Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1096

Wednesday July 17, 2013 Issue 1096 | ÂŁ2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

Lakeside achieves CoachMarque status with perfect score p8

OPERATOR:

How Lloyds Coaches has grown organically in rural Wales p24

Inside this week...

Minibus

Mercedes-Benz Euro 6 Tourismo

BUS:

First Bus announces training partnership with Guide Dogs p7

LEGAL:

Ferryhill Travel repute damaged due to BSOG debt build-up p20

for recruitm

JOB ADVE ent EVERY WERTS EK

RECRUIT N

OW

p18

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this week

Coach & Bus Week, 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@coachandbusweek.com Editor Gareth Evans 01733 293243 gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com Deputy Editor Andrew Cream 01733 293482 andrew.cream@coachandbusweek.com Technical & Minibus Editor Martin Cole 01733 293245, 07885 692144 martin.cole@coachandbusweek.com News Reporter James Day 01733 293244 james.day@coachandbusweek.com News Reporter Alex Tyler 01733 293240 alex.tyler@coachandbusweek.com Art Director Keith Simpson Contributors Ray Wilkes, Jonathan Bray, Richard Charnley, Alan Payling

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www.coachandbusweek.com ISSN: 1351-3877 © 2013 Coach and Bus Week 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.

More consolidation?

W CONTENTS 4

22

32

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

12

trent barton awards and First Glasgow driver recognised

24

A De Lijn Van Hool artic in operation in Ghent, Belgium

Euro 6 Citeas for Finland and Optare targets Australian market

18

Machynlleth-based Lloyds Coaches on growing patronage in rural areas

28

A new direction for Mercedes-Benz minibuses in the UK, plus news

Mercedes-Benz launches its Euro 6 Tourismo for the UK market

20

An overview of Meridian Driver Ltd which provides drivers and training

30

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Office Diary column

Owner of Ferryhill Village Travel allowed BSOG debt to build up

All the latest vehicle deliveries in operators’ yards across the country

All the latest people moves from across the industry

e’ve gone for several weeks, months even, without any notable changes in the ownership of the medium to larger independent bus and coach operator sector.

However, informed sources tell me that is about the change imminently. At the risk of gossiping too much and jeopardising things, it’s enough to say I hear two English operators are due to be sold. One can perhaps be best described as a ‘nice fit’, acting as something of a bridge between the territories of two larger group companies, while the other a respected, award-winning firm could shortly see its profits sent back across to mainland Europe.

Remember, you read it here first...

On a CBW note, my loyal right-hand man Andrew Cream is leaving us at the end of this week to go travelling around Europe with his better half Victoria Schult, a former CBW sales team member. When he told me six weeks ago, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed.

In fact, I was gutted and the news came as a bitter blow – although until now I’ve kept that to myself. Perhaps somewhat

News

International News News Focus Legal News

naively, I thought he’d got the travelling bug out of his system when he joined us in December 2011. Back then, he had recently completed a trip around Europe in his own car, partly paid for by playing gigs, which is his hobby outside work. It was something I admired – he was clearly not afraid to travel and could hold his own – but at the same time, with a trait which would become one of his hallmarks, he was very down to earth.

At the risk of sounding like an obituary, I would like to publicly thank Andrew for his invaluable input on CBW. A popular member of my team, his presence will be sorely missed, not only in the office but I’m sure by those of you who have dealt with him.

However, if you read Group Travel World, which is produced at the other end of this office, you look set to be able to carry on enjoying his writings, for that is part of the plan – to review hotels and attractions on the trip from a very personal perspective.

As for CBW, I would welcome freelance contributions, in the short-terms at least. Please drop me a line with your ideas.

Drivers

Operator Profile Supplier Profile Deliveries

Gareth Evans Editor

Big Picture

35

Minibus

61

Last Stop

62

People

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

Driver CPC Training Fully inclusive. No hidden costs

£60

wts.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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news

“This is how you can identify a Euro 6 model – vents on the bonnet flap enable the right air to cool the radiators, which are now located...”

David Oliver Evobus

briefly National Express is renewing its Revolving Credit Facility, replacing the previous £500m facility, which had been due to mature in 2014, with a £410m facility, maturing in 2018. The Group reduced the size of the facility, which is primarily used for seasonal funding requirements, in light of its reduced debt forecast.

Following strong demand from its banking group, the margin on the new Revolving Credit Facility was reduced to 1.1% over LIBOR (the previous facility was priced at a margin of 1.75%). NX is targeting a reduction in debt to two times EBITDA by the end of 2014.

Airconco is moving to its new purpose built HQ on Friday, July 19. Parts orders will be taken until 1400hrs on Thursday, July 18, but the company will then close until 0830hrs on Monday, July 22.

Any urgent service support needed during this time can be organised by speaking to Airconco Service Manager Jaimie on 07970 210775, however it will be limited to service account customers. Airconco’s new address is Airconco Ltd, Unit B1, Axis Point, Hareshill Business Park, Hilltop Road, Heywood, Lancashire, OL10 2RQ. Contact numbers and email addresses will remain the same.

Stagecoach has been awarded the Carbon Trust Standard for measuring, managing and reducing its global carbon footprint, becoming the first public transport operator to have its boundaries certified outside of Europe. The Group reduced the carbon footprint of its businesses in the UK and North America by 6% in the three years from May 1, 2010 to April 30, 2013. It also reduced the carbon intensity (tCO2e/£m turnover) of its global operations during the period by 8.6%. Michael Gifford, Associate Director at the Carbon Trust, said: “By achieving independent certification of real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions around the world, Stagecoach is showing leadership in taking action to manage its environmental impact. It proves to stakeholders and customers that commitment to cutting carbon has resulted in real savings.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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News Focus p18

Charity hike in Peter Huntley’s memory raises £18,000 The Trainsaid team, including members from TAS, Barclays Corporate and Ipswich Buses, almost doubles the target which had been set for Peter’s planned expedition to the North Pole A group of 30 friends, family and colleagues from the transport industry came together to celebrate the memory of Peter Huntley on Saturday, July 6, by hiking to the top of Wales’ highest mountain and raising over £18,000 for Transaid.

The ‘Big Walk to a Small Pub’, a six-hour trek up Mount Snowdon amidst stunning Welsh scenery, was held in memory of Peter, the founder of passenger transport specialists the TAS Partnership, who tragically died last year while training for an expedition to the

North Pole in aid of Transaid.

After climbing the mountain’s Pyg Track to a height of 3,560 ft, Peter’s close family and friends, colleagues and charitable supporters paid a well-deserved visit to a local pub where they shared memories and toasted their hiking achievement.

Among the TAS team scaling Snowdon were: Sarah Huntley, Peter’s daughter, (Administrative Assistant), Richard Armitage (Chairman), Nick Dangerfield and John Godfrey (Principal Consultants) and John Taylor (Associate Director). Other teams which took part included Barclays Corporate, Chester-le-Street Railway Station, Volvo Trucks, who were joined by representatives from Blackpool Transport and Ipswich Buses.

The Transaid team at the Snowdon summit

Growth fund to assist Optare R&D Optare has received a conditional offer of funds from the fourth round of the government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) which could be worth up to £1.5m.

The RGF supports projects

and programmes which create economic growth and sustain private sector employment. Optare is one of 102 firms, whittled down from 309, which have been selected to receive a conditional offer.

Glenn Saint, Optare Deputy CEO, said: “The funding, if received, will assist in our export sales drive through boosting our research and development capabilities, and is likely to lead to more jobs at our Sherburn plant and increased

Sarah Huntley said: “I was proud to see so many people coming together to pay tribute to my Dad by doing something he loved. We had sunshine, gorgeous views and good cheer, all in all a successful day.”

John Taylor added: “Peter had set a target of raising £10k for Transaid from his North Pole trek. Having travelled in Africa, he understood the contribution better transport services can make to reducing death rates and improving health.

“He was a passionate and inspirational leader, and by literally following his footsteps we are both continuing his work and paying tribute to his ideals. I’m ‘achingly’ proud to have participated with my TAS colleagues.”

Gary Forster, CEO of Transaid, said: “The expedition was fantastic and we are thankful to those who took part and donated. This money will help Transaid continue a number of projects focusing on the improvement and development of transport in developing countries.

“Peter was a champion of Transaid and his philanthropic spirit really spurred the walkers on when things got a little challenging.

We’re delighted to have held this event in celebration of Peter’s memory and to have the support of so many kind people.”

To make a donation, contact Transaid on 020 7387 8136, email marketing@ transaid.org or visit www. justgiving.com/TASRamblers

overall security for the business.

“We’ve been clear that our strategy is to use our market leading technology as a base for new products aimed at export markets in Europe and further afield. With the support of the global marketing resources of our parent company, Ashok Leyland, we can grow our export penetration thus lessening our dependence on the highly competitive British bus market.”

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

Steady growth for National Express National Express Group has released updates on trading for the First Half Year ended June 30, 2013, ahead of its Half Year results which are due to be released on July 24, 2013.

Trading in the First Half Year has been in line with group expectations with revenue in the First Half Year having grown by 7% and is on course to deliver between £125m and £150m of free cash flow in each of 2013 and 2014.

In the UK Bus division, after a weak first quarter for passenger volume, reflecting poor weather and the impact of austerity measures, the second quarter has seen a turnaround in patronage for UK Bus. Commercial passenger volumes have grown and the

reduction in the number of concession passengers all but eliminated. As a consequence, network mileage is broadly flat and like-for-like revenue has increased by 3%. Despite higher fuel and pension costs in 2013, with the reduction in BSOG now lapped,

the outlook for the remainder of the year is positive. Operational performance is excellent, with record levels of punctuality reflecting our investment in vehicle tracking systems. Fleet investment continues, with 90 new vehicles delivered so far this year.

Core revenue rose 3% in the first half year in UK Coach. The company’s focus on low fares is proving attractive to consumers and driving volume growth. This has been supplemented by the successful start-up of the Luton Airport services and additional passengers booking through the Ryanair marketing agreement.

Growth in Eurolines and a new Airlinks contract have offset weak Rail Replacement revenue, which followed the cessation of the East Anglia franchise.

Dean Finch, Group Chief Executive, commented: “I am pleased with our revenue improvement across the business, reflecting the attractive value and quality service we offer our customers. I believe that the combination of organic growth and operational excellence, cash generation and new international contract opportunities will drive returns for National Express and our shareholders.”

impact on retention.

The Retention Index research measures the levels and the factors influencing staff movement in the sectors which influence the UK’s visitor economy.

Staff who were most likely to stay after being offered regular and relevant training were frontline staff – where turnover rates are the highest of any group of employees averaging 30%, but have dropped slightly in recent years. Turnover among middle managers remains

static at 23% and among senior managers it is 21%, but nearly half of all respondents (46%) report that turnover among the latter group has increased in the last three years.

Respondents felt their training budgets would need to increase by an average of 50% to impact retention rates. Based on current spend, organisations would need to spend: £7,800 a year on each member of senior staff; £5,700 a year on each member of middle management staff; and £1,800 a year on each member of frontline staff

As well as size of investment, respondents were asked what types of training were most likely to impact retention. Personal development and people/team management came out top, closely followed by customer service.

Sharon Glancy, Director of People 1st, said: “We know that staff turnover is a big challenge for our sector’s employers. The Retention Index gives us the opportunity to monitor the causes for this churn and give HRDs and training managers research which will help them convince their boards to invest in the things which will make a difference to their workforce, and ultimately, the bottom line.”

Core revenue of National Express UK Coach rose in the first half of the year

Staff retention improved by more training Up to 74% of businesses working across the ‘visitor economy’ (hospitality, tourism, travel and passenger transport industries) believe there would be a notable impact on employee retention rates if training budgets were increased, according to industry research on behalf of the People 1st Training Company among HR Directors and training managers.

On average, respondents felt that budgets would need to increase by around 50% to have a significant

www.coachandbusweek.com

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news › BUSeS

88k

Estimated number of buses registered in Australia

briefly Lothian Buses has been shortlisted for the Bus Operator of the Year, Contribution to Sustainable Transport and Improvements to Bus Services categories at the National Transport Awards. The ceremony is to be held on October 17, 2013 at the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel in London. In 2011, the municipallyowned operator won the Scottish Transport Award for Excellence in Technology and Innovation and this year won the Scottish Transport Award for Contribution to Environmental Travel. Ian Craig, who was recently promoted to Chief Executive, said: “We work hard to make sure we provide the best possible service, so to be shortlisted for these prominent UK awards is fantastic news and a credit to everyone at Lothian Buses.”

Brighton & Hove warned at PI

nobody was hurt. An inspection of the vehicle resulted in the issue of an S marked prohibition and during the inquiry, the TC noted the wheel loss was classed as a most serious infringement under EU regulations.

The TC heard the company had also failed to spot that loose wheel nuts were a developing problem with the articulated buses in the fleet and that there was insufficient quality control of vehicle maintenance contractors.

A further S marked prohibition, for a damaged tyre, and additional prohibitions where the operator

admitted fault were examined during the hearing, along with inadequate driver defect reporting and stretched preventative maintenance inspections.

Mr Denton said: “It is clear and has been admitted by the operator and its Transport Managers that there has been a blemish in this operator’s compliance record made up of several sub-blemishes.

“First was the wheel loss incident in December which is most insufficient by EU law and failures in the maintenance system.

“There was insufficient quality control of outside maintenance contractors who sent back a vehicle with a significant fault in the tyre.

That should have been got on top of straight away. There has also been excessive time between checks of up to eight weeks rather than the six weeks it is supposed to be.

“All this adds up to a picture where compliance was awry.”

The company will now have to send a copy of its next transport assessment to the TC to ensure it is complying with regulations.

Martin Harris, CEO of Brighton and Hove Bus Company, said: “We recognise the findings of the TC are a fair conclusion and we appreciate he has taken account of the work we have been doing, and will continue to do, to ensure we maintain the very highest standards of safety and comfort for our passengers.”

A new, independent body is being established in Scotland which aims to drive up standards in bus travel and put the needs of bus passengers at the heart of transport policy.

Bus Users Scotland will work with partners across Scotland including the Scottish Government, local transport authorities and bus operators to support bus passengers and improve bus services.

Initially, Bus Users Scotland will establish a head office in Edinburgh with Bus Compliance officers in various regions of the country and a network of part-time, locally-based Bus User representatives.

Its focus is on four key areas: Compliance monitoring, to assess whether bus services

are delivering against the terms of their registration; Complaints management, to ensure complaints are handled efficiently and cost-effectively; Good practice development, cooperating with bus operators, acting on complaints and sharing best practice; and Advocacy, working with government, local authorities, special interest groups, Transport Scotland and operators to ensure the views and interests of passengers are fully represented.

Bus Users Scotland will be part of the Bus User family which has a successful presence in England and Wales.

Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “The Scottish Government is committed to getting as many people as possible to use public transport and Bus Users Scotland will make an important contribution to that goal.”

TC Nick Denton said he did not think any further action was necessary despite two S marked prohibitions Brighton and Hove Bus Company has been issued with a formal warning by Traffic Commissioner for London and the South East Nick Denton.

The company was forced to attend a public inquiry at Ivy House, Eastbourne, after it failed a safety inspection by VOSA. Nick Denton said he did not think revoking the operator’s licence would be appropriate action.

VOSA held an investigation after a wheel came off a moving bus on December 31, 2012. The bus was in service on a university campus but

Problems with loose wheel nuts across Brighton & Hove’s bendy bus fleet were also not identified

New bus users body in Scotland

www.coachandbusweek.com

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2001 250 The year which Lloyds Coaches was established

more people to travel by bus and to travel by bus more often.

“As part of our commitment to improve customer service we will work with a number of disability groups to understand how the company can provide better services.

“We’ve already taken steps to make life a little easier for customers with disabilities. All our new buses have been designed with extra space at the front of the bus and fitted with more grab rails,

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which should provide customers who are blind or partially sighted with a little bit more support and reassurance.”

Guide Dogs Sighted Guide Ambassador for Leeds, Pam Stringer, added: “Freedom and independence are a crucial part of life, regardless of how much you can or cannot see. The My Guide scheme from Guide Dogs trains people as sighted guides who can confidently assist people who are blind or partially sighted when out and about. We hope this improved service will go a long way in empowering people to use the bus who currently lack the confidence to venture out alone.”

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, July 15. BAE Systems saw the greatest proportional rise, while Optare saw the greatest proportional drop.

Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

427.15p

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334.40p

Barbara Bedford, Customer Service & Communications Director of First Bus, with representatives from the Guide Dogs charity

New express bus tender to Cardiff Centre & Airport An express bus service running every 20 minutes almost round the clock between Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Airport is due to launch next month.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council is inviting operators to bid to run the service, which comes four months after the Welsh Government’s £52m takeover of the terminal in Rhoose, which is located some 14 miles West of the city.

The contract will initially be awarded on a trial basis for the six months up to the end of January, with the council holding an option to extend it by up to five years should it be successful.

The contract was advertised on June 18 and the deadline for applications is July 18 – just 14 days before its planned launch.

SHARE WATCH

Number of Mercedes-Benz Tourismo coaches in the UK

First Bus in training partnership with Guide Dogs First Bus is providing its drivers with specific training designed to help people who are blind or partially sighted to confidently use the bus.

The operator begins training each of its 17,000 UK drivers from September. In designing the bespoke training package for its drivers, First has worked closely with the charity Guide Dogs, who provide the My Guide sighted guiding scheme.

The training includes encouraging drivers to either verbally guide or physically assist customers who may have problems with their sight to their seats, and urging them to alert customers when their stop is approaching.

In training, drivers will also be blindfolded so they can play the role of a blind passenger and therefore better understand their needs and concerns.

Each driver will receive a Guide Dogs certificate and badge at the end of the training.

Barbara Bedford, Customer Service and Communications Director for First Bus, said: “We are setting new standards of customer service across our operations in the UK. By improving our customer proposition we will encourage

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Following receipt of tenders, a decision will be taken by the Welsh Government, with the council, as to when the service will start.

It will be scheduled to run approximately every 20 minutes between 0400 and 0000hrs, 363 days a year, according to the contract notice.

The notice does not provide details on the exact route or the location of stops, but describes it as a ‘high profile, high quality and limited-stop, express local bus service’.

The four vehicles required, plus an engineering spare, will be supplied by the council, but fully maintained – including onboard services such as free WiFi – by the successful contractor.

Maximum fares have also been

set by the Vale council – £5 single or £8 return for adults, £2.50 single or £4 return for children, while Welsh concessionary pass holders and children under five ride free – but the operator will retain any onboard revenue, including any income from external sales agents.

The new service comes after municipally-owned Cardiff Bus announced it would withdraw its X91 Sunday service between the city centre and Cardiff Airport due to low passenger numbers, although the remaining two-hourly Monday to Saturday service will continue.

Councillor Lis Burnett commented: “The Vale council is pleased to support the Welsh Government in the delivery of this new service.

“We feel strongly that high quality, public transport at affordable prices is essential to securing a positive future for Cardiff Airport.”

Price: Year High: 337.70p Year Low: 264.30p

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+14.60 on last week

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+0.00 on last week

FTSE 100

6,571

Index: Year High: 6,840 Year Low: 5,498

+144 on last week

www.coachandbusweek.com

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news › coaches

briefly The Oxford Bus Company increased the frequency of its high-profile X90 London to Oxford coach service from last Monday (July 8). This is the route’s second timetable enhancement in 2013. In a statement on its website, the Go-Ahead Groupowned firm announced: “We have listened to recent customer feedback on the popularity of the X90 evening services and are improving the timetable to meet the demand at this time of day. The change to the timetable will see the Monday to Friday 15-minute peak frequency out of London extended to operate from 1600 to 1900hrs.”

A bridge maintenance scheme is due to start on the A2 near Canterbury on Friday. The work takes place over six weekends and will involve overnight carriageway closures and lane closures during the day on Saturdays and Sundays. It will take place on one carriageway each weekend, with a full carriageway possession on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights between 2000 and 0600hrs (finishing at 0500 on Monday morning). Outside of these times on Saturdays and Sundays one lane will be shut with a 50mph temporary speed limit in place on the same carriageway. The A2 is to be closed between Brenley Corner (M2 / A299) and Wincheap (A28) with diversion routes in place via the A251, A252 and A28. There will be no restrictions in place between 0500 on Mondays and 2000 on Fridays or over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of August.

The work is scheduled to finish on September 2.

CPT West Midlands’ everenthusiastic Regional Manager Phil Bateman said he recently wrote to every Chief Executive of the local authorities in the region. Phil asked them to detail their plans and proposals for new investment in the shape of coach parking within their boundaries. The request has gone out under the title of ‘Working Together’. The first council to respond has been Warwick District Council, followed swiftly by Malvern Hills. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Lakeside Coaches attains CoachMarque accreditation Renowned Shropshire operator attains 100% audit compliance at the first attempt North Shropshire-based Lakeside Coaches has been awarded CoachMarque status, after becoming one of only a few companies to achieve 100% audit compliance at the first attempt.

Neal Hall, General Manager and Carole Sykes, Operations Manager

said: “For ourselves, as one of only a handful of quality accredited coach operators in the UK it was a natural step to take towards industry specific quality assurance. We find being audited by customers and quality assessors means that we constantly have external targets to meet as well as those we set ourselves. It is also useful to be able to benchmark against other top operators and hence be considered

The company maintains a well-turned out 27-strong fleet

Chauffeurhire supports local Tourist Information Centre Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is to open all year round thanks to Gloucestershire-based Chauffeurhire, reported The Gazette newspaper.

The centre has previously only opened on a seasonal basis between March and November because funding grants did not cover the cost of heating the building during the winter.

However, the operator has offered to pay the centre’s winter heating bills so volunteers can remain on hand to offer information to visitors to the town

all year round. The extra heating bill comes to an estimated £110 a month during winter.

Tourist Information Centre Manager Laura Lee Phillips said: “The TIC is run by volunteers and receives grants from Sodbury Town Council, Dodington Parish Council and Yate Town Council.

Although welcome the grants are not sufficient for the TIC to remain open over the winter.

“Due to numerous requests from locals and businesses, the Committee of the TIC voted to open all year round to satisfy demand.

The extra cost of heating the TIC

a member of this elite band of coach operators in the UK. “In addition, we think we can bring a lot to CoachMarque ourselves with our 10 years of ISO accreditation and our knowledge of both Quality Partnerships and niche markets.”

Gaining membership has been another highpoint in an ongoing period of growth for the operator, which has a trackrecord of investment. To this end, it has acquired its fourth new vehicle in the last 12 months, a MercedesBenz Toursimo.

The firm was established in 1979 when the Lakeside Minicoaches business was taken over by current Managing Director and Chairman John Davies. Through a process of organic growth the firm now boasts one of the most modern fleets in Shropshire and the largest coach fleet in North Shropshire, North East Wales and South Cheshire.

The company operates a fleet of 27 vehicles from the market towns of Ellesmere and Market Drayton, and directly employs around 50 staff.

Visit http www2. lakesidecoaches.co.uk

will be met by Chauffeurhire coaches who stepped in when they heard of the shortfall in funding.”

Chauffeurhire owner Gary Davies said: “I think this is what our town needs. The TIC has been so much busier this year and it would do our town good to stay open all year round.

“It will do us good as a company and I think if you ask other local traders they will say the same.”

“I think it is something the town council should be doing but we were happy to step in and help rather than see it not open all year,” he added.

For more information, call 01454 888686 or visit the website at http www. yateandchippingsodbury.co.uk

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“SCW felt its marketing budget was better spent on existing and prospective customers and giving them an exciting experience they would not forget.”

Martin Cole

Minibus p35

Stagecoach expands Citylink Gold

Mercedes-Benz Tourino midi coach will not be available under Euro 6, Evobus UK announced on Friday. “When it was introduced, the market segment amounted to 60-80 vehicles per annum, but now it’s just 10-15,” explained Jan Aichinger, CEO of Coventry-based Evobus UK. “We’re currently selling just five to 10. Unfortunately, the market is simply not viable for a specialist midi coach. Of course, we may well be completely wrong in our predictions.”

A stock vehicle is pictured here during a CBW roadtest back in March 2009.

Bus Éireann coaches made ISOFIX compatible Bus Éireann is providing ISOFIX Attachment Points at selected seats on 53 of the company’s new Expressway and commuter coaches.

This will allow child safety seats which are ISOFIX compatible to be installed on vehicles by parents/ guardians, making it easier for families to travel with small children. Non-ISOFIX child seats can also be used on any coach seat as long as they are secured with the seatbelt according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

A total of 88 new vehicles went into service with the Irish state-owned operator in 2012.

All are WiFi-enabled, wheelchair accessible and meet the highest EU emission standards. Selected window seats on 53 of these new vehicles have ISOFIX fitted, available for families travelling from Dublin-Galway, Dublin-Limerick, Dublin-Wexford, Dublin-Cork, Dublin-Belfast and selected commuter services around the Greater Dublin Area.

For more information visit ISOFIX dedicated sales website at www.isofixshop.co.uk

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Stagecoach is launching a new luxury coach service in Scotland.

From Friday (July 19), a Citylink Gold service will operate between Edinburgh and Aberdeen, with four departures in each direction Monday to Saturday and three services each way on Sundays. Most services will also call at Ferrytoll Park&Ride, Kinross Park&Ride, Perth Broxden and Dundee.

The new route is being operated through Stagecoach’s joint venture with ComfortDelGro, Scottish Citylink.

The services operate with 15-metre Plaxton Elite’s which boast luxury leather seats, power

A Stewarts Irizar i6 pictured at the UK Coach Rally in 2012

Stewarts moves to new premises Reading-based Stewarts Coaches has moved into a new depot in Headley Park, Woodley from its previous site at Grazeley Green.

Located at the centre of one of Reading’s main industrial areas, the depot is strategically located with respect to existing corporate clients and offer easy access to the M4 and A329M. The company said the new location offers excellent connection links to neighbouring towns and features state of the art workshop facilities, indoor vehicle parking, superb office accommodation,

a new training academy and sophisticated security and fire alarm systems.

Andy Cotton, Managing Director of Stewarts Coaches, told CBW: “We have invested £2.5m in our new Reading headquarters which underpins our confidence in our expansion strategy and wonderful staff. Our new home is representative of our core aims of putting safety and quality at the forefront of everything we do - ensuring our amazing Drivers have the very best facilities at their disposal.”

Stewarts Coaches was established in 1986, purchased by the current owner in 2003, and now transports in excess of 1.5 million people per annum.

For more information visit www.stewartscoaches.com

sockets, free WiFi and a toilet. The specially designed vehicles have 54 seats.

Customer service hosts provide passengers with first-class at-seat rail-style service, with complimentary hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks.

The launch follows the success of the existing Citylink Gold services which link Glasgow with Aberdeen and Inverness.

Elizabeth Esnouf, Managing Director of Stagecoach’s UK Coach division said: “Our current Citylink Gold services in Scotland have proved extremely popular so we are delighted to be expanding the network. This new link between Edinburgh and Aberdeen will provide customers with a new luxury travel option.”

Scottish Citylink launched its existing Citylink Gold services in 2010.

Stacey’s Coaches to tour haunted parts of A75

Carlisle-based Stacey’s Coaches is to run night tours along the A75 between Gretna and Dumfries to give people the chance to see if they can track down ghostly apparitions who reportedly haunt the road.

The tours will visit Kinmount Straight near Annan, which has been nicknamed Ghost Alley due to the number of spooky happenings reported since the late 1950s.

The trips are being launched in October by Dumfries and Galloway paranormal team Mostly Ghostly Investigations, in partnership with the operator.

Mostly Ghostly already runs the Dumfries Ghost Walk and Haunted Theatre Tour, and has long been fascinated with paranormal reports from the A75.

Kathleen Cronie, founder member of Mostly Ghostly, said: “Many thousands of vehicles travel each day on this road, including the infamous Ghost Alley at Kinmount Straight.”

Simon Riddick, Transport Manager with Stacey’s Coaches said: “We would just like to say how excited we are to be working alongside Mostly Ghostly on the Haunted Highways Tour.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

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news

London Dial-a-Ride’s star performers recognised TfL’s Mike Weston presented awards for top depots, managers, engineers and more Staff from London’s Dial-aRides were recognised for their dedication and professionalism at an awards ceremony held by Transport for London (TfL) on June 28 at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden.

Mike Weston, Operations Director for Surface Transport, said: “We appreciate how much of a lifeline Dial-a-Ride is for our members who often have specific needs which our staff will always try to accommodate. These awards are an opportunity to recognise star employees who take pride in all aspects of their work and excel in putting the customer at the centre of everything they do.”

He presented Dial-a-Ride awards to: n Alec Dempster, Dial-a-Ride Southwark – Driver Attendant of the year. Alec never hesitates to assist in any situation and always has a professional and polite manner. He has on many occasions stayed back after work and has also helped stranded passengers. n Gillian Glenham, Southwark – Reservationist of the Year. Gillian will often go the extra mile to assist a customer with a special request, displaying the perfect interpersonal skills required to ensure customers are receiving a high level of care and assistance. n Giorgio Casti, Palmers Green – Engineer of the Year. Vehicles must leave the depot in an almost military fashion each morning with any out of service vehicles promptly repaired. Giorgio is constantly aware of the need to avoid any delays for passengers and staff alike. He no sooner walks into the depot at 0700 before the tools are out and vehicles are repaired and back in service. He takes great pride in the standards of repairs to ‘his’ vehicles and ‘his’ garage. Indeed, many visitors to the site comment on the tidiness and cleanliness of the garage area and store room.

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Above: Depot of the Year winners Wimbledon

Above left: Noreen Minihane and William Richards. Above right: Duty Manager of the Year Rino Marcangelo of his shift and will work over his rostered hours to provide a great service. n Paula Biggs, Southwark – Service Support Person of the Year.

Paula is good at problem solving, has a positive ‘can-do’ attitude and thinks innovatively. She is totally reliable and gets on well with customers, colleagues and stakeholders. For her total dedication to Dial-a-Ride, recognition is long overdue. n Rino Marcangelo, North Wembley – Duty Manager of the Year. Rino always has a positive attitude towards getting the job done as soon as possible and never breaks under pressure in any circumstance. He always sees the humorous side of any issue making it a pleasure to work with him. n Irene Ikazoboh, Southwark – Management Control Centre Supervisor of the Year. Irene has been a team leader for nearly five years and has consistently demonstrated all of the qualities that make a good supervisor. She

has a very good rapport with all her team - encouraging her reservationists to develop and learn, balanced with the need for good performance. She is always cheerful with a positive attitude and works well with colleagues throughout the Management Control Centre. n Travel Mentoring Team, Southwark – Team of the Year.

The team all volunteered to be TfL Travel Ambassadors during the London 2012 Games, working the maximum number of shifts alongside their day to day responsibilities. They have also been instrumental in the success of the award winning ‘Bus Days’, a multi-agency initiative which helps disabled Londoners experience travelling on a London bus in a safe and controlled environment. ‘Bus Days’ are now taking place in nine London boroughs and their success continues to grow. n Lewis Wright, Dial-a-Ride Operational Training Manager – Improving safety award. Lewis

has taken the lead on creating ‘wheelchair passports’ for Dial-aRide which ensure drivers have specific information on the best way to safely secure wheelchairs in Dial-a-Ride vehicles. He has also created a database for electric wheelchairs and updates it on a regular basis as new models come onto the market. His work in this area has become a benchmark in safely securing wheelchairs, helping to contribute to the development of a British Standard ‘wheelchair passport’ system which is currently being finalised. n Wimbledon Depot - Depot of the Year. Each depot was judged according to criteria focusing on five key areas: customer service, staff performance, and operational, financial and environmental efficiency. n Judges’ Award for actions above and beyond the call of duty – Joint winners: Noreen Minihane, Woodford and William Richards, North Wembley. The quick thinking of Dial-a-Ride driver Noreen helped save three lives earlier this year in Havering when she was working a late shift. As she was dropping a passenger home she saw a car ahead of her in the traffic hit a parked car and then drive off.

Noreen thought that the driver was behaving strangely and something was not right. She decided to follow the car and noticed that there were two small children screaming and crying in the back. The car continued to weave across the road, cut corners and eventually hit a tree.

Noreen raced from her vehicle and grabbed the keys of the car as the female driver was trying to restart the engine. While trying to calm the children, Noreen called the emergency services. When the police and ambulance arrived they told Noreen that the driver was seconds away from slipping into a diabetic coma and without her intervention there could have been fatal consequences.

William put his emergency first aid training to good use in September last year when he saved the life of an elderly Dial-a-Ride member who had a heart attack in the post office after being dropped off. William performed CPR until the ambulance arrived, with the ambulance driver remarking that the passenger would have died had it had not been for William’s intervention. The passenger has now recovered and is back travelling with Dial-a-Ride.

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news › international

First Euro 6 VDL Citea buses for Finland The 29 vehicles have been purchased by Finnish operator Pohjolan Liikenne FINLAND A batch of 29 Citeas for delivery in December 2013 introduces the first VDL Citeas and the first Euro 6 buses for Finland.

They have been acquired by Finnish operator Pohjolan Liikenne to operate services in Helsinki.

“We wanted to expand the number of preferred suppliers for our buses, so we compared several alternatives. Many positive aspects of the VDL Citeas really caught our eye, including a long service life and low fuel consumption. That made the choice very easy for us,” said Heikki Alanko, MD of Pohjolan Liikenne.

The order consists of nine LLE-120s with a length of 12m, 15 12.9m SLE-129s and 5 XLE145s, the tree-axle version with a length of 14.5m. All the Citeas are equipped with a ZF Ecolife gearboxes and ESC. The XLE triaxle buses are equipped with an additional safety provision on the third axle to prevent the back end from swinging out over the kerb for example. The first Euro 6 Citeas for Finland are also the first Citeas with fully electric sliding plug doors.

“In 2012 we introduced a total of three Citea models to the Finnish market. The order from Pohjolan Liikenne consists of a mix of these three models. This shows our vehicles are well suited to the needs

of the Finnish market. We are very proud to have received this order from Pohjolan Liikenne”, said Remi Henkemans, MD VDL Bus & Coach bv.

The three Citea models purchased by Pohjolan Liikenne make optimal use of the modular system from which the Citea range is built. This high degree of modularity not only results in a tailored solution for each deployment area, it benefits the operator in connection with repairs,

The VDL Citeas are being delivered in December this year

Barcelona bus operator TMB buys 10 Lion’s City Hybrids SPAIN MAN Truck & Bus Iberia has been awarded a contract by Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) for the purchase of 10 more hybrid city buses. The new MAN Lion’s City Hybrids will be delivered by the end of 2013. With 21 MAN hybrid buses, Barcelona will become the city with the largest fleet of this vehicle.

The 12-metre solo buses are powered by two electric engines of 75 kW each. This allows an www.coachandbusweek.com

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maintenance and stocked parts.

Pohjolan Liikenne is one of the largest Finnish bus companies, operating local, regional and long distance services with a fleet of 470 buses and coaches mostly in Southern Finland. The company’s annual turnover is €77m and it has 950 employees. The buses and coaches run nearly 30m km yearly and serve about 30m passengers.

Pohjolan Liikenne is a subsidiary of VR, the Finnish national railway company.

even, quiet and emission-free acceleration from a stationary position with a torque of 3000 Nm. The electric drive is fed by two sources: ultra-capacitors on the roof save the kinetic energy recuperated during braking and release it again during acceleration.

As a further energy supplier, an MAN D08 diesel motor with sevenlitre capacity and 250 hp starts if necessary, which fulfils the strictest current voluntary EEV (Enhanced

Environmentally Friendly Vehicle) emission standard. If the diesel is not needed, it switches off automatically.

Miguel Angel Alonso, Commercial Director of Buses for MAN Truck & Bus Iberia, said: “TMB has awarded us this contract for the second year in a row. Our vehicles have proven themselves over months of use.

TMB gives thanks to us for this with the new tender.”

TMB is Barcelona’s main public transport operator. It is made up of two formerly separate companies, Ferrocarril Metropolita de Barcelona and Transports de Barcelona.

It is thought the Tempo’s low weight and fuel efficiency will appeal to Australian operators

Optare targets growing bus market in Australia AUSTRALIA Optare is moving into the Australian bus market with the exclusive appointment of a new dealer and plans for demonstration vehicles to be available in the near future.

The dealer, Avia Oceania, is based in Dandenong, a suburb of Melbourne, and is the Avia truck dealer for Australia. Avia is a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, Optare’s major shareholder, and the appointment directly stems from that relationship.

Initially Avia Oceania will offer Optare’s Tempo SR and Solo SR single-deck models. These integral buses are expected to prove appealing to Australian operators because of their low-weight and fuel efficiency.

Glenn Saint, Optare Deputy CEO, said: “The Australian bus market is substantial with an estimated 88,000 buses registered and has shown consistent growth over the past few years. The structure of the market also lends itself to our products with a large proportion, some 60%, being small buses.

“We’ll also look at the high density urban sector with our Tempo model, which is available in three lengths of 10.6, 11.3 and 12m and with seating capacities ranging from 35 to 43. The 12-metre SR model has the potential to carry up to 85 passengers.

“The appointment of Avia Oceania as our representative in Australia is an example of the benefits we are gaining from our relationship with Ashok Leyland. It is able to support us in a number of ways to open up new markets and we are excited at the prospects of doing business in Australia.”

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NORTH

Metro, the West Yorkshire PTE, is rolling out its new smartcard over the next two years.

The MCard scheme has been developed over the last 18 months, with all transport operators implementing upgraded smartenabled systems on board buses and in stations throughout the area.

A Young Person’s MCard has already launched, replacing the paper ticket, which will soon enable young people to travel throughout West Yorkshire by touching-on the card when boarding.

More MCards are set to follow both as replacements of existing cards and new cards designed for each user group.

Richard Soper, Chairman of West Yorkshire Ticketing Company, said: “The launch of MCard marks a real turning point for travel in West Yorkshire and will make transport easier and a more appealing option for residents and visitors to the region.

“The launch has been planned as a phased programme as we introduce a family of smartcards.

With the commitment and buy-in from Metro and our bus and rail operator partners we are excited about the future of travel across West Yorkshire. We hope travellers will join our celebrations and support the launch of the MCard and smart tickets, which will be rolled out throughout the year.”

MCard is a joint venture between bus and rail operators and Metro working to introduce smart multioperator and multi-modal travel throughout West Yorkshire.

Further work from all partners will continue for the next two years to implement the system effectively across all rail and bus brands and move many ticket-based journeys to smart-enabled travel.

The project is funded by £5.18m from operators, £3.78m from Metro and £4.33m from the DfT.

WALES

Stagecoach is urging the Welsh Government to make more use of existing legislation to encourage partnerships between operators and local authorities.

The firm has called for a more integrated approach to transport in Wales through the creation of new single regional bodies to take responsibility for both roads and public transport.

Stagecoach backed aspirations for a national transport network in Wales, but cautioned that www.coachandbusweek.com

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

KEY

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

any system “must be practical and affordable”. It also rejected proposals for a bus contracting system and separate regulatory powers for the Welsh Government.

The details are included in Stagecoach’s response to the ‘Integrated Public Transport in Wales’ report published in May by the National Assembly’s Enterprise and Business Committee.

Stagecoach says, in Wales in the last five years, the company has increased service levels by 5.8%, boosted jobs by 5.4%, grown the number of adult fare paying passengers by 5.5%, increased concessionary passenger numbers by 7.4% and invested £11m in 100 new buses, with a further £3.4m order for 31 new buses in 2013/14.

“Private sector operators are happy to work in partnership with the public sector to improve integration, ticketing and information, within the scope of competition law, on the understanding that services must be commercially viable,” Stagecoach said. “There are already examples of quality public transport in Wales.

Stable public sector governance and finance is essential to deliver further improvements.

“The aspirations for a unified national transport network with co-ordinated routes, timetables, ticketing and information must be tempered by practicality, affordability and deliverability.”

The firm also said ticket pricing

should continue to be left to bus operators.

Stagecoach called for single Regional Planning Authorities, combining the Regional Transport Consortia (RTCs) with District Council planning and highway authorities, governed by Joint Boards of elected members from District Councils.

However, Stagecoach is opposed to Quality Contracts for legal, financial and practical reasons.

They would take up to two years to put in place, divert funding from services to pay for administering a contracting system, and leave taxpayers with the financial risk.

The company said, while London has an “enviable public transport system”, the city is unique in the UK. “It seems unlikely the Welsh Government would be willing to commit such a high level of resource to public transport, even if it had funds,” the firm added.

Stagecoach said it saw “no good reason” for the Welsh Government to have separate regulatory powers over bus services, which would lead to different regulatory systems as buses crossed over the border into England. Existing Transport Act powers were “already sufficiently wide to achieve any of the Committee’s recommendations”.

MIDLANDS

Services in south Solihull, which are part of the Diamond-operated premium

Signature network, have been changed following a review.

Management from Centro and the Rotala-owned operator have signed a new deal to extend the service.

Improvements include the frequency of buses between Dickens Heath and Solihull increased from hourly to every half hour; the frequency of buses between Cheswick Green and Solihull increased to every half hour and journey time reduced from 30 minutes to 15 minutes; journey time between Balsall Common and Solihull reduced from 45 minutes to 30 minutes; new links from Balsall Common, Knowle and Dorridge to Solihull Station; and additional peak journeys on route 82 between Solihull, Hampton in Arden, Meriden and Coventry.

The new network is made up of routes 82, 88, S2, S3, S4, S11 and S15.

The review did result in the withdrawal of the S2A and C through Temple Balsall and the link between Cheswick Green and Shirley because of very low passenger numbers.

However, the Heart of England Taxibus provides a DRT service between 0800 and 1930hrs Monday to Saturday and bookings can be taken up to one week in advance, including on the day of travel if seats are available.

The changes came into effect at the start of June following extensive public consultation with parish councils and residents associations at the end of 2012.

Cllr John McNicholas, Chairman of Centro, said: “The Signature network provides high quality vehicles with excellent customer service and as a result more people are using the bus.

“Patronage has increased by more than 40% since it launched in 2010 and customer satisfaction is the highest in any area of the West Midlands at over 90%.

“Now, Centro has designed a revitalised network for the area, which will be delivered in partnership with Diamond using a number of hybrid buses and taking style, comfort and convenience to the next level.”

The agreement marks the start of a new five-year partnership between Centro and Diamond.

Antony Goozee, Business Development Director for Diamond, said: “Diamond is pleased to have retained this prestige

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contract with Centro in Solihull and the surrounding areas using our Signature brand.

“Signature is designed to offer a high level of comfort and appeal to users that both need to use the bus and those who possibly could use the bus but currently utilise other forms of transport.

“We feel the services have the ability to grow and have put further resources into working with both Centro and the local community to ensure we provide a high level of service to our passengers.

“With this latest batch of vehicles we have adopted a green theme with a mixture of hybrid and Euro 5 diesel buses being used on the network.

“We look forward to building on the foundations of the previous contract and improving on what already has proven to be a successful solution for running bus services in the Solihull area.”

Vehicles on the Signature network all have leather seats and free WiFi. Nottinghamshire County Council is looking to withdraw its programme

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY which gives free bus passes to schoolchildren.

The Discretionary Travel Scheme entitles pupils to free bus journeys who go to school more than three miles from their home address.

Councillor John Peck, the Labourled council’s Chairman for children and young people, said: “Having this scheme in place has had no measurable impact on parents’ choice of school for their children.

“The scheme is exclusive, has been badly costed and, in the current economic climate, is financially unsustainable.”

Conservative opposition Councillor Philip Owen said: “It is disappointing, but not surprising, that one of Labour’s first moves in office is to propose withdrawing the Conservatives’ free travel scheme which helps a number of pupils attend the school of their choice.”

The council says discontinuing the scheme from September 2014 could save £1.7m by 2017-18.

The plans would not affect any statutory entitlement to free school transport, the authority confirmed.

A four-week consultation into the proposals has been launched.

Arriva London’s Tottenham garage is celebrating its centenary on Saturday (July 20) with a party at Tottenham Green

2013 n July 20 Arriva London Tottenham garage centenary.

Tottenham Green. www.

arrivalondon.com/

n July 21 Alton Bus Rally. Anstey Park, Anstey Lane, Alton, Hants. www.altonbusrally.org.uk n July 21-22 Coach Tourism Council Summer BBQ. Bedford Swan Hotel, Bedford. 0870 850 2839. www.coachtourismcouncil.com n August 3 Imberbus. Vintage bus service to abandoned settlements on Salisbury Plain, 10–1800hrs.

www.warminstervbrd.wordpress. com/imberbus/

n August 10 Metroline’s Holloway Garage Open Day www.metroline.co.uk n August 24 Inglebrough Classic & Vintage Vehicle Gathering.

Bibbys Coaches depot, North Yorkshire. 10-1700hrs. For details, call 015242 41330

First Scotland East has completed the installation of free WiFi on its X95 service. The operator introduced 10 new Enviro 300s to the route earlier this year and has now upgraded the six remaining vehicles on the service with systems supplied by Icomera.

“This is great news for our customers,” said Operations Director of First Scotland East, John Gorman.

John explained it was customers’ reaction to the WiFi on the company’s new buses that encouraged the operator to invest further. “The new buses have proved very popular with customers – the fresh new feel, extra room at the front of the bus and leather seats have all been welcomed. However, it is the free WiFi which has undoubtedly been most popular. Therefore, it was an easy decision to equip our entire Service X95 fleet with WiFi. “Our investment in new buses and the additional WiFi reflects our determination to improve services for our customers.”

Service X95 runs between Edinburgh and Carlisle via Eskbank, Newtongrange, Stow, Galashiels, Selkirk, Hawick and Langholm. Services run every 30 minutes at peak times with 90 minute journey times between Edinburgh and Galashiels and two hours between Galashiels and Carlisle.

n August 26 The Big Operating Day and Blue & Cream Celebration. Celebrating the centenary of Birmingham’s first blue & cream buses. The Transport Museum Wythall. 01564 826471. www.wythall.org.uk n September 7-8 Bus Driver of the Year Final. Blackpool. Call 01303 251462. www.bdoy.co.uk n September 8 Bus & Coach Wales 2013. Rhyd y Car Leisure Centre, Merthyr Tydfil n September 9-10 CPT Scotland Annual Conference. Crieff Hydro Hotel, Perthshire. Visit www.cpt-uk. org or call CPT Scotland on 0131 272 215

n September 10 Association of Trainers AGM. 1400hrs, Wembley.

For details call 01797 344251. n September 21-22 Metrobus 30th anniversary depot open days. Orpington, Croydon & Crawley. www.metrobus.co.uk/ metrobus30 n September 22 Showbus 2013.

Long Marston Airfield, Warwickshire. www.showbus.com n October 2-3 Coach & Bus Live 2013. NEC, Birmingham. www. coachandbuslive.com n October 20 Oxford Bus Museum Bus & Coach Vehicle Rally. 01993 883 617. www.oxfordbusmuseum. org.uk n October 23-24 Young Bus Managers Network Conference. Manchester. www. youngbusmanagers.org.uk n October 27 Swansea Bus Museum Running Day. 07877 771 878. www.swanseabusmuseum.com n November 27 ATCO Winter Conference & AGM. Local Government House, Smith Square, London. www.atco.org.uk

2014 n March 18-19 Young Bus Managers Network Conference.

Reading. www.youngbusmanagers. org.uk n May 12-14 ALBUM Conference.

Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. www.album-bus.co.uk

Send your event details to gareth.evans@ coachandbusweek.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

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news focus › euro 6 tourismo launch

1

The Euro 6 Tourismo Gareth Evans reports on the launch by Evobus UK of the new Euro 6-compliant Mercedes-Benz Tourismo coach Euro 6 still sends a shiver down the spine of many operators. It’s that vision of extra costs, greater inefficiency and more inconvenience, all for the sake of meeting the seemingly narrow focus on particulate matter. However, as might be expected, the mood was very much positive at Evobus UK’s Coventry dealership on Friday when the UK’s first Euro 6-compliant Tourismo coach was unveiled.

In the words of Evobus UK CEO Jan Aichinger: “We showed our first Euro 6 coach in 2011 at Busworld Kortrijk in the shape of www.coachandbusweek.com

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the left-hand drive Travego, which demonstrated our commitment to the new emission standard. We then launched the Citaro Euro 6 in Wiesbaden, followed by the Citaro K for the UK market last year. On that note, we’ve now got the first such bus on trial with operators in London.

“To look at, this Tourismo is no different – but the changes are all underneath.”

Jonathan Prime, General Manager took up the story: “There are now over 250 Tourismos in the UK since its launch in 2008.

Large customers include Redwing, Alfa, Swans and Clarke’s. I feel it’s been a successful product for the UK market, something we hope to continue with Euro 6.

“Since 2006, over 5,000 Tourismos have been sold across Europe. By the end of 2013, there will be 150 Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz coaches in service across the continent.”

Technical overview The new 10.7l OM 470 engine has been extensively tested in trucks, coaches and buses –amounting to 60 million testing kilometres in a variety of conditions, from the polar circle to South Africa.

Presenting the technical data was David Oliver, Training Manager for Evobus, who carries out all such work across the English speaking world.

Euro 6 is being met by using a combination of EGR, SCR and a

particulate filter, he said.

“This is the first time we’ve used a double-edged camshaft,” he explained. “There are two variants either 360 or 394bhp. This common-rail engine only injects the fuel which is required. Alternators all charge at the same rate, ensuring better load on engine, which leads to better fuel economy.

“We’re using water-cooled EGR, which means the temperature of the exhaust gases can be reduced from 700 degrees centigrade to just 170.”

Specifically tailored for coaches, the three-stage engine brake makes stopping nice and smooth – in contrast to that for HGVs, which is designed for harsh, rapid deceleration. The retarder can also be used.

Specialist surface treatment has also been applied to the cylinders, which reduces oil consumption and friction – in addition to increasing engine longevity, especially when starting from cold.

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3 1: With Peter Richardson behind the wheel, the coach is seen on the bridge over the Avon at Stoneleigh Abbey. 2: Airy interior looks modern with a traditional twist.

3: A rear three-quarter ground level view of the Tourismo. 4: The rear end – note the vents on the bonnet panel – a distintive feature of the Euro 6 model. 5: The driver’s cab includes several additional refinements. As can be seen, this coach was equipped with the ZF automatic gearbox. 6: With the bonnet flap open, a look at the engine bay.

5 Highlights of the new verticallymounted engine include that it: Produces increased performance and torque through less displacement; It reaches 95 % engine torque at 800 RPM, which means high output at lower RPM; Increased passenger comfort with reduced noise levels; and Reduced weight – 990 Kg – a 50kg saving on Euro 5.

The coach is to be available with two transmission variants – namely the Mercedes Power Shift eight-speed automated manual or ZF EcoLife six-speed automatic.

However, the latter will only be available with a 394bhp engine.

“I believe we’re the first manufacturer to use Voith’s new water retarder,” David said.

As noted earlier, the rear styling is the only real change to a layman’s eyes.

“This is how you can identify a Euro 6 model – vents on the bonnet flap enable the right air to cool the

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6 radiators, which are now located on the off-side,” continued David. “It’s the result of four years of testing and engineering.

The fan speed has also been reduced, which contributes to less engine noise.”

Peter Richardson, explained some of the benefits of the Euro 6 model compared to its Euro 5 predecessor.

“The lifecycle costs are smaller.

We expect a 20% extended life span of engines in coach operation (from a million km to 1.2m km). We anticipate 10% will fail before that but 90% will exceed it. It’s what’s known in engineering as ‘B10’.

“We anticipated no increase in fuel consumption, while the oil consumption will halve. The coach will also use less AdBlue – by as much as 40%. Intervals between oil changes will also be extended, up from 90 to 120,000 km in coach operation and similarly, the DPF service interval will be up to 360,000 km.”

Not to be forgotten are the changes which have been made to the driver’s display. These include what Evobus calls ‘a separate, permanent fuel gauge, a separate display of coolant temperature’ and an outside temperature gauge for improved drivers awareness.

Following in Setra’s UK footsteps While it is not secret that Setra coaches will cease to be available in the UK for Euro 6, Evobus currently has four Euro 5 Setras in stock.

“We’ve actively engaged with Setra customers. We can’t afford to lose any long-standing customers,” explained Jan. “What is changing on the Tourismo side is the increased range of options. Previously for example, there was no rear saloon WC in the Tourismo – only in the Setra. If you’ve not got two brands in the same country, the differentiation is not so important.

“Other options will include tinted

glazing, larger screens and woodeffect flooring. Customers will be able to choose Setra materials for the interiors. For example, the seats are the same but they’re called different names.

The cost of the Euro 6 Tourismo for 2014 will be £15,000 higher than a Euro 5 variant – although Evobus said the figures includes an inflationary rise for next year.

Production will begin in January 2014, with the first vehicle available in the UK from March 2014.

While the two-axle variant measures 12.96m long, the length of tri-axle unknown at this stage.

Jan said the vehicle will be unveiled at the Busworld Kortijk press conference in early September.

Asked about UK demand for Euro 6 vehicles, Jan replied: “We have yet to receive any Euro 6 orders so far but looking at the drivers of the UK market, the ‘big five’ operators, in their tenders they have specifically asked for Euro 6 – they seem to be comfortable with Euro 6.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

15/07/2013 20:56

20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 17, 2013

LEGAL news › public inquiry

Indebted to BSOG North East Restricted O-licence holder Ferryhill Village Travel allowed BSOG debt to build up after records were claimed to have been lost in blaze, PI hears County Durham-based minibus operator Keith Roy Hammond, trading as Ferryhill Village Travel, appeared before Kevin Rooney, Traffic Commissioner for the North East of England, at a Public Inquiry in Leeds on May 30.

Mr Hammond has been the holder of a Restricted PSV O-licence authorising the use of two vehicles with between nine and 16 seats, since October 24, 2005.

He operates three registered local services – two of which, route 213 and 945, have been registered only since October 28, 2012. His service 952 has been registered much longer, starting on January 7, 2008.

Mr Rooney’s office was made aware by officers of the DfT’s Bus Service Operator’s Grant (BSOG) unit that Mr Hammond owed a considerable debt. This arose from a claim made by the operator in 2008/09. Having legitimately claimed BSOG a year in advance based on estimated fuel usage calculated from forecast service miles and fuel consumption, Mr Hammond had received over £14,000 in payment in four quarterly instalments between September 1, 2008 and August 31, 2009. Operators are required to provide certified claim forms to BSOG within three months from the end of the period to which the estimate related. However, Mr Hammond failed to do this.

Concerned about the operator’s financial standing, Mr Rooney’s office wrote for finances, specifically requesting bank statements for August, September and October 2012 – but no bank statements were provided. In December 2012, a statutory declaration was provided by a Kimberly Ann Sutherland, who Mr Rooney believed to be Mr Hammond’s exwife. This further increased the TC’s concerns.

Therefore, it was decided to call the operator to a PI. The call-in letter led to an immediate request www.coachandbusweek.com

LegalNews.indd 20

for an adjournment from Mr Hammond. He called the office to say he had a pre-booked trip to Majorca where he owned a bar. As matters were not of immediate road safety significance, the adjournment was granted.

At the PI, Mr Hammond was represented by Simon Newman of NA Commercial Solicitors. Mr Hammond had not long returned from Majorca and Mr Newman had been instructed at short notice; the TC’s office sought to assist by providing him with copy documents. John Sweetman attended from the BSOG team to give evidence, accompanied by a colleague, Louisa Cooper.

BSOG unit evidence Mr Sweetman explained the BSOG Scheme. While the direct link with fuel duty had been removed several years ago the principle remained largely the same. The current grant equated to around 41 pence per litre of fuel used. The amount of the grant is based on a formula using eligible miles – which included

TC Rooney said Mr Hammond had spread himself very thinly

Key Points: At its height, BSOG debt stood at £17,000.

Mr Hammond will pay to the DfT’s BSOG Unit £1,500 per month for June, July, August and September 2013. Any outstanding amount will be agreed and paid in full by October 20, 2013.

The good repute of Keith Roy Hammond is damaged but not lost.

route miles plus dead miles, i.e. that distance from the operating centre to the start of the service – and a figure of kilometres per litre of fuel. Operators are normally paid in advance unless there has been previous non-compliance. At the end of the relevant 12-month period, a ‘green form’ is issued.

The operator has three months to return the form which has to be verified by an accountant.

Mr Hammond had made an estimated advance claim for the period September 2008 to August 2009. A sum of over £14,000 had been paid to him. To substantiate the advance payment, a green form was due from Mr Hammond before the end of November 2009.

However, none was received.

There then followed a lengthy debt recovery process. The case was referred to the DfT’s debt collection agency Clark Willmott in June 2010.

A County Court Judgement (CCJ) followed in December of that year.

In September 2011 Mr Hammond finally made contact claiming he had been out of the country for some time. While he disputed the debt, he offered to make interim payments.

Due to legal costs, the debt then stood at over £17,000. He made one payment of £390 but failed to make any further payments.

The green form for 2008/09 had finally been received in May 2013, just ahead of the PI. It was certified by an accountant but that certification was qualified as many receipts were missing. On the evidence provided, the claim was worth £2,800. Mr Sweetman acknowledged this was probably a significant understatement due to the lack of fuel receipts. In his experience, he put Mr Hammond’s due amount at around £12,000, but there was no evidence of fuel receipts to support that.

In response to a question from Mr Newman, Mr Sweetman confirmed that Mr Hammond had successfully been on the scheme in 2007/08. He had continued to operate the service without a grant, but he had not applied to rejoin the scheme. He was almost certainly now out of pocket by not settling early such that he could rejoin the scheme.

The evidence of Keith Hammond Giving his evidence, Mr Hammond said he had always been in the motor trade and had applied for and been granted his restricted O-licence in 2005. He had two drivers – Barry Smith and Richard Threlfall. He spent most of six months of the year in Majorca where he owns and runs a bar which employs four staff in peak season. He also runs a body repair and car sales business, and a taxi operation.

Mr Hammond had operated on the BSOG scheme in 2007/08. He had that year filled in the green form and everything was fine.

In 2008, he also ran and lived in a pub. He kept the BSOG fuel receipts there. The upper floors of the pub were destroyed by an electrical fire in March 2009 and Mr Hammond provided an extract from the Northern Echo dated 23 March 2009 to verify this account.

He had tried to get copy diesel receipts from the fuel station where he had separate accounts for the PSV vehicles. He had believed these could be provided but he had

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July 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21

Mr Hammond could only produce a quarter of the required fuel receipts recently concluded they would not be. He had been away when the CCJ had been made against him and had not thought he should notify it to the central licensing office. He had registered two new services in October 2012 and had been told he could not rejoin the scheme – but he was losing money as a result.

The TC was provided with the maintenance documentation.

Vehicles are registered on a 12-week inspection cycle and are actually inspected every two months. Mr Rooney saw evidence of an effective driver defect reporting system. The yard was well equipped. While an S-marked prohibition had been issued in November 2009 for a large number board in the front window, the subsequent maintenance investigation by VOSA had been recorded as satisfactory. Three VOSA roadside encounters were also clear.

Explaining why he had allowed the debt to remain unpaid for nearly four years, Mr Hammond said he was out of the country for large periods. He had expected his fuel supplier to provide duplicate

LegalNews.indd 21

receipts and had never intended the debt to go unpaid. He now intended to sell his bar and sit his operator CPC so that he could grow his PSV business.

Mr Newman submitted that the operator’s on-road compliance was good. He had run on the BSOG scheme for one year without issue.

The lack of a return in 2009 had now cost him much more in lost BSOG than the level of the unpaid debt.

The TC closed the PI and adjourned his decision. “I made it clear that my decision on repute would be heavily influenced by the amount of debt which remained outstanding at that time, and whether or not there was a fresh repayment schedule agreed with the BSOG unit,” explained Mr Rooney. “If I found repute not to be lost, I would record the agreed repayment schedule as an undertaking on the licence.”

Consideration & findings Mr Newman provided evidence that the operator has agreed a fresh and short repayment arrangement with BSOG. Mr Hammond will pay £1,500 per month for June,

“Perhaps he just never got round to sorting things out.

Maybe he thought it would just go away.”

Kevin Rooney Traffic Commissioner for the North East of England July, August and September. From August 31, 2013, Mr Hammond is able to apply for payment for his entitlement to BSOG for the year 2012/13 for which there has been no advance payment. It is expected that this will reduce the debt to zero or thereabouts. Any outstanding amount will be paid by October 20, 2013.

The TC also said adequate finances were provided in Mr Hammond’s own name. However, the TC observed: “Mr Hammond has failed to provide a reasonable explanation for allowing a significant debt to the public purse to go unpaid for almost four years.

He appears to spread himself very thinly over a range of business activities based in the north east of

England and the Balearics. Perhaps he just never got round to sorting things out. Maybe he thought it would just go away.”

Turning to BSOG, Mr Rooney said: “Payment up front provides welcome cash-flow for many operators. Such payment is based on trust in exactly the same way as O-licensing. Mr Hammond betrayed that trust by not keeping the appropriate records. If those records were lost in the fire as I am told, why could he only produce a quarter of the relevant receipts?

The fire was in March and the grant period ran until the end of August, so five out of 12 months should have been available. In any case, Mr Hammond should have brought matters to a conclusion much sooner. Many PSV operators rely on BSOG. The behaviour of Mr Hammond and others who betray the trust put in them risks the entire scheme.”

Mr Rooney added: “In conducting a balancing exercise, I note Mr Hammond has been financially disadvantaged by not resolving matters earlier. I give credit for the good performance of the operator in road safety terms, and I give credit also for agreeing a repayment plan with the DfT’s BSOG team which resolves matters in four months. In recording that repayment plan as an undertaking on the licence, I find, just, that Mr Hammond has not lost his repute.”

On maintenance, the TC noted: “An immediate S-marked prohibition has been issued in relation to a severe restriction on forward view. This is not a maintenance matter but does render the vehicle dangerous and reflects poorly on driver competence and the control being exerted by the operator.”

The final consideration was Mr Hammond’s failure to notify his CCJ.

Decision Giving his decision, the TC said: “The good repute of Mr Keith Roy Hammond is damaged but not lost. I issue a formal warning to the operator for the prohibition incurred and for failing to notify relevant matters.”

Mr Rooney recorded the following undertaking: “Mr Hammond will pay to the DfT’s BSOG Unit £1,500 per month for June, July, August and September.

Any outstanding amount will be agreed and paid in full by October 20, 2013.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

15/07/2013 20:36

22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 17, 2013

DRIVERS

In association with

DriveTech

Send your driver news and stories to alex.tyler@coachandbusweek. com or call 01733 293 244.

trent barton indigo driver scoops top award trent barton recognises drivers at its annual Really Good Service Awards Driver Elaine Stokes, who drives the indigo buses between Derby, Long Eaton and Nottingham, was named Driver of the Year by trent barton at a gala awards dinner featuring comedian Tom O’Connor.

Elaine joined the company just over a year ago and was among a number of trent barton employees to be recognised at the firm’s 11th annual Really Good Service Awards. trent barton Managing Director Jeff Counsell said: “Every year choosing a winner gets harder, but Elaine has consistently scored top marks from mystery customers over the past 12 months. She has also gone above and beyond the call of duty by remaining calm in the face of a hooded youth who claimed he had a gun and demanded her takings.”

As well as receiving the Driver of the Year trophy, Elaine was presented with £1,000 worth of holiday vouchers and will receive

McGill’s firmwide first aid training for drivers

McGill’s has celebrated its first batch of graduates to successfully complete its Emergency First Aid at Work course.

Colin Napier, Area Manager, said more than 40 of the company’s drivers and service delivery team have passed the course which forms part of their DCPC training.

Colin said: “The majority of the half a million journeys on a McGill’s bus every week are without

an extra day’s leave for the rest of her career at the company.

After picking up the award, Elaine said: “I’m delighted and surprised at being named Driver of the Year, but it’s fantastic to be part of such a hard-working and friendly team on the indigo route. Every day is different and you get to meet so many different people from all

walks of life.”

Other winners at the awards ceremony, held at the Crowne Plaza in Nottingham, included Mark Connelly (Hero of the Year) and Billy Hull (Apprentice of the Year).

A Customer Choice Award was also presented to Katrina Wallace while the threes was named Brand of the Year.

Tom O’Connor with Driver Elaine Stokes and trent barton MD Jeff Counsell incident, but there are occasions when a passenger may become unwell while on board a bus. I am delighted the McGill’s team will have the knowledge to deal with a number of these situations in a professional and safe manner. It is our intention to roll this course out to every driver in the company.”

Tony Dowling of McGill’s has already put his first aid training to the test. “Only last week, I responded to a minor incident involving an elderly passenger on board one of our buses,” he said.

“The lady in question felt faint and the first aid training received just kicked in: I boarded the bus, was able to quickly assess the passenger and take the appropriate action.”

Peter Gilpin, Projects Manager

The McGill’s team with a trainer from Orion People Solutions at Orion People Solutions, who provided the training, said: “The Emergency First Aid at Work course is practical and hands-on.

We cover a wide range of topics which include assessing a casualty, the recovery position, external bleeding, sprains, shock, asthma, epilepsy and basic life support.”

First Glasgow MD Ronnie Park and Driver James Gallacher

First Glasgow bus driver ‘Superstar of the Year’ First Glasgow driver James Gallacher has won the firm’s ‘Superstar of the Year’ award after going beyond the call of duty to assist a customer on his bus.

Passengers on James’ bus, service 42, nominated James as a Superstar when he went to extraordinary lengths to ensure a distressed 15-year-old girl got home safely.

James said: “I am delighted to be the company’s Superstar of the Year. I thoroughly enjoy my job, especially meeting customers, and I try to deliver the best customer service I possibly can. It was very kind of the passengers to take the time to nominate me.”

First Glasgow’s MD Ronnie Park said: “James has been a driver for First Glasgow for almost 20 years. He is a valued member of the team and has a reputation for good customer service. We like to recognise and reward our employees and are thankful to our customers for the nominations we receive each month. Last year we displayed a congratulatory message on a number of our buses to acknowledge James’ commitment to our customers.

“We encourage our customers and colleagues to nominate our employees for our monthly Superstar awards – those who have shown outstanding customer service and have gone beyond the call of duty.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

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www.primeps.com

24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 17, 2013

operator profile › lloyds coaches

Rural bus growth?

Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans meets the management at Lloyds Coaches of Machynlleth, who strongly believe it is possible to achieve organic growth in a sparsely populated corner of Mid Wales

B

ow Street is probably the last place on earth you would expect to find a £200,000 62-plate ADL Enviro 400 double-decker bus in regular public service. In fact, chances are you will find two such vehicles working the X28 between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth at any one time. The buses, complete with route branding, cherished registration numbers and friendly drivers provide a snapshot of the well-presented, professional operation headed up by two career busmen. With Gardner diesel engine fumes long since absorbed into their souls, Wyn Lloyd and Richard Jones have helped put the market town of Machynlleth on the bus industry best practice map – never forgetting their Crosville roots in the process.

While traditional public service values remain at the core of all they do, the systems which help deliver the operations out on the street are anything but old-school.

The family-run firm remains close to its customers in a way a distant plc will almost always find hard to achieve, particularly so in a closeknit community. With a staff of 63, the firm is the largest employer in Machynlleth.

What are the key ingredients to gaining organic growth in a sparsely populated rural area, where the sheep outnumber humans – except for when the holidaymakers descend on it during the summer months? CBW felt it was time to find out.

Organic growth formula As well as understanding the local market Wyn, realises the importance of attracting the right skills and experience to the business. The management team www.coachandbusweek.com

LloydsCoaches.indd 24

includes Richard Lloyd Jones who became the company’s first General Manager in 2009 after 14 years with Gwynedd Council (see separate panel).

Wyn said: “I felt a new injection of skills was required to take my business forward. It was decided initially that his remit would be as Business Development Manager.

However, this was quickly changed to General Manager which covers a wider range of duties.

“Richard’s strategy covered various aspects of the business and their importance in being able to develop

Above: The firm’s founder, Wyn Lloyd. Below: General Manager Richard Jones with his certificates

it into a forward thinking company.”

Richard took up the story: “Leaving the relative safety of a local authority environment was a big risk for me – people thought I was mad.

“Wyn and I sat down and developed a medium and long-term plan. We set goals and mileposts.

Part of that was to increase the profile of the business. We had to look at the product offering and how we were going to sell it.

“Behind the scenes, things changed a lot, especially systems.

I told the drivers to give me two years and I would ensure their wages increased. By September 2011, their pay rates rose 50p per hour – no mean feat.”

The firm has clear objectives – to deliver quality, reliable and punctual services at affordable fares.

“It’s vital to remember passengers come first,” explained Richard. “We’ve got to deliver the level of service we would expect to receive ourselves as individuals.”

On that note, Richard said an email group has been created in Microsoft Outlook for service alerts, which comprises customers, local authorities, tourist information centres, schools and other

interested parties. “In short, it’s everyone and everybody.

Communications are done bilingually – doing so brings trust in the product.”

Lloyds was an early exponent of Facebook in the Welsh bus industry and at the time of going to press, the page had 1,150 ‘Likes’. Service information and timetables are also posted on the firm’s website.

“A smart uniform for drivers creates a psychological difference too – and it creates a professional image,” continued Richard.

Donning his philosopher’s ‘hat’, Richard observed: “My analogy is this company is like a football club

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operator: Lloyds Coaches location: Machynlleth, Powys established: 2001 Contact: 01654 702100 www.lloydscoaches.com

One of the ADL Enviro 400s picks up a passenger at the stop across the road from the garage

– we’re all part of the same team.

If you’ve got a poor team member, you’ll go down the league. A bus firm is exactly the same. Good morale and productivity breeds motivation.”

“My first year here was very tough – the staff didn’t trust me as I was the newcomer who was changing things. However, I’m now fortunate to have a loyal team, who have been very supportive.”

It would be wrong to portray Lloyds’ success as being entirely down to its own careful choices – for the firm has also grown in areas where it could be said other operators may not have embraced

LloydsCoaches.indd 25

the same level of enthusiasm.

“There was rivalry but it was respectable competition,” explained Richard. “At the end of the day, customers always have to come first. When we were operating on the X28 while Arriva were operating on the X32, if a bus broke down, we told our drivers to pick up their passengers and not to re-charge them. I didn’t want us to be an underhanded operator – I wanted us to be respectable. Such behaviour also helps to generate vital goodwill.”

Richard continued: “We’re seeing organic growth in patronage terms, which in rural Wales

Doll Street Garage, one of three operating centres currently in use www.coachandbusweek.com

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26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 17, 2013

operator profile › lloyds coaches

seems incredible. I’m a firm advocate of the idea of ‘rural wages for rural fares’. If you charge city fares in rural areas, patronage will quite simply plummet.

“Over the past three years patronage has risen steadily. We’ve seen organic growth. Service delivery and value fares are key.”

The potential for efficiency savings is continually monitored.

To this end, a new tender pricing policy has been introduced since Richard’s appointment to ensure a realistic on-paper profit margin can be realised on each route. Income is monitored and audited to enable educated projections on future service trends and growth to be made.

“Success in tenders has, touch wood, been very high,” remarked Richard.

“Passenger numbers and revenue are monitored closely on a route by route basis. Knowing and managing costs is vital. The system we use is one I devised myself and have refined over the years, using MS Excel formulae. There is no need for expensive, specialist IT programmes.”

A public example of the thinking is the policy of maintaining a standardised bus fleet, dominated

by ADL products, which has led to economies of scale. The coach fleet is primarily made up of Plaxtonbodied Volvos.

“The backup is brilliant from Richard Matthews and his team at ADL – it’s second to none,” added Richard.

Business mix

In county terms, Machynlleth is a crossroads. While the town itself is located in Powys, Gwynedd and Ceredigion lie to the north and south respectively. As a result, Lloyds runs local bus services and school contracts on behalf of all three local authorities.

A key part of the growth strategy outlined earlier was to introduce additional services where there was identified demand.

An hourly service between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth was launched in June 2010 as Arriva Buses Wales withdrew its own service. A regular link to Tywyn followed. These two routes were later rebranded as Cambrian Coastliners Coast to Coast and marketed as providing punctual, reliable service. Two new ADL E400s were delivered for these services. www.coachandbusweek.com

LloydsCoaches.indd 26

Above: Modern fleet at Doll Street. Below: Mercedes-Benz 709s once proved invaluable, as seen in this 2006 view

Lloyds Coaches: a brief history

Wyn Lloyd started his career as an agricultural engineer in 1979, before joining Mid Wales Motorways at its Newtown depot. Four years later, he became a driver with Crosville at Machynlleth – when the firm was still part of the National Bus Company. He willingly took up the opportunity to transfer to Dolgellau as a fitter and relief driver. Within the privatised Crosville, he became Traffic Supervisor for South Gwynedd and North Powys, which included responsibility for Abermule. During this time he gained a long-standing arrangement with Central Trains to undertake emergency rail replacement work on the Cambrian Railway Line. This meant working long and difficult hours.

After remaining with the firm during the creation of Arriva Cymru, Wyn left in 2001 to start up his own coach business. He won a contract with Powys Council to run a school route from Machynlleth. A twice-monthly service to Chester was also introduced.

His operating centre was located on part of the former exchange sidings between the 2’ 3” gauge Corris Railway and the Cambrian main line. By then, Wyn’s former workplace, the old Crosville Garage, had become an asset of a lease company and ceased to be used for buses. Arriva then leased it back as storage in the late 1990s, by which time most of the garage equipment had been stripped out. Wyn jumped at the opportunity to buy the former garage when it arose. He went on to invest in the site and his original yard around the corner at the old Corris station remains in use for storage.

Last September Lloyds took on the Welsh Assembly-supported T2 TrawsCymru service from Aberystwyth to Bangor, replacing the X32 service operated by Arriva.

The service is worked jointly with a fellow Welsh independent, Penygroes-based Express Motors.

Commercial journeys are run by Express, while Lloyds operates the tendered trips, supporting each other operationally at either end of what is a long route in geographical terms. Richard said the service has seen passenger growth through service delivery. It is, after all, no secret that the X32 suffered poor reliability in the latter days of Arriva operation, coupled with high fares being charged, although it is not a subject Richard and Wyn wish to be drawn into.

In something which currently has parallels with political desires in Cardiff, co-working with other modes has also been investigated.

“In our quest to increase revenue we approached Arriva Trains Wales to see if they would be willing to work with us in providing integrated transport,” said Richard.

“An evening bus service was not provided due to the non-viability of such journeys. It was agreed there would be no financial mechanism in place for any reimbursement formula and instead both services would gain from linking up the strengths of our services.”

Passenger numbers are growing which Wyn and Richard attribute to better service, affordable fares and strong marketing and publicity.

Weekly bus and rail returns are

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July 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 27

accepted on the respective service but not day returns.

Not to be forgotten is the firm’s involvement in coaching activities, with the focus being on private and group hire and tours.

“We get a lots of group organisers booking with us,” explained Wyn. “I believe it’s a section of the market which is seeing real growth.”

However, Richard said: “One of reasons we have focused on strengthening local bus services is people have to travel to work, college and elsewhere – and we know both the costs and our income. While I have personal experience of coaching, running buses tends to be easier.”

A recent addition to the Lloyds portfolio has been the acquisition of Mach Taxis. Asked for the reason for the diversification, Richard replied: “In short, it’s rural integrated transport. We can’t operate local bus services to some places so buying a taxi company gives us the option of offering on-demand services, complementing rather than detracting from local bus services. We now want to look at integrated ticketing between taxis and buses.”

tool. For one thing, it helps to refute malicious claims.”

Asked what technology the firm would like to have, Richard replied: “We’ve looked at WiFi for the last two years as it’s something we feel would further boost the quality of service we offer, but geography means we can’t at the moment. Put simply, there are too many dead spots due to hills.”

Closing lines

In something which will doubtless strike a chord with many an operator, Wyn said: “I feel this industry is going downhill. There seems to be a lack of experience and vital grass roots knowledge.”

He continued: “Tender prices have got to be realistic. Running buses is undoubtedly a public service but operators have got to turn a profit to allow them to maintain sufficient resources. Such matters come to the fore in the aftermath of a road traffic collision or inclement weather such as flooding.”

Citing an example, Wyn said: “The A487 was recently shut near Porthmadog. We ran extra buses to

get people home. We weren’t going to leave them stranded.”

Richard said all the firm’s drivers have completed their CPC training.

Asked for his predictions for the next five years, Richard replied: “With the regionalisation of local authority transport functions, funding is undoubtedly going to change.”

Concluding, perhaps Richard summed things up when he said: “On the face of it, Lloyds Coaches is an old fashioned Welsh company with traditional values but the systems behind it make it financially stable.

“We have brought about organic growth in terms of paronage across our network without the need to increase our fares. We are operating a modern sustainable company which has vision and passion.

“Although we now operate a modern, professional company with internal systems, a policy of communication and IT we have still been able to retain the old-fashioned values of serving the public first. We’ll go all out on driving our local bus services in order that the bus still operates.”

Technology

As a customer-focused individual, Wyn was an early advocate of vehicle tracking as it enabled private hire customers to see the location of their vehicles.

“We’ve got GPS satellite trackers on all our buses and coaches,” explained Wyn. “It’s provided

by Plant-i which is based in Machynlleth. The system is great – it can show historic data too.”

Wyn and Richard are also an enthusiastic users of on-board CCTV as a foil for malicious complaints.

“Our CCTV system, which is provided by Synectics, even tracks the speed of a bus. In an accident, it can show who is responsible,” said Richard, as he showed one such instance when a JCB driver reversed without looking and collided with a bus at low speed.

Wyn was full of praise about the service and support provided

by Synectics. “They’re always very helpful. They were fantastic during the search for April Jones, which involved trawling through 400 hours of footage. They even sent someone here.

“When we first introduced it, our drivers thought the CCTV was something of a spy in the cab but they now know it’s an invaluable

LloydsCoaches.indd 27

Above: Friendly drivers take pride in all they do – and that includes taking their time with passengers. Below: An Unvi midi coach

Richard Jones: even the General Manager is ex Crosville

Like Wyn, Richard Jones has Crosville in his blood. Starting as summer support staff at various offices and depots, he moved up through the ranks as a clerk, driver, relief leading driver and leading driver. A native of Blaenau Ffestiniog, he spent 14 years with Gwynedd County Council, working on the transport co-ordination side and procurement of contracts, becoming the Senior Public Transport Officer in September 2009.

He also drove coach tours tours the length and breadth of Britain for established North Wales operators.

In October 2009 Richard returned to his operational roots within the industry by taking up the post of General Manager with Lloyds Coaches. As outlined elsewhere in the article, his goal was to help move forward the strategic and sustainable development and presence of the company, both locally and within the industry at large.

To this end, during 2012 Richard won the Wales Transport Professional of the Year award as a part of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s Welsh National Transport Awards. During 2012 Richard also attained his Fellowship Chartered membership with the Institute of Logistics and Transport which is the highest accolade possible within the institute. At 41 years of age (at the time), he is reportedly one of the youngest to have attained the Fellowship Chartered membership within the professional body.

Rightly proud of his CILT achievements, the certificates adorn a wall in Richard’s office.

“On the face of it, Lloyds Coaches is an old fashioned Welsh company with traditional values but the systems behind it make it financially stable.”

Richard Jones www.coachandbusweek.com

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28 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 17, 2013

supplier profile › meridian driver ltd

Meridian: a driving force Coach & Bus Week speaks to Meridian Driver Ltd Managing Director Paul Watson who gives an overview of the services provided by the company

M

eridian Driver Ltd supplies PCV (Cat D) bus and coach drivers on both long and short term contracts for bus and coach operators.

In addition, the Bolton-based firm is JAUPT certified and employs a team of qualified trainers who deliver Driver CPC Modules with same day registration and certification. The firm is also able to visit depots or offices to discuss any requirements a client may need, without obligation.

“We hold a National delivery license and can deliver the Driver CPC anywhere in the UK,” said Paul.

Meridian has been providing drivers and training to the industry since 2004 with clients including but not limited to FirstGroup, National Express, Big Bus Tours and Arriva.

Driver Training

In regards to driver training, Meridian provides six, 3.5-hour courses with 15 possible course combinations to choose from.

In addition Paul explained more courses were in the works and seven-hour courses are also available.

“Prompted by new legislation in 2008 we had a real rise in enquiries,” said Paul. ”We have a number of full classes in the coming weeks.”

Meridian can deliver courses at its accredited training centre and can locate overnight accommodation for drivers.

Alternatively, the firm can deliver courses at a client’s establishment.

Weekend and bank holiday training courses can be arranged and packages can be tailored to all budgetary requirements. All Meridian Driver CPC training instructors are EDI qualified and drivers receive a certificate and are entered onto the CPC database.

Single day and 2,3,4,5-day courses are offered alongside discounted www.coachandbusweek.com

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Meridian has worked with Big Bus Tours in London for five years blocks of three to five courses.

As for price, Paul said: “We will not be beaten on price as long as it is genuine. We will match or beat any like for like quote.”

Meridian also has a presence abroad and has operations in Malta.

“We have a contract with Transport Malta and currently have trainers based out there under Jason Borg,” explained Peter. “We are looking to work with Arriva Malta in the near future.”

Driver recruitment and provision

In addition to its CPC training services, Meridian Driver Ltd is an established provider of temporary and permanent staff at all levels across a range of disciplines and skills. In regards to recruitment Paul said the firm employs consultants who work for local authorities and major transport corporations.

“We understand the need to deliver quality staff and services to match the rapidly changing demands of the sector,” said Paul. “Most of our clients are contract driven, with their success dependant on the staff we supply.”

Also, Paul explained Meridian aims to integrate with individual operators’ HR departments,

Paul Watson: a brief history

Meridian Managing Director Paul Watson has been keeping the industry stocked with drivers for over 10 years.

His first foray into the industry came in 2001 when he worked for the original Meridian Personnel Services (MPS) as National Operations Manager, supplying between 10 and 100 drivers at a time for national bus operators. In 2007, Paul took up the same position with Wimbledon-based Capital Group while simultaneously heading up a reformed Meridian Driver Ltd. Recently the firm cut ‘PCV’ off the end of its name because, according to Paul, it gave the wrong impression as the firm “does more than just PCV”.

On his decision to take the name Meridian Driver Ltd for his own firm Paul said: “I really loved working for Meridian, so I reformed it,” said Paul. “It has a good name in the industry mainly because we can have drivers on the ground at the right price.”

“I have met some very good friends in the industry and as such I am always leaning more.”

effectively becoming part of the client’s company.

“Our approach is always intended to relieve recruitment pressures from operational managers,” he added.

Meridian regards temporary staffing as an ongoing process not an isolated task. As such, the firm has a stringent vetting process when it comes to recruiting drivers. Meridian pre-screens applicants and all prospective staff are interviewed face to face by Meridian consultants. Enhanced CRB checks are conducted and the DVLA is consulted as well as two previous work references. The candidate is then registered with Meridian. Drivers on Meridian’s database are subject to ongoing support from a unique driver supervisor and weekly reviews.

“We draft drivers in groups of 20 to 40,” said Paul. “Our supervisors ensure that they are up to our standards. In addition, those supervisors are drivers themselves, so they know what is expected. We run a tight ship when it comes to recruitment.”

This rigorous scheme is bolstered by the Meridian Operations Team based in Greater Manchester which maintains and constantly updates the nationwide database of professional drivers.

“There are around 1,600 drivers on our database with contracts ranging from three months to permanent. A dedicated logistics manager monitors drivers and their movements and is available on a 24-hour contact number.”

The Future

Asked about the future of the firm, Paul said: “We are looking to upgrade our website and to branch out into other areas in the UK. I’m looking to get more involved with bus operators in the north.

“The industry will see more of us in 2013 and we want to encourage clients back year after year. We will guarantee to hold prices for the next five years after the deadline date. It’s about maintaining custom and building relationships.”

On life after the DCPC deadline Paul said: “I think the government may need to provide an amnesty where necessary otherwise there will be a lack of drivers. Qualified drivers are going to be very valuable.”

For more information visit www.meridiandriver.com or call 0800 731 5007

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DELIVERIES

PAUL S. WINSON East Midlands operator Paul S. Winson Coaches, based at Loughborough, has taken delivery of two new ADL Enviro200s to add to its fleet of 30 vehicles.

The new buses are operating on service 4, better known as the “Shepshed Sprinter”. The inter-urban route links Shepshed with

Loughborough six days a week.

Commenting in his latest purchases, Chairman Paul S. Winson, said: “As an established family business we always strive to provide the highest standards of luxury, comfort, style and easy access for our passengers. Having operated Enviro200s over many years the decision to buy more was a very easy one. Their performance is superb, as

is their reliability record.

The new buses ensure our high standards of customer service are maintained, while also bringing added value in terms of economy and versatility to our fleet.”

The two new Enviro200s are 8.9m models with a seating capacity of 29. They are powered by Cummins ISBe four-cylinder 140PS EEV engines with Allison S2100 transmissions.

Extra features include additional marker lights and air horns.

DODDS OF TROON A pair of Plaxton Pantherbodied Volvo B9Rs has been delivered to Scottish operator Dodds of Troon. Most of the company’s 25 coaches are Volvos. In the words of James Dodds, Director, Volvos are “Always our first choice.”

However, the Panthers are the first new Plaxtons for 30 years.

The Panthers benefit from the stainless steel

FACT FILE

Chassis/body ADL E200 Engine Cummins ISBe Transmission Allison S2100 Seats 29 Spec Marker lights & air horns Supplied by

ADL 01909 551166 www.alexander-dennis.com

THAMES TRAVEL Thames Travel, a subsidiary of Go Ahead Oxford, has taken delivery of six of Optare Solo SRs which are being used on five new routes in the Bicester area.

An important factor in choosing the bus was the low emission levels of the Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz OM904LA engine and meets the requirements of the LEZ which is scheduled to come into effect in Oxford later this year.

Thames Travel General Manager John Hammond said: “We already have Optare Solos in our fleet and the modern looking image was just what we wanted for a series of new services we have just launched in the

construction standard across the entire Plaxton coach range and are to a touring specification with 53 Gala recliners, three-point all-age seatbelts, centre toilets, drinks facilities and full climate control.

James added: “We had not considered Plaxton until seeing their products at Euro Bus. Our initial impressions were supported by the professionalism in the way Plaxton’s Charlie Middleton put the deal together.”

when braking, both of which contribute to reduced fuel consumption. The 29-seat 9m Solos consist of 23 fixed Esteban Civic V2 seats and six tip-ups, three in the wheelchair bay to the rear of the driver’s partition and three in the buggy space directly opposite. Hanover LED destination equipment is fitted to the front, nearside and rear.

FACT FILE

Bicester area.

“They are a proven design and their low emission characteristics are important, as some of the routes they will be used on serve Oxford where an LEZ comes into force at the end of the year.

“Availability was an issue too and Optare were able to meet a tight deadline to supply the vehicles in time for the new routes.”

The Mercedes-Benz engine is renowned for its good fuel efficiency. This is

enhanced by being matched to an Allison 2100 five-speed automatic transmission, which incorporates a lock-up torque converter in gears 3, 4 and 5, along with a Klam electro-magnetic retarder automatically activated

Chassis/body Optare Solo SR (integral) Engine Mercedes-Benz OM904LA Transmission Allison 2100 series auto Seats 29 Spec Hanover LED destination gear, Esteban seats Supplied by

Optare 08434 873 200 www.optare.com

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

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July 17 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 31

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

Email all the details and pictures to james.day@ coachandbusweek.com

The coaches carry two liveries. One, in Dodds’ longstanding cream and green, is running on holiday and day programmes, and has a DOT – Dodds of Troon – registration. The other is used on a Rail & Sail contract for StenaLine and is in StenaLine colours with registration ‘ST13ENA’. Rail & Sail provides a coach connection between ScotRail services at Ayr railway station and the StenaLine service between Cairnryan and Belfast.

FACT FILE

Chassis/body Volvo B9R/

Plaxton Panther Engine Volvo 390bhp Transmission Volvo I-Shift Seats 53 Spec Hanover LED destination gear, Esteban seats Supplied by

Plaxton 01909 551166 www.plaxtonlimited.co.uk

WELSH’S COACHES Welsh’s Coaches has acquired a new Bova Futua FHD2 from Moseley PCV. Explaining the reason for moving away from the firm’s traditional marque of choice – Setra – John Welsh told CBW: “With Setra being unavailable after this year, we decided to look elsewhere. We used to be a Bova operator many years ago. Moseley PCV is on our doorstep and we use the firm for repairs. I find Moseley’s backup to be superb – we’ve enjoyed a great working relationship with the friendly, professional team in the workshop for some time.”

Asked for his verdict on the latest addition to the well-presented fleet, Mr Welsh replied: “Having personally driven a couple

Proprietor Mr John Welsh collects the new smart coach from Stuart Binns, Moseley PCV’s Network Support Manager of European tours in the Bova, I’ve found the fuel and AdBlue consumption to be excellent. It’s very economical to operate. Put it this way, I’m certainly not disappointed.”

In the firm’s best tradition, the new coach carries a cherished registration plate – in this instance ‘WH10HOL’.

Commenting on the

distinctive colour scheme, Mr Welsh said: “While some operators seem to be adopting a single colour, we’ve decided to retain traditional livery, which I feel suits the coach well.”

Internally, the 49 seats are trimmed in leather. Onboard facilities includes a water boiler and fridge, an off-side

centre sunken WC and a Bosch Professionaline audio visual system.

Welsh’s Coaches started out in 1967 as a private hire firm providing taxis and mini coaches. Founders Bob and Marie Welsh were joined by their eldest son John in 1975 and since then the business has gone from strength to strength. Marie died in 1992 and Bob in late 2003. Directors John and his wife Judy now manage the company.

FACT FILE

Chassis/body Body VDL Futura FHD (integral) Engine DAF 360hp Transmission Manual Seats 49 Spec Touring Supplied by

Moseley PCV 01909 609000 www.moseleycoachsales.co.uk

Can we help you manage your Drivers CPC training?

BEAT THE DEADLINE FOR PCV – COMPLY WITH EASE FOR LGV As the first CPC deadline approaches this September, Orion People Solu�ons have once again increased our Training Staff and Training Course op�ons in order to meet the demand we are experiencing, in par�cular with PCV Periodic Training.

Between 2008 and 2013 we have steadily increased our Driver CPC Training Por�olio and are now able to offer Driver CPC training throughout the UK using the latest technology in Driving Simulator training, Classroom based learning, and a bespoke First Aid Course which not only supplies 7 hours JAUPT approved training but is also cer�ficated for 3 years.

All this can be brought to your premises and delivered in our Mobile Training Unit.

By responding to each individual customer’s feedback, we design not only the specific training required, we deliver it where and when the customer needs it. With clients based from the Isle of Wight to the Shetland Isles, we have come up with the solu�on to the major problem with CPC driver training – travelling!

Near to Orion’s Hillington, Glasgow base, the 400 drivers employed by Menzies Distribu�on have just completed their first 5 year CPC training programme. Menzies’ night shi� drivers were taught at night, from 12.00 am to 07.30 am or 02.00 am to 09.30 am depending on the branch and in the process are ‘losing’ only one night shi�, which kept the transport managers happy.

We also deliver training sessions in the Borders, where one haulier was faced with the choice of sending drivers to Carlisle or Edinburgh, both 90 minutes away, so we are now visi�ng his yard and in order to spread all his drivers’ day off duty over three or four days and he has invited his neighbouring hauliers to join the class.

Why not keep one step ahead! Book a Course or Training Package now, well before the first deadline in September and receive further discounts. Some funding may be available for Candidates living in Scotland.

Tel 0141 883 7760

www.coachandbusweek.com

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THE BIG PICTURE

In May Deputy Editor Andrew and his partner were lucky enough to spend the weekend in Ghent, Belgium, courtesy of Eurolines.

While there, he snapped this shot of a Van Hool operating for state bus and tram operator De Lijn.

The company is responsible for urban and regional transport in Flanders and was set up in 1990 after responsibility for transport was transferred from the federal government to three separate regions. Route 3 is a former trolleybus route which runs from the Korenmarkt (city centre) to Gentbrugge via Dampoort Station, coincidently where Eurolines drops off and picks up passengers for the city. Ghent, the capital of the East Flanders province, has a beautiful medieval car-free centre which can be traversed in a very short space of time – certainly a recommended weekend break destination.

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minibus The essential read for Minibus Operators

July 2013

STORY FOCUS

EvoBus and Mercedes-Benz UK have teamed up to make minibuses available through the dealer network the Transfer becomes new Traveliner Full report p45

Going it alone

I

t may only be the middle of the year but already we are being solicited for press registration at this year’s major European event, Busworld Kortrijk and our own Coach & Bus Live in Birmingham – which is a strong reminder the show season will shortly be upon us. Following on from Busworld’s communication I had a call from Stanford Coachworks (SCW) to say the company would be boycotting the industry’s Birmingham show this year and organising its own event. Always ready to surprise the market with something different, SCW certainly has some innovative new products lined up which are based on the Renault Master platform. The

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first of these is entering service with London Hire for evaluation and feedback while a full production version is being aired at SCW’s promotional and hospitality day - which is being held at Brands Hatch in October. Alongside the exhibition SCW is running themed events which will provide visitors with the opportunity to lap the famous race circuit in a Caterham or a Renault Clio – as used in the current Clio Cup series. Director Lee Wiggins said SCW felt its marketing budget was better spent on existing and potential customers and giving them an exciting experience they would not forget. Of course, such an

event focuses entirely on prospective buyers and as SCW has been an established converter for over 20 years it has an extensive database from which it can send out invitations to its accessible transport customers or its up-market executive minicoach operators. While such an event rules out the possibility of a casual, first time enquiry from a show visitor it does allow SCW to develop closer and stronger relationships with its existing clients. Response would be direct and avoid the usual long list of ‘show enquiries’ to be followed up.

Martin Cole Editor

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news

Mike Simmonds joins PLS as Chief Executive Simmonds established Q’Straint (Europe) and was Managing Director for over 18 years PLS is based in Oldbury, West Midlands and is a leading name in the design, manufacturing and support of powered, wheelchair lifts and ramps for buses, coaches and specialist vehicles. Regarded as the UK market leader in underfloor passenger lifts, PLS has delivered an unrivalled range of products and services since inception in 1990. Now under new ownership, PLS will continue to pioneer in cutting-edge accessible vehicle solutions that provide unsurpassed versatility, reliability and safety.

Mike Simmonds, the respected and highly successful entrepreneur with extensive experience in the accessible vehicle industry, has joined Passenger Lift Services Ltd (PLS) as its Chief Executive Officer.

Mike established Q’Straint (Europe) and was MD for over 18 years, during which time he orchestrated development of

Bill Freeman to head CTA

The Community Transport Association (CTA) has appointed Bill Freeman as Chief Executive, succeeding Keith Halstead who moved to the National Trust for Scotland earlier this year.

Bill is currently Director of services and Business Development at NAVCA (the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action). He was CEO at the British Youth Council and the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance.

Stephen Hickey, Chair of CTA, said: “I’m delighted Bill is joining CTA. The CTA and its members have major opportunities and major

the business across an extensive global platform. Subsequently leaving this position, Mike has begun developing several new, international business opportunities and continues his support of several charitable organisations. These include fulfilling the role of Trustee for

Mobility Choice, organisers of the Mobility Roadshow; the BEARR Trust, which assists children and disadvantaged groups in areas such as Russia and Eastern Europe; and the Kent-based homeless charity Porchlight.

Mike said: “The opportunity to join such a successful business

Mike Simmonds (standing) with the PLS team challenges to face in the coming years. High quality leadership will never be more important and Bill’s personal skills, along with his experience at NAVCA and elsewhere in the voluntary sector, make him ideally placed to give this leadership both to the Association and to voluntary and community transport across the UK.” Bill takes up his new role in August.

He said: “I’m really pleased to have been appointed to this crucial role.

I am looking forward to working with and supporting CTA members to ensure our movement is in the best position to respond to the environment we are working in.

“Community transport is the answer to so many of the challenges facing vulnerable people and communities. Our members

as its new CEO represents a significant milestone in my career.

PLS has an unrivalled reputation in the sector and I fully value the expertise and skills of the current team who produce engineering excellence on a daily basis. Current PLS customers can rest assured the operations, service levels and product quality will continue as normal during this transitional phase. My intention is to build on the strength of the current PLS workforce through implementation of dynamic and innovative strategies so the business moves forward in a progressive manner.

This is an exciting time for PLS with new investments into the business, which I believe will help us better serve our established customers whilst benefiting from emerging export opportunities.”

PLS has been a major contender in the passenger lift sector for many years and has a comprehensive range of lifts covering all transport applications. Mike Simmonds replaces previous MD Tony Bull.

Colin Thomas, Operations Director, will now direct the business with a view to increasing market share internationally. Adam Beck, Technical Director; Mike Pitt, Sales Director; and Paul O’Connor, Manufacturing Director, all remain at PLS.

EVM Avantgarde for Mainline

Bill Freeman, the new CTA CEO have a great story to tell and it is the CTA’s job to make sure this message is heard and understood by policy makers and commissioners, so we can grow the opportunities for members to make a real and lasting difference in the places they work.”

Mainline Coaches of Tonyrefail has recently taken delivery of an EVM Sprinter Avantgarde. Based on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 CDi with an automatic gearbox, it features an electric plug-type entry door and integrated three-stage entry step with LED strip lights and stainless steel inserts.

Stepped double-glazed saloon side windows give the Avantgarde a sleek look on the outside while In-Dash airconditioning plus Eberspacher saloon air conditioning ensure effective

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19

The seating capacity of Belle Vue’s EVM Sprinter Avantgarde

Manchester’s Belle Vue chooses EVM Belle Vue Ltd of Manchester has taken delivery of an EVM Sprinter Avantgarde equipped with 19 seats.

It joins a fleet of around 60 vehicles ranging from four to 84 passenger seats. The company opted for a plug-type entrance door, stepped double glazing and a panoramic glass roof.

The saloon features 19 EVM Executive class seats with threepoint seat belts, folding arm rest to aisle sides and trimmed in two colour real leather. Saloon air conditioning is supplemented by the original in-dash feature and the audio system was upgraded to the Sound 20 system. Belle Vue also opted for an X-Clusive body styling kit and a chrome pack.

Based on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 CDi with automatic gearbox the vehicle is compliant with European whole vehicle type approval and carries full three-year Mercedes Benz unlimited mileage Chassis Warranty.

Visit www.bellevue-mcr.com or ring 0161 9479477

climate control for passengers. A DVD player and a recessed 15” monitor were also installed.

Sixteen reclining EVM seats with three-point seat belts, folding arm rest to aisle sides, leather cushioned finish and side flaps with additional soft foam were specified and were trimmed in two-colour real leather.

Two full length luggage racks in the saloon plus a full depth dropwell boot give adequate storage space for most passenger groups – the latter accessed through the coach rear end with lift-up tailgate.

Mainline also opted for EVM’s X-Clusive colour coded bodystyling kit.

Mainline is an independent family-run coach and tour operator with a large fleet of over 25 executive and standard coaches.

2000 £68k The year Olympic Executive Travel was established

July 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 37

The initial amount (rounded down) Terence Mann of Spondon Mini Travel has to pay

Belle Vue opted for a plug-type entrance door and stepped double glazing

Interior shot shows the panoramic glass roof and trimmed leather seating

Jail threat for former director Terence Mann, the ex-Director of Spondon Mini Travel, has been ordered to pay an initial amount of £68,371 following a confiscation order for £402,578 at Derby Crown Court on June 13, 2013.

The £402,578 was adjudged to have been the financial benefit which Mann and the company made for the illegal operation of Spondon Mini Travel. The judgement orders if Mann fails to repay the initial amount within six months he will incur a prison sentence of 20 months. The full

Confiscation order will remain in place until the full amount is paid.

Mann was previously convicted in May 2012, following a VOSA investigation into the activities of the company, on five counts of fraud for which he received a two-year sentence. The fraud related to Mann copying Operator Licences, fraudulently displaying them in minibuses and using more buses than he was authorised for.

During the confiscation hearing the defence argued it would be disproportionate to make a confiscation order against Mann as it was the company which benefitted and not him personally.

The Judge ruled in the prosecution’s favour and dismissed the defence arguments and awarded the confiscation order against Mann.

EVM proves a hit on London’s rock scene Access all Areas Ltd (London Rock Tours) has acquired an EVM Sprinter Elegance. Based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 515 Cdi with an automatic gearbox, it features 15 Comfort Class seats plus a courier seat.

Large panoramic privacy glazing was installed throughout with the original rear double doors retained.

In-dash air conditioning is coupled with a Mercedes Benz saloon air conditioning system and saloon heater for complete climate control while entertainment is delivered by the Sound 20 Upgrade Radio/CD. Seats are equipped with threepoint seat belts and folding arm rest to aisle sides and are upholstered in virtual leather and automotive trim.

Access all Areas enables passengers to discover ‘Monumental Rock Landmarks’ throughout a London most visitors would not otherwise see – to hear the stories which make Rock ‘n’ Roll what it is. Many musicians began in London, while others played, partied or, unfortunately, died there. From Abba to the Zombies and every letter of the alphabet in-between covered, London Rock Tours takes visitors to the places other tours will not.

Bruce Cherry and his team said they were very impressed with the EVM Sprinter, quoting EVM’s custom design options and ability to deliver to plan as his key reasons for choosing EVM.

Comfort Class seating in the EVM Sprinter Elegance

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news

Olympic goes X-Clusive 16 seater comes with plug-type door & framed double glazing Olympic Executive Travel of Rochdale recently took delivery of this EVM Sprinter X-Clusive. Based on a MercedesBenz Sprinter 516 CDi with an automatic gear box, it is equipped with 16 seats, a plug-type entrance door and large framed double glazing.

Original in-dash air-conditioning couples with Eberspacher saloon air conditioning and saloon heater to provide climate control while entertainment is delivered by a Blaupunkt New York 830 with 6.2” touch-screen display and built in Sat Nav and media control.

Recessed 15” monitors are installed at the front and the rear for conference configuration.

The customer selected 16 EVM Executive class seats equipped with three-point seat belts, folding arm rest to aisle sides and trimmed in two colour real leather.

External enhancement also comes from the application of

an X-Clusive Body Styling kit and EVM’s Chrome Pack.

Olympic Executive Travel specialises in school and corporate contracts while operating private hire travel services in the North West as well as throughout the UK. The company also offers a European travel service and can provide chauffeur-driven executive cars or people carriers.

Established in 2000, the

company caters for private hire, corporate or family events and transfers to hotels, airports, restaurants, ferry stations, theatres entertainment venues, excursion for elderly residents associations and any special occasions such as weddings. Golfing days & weekend excursions are also a speciality.

Visit www.olympic-travel. co.uk

Olympic Executive Travel specialises in school and corporate contracts

Bayliss Executive Travel selects Avantgarde

EVM has recently supplied Bayliss Executive Travel with a MercedesBenz Sprinter 516 CDi Avantgarde equipped with 16 dual-coloured leather Executive Class seats and an automatic gearbox.

The original passenger entrance door, modified to suit the revised stepwell was retained – along with the original rear doors.

Bayliss opted for stepped privacy glass for a sleek exterior which has been enhanced through the addition of an X-Clusive body styling kit and an EVM Chrome

Bayliss opted for stepped privacy glass and an X-Clusive body styling kit Pack.

In-dash air-conditioning coupled with Mercedes-Benz saloon air conditioning and saloon heater ensure a comfortable climate for passengers and the on-board

entertainment is provided by a Mercedes Sound 20 upgrade radio/ CD/PA system plus DVD and drop down 15” monitor.

Bayliss Executive Travel was established in 2004. Its mission

Minibus impounded at Stansted Airport Essex Police impounded a 14-seat minibus following a commercial vehicle check exercise at Stansted Airport during the first week of July.

Officers found the vehicle was being operated without a tachograph and without an Operators’ Licence after the minibus was checked at the Uttlesford terminal. In addition, the driver, from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, was not licenced to drive D1 class minibuses and was issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Police impounded his vehicle and it was towed away.

During the course of the exercise which was carried out on Tuesday, July 2, a total of 18 buses and coaches were checked by Essex Police. Ten offences, including drivers’ hours infringements, were detected, resulting in fixed penalties amounting to £240.

The police warned the public to check drivers are always fully licenced and operating safely. was to provide a level of service unsurpassed by anyone, anywhere.

In its early years, the business focused on chauffeur driven executive cars and MPVs, building up a reputation for service, quality and reliability – which led it to gain an impressive client base. More recently, the company has branched into mini-coaches and full-sized executive coaches.

The Bayliss Executive Travel day trip programme has proved to be a huge success and the company is planning on doing short weekend trips to some of the most beautiful and sought after destinations in the UK and mainland Europe.

Alistair Bayliss said he was very impressed with the new vehicle, quoting EVM’s custom design options and ability to deliver to plan as his key reasons for choosing EVM.

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Focus ›2013 Van Experience

New structure for EvoBus minibus sales The in-house, factory-built range of Mercedes-Benz minibuses is moving in a new direction involving Mercedes-Benz UK and its key commercial vehicle dealerships

M

ajor changes are under way in the structure of minibus sales and support which will involve key commercial vehicle dealerships and much more integration with Milton Keynesbased Mercedes-Benz UK (MBUK).

In place of the present system where dealerships have previously had access only to Traveliner specification Sprinter or Vito models they will now cater for a wide range of passenger carrying vehicles which includes the new Citan, the Viano, the Vito and the Sprinter range built by EvoBus. While there has been some degree of of crossover between the Traveliner specification and the EvoBus Sprinter Transfer a new, revised specification Traveliner has been developed, with substantial input from EvoBus Minibus Sales Manager Lee Gibson. The new Traveliner is effectively replacing the Transfer and conversions carried out at the Dortmund

minibus facility – making use of OEM fixtures and fittings which are all covered under European Whole Vehicle Type Approval.

The whole range of Sprinters including the accessible Mobility, bus specification lowfloor SprinterCity and Travel 45 coach are now fully covered by type approval and each vehicle comes with its Certificate of Compliance.

Lee Gibson said: “The new Traveliner has had a lot of work put into it and the result is a vehicle which will cover 90-95% of all the market requirement we experienced with the Transfer model. What we are planning to do is phase in the availability of passenger vehicles through the dealer network. Some key dealers which are already partners in our EvoBus support network have expressed keen interest and we are currently involved in training their sales personnel in the requirements for specifying and ordering minibuses – which is much more complex than than dealing with van sales.

“It also brings much

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Left: Travel 45 modifications are being carried into new Euro 6 Sprinters.

Above: Latest interior concept is sleek and attractive. Below: Dropwell boot within modified chassis now means Travel 45 can have a tow bar fitted

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focus ›2013 van experience

more sales scope to the sector as within Mercedes-Benz UK there are already fleet sales specialists and national account managers who have good relationships with major organisations. It should make things simpler for these customers as they then don’t have to deal with MBUK for vans and then turn to EvoBus for any passenger carrying requirements – when essentially they are buying the same brand.

“Those coming on-board immediately are Enza Motors, Rossets, S&B Commercials and Mercedes-Benz Northern Ireland. Others will be trained and brought into the scheme, hopefully, by October. It is an exciting opportunity to expand minibus availability across the entire network and potentially is giving us around 200 or more sales personnel on the ground – something we could never seek to emulate through EvoBus.” Steve Bridge, Sales & Marketing Director, MercedesBenz Commercial Vehicles, said: “Increasing the service packages our dealerships offer their customers means we are continuously improving our customer’s vehicle ownership experience. Having 90 dealers now offering their service to the wider range of Evobus products, all of which share the Sprinter chassis, brings an extra focus which will be a benefit to the customer.

“In offering extended opening hours, dealers can service and

passenger lift on the Sprinter Mobility. The Phoenix seats and the PLS passenger lifts are now original fitment. Changes implemented to the rear chassis frame on the Sprinter mean the drop-well boot and coach rear on the Travel 45 can also be supplemented with the addition of a towbar.

The installation is fully tested and approved. Sprinter-based minicoaches from alternative sources where the converter or coachbuilder has provided a rear chassis/body extension to create a coach rear do not have this capability.

Van Experience

The Sprinter City lowfloor minibus interior is virtually unchanged repair vehicles that would normally have to be stood down from operational duties or serviced further afield than necessary.

With easy to access sites offering a wealth of technical skills found in the mature and fully trained work

New Traveliner is essentially the former EvoBus Sprinter Transfer

force we can guarantee the service offered will be top quality.”

Ongoing development Changes to the current offerings from EvoBus include a standardisation of seating and

“Having 90 dealers now offering their service to the wider range of Evobus products, all of which share the Sprinter chassis, brings an extra focus which will be a benefit to the customer.”

Steve Bridge Sales & Marketing Director, Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles

This year’s Mercedes-Benz Van Experience, the tenth so far, took place in mid-June at the Prodrive proving ground facility near Kenilworth. Running for two weeks it accommodates MBUK personnel, dealer staff and around 200-250 customers or potential customers per day for two weeks – giving a practical insight into the safety technology employed on the vehicles and the chance to drive in a safe, controlled environment to experience the benefits.

Sessions included driving on the low grip (skidpan) areas to see the effectiveness of ASR and compare it with vehicles from competitors, a fuel efficiency drive in Citan, Vito and Sprinter for visitors to try and achieve the day’s best performance, offroad driving of 4x4 Sprinters round a tortuous course and demonstration areas where staff from Bosch and Continental provided ESP and tyre technology demonstrations respectively.

The event also gave visitors a static preview of the new Euro 6 Sprinter which is due for official launch later this year. While it still incorporates all the class leading safety features for which the brand has become renowned, it also marks the introduction of new features such as Blind-Spot Assist, Side-Wind Assist, Lane Guidance and Braking Proximity Assist. A redesigned front and lowered profile deliver efficient aerodynamics to improve fuel consumption.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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2012 Mercedes Sprinter 515 Cdi

2000 Optare Solo M850

7HO

Immediate delivery.16 Leather seats with blue piping 3 point belts, recliners, arm rest to aisle side, A/C, D/G, Large drop boot, PA System, Heater, EVM Conversion, 11800 mls, New MOT, Fully serviced, Ready to go.

POA. Location: Crawley - Contact: 01293 852025/ 01293 852040/ 0771 9103203

Stafford Bus Centre 01782 791774

2005 Mercedes 814D Plaxton Cheetah

2003 Volvo B7TL Wrights Gemini 10.1m

33 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.

Connaught PSV – 01405 814064

64 seats + 25 standees, Volvo D7C/Voith, conversion to single door available & seat belt option (£POA), very clean ex-lease vehicles. £27,500 + VAT – CHOICE Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

2009 Renault

2006 Bova Majiq

16 reclining seats, perfect for airports, takes 20 big suitcases, A/C, TV, DVD, hot drinks & fridge, 3 point belts, overhead racks, front entry, 166,000kms, great on fuel, sale due to fleet restructure.

49 seat executive, ZF auto, LEZ compliant, leather headrests, twin monitor DVD, centre sunken toilet, tasteful moquette, excellent condition, MOT & Tax, economical vehicle, ready to work.

POA

2002 ADL ALX200 Dennis Dart

COIF and DDA compliant, Euro 3 engine, 28 seats and 16 standing, taxed until end of June and MOT until July, well maintained and ready to work.

POA – choice of 3

Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530

2007 Unvi Riada

Brand new engine with Mercedes warranty, 22 seats + certified courier seat, leather headrests, Euroliners, DVD, 3 point belts, P/A, air-con, 227,000km, MOT 15/04/14.

£42,000

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

2004 MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI LWB WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

2200 cc turbo diesel, tachograph, 12 passenger seats all on tracking, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 4 wheelchairs, 68000 miles, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 month nationwide parts and labour warranty. £10,495 NO VAT

£16,500 + VAT

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

Florida Taxi Coaches 01787 477701

2010 59 Reg Ford Transit Factory Bus

2003 ADL Enviro 300

17 seats, will have new COIF and PSV test, tachograph, only 60k miles.

COIF and accessibility certificate, 40 seats and 27 standing, taxed until August and with a new MOT, this is a very clean and tidy bus which is ready to go straight to work.

£14,950

POA

Stafford Bus Centre 01782 791774

Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530

X reg, 27 seats, new MOT.

£8,950

£95,000 + VAT

Travelstar European 01922 647100 / 07779 801862

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Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com

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July 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 45

2001 Mercedes 814 Vario Optare Nouvelle

31/33 high back seats, forced air, reading lights, PA system, power door and boot.

POA

Connaught PSV – 01405 814064

1998 Volvo Olympian

2009 Mercedes Tourismo

49 seat executive, luxury pleated seats with leather piping and headrests, side shift seats, centre sunken toilet, twin monitor DVD, ZF AStronic gearbox, extreme comfort, a hit with passengers. Viewing recommended.

£145,000 + VAT

Travelstar European 01922 647100 / 07779 801862

1998 R REG OPTARE SOLO

LEZ BOXES FOR SALE

Mercedes 814D Euro Coach

2 x used Eminox LEZ exhaust boxes, used for 6 months 2012.

Cleaned/reconditioned.

To fit a Bova Futura.

With full fitting kit or can be fitted while you wait! £3,000 each + VAT

PARNHAMS COACHES LTD Contact Ray 07747 071071

2003 Mercedes Citaros

PSV 12/5/13, taxed 30/4/13, full service history.

£58,000

Contact William on 07733 914050

2010 Mercedes Benz Travel 45

£9,950

Mercedes engine, Allison, 30 seats, new MOT.

Stafford Bus Centre 01782 791774

POA

38 + 34 standees, LEZ complaint, full DDA, dual door, Hanover LEDs, CCTV, in good condition, very low mileage (240,000 – 260,000 km), 1 year’s MOT. Choice of 6 (5 x 53 plate and 1 x 03 plate). £40,000 each + VAT

EnsignBus 01708 865656

yourbus – 01773 714013

Connaught PSV – 01405 814064

2006 Mercedes Benz 616 CDI Soroco Plus

1999 Iveco Beulis

Volvo Olympian open top bus

1999 Volvo B10M Jonckheere

Alexander Dennis body, P reg (1997), seats 75.

Fitted with a PA system, new MOT on purchase.

Choice of 5 vehicles.

48 reclining seats with retractable belts, monitor, DVD, radio + cassette, rear toilet with rear door, fully sprayed and new stretch panels fitted, good coach, just been to Spain, lovely driver.

Bath Bus Company 01225 330444

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

1995 Scania K113 VanHool Alizee

2003 Setra 315 GTHD

Northern Counties low height body, ZF gearbox, 76 seats + 8, choice of 2.

16 Fainsa seats, 3 point belts, seat back tables, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot, fridge, DVD, new re-spray, 280,000 kms.

49 seats, 4 x 4 box, air con, new test, toilet.

POA

£POA

Connaught PSV – 01405 814064

Blythswood Motors 0141 889 9730

2006 Mercedes Benz 814D Vario

2002 Futura

24 seats + courier 3 point belts luggage racks, reading lights, blown air, private plate, full skirts, wheel trims, stunning condition, more pictures available.

£32,495 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

Full exec spec, Eminox euro 4 exhaust, 49 seats, green cloth, manual, 792K kms, new MOT on sale.

£55,000 + VAT L.J. Edwards: 01323 440622 option 2 or John 07974 369570

16 reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, forced air, reading lights, power door, power step, curtains, coach rear, bi-xenon lights, auto gearbox, 189,000 miles.

POA

£20,000 + VAT ono

Converted this year to 70 seater using Cogent seats with 3 point belts, tea machine, TV/DVD.

£27,500 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

49 seat with retractable belts, low mileage, seat back tables, footrests, centre toilet, power door, air con, webasto, cool box and boiler 2 x monitors and DVD, radio cassette, LEZ exhaust, great drive.

£53,500 + VAT ono

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com

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46 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 17, 2013

2006 Mercedes Benz 814 Vario

2006 MAN 14.220 SLF MCV Evolution 11.2m

ÂŁ32,495 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

40 seats + 21 standees, DDA compliant, Hanover LED, direct off lease from a major operator. £32,500 + VAT – CHOICE Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

2007 VW CRAFTER MWB HIGH ROOF WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

1999 Mercedes 814D Mellor

24 seats + courier, 3 point belts, luggage racks, reading lights, blown air, private plate, full skirts, wheel trims, very low mileage, test 27/10/2013, stunning condition.

2500cc turbo diesel, PLS easy access internal lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, Stanford conversion, electric front windows, panoramic glass, metallic silver, 69000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. ÂŁ12995 + VAT

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

2004 Bova Futura

33 coach seats, 3 point belts, MOT 21/11/12, luggage racks, forced air, power door, boot/side locker, manual gearbox, tacho, repainted cream.

ÂŁ10,000

Drew Wilson Coach Sales 0141 248 5524

Mercedes Benz 814D Plaxton

2008 Mercedes 515 CDI Soroco

27 coach seats with 3 point belts, perfect for school bus or private hire, choice of two – one manual, one auto, private plate and power door.

19 high back seats, forced air, A/C, D/G, reading lights, power door and boot, in metallic silver.

ÂŁ8,995 + VAT Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

Connaught PSV – 01405 814064

2007 MERCEDES SPRINTER 311 CDI WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

Automatic gearbox, 2200cc cdi turbo diesel, AMF wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 3 wheelchairs plus 4 seated, panoramic glass, 66000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. ÂŁ 18995 + VAT

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

POA

2003 Transbus ALX400

53 reg, 76 belted seats, LEZ compliant, new conversion with new high back seats.

ÂŁ47,995

BASE Ltd – 01772 425355

2010 Alexander Enviro 200 <RXÂś UH L Q FRQW URO

51 seat executive, ZF auto, LEZ compliant, excellent condition, centre sunken toilet, 2 monitors, DVD, driver and crew seat retrimmed. Ready to go.

Very clean example of the market leading bus, fitted with seat belts.

ÂŁ55,000 + VAT

ÂŁ82,500

Travelstar European 01922 647100 / 07779 801862

Plaxton Coach Sales Centre 01909 551166

1998 Volvo B10M Caetano Enigma

Mercedes Plaxton Cheetah

49 seats with retractable belts, monitor, DVD, radio, cassette, taxed and tested, has air-con but needs re-gas + belts, needs t.l.c. but good motor.

ÂŁ15,500 + VAT ono

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

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29 seater plus large boot, very nice clean exterior and brand new seat trim, new wheel rims, taxed with short test but can be re-tested if required.

ÂŁ14,500 o.n.o.

Lightning Travel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 017530 237830

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com

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July 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 47

2007 Setra 415GTHD Comfort Class

2000 SCANIA T9

2006 Plaxton Cheetah

2001 MAN Neoplan 12 months MOT, 12 months tax, full tank of fuel, one owner driver for the last 5 years, 49 seater, toilet, aircon, drivers bunk, alloy wheels, just refurbished, 2 new 22in Samsung LED monitors, black-out windows, TV tuner, DVD system all fitted 8 months ago, good mpg, 3 new air bags, new belts, hoses and interior LED lights just fitted, 600,000km, based in Glasgow. £33,500 + VAT

49 seats, AS Tronic gearbox, Mercedes engine, Euroliners, Ambiente seats, serviced by Mercedes since new, one owner, 302,000kms, MOT Apr 2014. Must sell due to retirement.

53 seats, excellent condition, PSV 26/5/13, taxed 30/4/13, service records, lovely bus all round and just had an interior re-trim.

£89,995

£24,750

Contact Gary 07930 377051

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

Belfast Bus – 07921 389720

2002 Optare Solo M920

2004 IVECO DAILY 35S13 9 SEAT MWB HIGH ROOF MINIBUS

2008 Setra 416 GT HD

02 reg, 31 seats – three available.

£11,750

Stafford Bus Centre 01782 791774

2800cc turbo diesel, 6 speed gearbox, white, panoramic glass, electric mirrors, LEZ compliant, 90000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty. £4995 NO VAT

53 seat Comfort class, 12 speed ASTronic gearbox, air con, PA, CD & DVD, hot drinks & fridge, WC/washroom, seat belts, continental entrance.

Automatic gearbox, only had one owner from new.

£54,500

Plaxton Coach Sales Centre 01909 551166

2007 Scania K340/ Caetano Levante

Choice of 2, 49 leather reclining seats, ZF automatic gearbox and retarder, Hanover front, side and rear destinations, WC, air conditioning, PLS magic lift, low mileage, recently refurbished and can be used on National Express network until June 2016.

£109,500 + VAT

£80,000 + VAT each

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

Florida Taxi Coaches 01787 477701

yourbus – 01773 714013

Luxury VW Crafter

2005 Daf VanHool

VOLVO B12B

2003 Setra 315 GTHD

2007, 16 seats, A/C, DVD, microphone, 125,000 miles, 8 months MOT, excellent condition.

Auto, 49/51 seat executive, purple, immaculate, Webasto, air conditioning, retarder, WC, DVD, reversing camera, hot water, fridge, leather headrests/piping, MOT May 2014, one driver from new, 486,000km. Must sell due to retirement.

375,604 miles, PSV 25/4/13, taxed 31/3/13, full service history.

£85,000

£120,000

Slick Rides – 07823 770978

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

Contact William on 07733 914050

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

2007 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 515 CDI

1994 Volvo B9M Berkof Excellence

2009 MAN NL273F Wrightbus Meridian 12m

2003 Futura

Imm delivery. Extra long. Ext’d body, manual, c/back boot door, 16 seats + 2 tables, 3 pt seat belts, aisle side arm rests, curtains, large boot, 197000 mls, panoramic windows, Euroliners, full length luggage racks, forced air + reading lights, under dash storage box, PA, new MOT, ready to go, location Crawley.

POA 01293 852025/01293 852040/0771 9103203

Good solid engine and gearbox, tidy bodywork, MOT till April 2014, 37 recliners, loads of legroom and a rear toilet.

44 seats + 26 standees, fully DDA compliant, Mobitec LED, CCTV, digital tachograph, ex-lease. £67,500 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

Full exec spec, Eminox euro 4 exhaust, 49 seats, green cloth, manual, 695K kms, new MOT on sale.

£25,000

£14,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

49 seat with retractable belts, low mileage, seat back tables, footrests, centre toilet, power door, air con, webasto, cool box and boiler 2 x monitors and DVD, radio cassette, LEZ exhaust, great drive.

£53,500 + VAT ono

£65,000 + VAT L.J. Edwards: 01323 440622 option 2 or John 07974 369570

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com

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Ensig DOUBLE DECK 85

SEAT S

2000 DENNIS TRIDENTS Alexander ALX400 bodies, converted to high capacity 85 seat school buses.

LEZ

COMPLIANT

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

1999/2000/2001 V/X/51 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS

1999 T/V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

1999 T/V REG DENNIS DART SLF’S

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

Last few remaining from £8,500.

80 seats, Voith gearboxes, Euro 2 engines with traps, or full Euro 3 with traps, Plaxton President bodies, can be DDA with 78 seats.

2000 VOLVO B7TL’S

2001 Y REG VOLVO B7TL’S

ZF automatic, Plaxton Premiere 350, 70 seats, air-con.

SWB, CCTV, particulate traps so LEZ compliant, Plaxton President bodies, dual door 62 seats or single door 71 seats.

Caetano Compass bodies, 39 seats, ramps.

Euro 3 with traps, DDA, LWB, Plaxton bodies, 67 seats as 2 doors or 78 once converted to single door.

1996 VOLVO B10M

1999 VOLVO B7TL’S

2001 Y REG DENNIS DARTS

Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, 10.1m , Cummins Euro 2 engines, DDA, 31 seats, CCTV, particulate traps fitted, LEZ compliant, only £6000 each plus tyres.

2002 52 PLATE VOLVO B7TL’S DDA and LEZ, 70 seats, Euro 3, £24000 plus VAT.

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -

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

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nbus

K ER SPECIALIST 1998 R REG VOLVO B10BLE’S

ZF auto, East Lancs Myllenium bodies, SLF, 46 seats.

2000 W REG DAF SB220’S

ZF 6 speed manual, Plaxton Premiere 350, 53 seats, new MOT.

1998 R REG DENNIS JAVELIN

Voith automatic gearboxes, SLF, Alexander ALX300 bodies, 44 seats and 27 standing, heavy duty low floor buses. They can also be converted to be DDA compliant.

2003 SCANIA OMNICITY CN94UB

ZF gearboxes, Alexander ALX400 bodies, new COIF / MOT, 82 seats or 80 seats with DDA compliance.

2000 VOLVO B7TL’S

2 door, Euro 3, ZF automatic, 37 seats, 12m, DDA.

2002 02 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS

Euro 3 Cummins engines, DDA compliant , Plaxton President bodies, Hanover LED’s, 67 seats converted to single door or 62 seats as dual door.

Cummins L10 / ZF, Northern Counties body, low height 13 feet 8, 77 seats.

1995 VOLVO OLYMPIAN

51 and 02 plate, Cummins Euro 3 ISC engines, LEZ, Plaxton President bodies, can be DDA, single door and 78 seats, or dual door 67 seats.

2001/2002 DENNIS TRIDENTS

ZF automatic, Plaxton body, 53 high back seats with 3 point belts.

1991 DENNIS JAVELIN

1998 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, Northern Counties bodies, 80 seats.

2010 60 PLATE VOLVO B7R’S

Euro 5, ZF automatic, Plaxton profile bodies, 53 seats, air-con, only 72,000km since new.

- 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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Call for details on our website conversions, upseating, refurbishment, and change of use conversion. Also vehicles available for hire short and long term.

www.staffordbuscentre.com email: martin@staffordbuscentre.com Telephone: 01782 791774 Mobile: 07803 222552 View our latest arrivals on www.staffordbuscentre.com

AEC ROUTEMASTER No 1747 FOR RESTORATION

With AEC engine, 95% complete and does run, no seats, been a playbus & office, just waiting for new use.

Offers around £18,950

MERCEDES 614D VARIO VAN CONVERSION 2003 52 REG Fitted with 20 coach seats, full height boot etc, ideal for airports etc, new MOT.

£7,950

MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER 2 1999 T REG Fitted with 29 h/b seats and belts but would re seat to 33, will have new MOT. £7,950

FORD TRANSIT 350 15 SEAT FACTORY BUS 57 REG

Low miles, Class 5 MOT, drive on any car licence, ideal for school and club use with restricted drivers.

£9,950

£32,950

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52 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 17, 2013

Volvo Olympians

Large selection, all taxed and PSV’d, ZF auto boxes, recently re-upholstered, just out of services, upper deck 47, lower 31, standing 8.

We also have a number of Dennis Dart and Volvo single decker busses with seat belts.

Contact us for more information: 01530 560566 07836 517350 sales@truckandplantsalesltd.com

HATTSTRAVELAUCTION Saturday 10th August 2013, 10am prompt Viewing Friday 9th August 2013 Westend, Foxham, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 4NB

Due to fleet reorganisation programme following company acquisitions 2008 MAN Ayats Atlantis 51/53 Seat Executive Coach 2008 MAN Ayats Atlantis 51/53 Seat Executive Coach 2007 MAN Marcopolo 48 Seat Executive Coach c/w Lift 2002 Iveco Beulas Stergo 49 Seat Executive Coach 2004 Iveco Beulas Stergo 49 Seat Executive Coach 1996 Volvo V10M Cantano 53 Seat Coach 2010 Mercedes Optaro Solo 31+23 Low Floor Bus 2001 Mercedes Optaro Solo 33+18 Low Floor Bus 2002 Mercedes Optaro Solo 29+20 Low Floor Bus 2001 Mercedes Optaro Solo 25+8 Low Floor Bus 2006 MAN Evolution 39+21 Low Floor Bus 2006 MAN Evolution 39+21 Low Floor Bus 1999 Dennis Dart SLF 27+24 Low Floor Bus 1999 Dennis Dart SLF 27+24 Low Floor Bus 1997 DAF SB3000 Ikarus 68 Seat School Coach 1996 DAF SB3000 Ikarus 68 Seat School Coach 2003 Iveco Beulas Stergo 70 Seat School Coach 2002 Iveco Beulas Stergo 70 Seat School Coach 2002 Iveco Beulas Stergo 70 Seat School Coach 2005 Iveco 65C15 Wing 22 Seat Mini Bus 2005 Ford Transit 16 Seat Mini Bus 2004 Ford Transit 16 Seat Mini Bus

FREE ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE Click the link on our website to register

Contact Charlie Foyle or Graham Johnson on 01630 674326

www.malcolmharrison.co.uk auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk

All overseas and first time buyers not known to the auctioneer must lodge £1000 refundable deposit on registration by cash/credit/debit card.

MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS

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54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 17, 2013

MINICOACHES ALBION HOUSE 16–18 ALBION STREET WILLENHALL WEST MIDLANDS WV13 21NJ TEL: 01902 631507 FAX: 01902 630791

sales@ukminicoaches.co.uk

www.ukminicoaches.co.uk

Mercedes Sprinter 313 17 Seat Minicoach

In build now, this superb vehicle will be available at the end of July. Specification will include: 16 full size coach seats with three point seat belts, rear double and single on quick release, skirt kit and front bumper modification, luggage racks with integrated blown air and reading lights, curtains, roof hatch/sunroof, digital tachograph, Colour Coded Wingmirrors, COIF, Euroliner wheeltrims and driver's lockers.

Conversion will also include full body cavity fireproof insulation and new Mercedes panels to replace the original sliding side door.

Price £29995 + V.A.T.

Mercedes Sprinter 311 17 Seat Minicoach

In build now and due mid August. Built to an exceptionally high standard, this minicoach will be supplied with new Digital Tachograph, COIF and Full 12 months PSV MOT. Build will include, 16 high back full width coach seats with rear double and single on track for quick release, colour coded side wing mirrors, skirts and front bumper with lowered valance, full length luggage racks with integrated reading lights and blown air system, show curtains, driver's locker and non slip vinyl flooring.

Conversion also includes all body cavities insulated with fireproof matting and the replacement of the original sliding side door with genuine Mercedes body panels.

Price £24,995 + V.A.T.

Mercedes Sprinter 413 17 Seat Minicoach

Now available and in stock. This very well presented vehicle is ideal for multi-purpose work and will suit contract work as well as private hires. Fitted with an Analogue Tacho and a Sprintshift gearbox and with features that include Front entry, full length luggage racks with integrated reading lights and blown air, all seats on full floor tracking system, curtains, side skirts and offside emergency door; your passengers are bound to appreciate the comfort that a Mercedes will offer.

Price £10995 + V.A.T.

All Commercial Trading Ltd T/A UK Minicoaches OPENING HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9.00 AM TILL 5.00 PM

TRAVELBILLITY 2005 Mellor 33 seats with boot, forced air, analogue tacho, 260,000kms, MOT 10/2013

2005 Plaxton Beaver 2006 Mellor 28 seats or 9 W/C, 29 seats, large boot, automative, climate air con, analogue control, 98,000kms, tacho, 287,000kms, MOT 09/2013 MOT 10/2013

1998 VW LT

2006 LDV Maxus

£2,500 + private plate not included in sale

May 2014 £3,995 + VAT

MWB, 12 seats, PLS 7 seats, PTS spec, underfloor side step, very wheelchair accessible, versatile, too good to scrap Ricon tail lift, MOT

2006 LDV Maxus 8 seats, wheelchair accessible, GM Coach conversion £6,995 + VAT

All prices + VAT FINANCE CAN BE ARRANGED

Please call 01934 515511 or email info@travelbillity.com Location 2 minutes from J21 M5

65 SEAT S

15 RE MET

2007 VOLVO B12BT PLAXTON PANTHER 15M 65 SEATS n Auto n Air con n LEZ compliant

n DDA compliant n Front lift n Rear toilet

All for £89,950 + VAT OVNO

NEW BATCH RELEASED Call Mike Austin for more information

07834 810907

E&OE

697066-1096-Pickrell

H. W. PICKRELL

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Page 1

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.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINI BUSES For latest stock arrivals follow @h_w_pickrell

07 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR50 UVG TREKA

08 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

07 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

57 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO MM 33 2.5TD

Auto gearbox, climate control, n/s/f electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, 81,280 kms.

Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, AVS side step, 8 high back seats plus 2 x w/chairs & driver, Unwin tracked floor, ricon internal tail lift, 33,175 miles only.

Manual, PAS, LWB, O & H conversion PTS ambulance, SLD, fold out side step, 6-8 rear high back seats, wipe clean interior, lowering suspension, Unwin tracking, Eberspacher heater, choice of two, 72,000-79,000 miles.

6 speed manualgear box, MWB, high roof, PAS, twin side loading door, side step, 9 seats plus driver plus 1 x wheelchair, heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 39,191 miles only.

57 REG FORD TRANSIT 100, 350 2.4TDCI

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4 TDCI

2009 58 REG RENAULT T RAFFIC LH29 2.0T D

09 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5 TD

Manual, MWB, high mroof, PAS, SCW conversion, side loading door, side step, 8 high back seats, fully Unwin tracked floor, Dash ac, Eberspacher heater, Ratcliff underfloor tail lift, 11,092 miles only.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, electric side step, 11 high back seats, Unwin tracked floor at rear, Eberspacher heater, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, tacho, 34,955 miles.

Automatic gearbox, high roof, SCW conversion, twin side loading doors, side step, 6 rear high back seats plus double passenger & driver, AC, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracking, Ricon tail lift, 38,309 miles only.

Manual, semi high roof factory bus conversion, side entry slam door with low entry step, 14 x high back seats plus driver, air con, ex lease, only 32,997 kms.

08 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

58 REG FORD TRANSIT TOURNEO CONNECT 1.8 HDI

57 REG PEUGEOT BOXER 2.5TD

2010 10 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR50 2.5TDI 108PS

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, Atlas conversion, twin side loading door, AVS side step, 6 high back seats, Unwin Inotrac tested floor, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, 30,383 miles.

Manual gearbox, CD, electric windows & mirrors, a/c, twin side loading doors, high back seat in rear, single passenger seat, cut out floor, lowering air suspension, fold down ramp, Gowerings conversion, only 8,600 miles.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, O&H conversion SLD, AVS side step, 8 rear high back seats plus 1 x wheelchair space, Unwin tracking, Eberspacher heater, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, 20,286 miles.

LWB, Excel Minibus conversion, side loading door, AVS step, 16 high back Abacus seats on T bolts, Eberspacher, ex local authority, 35,280 kms.

61 REG RENAULT MASTER F3500 2.5TD

06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVK TREKA

NEW UN REG IVECO DAILY 50c17 IRIS BUS 3.0

59 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

Manual gearbox, high roof, factory conversion, PAS, side loading doors, electric side step, 16 high back seats plus driver, tested floor, overhead storage shelves, tacho fitted, 20,137 kms only.

Auto gearbox, LWB, PAS, climate control, n/s/f electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF'd.

Agile gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, power front entry door, 16 rear high back seats, Unwin Innotrax flat floor, underfloor Ratcliff t/lift, COIF/IVA to take up to 5 wheelchairs.

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, Gleneagles conversion, side loading door, side step, 8 high back seats, fully tracked Unwin floor, lowering air suspension & Portaramp, Webasto heater, 11,199 miles.

06 REG M ERCEDES SPRINT ER 411 CDI

58 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 IRIS BUS 3.0

57 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

05 REG VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T30 TDI

Manual gearbox, LWB, PAS, O & H conversion, n/s full height manual door, 16 high back removable seats, Eberspacher heater, PLS underfloor t/lift, ex local authority, COIF'd,103,080 kms, PSV tested till March 2014.

Auto gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, power door, 16 rear high back seats (17 seats in total), AMF tracked flat floor, Eberspacher heater, full air con, PLS tail lift, COIF, 49,381 miles only.

Manual gearbox, high roof, Gleneagles conversion, PAS, SLD, electric side step, 8 removable rear high back seats (10 seats in total) plus driver, air con, Unwin tracking & Solo system fitted, Ricon tail lift, 22,487 miles.

LWB, MAN gearbox, CD, electric windows & mirrors, full AC climate front and rear, twin side loading doors, 9 high back seats in rear, Unwin tracking, Braun tail lift, rear tail gate & blinds, Cotrim conversion, 29,209 miles.

57 REG CITROEN RELAY 2.5TD

58 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 IRIS BUS 3.0

2008 57 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 311 2.2CDI

58 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 IRIS BUS 3. 0

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, O&H conversion, SLD, AVS side step, 9 seats plus driver plus 1 x wheelchair space, Unwin tracking, Eberspacher heater, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, 21,647 miles.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, power door, 16 rear high back seats (17 seats in total), Unwin tracked floor, Eberspacher heater, Ratcliff tail lift, COIF, 63,371 miles, PSV tested till March 2014.

6 speed manual gearbox, semi high roof, PAS, MWB, SLD, 14 high back seats including driver, Bluetooth & sat nav, air con, elec windows & mirrors, electric side step, Unwin tracking, Ricon tail lift, 39,834 miles.

Auto gearbox, high roof, tacho, SCW conversion, power door, 16 rear high back seats (17 seats in total), fully tracked flat floor, Eberspacher heater, full air con, climate control, PLS t/lift, COIF, very high spec, 84,213kms.

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July 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 57

AUDIO & VIDEO

ENGINES

• Audio / PA systems • Video-on-demand systems • Monitor & DVD systems • Hands-free mobile phone kits • Reversing cameras and sensors • Multi or single language systems • CCTV • Alarms, tracking and cruise control • SkyTV systems • GPS commentary systems UK and Ireland Distributor

www.autosound.co.uk Tel: 0044 (0)1274 688990 Unit 4, Lister Street, Dudley Hill, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD4 9PQ

BUILDINGS HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

Bus Workshops - Secure Storage Supplied any width, any length Building to BS5590 - Doors high enough for Double Deckers - Finance available For further information phone

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime

checkpoints

THE CUMMINS ENGINE SPECIALISTS PARTS & SERVICE DIVISION

D.I.E.S.E.L. LIMITED OFFER A VAST RANGE OF SERVICES FOR ALL TYPES OF CUMMINS ENGINES FREE TECHNICAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT FULL OR 3/4 BUILT RECON ENGINES COMPETITIVE & COST EFFECTIVE SERVICE REPAIRS FIXED PRICE ENGINE REPAIRS/OVERHAULS COMPREHENSIVE PARTS STOCK – NEW AND USED ON SITE REPAIRS FULL ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS CONTACT US TODAY FOR ALL YOUR CUMMINS REQUIREMENTS TELEPHONE UK: 01708 859625 FAX UK: 01708 857630 EMAIL: SALES@DIESEL.UK.COM

CRAIG TILSLEY Suppliers of Reconditioned Tel: 01782 791524 or 01782 791527 Fax: 01782 791316

Email: info@craigtilsley.co.uk www.craigtilsley.co.uk

DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS PUMPS ETC

Moorfields Industrial Estate, Cotes Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST21 6QY

FINANCE

Innovative funding solutions to fit every business. We specialise in raising funds for all types of companies from sole traders to PLCs. As a specialist business funder, Huxley Corporate Finance can provide your company with a wide range of finance facilities including the following:

• Equipment Finance • Vehicle Finance • Cash Flow • Mortgages • Company Acquisition • Capital Release Scheme • Vehicle Sourcing

Call the team to discuss your current financial requirements on 01829 730062

65A High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0DP T 01829 730062 F 01829 730063 E info@huxleycf.co.uk www.huxleycf.co.uk

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58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 17, 2013

FUEL

FLEET SALES

REPAIRS

parts

RETIRING or

CHANGING YOUR FLEET?

Contact Malcolm Harrison Auctions

01630 674326

auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS

The ABC of Parts Support Over 17,000 parts lines directly from stock.

Next day delivery as standard.

Bus and Coach

01274 681144

busandcoachsales@arriva.co.uk www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in charge.

Take the photos, write the ad and change it later if you want to, all from your online dashboard.

Selling a vehicle is simple on . . .

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July 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59

PARTS

TRAINING

Driver CPC courses available each month • Full UK coverage

FORTHCOMING DATES

• Same day local delivery

Emergency First Aid (CPC/non CPC) - £75+VAT July 25th, August 3rd + August 6th

Customer Service - £49.99+VAT

• Next day national delivery

August 2nd + August 8th

Vehicle Maintenance & Defect Checks - £49.99+VAT

• Official Irizar part distributor

August 10th Course fees include Certificate and DSA upload

• All manufacturer parts supplier

Other August dates planned - 13th, 15th, 19th-23rd, 27th, 29th

We’re here when you need us

• Fast, efficient & 24/7

For information contact us on 01529 414242 / 303333 or visit: www.sleafordian-holidays.co.uk

Tel: 01909 511349 www.master-part.co.uk

To claim your discount for online booking enter training5 into the gifts/voucher option

PCV DRIVER CPC TRAINING CREATED BY A COACH COMPANY FOR THE COACHING INDUSTRY

THE DRIVER CPC IS HERE

REGISTRATIONS

£750 70 RXG AXZ 15 DXZ 10 KIG 80 LIG 57 MHZ 25 REZ 63 SNZ 55 XEZ 22

£350 ACZ 686 CEZ 565 EIG 525 JJZ 898 MHZ 505 RBZ 696 VIW 848 XEZ 212 YIB 252

£99 EXZ 1660 FRZ 5515 GRZ 1261 GRZ 1262 HIG 3236 JIG 7992 KIG 6556 LIG 1676 LIG 1677

Buy with confidence – CNDA Member We buy for cash, also Part Exchange

£99 LIG 1678 RHZ 1511 RHZ 1512 SNZ 5222 SNZ 5223 SUI 8185 TJZ 8222 UUI 2888 UUI 2889

£50 CXZ 4471 DXZ 9293 EXZ 5505 EXZ 5506 FRZ 4155 FRZ 4156 JFZ 3439 LIG 2283 LIG 2284

£50 NFZ 3430 RHZ 1425 RHZ 1426 RNZ 9197 SNZ 3885 SNZ 3886 TUI 7175 UUI 2926 UUI 2927

Tel: 028 6638 7124 • www.speedyreg.co.uk Millwo od, L isbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland B T94 5HQ

TRAINING

If you would like further information please call 01543 897505 or visit www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk

Driver CPC Periodic Training

SAME DAY J.A.U.P.T. REGISTRATION SAME DAY C.P.C. CERTIFICATES DELIVERED AT YOUR OWN DEPOTS

REMEMBER-REMEMBER 10th SEPTEMBER WE WILL HOLD OUR PRICES FOR 5 YEARS

PCV DRIVER HIRE 0800-731-5007 CORPORATE DEALS AVAILABLE

MERIDIAN DRIVER LTD Rising above all others

www.meridiandriver.com

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60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | July 17, 2013

TYRES

TRIM Tel/Fax:

astgate COACH TRIMMERS LTD

01751 472229

Email: info@eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk Web: www.eastgate-coachtrimmers.co.uk

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.

You’re in control.

Take the photos, write the ad and change it later if you want to, all from your online dashboard.

Selling a vehicle is simple on . . .

VEHICLE SPARES

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales OUR SERVICES: • • • • • • • • • •

Recovery

Refurbishment Testing

Repairs

Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding

Buying & selling vehicles

DISMANTLING/SPARES: • • • • • •

Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE

TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE

Windows

TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR

Seats

TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE

Windscreens

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

July 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61

Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX

Monday: Press day. Production is stopped in its tracks for 4.5hrs when a powercut hits designer Keith’s home. Cuss words have no effect.

Finish 2230hrs.

Tuesday: Tap away on a feature and also give further thought to ideas for the future.

This sign was spotted by CBW Editor Gareth on Saturday, July 6, during a friend’s stag do in the middle of Vienna.

It’s enough to say simple things please simple minds…

EYMS staff fund weekend trip for recovering youngster A youngster recovering from major surgery on a rare spine condition has been given a special surprise by his family’s local bus firm, EYMS. After leaving hospital, Lewis Harper, seven, discovered that staff at EYMS had funded a trip for him to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Classic Car and Vehicle Weekend.

Lewis travelled by vintage coach to Pickering for the two-day event, where he boarded a steam train and got to see an array of classic vehicles.

His mother Sarah Harper said she was overwhelmed by the kindness of those involved. She added: “Lewis always gives the drivers a high-five when he gets on the bus, because we know them all so well.

Dilbert

“They always have a good chat with him but I never expected anything like this.”

David Hunt, Bus Station Supervisor for East Riding Council, said: “We’ve known Lewis since he was born and his family for even longer. He’s such a lovely little boy who always wants to talk to you.

Even after four operations all he wants to do is make sure everybody else is ok. He brings a smile to so many faces and we wanted to give something back.”

Carol Thompson, Depot Controller at Beverley, has been busy organising the trip for Lewis.

She said: “David and I had the idea to send Lewis on one of our

trips and the drivers who know him have all chipped in.

“He deserves it for being the brave young boy he is.”

Lewis suffers from a condition called syringomylia which affects just eight in 100,000 people. His condition means a cyst growing within his spinal cord could cause permanent damage, including chronic neck pain and paralysis if left untreated. Lewis is now recovering from a fourth operation at Leeds General Infirmary last month - a ventriculopertoneal shunt. The procedure involves a surgically implanted device which drains the cyst into an abdominal cavity where the fluid can be absorbed.

Lewis also has a condition called microphaly, which means he has a smaller than average brain for his age and learning difficulties.

Wednesday: Interview a potential new member of the editorial team. Oh dear.

He looks like he’s been through the rag bin backwards – not quite Worzel Gummidge but near enough. Clearly having had his CV souped-up, it turns out he’s more suited to an office-based IT role than a customer-facing reporter.

He’s a textbook example of what not to say in an interview. Still, it amuses my colleagues when I tell them about it afterwards. Crack on with feature writing.

Thursday: Another interview. A girl turns up late with a body piercing in a prominent location. I’m sure the ultra-Conservative section of the coaching industry will be impressed with her... Enough said.

The office is roasting hot. I regret not following my gut instinct and spending the afternoon working at home – at least that way I would be able to have the temperature at the cool (i.e. highly productive & healthy) level, for me.

Friday: Enjoy the familiar welcome from the crew at Evobus during the unveiling of the Euro 6 MercedesBenz Tourismo. The photoshoot takes place at Stoneleigh Abbey.

It turns out the General Manager is a fellow Welsh exile. “With a camera like that I can tell you’re a keen photographer. Why don’t you take a peek around the front of the house?” Decide I can spare five minutes to get my arty photo fix and also a story for ‘Tour News’. Avoid the office as I know it will be like an Egyptian greenhouse, so write up my Tourismo piece at home in Peterborough. www.coachandbusweek.com

LastStop.indd 61

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HASSLE-FREE DRIVERS? Hire coach drivers when you need them.

Get your vacancy seen by quality candidates Full colour as standard

No holiday, no absence, no NI – pay only for the hours you need them for.

We keep your wheels turning while your drivers are resting.

Call Del Haggerty Just Coach Drivers Ltd 07950 292939 www.justcoachdrivers.com

All vacancies posted to www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs Details of all vacancies posted to our Facebook, Twi�er &

Linkedin pages

eek, get a w e n o k o Bo half price k e e w d n o sec eek FREE! w d ir h t a and ded un�l n Offer exte ber 2013 m te p e S 7 2

Contact Ian Gillis

01733 293484

ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

People.indd 62

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RECRUITMENT & people

July 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 63

In association with

Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm Contact Ian Gillis T: 01733 293484 E: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

First honours northern staff First has honoured its staff in north England at the third annual First (Bus) North England Region Awards.

More than 140 people attended a ceremony at the Palace Hotel, Manchester, with 12 awards up for grabs to First employees in Greater Manchester, West, North and South Yorkshire. Guests included TfGM Bus and Rail Director Mike Renshaw and Chris Cheek from TAS. Manchester’s Phil Millard beat of competition from more than 3,000 fellow drivers to be named regional Bus Driver of the Year. In 35 years on the road he has had no absences from work and has been involved in no collisions. He is currently a driver on the Metroshuttle bus in Manchester.

The team at Bolton scooped the Depot of the Year Accolade.

Operations Manager Matt Rawlinson and Engineering Manager Mike Monahan were

praised for their excellent leadership, customer commitment and improvement in KPIs. Team of the Year was Engineering Effectiveness, headed up by Simon Carlisle. With their help depots have seen a 54% reduction in lost mileage over the year and 37.1% engineering defect reduction.

Sharon Wyeth, HR Business Partner in West Yorkshire, received the Special Recognition award for her conscientious and dedicated

First’s North Region MD Dave Alexander (left) and (right) TfGM’s Bus and Rail Director Mike Renshaw present the Bus Driver of the Year trophy to Manchester driver Phil Millard

Moses Manskanu wins Parts Apprentice of the Year Moses Manskanu, Parts Apprentice at EvoBus, Coventry, has won the “Warwickshire Garage & Transport Group Training Association Parts Apprentice of the Year” award.

Moses has been with EvoBus (UK) for just over 18 months and has made great strides on a professional level in the time he has been with the business.

In terms of the Parts Apprentice role, Moses has a variety of

responsibilities which include speaking with customers on a daily basis to offer advice on issues they have with parts. Other elements of the role include ordering parts and keeping track of when they arrive at EvoBus. Moses is also gaining experience with the workshop tool store. His responsibilities are to issue tools out to technicians, while also reporting on any which need to be replaced.

approach to her colleagues and the business and the Sheffield Bus Partnership was named Partnership Initiative of the Year.

Other awards were presented to Regional Financial Control Manager Janet Burgess (Outstanding Leadership), Bolton’s Andy Longstaff (Engineer of the Year) and Bramley Operations Manager Jon Croxford (Young Manager of the Year).

The team at Bramley won the Environmental accolade, Bolton received the Safety award, Support Staff member of the year went to the Bramley Engineer Andrew Butterworth and Oldham’s Customer Liaison Manager Joanne Spagnol was presented with the Customer Excellence Award.

Regional MD Dave Alexander said: “This was a very special day not only for the people at this awards ceremony but their 6,000 colleagues around the region.

“We’re never going to bring Better Journeys For Life to life without developing our staff.

Recognising their achievements is a big part of that.”

Epsom Fleetcare changes Epsom Fleetcare Engineer, Paul McGlennon who has been with Epsom Coaches for over three years has been given an opportunity to work in Canada on a long term contract. Paul has been a big part of Fleetcare, playing an integral role in the firm’s on-going high engineering standards. Fleetcare Manager, Steve Appleby said: “We shall be sorry to see Paul go, but the chance to broaden his experience in Canada is a great opportunity and we wish him every future success”.

Following Paul’s departure, Sebastian Kostrzewski has joined the Fleetcare team. Steve Appleby added: “Positions with Fleetcare come up very rarely, as most of the team enjoy very long service. We are delighted to have Sebastian on board and look forward to a long and happy association.”

Part of the Human Capital Investment Group Offices in Birmingham - London - Surrey

We are specialist recruiters with over 25 years experience in the PSV & Coach market.

Providing 24/7 staffing solutions to prestigious Bus & Coach clients across the UK. We are immediately able to supply and looking to recruit the following skill sets: • Engineering Directors • Diagnostic Technicians • Coachbuilders • Parts Specialists • Welders • General Labour

• Engineering Managers • PSV Technicians • Auto Electricians • Workshop Controllers • Cleaners • Administration & Office Staff

Please contact Andy Jennings - Divisional Manager 01784 487616 or 07799 866467 www.proactive-tech.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

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