishment of a parts centre in Luxembourg. One innovative design element on the coaches is the integration of the wheelchair lift into the steps in the middle door, so it does not impact on luggage space.
With no immediate plans to build an integral electric coach, Spanish bus builder Irizar is approaching this new segment very cautiously. However, it will build on an electric chassis, if any of their customers have such a requirement. Two new electric buses, the Irizar i3 and a low floor version were displayed. Irizar has stated that diesel coaches will continue to be built for many years to come.
Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie
Italy was the venue for the Coach Euro Test 2025, the event that announces the election of the International Coach of the Year (ICOY) 2026 Award. Hosted by Italian magazine, Pullman, the event took place near Modena in the north of the country and took in a test route of almost 500km, which included mountainous routes, city centre driving and motorway sections.
Three coaches competed in the competition: the IVECO Evadys HD 12m, the Setra Top-Class S516HDH and the Neoplan Skyliner. A fourth contestant, an electric coach from Yutong had been entered, but unfortunately the Chinese brand had to withdraw for operational reasons, a pity because the jury were looking forward to seeing how an electric coach would have performed up against a diesel coach. One thing to point out is that none of the coaches presented are to date available in right hand drive (RHD), although some other variants are.
In general this is one of the most versatile coaches on the road in Europe at the moment. It is suitable for school services, day tours, private hire work and three-day excursions. It is tidy in size, making it a lot more manoeuvrable than most coaches (having a similar profile and footprint of a Plaxton Supreme). It stands at 3.4m high, including the air-con box on top. Unfortunately, it is not available in RHD. However there may be light at the end of the tunnel, as representatives from Iveco have said that as an electric version it may be offered in RHD.
The Evadys is powered by an FPT Cursor 9 diesel engine and can run on HVO. The transmission is by Voith (6 speed auto) and from a driving point of view, the all round visibility is good, due to a low windscreen. Although fitted with traditional mirrors, digital cams will soon be optional. It has plenty of power, but some fine-tuning of the engine / gearbox pairing would make it smoother. The luggage space is more than ample: 10.5 m³ underfloor and 1.5 m³ on the racks. That might seem like a small detail, but the design of the interior overhead racks is impressive. In the 13m version 63 seats can be fitted, or two fewer if a toilet is installed . Both the front entrance door and the centre door are wide, making entry easy, with plenty of grab handles. Overall, it’s a very practical coach.
As part of the Daimler Bus - Mercedes-Benz family the Setra flagship carries plenty of the marque’s long established DNA. The first Setra built was in 1951, bringing the German coach builder to its 75th anniversary next year. When asked about the development of an electric coach, representatives said confidently that there one would be available from 2030, followed by a hydrogen fuel cell variant.
For the test Setra provided a 13.3 m. version. This variant is their best-seller and is also available in a 14.2 m format. Powered by the Mercedes-Benz OM 471 diesel engine, coupled to an ZF automatic box, all Setras feature LED lighting throughout. The roof is 80% panoramic where fitted, although this carries an additional cost of €10,000. When spending so much money on a coach, the glass roof is a welcome feature for passengers, particularly when touring in mountainous or scenic areas.
From the driver’s point of view, a newly designed dashboard area offers many new and improved features: extra storage space, a better-positioned tachograph, and a more rounded console. Mirror-cams are standard and easy to adjust. Setra has drawn on extensive experience from sister brand MercedesBenz trucks to perfect the digital cams. One advantage of the new design is improved and broader all-round vision.
From a passenger perspective the Setra has ample space. The front entrance is wide, with plenty of grab handles, and the guide seat folds neatly away, aiding entry and exit. With 48 seats, there is generous leg room, and USB charging points are provided at all seats. The centre door is wider than before and a clever design on the toilet door improves accessibility. Overall, an excellent touring coach.
“Eye-catching” is the best way to describe the Neoplan Skyliner. Since 1967, over 5,500 Skyliners have been built. MAN Truck & Bus has continued develop the model, and this double deck version features the special “Auwärter Edition” equipment to celebrate the brand’s 90th anniversary and the 85th anniversary of the inventor of the double-decker, Konrad Auwärter.
The current Skyliner has a new driveline featuring the MAN D26 engine with its impressive performance: an output of 382 kW / 520 hp at 1,800 rpm, with maximum torque of 2,650 Nm at 930–1,350 rpm, making it one of the most powerful double-deckers in the coach segment. It can also run on biodiesel.
As part of its update for the new GSR 2 regulations, Neoplan took the opportunity to update the driver’s area. For express operations seating can be increased to accommodate up to 96 passengers: however the test vehicle had 81 seats, providing a little more legroom. Carrying such numbers requires lots of luggage space and this tall unit has it, offering 11m³, with easy access for the driver.
The coach is easy to drive, with a very comfortable seating position. The digital mirror-cams are well positioned and visibility through the windscreen and passenger door leaves very little blind areas.
For passengers, the stairs are easy to climb, with plenty of grab handles and the upstairs area features a wide glazed surround that prevents any sense of claustrophobia. Some clever design touches have made the lower deck area slightly more spacious: as one passes over the front axle section, the floor drops slightly to give more headroom. Both entry doors are wide and easy to access.
It used to be said that building a double decker coach required some compromise because of height restrictions: in this Neoplan Skyliner there is no sign of that.
It is difficult to make direct comparisons between coaches, even after spending two days driving them. Operators will always form their own conclusions based on the type of work and journeys they undertake. One major difference between the coaches tested is the purchase price. The Setra comes in at €520,000, the Neoplan Skyliner at €550,000, and the IVECO at €260,000. If fact you could almost purchase two IVECOs for the price of the Skyliner or the Setra. Operators need to be confident that they are getting a suitable return on the significant investment that a coach represents. Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie
When the best coach operators in the country gather at a venue such as Fota Hotel & Golf Club in Cork, among the subject matters up for discussion include golf, coach tourism and the Irish hospitality industry. These were exactly the topics addressed by Nessa Devereux, Head of Transport & Coach sector at AIB at the launch of the AIB sector paper on Bus and Coach operations.
Colleague Jonathan Clarke was also among presenters, highlighting the obvious synergies between both sectors in outlining how AIB assist clients in business development. Pat Moore, AIB Finance & Leasing specialist was on hand dealing with queries and new business opportunities in a sector that relies heavily on asset finance. Considering a specialist coach can cost in excess of €300,000, its initial life span as a luxury coach may be only five years before it moves to a second and third tier application.
A case study was delivered by Mike Buckley, CEO of Kerry Coaches in Killarney, who specialises in golf tourism. Mike explained that Kerry Coaches now has 100 units ranging from large coach to smaller luxury coaches especially specified for the golf groups that require additional luggage space. He employs dedicated drivers that are familiar with the sport and all the Links courses on the Western seaboard. Kerry Coaches commenced business in the early ‘90s with just one coach, with Mike running his family business Buckley Tours, having returned from UCC with a business degree. Following his father’s passing, he gave up a prospective accounting career
to become Irelands premier golf coach operator.
Looking at the golf/coach tourism sector, some very interesting statistics come to light. For example, Ireland is home to one third of the world’s great links courses. American golfers who are the target market, spend on average three times as much per stay as the standard/average tourist and find Irish green fees that can exceed €500 in peak times actual good value compared to their US counterparts of the same standard. With courses in the South West (Cork & Kerry) having reached saturation levels of use in peak times, there is now a trend towards the North West as an expanding golf tourist area. Add the fact that Ireland is a small island, visitors can take in all the usual scenic spots on the tour while the genuine hospitable nature of staff lends itself to strong market growth into the future.
Mike Buckley explained that over the next three years he will put in €9 million of investment so that’s an indication of what’s needed to keep at the top of the game in this very specialist sector. But what are the factors for success in this industry sector? The obvious ones are business acumen, knowledge of the sector, and an ability to meet expanded demand through the use of best personnel and attention to detail. Hard work is also a given and if Mike admits that his love of football and golf take second best to the business, his son John’s success at local and county level makes up for this.
The ability to see the potential in and the wherewithal to develop a market is a unique talent. The positive effect it has for the revenue of golf clubs and rural tourism cannot be underestimated, not least that it brings revenue into rural areas away from cities where
demand outstrips supply and the cost to safeguard tourists is also dramatically different.
Many premium hotels such as Fota have an on-site course of distinction, but with a small national geographical footprint it’s easy to see why a week’s golf in a range of premium courses can be undertaken from the one location, using luxury coaches with experienced and knowledgeable driving staff. For this specialist work there is a ready supply of staff as it attracts high end early retirees. It’s not unusual to have a retired school principal, bank manager or Garda who boasts a lower handicap than any of their clients on the coach.
Current investment in coaches is coming after a time when investment nearly ceased during Covid, with the financial institutions having to assist companies in a period where operations were paused and no one knew when the market would open again. Some coach manufacturers ran into financial difficulty and some of the driver staff in Ireland switched to road freight, mainly groupage but returned as soon
as the sector built back up again. These days the key issue of sustainability and reaching zero emissions is crucial in developing a coach replacement strategy, with HVO fuel as step one in a process that will over time see electric vehicles become dominant when cost factors and infrastructure concerns are addressed.
Looking at the golf coach sector there are clear opportunities for expansion with high margins on offer if a business is operated correctly. Joint ventures with premium hotels and golf courses can further expand the sector and Ireland’s unique assets of people, landscape and climate all add to this best-in-world experience. It’s also an opportunity to showcase the best of Irish food offerings to an international client base. This is the most beneficial form of advertising any country can hope for.
To give an indication of the value to the economy of Irish tourism, in 2024 the industry earned €6 billion and 35% of that income was from North America. In 2026, the Irish Open will be hosted in Doonbeg, County Clare (a venue that
will surely draw the USA crowd) and then in 2027 the Ryder Cup in Limerick will provide another opportunity to showcase Ireland’s golf courses to the world.
Text: Donal Dempsey – donal@fleet.ie
British bus and coach builder Alexander Dennis (ALD), has won the Vehicle of the Year title at the Self-Driving Industry Awards 2025 for its Enviro100AEV electric autonomous bus.
The award was presented by Cars of the Future at the Turner Contemporary art gallery in Margate, England in recognition of the pioneering role of Alexander Dennis and its technology partner Fusion Processing Ltd in advancing connected and automated bus technology.
The Enviro100AEV is operating a trial passenger service in Cambridge, and at AutonoBus, where it will perform controlled track testing at SAE Level 4 supervised by a trained safety driver located in a remote control room instead of being on board.
The Alexander Dennis Enviro100AEV is the autonomous version of the manufacturer’s “big small bus”, an 8.5m long and 2.35m wide electric vehicle offering room for up to 26 seated passengers in the same style and comfort as larger vehicles.
It has been equipped with Fusion Processing Ltd’s CAVStar® automated drive system which integrates AI and high-performance computing with radar, lidar, and optical camera systems to deliver SAE Level 4 of automated driving to any drive-by-wire vehicle.
Jamie Wilson, Head of Concepts & Advanced Engineering at Alexander Dennis, accepted the award for the manufacturer and said: “This award for our Enviro100AEV is a fantastic recognition of the groundbreaking work we are doing to explore the technical and commercial opportunities for connected and automated vehicle technology in buses. This has been made possible by the technology partnership with our friends at Fusion Processing, whose automated drive system is at the heart of the exciting advances we look forward to continuing to demonstrate to the self-driving vehicle industry over the coming months and years.”
Jim Hutchinson, CEO of Fusion Processing, represented Alexander Dennis’s technology partner and said: “We’re delighted to be recognised for our work with Alexander Dennis on the SAE Level 4 Enviro100AEV. Automated buses represent a genuine game-changer –not least through the up to 20% energy savings they deliver and the significantly enhanced safety they provide. The commercial applications for automated
buses are incredibly exciting, and we’re eager to see how this technology transforms the market in the coming years.”
Cars of the Future Editor, Neil Kennett, commented on behalf of the 2025 Self-Driving Industry Awards judging panel: “We are delighted to present our flagship Self-Driving Vehicle of the Year Award to The Enviro100AEV by Alexander Dennis and Fusion Processing. The reaction to the unveiling of this all-new ‘small big bus’ at last month’s Cenex Expo made up the judges’ minds. It is best in class, designed and built right here in the UK. Using the Fusion CAVStar automated drive system, two of these buses will go into service within a matter of weeks as part of the Connector project in Cambridge. This transformative trial will demonstrate the safe, practical application of SAE Level 4 automation for enhanced accessibility, reduced emissions, reliable and comfortable public transport.”
The Alexander Dennis Enviro100AEV’s success at the Self-Driving Industry Awards 2025 follows the Vehicle of the Year accolade for the manufacturer’s earlier Enviro200AV autonomous bus at the 2023 edition of the awards.
Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie
During October, Wrightbus took its new Contour coach on a demonstration tour around Ireland. Starting in Dublin, the showcase trip travelled to Kilkenny, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, finishing up in Galway, providing operators with the chance to put the new Chinese built coach through its paces.
Fleet Bus & Coach met up with the Wrightbus crew on the Limerick / Kerry border for the last leg of the journey to Limerick.
The test coach is the 12.2m version with 55 seats plus toilet. It is powered by the Cummins X-11 Euro 6 engine producing 400hp. Immediate reactions were that the coach handles beautifully, with plenty of power and the ZF EcoLife
automatic gearbox combining well with the engine to give a smooth drive.
While being taken for a drive in the new coach, to get a feel from the passenger side, the aisle space impressed, notably wider than most. Indeed it’s difficult to see how they have done it, as there seems to be no penalty on the seating area, spacious indeed with three-point seatbelts and USB points for every passenger. Overhead lockers are often small and tight, but not the case with the Contour as extra room seems to have been created here also.
With regard to the exterior design, it looks smart all round. Digital mirrors can be included when ordering. PSVAR compliant or PSVAR ready variants will be available to meet accessibility regulations, while left and right-hand drive versions are being produced at the same time. Luggage space is ample, at nine cubic metres, but there is a compromise when the wheelchair passenger lift is fitted.
With manufacturing handled by King Long in China, reviving the Contour name from the 1980s is more than nostalgia, as many operators have vivid and positive memories of that coach.
Wrightbus will conduct pre-delivery inspections before vehicles reach customers. The Contour’s “competitive price” and
lead time of six months promises to deliver an edge over some current industry norms, according to Dave Porter, Head of Coach Sales at Wrightbus.
“Coach prices are rising, in cases up to 30% and delivery dates have become a moveable feast. We are building to order, and our lead times are shorter than most of our competitors and are guaranteed. We are also assuring a competitively priced vehicle,” he said.
Wr IGHTBUS S e CU re S lA r G e o r D er F or B US É I re A nn
Bus Éireann has placed an order for 39 Contour coaches from Wrightbus, to be delivered in the first half of 2026. Based on 12m chassis with Cummins Euro 6 engines and ZF auto boxes, all of the new coaches will be fitted with CCTV and will be PSVAR compliant, if required at a later stage. One of the key guarantees that Wrightbus stated in the procurement process was the short lead time from order to delivery.
Text : Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie
Deliveries of new coaches was challenging for manufacturers in 2025, but Harris Bus & Coach is confident that it will be able to supply coaches from the new Harris V range just launched.
Fleet Bus & Coach got a sneak preview of the new V10 at Harris HQ at the end of November, and were impressed. Harris Bus & Coach concluded 2025 with two Open Days to officially launch two new additions to its Higer coach line-up.
On 12 & 13 December, at its headquarters on the Naas Road, Dublin and ride and drive opportunity for customers was provided to test the new Higer V10 (10m) and the V12 (12m). Both models are powered by 6-cylinder Cummins engines, mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission.
Seat numbers begins at 43 for the V10 and up to 55 for the V12, with some variations available depending on a requirement for a toilet, wheelchair lift or a continental door being fitted.
On taking the V10 for a short test drive, we were very impressed with its high quality furniture and fittings and the smooth drivetrain. And the luggage area is big by any standards.
Shaun McBride, Head of Bus & Coach at Harris Bus & Coach explained that the company had an input into the final design and specifications on the vehicles and that most bespoke requirements can be accommodated.
The driver’s area is well laid out with all the controls conveniently and ergonomically positioned. Bright colours enhance the interior and comfort levels.
This version driven has traditional mirrors, but future models will have an option to have mirror cameras fitted. Harris Bus & Coach is in the process of appointing several Aftersales dealers around the country with additional back-up from mobile crews working out of Dublin.
Shaun added that a steady supply of new Higer coaches will be available from early January and for those ready to go electric, there are some emission free vehicles in stock.
If you don’t get an opportunity to see the new coaches in Dublin, a road show is planned for next January and February.
Monday 19th Jan Belfast Crumlin Road Gaol
Tuesday 20th Jan Letterkenny Mount Errigal Hotel
Wednesday 21st Jan Sligo Clayton Hotel
Thursday 22nd Jan Galway Donoghue’s Yard
Friday 23rd Jan Limerick South Court Hotel
Tuesday 17th Feb Killarney Brehon Hotel
Wednesday 18th Feb Cork Rochestown
Thursday 19th Feb Wexford Whitford House Hotel
M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S &
H A P P Y N E W Y E A R
If purchasing in 2026, please reach out to the team!
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A decision to allow under nines travel free on public transport is welcome for several reasons. The initiative allows the creation of a habit for young people to start using public transport at an early age. Moving people from cars onto public transport will always be a challenge, but this move will help. It may also help change the habits of their parents and very important in the current climate, it will help reduce the cost of living for hard pressed families. So, what’s the problem? Unfortunately, this opportunity is not available to all 9-year-olds. Those using commercial services do not qualify for the scheme as it is confined only to those using State sponsored companies and routes.
The Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTTC) continues to actively lobby for the inclusion of commercial operators into the scheme. From the time it was announced the council has been contacting Ministers and local politicians, and has also run an extensive media campaign to highlight discriminatory and anti-competitive nature of this proposal. It appears to go against government objectives to reduce the reliance on private cars, in order to relieve congestion and reduce emissions.
In a poll carried out by Amarach on behalf of the CTTC, over 80% of respondents were of the view that the scheme should be expanded to include all bus services. CTTC Chairman, David Conway was confident in the lead into the Budget that common since would prevail and the scheme would be extended to ensure every 9-year-old in the country would be treated the same,
Is the Divide between the State’s own Bus Services and that of Private Operators re-appearing?
*Does the Passenger count at all?
without any discrimination. Speaking after the Minister for Finance delivered the Budget speech he said: “Over €4 billion was spent on transport services and infrastructure, which we welcome very much. I estimate another single million would have covered the cost of extending the scheme to everyone.”
So is this a flawed policy or is it a return to the days when private operators were treated as second class by the State? Hopefully not.
In reality this situation goes way past just private bus operators. It’s about commuters being treated differently, depending on where they live. During the last election, the perceived divide between Dublin and the rest of the country was a big issue for canvassers on the doorstep. In fairness the Government listened, and Dara Calleary was appointed as Minister for Rural & Community Development. One would have thought that he would have been all over this and insisted that the policy be extended to all commuters. What about the Healy Raes and some of the other rural TDs, who claim to be the champions of the “simple country people”? While all these politicians may be showing some levels of support, it is not having an effect on government policy so far. This should be high up on their agendas.
What is a little more intriguing is a subtle difference in the interpretation given by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Minister’s office, when commenting on the U9s fare issue. A PQ (Parliamentary Question) sent by the CTTC to the Minister’s office asked:
“To ask the Minister for Transport to
provide data on the number of people who have availed of free fares under the various fare reduction schemes; the cost of such schemes; the budgetary allocation in 2025 for free fares for children under nine years of age; his plans to extend this to commercial bus operators in 2026; and if he will comment on the effectiveness of these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Minister responded extensively, but without directly addressing the U9s issue. However, in the response from the NTA it is clear that the decision not to extend free travel for U9s is Government policy. Possibly discriminatory. Either way, if the NTA is serious about moving people from car to bus or any form of public transport, this policy needs to be reviewed. In fact, there is an argument that the Bus Eireann Expressway services and private inter-city services should be included, as surely any cost incurred here is towards improving the environment.
Most people with 9-year-olds in their lives will have come up with situations where you have to try and make an argument that their young brains can understand. Generally you lose, as their logic is simple and uncomplicated. They don’t understand vested interests; every situation has a simple solution. So how will you be able to answer them when they ask you why they can travel free on one bus but must pay to go on the bus behind it? Let’s see what answer the NTA or the Minister for Transport would come up with to satisfy an enquiring young mind.
Text:
Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie
Passenger transport operators from twelve counties around Ireland were honoured at the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards Gala Banquet, held at the Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield, County Meath on Thursday 13 November, in association with JF Dunne Insurance, title sponsors.
Organised and hosted by Fleet Publications, the showcase event, held every other year, acknowledges best practice and customer service excellence, in addition to further raise the profile of one of the most important sectors of the Irish economy.
Compèred by RTE Lyric FM & TV celebrity Marty Whelan, a great night of nostalgia, tributes, music and entertainment were among the highlights of the event.
A number of companies were inducted into the Hall of Fame to mark special anniversaries and many decades of loyal and dedicated service. Among the notable recipients were Glasheen Coaches, Thurles (55 years), Martin’s of Limerick (50 years), Finnegans of Bray
(50 years) & Roaches Bus Hire, Wexford (40 years).
“J.F. Dunne Insurances are delighted to be involved in the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards as title sponsors. It is so important to recognise the high standards of our bus and coach operators around the country, those providing passenger services to the public and maintaining essential links for communities, workers and students all over Ireland. It is an industry that is taken for granted at times and it is great for those involved to be acknowledged and honoured by the industry and their peers. It is always a very enjoyable night, allowing the operators and those involved in the business, to meet and socialise with each other in a more relaxed environment whilst recognising the industry achievements,” said Carlos Dunne, CEO, J.F. Dunne Insurances, title sponsor.
Complimenting the prize winners, Jarlath Sweeney, Managing Editor, Fleet Bus & Coach said: “Congratulations to all of the prize winners, who thoroughly deserved their awards for their high quality service
provisions to the public and to tourism visitors. They are the flag bearers for Ireland, providing long lasting memories for our tourists, coming from all over the world. With more and more taking to the bus and coach, it augers well for the industry and shows that the excellent service provided by operators is being acknowledged and recognised. Hopefully these honours will further promote positivity in the industry, which is so important to the Irish economy. Thank you to our Sponsors, Finalists and Attendees for making this event possible.”
C AT e G orY W I nner S:
Coach operator Award 2026 -
Town/City Service & local link
provider - national
Sponsored by EVM
Winner: Corduff Travel (Mayo)
Coach operator Award 2026 -
Town/City Service & local link provider - regions
Sponsored by EVM
Winner: nolan Coaches (Dublin)
Coach operator Award 2026 –Inter City/Airport Service
Sponsored by AdTec Aerauto Ltd
Winner: Callinan Coaches (Galway)
Coach operator Award 2026 –regional
Sponsored by JJ Kavanagh Coach Sales & Servicing
Winner: Burkesbus (Galway)
Coach operator Award 2026 – Toursnational
Sponsored by Daimler Buses
Winner: Cronin’s Coaches (Cork)
Coach operator Award 2026 – Toursregions
Sponsored by Daimler Buses
Winner: executive Travel Solutions (Galway)
Coach operator Award 2026 –Day Tours
Sponsored by Daimler Buses
Winner: eI Travel Group (Dublin)
Coach operator Award 2026 – Tour organiser & Coach provider
Sponsored by Volvo Bus
Winner: leaTours (limerick)
Bus operator Award 2026 –10 or less Vehicles
Sponsored by Harris Bus & Coach
Winner: Keogh Barrett Tours (Kildare)
Bus operator Award 2026 –More than 10 Vehicles
Sponsored by Clarke Autowash
Winner: Dave long Coach Hire (Cork)
School Bus operator Award 2026
Sponsored by Junction 14 Mayfield
Winner: Kearney’s of Cork (Cork)
Safety & Training Award 2026
Sponsored by Climate Control Systems
Winner: Fitzpatrick Coaches (Monaghan)
livery & Corporate Identity Award 2026
Sponsored by Brian Noone Ltd
Winner: Bartons Transport (Kildare)
Care for the environment Award 2026
Sponsored by PTSB
Winner: Collins Travel (Monaghan)
Investment in Innovation Award 2026
Sponsored by Coach Tourism & Transport Council
Winner: JJ Kavanagh (Kilkenny)
Women in passenger Transport Award 2026
Sponsored by Apex Buses
Winner: Marie Donoghue –Donoghue’s of Galway (Galway)
rising Star Award 2026
Sponsored by Pelican Bus & Coach / Yutong
Winner: Cian Crimmins – Brigdale Coaches (Clare)
Services to the passenger Transport Industry Award 2026
Sponsored by MUTEC Mercedes-Benz Bus & Coach Centre
Winner: Tommy Callinan – Callinan Coaches (Galway)
Ir ISH CoACH o F TH e Ye A r AWA r DS 2026Sponsored by Close Brothers Commercial Finance
Irish Coach of the Year 2026 –Mercedes-Benz Touismo
Irish Midi-Coach of the Year 2026 –Temsa MD9
Irish Mini-Bus of the Year 2026 – Ferqui
Sunset Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519
Irish Mini-Bus of the Year 2026 (Coach Standard) – Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Touring+ VIp
Irish electric Coach of the Year 2026 –Higer Azure eVC electric
Irish low Floor Coach of the Year 2026 – noone Turas Connect Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 517
Judge’s Special Merit Award 2026 –Volvo Bus 9700 Double Decker 4.24m
sponsored by EVM
Winner: Corduff Travel (Mayo)
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine; Danny McGee, Managing Director, EVM (sponsor); Michael Corduff, Corduff Travel; Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurance and Marty Whelan, M.C.
sponsored by EVM
Winner: nolan Coaches (Dublin)
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine; Danny McGee, Managing Director, EVM (sponsor); Garrett O’Toole, Nolan Coaches; Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurance and Marty Whelan, M.C.
sponsored by AdTec Aerauto
Winner: Callinan Coaches (Galway)
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine; Tommy Callinan, Callinan Coaches; Kieran Mulvaney, Managing Director, AdTec Aerauto (sponsor); Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurance and Marty Whelan, M.C. sponsored by JJ Kavanagh Coach Sales & Servicing
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach
Winner: Cronin’s Coaches (Cork)
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine; Niall Cronin, Cronin’s Coaches; David Hobson, Mercedes-Benz Area Sales Manager, North East, Scotland and Ireland for Daimler Buses UK Ltd (sponsor), Ann Cronin and Niall C Cronin, Derry Cronin, Cronin’s Coaches and Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurance.
sponsored by Daimler Buses
Winner: eI Travel Group (Dublin)
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine; David Hobson, Mercedes-Benz Area Sales Manager, North East, Scotland and Ireland for Daimler Buses UK Ltd (sponsor); Keith McDonnell, EI Travel Group; Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurance and Marty Whelan, M.C.
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine; Diarmaid Thompson, Regional & National Account Manager for Volvo Bus UK and Ireland (sponsor); Jim Deegan, Simone Langemann, Business Development Manager,
Winner: Marie Donoghue, Donoghue’s of Galway
Orla Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine; Marie Donoghue, Donoghue’s of Galway; Declan Fahy, Apex Buses (sponsor); Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurance, Mary Morrissey, Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine and Marty Whelan, M.C.
sponsored by Harris Bus & Coach
Winner: Keogh Barrett Tours (Kildare)
Winner: Dave long Coach Hire (Cork)
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine; Vincent Clarke, Managing Director, Clarke Autowash (sponsor); Damien Long, Dave Long Coach Hire; Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurance and Marty Whelan, M.C.
sponsored by Junction 14 Mayfield
Winner: Kearney’s
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine; Jacek Jabkiewicz, Zach Allman, Kearneys of Cork; Mary Therese Fitzpatrick, Director, Lidon Group – Junction 14 Mayfield (sponsor); Roy Kearney, Katelyn Kearney-Allman, Kearney’s of Cork; Carlos Dunne, JF Dunne Insurance and Marty Whelan, M.C.
sponsored by Coach Climate Systems
Winner: Fitzpatrick Coaches (Monaghan)
Jarlath
sponsored by Brian Noone Ltd
Winner: Bartons Transport (Kildare)
sponsored by PTSB
Winner: Collins Travel (Monaghan)
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine; Brendan Collins, Collins Travel; Eoin Ryan, Head of Business Development, PTSB Asset Finance (sponsor); Carlos Dunne,
sponsored by Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland
Winner: JJ Kavanagh (Kilkenny)
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Bus & Coach
David
Winner: Tommy Callinan, Callinan Coaches (Galway)
Winner: Mercedes-Benz Tourismo Tri-Axle
Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine; David Hobson, Mercedes Benz Area Sales Manager, North East, Scotland and Ireland for Daimler Buses UK Limited and Karl Jennings, Regional Sales Director, Close Brothers Commercial Finance
Winner: Ferqui Sunset Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519
Winner: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Touring VIp
ISH lo W Floor B US / CoACH o F TH e Ye A r 2026
Winner: noone Turas Connect Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 517 low Floor
Winner: Volvo Bus 9700 Double Decker 4.24 metre
A number of companies reached a significant landmark since the last Awards and Fleet Bus & Coach honoured these companies with a specially commissioned Hall of Fame Award.
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