Bus and Coach Professional September 2020

September 2020

Issue 418

driving towards a greener future

Zero emission drives Yutong ambition

2016 (16) Mercedes-Benz Tourismo 51 exec with de-mount toilet, EU6 OM470 with 8-speed Powershift automated manual, DVD, boiler, cooler, A/C, footrests, tray tables, alloys. Choice of 4. One year driveline warranty available at additional cost.

ÂŁ85,000.00

www.bus-store.com

Finance options available subject to status.

View over 100 other vehicles on our stocklist at:

Andy Nixon

07540 337746

Used Vehicle Sales Manager

Jack Wallen

07548 130577

Used Vehicle Sales Executive

Phillip Cowdery

07831 135477

North West & North Wales

James Kay

07725 960373

East & South Yorkshire

Lee Hake

07887 830727

London & South East

Gary Owen

07753 856052

West, South West & Wales

Glad Neil Gladstone

07768 594484

ROI & Northern Ireland

David Hobson

07798 814850

North & Scotland

comment Bus and Coach Professional is published by Plum Publishing Ltd

Editorial Steve Rooney steve.rooney@busandcoach.com

Contact address: Bus and Coach Professional Plum Publishing Ltd, Unit 4 Marshbrook Business Park Church Stretton SY6 6QE Telephone: 01694 731510 www.busandcoach.com Every care is taken over the accuracy of material in Bus and Coach Professional but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

Views and opinions of contributors to Bus and Coach Professional are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for such contributions. Š Plum Publishing Limited 2020

Shining a light on emissions THE news of the certification of the first Ultra Low Emission Coach at Millbrook is a significant milestone, not just for the manufacturer Yutong, but also for those arguing for coaches to get a share of the support that may be available in the transition towards zero-emission vehicles.

Of course, the current parlous state of the coach sector means that there is little opportunity to grasp any such opportunities in the short term. Coach operators are currently in a struggle for survival and only able to look forward as far as being in operation and still solvent for what will hopefully be a better spring and summer season in 2021.

But there will be a future for coaches, even if the industry does not look quite the same. Undoubtedly, the pandemic may be a challenge too far for some businesses, and we could see further consolidation in the coach sector. And if the coach sector is to thrive and grow in the future, it will need to have the tools available to do the job, including zero emission options.

Operators might legitimately argue that they have invested handsomely in the latest, cleanest diesel technology. But while this is a powerful argument when it comes to urban air quality, it does not impact on the bigger issue of carbon and climate change. For that, we need zero emission vehicles, and while we are some way off having an overwhelming commercial case for investment in ZE coaches, the emergence of the first Ultra Low Emission Coach has to be an important step in the right direction.

@busandcoach_com Follow

September 2020

 

3

in this issue comment 5-11 news • UK bus fleets switch to Allison xFE transmissions.

• CPT issues dire warning on threat to coach sector • VDL to set up its own UK operation • Restructuring at ADL to see chassis moved from Guildford • New flexible ticketing options for part-time commuters • New national sales centre for Irizar UK • Go-Ahead returns to demand-responsive operation Norwegian cities invest in electric Volvos

12-13 analysis Yutong heralds first ULEB certified coach and looks forward to first electric bus fleets in the UK. Steve Rooney talks to Ian Downie, head of Yutong Bus UK about EVs and the need for government sup[port to bboost investment.

14-24 green • Caetano wins first electric bus order in Germany • BYD battery plant opens in Brazil • NatEx in Coventry takes 10 BYD ADL Enviro400EVs • Norwegian cities invest in electric Volvos • Leeds pauses Clean Air Zone plans • London depot becomes world’s largest vehicle-to-grid site • BYD starts first eBus deliveries for Germany

25-26 people • Mike Cooper rejoins Arriva as group CEO • Stagecoach Manchester managing director to retire • New MD for First Cymru • Leon Daniels appointed to new Net Zero Board • Simon Posner joins ITT Hub to develop news channel • Darren Shirely move to new role with DfT Acceleration Unit

4

September 2020

news

CPT dire warning on coach sector

CPT has issued a dire warning about the potential collapse of the coach sector this winter which it claims could wipe almost 10 per cent off the value of UK tourism.

The trade body has written to tourism minister Nigel Huddleston calling on him to ensure the sector is supported through the winter in recognition of the role it plays in the tourism industry.

CPT estimates that coach travel results in over 23 million tourism visits a year and contributes £14billion to the UK economy.

It adds that without government support, 27,000 jobs from the sector and 4 out of 10 operators could

be lost by April 2021.

“Allowing the coach travel sector to collapse would be a dereliction of duty from the government,” says CPT head of policy Alison Edwards.

“The sector is vital to continued growth of UK tourism by ensuring that millions of people can visit attractions across the UK each year.”

CPT is calling for extensions to finance holidays by 12 months to ensure that no coaches are repossessed during the winter and a moratorium on repossession of homes connected with finance agreements. It is also asking for the

coach travel sector to be treated as part of the leisure sector and be able to access any support available to leisure businesses.

Tourism Alliance director Kurt Janson adds: “Coach operators are a large and vital component of the UK’s world-class tourism industry. Whether it be taking overseas visitors on tour, students on educational trips, transferring conference delegates, bringing sports fans to games or providing day trips for people to visit attractions or see a West End show, they bring revenue and jobs to every destination they visit.” www.cpt-uk.org

VDL to set up its own UK operation

FOLLOWING the earlier collapse of Moseley PCV, VDL Bus & Coach has established its own new organisation in the UK to enable a stronger focus on what it says is one of the major bus and coach markets in Western Europe.

For the UK market, VDL will initially focus on coach product with its Futura, but it says there are opportunities in the mini- and midi-segment with its MidEuro and MidCity. VDL also points out that its Citea electric bus is a European market leader in e-mobility.

VDL Bus & Coach UK will be working within the VDL Group as operating from premises in Barns- managing director of VDL Steelley and is led by interim director weld UK. www.vdlbuscoach.co.uk Darren Dowsett, who is currently

Looking to lease a coach or bus?

For good advice and a great deal, call 07710 088674 Email simon.matthews@cbvh.co.uk September 2020

www.closebrothersvehiclehire.co.uk

5

news

Restructuring at ADL to see chassis production end at Guildford ALEXANDER Dennis has confirmed that it has begun formal consultations on its previously announced restructuring programme in response to the significant fall in demand for new buses and coaches in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Since its earlier announcement on 27 July of a restructuring programme that puts up to 650 jobs at risk across all of the company’s UK facilities, ADL says it has continued its dialogue with the UK and Scottish Governments and other stakeholders but has so far seen no sign of any funding to support operators to place orders.

The restructuring programme is designed to adjust current capacity and will follow experience of vertical integration at ADL’s facilities in North America and the Asia Pacific region, where building chassis and body on the same site has shown efficiencies in terms of output, time, cost and co-ordination. ADL is moving chassis production from the former Dennis plant at Guildford to its Falkirk factory. It says this will impact around 200 employees in manufacturing and operational support roles at Guildford.

£50

OGZ 2524

£99

MGZ 9690

£250

ADL president & managing director Paul Davies.

happens, but right now we have to adjust to our new economic reality.

“We continue to call upon the UK and Scottish Governments to urgently introduce meaningful support to facilitate demand for new buses and coaches, not only to prevent further damage to UK bus and coach manufacturing that could threaten additional production sites, but to help build back better with a green recovery that delivers cleaner air for our towns and cities.

“The installed UK fleet is currently approximately 50,000 buses and 21,000 coaches with an average age of nearly 11 years. Further, only 0.1% of the total fleet are electric, which provides opportunity for massive reduction of the environmental footprint.” www.alexander-dennis.com

£350

RRZ OXZ 7001ABW 960X £250 MGZ 7525 9690 £250 OXZ£99 £350 AGZ 5210 MRZ 9799 2802 AXZ 711 ASZ 9820 ABW 960X MRZ 4480 9799 AXZ 711 NRZ 8555 PGZASZ 9828 BFZ 311 ASZ 3993 AYZ 2301 SGZ PGZ 9909IXZ 522 9990 ABW 960X IXZ 522 LXZ 7200 NRZ 8555 BFZ 311 ORZ 5010 RGZ 1243 BFZ 811 AYZ 2299 BSZ 9967 SGZ 4481 RGZ 8101 2221 ETH 112 885V LXZ 7200 NBZ ORZ9941 5010 BFZ 811 OXZ 2828 RRZAYZ 2770 BSZ 9987 DSZ 4868 OGZ1638 2524 CXZ £99 £50 UIG RIG 8696 8002 565 NBZ 1638 939 OXZ 2828 CXZ 112 PGZ RRZBSZ 2771 CXZ CSZ 1424 ESZ 1505 2802 HFZ AGZ211 5210 ASZ 9909 9820 NFZ UIG RRZ 7999OXZ393 NFZ 939 9555 PGZ9942 9909 CXZ 211 RGZ UIGCSZ 7331 GCZ 114 DSZ 8881 MGZ 6109 PGZ 9828 LXZ ASZ 7200 3993 AYZ 1020 2301 OFZ VIG SGZ 3335UCZ OFZ 393 RGZ1501 1020 GCZ 114 RIG 8590 UIGESZ 7332 GCZ ESZ 1333 5666 939 MXZ 6885 RGZ 949 1243 NFZ AYZ 117 2299 BSZ 9967 UCZ 949 VIG SGZ 3336UFZ RIG 1502 8590 GCZ 117 RRZ 3001 XHZLXZ 5330 SFZ JFZ 3255 NGZ 8331 RRZ262 2770 NXZ BSZ115 9987 DSZ 4868 9888 4554 UFZ 262 RRZ 3001 SFZ8088 115 XHZ 7558 UIG 8881 YFZ UIG 8001 YNZMXZ 8131 SFZ LXZ 9888 NXZ 9978 RRZ484 2771 OFZ CSZ511 1424 ESZ 1505 757 YFZ 484 UIG 7953 8001 SFZ 511 UIG 7331 DSZ 8881 MGZ 6109 XUI VIG 5558 RGZ 7978 9891 Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ UFZ 515 Millwood,MRZ Lisbellaw, UIG 7332 ESZ 1333 MXZ 6885 YNZ 8031 VIG 5559 Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ RRZ 7524 NRZ 7707 YJZ 636

£50 ASZ 9820 AYZ 2301 BSZ 9967 DSZ 4868 ESZ 1505 MGZ 6109 MXZ 6885 NGZ 8331 NXZ 9978

£50

Some operations will continue at Guildford however including engineering, test & development and aftermarket.

“The Dennis brand is of huge significance to the company, with its proud history and heritage of automotive innovation dating back to its inception in 1895,” says ADL president & managing director Paul Davies. “We will fight hard to protect this legacy and will continue to invest in our chassis product range, which will continue to be engineered in Guildford.”

The changes will also mean the potential loss of 90 production jobs in Scarborough and a net reduction of 160 manufacturing roles in Falkirk, despite chassis assembly being transferred to that site.

And a further 200 roles will be affected in support functions across all UK sites. ADL is actively seeking voluntary redundancies to reduce the number of compulsory job losses.

“We have no choice but to implement these tough decisions to protect the company’s future health,” adds Davies. “We remain confident that the situation will improve in time, and we are well placed to take advantage when that

OGZ 2524 £99 OXZ 2802 AYZ 5051 AGZ 5210 PGZ 9828 ASZ 3993 BSZ 9401 AYZ 2299 RGZ 1243 DSZ 8128 BSZ 9987 RRZ 2770 ESZ 5281 CSZ 1424 RRZ 2771 UIG 7331 MXZ 9147DSZ 8881 UIG 7332 NGZ 8680ESZ 1333 XHZ 5330 OXZ 7020 JFZ 3255 YNZ 8131 LXZ 9888

Tel: 028 6638 7124 · www.speedyreg.co.uk · sales@speedyreg.co.uk XHZ 5330 JFZ 3255 NGZ 8331 Tel: 028 6638 7124 · www.speedyreg.co.uk · sales@speedyreg.co.uk YNZ 8131 LXZ 9888 NXZ 9978

£350

AXZ 711 CXZ 112

MGZ 9690 £250 511 ABW 960X MRZ 9799FXZ IXZ115 522 NRZ 8555 GXZ LXZ 7200 211 ORZ 5010 LXZ NBZ 1638 OXZ 2828 RFZ 117 NFZ 939 PGZ 9909 RFZ 118 RGZ 1020 OFZ 393 UAZ 118 UCZ 949 RIG 8590 115 UFZ 262 RRZ 3001 XAZ YFZ 484 UIG 8001

£350 AXZ 711 BFZ 311 BFZ 811 CXZ 112 CXZ 211 GCZ 114 GCZ 117 SFZ 115 SFZ 511

Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ Tel: 028 6638 7124 · www.speedyreg.co.uk · sales@speedyreg.co.uk

6

September 2020

news

New flexible ticketing options for parttime commuters

BUS operators are responding to new travel patterns with more part time and occasional visits to workplaces with Stagecoach Manchester and Reading Buses promoting flexible ticket options.

Stagecoach Manchester has launched a new Flexi Day 5 ticket aimed at customers who are now working more flexible hours, parttime or shifts as well as leisure commuters. The ticket gives five days of travel in any 30-day period for the price of four single tickets.

“We’ve been listening to our customers closely and, it is clear, that as we move out of the pandemic there is a need for increased

flexibility for both commuters and leisure customers,” says Elisabeth Tasker, Stagecoach Manchester managing director. “As a result, we have introduced the Flexi Day 5 ticket to give local people the transport option they need and to ensure they can travel around the region in confidence as we look to return to normality.”

And Reading Buses is promoting its flexible easysaver10 ticket in response to changing travel habits with people working more from home. The operator points to Transport Focus research which says that 49 per cent of people say they would expect to work from

Why smart people buy Compak Parts

home more in the future.

“We are noticing that many people are now only travelling to work for some days of the week and not the normal five they were doing before lockdown,” says Robert Williams, Reading Buses chief executive officer. “The easysaver10 is a great way for these workers to pay less for their travel and have the f lexibility that the ticket is there whenever they need it. Easysaver10 is perfect as it never expires – the 10 pre-loaded single journeys stay on the app or smartcard until the holder is ready to use them. www.reading-buses.co.uk www.stagecoachbus.com

• Genuine OEM quality parts, made for purpose • Compak OEM parts cost less thank you think!

• Unrivalled availability - One-stop-shop • Optimum delivery times - inc VOR • Technical expertise & support • Continuous and rigorous development testing For complete peace of mind:-

Tel: 01322 223638 Email: ryan.memory@compakramps.com

8

September 2020

Tired of the annual merry-go-round?

Tired of the annualinsurance insurance merry-go-round?

We can offer We can offer

- Coach - Quality insurance coverInsurance for private -and public hire - Quality insurance cover for private and public - Excellent customer service and immediate coverhire - - Excellent customer immediate - Dedicated taxi service fleet andand minibus policies cover - Dedicated taxi fleet and minibus policies - Expert claims management assistance - - Replacement minibuses- - Replacement hire hire minibuses - Easy paymentterms termswith with deposits deposits from asas 10% - - Easy payment fromasaslittle little 10% - Accesstotothe themajority majority of - - Access of UK UKtaxi taxiinsurers insurers - Plated hiretaxis taxis(fault (fault or ot non-fault - - Plated hire non-faultclaims) claims)

Paul, Harry, Harry, Bill, CallCall Adam, Bill,Craig CraigororJane: Jane: 01709 837008 008 01709 837 New Ebury House,South SouthGrove, Grove, Rotherham Rotherham S60 New Ebury House, S602AF 2AF Fax: 01709 839963 Email: paul@jenkinsoninsurance.co.uk Fax: 01709 839963 Email: adam@jenkinsoninsurance.co.uk

news

New national sales centre for Irizar UK IRIZAR UK has opened a new national sales centre just off the A1(M) in Blyth, Nottinghamshire. The new facility is designed to give buyers the opportunity to browse the company’s entire stock of new and used coaches at a single location.

“The opening of our new national sales centre indicates the determination of Irizar to maintain its strong presence in the UK market, despite the political and economic challenges that the industry faces,” says Julie Hartley, Irizar UK sales

director. “Irizar has continued to support UK operators throughout the Covid pandemic, and I am delighted to say that we were still selling coaches during the worst of

the crisis.”

Irizar UK head office functions will remain at the company’s headquarters in Worksop. www.irizar.co.uk

Go-Ahead returns to demandresponsive operation with new contract GO-AHEAD company East Yorkshire has won a contract from North Lincolnshire Council to provide demand-responsive buses in the region. East Yorkshire will operate the new ‘JustGo’ ondemand services across North Lincolnshire, aimed at connecting communities, providing access to jobs and growing the local economy.

The service enables passengers to book a ride through a smartphone with the ‘JustGo’ app, developed in conjunction with tech

10

company Liftango. Passengers can request their journey and choose where they get picked up.

This is the third demandresponsive project for Go-Ahead which operated a one-year trial in Sutton in conjunction with Transport for London, and a two-year trial in Oxford of its PickMeUp service.

“It is a great opportunity for us to operate North Lincolnshire Council’s new on-demand bus network,” says David Brown, GoAhead Group CEO. “We will be

using all the lessons we learned in Oxford and London to build a technology-driven service that will provide convenient journeys and connect communities.”

Kevin Orr, CEO, Liftango, adds: “Demand-responsive transport is such a fundamental part of creating a sustainable transportation network for rural areas. Our technology is enabling coverage and experiences not previously provided with traditional fixed-route transit services.” www.go-ahead.com

September 2020

advertorial

Allison Transmission

UK bus fleets switch to Allison xFE transmissions, mid-lifecycle

UK bus fleets have been busy placing mid-lifecycle orders for Allison xFE transmissions over the summer. Among others, Go Ahead London, Metroline, Tower Transit, Go North East and East Yorkshire Motor Services have upgraded their fully automatic transmissions to save fuel, lower CO2 emissions, enjoy all the benefits of new componentry and the latest software, while recouping their investment and improving overall total cost of ownership.

This initiative by Allison follows a compelling trial by Go Ahead London last year alongside Optare’s release of xFE in 2016.

The benefits of upgrading to an xFE (extra fuel economy) transmission are up to 7.13% fuel saving in urban driving, and up to 16% in rural environments, compared to the incum-

September 2020

bent Allison fully automatic transmission. xFE incorporates an improved torque converter lockup clutch enabling 1st gear lock up at low speeds. It works in combination with Allison’s latest FuelSense 2.0 technology, which features Neutral at Stop and coast and DynActive™ Shifting.

DynActive™ Shifting employs a real-time learning algorithm that finds the ideal balance of fuel consumption and performance by automatically adjusting the transmission control to the load, speed and topography.

“We have been talking to fleets about the Allison Transmission xFE upgrade programme, preparing them for the decision-making phase when their transmissions are nearing the end of their warranty period or as their buses reach around the halfway point of their expected

life” explains Jade Noble, Bus and Coach Market Development Manager at Allison Transmission.

Allison’s xFE upgrade programme affects those f leets running 2100 Series™ Allison transmissions ADL Enviro 200s (2008 onwards); Optare Solos, Versas or Tempos (2012 onwards); and Wrightbus Streetvibes or NuVibes.

The xFE programme has been carefully packaged and priced to make absolute financial sense at a time when fleet operators are looking to save every penny.

The transmissions have a two year warranty included, which is extendable to five years. Interested fleets should contact Jade Noble or Allison Authorized channel partners, Mitchells or Powertrain. www.allisontransmission.com

11

Analysis:

Yutong

Zero emission drives Yutong ambition Yutong heralds first ULEB certified coach and looks forward to first electric bus fleets in UK Steve Rooney talks to Ian Downie.

C

hinese bus manufacturing giant Yutong has seen impressive returns from its investment in the UK market to date, with its partnership with Yorkshire-based dealership Pelican Bus and Coach leading to more than 500 coaches registered to date.

It has also just achieved the first certification for a coach under the Ultra Low Emission Bus scheme, and is about to deliver its first production buses in the UK with 14 E12s going to Newport Transport and 9 E10s for First Leeds.

Head of Yutong Bus UK, Ian Downie is evidently relishing the opportunity to see Yutong bus fleets in operation this year: “The initial two demonstrators have been very well received by operators, and we are now looking forward to having our product in the market”.

There are also further bus orders in preparation

Ian Downie.

12

with nine E10s for Go-Ahead in Gateshead and 13 E12s to be operated by Roberts Travel on a Leicester City Council park-and-ride contract.

The achievement of ULEB certification for Yutong’s TCe12 zero emission electric coach is a significant milestone, according to Downie, providing a clear demonstration of the potential of zeroemission coaches that LowCVP can use to persuade government to support the development an Ultra Low and Effectively Zero Emission Coach definition that could be adopted by schemes such as the Plug-in Vehicle Grant.

The TCe12 ULEB certification also strengthens the commercial case and offers a tangible benefit for certain types of operation. For example, it enables the coach to qualify for the Enhanced BSOG incentive in Scotland which now offers 30p/km, something that will be reflected in a forthcoming contract for an interurban initiative using TCe12s in Scotland.

“The forward thinking support from the Scottish Government with the BSOG LEV scheme provides a real incentive for operators to look at the benefits of zero-emission vehicles,” adds Downie.

And of course, Westway Coaches already operates Yutong electric coaches, one of which saw service during the 2019 general election.

The bus business is of course a volume game however, and Yutong will want to maximise its share of the shift towards zero emission vehicles. Pre-Covid, the prime minister announced ambitious plans for up to 4,000 EV buses in the UK in five years. But with a government struggling to steer September 2020

a course through the pandemic, it has left precious little time to focus on the detail of implementing this policy, as Downie confirms.

“I think that the fact that the government said it will put 4,000 zero-emission buses into service is great, but we are still waiting to see how these vehicles will be mobilised,” he says. “There have been no announcements so far about how much money may be available to the industry to support this policy.”

Downie points out that Yutong is ready and able; it has put some 106,000 EVs into service over the past 20 years and could probably fulfil an order for the entire 4,000 UK buses in less than six months.

“Covid has shown the impact on air quality of having less vehicles on our roads - you can smell and taste it,” says Downie. “Right now we should be grasping the opportunity to get zeroemission buses, trucks and vans into service and making sure we don’t go backwards.”

Yutong fuel-cell bus.

September 2020

TCe12 at Millbrook.

Of course, zero emission doesn’t have to mean electric. Yutong does have experience with hydrogen fuel cell. It has 47 hydrogen buses in operation in China and is on its fifth generation of the technology.

However, Downie says that hydrogen technology is not yet mature enough for the UK market. Electric buses are the number one choice for the majority of bus routes, but hydrogen will play its part in vehicle operations. He is confident that the range of electric buses is proving capable of a full-day’s service on a single charge, with battery density improving markedly in recent years. The initial two Yutong demonstrators had battery capacities of 295 and 324kWh, while the new buses about to be delivered offer 422kWh. Pelican has proved to be an adept partner for Yutong in establishing a foothold in the UK market for the world’s largest bus and coach manufacturer.

Downie points out that the Yorkshire company has been around for 101 years and is clearly focused on being in the game for the long term.

“It may not be business-as-usual at the moment, but we are here to support our customers and operators and keep the wheels of bus and coach businesses turning." www.pelicanyutong.co.uk

13

green

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

Caetano’s first German electric order

STADTWERKE Frankfurt am Main subsidiary In-der-CityBus has placed an order for two Caetano 12m electric buses to be delivered later this year, the first e.City Gold units for Germany.

The new Caetano e.City Golds will have three doors with a capacity of 34 seated passengers. The e.City Gold model is equipped with a 349kWh battery pack with a range of 200km.

“One primary goal of the City of Frankfurt is to convert urban

bus transportation and thus the entire ICB bus fleet to alternative drive technologies by 2030,” said ICB managing director Christian Schaefer.

“With the Caetano Bus models, we are adding a new manufacturer to our fleet.

“We are delighted to be taking a further step towards environmentally friendly, climate-neutral mobility in our city.”

Kohei Umeno, chief commercial officer, CaetanoBus, adds: “We are

very proud to deliver our first e.City Gold units to Frankfurt, a major city that is moving towards a clean and 100 per cent emission-free urban public transport system.

“This project represents the first Caetano electric buses in Germany, and Caetano Bus will continue to reinforce its presence in this market as it is one of the European leaders in the decarbonisation of bus fleets.” www.salvadorcaetano.pt

Cenex moves annual events online

HAVING already postponed its live events at Millbrook once this year, Cenex has now shifted its Low Carbon Vehicle (CenexLCV) and Connected Automated Mobility (Cenex-CAM) events online in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The events will take place on 18-19 November 2020.

“We are very grateful for the support we have received from our many exhibitors and are dis-

14

appointed not to be able to host the events in our usual way, which has been a successful format for both showcasing technology and networking,” says Robert Evans, CEO. “However, we are now committed to making a success of an online Cenex-LCV and Cenex-CAM and believe these events can play an important role in getting Britain back to business and supporting a green recovery.

“On balance, we feel the online

event format offers an effective means of enabling UK and international audiences to engage with UK low carbon and connected automated mobility innovation themes, including innovation policy, technology and market developments.

“We look forward to returning to Millbrook in September 2021 and will be announcing our 2021 dates shortly.” www.cenex-lcv.co.uk

September 2020

SALE BY ONLINE AUCTION By order of the Proposed Liquidators of Abbot Coach Travel Ltd, Major Finance Companies and Insolvency Practitioners

FLEET OF MODERN COACHES, OPEN TOP BUSES, CAR, ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT, ETC (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)

To include:• Scania K410 EB Euro 6 Van Hool TX15 Alicron luxury coach, (2016), DOT 09.2020, 49 passenger capacity, tacho reading: apx 205,000kms • MAN 91X2L Van Hool TX16 Alicron luxury coach, (2014), DOT 08.20, 53 passenger capacity, tacho reading: apx 365,000kms • Mercedes Benz 0510 Tourino midi coach, (2008), DOT 12.2020, 32 passenger capacity, tacho reading: apx 540,000kms • Bova - Futura 14.430 Euro 6 Van Hool luxury coach, (2005), DOT 12.2020, 59 / 63 passenger capacity, tacho reading: apx 1,020,993kms • Scania K114 Van Hool T9 Alizee luxury coach, (2003), DOT 02.2021, 49/53 passenger capacity, tacho reading: apx 805,000kms

• Scania K114 Van Hool T9 Alizee luxury coach, (2002), DOT 04.2021, 49/53 passenger capacity, tacho reading: apx 873,000kms • Scania K114 Van Hool T9 Alizee luxury coach, (2001), DOT 01.2021, 49/53 passenger capacity, tacho reading: apx 785,000kms • Dennis Trident with Plaxton President II Full Open Top Body (2002),DOT: 05.19 , 66 seated capacity, apx 368,000kms • Dennis Trident with Plaxton President II Full Open Top Body (2002), DOT: 07.19, 68 seated capacity, mileage shown: 40,561kms (possible replacement clock) • VW Sharon 1.9 SE TDI 130 diesel MPV, MOT: 01.21, (2005) mileage: circa 160,000 • Sealey air compressor, trolley jacks, axle stands, spares, etc.

• Apple I.T.

To bid please go to www.lsh.co.uk/mba or ON VIEW: Tuesday 13th October 2020 between 10am – 2pm (Strictly by appointment only) AT: Stoneford Farm, Steamalong Road, Isle Abbotts, Nr Taunton, Somerset, TA3 6RH (and others, please see lot description) BIDDING CLOSES: Wednesday 14th October 2020 at 3pm COLLECTION: Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st October between 10am – 4pm (Strictly by appointment only) This is a full PPE site – visitors must wear adequate PPE at all times

For further details please contact: Matthew Hartley mhartley@lsh.co.uk | Lambert Smith Hampton, Sterling Court, 16 Dix’s Field, Exeter, EX1 1QP

green

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

BYD battery plant opens in Brazil

BYD has commenced operations at its third plant in Brazil, which is also the country’s first factory for lithium iron phosphate batteries.

The manufacturing plant at Manaus Industrial Zone in the northern state of Amazonas, is dedicated to the production of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries for electric bus chassis.

With an initial investment of $2.7 million, the 5,000 sq m factory is designed to help develop

the electric mobility market in Brazil.

The new plant has a production capacity of up to 18,000 battery modules per year, and it is expected to deliver 1,000 modules

by September this year.

“With our investment, we will also be able to partner with companies interested in enhancing the electrification of their equipment,” says Tyler Li, country manager, BYD Brazil. “Our proposal is to popularise and facilitate the electrification of mobility and equip-

ment in the country.”

The factory is highly automated and is currently producing 48 battery modules a day.

São José dos Campos in São Paulo state in the south of the country, will be the first to receive batteries produced in Brazil where BYD will supply 12 articulated buses.

BYD Brazil has 365 employees in the cities of Campinas, São Paulo, Salvador, Manaus, Vitória, Curitiba and Rio de Janeiro. www.byd.com

LGV/PCV & DCPC Phone now GET QUA L IFIED 01733 567 478 16

September 2020

Fleet Resourcing & Bus and Coach Centre COACHES FOR SALE

2018 DAF Irizar i6 57 seats WC

2018 Scania Higer Interlink 53 seats WC

2018 Neoplan Tourliner 61 seats

2018 Neoplan Tourliner 53 seats WC

2017 Scania Levante 56 seats PSVAR

2017 Mercedes Tourismo 48 seats WC

2017 Scania Higer Touring 57 seats WC

2016 Mercedes Tourismo PSVAR to your spec

2016 Scania Higer Touring 57 seats WC

2016 Neoplan Tourliner 53 seats WC

2015 Volvo B11R Sunsundegui 46 seats WC

2015 Volvo B11R 9700 53 seats WC

2015 Mercedes Tourismo 55 seats WC

2014 Setra 416 GTHD 49 seats WC

2013 DAF Van Hool 53 seats WC

2012 Neoplan Tourliner 53 seats WC

For further details and a full stock list Tel Mark 0791 961 2374 / William 07889 469157 W: www.busandcoachcentre.co.uk

Seat belts, fittin

green

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL

TEL: 020 FAX: 020 8428 4525 TEL: 020 8428 3197 FAX: 020 8428 8428 3197 4525 DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR contact@bernsteinengineering.co.uk contact@bernsteinengineering.co.uk www.bernsteinengineering.co.uk www.bernsteinengineering.co.uk

National Express in Coventry takes 10 Join the Join the Enviro400EVs BYD ADL conversation... conversation...

LOW COST LOW COST REFURBISHMENT

REFURBISHMENT

ALEXANDER Dennis and BYD Europe have supplied 10 electric double-deck buses to National Express for operation in Coventry, as part of an investment in 29 zero-emission Enviro400EVs. The new electric buses have ‘routeONE magazine’ entered service inmagazine’ Coventry, link‘routeONE ing the city centre and University Hospital.

Built to National Express’s Plat6 Coaches from £900 Coaches from £900 tel: 01522 p inum standard, the 10.9m-long parts: graham@bhiuk.

Service buses from £750 Service buses from £750 Enviro400EVs offer capacity for up to 65 seated passengers. A Minibuses from £600 Minibuses from £600 heat pump system ensures that @routeoneteam Deckers from £950 Deckers from £950 @routeoneteam saloon heating power is supplied cleanest ways to travel and as a Alexander Dennis president & Quotes on any other Quotesoperator on anyweother from the main batteries without leading transport are managing director Paul Davies vehicles on request vehicles on request unduly impacting operational determined to go even further. adds: “We have been able to meet range.

“Earlier this year we announced National Express Group’s fleet The 382kWh BYD iron-phos- our ambition to have a zero emis- requirements as it begins the phate batteries are maintained sion bus fleet from 2030, so we’re transition from buying diesel to

by Zenobe Energy, who provides very proud that National Express zero emission buses, allowing us /routeONEtv them to /routeONEtv the operator along with is bringing fully electric buses to grow our long- standing relathe charging system at the depot to the people of Coventry,” says tionship. and a software platform to moni- David Bradford, managing direc“We 07774 look forward to continuDay 485310 Day 07774 485310 tor and optimise energy use. tor, National Express Bus. 296884 ing to support Night 01789National 296884Express Night 01789 Coventry’s new fleet of 10 elec“By Email working together in part-Emailasj.chandler1946@btinternet.com it moves towards the bold j.chandler1946@btinternet.com tric double deckers follows 19 nership we are determined to target of havingDaniel a fully Lunnzero- Steven VEHICLES FINISHED ALL VEHICLES FINISHED Salesin Manager similar vehicles for Birmingham improve busALL services and drive emission bus fleet the West Senior Sales IN CERAMIC 2K PAINT IN CERAMIC 2K PAINT ‘Route One Magazine’ Onepollution Magazine’ that ADL supplied earlier in‘Route the down emissions by 2030.”

EXTRAand HARD WEARING Midlands EXTRA HARD WEARING www.bydeurope.com year. which contribute to poor air qualwww.alexander-dennis.com “Buses are already one of the ity and climate change.”

QUALITY RESPRAYS QUALITY RESPRAYS

www

For all you contact the r

STEEL BUILDINGS

Tel: 01733 4057 T Email: sal

STEEL BUILDINGS

BLUELINE BUILDINGS BLUELINE BUILDINGS BLUELINE BUILDINGS

TRAINING

Cost

Cost Cost Effective Effective Effective Workshops/Garaging/Storage Steel Workshops/ Garaging/ Workshops/ Steel Buildings Garaging/ SteelBuildings Buildings Solutions Will never rust from 20ft up to 70ft Solutions Storage WidthsSolutions from 20ft up to Widths Widths from 20ft up to Storage Buildings to BS5950 Unlimited lengths Will never rust Buildings to BS5950

18

70ft Will never rust Buildings to BS5950 Unlimited lengths

70ft Unlimited lengths

TEL: 01709 578333 24 HOURS

Tel: 01709 Tel: 578333 24 Hours 01709 578333 24 Hours

September 2020

ESSENTIAL HYGIENE CORE R200X HIGH-VIS VEST www.resultppe.com

GENEROUS SIZE ALLOWING TO BE WORN AS AN OVER GARMENT

www.workguardworkwear.com

green

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

New eGen Flex launched by Allison ALLISON Transmission has launched a zero-emission vehicle-capable electric hybrid system, eGen Flex, as the initial product offering under its new Allison eGen brand.

The new eGen Flex provides bus f leets with full electric engine-off propulsion and accessory power operation capability – designed for zero-emission zones and depot operation, including when approaching, during, and leaving passenger stops for a quieter and healthier environment. The eGen product family will include Allison’s portfolio of electric hybrid and full electric

products, including the company’s portfolio of electric axles.

The eGen Flex electric hybrid system includes a new drive unit, inverter and rechargeable energy storage system.

The drive unit includes a disconnect clutch that enables engine-off capability. The inverter has an innovative package improvement that reduces its footprint and weight.

The inverter is now water ethylene glycol cooled, which eliminates oil lines, decreasing installation complexity, reducing maintenance expense, and increasing uptime. The energy storage sys-

tem incorporates lithium titanate technology, which Allison says significantly increases energy density, allows for faster charging and enables pure electric (engine off) extended range capability.

Allison will offer two models: eGen Flex which will be similar in feature set and capability to the Allison H 40/50 EP electric hybrid propulsion system but with the package enhancements; and eGen Flex Max will offer fully electric propulsion for up to 10 miles, dependent upon duty cycle and accessory load requirements. www.allisontransmission.com

Viriciti to monitor Rotterdam buses RET (Rotterdamse Elektrische Tram), one of the largest local operators in the Netherlands, is now monitoring 198 buses and 45 chargers using ViriCiti’s telematics system.

“There were still a lot of unknowns with managing electric buses,” says Eric Lensink, program and project manager, RET. “ViriCiti enables us to gather data for analysis to

improve processes in the future.

Real-time bus monitoring is another important feature for us.”

The Randstad, the densest urban region in the Netherlands, has relatively high levels of air pollution and RET recently introduced 55 electric buses and 103 hybrid vehicles in the region.

The core of RET’s efficient management of its mixed fleet relies on a data-driven approach, according

to Remco Sliedrecht, Chief functional management operations at RET: “Data is vital to us, to make sure the planning aligns well with operations”.

The data-driven approach is showing results with an optimised charging infrastructure and planning enabling its electric buses to match the range of diesel at 400-500km/day.” www.viriciti.com

@transportdoor facebook.com/transportdoorsolutions

Your BEST option for Bus Door Parts and Maintenance Requirements OVER 7,000 CATALOGUED PARTS

Specialist bus door parts supplier based in the UK (over 1,500 satisfied customers) T: 01787 473000 E: sales@transportdoorsolutions.co.uk

w w w.transpor tdoorsolutions.co.uk

20

September 2020

green London bus depot becomes world’s largest vehicle-to-grid site GO-AHEAD’S Northumberland Park depot is generating electricity from buses when not in use as part of what is claimed to be the world’s largest vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trial.

The project, Bus2Grid, enables energy stored in an electric vehicle’s battery to be fed back into the electricity network. By recharging when demand is low and putting energy into the grid when it is high, V2G helps manage the peaks and troughs, balance the network and make it more efficient.

It is estimated that if the entire London bus fleet of around 9,000

vehicles were to be converted with the technology being used in the Bus2Grid project, it could theoretically provide enough energy to supply more than 150,000 homes.

The Bus2Grid project will be led

by SSE Enterprise in partnership with the mayor of London, TfL and Go-Ahead London.

The initial trial will use the batteries of 28 double-deck buses, capable of returning over 1mW energy to the grid.

Niall Riddell, smart systems innovation sector director, SSE Enterprise, says: “Central to the challenge of decarbonising our transport and achieving climate

change targets is how we can optimise the existing flexibility within the energy system.

“Developing a charging infrastructure that operates in two directions so that batteries can give back as well as take from the grid is an important part of this,” he adds.

The three-year trial for the Bus2Grid project is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles with the support of Innovate UK. www.sseutilitysolutions.co.uk/ products/bus2grid-2

BESPOKE TRANSPORT CONSULTANCY SERVICES • Governance & Corporate Arrangements • Operator Licence Changes • Strategic Development • HR Support & Advice

www.beverleybellconsulting.com Septembber 2020

07985 700 017

info@beverleybellconsulting.com

21

green

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

Leeds pauses Clean Air Zone plans LEEDS has announced a potential halt to its plans for a Clean Air Zone in the wake of reduced traffic in the city during the pandemic leading to less air pollution in the city.

James Lewis, deputy leader for Leeds City Council, says: “As a result of the coronavirus pandemic we have seen pollution levels fall significantly due to the quieter roads. Leeds residents now breathe air that is considerably cleaner and safer than just a few months ago.

“Coronavirus has led to big changes but, thanks to the city’s

collective action, local air quality has actually been improving for some time.”

The city council says it is now working with central government to review the long term impact that the pandemic and these other factors will have on the city’s air quality to understand whether pollution will ever reach illegal levels.

“If the city’s air pollution is expected to stay below legal limits then we will no longer have the support of the government to introduce a charging Clean Air Zone,” adds Lewis. “Given this

uncertainty, our financial support will continue to be paused until the review is complete and we have received further direction.

“I recognise that at an already uncertain time, this latest update will be frustrating for many businesses.

“However, I would like to ask drivers and operators for their continued patience whilst we carry out this urgent review. I hope to be able to clarify the future of the Leeds CAZ in the autumn.” www.leeds.gov.uk

New electric minibus contract for Karsan in Romania KARSAN has won a tender for eight Jest Electric vehicles for Beclean, Romania, following on from an earlier contract for 10 electric minibuses in Suceava.

KARSAN will deliver the Jest Electrics by the end of the year.

Deputy general manager, Karsan Muzaffer Arpacıoğlu says: “Within the Romanian market, we continue to receive orders from different cities and secure public transport tenders. Within

a short amount of time after we won the tender for 10 vehicles in Suceava, we also won the tender in Beclean and increased our share in the Romanian EV market.”

The Jest Electric is equipped with a BMW 170hp electric motor with optional 44 or 88kWh batteries supplied by BMW. www.karsan.tr

BYD wins further orders in Madrid

BYD will supply a further 30 eBuses for operation in Madrid following Spain’s largest tender for electric buses The order for 12m BYD eBuses is part of a 50-vehicle order from EMT Madrid, and follows the delivery

22

of an initial fleet of 15 BYD vehicles in May for the city’s high-frequency route 52 connecting Puerta del Sol and Santamarca.

BYD’s Director in Iberia, Joaquín Bellido, says: “Clearly, our first 15 BYD vehicles are perform-

ing well on EMT Madrid’s route 52, and the company is seeing the benefits of BYD electrification.

This latest order for 30 eBuses will have an even greater impact on improving air quality.” www.byd.com

September 2020

green Norwegian cities invest in Volvo electric buses VY Buss Norge has placed an order with Volvo for electric buses for operation in Drammen and Ålesund, with delivery set for later this year. By summer 2021 Vy Buss will have 150 electric buses in operation.

“Our partnership with Volvo Buses is strong, they build goodquality buses and their widespread network of dealers and workshops is very important to us,” says Ole Engebret Haugen, President of Vy Buss AS. Norway is among the world leaders when it comes to offering sustainable urban transport solutions. In Drammen, six Volvo 7900 Electrics began operating in February 2019. This autumn they will be joined by another 22 Volvo elec-

tric buses, of which two are highcapacity models that can carry up to 120 passengers.

For Ålesund, Vy Buss has ordered ten Volvo 7900 Electric buses, part of a larger order totalling 66 Volvo buses.

Over the past year Volvo has received total orders for more than 300 electric buses in Norway and Sweden, including the recent orders for Drammen and Ålesund. www.volvobuses.com

First electric buses for the Caribbean

BYD has delivered the first electric bus fleet for public transport in the Caribbean with the Barbados Transport Board taking 33 buses for Bajan. Two further buses will be delivered in December for a total order of 35.

Barbados’ National Climate Septembber 2020

Change Plan aims to achieve the island nation’s goals for 100 per cent renewable energy and carbon neutrality by 2030.

The tender process was launched in August 2019 by the Transport Board for pure electric 10m buses, to provide new technology and

sustainable transport solutions to Barbados.

The buses were specifically designed for the Barbados market and come equipped with wheelchair accessibility, wi-fi and USB charger connectors. www.byd.com

23

green

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

BYD starts first German eBus deliveries

BOGESTRA (Bochum-Gelsenkirchener Straßenbahnen) and HCR (Straßenbahn Herne-Castrop-Rauxel), have taken delivery of the first vehicles in a joint fleet order for 22 eBuses from BYD. The handover represents a first in the German market for BYD. The new 12-metre BYD eBus

f leet will go into service in the Germany state of North RhineWestphalia, on route 380 in Gelsenkirchen and route 354 in Bochum.

The eBuses have a carrying capacity of 80 passengers and a single charge provides a range of more than 200km.

Patrick Oosterveld, bus deputy sales director, BYD Europe, says: “We are delighted to be entering the German market.

“Twenty two vehicles is a major acquisition for BOGESTRA and HCR, and it shows a significant commitment to BYD.” www.byd.com

Linkker launches electric bus conversion kits

FINLAND-BASED manufacturer Linkker has launched a new LinkDrive retrofit kit for diesel to electric bus conversions with the first completed on a Singapore bus.

Linkker says its LinkDrive retrofit solution offers a feasible way to accelerate transition to emission-free public transport by converting existing fleets in high volumes to emission-free technology. The conversion kit has been designed for large scale conversion of existing fleets into emissionfree operation by local workshops.

“The LinkDrive retrofit kit proves the flexibility and adapta-

24

bility of Linkker’s Intelligent eMobility platform, and also marks an expansion of the company’s offering to include customised eMobility solutions and technology licensing” says CEO Sten Stockmann.

The main sub systems of the LinkDrive conversion kit are a traction system, battery system, power distribution unit, vehicle control system, charging connectivity system and driver’s cab upgrade.

Linkker says that suitable fleets for conversion are 5-7 year-old vehicles that offer sufficient space

for traction batteries in the rear and on the roof.

Linkker recently delivered a LinkDrive conversion kit for an MAN A22 with 177kWh battery and inverted charging connectivity solution to Singapore. The batteries are mounted in the rear and on the roof.

Estimated range for the converted buses between charges is 130km, and a fast-charging battery allows the bus to operate up to 400km with tow additional re-charging cycles of 2 to 20 minutes. www.linkkerbus.com

September 2020

people

For all the latest vacancies visit – www.busandcoach.com

Mike Cooper rejoins Arriva as group CEO ARRIVA has appointed former executive Mike Cooper as its new group CEO. He will succeed Manfred Rudhart who is stepping down after almost five years in the role.

Cooper worked for Arriva for nine years previously, and left the business in 2014 to become CEO of Yodel and then CEO of Eurostar. Prior to Arriva, Cooper was chief commercial officer of easyJet from its flotation in 2000 until 2005, and before that managing director of the direct sales business of the Thomson Travel Group.

Levin Holle, CFO at Deutsche Bahn and chairman of Arriva, says: “I am excited to welcome Mike Cooper back to Arriva in his new role as CEO. His track record and significant pan-European industry experience combined with his leadership experience in customer facing industries makes him the ideal person to lead Arriva through the next phase of its development.”

Cooper adds: “Recent events have disrupted all

forms of transport, but it has also brought into sharp focus the important role passenger transport plays in the modern world, from keeping people connected and supporting key workers in the fight against the coronavirus through to aiding economic recovery.”

“At a time of uncertainty, Arriva’s aspiration to be a trusted mobility partner has never been more important.”

www.arriva.co.uk

New managing director for First Cymru JANE Reakes-Davies has been appointed as managing director for First Cymru. Reakes-Davies joined First Bus in 2013 years and was most recently head of human resources for the business in south of England, Wales and Ireland before taking on the managing director’s role on an interim basis which was made permanent from 1 August.

“I’m very pleased to be accepting this appointment, with the aim to lead First Cymru into the future, with my team by my side, delivering for our customers, stakeholders and the communities we work within,” says Reakes-Davies. “The past few months have been incredibly challenging for the bus industry, however I have been impressed by the resilience of the whole

First Cymru team and their desire to continue to support our customers and our communities.”

Prior to joining FirstGroup she worked with public sector and charity organisations in Wales.

www.firstgroup.com

Stagecoach Manchester managing director to retire STAGECOACH has announced that Elisabeth Tasker, managing director of its Manchester bus operation, is to retire after 20 years’ service in the bus industry.

Tasker joined Stagecoach in 2000 as operations director at Manchester, having previously held a number of management roles, both in the heavy goods and bus industries. She went on to be managing director of Merseyside and South Lancashire in 2011, before becoming managing director of Stagecoach Manchester in late 2016.

September 2020

Stagecoach regional director north, Catherine Acton-Brazier, says: “We have been lucky to hold onto Elisabeth for so long given her desire to spend more time with her family in Wales.

“She has made such a valuable contribution to our business and the local community and she will be missed by the Stagecoach team and the wider stakeholder group in Greater Manchester.”

Stagecoach is yet to appoint a successor. www.stagecoachgroup.com

25

people

For all the latest vacancies visit – www.busandcoach.com

Leon Daniels appointed to new Net Zero Board FORMER TfL managing director Leon Daniels has been appointed to the government’s Net Zero Board, which has been established to advise the Department for Transport on decarbonisation.

The board is chaired by Grant Shapps, secretary of state for transport and Rachel Maclean, parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport.

The objectives of the board are to provide advice during the development of the transport decarbonisation plan and on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport, particularly the longer-term technological and behavioural changes needed to deliver transport’s contribution to net-zero. The remit is also to provide constructive feedback on, and identify risks and opportunities across, the department’s work to decarbonise transport as well as to reinforce the link between government, industry, academia and the wider public.

“I am delighted to be a member of the NZTB, a board with a vast breadth of experience,” says Daniels. “This is a pivotal moment - with the pandemic having changed working and travel habits, creating cleaner air in our towns and cities, we have the opportunity to fully realise our net-zero ambition.

“The economic opportunities offered by alternative methods of transport have enormous potential.

A cleaner, greener country will create new jobs and help to level up our economy.”

Daniels is currently chair of ITT Hub which holds its delayed inaugural exhibition in May 2021 at Farnborough.

www.gov.uk/government/groups/net-zero-transportboard

Simon Posner joins ITT Hub as director of strategy SIMON Posner is joining ITT Hub as director of strategic affairs, to support the development of a news channel. Posner stepped down from his previous role as CPT chief executive in 2018 after 12 years in the role. ITT Hub News is currently focusing on launching new podcast channels.

Mark Griffin CEO, ITT Hub says: “We have worked with Simon previously, for many years, and we knew he would be perfect in this new role of helping us to develop our news channel, alongside our ITT Hub event in May next year. ” www.itthub.co.uk

Campaign for Better Transport CEO to move to new role with DfT Acceleration Unit CAMPAIGN for Better Transport CEO Darren Shirley, who joined the sustainable transport charity in August 2018, is leaving to take up a role within the Department for Transport heading up a new Acceleration Unit to speed up the delivery of Government transport programmes and projects post Covid-19.

“It has been a pleasure leading Campaign for Better Transport for the last two years,” says Shirley.

“Despite being a small organisation, Campaign for Better Transport continues to have a huge impact on

26

the national transport agenda and I am sure our paths will cross in my new role; in fact I look forward to it.”

John Stewart, chair of Campaign for Better Transport adds: “We will be very sorry to lose Darren but are honoured and delighted that he has been appointed to this important new role.

“We have started the process of seeking a new chief executive who will build on the first-rate work Darren has done.” bettertransport.org.uk September 2020

2016 (16) Mercedes-Benz Tourismo 51 exec with de-mount toilet, EU6 OM470 with 8-speed Powershift automated manual, DVD, boiler, cooler, A/C, footrests, tray tables, alloys. Choice of 4. One year driveline warranty available at additional cost.

ÂŁ85,000.00

www.bus-store.com

Finance options available subject to status.

View over 100 other vehicles on our stocklist at:

Andy Nixon

07540 337746

Used Vehicle Sales Manager

Jack Wallen

07548 130577

Used Vehicle Sales Executive

Phillip Cowdery

07831 135477

North West & North Wales

James Kay

07725 960373

East & South Yorkshire

Lee Hake

07887 830727

London & South East

Gary Owen

07753 856052

West, South West & Wales

Glad Neil Gladstone

07768 594484

ROI & Northern Ireland

David Hobson

07798 814850

North & Scotland