Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1037

Wednesday May 23, 2012 Issue 1037 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

FirstGroup's Aircoach launches new Dublin Cork service p8

GARAGE:

Three Go-Ahead London depots in the spotlight p18

BUS:

Evobus reports orders soar for MercedesBenz Citaros p6

PEOPLE:

Phil Margrave, GoAhead's Engineering Director pro�iled p14

for recru i

FOCUS ON

Volvo – the Wright bus for Go North East

JOB ADV tment EVERY WERTS EEK

p38

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THIS WEEK

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

EDITORIAL Publisher Jonathan Taylor 01733 293240 jonathan.taylor@rouncymedia.co.uk Editor Gareth Evans 01733 293243 gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk Technical & Minibus Editor Martin Cole 01733 293245, 07885 692144 martin.cole@rouncymedia.co.uk News Reporter James Day 01733 293244 james.day@rouncymedia.co.uk News Reporter Andrew Cream 01733 293482 andrew.cream@rouncymedia.co.uk News Reporter Alex Tyler 01733 293240 alex.tyler@rouncymedia.co.uk Art Director Keith Simpson Contributors Tim Deakin, Richard Charnley, Gabriel Conway, Alan Payling

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www.coachandbusweek.com ISSN: 1351-3877 © 2012 Rouncy Media Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors.

This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors.

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

Go-Ahead Round 2

W

elcome to second part of the in-depth look at the GoAhead Group. As with part 1, which was well received (CBW1031), we’ve tried to cover fresh ground. After all, as a publication for PCV professionals, it’s imperative for the material to pass the ‘must read’ test. To this end, Phil Margrave and Kevin Carr have given their inaugural ‘Face to Face’ interviews. Put simply, Phil is the ‘man who buys the buses’, one of the key people suppliers need to impress.

On the face of it Kevin is a fresh name to the wider industry yet his background is anything but in the slow lane. He’s been nurtured from an early age by the founding fathers of the Group. The drive and enthusiasm of the MD has clearly rubbed off on the team at Go North East, who are constantly striving to be better, as you’ll read on p38.

We’ve also looked at Go-Ahead

in the regions and featured a small part of the firm’s London operations – including Blue Triangle, which tends not to be in the limelight.

The Fleet Profile has been a mammoth piece of work, which could easily have become a book in itself. Not to be forgotten is this week’s Big Picture, which is one of a growing number of ADL E400s at konectbus.

On a final note, I think it would be prudent to inform you of our publishing schedule in the light of the Jubilee Bank Holiday disruption. In order to meet Royal Mail deadlines, CBW1039 (June 6) will go to press on Thursday May 31. CBW1038 and CBW1040 will be published as normal. ...Oh, and shock horror, I’m actually having a week’s holiday over Jubilee week, but the rest of the team will be manning the pumps in my absence.

Gareth Evans Editor

CONTENTS 4

18

38

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

10

Learn about the staff, fleet and facilities at three London garages

26

The latest commercial and fleet developments at Go North East

Setra to launch new coach type and Stagecoach expands in USA

12

An overview of Go-Ahead’s bus, coach and engineering operations

32

A look at Go-Ahead’s 4,500-strong fleet of buses and coaches

What’s happening across the country’s regions. Plus Events Diary

14

Go North East Managing Director Kevin Carr gives his first interview

36

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Gareth’s Diary!

Phil Margrave, Group Engineering Director at the Go-Ahead Group

One of the ADL Enviro 400s recently delivered to konectbus

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

International News Regional News Face to Face

Go-Ahead London

GAG in the Regions Face to Face

The Big Picture

Operator Update

44

Fleet Analysis

68

Last Stop

69

People

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

www.coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 23, 2012

news

“I’m proud to have been able to to progress within one company and now to have become MD. It’s early days but they’re exciting times.”

Kevin Carr

briefly A month after it launched its Twitter account @ GoAheadGroup, the Go-Ahead Group’s has introduced a new Facebook page at www.facebook. com/GoAheadGroupPLC. The Facebook page includes a timeline telling the story of the bus and transport operator since the company was founded 25 years ago as Go-Ahead Northern. Samantha Hodder, Go-Ahead’s Interim Corporate Affairs Director said: “Our Twitter and Facebook accounts add to our established communication platforms such as our awardwinning websites. We will be keeping our Facebook friends up to date with the latest news.”

The House of Commons Transport Committee held its latest hearing on May 16 in the ongoing investigation into competition in the local bus market. Present were Peter Hendy, TfL Commissioner of Transport; Norman Baker, Transport Minister; and Jeremy Peat, Competition Commission Chairman, Douglas Cooper, Inquiry Director, and Adam Land, Director of Remedies, from the Competition Commission. Baker told MPs it should not be a case of “the bus versus the car” in relation to improving public transport. More in next week’s issue.

In the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA’s) first ever Northern Ireland Bus Compliance Survey, inspectors checked 483 buses, of which one-sixth had a serious defect, while 10% of the checks uncovered at least one serious traffic offence. Stephen Spratt from the DVA said Northern Ireland had very much been “playing catch up” with compliance levels in the rest of the UK. “There’s a lot of work going on and being taken forward by the department the moment in trying to bring about better and more effective regulation through new legislative requirements placing a lot more emphasis onto operators.” The survey identified a variety of mechanical defects, lights and signalling problems, braking faults, other PSV offences and issues with bodywork and interiors.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood said it was “not good reading.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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Face to Face p32

DfT to investigate noncircumferential hubs VOSA will look to ascertain the number of vehicles operating on non-standard hubs The Department for Transport (DfT) is to undertake independent testing to verify research from Motor Wheel Service which found commercial vehicles operating on non-circumferential hubs are prematurely damaging industry approved wheels.

During the meeting between Mike Penning, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, John Ellis, Managing Director of Motor Wheel Service and Paul Goggins, Labour MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, it was also confirmed VOSA will look to ascertain the number of vehicles operating on non-standard hubs, also known as spider and star shaped hubs.

The initial investigation, carried out on an LBF machine by one of the world’s leading CV wheel experts, Dr. Sundararajan of Wheels India, found non-circumferential hubs, which give only partial contact between axle and wheel, are causing untested load stresses which promote cracks and half life expectancy.

At present all quality wheels

are tried and tested to European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) standards on a circumferential hub with a continuous contact diameter, which is universally acknowledged as the main criterion by the Association of European Wheel Manufacturers (EUWA).

Ellis said: “The Minister listened astutely to our findings and stated the DfT will undertake published, independent research and instruct VOSA to ascertain the scale of the issue. No timescale has yet been set, but we will continue to liaise with Government and assist wherever possible.

“I would like to publicly thank the Minister for listening to

John Ellis, Managing Director of Motor Wheel Service

MAN has officially launched its new dedicated SLF midi for the UK, the CitySmart, at this week’ ALBUM Conference. The CitySmart, in combination with a Caetano body, is a UK-dedicated product marking MAN’s first serious attempt at the market with a lowfloor midibus. Owing to space constraints in this issue, the feature written by Coach & Bus Week’s Technical Editor Martin Cole has been held over until next week.

our research and immediately instigating decisive action. His unequivocal commitment to safety is mirrored by Paul Goggins MP, who has backed our wheel safety campaign and who has continued to push hard to get us to this juncture.

Goggins added: “This is a very positive outcome to the dialogue we have been having with the Minister. I commend John Ellis for his determination to get to the bottom of this issue. Road safety is an absolute priority.”

Motor Wheel Service has stated operators may be required to contact hub and wheel manufacturers as products originally replaced or refunded under warranty may no longer be considered if the product is shown to have operated on a noncircumferential hub.

In addition, due to the differing characteristics of the various hub shapes, interchangeability can be affected as mounting those wheels on hubs with yet another shape can further drastically reduce the attachment area leading to increased surface pressure and an undefined attachment of wheel to hub.

The company argues vehicle maintenance, service schedules and MOT tests will also need to be more rigorous, suggesting operators contact VOSA and the main CV organisations for their interpretation of the findings.

Ellis concluded: “The research is undeniable. Wheels designed and manufactured to ETRTO standards are being placed on axles which are non-standard or non-circumferential. This is leading to the early fatigue of wheels, primarily displayed as cracks, approximately halfway through the lifetime expectancy.

“The wheel safety issue is still a number one priority and we will continue to push for further clarification of testing and unregulated sellers. In the interim I urge any operator concerned with the findings to contact VOSA, CV organisations, manufacturers or MWS and we will help resolve this issue.”

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

Jail for O-licence fraudster

Exterior view of the Design Triangle e-Traction CityBus

New electric bus concept from Design Triangle Design Triangle has completed initial concept designs for a new composite-bodied electric bus.

Netherlands based e-Traction Europe BV is developing the bus as a bold new step in its study programme for the electric bus of the future. e-Traction’s vision is of a bus driven by its electric wheel motors and powered by batteries located in a protected roof compartment.

Fast recharging via tram-style

pantographs are also located in the roof. The firm says key components of the electric traction system have been thoroughly tested in a number of experimental and series buses.

The body of the new 12-metre bus will be manufactured in just two main parts, using lightweight, advanced aerospace composites.

A triangulated pillar structure will add immense rigidity to the load bearing roof and bodysides.

Design Triangle has developed concepts for the interior and exterior of the vehicle, including layouts for seating and major equipment, and construction details. e-Traction says it is now looking for partners to manufacture buses using electric wheel motor

technology.

Design Triangle specialises in the design of vehicle interiors and exteriors for public transport, including railways, trams, buses, fast ferries and aircraft interiors.

Formed in 1986, Design Triangle says it has become one of Europe’s foremost vehicle design consultancies, with an international range of clients in the UK, Europe, USA and the Far East.

High-profile projects have included coach concepts for Setra, aircraft interiors for Virgin Atlantic and van, truck and bus projects for Mercedes Benz.

Contact Andrew Crawshaw on 01638 743 070. Visit the Design Triangle website at www.designtriangle.com

Terence Richard Mann, Director of Spondon Mini Travel Ltd, was jailed for two-years for fraud on May 16 at Derby Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud and two of possession of articles for use in connection with fraud. He was also disqualified from holding a Directorship for 15 years.

On January 12, 2011, VOSA Enforcement Officers carried out a bus compliance check on the firm’s mini buses at Derby High and Derby Grammar Schools. Of the 10 buses checked, six were found to be displaying false O-licence discs. The firm was only authorised to use five vehicles at any one time.

As the investigation progressed, it became apparent that between September 2008 and January 2011, Mann successfully tendered for school contracts with Derby City Council, Derby High and Derby Grammar Schools and a staff shuttle bus. These contracts alone meant on weekdays in school term times, the firm ran a minimum of 11 buses, six over its authorisation.

The firm would also undertake private hire, which often meant it was using up to 13 buses at any one time. During this time the firm made in excess of £400,000.

Mann was arrested by Derbyshire Police for fraud offences.

VOSA Officers continued the investigation and he was charged with the offences for which he appeared before the Court. He was sentenced to three years, reduced to two years for an early guilty plea.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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21/05/2012 21:03

6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 23, 2012

news › BUSeS

10

The number of Mercedes-Benz Citaros Travel de Courcey has on order

briefly GHA Coaches-owned Bryn Melyn Ltd has introduced a new Shropshire Day Rider Ticket.

Priced at Adults £6, Children £3 it is valid for unlimited travel services 576 Oswestry – Shrewsbury, 501 Shrewsbury – Ellesmere and 502 Ellesmere – Wrexham.

Reading Buses has introduced a new evening return fare. Marketing Manager Jake Osman said: “We’ve introduced an ‘ultra cheap’ £2.20 return on all journeys starting after 1900 and before 0400hrs.

We’ve also introduced a new and better deal for groups of up to four people. We’re extending the £5 group travel ticket to similar times on weekday nights as well as weekends, Bank Holidays and school holidays.”

A new Go North East express journey on Citylink 58 will connect Newcastle City Centre and Cobalt Business Park from Monday, May 28. The new service is to replace journeys previously operated by service X90, which is being withdrawn. Monday to Friday, the 0651 and 0741 service 58 buses run from Heworth to Newcastle City Centre via Gateshead and then run non-stop to Cobalt arriving at 0750 and 0845, instead of Hadrian Park. The 1604 and 1659 journeys from Hadrian Park will instead commence from Cobalt at 1611 and 1706 and run non-stop via the Coast Road to Newcastle City Centre, where connections can be made to other services for passengers travelling to Gateshead and Heworth. These buses will show route number 58X. Buses will continue to run every 10 minutes during the daytime on Monday to Saturday between Heworth and Hadrian Park. Go North East’s experimental commuter club express X90 service, which was launched last year, ceases operation after Friday (May 25) due to low customer numbers, with the 58X intended to replace the busiest of the journeys.

London bus routes 116 and 405 have had two-year contract extensions agreed and will no longer form part of the 2013/2014 tendering programme. www.coachandbusweek.com

News6,7.indd 6

Great start for EvoBus UK Citaro citybus sales to several operators lead the charge into the new financial year EvoBus UK is reveling in an unprecedented start to the year which has seen sales of its Mercedes-Benz Citaro citybus soar well above expectations. The company has taken significant orders from both traditional Mercedes-Benz and new customers.

Epsom Coaches, a company with 90 years of experience in passenger transport services which was recently acquired by RATP, has taken delivery of 10 Mercedes-Benz Citaros which are being used on the TfL-contracted X26 route between Heathrow Airport and Croydon.

The buses are unusual for London as they have single entrance/ exit doors plus specially designed stainless steel luggage racks.

Commercial Director Steve Whiteway commented: “When we won the X26, there was only one bus which would do the job, in my view. Having operated Citaros for a number of years in the past, I knew they were just what we needed for the X26. We required reliability, durability and an attractive rugged interior to cope with the unique

demands of the users of this route.

Whole life costs were also an important factor and the Citaro has always been exceptional in this respect. They go out and do the job; we have little use for the engineering spare! Our drivers are also delighted with their new working environment; you can’t ask for more, it is the ultimate bus.”

Manx state-owned operator Bus Vannin has placed a further order for 12 Citaros. The firm purchased

Epsom’s Mercedes-Benz Citaros are unusual in London in that they are configured to single rather than the more traditional dual-door layout

Minister celebrates 10 years of PLUSBUS ticketing Transport Minister Norman Baker was in Oxford town hall on May 15 celebrating the tenth anniversary of the PLUSBUS nationwide integrated train to bus ticketing scheme.

He also launched a new offer for PLUSBUS day tickets which will be £1.50 when bought online during June and July 2012.

It was May 2002 when the first PLUSBUS tickets went on sale at railway station ticket offices across Great Britain. Now PLUSBUS is available for 286 rail-served towns and cities across the country and can also now be bought with train tickets online (from all train operating company and most third party rail ticket websites such as

12 Citaros last year for the first time and was so impressed by the performance it replicated the order for 2012. Bus Vannin assesses the Citaro as: “An outstanding city bus at the top in its segment.”

Ian Longworth, Director of Public Transport at Isle of Man government, said: “The Citaro offers a better passenger experience, they are more economical to operate and meet the latest Euro 5 Emission Standards. These new Citaros will raise the profile of the current fleet while replacing some of its older vehicles.”

Stewarts Coaches, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, has placed an order for eight Citaros. The company is based in Berkshire and specialises in corporate contracts. The

thetrainline.com).

Jonathan Radley of PLUSBUS said: “Half of all PLUSBUS day tickets are now bought online.

“PLUSBUS is becoming increasingly popular with train travellers – ticket sales have increased by 25% in the last 12 months, to just below one million. Over the next six months, thousands of self-service ticket vending machines at railway stations across the UK will start offering train travellers the ability to buy PLUSBUS day tickets for their destination town. This is expected to further increase ticket sales during 2013.”

Speaking at the event, Norman

Baker said: “We know people really appreciate the convenience of being able to buy tickets for their entire journey in one single transaction.

Being able to hop off the train and straight onto a bus knowing you’ve already got a ticket to ride takes the stress out of a journey and offers a real connectivity for passengers.

“PLUSBUS ticketing is a win-winwin for passengers, making life easier, saving money and helping the environment by encouraging people to choose greener ways to get about.

Norman Baker concluded: “I believe the £1.50 online offer I am launching today will encourage many more train travellers to try PLUSBUS for themselves this summer.”

Visit the PlusBus website at www.plusbus.info

21/05/2012 20:46

286

The number of towns at which PLUSBUS is available

buses will carry passengers from Thames Valley Park to the centre of Reading. Thames Valley Park is the headquarters location for some of the biggest companies in the UK economy, such as Microsoft, Oracle, BG Group and ING Direct.

Stewarts felt the Mercedes-Benz brand would dovetail perfectly with the brand image portrayed by the companies on Thames Valley Park. The vehicle specifications will include coach style seats, air conditioning, passenger information system and wifi connectivity.

Area Sales Manager Neil Freeman adds: “There will be a lot of ‘firsts’ in terms of the specification to make these Citaros real showcase vehicles with unrivalled comfort for the Thames Valley Park passengers.”

Further new orders include 13 vehicles for Stagecoach for its East London operation. They are scheduled to go into service during June.

Coventry-based Travel de Courcey has won the eight-year contract to operate car park shuttle services at the NEC and subsequently ordered 10 two-door 12m Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz Citaros.

The biggest order for delivery in 2012 comes from Arriva with an impressive total of 30 vehicles.

The Citaros will initially be used in London for the duration of a major sporting event and general disruption to normal traffic before going into service across Arriva’s Midland, Shires and Southern operations.

£1.2m

News6,7.indd 7

SHARE WATCH

The amount of DfT funding contributed to Merseytravel for hybrid vehicles

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, May 21. Rotala saw the greatest proportional rise while Optare experienced the biggest proportional drop.

Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

271.90p

Price: Year High: 335.80p Year Low: 241.00p

Optare Solo Hybrids against Liverpool’s well-known skyline

New Optare Solo hybrids for Liverpool A fleet of 13 Optare Solo Hybrids has entered service on Merseytravel services in central Liverpool. £1.2m was made available through the Department for Transport’s (DfT) £30m Green Bus Fund, which has supported the acquisition of the 13-vehicles for the region. Operator Cumfybus Ltd worked with Merseytravel on the bid and will operate the low carbon emission buses across Liverpool’s ‘City Link’ routes C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5 services.

Cllr Mark Dowd, Merseytravel Chairman, said: “These new buses will help to reduce CO2 emissions,

Voith enjoys increased business with big bus groups Voith Industrial Services, provider of Make Ready Services to the bus sector, has added new business to its existing work within Arriva UK Bus. The company now provides overnight services to another two garages in the Yorkshire region and prepares over 1000 buses each evening in the UK for service the following day.

To firmly establish itself in the bus industry, Voith Industrial Services launched its new Make Ready Services package specifically tailored to the bus market 18 months ago at EuroBus Expo 2010.

The company provides exterior and interior cleaning, fuelling, coolant

May 23, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7

top-ups and shunting vehicles for the following day’s service, while other features include cleaning exterior areas, garage floors, pits, workshops, offices, meeting rooms, toilets and amenity areas.

The company’s first contract was in Merseyside followed by successes in the north-east. In London, Voith Industrial Services has also won a three-year contract with London United involving the overnight preparation of almost 600 buses.

Phil Spencer, Voith Industrial Services’ Sales and Business Development Director, told CBW: “Ongoing discussions with the big bus groups lead us

support improving air quality in the city, and be more fuel efficient.”

Jim Barclay, Interim Chief Executive of Merseytravel, said: “We are committed to supporting greener transport and to providing cleaner air and a healthier environment for Merseyside and complements the sustainable biofuel and electric services we are also involved in.”

Penny Lyon, Director of Cumfybus, said: “We were pleased to have been selected as one of only 20 operators in the country to have benefited from this grant and we look forward to running these buses around the city centre.”

Merseytravel also recently supported Arriva’s successful bid to the 3rd round of the Green Bus Fund with 33 hybrid double deckers now planned for its crossriver services.

203.10p

Price: Year High: 375.60p Year Low: 189.50p

1105.5p

Price: Year High: 1606.0p Year Low: 1078.0p

194.10p

Price: Year High: 269.60p Year Low: 192.20p

234.10p

Price: Year High: 291.00p Year Low: 204.00p

0.57p

Price: Year High: 3.44p Year Low: 0.20p

38.25p

Price: Year High: 42.48p Year Low: 32.00p

66.65p

Price: Year High: 96.91p Year Low: 62.34p

Voith currently provides overnight services to Arriva UK Bus to believe we shall be making more announcements about new business in the near future.

“We believe strong management and supervision, coupled with robust and proven processes from our automotive experience, is a winning combination in the bus and coach market.”

17.25p

Price: Year High: 20.00p Year Low: 10.25p

-3.15 on last week

-2.15 on last week

-18.00 on last week

-19.85 on last week

-6.80 on last week

-0.11 on last week

+0.75 on last week

+0.31 on last week

-1.00 on last week

FTSE 100

5,304

Index: Year High: 6,104 Year Low: 4,791

-162 on last week

www.coachandbusweek.com

21/05/2012 20:46

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 23, 2012

news › coaches

“We’re passionate about what we do, enjoy innovating and have a real desire to continue serving our customers better.”

Martin Harris

Work starts this week to improve the road surface of the A20 near Dover. The coastbound carriageway from the Cauldham Lane bridge in Capel Le Ferne to the Aycliffe subway is being resurfaced and road markings and road studs replaced.

Sections of the A20 close overnight, weekdays only, from May 23 until May 31. The work takes place overnight between 2000 and 0600hrs in two separate phases.

The coast-bound A20 is closed from Courtwood Interchange to York Street Roundabout for four nights. A diversion runs route via the B2011 and York Street. The coastbound A20 is closed from the A260 Hawkinge junction to the Courtwood Interchange for two nights. Road users are directed to follow a route via the southbound A260 and B2011. Appropriate signage is in place.

Maintenance work on three bridges over the A1(M) west of Darlington began on Monday May 21. As well as replacing bridge joints each bridge is being repainted. They carry the A67, B6279 and Newton Lane local roads over the motorway. All the work on the bridges takes place during the day - between 0800 and 1800 and requires temporary traffic lights to manage vehicles past the roadworks for up to four weeks on each bridge. The project is due to be completed by Monday 2 July. The A1(M) itself is unaffected by the roadworks apart from occasional overnight lane closure to install and remove underbridge protection equipment.

Maintenance works along the A590 where it meets the M6 south of Kendal requires carriageway closures for two days and nights next month. A section of the westbound carriageway between Junction 36 of the M6 at Kirkby Lonsdale and the junction with the A591 at Brettargh Holt roundabout is being resurfaced.

The westbound carriageway of the A590 is closed from the M6 between 0430 and 2130 on June 11 to 12 with two subsequent overnight closures between 2000 and 0600 each night on June 25 to 26. www.coachandbusweek.com

News8,9.indd 8

FirstGroup’s Aircoach Links Cork and Dublin The non-stop express service between the two cities is the first of its kind FirstGroup’s Aircoach has introduced a new non-stop express service linking Cork, Dublin city centre and Dublin Airport. The announcement coincides with the introduction of 35 new non-stop express services connecting the

three destinations.

Aircoach is the first operator to provide a scheduled non-stop express service connecting the two cities, with the new timetable providing an hourly service throughout the day together with early morning and late evening services.

The journey time between Cork and Dublin city centre is scheduled

An Aircoach Jonckheere-bodied Volvo at Dublin Airport

Epsom Coaches supports British troop charity Epsom Coaches has announced Support Our Soldiers (SOS) as its official charity for 2012.

SOS encourages and provides support for members of the British Armed Forces on overseas operations and their families at home. Since its launch in March 2003, over 100,000 morale boosting care parcels have been sent to those on the front line in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Gill Hughes the company’s Marketing Manager, enthused: “We are delighted to be able to support such a worthy cause, especially as our fund raising will go directly to help our armed forces overseas.

They support our boys and girls throughout their tour, everyday, not just at Christmas. Fund raising will involve all our staff and we will also

Epsom Coaches has adopted the SOS charity for this year be asking our customers to help at the various promotional events we hold each year.”

Visit the Support Our Soldiers website at www. supportoursoldiers.co.uk

to be three hours, while the journey between Cork and Dublin Airport is due to take under three and half hours. The new Aircoach timetable also introduces night time departures from Cork.

Aircoach Managing Director, Allen Parker, said: “Responding to our customer demands, Aircoach has decreased the travel times between the two cities to three hours, city centre to city centre, allowing customers more flexibility in their travel schedule and at fares from only €22 return.

“The new overnight and early morning services eliminate any need and cost associated with staying overnight in Dublin which was once necessary in order to make an early-morning flight from Dublin Airport.

“In addition the hourly frequency and three-hour journey time make this an ideal choice for anyone wishing to travel between Cork and Dublin City Centre.”

For more information visit the Aircoach website at www.aircoach.ie

GABRIEL CONWAY

briefly

Operator Update p38

Get prepared for French breathalyser All vehicles (excluding mopeds) driven in France must carry a single-use breathalyser kit from November 1st 2012, Only French NF-Approved breathalysers will comply -disposable kits are the cheapest solution. French police suggest vehicles carry at least two, so if one is used by the driver a second remains for inspection.

UK tachograph specialist Novadata is marketing disposable kits. Prices start at £2.06 each for 1-10, falling to £1.90 for 101-500.

Details: Tel: 01376 552999, e-mail sales@novadata. co.uk or visit www.novadata. co.uk

21/05/2012 21:50

May 23, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

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Maynes are given a lift

Lucketts team up with Hovertravel Lucketts Travel has expanded its potential market by forming a new partnership with Isle of Wight ferry service Hovertravel. As part of the deal coaches will stop at the Hovertravel Terminal on Clarence Esplanade in Southsea, allowing passengers to transfer from hovercraft to coach with ease. Hovertravel will also act as an agent for the entire range of Lucketts Travel holidays and day trips. To celebrate the agreement Hovertravel is offering a 20% discount on crossings when purchased with a Lucketts Travel booking.

Director Ian Luckett said: “We’re always looking at ways to make it easier for people to enjoy an excursion or short break. Teaming up with Hovertravel makes sense

Lucketts coach driver Lee Kukainis and Hover Travel pilot Nick Wood for both companies, allowing customers to book ferry and coach tickets in one place. The deal opens up a world of travel opportunities for people living on the Island, and hopefully will allow us to expand our business too.”

Loretta Lale, Marketing Manager of Hovertravel, said: “Hovertravel has a great reputation for creating

strong partnerships with other travel suppliers. This deal with Lucketts enables us to develop better onward travel experiences for our local customers.”

For more information and for bookings visit www.lucketts.co.uk and www. hovertravel.co.uk

Maynes Coaches has purchased two sets of mobile column lifts from Stertil Koni.

The £35,000 investment replaces Maynes traditional cabled lifts for service and repairs as well as maintaining other operators vehicles.

Each column has a lifting capacity of 7500kg with a total lifting height of 1.85 metres and which can be reached in 89 seconds. The lifts use Stertil’s maintenance-free, self-lubricating, synthetic runner wheel system and employ a secure wireless control system which eliminates the risk of tripping.

Maynes said: “We chose these sets for safety and reliability.

They offer simplicity of operation and much easier and reduced maintenance. Importantly, they will make life easier and much safer for our mechanics.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

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10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 23, 2012

news › international

Setra ComfortClass 500 to set new safety standards New generation of Setra ComfortClass coach set for autumn launch germany Setra’s new two-axle S 515 HD, the two- and three-axle S 516 HD and the three-axle S 517 HD will all be launched this autumn. The company says it is distinguished by the systematic refinements in design which bridges the gap between traditional and modern values. Lothar Holder, Setra Brand Spokesman at EvoBus GmbH, explained: “With the new ComfortClass 500, we want to do more than just prepare our customers for the challenges of the next few years. As a technology leader, we are setting standards for design, aerodynamics and efficiency with this new generation of coach.”

A typical feature of the ComfortClass 500 is the curved side line, rising and falling gradually, with the new decorative element at the B-pillar. In the front section, it gives a friendlier yet more distinctive face.

Two striking features are the long roof drain at the front and a more

rounded windscreen, which runs down as far as the front logo panel with the three-dimensional Setra lettering. The front, along with the redesigned outside mirrors, was optimised in the course of a painstaking development process which included countless hours of testing in the wind tunnel.

In conjunction with the new aerodynamic rear section, and also

Setra ComfortClass S515 HD scheduled for autumn launch

Stagecoach Group acquires Coach America assets USA Stagecoach Group subsidiaries are to acquire selected businesses and assets from Coach America, Inc. Coach America is a major operator of bus and coach services in the United States and has been operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since January 2012. The transaction is subject to the approval of the United States Bankruptcy Court of Delaware which is overseeing the Chapter 11 process. The Court’s approval is expected by 22 May 2012.

Stagecoach has agreed to acquire: businesses and related 1 Certain assets and liabilities, for a cash consideration of US$134.2m (approximately £85m) and; the option of the sellers, 2 at up to 85 further coaches for a cash consideration of up to US$25.6m (approximately £16m). www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsIntl.indd 10

additional individual measures, the CC500 achieves a drag coefficient of 0.33, a figure normally considered unattainable in this segment.

Also new are the modular-design headlight and indicator segments, featuring distinctive trim elements.

These underline the vehicle’s features of high quality, safety and reliability and gently introduce the encircling lines, which sweep

Some US$16.0m of the consideration has already been paid as a refundable deposit, with the balance being due on or around the completion of the transaction.

The consideration payable will be potentially adjusted based on the working capital balances of the businesses to be acquired.

In addition requiring Court approval, the transaction is subject to meeting conditions, including regulatory approvals which could be completed within three months.

In the year ended 31 December 31 and applying Stagecoach accounting policies, the businesses to be acquired for US$134.2m generated estimated revenue of US$164.4m, EBITDA of US$24.6m and operating profit of US$13.3m, after taking account of estimated central overheads . The estimated

gross assets of the businesses are US$92m.

Acquisitions include contract, line-run, charter and sightseeing operations at an attractive price and to acquire vehicles as part of its capital expenditure programme.

Coach America operations in Texas and California will provide depot infrastructure to enable Stagecoach to expand its megabus. com budget coach network more efficiently, more quickly and under its full control, while avoiding the need to pay a sub-contract profit margin in these locations.

Coach America’s Atlanta business is the existing sub-contractor of the megabus.com Atlanta hub and its business is among those to be acquired.

The nine businesses being acquired are located in: n San Antonio and Dallas, Texas n Sacramento, California n Anaheim, California n Atlanta, Georgia n Cleveland, Ohio

upwards into the side areas.

The ComfortClass 500 is compliant with Euro 6, which is due to come into force in 2014 for new vehicles. The overall concept also incorporates numerous safety regulations and legal provisions planned for the next few years.

These include additional driver assistance systems which apply from 2015, as well as Regulation ECE-R 66/01, which introduces a stricter rollover standard for tour buses and comes into force two years later. In keeping with the Setra brand tradition, an intelligent lightweight construction concept was developed to meet the latter requirement, combining greater rigidity with less weight.

The new ComfortClass 500 will be powered by engines from the new BlueEfficiency Power generation from Mercedes-Benz.

The new in-line, six-cylinder OM 470, with a displacement of 10.7 litres, has been optimised for fuel efficiency and performance, and generates 315 kW (428 hp) at 1,800 rpm. It achieves a maximum torque of 2,100 Nm at as little as 1,100 rpm. The aerodynamic design of the ComfortClass 500 and a raft of weight-reduction measures also mean Setra will be presenting a tour bus which, in addition to a host of exclusive equipment variants, has the added attraction of operating with reduced fuel consumption.

n Gillette, Wyoming n Elko, Nevada n Hanover, Maryland n Portland, Oregon The transaction is being financed from available, undrawn, committed bank facilities.

Stagecoach Chief Executive, Sir Brian Souter, said: “Our North American division is the fastest growing part of the Group and this transaction will allow us to acquire selected businesses and vehicles at attractive prices in markets and regions we know well. They will benefit from our management expertise and ability to invest for growth.

“We see significant potential to roll-out megabus.com’s successful package of low fares and high quality service to new locations in the US. Texas and California in particular will give us an extended geographic footprint to accelerate our growth strategy for the brand, which already covers around 80 key locations in North America.”

21/05/2012 16:51

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May 23, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 11

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12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 23, 2012

news › REGIONAL

SCOTLAND

Government ministers have admitted they have “no idea” how reliable Scotland’s bus services are, in response to questions by Green MP for Glasgow, Patrick Harvie.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said information on punctuality was not collected by the Scottish Government and there was no data allowing passengers to compare services from different firms.

Wide scale surveys of passengers are being carried out in England and Wales by Passenger Focus, but no such scheme exists north of the Border. Patrick Harvie has called for a similar survey to be funded in Scotland. He said: “It is essential the profit-driven private operators who have a stranglehold on Glasgow’s buses yet who receive public subsidy are forced to be less tardy. It’s appalling the Government has no way of telling us whether targets are being met, nor which companies are the worst offenders.”

A spokesman for the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, which represents the majority of bus and coach firms, conceded there was no national survey undertaken on punctuality.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Senior management at Translink were questioned by the Regional Development Committee on May 16 about the company’s budget and projected deficit, BBC News reported.

The company’s Chief Executive Catherine Mason faced questions alongside Translink’s Chief Operating Officer, Philip O’Neill, and Barney McGahan, deputy secretary of regional transport planning at the Department of Regional Development (DRD).

Last month, it was revealed Translink expects to move into the red after this financial year and its budget could be reduced by £25m over the next two years due to cuts in government subsidy.

The committee was told difficult decisions would have to be made in order to balance Translink’s books, which included job losses, service reductions and further increases to fares.

The DUP chairman of the committee, Jimmy Spratt, asked the panel if Translink’s management board was “fit for purpose” given it was predicting a deficit despite receiving “very substantial” government funding of £72m per year. www.coachandbusweek.com

RegionalNews.indd 12

the Police and Nexus.

“Proactive enforcement gives a clear message to the small number of drivers who continue to ignore the law.”

“The bus only link lanes are there for a reason, to help get passengers to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible, but the car drivers who are unlawfully using these lanes are preventing this from happening, which impacts on road safety and the amenity of the area.

“Everyone needs to be aware of the law, but equally aware of the needs of other road users and we hope Operation Effects will help us to promote that message.”

KEY

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

EAST

Ms Mason argued Translink received the lowest level of government subsidy of any region in the British Isles and said government funding per passenger was less than anywhere else in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.

Ms Mason also said £12m had been saved in recent years through efficiency measures which were identified by independent consultants. She said bus services in Northern Ireland were facing a funding cut of 23% over the next two financial years.

Mr McGahan told MLAs he did not see any evidence of poor financial management on the part of Translink. The DRD representative added the company’s decision to report a projected deficit of approximately £11m per year over the next two financial years demonstrated a “mature understanding” of the transport business.

MLAs said employees were seriously worried about job losses and Mr Spratt asked if planned changes to staff terms and conditions would also apply to those at the very top of the organisation.

Ms Mason said senior managers were now doing more work and she was not taking a pay rise on her £198,000 salary.

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has previously said times were “challenging” for Translink and he would possibly

have to ask Finance Minister Sammy Wilson “for some additional relief.”

NORTH

Police in Washington are having a big ‘effect’ on motorists who abuse bus lanes.

Officers are running the operation after complaints about drivers flaunting local bus link restrictions. Since May 8, officers in the Barmston area have issued over 30 fixed penalty notices, each carrying a £30 fine. Police are continuing with the enforcement of all bus link sites across Washington over the coming weeks.

Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Stewart said: “We want to get the message across that these bus link restrictions are legally enforceable.

“Those illegally using the bus lane are causing problems and proving a hindrance to buses. It’s also a road safety issue which could result in a serious collision.

“We’re conducting regular patrols of the area to take enforcement action and fixed penalty tickets will be issued to anyone caught using the bus lane.”

The Chair of Washington Area Committee, Councillor Bernard Scaplehorn, said: “The bus link improvement schemes were introduced by the City Council following extensive consultations in each area involving the local community, local councillors and key partner organisations such as

Cambridgeshire County Council will fund new bus services to replace routes discontinued by Stagecoach.

NCS Minibus will run a twohourly service stopping at Hinxton, Heathfield and Whittlesford, after these were removed from the routes of most Citi 7 buses, providing a link to Sawston, where connections can be made to Cambridge.

Another will follow the route of the discontinued 19 service, running through Burrough Green, Balsham, Linton and Haverhill, again allowing connections to Cambridge.

This will run approximately every two hours and will be operated by a community transport operator.

For these services the council has negotiated an agreement with Stagecoach so passengers making onward journeys can purchase a ticket for the same price as a Dayrider Plus which will be valid on the connecting trip to Cambridge at no extra cost.

There will also be a Go-Whippet service replacing the number 14, providing one peak journey in each direction between Caldecote, Hardwick, Madingley, Coton and Cambridge.

In the morning the service will replace the first journey on route 8 to provide a direct journey into Cambridge, and in the afternoon it will be combined with the current service 2.

All of the services will start running in June and will remain in place until permanent replacements are introduced.

The council has set aside £1.5m for new community transport schemes, after it decided to

21/05/2012 17:00

phase out £2.7m of subsidies for traditional services over five years.

Cllr Tony Orgee, cabinet member for community infrastructure, said: “We have been working hard to make sure there are links in place from the stops that are to be affected in June and we are really pleased with Stagecoach’s offer to make sure ticketing remains the same price.”

SOUTH WEST

As part of the wider West of England transport programme plans to improve bus services between the south and north of Bristol have been released.

The northern fringe to Hengrove route will call at Cribbs Causeway, Patchway, Bradley Stoke, UWE, Parkway station, Harry Stoke and Emersons Green.

The Bristol north fringe route will cost £102m in total with half coming from the Department for Transport (DfT) and a further £51m coming from local councils and third-party businesses. It is not yet known who will operate the route

May 23, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 13

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

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

which is expected to be operational in 2015.

A series of 11 public exhibitions where the project team will answer questions about the route were held May 23. Those wanting to comment or find out further details of the route and exhibitions can do so via the Travel West website.

A project spokeswoman said it wanted to hear from the public to ensure all potential issues have been considered before planning applications are submitted in the autumn. Those wanting to comment or find out further details of the route and exhibitions can do so via the Travel West website.

The consortium of Bristol City Council, Bath and North East Somerset Council, South Gloucestershire Council, and North Somerset Council hope improvements to public transport will reduce congestion and support economic growth in the area. It also hopes to introduce smart ticketing and modern accessible vehicles which will stop less often to reduce journey times.

2012 n May 22-23 ALBUM Conference.

– Forest Pines Hotel, near Brigg, North Lincolnshire. www.albumconference.co.uk n June 4 Imberbus’ service, using Routemaster buses from Warminster, across rarely-seen parts of Salisbury Plain. warminstervbrd. zxq.net/v/imber.htm n June 5 – 7 Transports Publics 2012. The European Mobility Exhibition, Paris. www.transportspublics-expo.com n June 10 Barry Festival of Transport. Organised by Cardiff Transport Preservation Group, Barry, South Wales. postmaster@-ctpg. co.uk. www.ctpg.co.uk n June 22 CILT Wales National Transport Awards lunch. Cardiff City Hall. 01446 451227. www.ciltuk. org.uk/pages/regions/wales n July 1 Reading Transport Great Knollys Street Open Day. 11 – 1600hrs. 0118 959 4000. www.reading-buses.co.uk n July 15 Alton Bus Rally & Running Day. Mid Hants Railway, Alton, Hampshire. www.watercressline.co.uk n July 16-18 TPM. The tenth annual conference of the Transport Practitioners Meeting (TPM) will be held at the John Moores University, Liverpool www.ciltuk.org n August 3-5 Bedford OB GetTogether. South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester, GL7 5QB. Contact the organiser Tim Wootton by email on tim@tjcs.freeserve.co.uk.

Visit http://www.bedfordob.com/

Arriva Southern Counties marked the centenary of one of its predecessors by painting a Dennis Dart in the two-tone green and cream colours used by the former Aldershot & District Traction Company.

Aldershot & District operated in the area around Guildford, Woking and Cranleigh until 1972 when it merged with Thames Valley to form Alder Valley. It is hoped the bus will evoke fond memories of a company which employed many local people and older generations still remember as part of the community.

Longest-serving of the former A&D staff still working for Arriva is Bill Tutty, who completed 50 years’ service in a number of different roles before retiring. He continues to drive for the company at Guildford on a part-time basis. Bill has two restored Aldershot & District buses of his own and his Dennis Loline double-decker was in attendance at Guildford Cathedral on May 17, when Arriva’s Centenary Bus was given an official send-off. He also owns an AEC Reliance single-decker.

Bill said: “I’m sure when people saw the bus in Guildford and Woking it brought back happy memories of the past. When I take my own buses to events, they always make heads turn. I am sure many a happily married couple met whilst travelling on the old Aldershot & District buses.”

n August 27 The National Association of Road Transport Museums gala day. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham.

www.wythall.org.uk

n September 6 Association of Trainers AGM. Steele Road, Wembley Julia@asot.org.uk 01797 344251 n September 8-9 UK Bus Driver of the Year, Blackpool. Call competition secretary Bill Holmes on 01303 251462. www.bdoy.co.uk n Sept 9 Amberley Bus Show.

Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, West Sussex. www.amberleymuseum.co.uk n September 16 Showbus.

Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire. www.showbus.com

The ATCO (Association of Transport Coordinating Officers) holds its annual summer conference between June 19 and 21 at the Jury’s Inn Hotel, Birmingham. Further details are available at www.atco. org.uk. Pictured here is ATCO’s Chairwoman Tracy Jessop at the 2011 event n September 20-27 IAA Commercial Vehicles. Hannover. +(00)49 30897842. www.iaa.de n October 14 Midland Red Centenary of the Reintroduction of Motorbuses. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk n October 18 CILT Annual Awards for Excellence Dinner. London.

01536 740104. www.ciltuk.org.uk n October 21 The Very Best of London Buses. Brooklands, Surrey.

Featuring 50 years of Routemaster buses. London Bus Museum. www.londonbusmuseum.com n November 6-8 Euro Bus Expo.

NEC, Birmingham. 01926 834790. www.eurobusxpo.com n November 20 UK Bus Awards London Hilton Park Lane. www.ukbusawards.org.uk

2013 n Jan 1 New Year’s Holiday Open Day. Oxford Bus Museum. www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk n March 20-21 UK Bus Awards Annual Conference. Venue to be confirmed, but will be in Central London. www.ukbusawards.org.uk n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 610 n October 18-23 Busworld Kortrijk. www.busworld.org

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

RegionalNews.indd 13

21/05/2012 17:01

14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 23, 2012

FACE TO FACE › PHIL MARGRAVE

NAME: Phil Margrave AGE: 57 POSITION: Group Engineering Director, The Go-Ahead Group plc CONTACT: 020 7821 3939 www.go-ahead.com

Top Level Engineering Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans talks to Phil Margrave, Group Engineering Director at Go-Ahead about his career, experiences, vehicle procurement and his views on technology and propulsion systems

P

hil Margrave can undoubtedly be described as one of the faces of the Go-Ahead Group. He benefits from the sort of familiarity only someone with a wealth of experience holds. A friendly and approachable individual, Phil is also a fountain of knowledge. He’s come up through the ranks from an Apprentice. His recollections are all too clear of life at the sharp end in a state-owned organisation where job security could unfortunately result in complacency when it came to service delivery and performance. This experience has undoubtedly shaped his ideas for his current role. Indeed, Phil freely admits he enjoys being involved in change management.

Being an Engineer at heart, he’s not the sort to trumpet such trivia, but his claims to fame include being the last original director appointed to the pre-privatised London bus operating companies. What’s more, he’s never had a ‘Face to Face’ interview in Coach & Bus Week – until now that is.

Career

Phil started his career 40 years ago with London Transport (LT) as an Apprentice at Chiswick Works at the age of 17. He duly moved into what was then known as development – at a time when Leyland Titans and MCW Metrobuses were entering the fleet.

“Gearbox problems on the Leyland B20 plagued the fleet and all repairs were done in house,” explained Phil. “I then moved into safety, which despite being Chiswick-based, meant I worked www.coachandbusweek.com

F2FPhilMargrave.indd 14

employee and management buyout in 1994. We sold out to the Go-Ahead Group in 1996, when the business was merged with London Central, which was already part of the Go-Ahead Group. I enjoy being in this job and the industry as a whole. I’ve since moved from being Engineering Director to Group Engineering Director which means I now have greater involvement in our rail division.”

Rail Above: Phil Mrgrave is a friendly and approachable individual, who, with his vast experience, is also a fountain of knowledge in depots. I then moved into fleet quality. My claim to fame was establishing the test centres for annual MOT and introducing more formal fleet auditing.”

His next move took him to the Wandle District in South London as District Engineering Manager, an area which today is part of London General.

“I then prepared for privatisation.

Personally I felt it was the best thing to ever happen – perhaps I’m biased because I’ve come out of it alright. The whole thing needed changing. People didn’t feel threatened so they didn’t perform. When you think back then actual mileage operated was only about 80% whereas these days it’s consistently above 99%. In the early 1980s LT was under threat – it was a real wake up call, and so began a period of change.

“Privatisation started in 1988/9.

I met Keith Ludeman. We created London General and eventually we acquired the business as an

Asked about his involvement and experience of the rail industry, Phil replied: “As bus people, we’ve probably brought more to rail in terms of more economic procurement than the other way round. The level of engineering expertise is higher in rail due to its greater complexity. Rail is also far more long-term than bus.

“The most exciting part of my role is my continued involvement in change management – this business doesn’t stand still. From 2008 I was Group Engineer Director and London Engineering Director – I only relinquished the latter at Christmas.”

Vehicle procurement

Phil said Go-Ahead remains committed to its devolved approach to management, and the engineering people in the group companies report to their Managing Director.

“However, I am responsible for buying vehicles for the group.

We try to get some commonality, but there is also freedom on liveries and interiors. I certainly would like to see a greater level of standardisation since its a more cost effecitve way of running the business as a whole.

21/05/2012 22:11

May 23, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 15

Explaining the procurement process, Phil said: “Operating companies put a business case together. Our business plans run for three years and our year runs from July to June. Once a business plan is ready, the individual operating companies present it to the Group board.

“With regard to double decks in London we have a mixture of Volvo and ADL. Outside London we’ve tended to go for Scania.

We aim to meet the needs of the passenger and operating companies. A prime exmaple is single door vehicles,which are suitable for many of the services we run. Fuel consumption and whole vehicle life costs are also significant considerations.”

Another area where Phil’s ideas are clearly based on his experience is innovation.

“We’ve done some innovative things on parts. My philosophy is not to have a spec down to every last nut and bolt – I want a product to meet parameters on reliability and for it to do the job.

“That’s down to my experience at London Buses. I remember when 240 Leyland Olympians entered the fleet, at a time when historically London Buses produced a massively detailed specification.

When warranty issues arose, manufacturers would show us our specification and claim ‘well that’s what you asked for.’

“However, I do get involved in specification preparation although when we got the first artics for Red Arrow, I sat in a room for eight hours in Mannheim being told what the spec would be. I remember thinking it was almost a waste of time as we could have done it over the phone.”

Turning to the specification of vehicle interiors, Phil commented: “Passengers are increasingly more discerning – hence the more widespread use of leather seats.

I am not sure leather is always necessary. Traditional moquette is reliable, familiar and meets passengers’ needs. However, generally, the decision on specifying interiors is down to individual operating companies since they know their passengers best.”

Phil is continually seeking manufacturer engagement.

“If we’re going to have airconditioning for example, I want the manufacturers to recommend the product as we’ve then got some comeback if things go

www.coachandbusweek.com

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21/05/2012 22:12

16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 23, 2012

1994

FACE TO FACE › PHIL MARGRAVE

The year Phil was part of the management buyout of London General

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro artics owned by Go-Ahead have enjoyed a new lease of life at its regional operating compaies, including konectbus (pictured) wrong. This can reduce engineering spend. If we’ve got lots of the same type of vehcicle we can maintain it in-house more efficiently than a local dealer. We do have some contract maintenance – the artics for example, where we lacked the necessary level of expertise.

“We’ve continued that with the introduction of the rigid Citaros at Waterloo Garage. We’ve got no engineering staff on site. There’s very little difference in cost and it’s a good benchmark to compare with in-house maintenance.”

Asked about the current status of the artics, Phil replied: “The Mercedes-Benz Citaro bendies we own have transferred to Brighton & Hove, konectbus, Go South Coast and Go North East. We’ve still got 30 on lease, which runs out in 2013.

The problem is it’s so expensive to terminate a lease. Of course, politics could change in London at any time, but I doubt Roger French would be pleased at London asking for his bendies back.”

as ‘The Borismaster’, Phil replied: “I don’t know enough about the type yet. They look well built and stylish with some impressive initial fuel mpgs. We need to react to what customers want rather than what we think they want.

“You can have this box on wheels but it’s down to what you have inside. You need some recognition on livery. It’s also a process which starts with the bus turning up on time, then the passengers notice whether the bus is cold, then dirty and so on.”

The Green Agenda

Turning to the issue of so-called ‘green technology’, Phil said: “The London bus data on TfL’s website is accurate. The capital cost is no longer as important as it once was – the priority is shifting to fuel saving and pay back periods.

“My first experience of hybrids was with the Wright Electrocity six years ago. To say they were development vehicles is an understatement but after being rebuilt they’re good pieces of kit.

“The ADL E400Hs on route

24 are now in their fifth year of operation and they’re achieving a fuel saving of between 15 and 17% compared to a Euro 3. The problem is you need to benchmark them against Euro 6 – which shows the improvements are marginal.

“We’ve bought Hybrids for London without Government financial support but we wouldn’t be able to do so in the provinces.

I’d buy Euro V instead. The pricing of the Hybrid element has to fall by 25% at current prices but as the cost of fuel increases and BSOG falls,

The Borismaster

On the subject of operating uses in London and its political association, asked about his views on the New Bus for London, otherwise known

Above: Phil’s first experience of hybrids came six years ago with the Wright Electrocity

www.coachandbusweek.com

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21/05/2012 22:12

40

The number of years Phil has spent working in the bus industry

25%

The cost percentage Phil believes the Hybrid element must fall by

Above Brighton & Hove uses artics on route 25. Below: Phil was London Engineering Director and Group Engineering Director from 2008 to 2011

“Within 10 years I think we’ll predominantly be running hybrids with a smaller number of full electric vehicles, alongside some bits in between.”

Phil Margrave it reduces the gap. To be honest I don’t believe you need a hybrid.

The increased use of stop-start technology and driver training could be the way forward.”

Asked about gas technology, Phil replied: “We’ve had no real experience of it, except a long time ago with CNG. The problem then was the purity of the gas. We’re trialling MAN’s latest gas bus at both Go North East and Oxford – it’s done well but the jury’s still out.”

Describing how the Group takes its environmental responsibilities seriously, Phil highlighted the ‘Driving Energy Further’ project.

“A key initiative started in the last five years is a Group Energy Forum in association with the Carbon Trust. A representative from each operating company sits on it – it’s all about the hearts and minds and we’ve also trained all our bus drivers in fuel-efficient driving.

If we can get people to switch lights off too , it helps to reduce the energy bills. It’s doing well.

We measure it on a monthly basis via targets for electricity and gas consumption – we have both groupwide and individual operating company targets.

“If for example someone suggests low energy lighting, we evaluate

F2FPhilMargrave.indd 17

May 23, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17

it. We’re currently looking at low energy lighting for car park lighting.

“Our big project is Driving Energy Further, which has a target to deliver a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger journey by 2015. We are pleased to have achieved a 12% reduction so far.

“Driving Energy Further aims to encourage innovation and deliver fresh solutions to the challenge of using fuel more efficiently. It will support our day-to-day efforts to encourage modal shift from the car to bus and rail.”

The Group’s focus for fuel efficiency this year has been on: Reducing the use of traction electricity used to power its electric train fleets through increasing the number of trains capable of regenerative braking.

Traction electricity is responsible for 60% of the Group’s carbon emissions.

Bus fuel-efficiency. GoAhead’s 4,000 buses are responsible for 30% of its carbon emissions. The Group has continued to train its drivers in fuel efficient driving and introduced engine idle shut-down systems to reduce fuel wastage and minimise emissions.

Site energy consumption.

Consumption at its depots and stations accounts for 7% of its carbon emissions.

Future

London Central is no stranger to the ‘green’ agenda - the Go-Green initivative was launched at New Cross Garage in 2008

Phil Margrave: a brief history

Phil Margrave is a qualified professional engineer and has been in the bus industry for 40 years. His career has been being principally with London Transport and its successors, during which time he has been instrumental in several periods of significant change.

In 1989 he became Engineering Director of London Buses’ subsidiary London General, and together with his colleagues was successful in an employee buyout in 1994. The company was subsequently sold to the Go-Ahead Group in 1996 and his responsibilities were enlarged as the engineering director for London Operations encompassing London Central, which was already owned by Go-Ahead. In February 2008, he was appointed Group Engineering Director for the Go-Ahead Group.

Asked what he feels the future holds for the bus industry in technological terms, Phil replied: “Within 10 years I think we’ll predominantly be running hybrids with a smaller number of full electric vehicles, alongside some other technology in between. There are opportunities out there but it’s about ensuring reliability and cost effectiveness. Our Volvo hybrids are on contract maintenance and our ADLs are on contract for the hybrid part.

“There has been massive investment in green technology in the last 10 years. Hydrogen may be the answer but realistically it’s unlikely to be commercially available for 10 years. Manufacturers also need to realise a return on their investments in hybrid.”

Concluding, Phil observed: “It’s great to be in a job you enjoy doing – not only on Monday morning but the rest of the week too.”

Perhaps that sums up Phil – it’s not just a career, it’s a way of life.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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INSIGHT › GO-AHEAD LONDON

Looking ahead to a bright future

Coach & Bus Week’s Andrew Cream visits three Go-Ahead London garages and its head office to learn about its staff, training, engineering, iBus and much more

G

o-Ahead London (GAL) is a unique entity in the Go-Ahead Group family. Comprised of London Central, London General, Blue Triangle and Docklands Buses, GAL is now London’s biggest bus operator, with over 16% market share.

The company employs over 5,600 staff (including over 4,500 drivers) and operates over 1,800 buses from 15 garages running over 100 routes. As well as the multitude of tendered routes, GAL also operates a number of commercial services, rail replacement and private hire contracts, including work for Wimbledon, Chelsea Flower Show, Epsom Derby and www.coachandbusweek.com

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Farnborough Air Show.

GAL’s 15 garages are run by six general managers. Each garage has an operations manager with the larger garages backed up by an assistant operations manager.

Sheldon Malcolm, GAL’s Communications Manager, started life at the company as a driver in 1995. He has since worked as an operations manager for six GAL garages before being appointed to his new role last year. Sheldon also holds the title of Customer Services Manager, a position he took on in 2004. This involves liaising with London Buses over passenger communication and issues involving passengers and staff, but is essentially a sideline to his chief responsibilities.

On life managing garages, Sheldon said: “All garages are run by various policies and procedures which are in place, but managers are free to manage within the guidelines. Each individual has different management styles.”

“I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, but good changes,” he added. “My role as Communications Manager is very different from managing a garage, but it’s interesting.

“80% of our staff are on the road so it’s not easy to communicate with them. It’s the first time the company has had a communications manager. We need to enhance how we communicate. Something was lacking before I was appointed.

“It’s about getting information to staff and informing them

what’s going on. I think staff communication is top of the agenda.

It’s very important.”

Since Sheldon’s appointment, he has implemented a number of changes. A staff website has been set up to inform employees of the latest company news and activities.

The site includes an open forum which is used by staff to bring up any work-related issues. At just over a month old, the forum is already a busy online hub with many topics being discussed.

Digital signage is also currently being put in place at each garage which will display important information for employees.

Sheldon explained that this was just a start. “It’s getting there slowly,” he said. “You can’t build Rome in a day.”

Blue Triangle

GAL’s Blue Triangle depot, which was acquired in 2007, is situated in Rainham, East London.

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Go-Ahead London operates over 1,800 buses with over 4,500 drivers

The garage differs from most of GAL’s central sites due to its open-plan layout, something which is rarely seen in the chock-a-block inner city.

Peter Russell, Blue Triangle’s Operations Manager, was keen to stress the importance of telematics to the depot. He said: “We put a lot of emphasis on telematics. We have put the blue key usage right up. It encourages drivers to think environmentally.”

The blue key is another term for the driver code-plug, and is used to identify drivers and control access to vehicles.

Another way the company as a whole aims to improve telematics scores is through the 500 Challenge.

The 25 ‘greenest’ drivers are entered into a competition at Millbrook Proving Ground in September where the winner wins a Fiat 500.

Sheldon said: “I am looking forward to this year’s 500 Challenge. There is always a

GALondon.indd 19

fantastic level of driving in the final and I am keen to see what our drivers can do.”

He explained that the chance to be part of the challenge really incentivises drivers. Passengers notice less harsh braking and since the challenge was established, the

company has performed better on DQMs (Driver Quality Monitoring) and mystery traveller scores.

Peter also described how wifi is now used to transfer CCTV images off the buses. 80% of the current Blue Triangle fleet are wifi-enabled for this purpose. All new buses have

the technology as standard.

The footage is downloaded off the vehicles when they go through the bus wash each night, as this is the area of the garage with the best signal.

“If you go back seven or eight years CCTV was sketchy but now it’s a requirement,” Peter explained.

“But it does help tremendously – it’s a vital tool for us now.”

A running shift engineer was keen to explain his role at the garage. “I handle maintenance on the buses – doors and ramps etc,” he said. “It keeps them moving and keeps lost mileage to a minimum.”

iBus

Blue Triangle’s iBus hub, the first for GAL, was opened on March 24

Blue Triangle is home to GAL’s first official iBus hub, which controls 30 routes in total.

TfL initially introduced the iBus system in 2006, although it wasn’t rolled out across the city until 2008.

The system primarily serves two main purposes

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INSIGHT › GO-AHEAD LONDON

– delivering passengers next stop and other service information and providing an accurate up-tothe-second map of bus locations.

Operators can then use this information to prevent bunching and determine problem spots.

Blue Triangle’s hub was opened on March 24 this year. As well as its own routes, the iBus team also manages Docklands and Northumberland Park services.

Mohammed Fayaz, Blue Triangle’s Assistant Road Manager, explained the hub makes sure the routes are running to timetable, adding: “It definitely improves efficiency. For example, the GPRS shows immediately if a bus goes off route.”

There are 16 people working shifts at the Blue Triangle iBus hub. GAL employs 157 people in total for its iBus work, including 10 managers.

The company plans to open four hubs centrally, with Bexleyheath up next.

Blue Triangle will be used as a blueprint for future hubs. The room is spacious, making for a pleasant working environment.

Mohammed added: “There’s a lovely atmosphere here.”

Each iBus employee mans two or three screens, with up to eight routes on each screen.

Stockwell’s iBus operation is more confined, but Gill Tyman, GAL’s General Manager for Service Performance, confirmed the company was looking to improve the system across London.

She said: “We’re wanting to move towards the hub format across the company. We will be getting more staff onboard with a much bigger area to work. There is scope to get better. I think with iBus hubs people will get more breaks.”

As iBus is a system put in place

by TfL, some of the desired changes are out of GAL’s hands.

Gill continued: “I would like to see the driver have to do less – I want it to be automated. We have to wait for TfL to implement it.”

On the current progress of iBus, Gill added: “I am quite pleased with the first set of electronic results.

“I’m optimistic it will benefit the passenger at the end of the day.”

Engineering

For a good representation of GAL’s engineering and maintenance facilities, the Camberwell garage is a great place to start.

Compared to Blue Triangle, www.coachandbusweek.com

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Buses are given a full inspection once every 28 days, although essential maintenance is carried out as and when

Sheldon Malcolm, Go-Ahead London’s Communications Manager

“All garages are run by various policies and procedures which are in place, but managers are free to manage within the guidelines.

Each individual has different management styles.”

Sheldon Malcolm Communications Manager

Camberwell is more typical of a London depot. Much of the area is under cover, but perhaps surprisingly, the area is vast, holding 240 vehicles. These buses clock up around 139,000 miles per week. 29 of these buses are hybrids – 13 single-decker Wrightbuses and 16 double-decker Volvos.

A couple of years ago the site was subject to a £4m extension, with the next door car park making way for an engineering workshop.

Robbie Small, Camberwell’s Engineering Manager, explained the expansion means more vehicles can be kept under one roof, thus keeping overheads down.

The garage’s 46 engineers run shifts 24 hours a day. It is the only GAL garage to carry out night servicing. There are 14 servicing stations.

The depot currently has two fuel islands, but the garage is looking to add a third in the near future as new routes have recently been transferred to the depot.

A combination of four-post lifts and sky lifts are used in the servicing area. Robbie explained each type has its advantages: “Fourpost lifts are better for removing wheels but sky lifts are better for inspection purposes. Our four sky lifts are wireless so there is no

trip hazard.

“We’re lucky here because there are some garages in London which only use four-post lifts.”

There is a strong emphasis on training and safety across GAL. Robbie said: “All the guys are flexible – mechanics, electricians and coachbuilders. They all work on the bus at the same time. The skill level has gone up but it’s had to. We run courses on all new technology – increasing people’s skills means better flexibility.”

Health and safety-wise, engineering managers and supervisors gain NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) qualifications, while ongoing training is provided to staff through IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) courses.

Robbie added: “We have a health and safety team talk once a fortnight. We are very keen as a company on health and safety.

“We spend a lot of money on training and risk assessments are carried out frequently. Staff are made very much aware of their part.”

Buses are given a full inspection once every 28 days, although essential maintenance is carried out as and when.

Unsurprisingly, a lot of

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work is carried out on break systems. “I believe London buses are the hardest working vehicles in the world,” Robbie said.

Driver training

Camberwell is also home to GAL’s driver recruitment and training.

The team is led by Keith Wood, Resources Manager. “Our job is to try and manage the staff position in all garages,” he said.

The driver recruitment process involves aptitude tests, English, maths and the Highway Code tests, an interview, assessment drive, basic road skills and trainability assessments. Keith explained it is important to ascertain whether potential recruits take on board advice during the assessment drive, which is undertaken in a Renault Master minibus, to see whether they have the capacity to learn the skills needed to obtain their PCV licence.

He added: “If they choose not to adapt are they going to listen to us in training? Training is expensive, so we need to be sure.”

Drugs tests and medicals are also carried out. “It’s a one stop shop,” Keith explained. “At the end of the day they will know whether they have a job.”

There are a number of hurdles during the recruitment process, meaning Keith’s job isn’t particularly straightforward.

“I have an issue with the DVLA,” he said. “The time it takes for the DVLA to issue provisionals is too long. It’s usually three to four weeks, despite their claim of three days.”

Also, the nature of London tendering presents its own problems.

Keith added: “The demand is such that it is a constant process. There are ups and downs in the tendering process. We’re helped a bit by TUPE but not all the time.”

The company is currently recruiting at a high rate. Since October 2011, 475 drivers have been trained, averaging out at around 65 drivers per month. The normal monthly level is between 30 and 40.

“We are still working at that level and we will be for the next few months,” Keith said. “There are six months between a tender win and running the new routes. If you want to recruit and train 100 drivers it’s not a lot of time.”

Training usually takes between four and six weeks, depending on how quickly drivers adapt to a larger vehicle. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Certain milestones are expected to be achieved during the process.

“There are hurdles to jump,” explained Keith. “We sometimes ask of certain trainees, ‘Can you see some light at the end of the tunnel?’”

Occasionally trainees don’t finish the process, with about 80% going into the garages.

“Training doesn’t end here though,” he continued. “The mentoring process at the garages eases them into garage life. New recruits go with an experienced driver for about a week – it eases them into the job.”

Believe it or not, the economic doom and gloom can be of use to operators somewhat. High unemployment gives GAL a greater pool of potential drivers to choose from. The firm takes on around 80 people per week for initial assessment, with about 10 to 15 of those sent into training.

As well as driver training, Camberwell also runs a dedicated training centre for driver CPC qualifications. With the deadline

Go-Ahead:

the Olympics

Resources Manager Keith Wood is also heavily involved in GoAhead’s Olympics work. GAL will be providing 600 buses in total, 290 of which will be for LOCOG, transporting the media and the like around the events. It is also providing 120 drivers to Weymouth for the sailing events, along with fellow Go-Ahead subsidiary Go South Coast.

“Essentially we will be a subcontractor for Stagecoach,” Keith explained. “The commitment from our own resources is quite significant.”

Gill Tyman explained big events are something the company can plan to some extent, along with demos and roadworks. “We have been planning for months and months for the Olympics,” she added.

Stockwell garage uses pits for servicing while Camberwell utilises bus lifts

The driver training centre is currently training about 65 drivers per month

looming, this is becoming an increasingly important matter.

GAL’s driver CPC training has been running for three years. Each year the company puts all of its drivers on one course. Year one saw the drivers learn about the importance of telematics. “It was an integral part of improving our performance level,” said Keith.

Vehicle inspections was year two’s topic, while year three looked at the consequences of accidents and cycle awareness.

Keith added: “All the courses have been very well received by the staff and it’s given them some useful skills.

“I think it’s made a real difference to the staff so far. We need to think about what is next.”

Highlighting the overall importance of Keith’s department, he quipped: “It’s big business. We like to call it the engine room.”

Stockwell

Despite being square instead of long, GAL’s Stockwell garage is of a similar size to Camberwell. Another major difference is the garage’s reliance on pits for servicing, as opposed to Camberwell’s bus lifts.

Turning to driver management, Assistant Operations Manager (AOM) Kastriot Gashi explained what his role entailed: “It’s about managing staff; including attendance, performance and responding to problems. I also deal with driver sickness and return to work interviews.”

Kastriot considered what makes his job interesting: “It’s the difference I make to people. Drivers appreciate what you have done f or them.”

He was also keen to highlight the importance of telematics: “We have a high level telematics system.

We’re currently looking at ways to make it more interesting. Keeping people interested and motivated is very important.”

Paul Coyle, Operations Manager, joined Go-Ahead Group as a graduate trainee in 2005. He went on to roles as AOM at Merton and Stockwell garages and was promoted to Operations Manger at Peckham before taking up his post at Stockwell.

“The job is very fast paced,” Paul said. “There is a lot of admin work but I try and mix up the day by seeing as many staff as I can.

“The key to the job is being organised and efficient. This goes for staffing issues as well

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INSIGHT › GO-AHEAD LONDON

The Camberwell garage has 29 hybrids - 13 single-decker Wrightbuses and 16 double-decker Volvos as garage management.

“We have all got a part to play, making sure we work well as a management team. We review it constantly all together to perfect issues. I do find it rewarding.”

Engineering training

In addition to its sizeable depot, Stockwell also houses the company’s training facilities, headed up by Engineering Training Managers Ian Saich and Gerry Fleming.

As well as engineering, they deal with management and financial training – basically everything apart from duties handled by Camberwell. Although in recent years the company has decided to buy in a lot of its training.

GAL’s apprentices are also managed here. Apprentices gain their NVQs through four days of garage experience and one day at the College of North West London each week, over a three-year period.

There are currently 18 apprentices working at GAL – five first years, seven second years and six third years. Ian estimated apprenticeship training costs the firm £2m each year, so it cannot be taken lightly.

For next year, starting in July, 61 candidates have been interviewed www.coachandbusweek.com

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for six apprentice positions.

Due to the nature of the working climate, both Ian and Gerry attend many refresher courses on certain aspects of the business, having recently completed courses on heath and safety and forktrucks.

“We’re learning as and when, keeping up with the latest developments,” said Gerry.

“60% of what we do is geared around apprentices,” he said. “They are sent round the main sites four weeks at a time, working with different mentors on different vehicles. They get involved from day one; they’re in the thick of it.”

“We aim to be the best at what we do. We have got a very experienced and capable team, but London is a challenging place to operate in.”

David Cutts Operations director

Go-Ahead London’s training facilities include every aspect of engineering

Even though there are some restrictions on what under 18s can do in the workplace, for example, not being able to start before 0700hrs, it doesn’t stop the company from choosing them.

There are currently a couple of firstyear 16-year-olds on the scheme.

Gerry said: “There is quite a wide spectrum of ages. Some of the younger ones have a lot of ability as well.”

Along with the more typical apprentice training aspects, all engineers have to pass their PCV test. They are also set projects, researching topics like IOSH and tendering. “This is important as they learn about how we work as a business, learning all aspects of the company,” Gerry explained.

The trainees are also put on work placements at various companies including Volvo Truck and Bus in Croydon, Carwood in Coventry, Wright Bus in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and ADL in Guilford and Falkirk.

Ian concluded: “The role of the apprentice is changing. You have to be computer literate with an analytical mind. It’s a much more skilled job.”

Operating in London

Go-Ahead London was established in South London and runs its operations from a head office in Merton. The company’s recent acquisition of Northumberland Park depot from First has aided its expansion into North London.

The acquisition included all staff at the garage. Sheldon commented: “We are keeping everyone on at Northumberland Park at the moment and we will review its progress in due course.”

Operations Director David Cutts gave an overview of the company and what it’s like to operate in London: “We aim to be the best at what we do. We have got a very experienced and capable team, but London is a challenging place to operate in. We are very pleased with what we have achieved.”

One of the challenges comes from the difficultly of growing in a regulated environment. “We are flexible and resilient,” David added. “We are not looking to grow just for the sake of it – it’s about maintaining and improving quality we have got.

“London Buses will always want competition. They don’t want a monopoly in any one part of the city.”

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IN THE REGIONS

Strength through diversity Coach & Bus Week’s Alex Tyler takes a look at the subsidiaries which make up the Go-Ahead Group

G

o-Ahead has regional operations in Oxfordshire, South East, Southern and North East England. True to the group’s nature, each has a high degree of management autonomy, mirrored by a unique livery.

Some, which have been operating since horses were the pinnacle of transport technology, are local institutions and under the blanket of Go-Ahead continue to provide services tailored to their communities.

GO-AHEAD LONDON

London Central and London General were formed in 1989 in preparation for the privatisation of London Buses Limited and were subsequently acquired by Go-Ahead In 1994 and 1996.

Go-Ahead London comprises London Central, London General, Blue Triangle and Docklands Buses. The operation has recently incorporated First London East’s Northumberland Park bus depot in Tottenham, which adds around 400 employees and 130 buses to GoAhead London operations as well as 13 TfL contracts including route 67 from Wood Green to Aldgate, route 476 Euston to Northumberland Park and a number of school contracts.

After this acquisition, Go-Ahead’s share of the London bus market rose to 23%, with a fleet of around 1,800 buses running from depots in Belvedere, Bermondsey (Mandela Way), Bexleyheath, Camberwell, www.coachandbusweek.com

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Merton, New Cross, Peckham, Putney, Rainham, Silvertown, Stockwell, Sutton, Waterloo and Wimbledon (Waterside Way).

The company is renowned for the provision of rail replacement bus services on behalf of Southern and Southeastern and for London Underground and London Overground Rail.

The majority of the routes are operated under five or seven year contracts with Transport for London (TfL) awarded under a rolling tender programme. The company is also contracted to operate a small number of routes for Essex and Surrey County Councils. In 2011 the company launched an intranet site accessible by all employees and has been developed to keep all staff informed of issues affecting the company.

MD PROFILE: John Trayner has been Managing Director since 2006. He joined the Group in 2002 as Operations Director of London Central/General having previously held senior positions at Arriva London. He has been in the transport industry for 35 years.

GO NORTH EAST

FACT FILE

Revenue: £290m Nature of Business: Regulated Geographical Area: Central London, South London, East London Approx Passenger Journeys: 362m Number of Employees: 4,761 Total Fleet Size: 1,814 Contact: 020 8545 6100 www.go-ahead-london.com

Go-Ahead London MD John Trayner - vast London experience

Originally formed as Go-Ahead Northern by Martin Ballinger and Chris Moyes during the privatisation of the National Bus Company (NBC) in 1987, the company would later expand and go on to become what is now the Go-Ahead Group.

Operating through two divisions, North Division and South Division, Go North East is the largest bus operator in the North of England.

Its fleet of 631 buses and coaches provide local services in and around

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Above: Go North East MD Kevin Carr. Left: The business he heads up is big on individual branding pricing of ‘Cheap Day Return’ travel along with an advanced e-commerce sales bureau.

Go North East is perhaps best known for its local branded bus routes which not only aim to encourage community pride but increase passengers and market share. High profile brands such as ‘Red Arrows’, ‘Angel’ and ‘Red Kite’ offer new, high quality travel experiences for an increasing number of customers whilst the ‘Tyne Tees Link’ provides regional express links.

The company has built upon its localised transport initiatives with the opening of three new ‘micro depots’ with dedicated staff and vehicles.

MD PROFILE: Having worked at Go North East for over 35 years, Kevin Carr was appointed Managing Director in January 2012. Read his ‘Face to Face’ interview on p32.

FACT FILE

Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Northumberland, Durham, Teesside, Sunderland and the surrounding areas.

The company enjoys successful partnerships in both the private and public sector, including Cobalt Business Park, MetroCentre shopping centre, The NPower Rainton Gate development, the high profile ‘Quaylink’ operation in Newcastle and Gateshead and the East Gateshead Quality Bus Partnership.

Go North East also runs coach contracts on behalf of National Express. The company recently had

GAGRegions.indd 27

two VolvoB9/Caetano Levantes delivered which join three Volvo B12B/ Plaxtons, and nine Scania/ Caetano Levantes.

The coaches operate from Chester-le-Street depot with 34 drivers and three technicians and has its own coaching co-ordinator, long serving Tony Brown who has been with the company 46 years this August.

The coaches operate on the following services: 326 Cambridge, 332 Swindon, 380 Bradford, 530 Paignton, 531 Plymouth, 580 Liverpool.

The company has the largest accessible bus fleet outside of London and has pioneered an Easy Access Wheelchair Guarantee which offers a complimentary taxi to disabled passengers if an accessible bus was not provided or the ramp was not working. It is leading the modernisation of ticketing in the North East with ‘the key’ smartcard project whilst working with Metro and other bus operators to deliver a fully integrated system. Other fares marketing projects have included local ‘Low Flat Fare’ and market

Revenue: £89.3m Nature of Business: Deregulated Geographical Area: Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Northumberland, Teeside Approx Passenger Journeys: 72m Number of Employees: 2,032 Total Fleet Size: 631 Contact: 01914 205 050 www.simplygo.com

METROBUS Formed through a management buyout of Tillingbourne (Metropolitan) Ltd. in 1983, and acquired by the Go-Ahead Group in 1999, Metrobus runs local services in and around Crawley and throughout parts of Sussex, Surrey and Kent, as well as tendered services for TfL in

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IN THE REGIONS

Croydon and Orpington. 75% of Metrobus operations are in London and the TfL league tables, which report operator performance on a range of punctuality and reliability measures, consistently place Metrobus among their highest achievers.

Metrobus operates the acclaimed Fastway service which connects Gatwick airport, with Crawley, Horley and Redhill through a network of dedicated bus lanes and guideways which shorten journey times and avoid traffic hotspots. Fastway 10 is one of the most successful night services outside a major city, running a 24-hour service to Gatwick airport so customers have an alternative to the car whenever they travel.

On the company’s non-TfL services all buses are fitted with GPS tracking equipment which allows services to be controlled more accurately. For passengers it means all routes are on the realtime information system which they can access online. Many bus stops are also fitted with bus stop information screens.

Metrobus was among the first UK bus operators to use Facebook as an extra tool to communicate with passengers. The company’s page now has around 12,500 ‘fans’.

It is also one of a growing number of bus companies where all vehicles are low floor, providing easier access for those with buggies and wheelchairs.

The average age of Metrobus’s fleet is only 5.6 years, substantially below the industry average and the Government’s industry target of eight years.

MD PROFILE: Alan Eatwell has been Managing Director since 2001 and was previously the Group’s Engineering Director. Alan has almost 40 years experience in the bus industry and successfully participated in the management buy-out of Brighton & Hove.

FACT FILE

Revenue: £80.4m Nature of Business: Regulated/ Deregulated Geographical Area: South East London, Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex Approx Passenger Journeys: 77m Number of Employees: 1,425 Total Fleet Size: 481 Contact: 01293 449 192 www.metrobus.co.uk

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Metrobus crosses the regulated boundary, running TfL services and its traditional provincial local bus operations

Wilts & Dorset MD Andrew Wickham (right) launching ‘the Key’

GO SOUTH COAST After Go-Ahead purchased Southern Vectis and Solent Blue Line in 2005, the group combined these operations with its existing subsidiary Wilts & Dorset to form Go South Coast.

SOUTHERN VECTIS: Originally founded when the Southern Railway bought the Vectis Bus company in 1929, the company runs services throughout the Isle of Wight and operates primarily out of a central depot

in Newport, with several smaller depots located around the island.

After a management buyout, and seeing off the competition following deregulation in 1986, the company became and remains the dominant operator on the island.

As the principal operator of bus services on the Isle of Wight, Southern Vectis serves the needs of the island’s residents with a comprehensive network, and caters for the huge influx of visitors throughout the tourist season.

The company runs tourist and leisure services, notably the Island Breezer open top tours from four

separate locations, with the Needles tour said to be ‘Britain’s most spectacular bus service’. It also operates three themed roadtrains at Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin.

The company has developed a strong partnership with the Isle of Wight Council and operates school contracts on its behalf.

Southern Vectis recently launched an initiative to encourage the switch from car to bus. The ‘Really Green Car Scrappage Scheme’ allows residents to swap an old car, scooter, moped or van for a ticket to use their bus network for 12 months. In return Southern Vectis has pledged to scrap every vehicle it takes in, removing cheap cars from the local market and ensuring there really is a switch from car to bus.

SOLENT BLUE LINE LTD: Solent Blue Line Ltd, which trades predominantly as Bluestar, is one of the main inter-urban bus operators in southern Hampshire.

The company was initially formed as a subsidiary of Southern Vectis under the name Musterphantom Ltd in 1987 as the company sought to expand onto the mainland.

In 2006, Solent Blue Line acquired Southampton-based coach operator Marchwood Motorways, which provides both UK and continental services. In 2008 Bluestar began

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operating the popular UniLink service - the University of Southampton’s bus service.

The ‘Bluestar 1’ route between Southampton and Winchester has seen an investment of £1.5 million in new branded buses, and won the award for Bus Marketing Campaign of the Year at the 2009 UK Bus Awards.

In 2008 the company introduced a BusIT scheme in partnership with Hampshire County Council and Wilts and Dorset, encouraging young people to use buses for school journeys.

WILTS AND DORSET: Founded as Wilts and Dorset Motor Services Limited in 1915 and purchased by Go-Aead in 2003, Wilts & Dorset is one of the leading operators on the South Coast. It has introduced highly popular night services for Friday and Saturday nights in the Bournemouth and Poole area, giving those out late a reliable and safe journey home. Investment of over £2.4 million in specially branded easy access buses serving the Isle of Purbeck have proved very popular with customers, and the the open top route from Bournemouth to Swanage has shown a significant increase in ridership. Working with Traveline and the Borough of Poole, the company uses an innovative text-message service to provide passengers with up-to-the-minute timetable information.

The company also manages two coach firm subsiduaries Damory Coaches and Tourist Group.

Officially registered as Hants & Dorset Motor Services Limited, Damory Coaches provides coach hire and a number of rural bus services in Dorset with several routes run jointly with South West Coaches.

Tourist Group, which trades under Southern Coach Hire, is comprised of Bell’s Coaches, Kingston, Levers and Tourist Coaches and operates in Salisbury and South Wiltshire, providing a coach hire service and programmes of day tours and mini-breaks.

Based at Eastleigh, Wilts and Dorset also manages Hants and Dorset Trim, which specialises in vehicle refurbishment and repair.

Its extensive facilities enable work to be carried out ranging from re-upholstery through to major bodywork and accident repairs, with vehicle painting touted as a speciality.

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MD PROFILE: Andrew Wickham was appointed Management Director in December 2011. Previously he had been Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus since December 2009, when Go-Ahead acquired the business.

Before that he was Operations Director at Go South Coast and also spent three years working for Go-Ahead as its Development Manager. Andrew joined the bus industry in 1987 working for Brighton Borough Transport Ltd and was at London General when Go-Ahead acquired the company in 1995.

FACT FILE

Revenue: £75.5m Nature of Business: Regulated Geographical Area: Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Southampton Approx Passenger Journeys: 40m Number of Employees: 1,493 Total Fleet Size: 730 Contact: 01202 680 888 www.bluestarbus.co.uk www.islandbuses.info www.wdbus.co.uk

BRIGHTON & HOVE Brighton & Hove was established in 1884 as Brighton, Hove and Preston United Omnibus Company and has been part of the Go-Ahead Group since 1993.

The company operates out of three depots, Conway Street, Whitehawk and Lewes Road with Conway Street serving as the company headquarters with three outstations in Newhaven, Eastbourne, Uckfield and Durrington.

The company runs 40 separatelynumbered standard routes with an additional six night bus routes

and 23 school bus routes. During 2005, the company took over many routes previously operated partly or entirely by Stagecoach Group, notably the Coaster services 12 & 13 to Seaford and Eastbourne.

In 2002, three special routes were introduced from the city centre to popular countryside locations on the South Downs.

These routes receive subsidies for weekends and bank holidays and also receive funding from the National Trust. The company often uses its fleet of six open-top buses on these routes during the summer, although usually only two are used with the roofs removed and three are used for sightseeing around the city, with one as the ticket office.

Brighton & Hove also operates the City Sightseeing Brighton tour using two convertible East Lancs Lolynes and an open-top East Lancs Cityzen.

The company consistently invests in new technology including Euro engines; clean air exhaust systems; GPS tracking and next stop displays and announcements.

It was also one of the first bus companies to fit its entire bus fleet with on-board CCTV cameras and works in partnership with

Roger French, MD of Go-Ahead’s Brighton & Hove opration

A Scania OmniCity double decker fom the Bighton & Hove fleet

Sussex Police under its Employer Supported Special Constable scheme whereby two bus company employee’s work as Special Constables for part of their working week.

Brighton & Hove works closely with the rail company Southern and First Capital Connect to promote integrated bus and rail travel between London and Brighton through the PLUSBUS scheme as well as exclusive Southern SAVER and First Capital Connect SAVER tickets.

MD PROFILE: Roger French has been Managing Director of Brighton & Hove since the company was purchased

by Go-Ahead in 1993. He joined Brighton & Hove in 1982 and as general manager he was part of the Company’s management buy-out.

Roger received an OBE in 2005 for his services to public transport and an Honorary MA degree from Brighton University in 2007. His story has been published in a highly recommended book entitled ‘Pride and Joy: My Amazing 25-year Journey with Brighton & Hove Buses’, the proceeds of which were donated to charity in memory of Roger’s wife.

FACT FILE

Revenue: £50.2m Nature of Business: Deregulated Geographical Area: Brighton, Hove, Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells, Steyning, Shoreham Approx Passenger Journeys: 47m Number of Employees: 1,087 Total Fleet Size: 325 Contact: 01273 886 200 www.buses.co.uk

OXFORD BUS COMPANY Able to trace its history back to the introduction of horse drawn trams in 1881, The Oxford Bus company was sold to Go-Ahead in 1994 and maintains a comprehensive network of local bus services in and around Oxford under five distinct brands. The local buses in and around Oxford fall under the “City” brand name and the company also provides coach services from Oxford to central London, and to Gatwick and Heathrow airports with the X90 and Airline routes.

It runs the popular Park & Ride service, connecting five car parks at the edge of the city to

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IN THE REGIONS

the city centre, and the BrookesBus network of services in partnership with Oxford Brookes University.

More than 85% of vehicles are fitted with air conditioning or air chill equipment and all vehicles are fitted with GPS tracker, which provides real-time information at bus stops. A recent survey conducted by Passenger Focus revealed that Oxford Bus has one of the higher passenger satisfaction rates in the UK. The company has invested extensively in smartcard technology and now fewer than 50% of passengers pay for their travel on-bus with more than 45,000 smartcards now in circulation.

Oxford Bus uses particulate traps to improve emissions from diesel engines, and this policy has continued with recent deliveries being to Euro 5 or the higher EEV standard. In 2011, the company took delivery of 17 hybrid dieselelectric double deck buses which operate all journeys on the Oxford Park & Ride system.

A partnership made possible under the 2008 Local Transport Act has allowed services to be coordinated on four corridors between Oxford Bus and Stagecoach with the approval of Oxfordshire County Council and smartcard ticketing has been made inter-available between operators.

This has resulted in a reduction of up to 25% in the number of buses in some environmentally sensitive streets in central Oxford, whilst service frequency and capacity has been maintained.

In 2011, Go-Ahead acquired Thames Travel based in Wallingford, Oxfordshire which was placed under the management of Oxford Bus Company (OBC).

Thames Travel currently operates around 43 buses in the South Oxfordshire and West Berkshire area. Thames Travel has a proud tradition of providing high quality services to the local community and operates a mix of commercial bus services and local bus contracts.

When Go-Ahead purchased the small bus business Carousel based in High Wycombe in March 2012, it was also placed under the management of Oxford Bus Company. Carolusel operates around 50 buses in the Wycombe area and runs services to Heathrow Airport, Uxbridge, Chesham and Watford. The company also operates a mix of commercial bus services and school bus contracts.

Though Thames Travel and Carousel share OBC MD Phillip Kirk, both are run as independent businesses with local management teams in place. As with the Go-Ahead ethos, they retain their local identity.

MD PROFILE: Philip Kirk has been Managing Director since 2001, having joined the company in 1995 shortly after it was acquired by Go-Ahead. He has 30 years experience of managerial and technical positions in bus companies, and is chairman of the Oxford City Centre Management Company FACT FILE

Revenue: £34.3m Nature of Business: Deregulated Geographical Area: London, Heathrow and Gatwick Approx Passenger Journey: 17m Number of Employees: 559 Total Fleet Size: 163 Contact: 01865 785 400 www.oxfordbus.co.uk

horse trams to the Plymouth, Stonehouse and Devonport areas.

The company, purchased in 2009, is Plymouth’s principal bus operator and runs a comprehensive network of services in and around the city.

In addition to bus services, the company also operates Citycoach, which provides complete coach tours, coach trips and private hire packages to individual customers as well as corporate clients. Its vehicles operate in mainland Europe and inside the UK, taking customers on trips to London theatre, Alton Towers and on city tours.

Similarly to Wilts and Dorset, the company maintains a refurbishment business Car and Commercial, which maintains vehicles for a wide range of fleet operators, both in the private and public sector. Car and Commercial

PLYMOUTH CITYBUS Plymouth Citybus was formed in 1986 to take over the operations of Plymouth City Council Passenger Transport Department but its origins can be traced back to 1892 when its predecessors introduced

Richard Stevens: Plymouth MD has extensive South West expeience

also refurbishes buses for other operators and undertakes MOT tests for private cars.

The company, like its fellow subsidiaries, has invested in a new key ticketing system touted as the first ITSO scheme in the area, and provides an easier method of payment which includes online purchases and renewals. The fleet is fitted with a GPS vehicle location system, which provides real time departure information for passengers and control staff.

Though most of the network is operated commercially with no public financial support, the company is renowned for its close partnership with the local authority, to improve and maintain best practice for buses in the city.

This is furthered by its work with local schools, with the Dennis Dart project, in which a Dennis Dart bus visits local primary schools, helping to teach Key Stage 1 children to use buses safely, and other useful citizenship topics.

MD PROFILE: Richard Stevens was appointed Managing Director in May 2012.

Richard has more than ten years’ senior experience of working in the bus industry in the South West of the UK. Previously, Richard served as an Operations/Commercial Director for Stagecoach South West and was Operations Director

Go-Ahead’s Oxford Bus Company achieves passenger satisfaction rates among the highest in the UK

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for First Devon and Cornwall.

Prior to that he held a number of managerial roles in Devon and Cornwall and began his transport career in 1990 as a bus driver.

FACT FILE

Revenue: £18m Nature of Business: Deregulated Geographical Area: Plymouth Approx Passenger Journeys: 14m Number of Employees: 462 Total Fleet Size: 160 Contact: 01752 662 271 www.plymouthcitybus.co.uk

KONECTBUS: Established in August 1999

by Commercial Director Julian Patterson and current MD Steve Challis, konectbus was acquired by Go-Ahead in March 2012.

The company provides services for much of the Dereham, Watton, Wymondham and Swaffham areas and provides links to local towns, Norwich and the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. Most routes run at least hourly on weekdays with frequent services in and out of Norwich city centre along Dereham Road and Earlham Road.

The company runs buses from Costessey, Thickthorn and Harford Park & Ride sites on the A47 Norwich Southern By-pass into the city centre for Norfolk County Council.

The firm’s entire front-line fleet is low-floor and is also equipped with GPS tracking, making it among the most punctual bus operators in Norfolk.

FACT FILE

Revenue: £4.3m MD: Steve Challis Nature of Business: Deregulated Geographical Area: Norwich, Swaffham, Dereham, Walton, Wymondham Approx Passenger Journeys: 3m Number of Employees: 85 Total Fleet Size: 50 Contact: 01362 851 210 www.konectbus.co.uk

HEDINGHAM OMNIBUSES Essex-based Hedingham Omnibuses is one of Go-Ahead’s most recent acquisitions, having purchased the company in March 2012. The company has an established relationship with the local communities, having operated

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Go-Ahead’s Hants & Dorset Trim can undertake extensive refurbishment in the area for almost a century.

Hedingham Omnibuses was founded by Aubrey Ernest Letch shortly after serving in World War I. With his parents’ help and trading under his own name, it started as a coach hire company, but gradually expanded as Letch started running bus services to Braintree and Sudbury on market days. He bought a competing business from P W Finch of Castle Hedingham in 1935 and in the 1950s, he further expanded the business with routes to Gestingthorpe, Pebmarsh and Halstead.

In early 1960, Letch retired due to ill health and sold his company, which was renamed Hedingham and District Omnibuses. The company acquired other operations, including Blackwells of Earls Colne, C & R Coach of Little Tey, Jennings of Ashen, Kemps Coaches of Clacton-on-Sea, W Norfolk and Sons of Nayland, Wents of Boxford, Freemans Coaches and G W Osborne of Tollesbury.

Hedingham operates 86 buses and it principally operates a mix of school and local bus contracts and commercial routes, employing 90 staff across five depots at Clacton, Hedingham, Kelvedon, Sudbury and Tollesbury.

FACT FILE

MD: Robert MacGregor Nature of Business: Deregulated Geographical Area: Clacton, Hedingham, Kelvedon, Sudbury, Tollesbury Approx Passenger Journeys: 1m Number of Employees: 90 Total Fleet Size: 86 Contact: 01206 769 778 www.hedingham.co.uk

ANGLIAN BUS In April 2012, Anglian Bus was sold to the Go Ahead Group. In the Group’s best tradition, the Anglian livery and brand, staff and routes were retained and the management team remain unchanged, apart from founders David and Christine Pursey who retired after 31 years.

Their son Andrew remains as MD. The company, Anglian Bus and Coach, was formed in 1981 and began with a small fleet of coaches operating on private hire and school contracts. In 1999, the firm was awarded its first bus service contract by Norfolk County Council, route 580 between Diss and Great Yarmouth.

Further contracts were won in

subsequent years from the County Council and the resulting growth saw the company move to Beccles Business Park, where it constructed a purpose built garage on 5 acres (20,000m2) of freehold land, where both operation and administration matters are carried out. A full VOSA MOT test lane is incorporated within the premises. This main operating base is fully equipped to undertake all maintenance and defect rectification in house with a fully skilled engineering task force operating from 0500 until midnight daily.

Further tendered bus services were won, from both Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, following the relocation to Beccles and in 2003, Anglian Bus and Coach established its first commercial bus service, the 588 from Halesworth to Norwich. As a result of continued growth in local bus service, the coach side of the business was gradually reduced and eventually ceased in 2002. The company changed its name from Anglian Bus and Coach, to Anglian Bus. In 2004, a second depot was opened on Rackheath Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Norwich to cope with the increasing number of buses operated in and around Norwich City Centre. The garage at Rackheath is smaller than the Beccles garage but is self contained with its own operations, driving and engineering staff.

The company now has a fleet of 66 modern buses with an average age of six years, over 83% of the bus fleet are Euro 3,4 or 5 emission compliant and over 91% are low floor.

Many of the buses are fitted with CCTV with a display screen inside the bus and most buses are fitted with driver telematics, with a program in place to implement these systems fleetwide.

Furthermore, all buses operating in Norfolk are fitted with the “BusNet” tracking equipment enabling the company to ensure timetable compliance as far as possible.

FACT FILE

MD: Andrew Pursey Nature of Business: Deregulated Geographical Area: Suffolk Coast, Norwich, Yarmouth, Lowestoft Approx Passenger Journeys: 2.5m Number of Employees: 133 Total Fleet Size: 66 Contact: 01502 711 109 www.anglianbus.co.uk

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FACE TO FACE › KEVIN CARR

Kevin is an intelligent man with an eye for detail but he’s also approachable and friendly with it

Full forward gear Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans talks to Kevin Carr, who has recently been appointed Managing Director at Go North East, having worked his way up from the sharp end

K

evin Carr is clearly an intelligent, well-educated man. He may bear a likeness facially to a former Prime Minister but Kevin’s feet are firmly embedded in terra firma.

He’s not the sort of person who could be easily swayed. Having worked his way up from the sharp end as an engineering Apprentice, he benefits from the sort of nuts

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and bolts detailed knowledge someone who’s been fast tracked through higher education will forever be the poorer. Significantly, Kevin has combined on the job experience with multiple academic degrees.

Far from being a ‘blood out of stone’ type, which can test the patience of even the most experienced journalist, he’s easy to talk to and to this end is happy to enjoy a chuckle or two. Rightly proud to hold his position, he will

be forever grateful to his forefathers in the company – following in the footsteps of such acclaimed industry figures as Martin Ballinger, Chris Moyes and Peter Huntley.

History

Kevin started his bus industry career in 1975 at Stanley depot as an Apprentice Automotive Electrician with what was then Northern General Transport Company Limited.

“After completing an HNC in

mechanical engineering, I was offered the role of Technical Assistant at Northern General, which I started in January 1982,” he said.

“I did that for two years, having attended college throughout that time. I graduated to the position of Assistant Engineer, reporting to the Engineering Director. I went to Sunderland University to study for a BSC in Management.”

Kevin’s hard work, dedication and ability had not gone unnoticed by the firm’s senior management.

Kevin continued: “A year later, in 1985, I was asked to meet the Managing Director, Martin Ballinger.

He advised me the company were looking to raise engineering management standards and had I thought about becoming Chartered Mechanical Engineer, naturally I did, so I started a BEng degree, which included mechanical and electrical engineering.

“I continued doing both degrees at the same time. It was difficult but exciting. The company provided

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NAME: Kevin Carr AGE: 53 POSITION: Managing Director EMPLOYER: Go North East CONTACT: 0845 6060 260 www.simplygo.com many opportunities for me along the way. For two years from 1990 I held the post of Works Engineering Manager of the Central Works. I completed my BSc in 1990 and my BEng in 1991.

“Chris Moyes interviewed me on completion of my degree courses and asked which direction I wanted to go, general management or engineering? I said I wanted to expand my horizons and he replied that an opportunity existed for me at what was then known as ‘VFM Buses’, a 60-vehicle operation with a staff of 200 and a £6-8m turnover.

At the same time he said he’d like me to do an MBA. I started that in 1991 and completed it in 1994.

VFM was also a valuable learning curve. I was appointed a Director of the business in 1994.

“In the same year I was given the opportunity to look after Go Coastline as well as VFM. Looking after both businesses was a good challenge. Then, in 1995 I was offered Go Gateshead, so at that point I was Director and General Manager of three North East subsidiary companies.

“At the time, the Group Directors, had relocated their offices into Newcastle city centre and Paul Matthews was Managing Director, but with one or two issues over differing standards of engineering across North East Subsidiaries, Alan Eatwell, the then Group Engineer, suggested I be given responsibility for engineering. In 1997 I was appointed Operations Director, responsible for all traffic and engineering activities within Go North East reporting directly to the MD which I did until February 2012.”

As ever, Kevin lived life firmly in the fast lane. “In the meantime I became a Chartered Engineer in 1992 and a Chartered Director at the Institute of Directors in 2003.

On attainting Director status I felt it was vital I understood all the responsibilities.”

Reflecting on his current position, Kevin said: “I’m really proud to have had the opportunity to progress within one company and now to have become MD. Its early days but they’re exciting times. It’s a challenge but it’s also a great opportunity.

“I’ve done virtually every job in the company and I’ve worked at all the garages. I’ve gained valuable experience through practical and academic means. It’s been a good long hard slog but it’s all been exciting.

“My goal as an Apprentice was

F2FKevinCarr.indd 33

to become Chief Engineer. After the first year at the Apprentice Awards in 1975/6, there were 100 Apprentices in the company. Four years later, when I won Apprentice of the Year, that figure had dropped to only 30. Back then the company was part of the National Bus Company (NBC). I sat on a number of NBC committees.

“I consider myself to have been very fortunate – it’s not just a case of ability but also being in the right place at the right time. I will be forever grateful.”

Personal

“I’m a keen sportsman,” Kevin enthused. “I play for the Durham and Cleveland County Squash team. Now aged 53, I play veteran squash. I also play golf and scuba dive… in warm waters. I got my scuba diving qualification in Oban during February. The water was so cold I could hardly feel my fingers.

People talk about sky diving, but drift diving is the equivalent under water, it’s very relaxing.”

Living in Northumberland, he said he can enjoy a 20-minute commute to head office “on a good day, or up 50 when the traffic’s bad”.

He’s married and has a 25-year old daughter, who’s entering the world of education as a trainee teacher.

Service Delivery

Asked how he intends to make his mark on the company, Kevin replied swiftly: “It’s not going to be a revolution – it’s evolution.”

“Peter did a lot of hard work.

I want to grow the business through acquisition, organic growth with existing brands and explore opportunities where other operators leave the market,” he explained.

“I also want to continue the development of our brands, fares, and the presentation of drivers and vehicles alike. It’s vital to present the right package to our customers.”

On the subject of brands, Kevin said he doesn’t believe the five-year product lifecycle should be set firmly in stone. The company’s services are categorised into A, B and C. ‘A’ routes include the fast, frequent, core network, with good revenue margins; ‘B’ routes comprise local services; while class ‘C’ is made up of contracts and miscellaneous.

“We currently have over

Above: Kevin is a keen advocate of customer service, a vital aspect in bad weather. Below: GNE’s more traditional post-deregulation livery

50 brands, all different, some successful some not so,” he continued. “We speculate to accumulate – and that philosophy won’t change.”

Turning to the all too current issue of Quality Contracts (QCs), Kevin was short and to the point: “What Nexus and the ITA should have said was QCs are the last resort. Partnerships developed jointly, can provide a solution which all stakeholders can benefit from, as long as all stakeholders contribute accordingly and the partnership is focused on providing a better service for the customer. Retention and attraction of customers is vital to our business, and service quality and innovation are a must.”

As outlined elsewhere in this issue, GNE is set to benefit from an impressive investment programme in both vehicles and facilities.

“We’ve got a lot of projects going on at the moment,” explained Kevin.

“28 new double-deckers are due to arrive by September this year, 15 of which will be Hybrids and the remainder conventional diesel Euro 5 vehicles.

“Going forward, we’re trying to obtain planning approval for a new Gateshead depot. Once it’s received, we’ll go out to tender and select a developer. All being well, we hope to have a new operational depot by the end of 2013.

“It will allow two depots to be merged – Winlaton and Gateshead – which will give us lots of efficiencies and it will also allow us to move towards night maintenance, a long standing ambition. As a result, we can reduce the spare vehicle requirements. While the challenges include night supervision, I feel it’s worth it.

“Ultimately the plan is for four super depots – we already have one at Deptford. Gateshead will be the second, followed by one in Chesterle-Street and then one in the Percy Main area of North Tyneside. This means we’ll have a super depot positioned in each corner of our operating area, with satellite outstations.

“At the moment the problem is we’re using depots built in the 1900s. We can’t do night maintenance as they’re too cramped – the vehicles have to be kept inside and therefore movements are restricted.”

The new Gateshead depot will have a capacity for 160 vehicles.

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FACE TO FACE › KEVIN CARR

double-deckers and midibuses.

“Equipment inside will include Stertil and Skyjack lifts, plus inground ramps, so hopefully we can improve efficiency. There will be no pits however, except within the VOSA ATF lane,” explained Kevin.

“It will also benefit from LED lighting and rain harvesting, in addition to ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) on the entrance, which will improve security.”

Investment in People

Kevin comes across as the sort of individual who views people as people – rather than mere roll numbers.

“We’ve got around 2,100 staff. In the main, relationships are good, our road performance is good and there’s camaraderie in the North East. If we don’t get staff working together, we’ve failed.

“We promote occupational health – we employ the equivalent to two nurses, one full-time and two parttime. We do a lot of promotional work on matters such as health checks for drivers and healthy eating. We also look at initiatives to get people back to work sooner by early intervention. We get some muscular-related sickness and to this end we’ve got a contract with a local physiotherapy firm.

“It works well – I think our staff, appreciate it. The Occupational Nurses treat all discussions as strictly confidential but they do advise us if there’s a general issue among the workforce. We also have our own training facilities at Gateshead.”

Turning to the issue of recruitment, Kevin said: “Depending on what level you are recruiting at, there are basically, three ways to do it – employ graduates trainees, promote or develop internally or advertise and outsource.

“I have to say we use all three mediums depending on what position we are recruiting for. For example, on engineering we’ve have 21 Apprentices at the moment and we’ll be taking on five more this year. The reason is we’ve got a demographic ‘time bomb’, with a number of engineers in their 50s some retiring sooner, some later.

We’re changing the apprentice training to enable them to become multi-skilled rather than specialist mechanical or electrical engineers.

We’re exploring the possibility of upgrading existing staff to technicians. To this end we’re talking to IRTEC. We plan to do it on a www.coachandbusweek.com

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Kevin believes camaraderie at work is vital – if staff don’t work together, the service can fall apart

Kevin Carr:

a brief history

Kevin has worked at Go North East for over 35 years in varying roles and has taken up the position of Managing Director as of February 1 2012. A Chartered Director and Chartered Engineer, Kevin brings a wealth of experience to the senior team. voluntary basis for current staff but there will be a financial incentive.

Doing so will give us increased efficiencies, but I’m under no illusions it will be a slow process.”

Kevin admitted frankly: “The problem we’ve had is stability. I know it sounds odd but we’ve had it for so long people have not moved on, and hence opportunities have not opened up for staff to progress their careers. David Brown is keen to share best practice and opportunities within the group.”

This will hopefully open doors and allow movement.

Turning to the company structure, he explained: “We have three directors – an Operations Director (OD), a Commercial Director and a Finance Director. The OD is responsible for engineering and traffic to remove the traditional divisions between the two. I believe it’s important for people not to have too great span of control, so the OD has an Operations Engineer and Manager reporting in to him/her.

The Commercial Director, designs

the network, markets it, plans it and provides all the social media interfaces with the customer. A sort of Design and deliver approach.

“Depot managers are in charge of a number of Service Delivery Managers (SDM). Each SDM is responsible for a brand(s) depending on the PVR (Peak Vehicle Requirement) and a team of 90 – 100 drivers. S/he has to achieve KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and reports on reliability, punctuality and performance. The role also involves ticket checking but it’s principally about ensuring the service meets customer expectations. We try to encourage and support staff rather than always take the hard line. The SDM knows the drivers better than anyone else in the company.

“Service Delivery Supervisors (SDS), they are predominantly based in bus stations or in radio control rooms. They’re control-focussed, advising customers and regulating services, including advising drivers of all on the road matters.

“Next are Leading Drivers (LD) – we don’t have spare drivers as such, any driver failures or duties to be covered are undertaken by LDs.” In the firm’s best tradition, Kevin is passionate about customer service. “SDMs are the key in terms of delivering a good service to our customers. That focus and structure is vital to the business. There are a number of companies who do it. I needn’t name them I think we all know who they are.”

On bus cleanliness, a matter which is often highlighted by users

across the UK, Kevin commented: “One of the things on the service delivery agenda is improving bus cleanliness. We’re working with our contractor, which currently serves five of our seven depots, to have all our cleaning undertaken by a third party. Our buses are cleaned at terminals – a sweep and a quick mop out if required.

“The things to consider are: What do we do now? What differentiates us from the next operator? We’re looking at many innovations, to improve the customer experience, whether it be, media systems, improved seating, next stop announcements, smart card offerings, improved links or even improved vehicle ventilation.

“Customers are different now – they no longer just jump on the first bus which comes along. They work different hours, and have different needs – we’ve got to accommodate their lifestyles. The trick is not to make it too complex – Commercial Director Martin Harris’ team do a great job.”

Conclusion

As we prepared to bring matters to a close, Kevin commented: “I suppose like many I’ve had opportunities to move around, and have turned down offers for a variety of reasons.

However, I have to say the Group have been good to me over the years, my colleagues around the group have been very supportive and my recent appointment is a proud achievement – it won’t be for the want of not trying if I don’t deliver.”

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THE BIG PICTURE

In common with many of its fellow Go-Ahead Group operating companies, konectbus is no stranger to the UK Bus Awards.

The Norfolk-based operator has a reputation for quality and being responsive to the needs of its customers. Perhaps a prime example of the firm’s winning formula is the KonectExpress 8 route, which links Toftwood with Norwich railway station, via Dereham and the city centre. The service was started as recently as September 2009, running every two hours with leather-seated Optare Tempos. Such is its success, carrying around 8,000 passenger journeys a week, it now operates every 30 minutes and hourly on Sundays. Pictured here is one of five brand new leather-seated ADL Enviro 400s, which entered service in January this year on the route. Fleet number 606 (SN61CZW) is seen picking up passengers at Toftwood. Back to the fleet, the Tempos have been cascaded onto other routes. konectbus currently operates 10 Enviro 400s, a quintet having also been delivered new in 2010. As this issue went to press, it was revealed another five are on order and due for delivery this year.

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OPERATOR UPDATE › GO NORTH EAST

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OPERATOR: Go North East LOCATION: Gateshead CONTACT: 0845 6060 260 www.simplygo.com www.sayyesnow.co.uk

GNE – a dynamic north eastern pro�it centre Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans talks to Commercial Director Martin Harris and Marketing & Sales Manager Stephen King about the latest developments at Go North East

F

amous for its plethora of route-specific liveries and dedication to customer service, Go North East (GNE) is widely regarded as being in the bus industry’s premier league – alongside the likes of trent barton, Bournemouth Yellow Buses and Norfolk Green. Yet behind all the apparent razzmatazz, a team of highly knowledgeable, enthusiastic and dedicated people passionately drive the business forward with aim of continuously improving the customer experience. So what’s the latest news and developments?

CBW was fortunate to spend time with two of the commercial team’s leading lights.

GNE Battling Against Re-regulation

As recently reported in CBW, Nexus and the Integrated Transport Authority (ITA) is proposing to take control of Tyne and Wear’s bus services through so-called ‘Quality Contracts’ (QCs). However, GNE is not alone in believing QCs do not offer the best way forward, but the operator is a firm advocate of Quality Partnerships (QPs).

Commercial Director Martin Harris took up the story: “It was presented to us operators as a wellprepared bolt out of the blue. Nexus said a QC was the answer, while

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Above: Martin Harris. Left: GNE’s striking brands promote instant recognition, as seen on this Citaro a QP might be a consideration.

Clearly, passions have run very high. While some in Nexus and local authorities can be rather dispassionate about buses, for us these are businesses which we’ve worked years for.

“We’ve been around for 100 years and employ 2,200 staff and although we’re part of Go-Ahead Group we remain very local. We want to continue being passionate about what we do – we enjoy innovating and have a real desire to continue serving our customers better. All that could be lost for what Nexus sees as a commodity delivered via contracts.

“We got into gear and proactively decided to involve staff and customers to lobby – hence the launch of our Charter for

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Positive Change.

“If you look at the economic challenges facing the region, coming at bus operators with QC proposals is divisive at a time when in every other aspect of business and government life there has been a recognition of the need for closer partnership working.

“We’ve gone about lobbying local MPs, particularly underlining the threats to staff terms and conditions and the results a QC would bring. We’ve demonstrated we can deliver bus services in imaginative new ways with QPs. Afterall, QPs don’t represent woollyminded motherhood and apple pie solutions – they’re about achieving clear specific commitments from all parties, achieved through hard negotiating and encapsulated in formal agreements and structured processes.

“QPs can be tough if done properly but it’s a way of building on the energy of collective strengths.

Between the three directors here at GNE (the Operations Director role is currently vacant), we’ve got 85 years of experience – never mind all the experience in our company.

The idea some training courses will equip people at Nexus House is laughable.

“We wanted customers involved because we were confident they would see common sense. With the Passenger Focus survey having shown there was 90% satisfaction, we were confident our customers would say ‘yes you’re doing a great job but there is room for improvement’.

“At no stage have we suggested the status quo be maintained.”

“Our charter takes our experiences of the East Gateshead and South Tyneside QP and builds on those – in addition to taking it further than any other QP agreed to date. What we did in East Gateshead was to penalise ourselves with the introduction of the Improvement Fund (IF).

“It will involve politicians and real customers on panels for each route group – in stark contrast to the Nexus approach which would see all decisions and consultation in the hands of politicians. No disrespect to them but they won’t have the specialist knowledge.

“We’ve launched a big PR campaign called ‘Say Yes Now’. Our website includes means for our customers to quickly and easily pass on their views to the relevant politicians. We’ve enjoyed a lot of www.coachandbusweek.com

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Above: A taste of things to come? GNE runs a Nexus-branded bus on route 32, which operates under contract to the ITA. Below: Stephen King

“We’re constantly thinking of new things. We compile daily sheets of suggestions. The challenge this year is maintaining our growth. ” Stephen King Marketing and Sales Manager

2013 20% 28

The year GNE will celebrate its centenary

The percentage growth in key card users in a year

The number of new doubledecker buses on order for delivery this year

success to date.”

On perhaps a more positive note, Martin said: “Encouraged by Nexus, bus operators have formed the North East Bus Operators Association (NEBOA). Chaired by Kevin Carr, it’s very much a case of all operators get a say. It’s a broad range of operators, some 20 in all.

It includes the ‘big groups’ as well as the small family businesses who are even more concerned because well-run long-established operators could be wiped out overnight.”

However, Martin said NEBOA has been pushing for Nexus to provide more information on their case to support QCs. “Despite the absence of information, NEBOA felt there appeared to be a headlong need for a decision by the end of June, which for such a major event, is extremely serious.

“However, in recent weeks there seems to be something of a mood swing – whether it’s due to our campaign we don’t know but there now certainly appears to be a willingness to talk seriously about QPs or an alternative.

“Throughout the process we’ve believed the financial pressures facing local authority expenditure in every other area were coming home to roost – not least for those councils facing the burden of supporting the Metro, which amounts to 50% revenue subsidy.

“We’ve also been lobbying throughout the region because of the impact on cross-boundary journeys and seem to have gained some recognition of those efforts.”

Somewhat philosophically, Martin observed: “While all that’s been rumbling on, talented people

have been getting on with real work.”

Highlighting two members of his team, Martin said Stephen King is now Marketing and Sales Manager.

“Stephen has really driven forward the introduction of the key smartcard. It has 75,000 users in the region – in addition to having among the highest ENCTS (English National Concessionary Fares Scheme) smartcard users in England. He’s also developed the m-ticketing facility, the take up for which has been very encouraging to date. Building on that is ‘key lifestyle’, which for example includes a discount on cycle and car hire.”

Andrew Tyldesley heads up the commercial team. “He’s got a brain the size of a small planet,” noted Martin. “He’s got huge analytical skills coupled with a vast amount of experience – from Shearings to OK Travel. When GNE bought OK, he was one of the assets. Andrew is responsible for the network designs.”

Vehicles, Investment & Branding

New Wright-bodied Volvo B9s are on order for the Red Arrow, which will make it 100% low-floor double-decker. According to Martin, this service has seen “impressive growth.”

The X9/X10 Tyne Tees Express routes are currently operated by refurbished ex London Wright Gemini-bodied Volvos. New Wright Gemini2-bodied Volvo B9s are due in the autumn. On-board facilities will include WiFi and Martin said the firm is also “looking to do a bit extra on seating, but we don’t want to do full leather. It will definitely increase the quality of the service.”

“It competes well against the train in terms of both journey time and cost. It runs along the A19 dualcarriageway, and we want to attract more motorists out of their cars, hence the decision to include power points on-board,” he added.

Red Arrow will also benefit from WiFi and Audio-Visual (AV) technology. The latter will be provided by locally-based Cyberline, which will update in real-time.

15 Wright-bodied Volvo hybrids are also due for the Angel, which links Durham with Newcastle.

“It will be very different to both the current and previous Angels,” Martin revealed. “We do look to refresh brands – both the Highwayman Loop and Prince Bishop will be done in the coming months, but they will

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be recognisable.

“Customer feedback shows colour is latched onto by them.

While there is a case for product lifecycles, there’s also a strong reason for not throwing away a recognised brand. Pink Angel doesn’t have the same strength now and ‘green’ buses are also a hint.”

“Red Kites will be refreshed too – we’ll retain the birds but the colours will change. It’s the only bus brand I’ve seen mentioned in The Times,” he mused “We’re also looking to invest further in double-deckers. Route 10 Hexham to Newcastle, a former Arriva service, will convert from being fully single to 100% doubledeck. We plan to cascade MercedesBenz Citaros to Crusader branded routes as part of commitment to the South Tyneside QP. “From this summer we’re refreshing the way timetables look too, with new styles and maps.

We’re going for a simpler, cleaner appearance. It’s a lot of work when you operate over a hundred routes.”

Martin said the firm is also recognising the “slow, stress slow,” move to mobile and to a certain extent to web. However, he said the need for printed timetables and fares information will remain for a good number of years yet.

“We’re keen to show the public our fares too. We already display them on our bus rears and produce the Money Saving Guide. The latter helps customers to fathom the pricing structure, just as they would any other product or service.”

defend us,” smiled Stephen.

“We also answer timetable queries using Facebook. We’ve got a daily reach greater than the Newcastle Journal. “Increasingly we’re providing a multi-channel customer service, including live chat with a senior manager or director, in addition to the customer service team and traditional telephone and email.

“We always try to have an element of interest in there for motorists. Since the last two winters, we have attracted a number of car users onto our Facebook page. We like to remind them of our existence.”

Reeling off a host of impressive statistics, Stephen said GNE boasts 42,000 followers on Facebook, 72,000 key card users and a 71,000name marketing database.

“It’s great when it works but challenging when it does not,” he added. “We’re now realising the benefits of social media. We still use it for service updates. It’s manned at weekends – we treat it like a dedicated customer service channel.”

Asked whether his customer prefer Twitter or Facebook, Stephen replied: “I’d compare it to Windows and Apple – the world’s divided. Twitter tends to be more direct service information, whereas Facebook is chatty.”

GNE has developed its own mobile phone app, as Stephen explained: “There are loads of transport apps out there but they tend to only do single things such as RTI. “We started with a blank canvas.

At the time we’d just launched a mobile version of our website. The question was if we’ve got that, do we really need an app? Our app tries to bring it all together in one place – smartcard top up and route plotting, where users can find their nearest bus stop for the next departure to their destination.

“The big thing we brought to it was live notifications, which is us pumping our information rather than RTI. It’s synced with Twitter.

What you end up with is the nearest bus stop, route and stop on Google maps, next scheduled departure and service updates. It also contains a traffic light indicator to show the

Technology Matters

Stephen King has a background in buses, having been with GNE since he left school.

“I started as a Traffic Clerk at Chester-le-Street depot and I’ve been here at head office for past 16 years,” explained Stephen.

“I’ve still got two years left of my Young Bus Managers Network membership,” he mused.

“I’ve seen lots of changes. In the last few years the key was a pilot of the new ITSO age. Now it’s around, when you talk to people outside the bus industry, they are aware of our initiatives, as indeed they are about how we talk to our customers. Our Customer Services Team incorporates all platforms.

One guy spends all day on Facebook answering queries. Facebook is instant market research – it’s belt and braces. It’s both positive and negative. It’s great when people www.coachandbusweek.com

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Above: New Wright Volvo B9s will replace the current B7s on the X9/10.

Below: GNE proudly supports the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal

service level – although touch wood, we’ve never had to use red.”

Mobile phone ticketing, better known as m-ticketing, was introduced at the end of last year.

It provides yet another platform for GNE customers. They can buy tickets and show their phone to the driver or buy and load to their key card.

QR codes have also been introduced. “In typical GNE fashion, we added them with minimal fuss a year ago,” explained Stephen. “The idea of QR codes is a funny one.

They’re excellent in that they can take people straight to a website but I remain to be convinced as I feel the niche has yet to be found.”

Turning to the important market segment that is young people, Stephen said: “45,000 key cards are used by students and young people. We did a lot of research on changing child fares. We talked to youth groups. The result was the introduction of flat fares at peak times for all under 18s. It carries a lot of risk but they are the future of our business and they’re also a vulnerable age group.”

In a further example of GNE attempting to gain organic growth through modal shift, Stephen said a new Match day key deal for Sunderland FC season ticket holders is being introduced in time for next season.

“Match day traffic plays havoc with bus service reliability and the promotion gets them into the habit of using the key,” he said. “It will cost £50 for a season’s worth of match day travel.”

Looking to the future, Stephen enthused: “We’re constanstly thinking of new things. We compile daily sheets of suggestions. The challenge this year is maintaining our growth. The key numbers have increased 20% in a year. We’re marketing it heavily at the moment.”

Centenary Celebrations GNE celebrates its centenary next year. “We want to make it different,” said Martin. “There will be stuff here for enthusiasts but we don’t want it to be all retro. We’re going to publish three books – one on social history, a traditional bus history book and one for children.

We’re planning to be involved with a number of events at the North of England Open Air Museum at Beamish. We’ll hold staff parties and hold local events. We want our centenary year to be something staff can be proud of.”

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FLEET PROFILE

Anglian Bus has a variety of Scanias - including this Omnicity

One of Go-Ahead London’s ADL Enviro400s

Independent identity for Southern Vectis on this Scania Omnicity DD

Brighton & Hove coaching unit’s Irizar Century-bodied Scania

Go-Ahead’s technicolour vehicle fleet James Day compiles a fleet profile for the entire Go-Ahead Group, based on information supplied by the operators. As you can see, the group runs a heavily varied fleet, emphasised by the number of acquisitions it has made where existing vehicles have remained www.coachandbusweek.com

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A

ccording to the supplied figures, Go-Ahead Group has a 4,551-strong fleet of buses and coaches, the largest proportion of these are run

by Go-Ahead London, with 1,814 under its control. Vehicle ages range from brand new to having first registration in 1939.

Notable in the figures is the spread of the ex-London bendybuses, the Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530Gs, which appear across several Go-Ahead operators. Clearly they have found a new lease of life with the group, as discussed by Phil Margrave in his Face to Face interview this week (p14).

If you would like more detailed fleet information, many of the divisional operations listed here have an enthusiasts section on their websites, which you can be found through www.go-ahead.com/ ourcompanies/bus.aspx

ANGLIAN BUS

66 Vehicles 1 Alexander ALX400 Dennis Trident (1999) 4 Alexander ALX400 Dennis Trident (2000) 1 Dennis Javelin 1 Optare Excel 2 (2000) 3 Optare Solo (2001) 5 Optare Solo (2004) 1 Optare Solo (2008) 2 Optare Solo Slim (2007) 10 Optare Solo Slim MAN (2007) 2 Optare Solo Slim MAN (2008) 2 Optare Tempo (2006) 3 Optare Versa MAN (2008) 2 Optare Versa Mercedes-Benz (2010) 3 Optare Versa Mercedes-Benz (2011) 1 Plaxton Dennis Javelin (1991) 8 Scania Omnicity (2003) 4 Scania Omnicity (2008) 2 Scania Omnilink (2007) 1 Scania Omnilink (2008) 5 Scania Omnilink (2011) 2 Volvo Olympian (1997) 2 Wright Floline Scania L113 (1997) 4 Wright Streetlight (2010)

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TOP BODY MANUFACTURERS:

1 2

Wright (937 Vehicles) Plaxton (809 Vehicles)

3 4

ADL (673 Vehicles) East Lancs (460 Vehicles)

5

Optare (418 Vehicles)

A Scania Omnicity double decker from the Bluestar fleet

28 MCV Evolution ADL Dart 1 MCV DD Volvo B9TL 6 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530G 50 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530N 2 Northern Counties Palatine 2 Volvo Olympian 40 Optare Esteem ADL Enviro200 54 Optare Olympus ADL Enviro400 1 Optare Solo 7 Park Royal Routemaster AEC 84 Plaxton Pointer 2 ADL Dart 6 Plaxton President ADL Trident 2 295 Plaxton President Volvo B7TL 9 Scania Omnicity Scania N230UD 13 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 1 Wright Eclipse Gemini VDL VDL 313 Wright Eclipse Gemini Volvo B7TL 31 Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 Volvo B5LH 275 Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 Volvo B9TL 36 Wright Merit DAF SB120 9 Wright Streetlite WF Wright Streetlite WF

GO NORTH EAST

Mercedes-Benz Citaros run Go North East Diamond branded services

BRIGHTON AND HOVE

325 Vehicles 7 Alexander ALX400 Dennis Trident 2 (1999) 1 East Lancs Cityzen Scania N113DRB (1998) 7 East Lancs Lolyne Dennis Trident 2 (1999) 19 East Lancs Lolyne Dennis Trident 2 (2000) 18 East Lancs OmniDekka Scania N270UD (2007) 18 East Lancs OmniDekka Scania N94UD (2003) 28 East Lancs OmniDekka Scania N94UD (2004) 20 East Lancs OmniDekka Scania N94UD (2005) 24 East Lancs OmniDekka Scania N94UD (2006) 1 ECW Bristol KSW6G X 1 (1953) 1 Irizar Century Scania K114IB (2003) 1 Irizar Century Scania K114IB (2004) 1 Irizar Century Scania K114IB (2005) 1 Irizar Century Scania K114IB (2008) 3 Irizar PB Scania K340EB4 (2008) 1 Irizar PB Scania K340EB4 (2009) 4 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530G (2002) 4 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530G (2004) 10 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530G (2008)

1 Park Royal AEC Routemaster (1965) 6 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (1996) 2 Plaxton Pointer Dennis MPD (1999) 8 Plaxton Pointer Dennis MPD (2000) 24 Plaxton President Dennis Trident 2 (2001) 12 Plaxton President Dennis Trident 2 (2002) 13 Scania Omnicity Scania CN270UD (2008) 18 Scania Omnicity Scania N270UD (2009) 7 Scania Omnilink Scania UB4x2LB (2008) 2 Transbus Pointer 2 Transbus MPD (2002) 1 Wright Gemini Volvo B5LH (2010) 1 Wright Gemini Volvo B5LH (2011) 21 Wright Gemini Volvo B9TL (2011) 20 Wright Gemini Volvo B9TL (2012) 19 Wright Renown Volvo B10BLE (1998)

GO-AHEAD LONDON

1814 Vehicles 220 ADL Enrivo200 289 ADL Enviro400 3 ADL Enviro400 Volvo B9TL 21 ADL Pointer 2 ADL Dart 14 East Lancs Myllennium Scania N94UB 5 East Lancs Omnidekka Scania N94UD 1 Marshall Capital ADL Dart

631 Vehicles 1 Alexander ALX300 Volvo B10BLE (1998) 4 Alexander Mini Pointer Dennis Dart (2004) 2 Alexander Mini Pointer Dennis Dart (2005) 2 Caetano Compass Dennis Dart SLF (1999) 9 Caetano Levante Scania K340EB (2008) 2 Caetano Levante Volvo B9R (2012) 1 Caetano Nimbus Dennis Dart SLF (2000) 27 East Lancs Lolyne Dennis Trident (2000) 18 East Lancs Vyking Volvo B7TL (2002) 8 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530G (2004) 10 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530G (2008) 2 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530N (2006) 9 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530N (2007) 44 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530N (2008) 9 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530N (2010) 12 Northern Counties Paladin LF DAF SB220GS (1997) 7 Northern Counties Palatine 1 Volvo Olympian (1996) 10 Northern Counties Palatine 1 Volvo Olympian (1997) 28 Northern Counties Palatine 1 Volvo Olympian (1998) 23 Northern Counties Palatine 2 Volvo Olympian (1998) 10 Optare Solo SR (2011) 2 Optare Solo SR Hybrid (2011) 16 Optare Versa V1110 (2009) 9 Optare Versa V1110 (2010) 20 Optare Versa V1110 (2011) 1 Plaxton Concept 2000 Volvo B6BLE (2005) 14 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dennis MPD (2000) 2 Plaxton Panther Volvo B12B (2004) 2 Plaxton Panther Volvo B12B (2005) 2 Plaxton Paragon Volvo B10M (2001) 1 Plaxton Paragon Volvo B12M (2002) 1 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (1998) 1 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (1999) 1 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (2001)

1 Plaxton Premier Volvo B10M (1996) 1 Plaxton Premier Volvo B10M (1997) 3 Plaxton Premier Volvo B10M (1998) 7 Plaxton President Dennis Trident (2001) 35 Plaxton President Volvo B7TL (2000) 4 Plaxton Prestige DAF SB220GS (1998) 4 Plaxton Prestige DAF SB220GS (1999) 8 Plaxton Super Pointer Dennis Dart (1998) 22 Plaxton Super Pointer Dennis Dart (1999) 11 Plaxton Super Pointer Dennis Dart (2000) 41 Scania Omnicity Scania CN230UB (2007) 8 Transbus Mini Pointer Dennis Dart (2001) 26 Transbus Mini Pointer Dennis Dart (2002) 25 Transbus Mini Pointer Transbus Dart (2003) 8 Transbus Super Pointer Dennis Dart (2001) 11 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2003) 13 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2004) 5 Wright Eclipse Volvo B7RLE (2004) 3 Wright Eclipse Gemini Volvo B7TL (2005) 4 Wright Eclipse Gemini Volvo B7TL (2006) 7 Wright Eclipse Gemini Volvo B7TL (2011) 6 Wright Merit VDL SB120 (2004) 19 Wright Renown Volvo B10BLE (1998) 22 Wright Renown Volvo B10BLE (1999) 36 Wright Renown Volvo B10BLE (2000) 25 Wright Solar Scania L94UB (2001) 15 Wright Solar Scania L94UB (2002) 38 Wright Solar Scania L94UB (2004) 5 Wright Solar Scania L94UB (2006) 4 Wright Solar Fusion Scania L94UA (2001)

GO SOUTH COAST

Including Southern Vectis, Bluestar, Wilts & Dorest and other. 730 Vehicles 6 ADL Enviro400 Scania CN230UD (2010) 1 ADL Enviro400 Volvo B7TL (2006) 3 Alexander Strider Volvo B10B (1994) 1 Autobus Nouvelle Mercedez-Benz (2000) 1 Autobus Nouvelle Mercedes-Benz 711D (1995) 4 Beulas Stergo Iveco Eurorider (2005) 1 Bova Futura DAF (1998) 1 Caetano Algarve Dennis Javelin (1997) 1 Caetano Algarve Volvo B10M (1995) 1 Caetano Algave II MAN (1995) 1 Caetano Enigma Dennis R (2003) 1 Caetano Enigma Dennis R (2004) 2 Caetano Levante Scania CN230UB (2007) 1 Caetano Levante Volvo B9R (2011) 1 Caetano Nimbus Dennis Dart SLF (2001) 2 Duple Dennis Javelin (1989) 2 East Lancs Volvo Olympian (1995) 8 East Lancs Lolyne Dennis Trident (1999) 2 East Lancs LoLander DAF DB250 (2005) 8 East Lancs Myllenium Vyking Volvo B7TL (2001) 3 East Lancs Myllenium Vyking Volvo B7TL (2002) 13 East Lancs Myllenium Vyking Volvo B7TL (2005) 2 East Lancs Myllennium Dennis Dart SLF (2006)

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FLEET PROFILE

Brighton & Hove’s heritage ECW-bodied Bristol KSW6G

A Go North East Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini-bodied Volvo

One of the first new generation Plaxton Scanias on the Oxford ‘airline’ link

A Metrobus Plaxton Pointer-bodied Dennis Dart SLF

2 East Lancs Olympus Scania CN230UD (2008) 5 East Lancs Omnidekka Scania N94UB (2003) 2 East Lancs Omnidekka Scania N94UB (2004) 1 East Lancs Omnidekka Scania N94UB (2005) 12 East Lancs Omnidekka Scania N94UB (2006) 13 East Lancs Pyoneer Volvo Olympian 1 ECW Bristol K (1939) 6 Ikarus Blue Danube DAF SB3000 (1997) 1 Ikarus Blue Danube DAF SB3000 (1998) 1 Ikarus Blue Danube DAF SB3000 (1999) 1 Ikarus CitiBus DAF SB220 (1994) 2 Ikarus CitiBus DAF SB220 (1996) 3 Ikarus CitiBus DAF SB220 (1999) 7 Irizar Century Scania K114EB (2004) 1 Jonckheere Volvo B10M (1995) 2 Jonckheere Modulo Volvo B7R (2002) 13 Leyland Olympian (1989) 5 Leyland Olympian (1990) 5 Leyland Olympian (1991) 1 Leyland Olympian (1998) 4 Marcopolo MAN (1999)

1 Optare Solo M880 (2004) 2 Optare Solo M880 (2005) 2 Optare Solo M880 (2007) 8 Optare Solo M880 (2008) 3 Optare Solo M920 (2002) 1 Optare Solo M920 (2003) 6 Optare Solo M920 (2006) 2 Optare Solo M950 (2003) 4 Optare Solo M950 (2004) 3 Optare Solo M950 (2006) 4 Optare Solo M950 (2007) 9 Optare Solo M950 (2008) 2 Optare Solo SR (2009) 1 Optare Spectra DAF DB250 (1994) 6 Optare Spectra DAF DB250 (1995) 3 Optare Spectra LF DAF DB250 (1998) 3 Optare Spectra LF DAF DB250 (1999) 7 Optare Spectra LF DAF DB250 (2000) 8 Optare Spectra LF DAF DB250 (2001) 4 Optare Spectra LF DAF DB250 (2002) 4 Optare Spectra LF DAF DB250 (2003) 5 Optare Tempo (2006) 4 Optare Tempo (2007) 3 Optare Visionaire Scania CN230UD (2009)

2 Mercedes-Benz Touro (2003) 1 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530G (2002) 37 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530N (2006) 7 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530N (2007) 1 Northern Counties Paladin Volvo B10B (1993) 9 Northern Counties Palatine Leyland Olympian (1993) 9 Northern Counties Palatine Volvo Olympian (1995) 1 Northern Counties Palatine Volvo Olympian (1996) 12 Northern Counties Palatine Volvo Olympian (1998) 7 Northern Counties Palatine 2 DAF DB250 (1995) 1 Northern Counties Palatine 2 Volvo Olympian (1997) 8 Northern Counties Palatine 2 Volvo Olympian (1998) 1 Optare Solera (1999) 15 Optare Solo M850 (1998) 48 Optare Solo M850 (1999) 4 Optare Solo M850 (2000) 3 Optare Solo M850 (2002) 1 Optare Solo M850 (2003) 3 Optare Solo M850 (2004)

1 Plaxton Dennis Javelin (1989) 1 Plaxton Excaliber Volvo B10M (1993) 6 Plaxton Excaliber Volvo B10M (1998) 2 Plaxton Excaliber Volvo B10M (2001) 2 Plaxton Panther Dennis R (2001) 6 Plaxton Panther Dennis R (2002) 1 Plaxton Panther Volvo (2001) 1 Plaxton Paragon Volvo B10M (1995) 5 Plaxton Paragon Volvo B10M (2001) 1 Plaxton Paragon Volvo B12M (1996) 6 Plaxton Paragon Volvo B12M (2002) 7 Plaxton Paragon Volvo B12M (2003) 1 Plaxton Paragon Volvo B7R (2005) 2 Plaxton Paramount Volvo B10M (1990) 2 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart (1995) 3 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (1995) 2 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (1996) 1 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (1997) 1 Plaxton Premier Volvo B10M (1994) 2 Plaxton Premier Volvo B10M (1997) 4 Plaxton Premier 320 Dennis Javelin (1998) 1 Plaxton Premier 320 Dennis Javelin (2000) 2 Plaxton Premier 320 DAF SB3000 (1998) 3 Plaxton Premier 320 DAF SB3000 (1999)

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FLEET PROFILE

A 1977 Leyland National continues to earn its keep with konectbus

ADL Enviro400H double decker in disinctive Oxford park and ride livery

A Thames Travel ADL Enviro 200 seen in Oxford

Plymouth Citycoach’s Plaxton Paragon Volvo B10M

1 Plaxton Premier 320 Volvo B10M (1994) 2 Plaxton Premier 320 Volvo B10M (1997) 3 Plaxton Premiere 350 DAF SB3000 (1996) 1 Plaxton Premiere 350 Volvo B10M (1993) 3 Plaxton Premiere 350 Volvo B10M (1995) 3 Plaxton Premiere 350 Volvo B10M (1996) 5 Plaxton Premiere 350 Volvo B10M (1997) 1 Plaxton Premiere 350 Volvo B10M (1998) 2 Plaxton Premiere 350 Volvo B10M (1999) 1 Plaxton Premiere 350 Volvo B10M (2000) 8 Plaxton President Volvo B7TL (2000) 1 Plaxton President Volvo B7TL (2001) 9 Plaxton President Volvo B7TL (2002) 3 Plaxton Verde Volvo B10B (1995) 16 Scania Omnicity CN230UD (2008) 16 Scania Omnicity CN230UD (2009) 17 Scania Omnicity CN270UD (2008) 11 Scania Omnicity CN270UD (2009) 1 Scania Omnicity CN230UB (2006) 9 Scania Omnicity CN230UB (2008) 2 Scania Omnicity CN230UB (2011) 1 Transbus Mini Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (2002) 12 Transbus Mini Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (2003) 2 Transbus Mini Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (2004)

5 ADL Enviro400 Dennis Trident 2 (2011) 1 Leyland National (1977) 3 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530G (2004) 5 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530G (2008) 5 Optare Excel 2 L1180 (2000) 2 Optare Solo M920 (2002) 6 Optare Tempo X1200 (2005) 1 Optare Tempo X1200 (2006) 4 Optare Tempo X1200 (2007) 1 Optare Tempo X1200 (2008) 2 Optare Tempo X1200 (2009) 2 Optare Versa V1110 (2008) 3 Plaxton President Volvo B7TL (2000) 5 Wright Pulsar Gemini VDL DB250PF (2005)

14 Transbus Mini Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (2005) 3 Transbus Pointer 2 Dennis Dart SLF (2004) 1 UVG Dennis Javelin (1994) 4 VanHool Alizee HE DAF MB230 (1993) 1 VanHool Alizee HE DAF MB230 (1994) 4 VanHool Alizee HE DAF SB3000 (1994) 2 VanHool Alizee HE DAF SB3000 (1995) 2 VanHool Alizee HE DAF SB3000 (1996) 1 VanHool Alizee HE DAF SB3000 (1997) 14 VanHool T9 Alizee Volvo B12M (2002) 3 VanHool T9 Alizee DAF SB3000 (2000) 5 VanHool T9 Alizee DAF SB4000 (2003) 2 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2001) 10 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2002) 2 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2004) 2 Wright Cadet DAF SB120 (2007) 5 Wright Eclipse 2 Volvo B7RLE (2012) 39 Wright Eclipse Urban Volvo B7RLE (2004) 4 Wright Eclipse Urban Volvo B7RLE (2005) 1 Wright Solar Scania K230UB (2009)

KONECTBUS

50 Vehicles 5 ADL Enviro400 Dennis Trident 2 (2010)

METROBUS

481 Vehicles 16 ADL Enviro20D B25F (2011) 15 ADL Enviro200 B26F (2011) 6 ADL Enviro200 B29D (2007) 3 ADL Enviro200 B29D (2011) 3 ADL Enviro200 B34D MAN 14.240 (2009) 6 ADL Enviro20D B38F (2012) 2 Alexander ALX200 Dennis Dart SLF (1999) 6 Alexander Pointer 2 Dennis Dart SLF (2004)

18 Caetano Nimbus Dennis Dart SLF (2001) 21 East Lancs Esteem Dennis Dart SLF (2006) 5 East Lancs Esteem MAN 12.240 (2007) 23 East Lancs Esteem Scania Omnitown (2006) 54 East Lancs Omnidekka Scania N94UD (2003) 4 East Lancs Omnidekka Scania N94UD (2005) 46 East Lancs Omnidekka Scania N94UD (2006) 6 East Lancs Omnidekka Scania N230UD (2007) 1 Marshall B12D Dennis Dart 9.8SDL (1995) 3 Marshall B14D Dennis Dart SLF (2001) 1 Marshall B16D Dennis Dart 9.8SDL (1995) 15 Marshall B25F Dennis Dart SLF (2002) 15 MCV Evolution MAN 14.240 (2009) 30 Optare Olympus Scania N230UD (2009) 2 Optare Solo SE (2006) 1 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (1996) 5 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (1997) 4 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (1998) 7 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (1999) 6 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (2000) 2 Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart SLF (2003)

www.coachandbusweek.com

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May 23, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 49

1 Scania Omnicity CN230UB (2002) 24 Scania Omnicity CN230UB (2003) 13 Scania Omnicity CN230UB (2005) 2 Scania Omnicity CN230UB (2007) 17 Scania Omnicity CN230UB (2008) 14 Scania Omnicity CN230UB (2009) 4 Scania Omnicity CN230UD (2008) 17 Scania Omnicity CN230UD (2009) 5 Scania Omnicity CN230UD (2010) 1 Scania Omnicity CN230UD (2011) 3 Scania Omnicity CN94UB (2003) 5 Scania Omnicity CN94UB (2005) 40 Transbus Pointer 2 Dennis Dart SLF (2003)

OXFORD BUS COMPANY

163 Vehicles 17 ADL Enviro400 ADL Enviro400H (2011) 11 ADL Enviro400 Scania N230UD (2009) 20 ADL Enviro400 Scania N230UD (2010) 20 Alexander ALX400 Dennis Trident 2 (1999) 5 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530 (2002) 11 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530 (2003) 10 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530 (2005) 11 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530 (2006) 11 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530 (2008) 10 Plaxton Panther Volvo B12B (2007) 9 Plaxton Panther Volvo B12B (2008) 18 Plaxton Panther Scania K360EB (2011)

PLYMOUTH CITYBUS

160 Vehicles 14 ADL Enviro200 2 ADL Paragon Volvo B12M 1 ADL Pointer 2 ADL Dart 10 East Lancs Citybus Volvo B10M 19 East Lancs Vyking Volvo B7TL 15 Mercedes-Benz Citaro 0530N 2 Plaxton Panther Volvo B9R 2 Plaxton Paragon Volvo B10M 73 Plaxton Pointer 2 ADL Dart 2 Plaxton Premiere Volvo B10M 10 Plaxton President Volvo B7TL 10 Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 Volvo B7R

THAMES TRAVEL

45 Vehicles 8 ADL Dennis Dart 1 ADL Enviro400H 1 Alexander ALX400 Dennis Trident 2 2 MCV Evolution Dennis Dart 13 MCV Evolution MAN 14.220 1 MCV Stirling MAN 14.220 8 Optare Solo 4 Scania N94 3 Scania OmniCity 1 Scania OmniDekka 3 Dennis Trident 2

Note: Data for Hedingham unavailable when CBW went to press.

Brand Matters:

how important is livery?

Ray Stenning heads Best Impressions, a design and marketing company frequently used by Go-Ahead Group. The company, well known in the industry for design, marketing and advertising projects with several large operators, has worked for Go-Ahead for many years, performing a variety of work and won a number of awards, including a UK Bus Award for marketing with Bluestar, a marketing award with the ‘More’ brand and a number of awards with Southern Vectis.

“We do all sorts of work for Go-Ahead Group, sometimes at full group level,” explained Ray. “It’s great working with enthusiastic people and we cherish building up working relationships. The operator really understands the power and significance of good marketing and design, and how it can grow patronage.”

AN HOLISTIC INDUSTRY Ray highlightd the importance of all aspects of a brand, not just the appearance of the vehicles.

“A livery is more than just the paint on the vehicle – it’s an identity and visual interpretation of the character of the product.”

Southern Vectis was typical of many operators taken over by Go-Ahead Group in that its local identity was kept intact. “The Isle of Wight is a very regional area and its bus operations had to seem coherent.” Ray explained. “There was a discussion with all involved and it was agreed the name needed to be maintained.

We did make some changes to strengthen it, such as our strapline, ‘the island’s buses.’

“We recently worked with konectbus, tweaking its livery to be more appropriate to the improved nonstop service and enhance the architectural foibles of the new double-deckers. We also produced roadside publicity, a doordrop promotional material and pocket timetable leaflets.

“The identity of a bus company or route brand goes beyond the vehicle itself and as such we’re a very holistic business. We’ve designed websites for Southern Vectis and Bluestar, along with leaflet, advertising campaigns, bus stop flags, roadside publicity, the lot.”

Ray also described how Best Impressions takes design a step further and challenges old habits operators often cling to. A key example of this was in the designs made for Go South Coast bus stop displays.

“We made the bus stop information much more useful by including well-designed simple wayfinding and directions to help passengers find other stops nearby in case they get off at the wrong place by mistake. They can glance at the route map and quickly see where other stops are located in the vicinity, as well as where the routes go to.

“Too many operators think you can get away with basic information. Passengers shouldn’t need to do mental arithmetic or complex field work to find the right stop.”

Ray said Best Impressions is trusted by Go-Ahead to produce good material and therefore very few restrictions are imposed. “There are always some physical and practical considerations when designing a livery but we are trusted to do a good job and understand the needs of the project,” continued Ray.

Andrew Wickham with Ray Stenning “We’ve always put a subtle ‘Part of Go-Ahead Group’ on the company bus liveries. It’s quite understated, which works much better for the Go-Ahead devolved business model of local solutions to local needs.

“The subtle whisper which tells the passenger the operator has some staying power behind it is much more eloquent than a having a massive slogan down the side, which would make it look like the service was really run by an unfeeling, straight jacketing organisation. This way avoids putting the dead hand of self-important, pompous corporatism on the vehicles.”

PROGRESSING A BRAND When asked about highlights of his involvement with Go-Ahead, Ray said: “The best feeling is probably when we have started a brand up from nothing and seen what becomes of it. It’s a massive boost to know you’ve helped create a successful brand, watch it grow and take its place in the world. It’s like the pride you get watching your child grow up.

“We like to be involved and cherish and enjoy a working relationship as we do with my good friend Roger French at Brighton & Hove, and many others.

When you’re launching a new brand or adding value to an existing one, you really get to become part of the team. We take ownership of the brands we’re involved with. We have to” Go-Ahead’s London Midland rail franchise is a brand which stands out as a success story. Ray said: “With London Midland we started from the very beginning, designing material for the proposals Go-Ahead sent to the DfT. We had to make sure everything necessary was in place during the mobilisation period. Even before London Midland existed as a live brand, everything had to be ready for day one.

“London Midland has since won rail marketing awards two years running for the work we did. It’s great to see how strong the brand has become.

“Recently, London Midland released a TV advertisement where we took a middleman role. We worked with London Midland, Go-Ahead Marketing Director Gillian Singh and the film company producing the advert, who we’ve worked closely with before, so we could use our understanding of the brand and our experience and expertise in the power of good advertising to help both sides in the process.”

CLOSING LINES Liveries, branding and marketing are successful in portraying Go-Ahead as caring about localised areas rather than asset strippers. They reinforce the firm’s reputation for maintaining established local services. www.coachandbusweek.com

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COACH&BUSMARKET – the place to buy and sell

To advertise on these pages for as little as £30 just call 01733 293247 2003 MERCEDES 412D SPRINTER

For Sale: Due to fleet replacement, we need to sell up to 5 of the following and don’t mind which 5!

Dennis Plaxton R Series Cummins 420 2003: 2 x 49/53 seats with WC, 3 x 53 seats 2004: 5 x 53 seats 2005: 2 x 53 seats Volvo B12B Plaxton Paragon: 2006: 2 x 49/53 seats with WC, 1 x 53 seats

15 seats and wheelchair lift, manual gearbox, tacho

For more information visit

£6,250

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

All are well maintained, low mileage examples (approximately 62,000km per annum) with long MoT, air conditioning and AStronic/Easyshift gearboxes. Owned by us from new and used on our own holiday programme. All over cream.

Priced to sell at £37,000 (03 reg), £48,000 (04 reg), £59,000 (05 reg) and £89,000 (06 reg) plus VAT (£3,000 premium for WC). Sorry no part exchange facilities!

To view contact Tom Smith, Operations Manager, Alfa Travel on 08451 305777

COACH&BUSMARKET Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles?

Buy 3 weeks get a 4th week FREE!

Contact Jade Cassidy now on 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!

Z

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales

* , 1 %

Dennis Pointer Dart Mk2 x 100 All spares available - includes engine, gearboxes, seats, etc.

Call: 01226 727769 Mobile: 07912 103497 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com

Volvo B12M VanHool

Manual, choice of two, 2002 & 2003, both with new MOT, low miles, owned from new, both 51 seaters, full exec with rear toilet and rear servery, selling due to fleet upgrade

£55,000 and £65,000

Contact Ian 01443 681995

Volvo B12 Van-Hool 1995 14 berth sleeper

Don’t forget to say that you saw it in

LEZ compliant, MOT 03/13, static A/C, tow bar.

Well maintained, ready to work.

For more information call Tim on 07900 111110 or email tim@sleeperbuses.info

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk

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Ensig DOUBLE DECK 1997/8 VOLVO OLYMPIANS Seatbe exampleslted no available w

LEZ

COMPLIANT

Volvo engines, Euro 2, 78 seats, converted to single door, new COIF, tyres included, UK registered ready to work.

Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats.

1999/2000 T/V/X REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

Cummins / Allison, Wrights Cadet body, ramp, wheelchair space, Hanover LEDʼs, CCTV, 39 retrimmed individual seats, from our own fleet and very tidy.

2000 DAF SB120

1999 T/V REG DENNIS DART SLF’S

Caetano Compass bodies, 39 seats, ramps, £7000 each plus tyres.

1998 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIAN

Mercedes engine, 33 seats, DDA, Hanover LEDʼs, new MOT.

2004 OPTARE SOLO

ZF automatic, 74 seats, dual door, CONVERTIBLE open topper, so can still be used in the Winter! One only.

1995 M REG DENNIS DRAGONS

ZF automatic, Plaxton Premiere 350, air-con, 57 seats.

1998 DAF SB3000

Cummins/Voith gearboxes, Duple Metsec bodies, recent floors and 92 coach seats.

2001 DDA COMPLIANT DENNIS DARTS

Plaxton Pointer 2 dual door bodies, 31 seats, CCTV, particulate traps fitted, LEZ 2012 compliant, only £6,500 each plus tyres (£375)

2001 Y REG DART SLF’S

Cummins/Allison, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX200 bodies with either 30 seats and 2 doors or 34 seats converted to single door, ramps, DDA certified and compliant. 10.8m 37 seaters now available.

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -

Juliette Close, Purfleet Industrial Telephone 01708 865656 Fax: 01708 8 Visit our website for current s

553180-1036-Ensign:Layout 1

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nbus ER SPECIALIST DDA compliant, 8.8m, 28 seats, LEZ compliant, Hanover LEDʼs, from our own fleet.

2001 Y REG DART MPD

GREAT VALUE DENNIS DARTS!!!

2001 Y REG DENNIS DART MPD’s

Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, 29 seats, LEZ compliant post 2012 with traps, DDA compliant, long MOTʼs.

1996/7 N and R Reg with Plaxton bodies, 35/40 seats, single door, long tests. £4500 plus tyres

Hanover LEDʼs, East Lancs Myllenium body, 39 seats.

2003 MAN 14220

Euro 3, ZF automatics, 35 seats, East Lancs Myllenium bodies.

2003 MAN 11.2220’S

Euro 4, Wrights Gemini bodies, dual door, 68 seats.

Cummins Euro 3 ISB engines, Allison gearboxes, Caetano Nimbus bodies, 10.7m, 37 seats, full DDA.

£7000 just spend on recon engine, MCV Evolution body, 40 seats, DDA, Hanover LEDʼs.

2002 DENNIS DART SLF’S

1999/2000 DENNIS TRIDENTS

Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps, Plaxton President bodies, 62 seats or 70 when converted to single door.

1997/98 P/R/S REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Alexander RL low height bodies, LWB, 87 seats.

2007 VOLVO B9TL’S

2007 MAN 14.220

Voith automatic, East Lancs body, 49 dual purpose seats just retrimmed, supplied with new MOT.

1995 N REG SCANIA L113

ZF automatic, SLF, Wrights body.

2000 X REG VOLVO B6

- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 8 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com t stock at www.ensignbus.com

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NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS

New Ford Transit 17 seat 4.3ton 135ps minibus. From £20,595 + VAT

OTHER MAKES

FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES

(11) 2011 Ford Transit 9 seat Shuttle Bus, twin side loading doors, large rear luggage area, delivery miles only £16,995 (11) 2011 Ford Transit 15 seat 3.5 ton, 2.4tdi engine 115ps, tacho, 10,000 km £17,500

(10) 2010 Ford Transit 17 seat M/R 140PS with air-con, tacho, COIF/PSV £17,995

SOLD

(08) 2008 Ford Transit 3.5ton 15 seat 2.4tdi, 115ps, high back seats with three point belts, tacho £13,800 (

(56) Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi 115ps, high back seats, electric windows, central locking, 66,000 miles, FSH, COIF/PSV £9,995 (53) 2003 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4 td minibus, high back seats with three point belts, tacho, air-con, COIF/PSV £6,995 (52) 2003 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi, tacho, towbar, high back seats with three point belts, COIF/PSV £6,495

LDV MINIBUSES

(57) 2007 LDV Maxus 15 seat minibus, high back seats with three point belts £7,495

(03) 2003 LDV Convoy Maxi XLWB 17 seat mini-coach, 2.4 Tdi, front entry drop step, luggage racks, rear heating, wide aisle, rear row of seats removable, New PSV £6,495

OTHER MAKES

New Renault Master 17 seat LM35/ 2.2di 125ps, six speed, satnav, tacho, fully tracked floor with removable seats £21,995

New Peugeot Boxer 16 seat 3.5 ton and 17 seat wheelchair accessible minibuses, 2.2 diesel 120ps, six speed gearbox, LEZ COMPLIANT From £23,500 + VAT (09) 2009 Renault Master 16 seat minibus, tacho,high back seats with three point belts, 35,000km £15,650 (07) 2007 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus, high back seats, rear two rows of seats on tracking, 33,000 miles COIF/PSV £9,500 (07) Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus, 2.2 diesel with three point seat belts, 28,000 miles, COIF/PSV £10,495

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

(08) Renault Master LWB 3.5 ton, 2.5 tdi, six seats, fully tracked floor, inboard Ricon Clearway lift, one owner from new, 40,000 miles £16,750 (57) LDV Maxus LWB 9 seats tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, 49,000 miles, £9,995 (54) 2005 Renault Master 13 seat wheelchair access minibus, inboard Ricon lift, fully tracked floor, rear heating, electric side step, 56,000 miles £8,995 (03) 2003 Fiat Doblo SX 1.9 diesel, low floor, four seats plus one wheelchair, lightweight ramp, 45,000 miles £3,495 Y 2001 Renault Mascot 2.8 diesel, 16 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, front entry drop step, fully tracked floor to take five wheelchairs, under floor lift, rear heating, COIF/PSV £6,495

Contact Graham Thatcher – email: sales@minibussales.co.uk

Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304

Pembridge House, The Park Business Centre, Plough Road, Goytre, Penperlleni, Nr Usk, South Wales NP4 0AL – 10 minutes from M4 motorway. Viewing by appointment only Finance Contract Hire and Finance Lease Available. We deliver Nationwide. All vehicles prepared to VOSA standard COIF/PSV specialist

All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%

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Mini Coach Sales

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

2010 10 REG IVECO 50c15 IRISBUS 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks, power door and under-floor wheelchair lift.

BRAND NEW MERCEDES OPTARE SOROCO 19 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.

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

BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ 513CDI EVM CLASSIC 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks and A/C.

2006 06 REG MERCEDES BENZ 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, large luggage boot.

2006 06 REG IVECO 40c12 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights and power door.

2003 03 REG MERCEDES BENZ 814D OPTARE NOUVELLE 29 high back seats plus courier, 3 point belts, A/C, forced air, reading lights, power door and large boot.

2002 02 REG MERCEDES BENZ 814D PLAXTON CHEETAH 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.

2002 52 REG MERCEDES 413CDI SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, auto gearbox, LEZ compliant.

2000 W REG MERCEDES 814D VARIO OPTARE NOUVELLE 25 reclining seats plus courier, 3 point belts, A/C, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.

1999 V REG MERCEDES 814 BEAVER 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, power door, 12 months test.

Steve Peach Tel: 01302 770863 Mob: 07836 551020 Email: steve@connaughtpsv.co.uk

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58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 23, 2012

2007 Ford Transit

ADL ENVIRO 200 58/09 REG

£12450

From £52,950

17 seat factory bus, only 39,000 miles, COIF, tacho and new PSV

For more information visit

29 seats Choice of 4

For more information visit

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

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

COACHES & BUSES WANTED FOR AUCTION

MAYPOLE COACHES

for our UK & Commonwealth buyers Our main interest is equipment available due to Retirement or Fleet Reorganisation.

All equipment would be marketed worldwide through our Special Auction Events Team.

See our website history for people we have worked for.

For further information please call Malcolm Harrison on 01630 674326 or email malcolm@malcolmharrison.co.uk MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS

VOLVO B6 BLE ALEXANDER ALX P & R REG 35 seats

From £3,750

For more information visit

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

COACH OPERATORS FOR OVER 50 YEARS DUE TO RESTRUCTURING HAVE THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES FOR SALE: Belted, S/D con, tacho, Eminox, Euro 4, driver air con, 60 mph, 12 mths MOT £16,000 + VAT

81 SEATS VOLVO OLYMPIAN

Eminox exhaust, air con, 60 mph, 12 mths MOT, £11,500 + VAT

74 SEAT BELTED

As above £10,000 + VAT

74 SEATS WITHOUT BELTS

1994 VOLVO B10M JONCKHEERE DEAUVILLE

Retrimmed 2 yr ago, 12 mths MOT, 51 seats with belts, toilet, DVD/monitor £12,500 + VAT

1993 VOLVO B10M VANHOOL T8 BODYWORK

12 mths MOT, toilet, DVD/monitor, 49 seats with belts £11,000 + VAT 63 seats, ZF auto, 3 point belts, 12 mths MOT, tacho £5,500 + VAT

1992 LEYLAND LYNX

60 coach seats 3 point belts,Cummins/ Allison, 12 mths MOT, tacho, radio £5,900 + VAT

1996 BLUEBIRD BUS

Tel: 0151 547 2713 or 07802 235778

2003 Ford Transit 410

Coach build body, taillift, powerdoor, 65,000 miles Class 5 MOT

£5450

For more information visit

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

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May 23, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59

2004 Optare Solo M920 33 seats, Mercedes engine, Allison automatic gearbox, MOT Nov 2012, direct local authority. Fitted with all new aluminium side panels repainted in Diamond white.

Additional options include electronic destination and repaint into your livery if required £27,950

33 seat coach. 5 speed manual gearbox.

Three point seatbelts, boot, luggage racks. £23,450

1999 Mercedes 814D Vario

1999 Mercedes 814D Automatic

4.2 litre turbo diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, 33 bus seats fitted with retractable lapbelts.

Ready to work. In daily use. Photo shows typical bus.

Choice available. £9,250

4.2 litre turbo diesel, Allison automatic gearbox, 31 bus seats, repaint in white, ready to work. £8,950

1996 Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer SLF 37 seats. In daily use. Vehicle has been recently repainted. (number plate and electronic destination not included). £5,000

1999 Mercedes 814D Vario

2003 Mercedes 814D Vario

Repanelled as required, repainted in diamond white, 33 coach seats fitted, 2 point retractable seatbelts, long MOT. £14,950 + VAT

33 seatbelts, 4.2 litre turbo diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, MOT August 2011. £11,950

1997 (but you’d never know) Marshall Capital Dennis Dart One previous owner from new, well maintained example direct from municipal bus company. Retrimmed seats.

Tinted glass. £8,450

1997 Mercedes 814D Plaxton Beaver 33 seat with belts, Allison automatic gearbox, both vehicles MOT to Sept 2012. Ageless plate fitted.

Choice of 2. 1 with 'urban' bus seats and the other with retrimmed bus seats. £4,950

2002 Mercedes 814D Vario

1996 SLF Dennis Dart

Ex-major operator, MOT expired, but in good order.

Sold as seen £3,500 or with 12 months MOT £4,500 + VAT

1997 Marshall Capital, Dennis Dart One previous owner from new, well maintained example direct from municipal bus company. Tinted glass. £6,000

DON’T FORGET OUR BUS RENTALS Short and long term hire available on any of these vehicles, ask about ‘Rent to Buy’ as well !

Nextbus Ltd, Chippenham, Wiltshire Tel - 01249 462462 - 24 Hr Mobile - 07590851477 www.next-bus.co.uk email - sales@next-bus.co.uk

Southdown PSV - 01342 711840 www.southdownpsv.co.uk

2006 ADL ENVIRO 200 SLF 29 sts - choice of 2 £45,000 ea+ VAT

2004 DENNIS DART SLF MPD 29 seats. £34,000 + VAT

1995 MERCEDES 0416 WRIGHTBUS 47 seats. £4,950 + VAT

1996 VOLVO OLY ALEXANDER 78 seats. £9,750 + VAT

2003 MAN 18.280 SLF IKARUS 42 seats - £19,750 + VAT

2001 DENNIS DART SLF MPD 27 sts-choice of 4 £11,500 ea+ vat

73 Capacity

Southdown PSV Silverwood Snow Hill Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EN

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60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 23, 2012

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BUS & CO A CH S A LE S

2010 2010 2006 2006 2005

MAN Panther DDA 49 seats A/C front w/chair lift Volvo B12B Prestige 49/51 sts A/C Mercedes Touro 49 seats A/C MAN Plaxton 49 seats A/C Iveco Beulas 49 seats A/C

2004 2004 2004 2003 2003

MAN Marco Polo 70 seats A/C Volvo B12B Caetano Enigma 49 sts A/C MAN Noge Catalan 51 seats A/C MAN Marco Polo 70 seats Volvo B12M Caetano Enigma 49 seats A/C

2003 2000 1998 1998 1996

Volvo B12B Caetano 48 seats A/C Iveco Beulas 49 seats A/C Volvo B10M Excalibur 49 seats Merc Beaver 27 seats Volvo Strider 49 seats

TO VIEW CALL 07979 295668

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May 23, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61

1999/2000 Dennis Trident Alexander ALX 400 V and X reg, long wheelbase, EURO 4

For more information visit

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

QUALITY USED VEHICLES 2008 DAF E4 auto TEMSA SAFARI HD

51 rec seats, centre toilet, air con LEZ COMP

2008 SETRA E4 AS-tronic MERC eng

49 rec seats 2 point belts, centre toilet, air con LEZ COMP

2008 VDL E5 auto BOVA FUTURA FH

49 rec seat, air con, fridge, vac system LEZ COMP

2007 VDL SB4000 XF auto VANHOOL ALIZEE T9

47/51 rec seats, rear toilet, wheel chair lift, air con LEZ COMP

2007 MAN E4 auto TEMSA OPALIN 9 35 rec seats, air con LEZ COMP

2006 VDL SB4000 XF auto VANHOOL ALIZEE T9 42/49 rec seats, rear toilet, air con

2006 VOLVO B12B I shift VANHOOL T9 49/51 rec seats, centre toilet, air con

2006 BOVA man FUTURA FH

49/53 rec seats, centre toilet, air con

2006 VOLVO B12M I Shift PLAXTON PANTHER 55 rec seats, rear toilet, wheel chair lift, air con

2006 IVECO EURORIDER E3 AS-tronic BEULAS CYGNUS 49 rec seats, centre toilet, air con

2005 VOLVO B12B E3 I shift VANHOOL T9 53 rec seats, DVD

2005 VDL SB4000 XF auto VANHOOL ALIZEE T9 49/51 rec seats, centre toilet, fridge, boiler, air con

2003 VOLVO B12B auto JONCKHEERE Mistral 50 51/53 reclining seats, centre toilet, air con

2002 BOVA man FUTURA FHD

49 rec seats, centre sunken toilet, air con

2002 MERC AS tronic SETRA S315GT HD 49 rec seats, centre toilet, air con

2000 MAN man NEOPLAN Transliner 49/53 rec seats, centre toilet, air con

Reduced Straight Buy £19,750

1995 DENNIS JAVELIN man PLAXTON PREMIERE 49 rec seats, rear toilet

01274 681144

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

take a test drive today

2009 09 REG FORD TRANSIT

15 seat factory bus with only 9K miles, tacho, COIF applied for

£14,250

For more information visit

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

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62 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 23, 2012

SF05 YHH – 2005 Bova Futura 55 seat exec, centre sunken toilet, Air Con, can be LEZ at asking price. No sign writing, metallic silver, ready to go 6 speed Manual, TAX and MOT. £80,000 + VAT T14 TSE (2005) Bova Synergy 83 Seat Double Decker Full Exec, Twin Stairs, Ski Box, 4 Monitors, Air Con, can be LEZ at asking price, Tow Bar - sold with Ifor Williams Trailer, MOT and TAX £165,000 + VAT T13 TSE – 2000 (W) Bova Futura 49 Seat Exec, Centre Sunken Toilet, Air Con, Automatic (ZF). Can be LEZ at asking price, interchangeable boards to sides and rear, DDA Sch.3, Hanover boards, TAX and MOT. £40,000 + VAT

Call Junior – 07779 801862 – 01922 647100

2003 Neoplan Skyliner • 75 seater • Low mileage and excellent condition • Euro 4 with RPC • Mercedes V8/AsTronic box.

• Ski box • MOT Oct 2012 Probably the best Skyliner available Photos available

Bargain at £89,000 + VAT

Tel: 01296 398300 Motts Travel, Buckinghamshire

DIAMOND JUBILEE BANK HOLIDAY WEEK CBW will still be first with the news, job vacancies and latest vehicles for sale on

Wednesday 6 June.

We’ll be producing that weeks issue early and can accept all advertisement bookings until

2pm on THURSDAY 31 MAY For Vehicles for Sale, call Jade on 01733 293 247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com For Job Vacancies, call Ian on 01733 293 484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

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H.W. PICKRELL MINIBUS AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

Gardiners Lane North • Crays Hill • Billericay • Essex • CM11 2XE Tel: 01268 521033 • Mobile: 07860 894331 • Fax: 01268 284951

Email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk - www.hwpickrell.co.uk

Finance available on all vehicles (subject to status) Written details on request.

WH E E LCH AIR ACCE S S IBL E MI NI BUS E S

58 REG FORD TRANSIT TOURNEO CONNECT 1.8 HDI

2008 08 REG IVECO 50c15 IRIS BUS 2.8 TURBO DIESEL

07 REG FORD TRANSIT 350 2.4TD

07 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 313 CDI 2.2

Manual gearbox, CD, electric windows & mirrors, A/C, twin side loading doors, 2 high back seat in rear, single passenger seat front, cut out floor, air suspension, fold down ramp, high spec, 24,000 miles.

Auto Agile gearbox, Irisbus conversion, electric windows, power front entry plug door, 16 high back removable seats with all age seat belts, Ratcliff tail lift, COIF, new PSV MOT, only 28,000 miles.

Long wheelbase, high roof, 6 seater crew van, PAS, SLD, rear partion for storage & tools in rear, Eberspacher heater, overhead storage, microwave, hot water box, wash facilties, 27,000 miles only.

6 speed manual, a/c, Frank Guy conversion, side loading door, 8 x high back Cogent reclining removable seats, tracked floor, PLS in board tail lift, 34,500 miles only, choice of two.

07 REG RENAULT MASTER LH35 2.5TD

2010 10 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

56 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

60 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.5TD

LWB, hi roof, multi purpose office/comms unit, PAS, SLD with AVS side step, awning, 3 x workstations, amber light, bars front and rear, overhead storage lockers, heating, generator, microwave, tv, only 1,500 miles.

Manual, LWB, O & H (NICU) ambulance conversion, 3 rear seats, all wipe clean, Ricon stretcher lift, a/c, Eberspacher, storage units, Unwin tracking, ex NHS, low miles 6,700 miles only (NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

Manual gearbox, high roof, Warnerbus conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, sat nav, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, air con, Unwin Innotrax floor, Ricon tail lift, 14,300 miles only.

Manual gearbox, high roof, Advance conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 2 x w/chair, heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 2,060 miles only.

57 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 515CDI 2.2

07 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

2009 09 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO LM39 2.5TD

2008 57 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO LH28 2.0 TD

Automatic transmission, SCW conversion, side loading door, 15 x high back removable seats on NMI feet, full climate control, Intatrac flat floor, PLS underfloor tail lift, 43,855 miles only, COIF.

Manual gearbox, high roof, Warnerbus conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, sat nav, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Webasto, Unwin innotrax floor, Ricon tail lift, 14,300 miles only.

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, new conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 14 high back seats, AMF m2 fully tracked floor, new Ricon tail lift, tacho fitted, only 6,646 miles.

Manual gearbox, hi roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 30,280 miles only.

54 REG M ERCEDES SPRINT ER 411 CDI

09 PEUGEOT EXPERT TEPEE 1.9 HDI

06 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.2TD

07 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 313CDI 2.2

Tiptronic gearbox, Euromotive PSC bus conversion, front entry slam door with low entry step, 16 x high back removable seats, Eberspacher, ex local authority, COIF'd, tacho fitted, only 66,780 kms.

Manual 5 speed gearbox, PAS, CD player, air con, twin side loading doors, 2 high back seat in rear, double passenger seat front, cut out floor, fold down ramp, blue metallic silver, alloy wheels, 14,932 miles.

Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 21253.441 miles.

6 speed manual, a/c, Frank Guy crew van, side loading door, 8 x high back Cogent reclining removable seats, tracked floor, large storage area ideal airport shuttle bus, 34,500 miles only, choice of two.

06 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD

06 REG RENAULT MASTER SL33 2.2TD

2004/05 54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 416CDI AMBULANCE

2005 05 REG FORD TRANSIT 2.5TD

Automatic gearbox, high roof, SCW conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 7 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 11,831 miles.

Manual gearbox, low roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 17,491 miles.

LWB, Macneillie van conversion, SLD, 2 rear high back seats, Ferno Falcon stretcher & locks, stretcher lift, blue light bars and siren, very high spec, low miles 65-85,000 miles only, choice of 8.

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, new conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 11 high back CT seats, m2 tested fully tracked floor, roof vent, new AMF tail lift.

2004 54 REG IVECO 50c13 IRIS BUS 2.8 TURBO DIESEL

2009 59 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO SL28 2.0 TD

53 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 416 CDI

06 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

Manual, LWB, PAS, factory conversion, electric windows, cruise control, low front entry slam door, 16 high back seats with all age seat belts, full air con, exlocal authority, COIF, new PSV MOT, only 80,341 kms.

Manual gearbox, low roof, O & H conversion, PAS, twin side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, modified low floor, electric winch & fold out ramp, 15,491 miles.

4x4 ambulance, LWB, Wilker box body conversion, full air con/climate, side loading door, 3 high back seats, Falcon stretcher, PLS stretcher lift, very high spec, one owner ex Air Force, only 25,950 kms.

Manual, PAS, LWB, PTS ambulance conversion, SLD, 6 rear high back seats, Ferno stretcher locks, Ricon stretcher lift , Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracking, exNHS, 36,100 miles only.

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SDRC0ACHhelp

64 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 23, 2012

2003 FORD TRANSIT 410

“Assisting the Coaching Industry”

17 seat factory bus, ex-council, low mileage, Class 5 MOT

£4,950

2 x 1990 Volvo B10M Manual Plaxton Paramount 3500 57 Seaters With Courier Seat, Long Test, Brand New Re-Trim & NEW Sprayed White £8,500.00 + VAT

For more information visit

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

COACH&BUSMARKET 1996 Dennis Javelin Manual Berkhof Excellence 2000 53 Seater With Courier Seat, Tested Till June, But Will Supply New Test & NEW Spray White £7,500.00 + VAT

D L O S

2008 Mercedes 613D Oynx Manual, LEZ 4, Minicoach 24 Seats, AIR CON, Long MOT & London LEZ Euro 4 £38,000.00 + VAT

Looking for a great deal to sell your vehicles?

Contact Jade Cassidy now on :

1995 Volvo B10M Auto Plaxton Premier 350 53 Seat Standard Exec, Level Floor, Mounted Toilet, NEW Retrim & Spray, Long MOT, Mint! £16,000.00 + VAT

READY FOR START OF SEASON Volvo B10M Plaxton Premier 320 Automatics

01733 293247 jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!

Brand New Converted 70 Seat Coaches, New Seats & Spray, Certified And Ready To Go...

2005 Ford Transit 410

www.SDRcoachhelp.com 24 Hrs 0844 576 3300 1 x 1993, £18,500.00 + VAT 1 x 1994, £22,500.00 + VAT

1 x 1995, £26,500.00 + VAT 2 x 1997, £29,500.00 + VAT

Hunnable Industrial Estate, Toppesfield Road, Gt Yeldham, Essex CO9 4HD

Factory minibus, fitted with 14 moquette h/b coach seats, COIF, tacho and new PSV, 120,000 miles

£5950

For more information visit

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

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May 23, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 65

COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED AUDIO &VIDEO

LICENSED ELV CENTRE

ALL BUSES & COACHES WANTED Tel: 01487 813156 (9 - 5, Mon - Fri) Mobile: 07831 349760 Email: sales@shelton-motors.co.uk

WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED

WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED

# WANTED # WANTED # WANTED #

SHELTON MOTORS RAMSEY, CAMBS

# WANTED # WANTED # WANTED #

CHECKPOINTS

Don’t forget to say that you saw it in

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

BUILDINGS

BUSESWANTED

• Bus Workshops • Secure Storage

• Supplied any width, any length

• Building to BS5590

• Doors high enough for Double Deckers

• Finance available Phone for further information

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime ENGINES

Crewe Engines Ltd MERCEDES ENGINE SPECIALISTS

TO PURCHASE CHECKPOINT/DUSTITE loose wheelnut indicators or to locate your nearest stockist:

Tel: 01524 271200 www.checkpoint-safety.com

COIN DISPENSERS

C oi n D is pe n s e r s

WE ALSO RECONDITION ALL MAKES OF BUS & COACH ENGINES

Direct from the UK’s No.1 since 1975 Call now for a quote or more information

01270 526333

Federation of Engine Re-Manufacturers

www.creweengines.co.uk

VOLVO - CUMMINS - SCANIA MAN - DAF - IVECO FULL FITTING FACILITIES

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

Quick change coin dispensers Buy direct from manufacturer Also spares and repairs T T S

RANSPORT

ICKET

ERVICES

Phone: 01600 750650 Email: ttservices@tiscali.co.uk www.ticket-machines.co.uk

Commercial Garage Equipment Brake Testers

Inspection Pits

Commercial Lifts

Mobile Lifts

Tel: 07538 218194 www.commercialgarageequipment.co.uk Email: sales@commercialgarageequipment.co.uk

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COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED GARAGE EQUIPMENT

REGISTRATIONS G

SPEEDY REGISTRATIONS CO LTD G ‘Buy with confidence – CNDA Member’

£750 44 NXA 80 HXE 99 HXY ALZ 787 AXZ 88 ECR 767 IIG 62 JUI 808 RXI 85

£350 £99 £99 £50 DKZ 303 HIG 5338 MNZ 1195 CXZ 5851 JBZ 484 HIG 5339 ONZ 1180 CXZ 5852 MKZ 969 IIG 7764 REZ 3369 DFZ 4697 NUI 636 IIG 7765 RUI 2117 DFZ 4698 PXI 494 JIG 8894 SEZ 5766 DRZ 7441 RBZ 868 JIG 8895 SUI 8836 DRZ 7442 SCZ 878 KIG 5113 SUI 8837 IFZ 8350 YXI 454 KIG 5114 TJZ 1116 IFZ 8360 YXI 585 MJZ 6749 TJZ 1119 JFZ 8304 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange

£99 JFZ 8305 JIG 8947 JIG 8948 KIG 5158 KIG 5159 RNZ 2214 RNZ 2215 TUI 5818 TUI 5819

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

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

TICKETING

COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED Looking for a great deal to promote your products and services?

Contact Jade Cassidy now for our current offers: 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk Coach & Bus Week – the only paid-for weekly magazine in the bus and coach industry – there’s no comparison!

HEATING

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

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

www.thhs.co.uk

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

TRAINING

TRIM

COACH TRIMMERS LTD

Supplying the Bus and Coach Industry with quality seat retrims and interior refurbishment.

Full floors re-laid and centre gangways.

Collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK, seven days a week.

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

Tel/Fax: 01751 472229

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May 23, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 67

COACH&BUSCLASSIFIED TYRES

• Tyre fitting machine now available •

MAY SPECIALS 205/75R 205/75R 215/75R 215/75R 245/70R 265/70R 265/70R 275/70R

17.5 BUDGET STEER 17.5 BARUM STEER 17.5 BUDGET STEER 17.5 BARUM STEER 19.5 BUDGET STEER 19.5 BUDGET STEER 19.5 BARUM STEER 22.5 BUDGET STEER

£102.00 £132.00 £99.00 £132.00 £128.00 £136.00 £185.00 £175.00

Remould and premium tyres price on request Free delivery on 4 tyres or more We have more tyres in stock – please give us a call for quotes

275/70R 275/80R 295/80R 295/80R 315/80R 315/80R 11R22.5 305/75R

www.tdtyres.com

22.5 BARUM STEER 22.5 BUDGET STEER 22.5 BUDGET STEER 22.5 MIDRANGE 22.5 BUDGET STEER 22.5 MIDRANGE BUDGET STEER 24.5 GOODYEAR NEW

£245.00 £190.00 £178.00 from £245.00 £198.00 from £255.00 £175.00 £550.00

ew Number N 01684 560029 Adam : 07841 239411 Mark : 07545 735303 All prices subject to VAT and availability.

VEHICLE SPARES

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales OUR SERVICES: •

Recovery

•

Testing

• • • • • • • •

Refurbishment Repairs

Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding

Buying & selling vehicles

DISMANTLING/SPARES: • • • • • •

Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows

Windscreens Seats

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE

TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY

Export to foreign markets Repairs

Finance repossession and storage

CALL: 01226 727 769 Bus sales: www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com Geoff Ripley, Boulder Lane (off Shaw Lane), Carlton, Barnsley S71 3HJ

Mob: 07912 103 497 or 07711 750 434 Fax: 01226 727 607 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com

Call 01226 723147 Night Service 01226 716479 Fax 01226 700199 Email wigleys@btconnect.com

www.twigley.com

68 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 23, 2012

Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk, fax 0845 2802927 or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX

Monday: Press day. I’m on my fourth coffee by 1000hrs. It’s the usual manic Monday but one made all the bearable by the all-too familiar friendly CBW office banter. However, there are no donuts this week.

Tuesday Rise early to take my better half to work but tiredness soon catches me up. Crack on with this issue. Arrive in the office to find Andrew, James and Alex have got their heads down with the their respective parts of Go-Ahead super-feature.

At the Commercial Vehicle Show 2012, a lot of attention was directed at the AA Drivetech stand, where a 1904 model VB Renault was on display, with Park Phaeton coachwork by Rothschild et Cie of Paris. It has a four cylinder engine, with 23/25 horsepower and equivalent to 4.25 litre. The vehicle was purchased in 1965 for AA’s 60th anniversary and had the registration plate AA1 attached. It is currently valued at £750,000. The Renault was originally owned by Elizabeth, Lady Cheylesmere, a one time lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary and is now used around three times a year for the weddings of AA staff and their families. Memories of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang are hard to suppress…“Nasty smelly things, motorcars!”

Arriva throwing Jubilee party Arriva Buses is giving the public in its operating areas the chance to win a Diamond Jubilee to remember.

The firm is giving one lucky person the opportunity to scoop a street party, in the form of a special Arriva Jubilee street party bus.

Dilbert

The vehicle will be packed with a host of commemorative items, including Union flags, bunting and deck chairs, party poppers, pitchers of Pimms, pots of tea, tiers of cakes, Diamond Jubilee crowns and hats and red, white and blue balloons.

The winning planners will also be given a time capsule to enable them to capture the special moment.

Entrants have until May 25 to enter the competition by telling Arriva in no more than 100 words, why the Jubilee street party bus should pull up on their road

between June 2 and 5.

Marketing Manager, Nick Gordon, said: “We know plenty of people want to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee so we thought we’d give them a helping hand by bringing the party to them.

“We’re on the look-out for entries from people of all ages.

Whether they are from individuals, families, groups of neighbours or community groups, get in touch and tell us why you’d like Arriva to help make your street party extra special.”

Wednesday: In between forging on with this week’s issue, make time to discuss future plans and ideas for the magazine. Catch up with a friendly north of England independent operator, who fills me in on developments in his area. In the evening, make a selection from some recently taken wildlife snaps, which I find most therapeutic.

Thursday: Another hectic day in the office pushing on with this week’s issue.

Just before midday we have a team meeting for everyone in the office, which far from being a boring affair, is actually quite jovial.

In the evening, start searching for accommodation for a long weekend away – is it to be the Lake District or North Devon? Settle for the latter as I want to show my fiancée Sarah some of my childhood and ancestral haunts.

Friday: A busy day in the office working on the second part of Go-Ahead Group super-feature. The entire office laughs when I joke a third-party PR person needs to be booked off as defective because they are up and down like a yo-yo in mood terms. Poor James is on the point of pulling his hair out as he makes final adjustments to the fleet profile – it’s truly deep number crunching territory.

End up staying in work much later than desired. A weekend in Peterborough beckons.

www.coachandbusweek.com

LastStop.indd 68

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RECRUITMENT

Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm

May 23, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 69

Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484

ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk

Epsom staff compliment reaches 340

Retired ALBUM members visit Barry Over the weekend of May 18-20, the Association of Local Authority Bus Managers (ALBUM) retired members section held their annual reunion based at the Holiday Inn, Cardiff.

As an add-on to the main programme, the members took advantage of an invitation from the Cardiff Transport Preservation Group (CTPG) to view the exhibits at The Bus Depot, Barry. The former premises of the Western Welsh Omnibus Company is now leased

by CTPG from the Vale of Glamorgan County Council for the storage and restoration of buses and coaches mainly from the South East area of South Wales. The visitors were very interested in the display of museum

Retired members of ALBUM inside The Bus Depot in Barry items relating to Western Welsh and Cardiff Corporation as well as viewing the vehicles currently housed in the building.

At The Depot, preparations are underway for The Barry Festival of Transport to be held on Sunday June 10 when there is an Open Day

at the premises and a Rally at the nearby Hood Road carpark with Regular free services operated between the venues.

Details of the Group and the forthcoming Festival can be found at www.ctpg.co.uk

Epsom Coaches Group is now one of the boroughs largest employers, with over 340 staff.

MD Steve Whiteway, said: “We have always offered a special place of work, one where people work with us not for us. From the top down there is an open door policy, which encourages mutual trust and pastoral care. Despite growing enormously over the past few years, we have been careful to retain the feeling of belonging, in an era where a ‘job for life’ is a forgotten aim.

“I am immensely proud of the team here. We decided not to take part in the recession, and although not immune our staff has been shielded from its worst effects. The fact we have been able to add to our family team during such tough times is extremely heartening.”

we need a

General Manager Go South Coast is looking to recruit an exceptional individual capable of running the highly successful Isle of Wight bus operator, Southern Vectis.

Reporting to the Operations Director of Go South Coast, this role will have full responsibility for all the Commercial, Marketing and Operational functions and will be required to further develop and strengthen our existing business whilst looking for further expansion opportunities.

Southern Vectis operate over 100 vehicles on local bus and contracted services and provide the most comprehensive transport solution for the Isle of Wight offering a range of frequent services connecting the major population areas. The General Manager will take full P&L responsibility and will ensure the business runs HIÀFLHQWO\ ZLWK D IRFXV RQ HQVXULQJ WKH EHVW OHYHO RI VHUYLFH LV SURYLGHG WR RXU FXVWRPHUV An attractive salary and relocation package is on offer to the successful applicant.

CV and hand written covering letter to: Diana Wilks, Human Resources Manager Go South Coast Towngate House 2-8 Parkstone Road Poole BH12 2PR Applications to be received by Friday 15 June 2012

www.coachandbusweek.com

People1.indd 69

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70 | COACH & BUS WEEK | May 23, 2012

RECRUITMENT

Arriva buses. Here to take you there.

Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484

ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk

Engineering Manager / Cannock Engineer yourself a great opportunity‌. Arriva is one of the largest transport service organisations in Europe, employing more than 47,500 people and delivering more than one billion passenger journeys across 12 European countries every year.

New team to head NX Bus Peter Coates, MD of National Express UK Bus, has restructured the business. Simon Mathieson was appointed as Operations Director and has five General Managers reporting to him. He will offer a single, senior operational point of contact. Mark Kipling has been appointed as MD in Coventry in recognition of the importance of the business to the City. Simon and Mark, along with Phil Smith as MD Dundee, report direct to Peter Coates. Gavin Peace, recently appointed Engineering Director, reshaped the engineering team to provide greater operational focus and improved training. Depot engineering and central support functions will be managed as separate teams.

Other changes see Andrew Galloway appointed as Finance Director UK Bus and Dean Watkins

Drive your career...

Arriva Midlands operates services from 16 locations across a diverse and geographically dispersed region. We are seeking to recruit an Engineering Manager to support our Cannock and Stafford Outstation Depots.

Reporting to the General Manager the successful candidate will be responsible for all engineering operation functions, including engineering and support staff, maintenance of the 90 bus eet to Company and VOSA standards and compliance with Health and Safety requirements.

Simon Mathieson has been promoted to Operations Director taking on a three-year secondment to Midland Metro, covering for Fred Roberts who is focussing on the Birmingham City Centre extension. Peter Coates, said: “I’ve spent the last six months visiting and speaking with as many people as possible to see the issues facing all our members of staff. As a result of what I’ve seen and heard I have made changes to give our business a more operational focus and restore individual management responsibility.�

The successful candidate will have exceptional attention to detail, work allocation and people management skills, along with the ability to work within a budget. Other requirements include IT literacy and computerised inventory systems experience. Knowledge of quality management techniques and processes will be an advantage. A full driving licence is required for this post and PCV/LGV licence entitlements are advantageous.

In return we offer an excellent remuneration package commensurate with your skills and experience and suitable training will be provided.

How to apply: Interested candidates should apply in writing with a copy of your full curriculum vitae together with covering letter to: Louisa Starling, Personnel Manager, Arriva Midlands 852 Melton Road, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8BT or email: vacancies.midlands@arriva.co.uk arrivabus.co.uk

Closing Closing date forDate: applications: Friday Friday188 May June2012 2012

Arriva is committed to diversity. If you are good, you’re welcome

Transport for South Hampshire Better Bus Area Fund: Call for Expressions of Interest TfSH has been awarded ÂŁ4.5m of DfT funding following a successful bid to the Better Bus Area Fund developed in partnership with the South Hampshire Bus Operators Association (SHBOA). Bus operators operating buses in South Hampshire are invited to bid for funding subject to the criteria of the granting regime which will be outlined as part of the process.

Expressions of Interest are welcome from bus operators currently operating in South Hampshire who wish to bid to deliver the following bus enhancements within the period 1st June 2012 -31st March 2014:-

t 0O #VT 8J 'J t /FYU 4UPQ "VEJP 7JTVBM "OOPVODFNFOUT t -&% -JHIUJOH t *OUFSOBM #VT 3FGVSCJTINFOU The process is open to ALL bus operators currently operating scheduled services in South Hampshire on routes that have operated for at least six months and/ or have a minimum of six months remaining on a tendered contract. There is a requirement for operators to contribute and part fund different elements and a need to maintain the equipment in operational vehicles in the area until 31st March 2017 (or provide like for like replacement at their own cost once the grant has been made). Full details will be made available to those wishing to express an interest.

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www.coachandbusweek.com

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