Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1078

Wednesday March 13, 2013 Issue 1078 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

More Plaxtons for Northampton-based �irm Country Lion p8

FACE TO FACE:

BUS:

Arriva NW&W MD Phil Scania and ADL to Stone on operational launch gas-powered ef�iciency p22 demonstrator bus p6

PEOPLE:

NatEx �launts its family ties as son follows in mother's footsteps p38

for recruitm

JOB ADVE ent EVERY WERTS EK

RECRUIT N

OW

Entrenched: MAN plans UK growth p20

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this week

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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.

Greener Journeys

I

t was with much interest that I read our Andrew’s report on the work of Greener Journeys (GJ) – see p18. It would be easy for cynics to dismiss the organisation’s work as a load of politically-correct clap trap. However, the fact remains we need a body to represent our industry’s interests in such circles and to grab the sort of headlines it has at times succeeded in doing so, such as national press and media coverage. I commend some of the work of GJ, particularly that of going into schools, which of course, is a prime market segment. In the organisation’s lingo, such activities help to promote behavioural change.

From personal experience, I know how much good it can do. Thanks to the ever-helpful local management at Stagecoach Cambridgeshire, the class my better half teaches in a primary benefited from a bus visiting the school.

Combined with the enthusiasm of an experienced driver, the pupils went away with a highly positive image of the bus.

However, more generally, doesn’t the industry need to help itself? Using the dreaded management speak ‘thinking outside the box’, what are the barriers to bus

use? I’m a firm believer that fares are our worst kept secret. How often do you really see adverts on the outside but crucially the backs of buses promoting the fares?

Picking up on the “1963” image of bus travel mentioned in the GJ article, it’s particularly unfortunate that there is a perception of a surly bus driver, who grizzles at the mere thought of changing a £10 note.

Before I get a deluge of replies, yes I know the whys & wherefores, having been a driver.

Anyway, an acquaintance often complains to me about her frustration at the lack of a Pay As You Go (PAYG) smartcard. “Why can’t I have one like the Oyster I use when I visit London or my O2 mobile,” she says. With her variable times of work and travel needs – she sometimes get a lift – a weekly or monthly bus ticket just doesn’t seem value for money. Therefore, she has to scramble for change each time she uses the bus. Do any of you offer PAYG smartcards? I’d be interested to hear your views.

Gareth Evans Editor

CONTENTS 4

22

34

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

14

Arriva NW&W MD Phil Stone talks efficiency, growth and partnerships

28

A look at suppliers of seating, flooring and interior refurbishment

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

18

Jonathan Bray, Director of the pteg Support Unit, on urban buses

30

CBW talks to NatEx Head of Coach Stations, Heather McDonald

Greener Journeys’ Westminster meeting on its latest projects

20

An insight into Energenics’ successful fuel additive, Envirox.

32

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Office Diary column

CEO Des Evans outlines the manufacturer’s focus for the future

A Delaine Wright-bodied Volvo in a typical Stamford street scene

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

Regional News News Focus

MAN Update

Face to Face

pteg Column

Supplier Update Big Picture

Industry Guide

38

A FamilyAffair

60

Last Stop

61

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.

Putting your training in safe hands www.wts.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 13, 2013

news

“We had to reduce overheads. It’s about local management dealing with local depots and local authorities. It was crazy before...”

Phil Stone Arriva NW&W MD

briefly Drivers of coaches, buses and lorries and their employers, must stay on top of training requirements or risk being fined and even losing their livelihood, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has warned. The Office of the Traffic Commissioner has also reiterated the need for operators to be aware of their drivers’ training hours and deadlines to avoid penalties. All drivers must do 35 hours of periodic training every five years and the first deadline September 10, 2013 is looming for drivers of buses and coaches with acquired rights.

Lorry drivers with acquired rights now have less than 18 months to comply, as do ‘dual category’ drivers who have an entitlement to drive both bus/coaches and lorries on their licence.

FirstGroup’s Charity and Sponsorship Committee has donated £1,500 to Motability, the national disability charity.

Lucy Lomas, Corporate & Trusts Relationship Manager for Motability, said: “This donation will be used to support disabled people in Essex, who cannot afford the right car or adaptations for their needs, or to help young disabled people with driving lessons.”

Mona Cabral, Senior Management Accountant for First South East & Midlands and former Motability employee said: “Having previously worked for Motability, I know that their fundraising helps so many disabled people who require financial assistance, such as vehicle adaptations, which can be very expensive.”

New figures provided by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show demand for new buses and coaches in the UK declined by 22% in February 2013 when compared to January. In addition, year-onyear registrations were down by 10% over the four-week period.

Just 405 new buses and coaches were purchased in February, with the number of purpose-built vehicles being bought dipping by 24.2%. SMMT said the demand for new buses and coaches to be more subdued than last year, as statistics for 2012 were boosted by the Olympic Games. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Face to Face p22

TC warns against third party brokers The Traffic Commissioner stressed transport managers will face questions over their professional competence and good repute if they fail to meet requirements.

Following a case concerning Express Haulage Ltd, The East of England Traffic Commissioner, Richard Turfitt, has reminded operators and CPC holders of the risks to licences and personal repute when they allow third parties to act as brokers in the appointment of transport managers.

The regulator’s warning comes after a former CPC holder told a public inquiry that he had been “rented out” as a Transport Manager.

His admission led Mr Turfitt to conclude the arrangement did not amount to a genuine link between the operator and the transport manager, as required

by EU regulations introduced in December 2011.

The Traffic Commissioner also used his written decision to remind CPC holders when they find themselves prevented from exercising continuous and effective

management of the transport operation, they should resign rather than allow an operator to use them in name only.

He stressed transport managers will face questions over their professional competence and good repute if they fail to meet those requirements.

Under EU regulations, the loss of either leads to automatic disqualification for a Transport Manager, including working as a CPC holder in Europe. Traffic commissioners now also have the power to set rehabilitative measures before the order for disqualification can be lifted.

The East of England Traffic Commissioner, Richard Turfitt

Tough crackdown on driver eyesight

New rules could see drivers with poor eyesight having their driving licences revoked in a matter of hours.

A new system, devised by the DVLA and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), speeds up the processing of roadside eyesight test failures by electronically notifying the DVLA and issuing motorists with a licence revocation notice within hours rather than days.

All drivers are required by law to be capable of correctly reading a number plate from 20 metres

Where glasses are required their corrective power must be less than or equal to eight dioptres away. Any motorist which can’t will have their licence revoked, not to be returned until they can demonstrate their eyesight meets the required standard. The roadside eyesight tests are only carried out in daylight.

Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond said: “All drivers have a responsibility to make sure they are fit to drive every time they get behind the wheel and this includes

“As far as a Traffic Commissioner is concerned, the holder of a Certificate of Professional Competence who is accepted as a Transport Manager on an operator’s licence holds an absolutely key post,” explained Mr Turfitt.

He added it is a matter of fairness to all operators that steps be taken to prevent situations where CPC holders accept temporary appointments without the scope to exercise their statutory responsibilities.

In this case, wherein a company vehicle was left by the roadside for four days, Mr Turfitt concluded that Express Haulage Ltd, which was operating on an interim licence, did not have a transport manager in place at the time of the inquiry, stating that the transport manager, Mr Zevuckis “was not exercising continuous and effective management as Transport Manager”.

The conclusion led the Traffic Commissioner to disqualify the defendant from working as a Transport Manager for five years and from acting as a director of a transport operation for the same period. making sure they meet minimum eyesight standards.

“Reducing road casualties is a top priority for the Government and our licensing rules play an important part in keeping our roads safe.”

The required visual acuity standards for PCV drivers are currently at least 6/7.5 (20/25) in the better eye and at least 6/12 (20/40) in the other, although uncorrected both eyes must have an acuity of at least 3/60. Where glasses are required their corrective power must be less than or equal to eight dioptres. Providing their driving licence has not lapsed at any point, some drivers may have grandfather rights if they first obtained their group two licence between March 1992 and the end of 1996, although they must be able to pass the number plate test.

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

Norman Baker key speaker at Go-Ahead conference

Optare’s new Plastisol-built Bonito 16-seater is now officially on-sale in the UK. Martin Cole attened its official launch, this week, in Holland.

A full review is scheduled to appear in next week’s Minibus edition.

Sleafordian scores 10 in recent CPC training centre audit Sleafordian Coaches’ Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competance) Training Centre audit, carried out by JAUPT (the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training) last month, resulted in the operator being awarded the highest possible score of 10, meaning they are “Fully Compliant”.

The audit summary described the training centre as “well organised” with “excellent procedures in place”.

It read: “Records are well maintained and provided the auditor with all relevant evidence

to establish that the centre is operating within the Driver CPC Terms and Conditions”.

Managing Director Mark Broughton said: “I am delighted with the report and wish to congratulate all the staff involved in making the training department a success, in particular our Training Centre Manager Jemma Borrill and our Business Development Manager, Ian Tomlinson. Having made a substantial investment in the training side of the business it is very pleasing to be at forefront of the industry and I am sure it will further enhance our position in the market place.”

Training Centre Manager Jemma Borrill added: “We have made every effort to ensure compliance and I am delighted to have had this confirmed by us being awarded the maximum score possible, along with the extremely positive comments from the auditor.”

Norman Baker, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for the Department of Transport was key speaker at a Conference for local authority and regional transport officials held by Go-Ahead Group subsidiary Go South Coast. Andrew Wickham, Managing Director of the group which includes more, Wilts & Dorset, Bluestar, Damory and Southern Vectis bus companies, welcomed Norman Baker at the Southampton venue.

In his speech, the Transport Minister emphasised the important role the bus industry will play in both the environment and economy and how funding initiatives that are underway will support projects across the UK, therefore encouraging even greater co-operation between authorities and bus operators. He praised the Go-Ahead Group for often being the first to introduce new technology to benefit bus users and for its influential interest in greener technology research for future bus fleets.

Other speakers at the Go South

Go-South Coast, Managing Director Andrew Wickham and Transport Minister, Norman Baker

Coast conference included Miles Butler, Director for the Environment at Dorset County Council and national president of ADEPT (Association of Directors for Environment, Economy Planning and Transport), David Sidebottom, Passenger Director at Passenger focus and Frank Thorpe, Head of Bus Systems at Williams Hybrid Power, that are developing more environmentally friendly buses with investment from the Go-Ahead Group.

Andrew Wickham: “Surveys show that the perception of services differ depending on whether a person uses bus travel, where most surveys show a better result than that of someone who never uses public transport.

People who have not used a bus for decades have no idea what improvements have been made to services. This is something we can help to address in order to enhance the environment and reduce traffic congestion by encouraging more people to consider bus travel.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

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400

news › BUSeS

The number of ‘large’ coach operators MAN intends to target for vehicle sales

briefly Arriva North East has launched a Low Floor Promise across many of its services in Northumberland. The Low Floor Promise aims to ensure all vehicles operating on the services included will be fully accessible. If the bus is not wheelchair accessible the operator promises to call a taxi to provide alternative travel. Nick Knox, Area Managing Director of Arriva North East, said: “The majority of our fleet is made up of buses built to the new accessibility standards – incorporating low floors and easy access for wheelchairs and those with walking difficulties. This represents another big step towards achieving a fully ‘accessible’ fleet.”

Yellow Buses is to conduct two further pre-employment training courses targeted especially at women. They follow the successful Ladies’ Recruitment Open Day, which was covered on TV and saw a surge of interest. Each person who completes the course will be guaranteed a job interview with Yellow Buses or an advice session on career opportunities and job seeking. Each free course is spread over two weeks – typically 30 hours each week – and is being held in conjunction with People 1st.

Topics covered include preparing for an interview, teamwork, interview skills and YB’s customer service training. Background sessions on the bus and coach industry will also be held and details of careers in those industries will be highlighted.

Scania-ADL set to launch gas-powered demonstrator vehicle Demonstration programme is scheduled to begin in mid-March, with delivery of the vehicles ordered by Reading Buses to start in May A Scania gas-powered bus with ADL Enviro300NG bodywork will soon be used in a series of demonstrations with a number of high-profile UK bus operators.

The programme, scheduled to begin in mid-March, was created in response to the interest generated following the recent announcement that Reading Buses is to become the first adopter of Scania-ADL gaspowered vehicles, with delivery of 20 units due to commence in May 2013.

The demonstrator, which is Green Bus Funding compliant, has successfully completed all necessary homologation and certification tests. Featuring a Scania K UB4x2 chassis with a 270 bhp Scania OG9 G04 engine, the vehicle is capable of operating on either Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Bio Natural Gas (BNG).

The engine offers high efficiency and low fuel consumption with no need for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). It is based on the same platform as Scania’s modular-build 9.3-litre diesel engine, which limits the number of new components

Refuelling specialists to the Coach & Bus industry

required for the low entry gas chassis to around 40 items.

The 12.2m overall length ADL Enviro 300NG body seats up to 40 passengers. The driver’s seat, Transito saloon seats, rear fiveperson seating unit and wheelchair bump pad are all finished in e-leather green with cream piping, with the wheelbox and tip-up seats finished in green only.

Complementing the seating is Tara bus Gaya Wood 4521 Yellowstone flooring and cool white interior LED lighting. The vehicle has

The vehicle, as seen in the above photo, is based on a Scania K UB4x2 chassis with an ADL Enviro 300NG body. It can be configured to run on either Compressed Natural Gas or Bio Natural Gas

• • • • • •

Hanover electronic type destination equipment with LED illumination and is also equipped with WiFi and a Synectics 7 camera CCTV system.

Scania GB’s Director of Bus, Coach and Engine Sales, Tony Tomsett, said: “The levels of interest in this exciting new gas-powered product are exceptional, with operators the length and breadth of the UK keen to try a vehicle for themselves. Our demonstration programme has been designed to fulfil that need, and we are now very much looking forward to sharing the potential benefits of gas power with as wide an audience as possible.”

Robert Davey, Group Commercial Director at ADL, commented: “Reading’s decision to buy 20 of the vehicles has stimulated a huge amount of interest, so the message to operators is clear: get on board now if you want to feature in the demonstration programme.”

Operators interested in trying the Scania-ADL gas demonstrator should contact Mark Oliver (Scania) on T: 01908 210210, M: 07768 032883 or E: mark.oliver@scania.com, or Richard Matthews (ADL) on T: 01483 825065, M: 07747 477574 or E: richard.matthews@ alexander-dennis.com

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7%

Staff turnover for Arriva North West and Wales in 2012

Joint scheme to help unemployed recognised A joint partnership agreement has been signed between the CPT and the Department for Work & Pensions to formally recognise the work done to help the unemployed train to become bus drivers.

CPT President Malcolm Robson and Minister for Employment Mark Hoban MP signed the agreement following work to help the unemployed enter the industry through the development of the PCV sector-based driving academy.

The pilot project was introduced

by Ipswich Buses and has seen 12 new drivers employed, with more set to enroll. Other companies using the scheme are First in Sheffield and Stagecoach in Scotland.

Robson said: “This scheme is a marvellous example of what can be achieved when industry and the Government work together.”

Hoban said: “I want to make sure all young people have a good start to their careers - that’s why it’s important for the Government to work with employers and trade associations. I’m pleased I am signing partnership agreements with six major associations, including the CPT. This will help us to promote schemes and create more opportunities for young jobseekers across the country.”

Isle of Wight Bustival to run for fourth year

Southern Vectis has confirmed that the fourth Annual Bustival bus rally will be held on April 7 at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s headquarters at Havenstreet.

The event is expected to see 40 vintage and special buses visit the island from across the UK. Matt Kitchin, General Manager at Southern Vectis, said the free to enter event should be as popular as previous years when over 1000 visitors came to view the vehicles and browse through the stalls

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March 13, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7

£2.5bn

SHARE WATCH

pteg’s estimated figure for the economic benefits of buses in PTE areas

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, March 11. Siemens saw the greatest proportional rise, while Optare saw the greatest proportional drop.

Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

367.90p

Price: Year High: 368.90p Year Low: 268.52p

The new ADL Enviro200s, the first of 48 new vehicles for NCT this year, are already in service on the Purple Line

NCT receives Nottingham’s �irst 13 plate buses Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has taken delivery of its first batch of brand new buses this year.

The 10 ADL Enviro200 midibuses – the first 13-plate buses in Nottingham – are a new vehicle type for NCT and include real-time tracking, audio announcements, CCTV surveillance, extra-padded leather-effect seating, a smart distinctive interior plus a buggy and wheelchair area. This first batch of new vehicles have started running on the municipal operator’s Purple

Southern Vectis’ Bristol K5G may be the longest serving bus in the country still working with its original owner dedicated to bus enthusiasts and enjoy the wider family attractions.

Also attending will be a collection of vintage cars and lorries and activities including face painting, falconry displays and live music.

Matt Kitchin said: “Thanks to

Line 87 and 88.

NCT Marketing Manager Anthony Carver-Smith said: “We have spent £1.2m on these fantastic new buses, and they are just the first of 48 brand new buses we’ll be purchasing this year. Our £5.47m total investment for 2013 will enable us to upgrade 20 routes across the City bus network in the next 12 months.

“It’s imperative we maintain and constantly improve our high standard of service for our customers and investing in new vehicles plays an important part in ensuring our fleet remains of the highest quality, comfort and reliability.”

The investment maintains NCT’s bus fleet as one of the youngest in the country, with an average age in the 330-strong fleet of five years. the support of Wightlink who assist with the Ferry crossings for the visiting buses we expect the Bustival to be one of the largest bus events in Southern England this year. It will be an impressive line up of buses to bring back memories to the nostalgic and intrigue younger visitors.

“We are running special free open top shuttle services on the day between Newport and the Bustival at the Isle of Wight Steam railway.”

The Southern Vectis-owned 1939 Bristol K5G double deck bus CDL 899, believed to be the longest serving bus in the country to still be working with its original owner, will be present to welcome the visiting buses.

For more information visit www.islandbuses.info

197.10p

Price: Year High: 300.60p Year Low: 174.60p

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+10.15 on last week

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+0.37 on last week

FTSE 100

6,497

Index: Year High: 6,498 Year Low: 5,260

+157 on last week

www.coachandbusweek.com

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8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 13, 2013

news › coaches

briefly Berry’s Coaches of Taunton has ordered a new Mercedes-Benz Tourino coach from Coventry-based dealership EvoBus UK. The new order for an executive midi coach heralds a new direction for Berry’s, as it looks to offer a high specification vehicle for the increasing number of smaller groups of travellers which it serves. The new Mercedes-Benz Tourino will be delivered in June.

“To add a second Mercedes-Benz coach into Berry’s fleet, following the recent delivery of a Travel 45 Sprinter, is fantastic,” commented Jonathan Prime, General Manager, Coach Sales. “It also demonstrates our ability to meet an ever increasing number of customer requirements.”

Maynes of Buckie has gained a 100% pass in a recent audit conducted by CoachMarque and the Guild of British Coach Operators. The renowned Scottish family-run firm is one of the few UK coach operators to pass all of the independently audited processes.

Maynes is currently the only Scottish member of the Guild and one of four Coachmarque members north of the border.

Greyhound UK Coaches launched a direct service between Swansea Bus Station and Bristol Airport on Monday, March 11. Running via the Bridgend Designer Outlet, Cardiff Bus Station, Newport Railway Station, the University of the West of England’s Frenchay Campus and Bristol Bus Station, journeys between Swansea and Bristol Airport take approximately two hours and 45 minutes (3 hours during peak periods) and cost from £10 per single journey made. Marc Reddy of First in the South West and Wales said: “This is a fantastic new service. Greyhound coaches offer 22 inches worth of legroom and free on board WiFi and they are a really comfortable way to travel.

For people in South and West Wales heading to Bristol Airport for a business trip or a holiday there really is no better way to start the journey, and for those arriving at Bristol Airport looking for ways of getting to Wales, this offers the perfect solution.” www.coachandbusweek.com

News8,9.indd 8

Director Andrew Bull receives Country Lion’s 2013 fleet from Plaxton’s Steve Pickup

Six new Plaxtons for Country Lion Four Panthers and two Cheetah’s add to the operator’s Plaxtonheavy fleet, which already includes examples of the Paragon, Profile and Elite Northampton-based Country Lion has added four Plaxton Pantherbodied Volvos and two Plaxton Cheetah-bodied Mercedes-Benz Varios to its fleet ready for the 2013 summer season, supplied by Plaxton Coach Sales at Anston.

The new coaches will be used on a wide variety of work from Northamptonshire and surrounding areas including the company’s own ‘Cloud Nine Tours’ programme. Plaxton products have always featured strongly with Country Lion and well over 50% of the current fleet carries Plaxton coachwork. The fleet includes examples of the Paragon, Panther, Profile, Elite and Cheetah.

Country Lion’s four new Panthers are 12.8m two-axle vehicles featuring 53 or 57 GTV reclining seats with all age three-point seatbelts, trimmed in moquette with leather headrest inserts and piping. A matching courier seat is installed in Plaxton’s easy access entrance with the driver benefiting from a Grammar fully adjustable seat. The vehicles feature climate

control with a roof mounted Thermo-King air conditioning unit and tinted windows. Alongside the centre continental door in the two 53-seat vehicles is a kerb level washroom with fridge and servery area above.

Underneath the stainless steel framed Plaxton Panther coachwork is the Euro 5 Volvo B9R chassis incorporating a rear mounted Volvo D9B 9.36 litre engine delivering 380bhp and Volvo I-Shift automated gearbox. Externally, the new Panthers feature Country Lion’s pearlescent red ‘Royal Class’ livery and are embellished with Alcoa Dura-Brite alloy wheels.

The two Cheetahs hold 29 Politecnica reclining seats with three-point seat belts together with a matching courier seat. The seats are trimmed in a grey and black patterned moquette complimenting the blue interior trim with contrasting curtains. Entertainment is provided by a dash mounted radio/CD/PA system.

The Plaxton Cheetahs feature the 156bhp OM904LA SCR Euro 5 engine and automatic transmission.

The Cheetahs carry Country Lion’s metallic grey ‘Royal Class’ livery.

Like the Panthers, the Cheetahs carry select registration marks representing the company Country

Lion or members of the Bull family.

Director Andrew Bull said: “Plaxton produces quality products which suit our needs. They are economical to operate and attractive to our wide range of customers.

“Our relationship with Steve and the Plaxton team makes us feel a valued customer.”

Country Lion commenced operation with minibuses in the 1960s, later moving to full size vehicles. A family business, the company now operates over 50 buses and coaches together with a fleet of self-drive hire vehicles from its base on Northampton’s Brackmills Industrial Estate, covering all types of work from stage carriage and school contracts to extended tours.

Andrew added: “Relationships are an important part of it when you’re considering spending hundreds of thousands of pounds on the future of your business.

We’ve known Steve for many years and he’s been good to deal with and very attentive to the needs of our business.

“The relationship we have with Plaxton has always been good and we know we will get the service and back up we need when we need it, it’s just a phone call away.”

11/03/2013 16:40

March 13, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

“Our strategy over the last couple of years has not been optimum. To do more of the same and a little better was not an option...”

Des Evans MAN CEO

Elcock Reisen’s Transport Manager suspended A Transport Manager who knowingly allowed breaches of driver rest periods has been disqualified until the end of April 2013.

West Midlands Traffic Commissioner Nick Jones told Nicholas James Prince that his good repute and professional competence had been lost, following a Public Inquiry (PI) on February 14, 2013.

Mr Prince is also a director of the firm.

The direction automatically led to a disqualification order for Mr Prince. In addition, Mr Jones stipulated that the order could not be removed until Mr Prince had attended the second day of a specialist Transport Manager course scheduled in April 2013.

The PI, which was held in Birmingham, was called to deal with an investigation by VOSA into Telford-based operator M H Elcock and Son Ltd. A Traffic Examiner from the enforcement body made enquiries into the company’s compliance with Drivers’ Hours and tachograph regulations in March 2012.

On his initial visit, the VOSA officer noted that Nick Prince was regularly inspecting tachograph charts and driver data. Records

produced by the operator were subsequently analysed and revealed drivers were regularly working in excess of six days before taking weekly rests, with some repeatedly taking reduced weekly rests when a 45-hour rest period was due.

In his report to the TC, the Examiner identified a driver who had worked six weeks without taking a regular weekly rest and on one occasion worked eight 24-hour periods before he took a weekly rest at all. The analysis also found daily rest issues with one driver,

Manufacturer Update p20

caused by dual employment. When interviewed, the company’s drivers advised they were allocated work

by Nick Prince or another employee at the firm.

After hearing evidence from Mr Prince, of Church Hill, Ironbridge, the TC concluded he had knowingly allowed drivers employed by the company to breach rest periods.

This led Mr Jones to make a finding that his repute and professional competence had been lost.

Turning to the company, which was also called to a regulatory hearing, Mr Jones made an order to limit the number of vehicles the company could operate from 35 to 30 between February 16 and 24, 2013. The firm has three months to find a new Transport Manager.

Telford-based Elock Reisen must find itself a new Transport Manager

Buzzlines trials 4G on coach service

Accolades for Hunts Coach Travel

Kent-based Buzzlines has installed super-fast 4G technology on its Folkestone to London commuter coach.

The service uses Icomera’s M220 device, part of the M series which is on sale in 26 countries. Current deployments of Icomera products can also be upgraded to support 4G. The state-of-the-art system provides passengers with the highest quality wireless coverage available throughout the duration of their journey. The investment came days after the Government’s 4G mobile auction, which saw a number of telecommunications operators bid for 4G coverage contracts. Vodafone, Three, 02 and EE all purchased rights, paving the way for the wider rollout of 4G services. Buzzlines is looking to

Alford-based Hunts Coach Travel has been awarded the six star award in the BUSK (belt up school kids) Benchmark scheme.

Background checks are carried out on companies given star ratings to ensure safety regulation compliance.

In addition, one of the operator’s senior drivers, Paul Radford, has been awarded the highest accolade from GreenRoad, giving him the ‘Elite Driver Status’.

Paul, who has worked for Hunts for five years, is now one of only 5% of professional drivers in the UK to be awarded the honour.

Owner Michael Hunt said: “We are very proud of Paul and his achievement. This award helps underline how important we take safety at Hunts.”

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Andy Callingham, Product Development Manager at Buzzlines, enjoys the new 4G coverage on board the Folkestone to London commuter service add 4G connectivity to more of its coaches in line with the expansion of the 4G network.

Nigel Busbridge, Operations Director at Buzzlines, said: “By installing 4G on the Folkestone to London service we are now enabling passengers to be as productive on board as they wish.”

For more information on Buzzlines visit www. buzzlinestravel.co.uk

Messengers Coaches set to close Messengers Coaches of Mealsgate, near Wigton, is to close at the end of May. Owners Liam and Angie Walker decided to wind-up the business they bought from the Messenger family in June 2005.

Messengers currently provides transport to schools in Wigton, Bothel, Maryport, Cockermouth and Keswick. It has given notice on the contract to Cumbria County Council. Three full-time and 10 part-time staff will lose their jobs, although the Walkers said two of the full timers have already found new work. The firm’s fleet of 12 vehicles will be sold.

Mr Walker said: “We are doing this for a combination of business and personal reasons.

“Messengers was never intended to be a long-term arrangement.

We had a 10-year plan to increase the asset value of the business by upgrading the fleet, which we’ve done, and we’re eight years into that.”

Mr Walker works full time at Innovia Films in Wigton where he is responsible for the power plant operation and a team of engineers.

He added: “I can’t give enough of my time to Messengers and it’s too much for my wife on her own.

“The fuel price increases have hit us hard and insurance has gone up dramatically. It’s a sad day.”

He said the couple had been advised by their accountant to cease trading and sell the vehicles, rather than attempt to sell the business as a going concern.

However this is not the end of the couple’s involvement in the coach and bus industry, who said they are to launch a smaller coach operation initially with one 16-seater minicoach. This will trade as Walkers of Carlisle from their home in Warwick Road. It is likely to employ some of the part-time drivers from Messengers.

Mr Walker added: “We are very excited by this new opportunity, which will provide luxury travel for excursions, airport transfers, corporate work etc. Indications are that there is strong demand for this niche market.”

Mrs Walker said she had been “overwhelmed” by the support from customers. www.coachandbusweek.com

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news

BSOG devolution commended at Parliamentary Reception Event included updates from Norman Baker, pteg and the Transport Select Committee The pteg Parliamentary Reception took place at the House of Commons last Tuesday (March 5), hosted by Transport Select Committee (TSC) member Graham Stringer MP. Speakers at the event included TSC Chairman Louise Ellman, pteg’s David Brown and Norman Baker MP – the latter albeit by a prerecorded video link.

Stringer kicked off the reception with a good-natured joke about the Transport Minister, stating he actually “understands transport, which is dangerous”. He added that, despite being in opposition, Baker is “a good Transport Minister; he is passionate about the industry”.

Baker apologised for his absence and gave an overview of what the DfT has done and is doing for the industry. He said: “We are in a period of change with our localism agenda and we are putting economic growth at the heart of it.

Bleak outlook for Procters Holidays

The future of Stoke-on-Trent-based Procters Holidays is in doubt after it stopped providing public and school bus services with immediate effect, including the number 16 ‘scenic route’ between Hanley, Cheddleton and Leek.

The gates to the firm’s Fenton depot were locked on Thursday, March 7, and calls to the company’s offices have not been answered.

Local authorities were forced to seek urgent cover to provide transport for children heading to school and activities such as swimming lessons after being contacted by Procters. Stoke-onTrent City Council said it has issued emergency contracts to cover the decision by Procters to withdraw its services.

Meanwhile, Staffordshire County Council has confirmed it was made aware of ‘potential issues’ www.coachandbusweek.com

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This includes investing across all modes of transport.”

He cited the £19m investment in the BRT scheme between Sheffield and Rotherham as an example, adding: “These investments show how serious the government is about encouraging growth.”

He also spoke briefly about the Better Bus Area (BBA) funding, with Sheffield being the first scheme to be set in stone (CBW1077). “Local Authorities have long asked for BSOG to be devolved,” he said. “I am now

throwing down the gauntlet to the transport authorities.”

He confirmed applications for BBA funding are due by June 21.

Ellman highlighted what the TSC will focus on in the following months and gave her views on the bus industry. The TSC’s next inquiry will be on the accessibility of public transport for disabled people.

Ellman believes investment in infrastructure is essential to help lift the economy out of the mire.

She reiterated that the bus is the Cinderella of public transport, as

Above left: Louise Ellman. Above right: Graham Stringer with the company on Tuesday and forced to seek alternatives. The authority said it will continue to use alternative operators while the future of the business remains unclear.

County Councillor Mike Maryon, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We were informed of potential issues with Procters Coaches on Tuesday, and acted immediately to secure alternative transport for the five school runs Procters previously covered.

“By Wednesday we had replaced all coaches, meaning there was no disruption to services.”

The firm ceased providing its school and public bus services with immediate effect

while it is the most-used form, very few people who don’t use buses consider them.

David Brown, who has recently been confirmed as the new head of Merseytravel, outlined the role of PTEs, that being offering policy advice to both local and national politicians and making the case for public transport.

On the devolution of BSOG, he said: “We have lobbied hard for greater control and devolution of BSOG is a step in the right direction.

It will now be for PTEs to respond to that challenge.”

Finally, Brown also spoke about pteg’s new report into the full benefits of the urban bus to the tax payer. pteg claims the bus industry provides multiple and overlapping economic, transport, social and health benefits. In PTE areas alone, bus networks are estimated to generate over £2.5bn in economic benefits by providing access to opportunities, reducing pollution and accidents and improving productivity.

Competitions to streamline app technology launched FutureEverything, Manchester’s award-winning festival of ideas and digital invention, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), will host the Routes to the Future: An Innovation Challenge, an intensive 48-hour competition aimed at coders and creative software developers to build new, useful applications from TfGM’s data in a bid to improve public transport in the region. There are cash and development prizes available for the best ideas.

The weekend is being held at Four Piccadilly Place and is set to begin straight after the main FutureEverything conference, which runs 1800 – 1930hrs on Friday, March 22. The challenge will start in earnest from 0800 Saturday, March 23 and will end at 1800 the following day.

The cash prize and development fund available is over £16,000 and Challenge Categories include:

n Best use of real-time data n Best use of multiple datasets n Best application created on the CitySDK API n Most innovative use of data n Best U21 application n Developers Prize David Hytch, Information Systems Director for TfGM, said: “What starts off as raw data provided by us can be used to create exciting and informative apps which will help people to get the most out of our network.”

In a similar move, TfL is inviting developers to apply with ideas for a new travel app which can make TfL real-time data more accessible to a far wider audience than current mainstream Apple/Android apps.

The winning entries will receive development support from TfL. For more information visit tinyurl.com/ctjubdl and www.tfl.gov.uk/appcomp

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US hedge fund Elliott halves stake in NatEx “Aggressive” US hedge fund made the move following a failed campaign to insert its representatives at board level Elliott Advisors, the activist socalled ‘ethical’ American hedge fund, has sold half its stake in National Express Group for around £110m following a failed attempt to insert three of its advisors to the group board.

The move to put three of its own representatives on the board would have forced the company into a merger.

Just over 50m shares were placed at about 215p after the market closed, handled by Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Prior to the stock sale, National Express shares had closed at 230p, up 4.9.

While Elliott said it would retain an equivalent stake of about 9.9% in the company, the share sale greatly reduces the activist investor’s influence.

National Express shares fell 10pc when markets opened on Thursday.

Elliott is known for its aggressive stake-building in companies and

built up its holding in National Express in 2011, becoming the group’s largest shareholder ahead of Spain’s Cosmen family.

It agitated for strategic change, calling for a break up of the group, the sale of its US business or a merger. It also pushed for a tie-up with Stagecoach.

Ahead of the company’s AGM in May 2011, Elliott also called for the appointment of three non– executives of its choosing and the ousting of an existing one, Roger Devlin.

Nat Ex CEO Dean Finch has managed to turn the firm around

Strong outlook for Stagecoach

Overall profitability at Stagecoach has remained good and there has been no significant change to its expected adjusted earnings per share for the year ending April 30, 2013.

However, recent extreme weather in North America and the ongoing costs in the increasingly competitive North American intercity coach market resulted in the group lowering its short-term operating profit expectations for the division. Despite this, the group aims to continue to develop the business in North America and the megabus.com brand. However, at a group level, the impact of this has been largely offset by continued good trading in the firms UK businesses and lower www.coachandbusweek.com

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The moves were seen by analysts as an attempt to flush out a potential bidder for National Express and enable Elliott to exit at a profit. Its initial stake building was at 180p a share. The Elliott executive behind the strategy, Dominik Dolenec, has since reportedly left the company.

National Express CEO Dean Finch was said to be “infuriated” with Elliott’s actions. He said: “I’ve told them they are going to lose.”

In a peace deal days before the AGM in May 2011, he agreed to the appointment of one of Elliott’s candidates, Chris Muntwyler, though only after he had been vetted by the board. In return, Elliott agreed to drop its change campaign for a year.

In a statement the hedge fund said the sale was to “diversify its portfolio and invest in new opportunities”.

It added it was a “strong believer” in National Express ’ “management team and its strategy”.

Elliott has undertaken not to sell any more National Express shares for 90 days.

North America is growing at 10.4% – but the threat of legal action remains than previously expected finance charges.

Like-for-like revenue growth for the financial year to date in UK Bus (regional operations) was 3.8%, UK Bus (London) 1.5% and North America (including Megabus.com, excluding disposed Wisconsin school bus business) 10.4%.

The financial position of the group remains strong. Consolidated net debt has since October 31, 2012 reflecting the acquisition of UK Bus businesses, the reversal of favourable working capital timing differences in the first half of the financial year and continued investment in the group’s vehicle

Increased sales and installations for Quartix Vehicle tracking supplier Quartix announced positive sales growth in 2012, while its new unit installation rate has risen to more than 3,000 a month, excluding upgrades and renewals.

Sales were up 24% to £8.3m and are expected to grow by at least 50% in 2013, following a number of significant contract wins. New unit installations are forecasted to reach 5,000 per month by mid-year.

Quartix added 1,400 new fleet customers during the year Both the private and public sectors chose the Quartix system, including Worcester City Council, Alton Towers, Days Contract Hire, and Greater Manchester Police.

A highlight of the year was the winning of a contract from LOCOG for 650 tracking systems used in courtesy cars for visiting officials and dignitaries during the Games.

Andy Kirk, Sales & Marketing Director at Quartix, said: “Operating profit increased by 60% to £2.9m in 2012, making us one of the most financially stable companies in the tracking sector.” fleet.

Other highlights of the year included: n In November 2012, the group announced a planned acquisition of bus operations in Wigan. The acquisition was cleared by the Office of Fair Trading and was expected to complete shortly. n In December 2012, the United States Department of Justice and the Attorney General of the State of New York initiated legal proceedings against the group’s joint venture, Twin America, and others, alleging that the formation of Twin America in 2009 was anticompetitive. Stagecoach disagrees with the allegations and their assessment of the joint venture. Several private actions have also been filed in relation to the matter. n In December 2012 and January 2013, the group completed acquisitions from FirstGroup of bus operations in Wigan and in Chester, Wrexham and Birkenhead.

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NORTH

A bus driver who admitted he had driven too close to another vehicle and failed to run a local service to Ulverston on time has had his entitlement to drive buses suspended following a conduct hearing before Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell. The order prevents him from driving again until March 20.

Stephen Rampton was called before the TC after a member of the public complained about his conduct.

Mr Rampton, who was working for John Shaw and Son Ltd, trading as The Traveller’s Choice at the time of the incident, was observed driving too close to a learner driver and stopping to smoke a cigarette when his service bus was already late.

During the hearing, Mr Rampton told the TC he was having a bad day and apologised for his behaviour.

He admitted being too close to the car driver and explained the service was already late due to traffic when he stopped for a cigarette.

However, Mrs Bell concluded this was an unacceptable reason for delaying the service and his conduct had fallen short of that expected by passengers.

It was also alleged he was using earphones and therefore failed to respond to passengers. However, Mr Rampton claimed the earphones were plugged into his phone and that he was not listening to any music.

After considering all of the evidence, the TC told Mr Rampton he would be suspended from driving with immediate effect.

Following the hearing, Mrs Bell reminded bus drivers that their licence to drive was a vocational entitlement and they were therefore required to set a high professional standard in choosing to drive for a living.

MIDLANDS

Birmingham bus routes are being targeted by police throughout March as officers look to tackle what they call ‘a baffling trend’ which has seen thefts from passengers spike this month in each of the last two years.

Thefts like bag snatches, purse dipping and phone robberies on the region’s buses ran at more than 20% above the yearly average in both March 2011 and 2012.

West Midlands Police’s Safer Travel team has vowed the pattern won’t continue this year and launched an operation which will see intensive 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. policy we have bought a number of different types of vehicles for use on specific services. The different length options of the StreetLite have enabled us to buy buses of a type which are suited to the operational circumstances of the particular routes on which they are employed.”

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

policing of city routes to reassure passengers and deter offenders.

Plain-clothes officers will also be travelling on targeted routes to identify suspects and catch thieves in the act.

Acting Sergeant Karen Taylor from Safer Travel said: “Most perpetrators of crime on public transport don’t have valid tickets so we’ll be working alongside revenue inspectors. Any fare dodgers will be spoken to by officers and checks made against police computers.

“The operation also includes increased high visibility patrols and police inputs at schools where we offer advice to pupils on keeping property safe.

“And of course we will be dealing with anyone found behaving antisocially on public transport and anyone pointed out by the driver as causing problems on board.”

Almost two-thirds of bus passenger victims in March 2011 and 2012 were students, with thieves snatching phones, watches, bags and laptops. However, with more than 800 on-board security cameras monitoring the regional network, police said offenders run the very real risk of being identified on CCTV and arrested.

SOUTH EAST

Arriva Southern Counties is building up a collection of WrightBus StreetLites, with four different variations of the ‘Door Forward’ type now in use.

LONDON

The latest addition to the fleet, albeit on short-term loan from WrightBus, is a dual-door 29-seat 10.2m version to TfL specification and in the red London livery. It is running out of the company’s base in Dartford, Kent, which is one of two depots wholly-employed on TfL-contracted bus services.

The StreetLite is normally allocated to Service 428 between Bluewater Shopping Centre and Erith in London’s Kentish suburbs and is running alongside ADL Enviro200s which are the mainstay of the route.

The company put its first five StreetLite DFs into service in January 2012 on a commercial route in the Medway Towns, these being 10.2-metre 37-seaters complete with WiFi capability.

They were followed last August by another five but of the 10.8-metre type seating 41. These are used from Arriva’s Northfleet depot on its “477 Shoppers’ Heaven” service which runs from Bluewater via Dartford and Swanley to Orpington.

The third type to enter service was a single version of the 11.5-metre StreetLite Max, a 44-seater based at Tunbridge Wells and often used on the service 402 that runs via Sevenoaks to Bromley.

Like the Orpington service, this commercial route enters the TfL area at the outer end of its route.

Arriva’s Regional Publicity Manager, Richard Lewis, said: “As part of our on-going fleet renewal

Transport for London (TfL) is making further additions to the Oyster online accounts, allowing customers further access to more comprehensive records of journeys and fares.

Last year, enhanced Oyster online accounts were launched, enabling Oyster users to check their journey history and the fares they pay, monitor their pay-as-you-go balance and see when their season ticket expires.

Over 600,000 customers use the online accounts. Since the end of 2012, customers have been able to automatically receive their journey history by email weekly or monthly.

Previously, statements were only available by contacting the Oyster help desk and requesting a printed journey history to be posted.

Customers with Oyster online accounts now also benefit from receiving notifications when they receive a refund after an incomplete journey has been completed by the system on their behalf.

Using previous journey history the likely journey is inferred and fare readjusted. This process is automatically offered to customers once a month if they have forgotten to touch out. On average, 150,000 of these refunds are generated each month. This is in addition to the mass automated refunds which are set when TfL is aware customers have been unable to touch out, for example if gates are left open for crowd control purposes.

Shashi Verma, TfL’s Director of Customer Experience, said: “The feedback we have already received on the improvements is encouraging and helps us to identify more areas we can focus on to make travelling around London an easier and more pleasant experience.”

In addition, work is reportedly progressing on a new TfL website which launches later this year.

SOUTH WEST

Yellow Buses has announced it has called time on printing copies of its full timetable. The information will instead be available in dedicated booklets

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for individual services, and online.

The specially-tailored booklets provide times, maps, details about where to board and diagrams of the network. They are easier to carry and passengers can collect the ones relevant to their journeys.

The company said information in the full timetable went out of date so quickly it had to print more and more additional booklets to keep up. The new system will save money and paper.

Yellow Buses said every effort had been made to keep passengers involved in the decision-making process and believes the majority of customers will support the changes.

Yellow Buses’ Head of Marketing, Jenni Wilkinson, said: “It was a difficult decision to make because our timetable has been printed for many decades, and we know some people will be disappointed, so we have looked at increasing the ways we can make the information available.

“The way that our passengers access information has been

changing and the printed timetable isn’t always the simplest way to get the information. We also have bespoke information at every one of our 1000-plus bus stops on our network.

“We have worked hard to ensure passengers will stay in their comfort zone with the changes so there will be maps, destinations pages and a network schematic.

There is also a separate “fares and information” leaflet.

“All information is available online at our website which is now smart phone and tablet-friendly.

For those passengers in our network area who need to have more than one booklet we have also designed a handy box to keep the timetables together.

“For those with smart phones we are moving towards QR codes and Near Field Technology at bus stops, on buses, advertisements and literature which will link through to the information required.”

The changes will be taking effect throughout March.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

From the organisers of ‘M&D 100’ the South East Bus Festival 2013 is being held April 6, at the Kent Showground near Maidstone

2013 n March 13-14 Best of Britain and Ireland (BoBi). Travel Trade Forum at the NEC in Birmingham. 01926 834796. www.

bestofbritainandirelandevent.co.uk n March 19-21 The Cleaning Show. NEC, Birmingham. 01737 855 086 www.cleaningshow.co.uk n March 20-21 UK Bus Awards Annual Conference. The conference is booked to take place in Fareham and will feature a visit to Hampshire’s Eclipse BRT project. www.ukbusawards.org.uk n March 23-24 Spring Transport Festival. Greater Manchester Museum of Transport. www.gmts.co.uk n April 6 South East Bus Festival 2013. Kent Showground, near Maidstone, Kent, brought to you by the organisers of ‘M&D 100’ and ‘M&D and EK 60’. www.facebook. com/southeastbusfestival n April 9-11 CV Show 2013. NEC, Birmingham. www.cvshow.com

Go-Ahead Group-owned Plymouth Citybus has opened a brand new Travel Centre in the heart of the City, for a £175,000 investment. The Travel Centre also comes with driver facilities on the upper floors in order to benefit both the customer and the Citybus employees.

The opening took place at 1000 on Friday, March 1, with members of the Plymouth Military Wives Choir singing and local councillors cutting the ribbon. There was also a huge blimp being flown over the Travel Centre, guiding people to it. Pictured left to right at the ribbon cutting are: Emilie Perring, Adrian Trim, Cllr Jonathan Drean, Citybus MD Richard Stevens, Mark Horide, Cllr Pauline Murphy, Plymouth Area Business Council Chairman Charles Howeson and Hayleigh Beck.

Plymouth Citybus’ MD Richard Stevens said: “The opening of the new Travel Centre is a big step forward for us and the city; we have brought our retail outlet to the forefront of our operation on Royal Parade. We have also maximised the building’s capacity by moving our employees’ rest facilities from the tired Bretonside site to the upper floors of the Travel Centre”.

As well as having information and ticket purchasing facilities for bus services in and around the city, the Travel Centre has a dedicated booking area for Citycoach, where customers can book coach tours and trips to all corners of the UK. In addition, customers will be able to book their National Express and Megabus tickets at the Travel Centre.

n April 20-21 UK Coach Awards & UK Coach Rally. Alton Towers, Staffordshire. 01753 631170. www.coachdisplays.co.uk or www. ukcoachawards.co.uk n April 21 London Bus Museum Spring Gathering. Cobham Hall, Weybridge, Surrey. 01932 837994. www.londonbusmuseum.com n May 5 Cardiff Transport Preservation Group ‘A Municipal Running Day’. Barry bus depot, Vale of Glamorgan. www.ctpg.co.uk n May 12 First in South Yorkshire Sheffield Centenary Bus Rally.

Olive Grove depot will be open to the public, with modern & heritage buses on display. www.firstgroup.

com/ukbus/south_yorkshire/

n May 14-15 ALBUM Conference.

Belton Woods Hotel near Grantham, Lincolnshire. www.albumconference. co.uk n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition. Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 610 n June 2 Clacton Bus Rally & Running Day, Clacton Factory Outlet, Essex. Classic and current vehicles. Entry forms & more details available at http://www. colneestuarypb.co.uk/ n June 11-13 ATCO Summer Conference. Merseytravel HQ, Liverpool. www.atco.org.uk n June 16 Swansea Festival of Transport. Free to enter & attend. Call organiser Ashley Lovering on 07814958379 or email swanseatransport@aol.com. Visit www.ntfwswansea.co.uk. n July 14 The Annual Peterborough Bus & Commercial Vehicle Rally. Sacrewell Farm (A47/ A1 junction). Free entry. 07828 754412 or 01462 626750 n July 21 Alton Bus Rally. Anstey Park, Anstey Lane, Alton, Hants. www.altonbusrally.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 10 Association of Trainers AGM. 1400hrs, Wembley.

For details call 01797 344251. n September 22 Showbus 2013.

Long Marston Airfield, Warwickshire. www.showbus.com

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

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Talking Buses can help encourage car drivers to take the bus.

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news focus › GREENER JOURNEYS

Challenging habitual travel behaviour Coach & Bus Week’s Andrew Cream finds out about Greener Journeys’ latest projects, which involve encouraging bus travel in a number of locations across the country Transport professionals and industry experts met in Westminster on Wednesday (March 6) to find out about Greener Journeys’ (GJ) Behaviour Change Lab. The organisation worked with Behaviour Change, a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to tackling social and environmental behaviours.

Speakers included Norman Baker, pteg Chairman David Brown, First UK Bus MD Giles Fearnley and Behaviour Change Director David Hall. There was also a panel of speakers who spoke about their region’s individual projects.

On the panel was Joe Chetcuti, Front (marketing agency, Sheffield), Ian Wallace, Gaydio (community radio station, Manchester), Nina Hinton, Pure Innovations (charity, Manchester), Trewin Restorick, Global Action Plan (charity, involved in the Leicester project) and Adham Fisher (community ambassador for the Leicester project).

The presentation was chaired by GJ’s CEO Claire Haigh. She began by introducing the need for a body like GJ. “We very much came into being as a result of the need for carbon emission reductions in transport,” she explained. “There has been progress on new technology but the take up of electric cars hasn’t been as strong as we had hoped.

“Modal shift and behaviour change really needs to be on the agenda. We are all wedded to our cars and people rarely make conscious choice about getting from a to b.

“If we are serious about getting people on the buses we are going to need a whole range of interventions.”

Norman Baker said: “Buses are a key way of helping the economy and cutting carbon. There is clearly an economic and social benefit in www.coachandbusweek.com

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increasing the number of people who use buses but there is also an environmental benefit.

“We have been keen to drive down the carbon emissions of buses, with the GBF pivotal to that. The fund is also good for UK manufacturers – I hope everybody in this room will share my enthusiasm about green buses.

“We need to make the bus more attractive in order to challenge perceptions from the public. Those

“Those who don’t use the bus have a perception from what they were like in 1963 – the last time they took the bus.”

Norman Baker MP

Above: Transport Minister Norman Baker MP. Below: Greener Journeys’ CEO Claire Haigh

“Modal shift and behaviour change really needs to be on the agenda.”

Claire Haigh Greener Journeys

who don’t use the bus have a perception from what they were like in 1963 – the last time they took the bus.

“Greener Journeys is going into new territory and I very much look forward to the results when they come through. It’s time to go on the offensive and show the bus is a good form of transport.”

As well as his First Bus duties, Giles Fearnley is also GJ’s Chairman.

He said: “The operator groups which fund GJ are very passionate about the projects currently taking place and the results will give us a clear level of understanding.

“Each of the groups has taken a lead in one of the areas, with First a partner of the Sheffield scheme.

The network has recently been transformed which is very visible and the preliminary results are very positive.”

David Brown added: “This is about getting the message across to the customers in waiting.

“The work done in Sheffield has been a great success and builds on the work we have done with the council and operators. It’s about taking this work and building it into existing structures and schemes.”

David Hall said: “Modal shift from car to bus is up there with the trickiest challenges for us. But we were excited to see the operators involved wanted to try less conventional methods.”

Experiments Sheffield – Targeting drivers at moments of driving ‘pain’ Partners – First, South Yorkshire PTE, Front This project’s aim was to make direct contact with drivers in and around negative experiences such as parking, traffic jams and paying for petrol.

Joe said: “We treated the travellers as intelligent people and played on their ego. We weren’t saying “you have to get the bus”, but we were putting the idea in their head.

“Non-bus users often don’t know how to obtain bus prices or where to get off etc. You need to give

people the tools and information to be able to travel by bus.

“We employed street teams to talk to drivers in their moments of pain. We gave out free tickets and obtained information from them.

“The teams were placed in areas like Sheffield United football ground, where a lot of people drive and park for matches.

“We also followed traffic wardens around and camped outside petrol stations and car parks.”

The focus is on drivers’ discretionary journeys, in particular weekend and leisure trips into the city centre, where the bus might be a better option.

According to GJ’s report, early indications are that the project has been very effective. The teams have experienced positive interactions and distributed over 20,000 free bus ticket vouchers. Almost 60% of those redeeming tickets said they would have driven if they hadn’t taken the bus.

Leicester – Providing trusted, community-level advice Partners – Arriva, Global Action Plan The Leicester experiment’s aim was to recruit and train a team of ambassadors who will

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The panel was made up of five representatives from companies and charities which worked with Behaviour Change engage individuals in their local community, providing a personal rationale for using the car less and taking the bus more. The ultimate goal is to deliver a toolkit of how to run a community ambassador programme to facilitate modal shift.

Trewin Restorick admitted it was initially hard to find ambassadors for the project. He compared them to the children in school assemblies who would always lead the rest of the school by singing first.

He said: “We had to find 10 ‘singers’ who were brave enough to start those first few notes. It took us longer than we thought.

We were looking for people who were interested in public transport but whose interest would not turn people off. They needed to inspire other people to change their journey patterns.”

Trewin said the ambassadors experienced mixed reactions.

“Some people got it and other times it didn’t go as well,” he said. “There was a lot of suspicion with the 650 free tickets we were handing out.”

One of the community ambassadors, Adham Fisher, agreed that “it has been a mixed bag”.

He held events in libraries, churches and supermarkets and

NewsFocus_GreenerJourneys.indd 19

spoke to a variety of people.

As well as trying to encourage bus travel, Adham also made notes about people’s expectations about local bus routes, finding out what things could be improved.

“A main thing was perhaps people weren’t knowledgeable about how far the bus network reached beyond Leicester,” he said.

“Although people did think the Leicester network ticket was value for money.”

Manchester – Community groups as messengers Partners – Stagecoach, Behaviour Change This project was based on the idea that messages are far more likely to be trusted from a credible source.

Three community organisations were given £5,000 grants to develop and execute initiatives to promote bus travel to their members/supporters.

One grant winner was Gaydio, a community radio station for lesbian and gay people across Greater Manchester (GM). The station led a consortium of five stations, targeting a range of geographical areas and communities.

Gaydio’s Ian Wallace said:

“This is about getting the message across to the customers in waiting.”

David Brown pteg

Above: pteg’s David Brown. Below: First UK Bus MD and Greener Journeys’ Chairman Giles Fearnley

“Radio is a one-to-one medium.

Between the five stations we have an outreach of 200,000 listeners per week.

“We put together a ‘Get On Board Day’, where we gave away free bus journeys in GM. We also played messages on air from people who were regular bus users.”

Another grant winner was Pure Innovations, which helps vulnerable and disadvantaged groups fulfil their potential, giving support to take up paid employment and be an integral part of the community.

David said: “We looked at how we could get those people to start using the bus independently which would result in a huge weight off the parents’ and carers shoulders.

Nina said: “We introduced assisted technology, for example a smartphone app for young people who have trouble with reading, making the bus more accessible.

“We are seeing that people can learn to develop independently.

Within the local community people are getting much more used to seeing people with disabilities on the bus. This leads to social benefits and allows more parents to see bus travel as an option.”

When asked whether audiovisual technology would help those who find independent bus travel more challenging, Nina replied: “It’s important to get to a point where that is the norm. It will not just help young people with disabilities.

Audio-visual information and support from bus drivers would really help.”

North East – Influencing future travel behaviour in students Partners – Go-Ahead, Global Action Plan The North East project was not represented on the panel, but David explained it involved working in schools with sixth formers who are still forming their travel patterns.

The aim is to harness the creativity of students to develop new ideas for getting them and their families to switch from car to bus.

Students are being asked to come up with an innovative idea to get people out of their car and onto buses, with a £10,000 prize for the winning school up for grabs.

The target of 20 schools has been exceeded, with 29 registering to take part. A shortlist of five will be put forward to a final, which will be judged by bus industry leaders.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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manufacturer update › man

MAN’s new Head of Bus & Coach Ian McLean with CEO Des Evans

MAN is here to stay Gareth Evans reports on how, in a rare admission, Des Evans, CEO of MAN Bus & Coach UK, has conceded the firm had ‘got it wrong’ for the UK market and is now focusing on driving future growth with a new structure

N

o exit summed up Des’ presentation last Thursday.

Keen to quash the rumour machine which had perhaps naturally gone into overdrive in recent weeks, given the firm’s restructuring, he said: “I felt a briefing was the right thing to do in view of the changes we’re about to make.”

He was commendably frank: “I have to say our strategy over the last couple of years has not been optimum. To do more of the same www.coachandbusweek.com

MAN.indd 20

and a little better was not an option.

We wanted to do something very different.”

Facing up to reality

Before an audience of interested parties at MAN’s impressive facilities in Trafford Park, Manchester which betray their German footprint, Des admitted: “We can’t change the past. We’ve learned from it.”

“The company was also overmanaged – the overheads were way too high,” he added. As a result, changes to personnel are to be implemented. One Director and two General Managers are to be

replaced by a new Head of Bus & Coach UK. Des continued: “We will have one operational team which will be very much integrated with aftersales. It may come as a shock to see two ‘faces’ of MAN Bus & Coach no longer in the business but we don’t have one-man armies – we have a team. We still have a big organisation but our staff are all experts. I’m going to spend a lot more time in bus and coach too.”

While the personnel changes are detailed in a separate panel, briefly Ian McLean, formerly Aftersales Director for the Midlands, is now

the Head of Bus & Coach. Popular and professional individuals like Paul Gardner, Simon Matthews and Vince Welsh remain very much part of the business.

The operational team is also to be relocated to Manchester. In Des’ words: “Manchester is going to be our centre of excellence for bus and coach. It’s going to be very customer service centric.”

Noting that “Selling the hardware is the easy part,” he conceded aftersales was an area where MAN had previously been weak. “Our biggest customer has historically been Stagecoach, but they haven’t bought vehicles from us for three years. There have been issues with our DOH engine and the bodybuilder. We want to fix that relationship and restore confidence.

With a new CEO at Stagecoach, there will hopefully be a fresh start for us.” Des admitted the issues could have “been resolved quicker”.

Future

MAN is going to focus on the 400 ‘large’ coach operators in future, while also remembering that 52% of UK bus sales are with the top 10

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company: MAN Bus & Coach Manchester

location: West Trafford Park, Manchester Contact: 0161 848 8331 www.manbusandcoach.co.uk or www.man-manchester.co.uk operators.

“We’re sticking with gas buses and citysmart,” explained Des. “We may get a rejection from Stagecoach but we’re going to do all we can to win the work back. We will ideally offer them a gas bus.

“If a customer wants the gas chassis, then why not open it up to other bodybuilders?” Des admitted the thorny subject of bodybuilders was a “controversial one”. “We’ve got an arrangement with Caetano but customers want other bodywork. We need a different relationship with bodybuilders via our customers.

We’ve had discussions in the past but some of them wanted big development costs. We’re prepared to have open discussions with ADL, Optare and Wrights.”

While the citysmart bus is set to remain as a 10.8m-long product, Des said the “integral availability was where we were probably dogmatic in the past”.

As for MAN coach chassis, Des said it was the “same story as with bus”. “It’s not our priority at the moment. Part of this new management is sticking at what we’re good at and what we can do.

“The Tourliner and Starliner are going to be mainstay for the UK. We’re aiming for 100 new units to be sold per annum – we can’t be a man of all seasons. The quality coach market stands at 700 units per annum – we’re currently selling 70.”

Turning to used vehicles, which from the site tour on Thursday MAN frankly does not appear to be short of, changes are also afoot.

“That’s going to be a big focus for us now – it will occupy a lot of our time,” explained Des. Simon is to be responsible for used vehicle evaluations. “That separation is important. When you’re buying in a £100,000 unit,

MAN does not intend exit the UK coach and bus market

New MAN: who’s who

n Head of Bus & Coach UK: Ian McLean n Fleet Bus & Coach Sales: Paul Gardner, Key Account Manager n Retail Bus & Coach Sales: David Cunliffe, Matthew Jacob, David Gregory, Richard Polley, James Thorley Key Account Managers n Used Vehicles: Simon Matthews, Sales Manager Used Bus & Coach n Product Support Staff: Graham Wilkinson, Mary Richards n Aftersales Staff: Paul O’Cain, Wayne Ulph, Chris Davies, Pat Hogan, Steve Lilley, Andy Gilmour

“While the UK market has not been easy for us, I can assure you we’re not going to pull out of bus and coach.”

Des Evans

you need to run it through triage.

“You don’t make money on a new coach until we’ve sold the partexchange. Funding is a critical issue.

I think we’ve cornered the market in quality used vehicles. We’re going to go about it in a different way. Used vehicles will be sold by a unified sales team.”

On that note, he said: “We’re going to offer contract hire differently too. While five-year deals are common, why not offer 10-year finance packages? After all, from a customer’s point of view, the things which keep them awake are costs of ownership – the cost of running the business. We need to be better at understanding operators too.”

Another method of controlling customer operating costs is the need to offer better Repair & Maintenance (R&M) packages.

“The R&M package we have in place with Arriva North West & Wales for the first 500,000kms covers body and chassis. To all intents and purposes, it’s an integral MAN bus.

If we can fix the costs for Arriva, we can do it for anyone. We can also do pay as you go using our online

system, which can be paid for monthly.”

In something of an attempt to counter oft-heard criticism, Des explained: “We’re also going to offer fixed-price part packages over the life of a vehicle.”

Asked if he felt hybrid was the way forward, perhaps predictably, Des responded: “Gas will be around for quite some time. There are 8,000 buses in Europe. In Scandinavia, they make up 60% of the fleet – and that’s the home of Volvo and Scania. If that level of penetration can be achieved in Volvo’s backyard, we can do it here too.”

However, he conceded: “With the gas bus in the UK I sometimes feel I’m trying to get people the change their religion – from Christian to Muslim. It really is that radical.”

Conclusion

Des is to be commended for his frankness – it is, after all, rare for a CEO to admit his or her company has been wrong.

Concluding, Des said: “At the end of the day, we’re a business and businesses need to change. I’m not saying I’m right or we’re right – the market will decide. We’re here to stay. While the UK market has not been easy for us, I can assure you we’re not going to pull out of bus and coach.”

Looking ahead, he said: “I believe we can hold our own in the luxury coach segment. With used vehicles, we have to look not just at today but tomorrow too, i.e. who’s going to be in business in four to five years’ time.

“If we sell 100 each of new bus, new coach and used, we’ll be pleased – and if we can build on the relationships we enjoy with Arriva and the Go-Ahead Group and get Stagecoach back on board, we’ll be even happier.”

MAN can hold its own in the luxury coach segment. Above left: Inside the Manchester City team coach. Above right: A Starliner for an unknown operator www.coachandbusweek.com

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FACE TO FACE › PHIL STONE

NAME: Phil Stone AGE: 51 position: Regional Managing Director, Arriva North West & Wales Contact: 0844 800 4411 www.arrivabus.co.uk

Growing efficiently Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans talks to Arriva North West & Wales Regional Managing Director Phil Stone about the firm’s drive for an efficient operation

I

n recent years, Arriva North West & Wales (ANW&W) has gained some bad press over the decision to shut three depots, all apparently in the name of efficiencies.

There was also the decision to centralise the management of the hitherto separate Welsh and North West of England operations in Liverpool – only to then return to an element of more localised control. At the same time of course, the firm has benefitted from an investment programme too – a prime example being the £4m Speke depot last year. So what does the man who oversees this operation have to say?

Having heard many people sing his praises for being approachable, I first met Phil Stone in the flesh at last autumn’s Northern Bus Summit in Manchester during the lunch ‘networking’ session. There was no uneasiness – we chatted like we’d always known each other. He suggested that at some time during the New Year we get together as he would be pleased to talk to me.

Thus at the end of February I met Phil in ANW&W’s Aintree head office. Outside, there was not a bus in sight, although the buildings would not look out of place in a traditional garage. I would later learn the site was in fact a former depot but the old garage buildings at 73 Ormskirk Road are now home to a Wickes DIY store. Inside, I received a warm welcome from the helpful receptionist, who greeted me with a smile.

CBW’s double page spread www.coachandbusweek.com

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Phil has been in the bus industry for more than 30 years. His company is no stranger to awards

coverage of last year’s Speke depot opening was framed on Phil’s office wall, alongside an official photograph from the same event with Norman Baker MP. The warm welcome continued – coffee was not in short supply.

Career

Phil started his career in the bus industry as a Ribble Accountancy Graduate Trainee in 1982 at Frenchwood, Preston. “In the run up to deregulation I was the management accountant, and a major part of my job was to split the assets and liability of Ribble into the new company, North Western Road Car Company,” he recalled.

“In May 1987 I came over here after deregulation but before the attempted Management Buy Out (MBO). Following the failure of the MBO, Mike Chambers, our Finance Director left to go to Ribble. I took his role in 1989, when the company was called North West Roadcar.

“We grew and I became Deputy MD in late 2000. That was because Bob Hind was responsible for rail and bus after the acquisition of Merseybus. I went over to Arriva Yorkshire as Managing Director in 2004.

“Yorkshire was experiencing a number of problems. The sad thing was, only seven to eight years previously it was one of our strongest companies. The firm’s reputation with the local authorities had nosedived, the staff were demotivated and profitability slumped. It was horrendous.

Getting the trade union and staff on board was key. It took

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www.coachandbusweek.com

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FACE TO FACE › PHIL STONE

£165m The annual turnover of Arriva North West & Wales (ANW&W)

a while to get the engineering side right, however. In our first month we got called to a Public Inquiry.

“I remember VOSA coming to Heckmondwike and Dewsbury and they issued 10 PG9s (prohibition notices). It was horrible. We turned it around. I recall Bob Davies, the then CEO going round Castleford with me. He immediately called Bob McLeod at our nearby Arriva Bus & Coach dealership and said ‘We need some new buses’. It was strong when I left and Nigel Featham has taken it a step further. He’s more lovey dovey and marketing than I am – I’m an accountant. Even John Henkel at Metro admitted at the Northern Bus Summit that both of us had done a good job.

“I was only there three years – I came back here in 2007. That was as a result of Catherine Mason going to Translink in Belfast. Bob Hind had always lived in Leicester so he moved to become MD of Arriva Midlands. I jumped at the chance to return to the North West.”

“I’ve been in this industry for over 30 years – I’m due for my long service badge,” he mused. “I’m still an accountant at heart, as I’m sure people here will tell you, but we do have a Finance Director so I try not to stick my nose in too much.”

The business today

“There’s no doubt Merseyside forms the bulk of the ANW&W operation,” explained Phil. “We run 650 buses in Merseyside, 250 in Manchester and Cheshire, plus 250 in Wales. We’ve got 15 depots, in addition to outstations. We’ve pulled away from outstations but we’ve still got Dolgellau, Newquay, Lampeter, Macclesfield, Pwllheli and Amlwch.

“The business is spilt into three areas – Wales, Manchester and Merseyside. Traditionally that view was based around local authorities and Passenger Transport Executives. If you go back five to six years we tried to control operations in Aberystwyth from Aintree but it’s just too far away. Therefore we split the regions back up to put local management closer to local issues.”

Was centralisation a mistake?

“Wales was performing very badly after being particularly badly hit by the Foot & Mouth crisis in 2001,” explained Phil.

“We had to reduce overheads.

It’s about local management dealing with local depots and local authorities. It was crazy before – Wales and Merseyside are just www.coachandbusweek.com

F2FPhilStone.indd 24

so different. Cheshire is more like Wales in that it’s sparsely populated.

“It was decided to localise, but with the head office functions of pay roll and finance for example, centralised, which saved overheads.”

Therefore, reporting to Phil is a five-strong senior management team. In no particular order, they include Phil Cummins, Regional Engineering Director; Howard Farrall, Arriva Merseyside Area MD; John Rimmer, Arriva Manchester Area MD; Michael Morton, Arriva Buses Wales Area MD; and Simon Mills, Regional Finance Director.

Firm efficiencies

Phil was quite candid about some of the costs which have hit his operation in recent times, one of which is fuel. “Since 2007 our fuel bill has shot up by £12m. It’s now £22m, so we had no choice but to look at efficiencies.

“The Arriva UK Bus Leadership Team sat in the Space Centre in Leicester for two days to develop a strategy. The efficiency workstream of that strategy was led by Nigel Featham but the whole team picked up specific areas of responsibility, mine being the overheads. We took a critical view of each other’s depots, management and supervisory staff. There are reasons why some depots have more staff than others but we did make redundancies. We involved just one external consultant. We looked at scheduling. If you don’t measure it, you don’t improve it. We also reviewed networks, including those which were performing badly in what is regarded as good bus territory.”

Turning to the perhaps thorny subject in the eyes of some, of depot closures, Phil said: “We shut Skelmersdale but made minimal

redundancies – I think it was just one – as we divided the work between two other nearby depots.

Skelmersdale was going on a downhill spiral. We didn’t change any routes and it now works.

“Manchester depot has also shut. We’ve got two distinct networks in the conurbation – in the north Bolton to Wigan and into Manchester and around Eccles and in the south around Wythenshawe and the airport. Manchester was sat in the middle. Again, the routes fitted into other depots so we managed to take out overheads.

“We’ve built a new workshop at Wythenshawe to accommodate double-deckers. Planning permission was a nightmare though and took 18 months. Bolton has just expanded, with new parking across the road.

“Llandudno Junction depot was sat in the middle between Rhyl and Bangor. Route 12 was shared between Llandudno Junction and Rhyl, whereas it’s now all operated by Rhyl and it works better. Similarly, the X5 was also

“I think I’m known in the Group for moaning about always wanting new buses. Another 90 new buses are entering the fleet this year. 15 are due for the X5 Bangor to Caernarfon service and 18 are due to go to Green Lane depot.”

Phil Stone

10 MAN gas buses have entered service at Runcorn for busway services

previously shared but is now run only by Bangor depot. One depot now controls each route; they have ownership”.

“Llandudno Junction had very old buildings, with masses of office space, which had become run down and damp. It was crazy for our current needs – it was a hangover from the old Crosville days. The depot was not ideally placed for Llandudno either as it was two miles out of town.”

In a location which will be all too familiar to coaching folk, Arriva’s replacement depot is located at the enlarged Alpine Travel garage on Builder Street West, opposite the coach park. On-site facilities include a dedicated traffic office, washing facilities and parking for 16 buses.

Phil continued: “The old Liverline depot was 100 yards away from Bootle garage. When we bought that business, the site came with a 20-odd year lease with cast iron clauses. That’s now gone. It held 50 to 60 buses, plus a bodyshop, paintshop and the training school.

The bodyshop and paintshop have moved to St Helens and the training school has gone to Runcorn. We moved one service to Green Lane.

Again, overheads were saved.

Hopefully customers and most staff haven’t seen a difference.”

As part of the national efficiency drive, procurement has been

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1,150 3,500 The total number of buses and coaches operated by ANW&W

The number of people employed by ANW&W

Arriva North West & Wales has invested £74m in new buses since 2008 centralised, whereas previously it was more localised. “Again, the process was benchmarked.

Under the leadership of Ian Tarran, our lighting and power consumption has been purged. It was all measured using sensors and meters. We have found leaks – we’ve made a 10% saving on all utilities.”

It is worth noting that ‘strengthening our efficiencies’ forms a key part of Arriva’s Big Picture. In the Group’s own words, this is ‘an innovative graphic roadmap which visually explains the overall business strategy and importance of stakeholders and customers to employees, and illustrates how each individual can contribute to Arriva’s success’.

Phil continued: “Cleaning was being done in three different ways in this company alone. A national contract has now been awarded to Carlisle Support Services. The initial view has been that standards are increasing. We’ve employed our own cleaning manager to oversee it.

“On top of fuel, concessions have really impacted around the Group. We’re fortunate to have fixed deals in place with TfGM and Merseytravel. We used to have surveys carried out and payments could fluctuate dramatically. Fixing the rates is better for all concerned.

The key thing is stability.”

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Arriva North West & Wales: a brief history

Having been part of the once mighty Ribble, at the end of 1986 Aintree, Bootle, Southport, Wigan and Skelmersdale garages were split into a separate operating company – North Western Road Car. At privatisation, the firm was acquired by Drawlane at which time North Western had a turnover of £20m.

North Western grew through acquisitions, with a staggering 27 operators being bought over a 10year period, something which would doubtless send the Office of Fair Trading into a hissy fit today. In Phil Stone’s word, “It seemed a company was being bought every month.”

MTL was bought in and Crosville Cymru circa 2001. MTL had a turnover of £50m and 600 buses.

“People have got to be satisfied or else they won’t travel with us.

Get the quality right and it will lead to profitability.”

Phil Stone

Accounting has been centralised more than in the past. That for the Midlands and North West is now carried out at Aintree, while that for Yorkshire and North East is completed together, and likewise London and the South East.

Merseyside partnership matters

Merseytravel under Neil Scales was “very open and honest relationship,” according to Phil.

“Having no surprises was the key – I hope that relationship will continue under his successor David Brown.

“In TfGM land, we’ve got about 10% market share, so we don’ have the same sort of relationship with them as we do with Merseytravel.

“Scales could see Statutory Quality Bus Partnership (SQBP) was the best choice for passengers. We agreed the first one 18 months ago on route 14, which links Croxteth with the city centre. However, because of the legal procedures we agreed a Voluntary Partnership Agreement until the formalities are complete. We’ve got inter-operator ticketing with Stagecoach on the route, Merseytravel upgraded the roadside infrastructure and Liverpool City Council sorted out a critical road junction.

“We were poised to sign the SQBP last September but the arrival of the new Mayor delayed that as he wanted to review the whole transport network in the city, but it seems now to be back on track.

Passenger Focus research shows SQBP routes generate satisfaction rates of 90% while it’s 85% on other services. Between us and Stagecoach, we’ve reduced PVR and increased evening and weekend journeys, so it’s been very much a win-win.”

Growth agenda

As Phil rightly said, “There is always a risk you get hung up on efficiencies.” “David Martin and Mike Cooper put a challenge to us all to bid for funding to grow patronage. Wales is interesting as not only are there lots of holiday parks but also large businesses and organisations, particularly around Chester, Wrexham and Deeside.

We’ve taken on a Business to Business Manager for 18 months, from October last year. The aim is to go to employers and show them deals we can offer. Large organisations all have travel plans these days, so it will certainly be an interesting thing to watch. The

ideas is not unique to us – it’s part of Arriva’s growth agenda.

Roadshows are another method to drive growth. “We put a bus on a town or city centre square. In short, it’s a big PR exercise which forms an important part of our corporate social responsibilities. We answer bus questions and meet people – it’s a similar thing to what Bus Users UK does. In Liverpool we’ve teamed up with a local radio station. This helps the local image.”

Another area for growth is the opening of an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF). “We started at Green Lane. While MOTs have always been carried out there, we’ve opened the facility up to other operators. From nothing we’ve now got numerous HGV and bus and coach operators using it. The turnover is now nearly into six figures.

“VOSA is about to shut the test centre at Birkenhead, so we’re fulfilling a need. We just hire the tester for the day and cover his/her fees, so why not do it.”

Asked about rail replacement, Phil said it is now a fraction of what it was. “If you go back six years we had half a dozen buses on standby in Liverpool, but the trains are far more reliable these days. We go as far south as Hereford. We don’t use coaches. Drivers seem to enjoy rail work as I guess it’s different – there are no fares to take and it’s variety.

“It all goes back to the non-core activity in the Big Picture.”

Fleet investment

ANW&W has invested £74m in new buses since 2008, £54m of which is in Merseyside. “I think I’m known in the Group for moaning about always wanting new buses,” smiled Phil. “Another 90 new buses are entering the fleet this year. 15 are due for the X5 Bangor to Caernarfon service and 18 are due to go to Green Lane depot. You would think Wales would have an old fleet but it hasn’t. We’ve still got Marshall-bodied Darts which were new to MTL on Merseyside but they’re due for withdrawal imminently.”

However, he acknowledged, “We’re always going to have ex London vehicles as it’s Group policy.

Refurbished, they’re fine.”

A 15 year age limit for buses is in place in Manchester and Merseyside. Last year ANW&W bit the bullet and bid for Green Bus Funding (GBF). “We thought Liverpool was a big operation, was stable so a good place

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FACE TO FACE › PHIL STONE

to invest. The city’s two bad environmental hotspots were at either end of the Mersey tunnels.

Having never done so before we thought we would bid for Green Bus Funding. The result is 10 gas buses on Runcorn busway services. If they work OK, we may consider bidding for a further 12 more in Green Bus Fund IV.” Phil said the firm is doing maintenance “differently compared to London”. “At Bolton the engineering is to be entirely dealt with by Volvo. In Birkenhead we’ve done a parts package, which means we’ll carry out the physical work ourselves. We’re doing it differently to evaluate the options. If you’re going to have a number of them in the fleet you can’t have all the contract maintenance, so it’s best we learn to do it ourselves.”

Employee & customer satisfaction

Employee satisfaction surveys are carried out across the Group every two years. “Merseyside now has the highest satisfaction levels of any of the bus companies,” according to Phil. “In Liverpool 71% of staff have said they are either very or extremely satisfied. In Southport the figure is 84% – and that’s in a garage with 200 staff and 80 buses, which is large by our standards.

In Speke, the rate is 77%. The interesting thing is that while we’ve been through all this efficiency and shutting depots we’ve still got these levels of staff satisfaction. Wales has seen a 20% increase but needs to be higher – it’s now 55%.”

A ingredient has been the embracing of Investors In People (IIP), according to Phil. “I implemented it at Arriva Yorkshire.

As soon as you introduce it, you can see results. It’s all very well saying managers have an open door policy but the reality can be something quite different. At Bootle they used to call a visit to the manager’s office the walk of death,” he mused.

“IIP makes managers follow procedures. People who work in offices can be communicated with easily but it’s very different for mobile workers. The IIP Assessors interview random staff. If you asked me what the three big things for us are, I would say profit, employee satisfaction and customer satisfaction in no particular order as they all compliment each other.

If employees are happy, they will deliver excellent customer service, which will impact positively on the www.coachandbusweek.com

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The rain hit really Wales in 2012 – although Blaenau Ffestiniog is often wet company’s bottom line.

“We put central messages on TV screens and the local areas put depot-specific items like retirement dos. We achieved the IIP gold standard on February 25, 2013.”

Only 2% of companies in the UK hold this standard.

Illustrating Phil’s point is staff turnover. “In 2005 the figure for ANW&W was 22% yet it dropped to 7% last year. On Merseyside the figure is even lower. A yard stick for IIP is the number of tribunals. We had up to 12 per annum in the past yet we only had one last year.”

Customer satisfaction surveys are carried out annually by the Group. “We’ve done our own each year for the last 10 years.

Our three companies are in the top three in the Group. Wales has the highest at 71%, passengers being very or extremely satisfied; Merseyside is 69 and it’s 68% in Manchester. Passenger Focus also conduct surveys, and our Customer Satisfaction surveys are identical to the ones they carry out. People have got to be satisfied or else they won’t travel with us. Get the quality right and it will lead to profitability.”

Reader questions

In something which has proved to be a popular means of engaging with you the reader, prior to the interview Coach & Bus Week’s followers on Facebook and Twitter were invited to suggest questions they would like answered.

One reader asked whether life has changed for him under Deutsche Bahn (DB) ownership.

Phil replied: “Not at all – the DB strategy is very much aligned to the Arriva strategy. While being part of DB, Arriva retains its own identity

and purpose. Quite clearly David Martin’s view was our job is to run the bus businesses. The finance functions have changed as we’ve had to match DB’s systems. The traditional audits carried out since NBC days have changed slightly but they are still essentially the same. Day to day, there has been no impact at all.

“I usually have to attend two conferences a year in Germany. It is interesting to see the different cultures across the Group.

Claire Johnson, who runs the JR Buzz marketing consultancy asked: “How have ANW&W’s customers changed over last five years? How does Phil feel the firm is positioned with stakeholders vs First & Stagecoach?

Phil responded: “Answering the first question, it’s interesting to remember that in Merseyside OAPs have travelled ‘free’ since deregulation, and therefore we haven’t seen a big increase in this sector. In Wales however, ‘free’ travel transformed patronage.

As a Group we’ve gone big in the student market. WiFi also attracts users from different markets.

Fundamentally, the customer base has not changed. Initiatives like leather seats and WiFi on crossriver services clearly help but they don’t transform the demographics of our customer base.

“In terms of stakeholders, it depends on where you are.

Stakeholders include local authorities, MPs and the newly created Local Enterprise Partnerships. We enjoy very close ties in Merseyside. We have already talked about our popular roadshows.

“In Manchester we run 200

buses, so we’re down the PTE’s pecking order. We’ve got no problem with TfGM, however.

Mike Renshaw is a nice bloke, who is very good to deal with. He’s approachable, which is clearly important. Again, the Big Picture strategy pushed by the Group has encouraged us to bond more closely with our stakeholders.”

Another reader asked about the firm’s relationship with police.

“The police and our inspectors jointly do gateway checks,” said Phil.

“They’re very good to deal with. If we have problems, they respond.

At Halloween for example, we had our staff in the police control room liaising with bus inspectors out on the road. The number of windows bricked has plummeted; we used to have 20 – 30 buses off the road the morning after Halloween or Mischief Night; this year with this partnership we had none.”

Challenges for 2013

Asked what he feels the challenges are for 2013, Phil did not hesitate when he responded: “The economy and patronage will be number one.

The weather will be interesting too.

I would not normally say this but last year the rain really impacted on North Wales.”

On par with operators of all sizes, Phil said he sees funding in Wales as one of the company’s top issues at the moment.

Of particular concern is Aberystwyth. “It’s a struggle. Be under no illusions, BSOG on long distance routes is crucial. North Wales is very strong – margins are at a similar level to Merseyside.

There are calls from some quarters for a Quality Partnership Scheme on the X40 between Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Cardiff. We’re not comfortable with that as we feel the route is not strong enough and there is no certainty on funding.

However, we are always happy to talk. We are not against SQBPs in Wales – we’ve got one in Bangor and in Chester.”

Other challenges for the year ahead include pay negotiations. In what will doubtless strike a chord with his peers, Phil said “the staff will surely expect a rise.”

He said tendering does not present an impact on Merseyside “but it is a concern in Wales and Manchester. Just 2% of the market in Liverpool is tendered. We won’t do tenders for silly prices and some smaller operators seem to be doing that at the moment.”

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pteg column › jonathan bray

Urban buses: Value for money Jonathan Bray, Director of the pteg Support Unit, outlines the benefits of a good urban network and the importance of funding to maintain it Is the urban bus the biggest bargain in transport policy?

There’s certainly a strong case to be made – as our new report (‘The Case for the Urban Bus - The Economic and Social Value of Bus Networks in the Metropolitan Areas’) shows. The key to the exceptional value for public money which urban buses represent boils down to the fact that the urban bus is a highly effective social policy which also has economic and transport benefits.

Looking at it from the other end of the telescope it’s a highly effective transport policy which at the same time has considerable social benefits.

There are not many forms of public expenditure which achieve so many multiple and overlapping policy objectives for every pound spent. A policy which gets young people to education, the jobless to jobs and helps tackle isolation for older and disabled people; it goes someway to tackling problems, like these, which will ultimately incur major costs to society. In addition to all of this, it reduces congestion for motorists and provides the access city centre employers and retailers rely on. Not bad!

The report sets out all these inter-linked benefits in detail and, crucially, puts some hard numbers against those benefits. In PTE areas alone bus networks are estimated to generate over £2.5bn in economic benefits by providing access to opportunities; reducing pollution and accidents; and improving productivity.

The report also shows specific bus funding streams generate significant economic benefits: BSOG generates at least £2.80 of benefits for every £1 of public money spent – over a quarter of these benefits go to other road users due to buses’ role in reducing road congestion.

The national concessionary fares scheme generates £1.50 of benefits for every £1 of public money spent – a high return for a social measure.

The non-commercial bus services local authorities support can generate benefits in excess of £3 for every £1 of public money spent. Most of these benefits are to the bus users who depend on these services to access opportunity (like jobs, education and healthcare).

Furthermore, due to the local nature of bus services and operations, much of the bus industry’s turnover (in excess of £5bn a year) is ploughed back into regional economies through the supply chain, and because the people who work on local bus services live and spend in their local areas.

Without the bus the report reveals “our cities www.coachandbusweek.com

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pteg’s report claims specific funding for urban bus services generates significant economic benefits would be more divided, the poorest and the most vulnerable would be more isolated and severed from the opportunities that many take for granted, and so much talent that dynamic and prosperous cities need would go to waste as training, education and jobs would be unreachable for many young people”.

Although this report focuses on the largest urban areas it should absolutely not be inferred that this means there is a not a strong case for supporting rural bus services. Many PTE areas contain substantial rural hinterlands and we know just how important the rural buses we support are for keeping communities connected, for the rural tourism economy, and to tackle major problems of social exclusion in rural areas. However, this report concentrates on the specific urban case because a good bus network is so important to urban areas it deserves this detailed analysis of the specific benefits urban bus services bring.

Since the last spending review (where the collective failings of the bus industry, the DfT and local government on assembling the evidence base on buses were exposed and punished) there has been a concerted effort, led by Greener Journeys, CBT and pteg, to systematically fill the gaps in the evidence base through a series of complementary and overlapping reports. There’s more to come but the evidence base has been thoroughly transformed. It is robust and battle ready and my sense is that decision makers are taking it more seriously. However, there’s a long way to go. Public funding for the bus has some unique challenges in that it comes from a variety of sources, and in some ways the Department for Communities and Local Government is more important for bus funding than the DfT as CLG take the decisions on local government funding

which ultimately determine a big slab of bus funding. The bus is far from the forefront of CLG thinking. Bus funding is also highly revenue dependent at a time when capital rather than revenue spending is favoured by Government.

However the evidence base is there for the bus. The task now is to continue to take it to key decision makers and to find some collective asks of Government on bus funding while accepting there will remain fundamental differences between many incumbent bus operators and local government on the deregulation/regulation issue. It can be done and it needs to be done if we are going to get a better result from this Spending Review for the bus this time, than we did last time around.

Jonathan is Director of the pteg (Passenger Transport Executive Group) Support Unit. Jonathan’s background is in both transport campaigning and transport policy. He was one of the founders and co-ordinators of the campaign against the national road programme in the early 90s and later led the campaign against rail privatisation. He has also worked for the Campaign for Better Transport on a range of sustainable transport issues. n Jonathan also has considerable transport policy experience - as a consultant his clients included local transport authorities, the BBC and the Strategic Rail Authority –for whom he led a major national public transport good practice project. n Read more about pteg at www.pteg.net or call 0113 251 7204.

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supplier update › energenics green issues

The 500ml bottles of Envirox’s DPF Assist can treat 1000 litres of diesel

Saving fuel with Envirox Has the myth now been exploded?

Does nanotechnology effectively assist in reducing fuel consumption?

Martin Cole talks to Energenics Europe about the sustained positive results it has reported www.coachandbusweek.com

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F

or many years there has been a great deal of speculation about beneficial claims of certain fuel additives or other gadgets and their effect on increasing power or reducing fuel consumption. Broadly, the industry has treated this type of product as ‘snake oil’ and been highly sceptical of any such claims.

However, Stagecoach began serious trials with Envirox, which was then produced by Oxonica, within its Hong Kong Citybus operations and carefully monitored the results of trials. Half the fleet of 80 buses – 50% Cummins engines, 50% Volvo engines - was run on fuel dosed with Envirox. The company found a tangible reduction in fuel consumption which at one

point rose to 10%. The sale of the business brought an end to further trials in Hong Kong so Stagecoach began the process again by trialling it at a number of depots in the north of the country and in London.

Again, results of trials throughout 2004 proved positive with reductions of over 5% and subsequently Stagecoach entered into a supply contract for its UK operations. Further trials were conducted after three years and Envirox was withdrawn from some depots to see what effect it had on performance. After three months it had gained sufficient evidence to quickly reinstate Envirox and restore the 4.3% savings these depots had previously been achieving.

The last supply contract expired recently and has immediately been

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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek renewed. Based on its own 2008 UK fleet figures, Stagecoach reported it achieved an annual fuel saving of 9.3 million litres which represented a saving of £3.8m. The reduced consumption also improves Stagecoach’s environmental footprint saving some 24,500 tonnes in CO2 emissions. Since the product has been rolled out to Stagecoach operations in Canada it is now applied to some 8,300 buses and coaches. The latest figures released in March 2013 suggest this has a 5% reduction in CO2 emissions which equates to 188,000 tonnes over the past eight years.

The Chief Executive Officer of Energenics Europe, Mike Attfield, has been involved in fuel additive technology for many years – originally with BP and then later with Lubrizol. Mike then joined Oxonica Energy, a company formed to market Envirox after it was created by a group of scientists at Oxford University. Much of the work centred on perfecting a fuel-borne catalyst which would enhance combustion and assist in reducing the temperature at which carbon deposits could be burned off in engines and on exhaust filters. The process was intended to improve fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions of CO2 and particulates while improving the operation of buses fitted with particulate filters.

The product itself is based on cerium oxide which is widely used as an oxidation catalyst in industrial processes and catalytic convertors.

Scientists discovered by using nanotechnology to re-engineer the particles they would release oxygen during the engine’s combustion cycle which effectively provides a small power increase and a reduction in emissions. Cerium Oxide nano-particles are carried in a liquid suspension at a significant concentration in order to provide a convenient and effective fuel additive. A litre of Envirox treats 4000 litres of diesel.

Following positive early trials with Stagecoach, the company was eager to extend sales across the other operators – so far with mixed success. In 2009 Oxonica was struggling and the complete business was sold to Energenics who has continued to market the Envirox fuel saving additive and last year introduced a new product Envirox DPF Assist.

Envirox DPF Assist is a fuel treatment designed to facilitate

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the regeneration of Diesel Particulate Filters by combating premature soot blockages which would build up back pressure in the exhaust system and quickly reduce performance. It reduces the temperature at which soot will burn in oxygen by roughly 100-150oC. Filter plugging is extremely common in urban bus operation where low average speeds and continual stop/start operation mean engine exhaust temperatures seldom reach the mean temperatures for achieving a regeneration cycle.

Envirox fuel saving additive and Envirox DPF Assist are available in 0.5 litre packs that feature a 25ml dosing chamber allowing addition straight into the vehicle tank during refuelling. Larger operations can have special dosing equipment installed on site to dose calibrated quantities into bulk tank deliveries.

These are generally serviced by 205 litre drums of Envirox.

Other benefits

Benefits derived from using the fuel saving additive are not limited to the reduction in fuel use. The engine is said to run more cleanly with fewer deposits. Cleaner combustion reduces particulate emissions. Fewer particulate emissions mean lower requirement

for filter replacement or cleaning and therefore reduced vehicle downtime associated with blocked exhaust filtration systems. In particular, the effect Envirox has on lowering the temperature of the filter’s regeneration process can extend the periodic maintenance period.

All this points to reduced costs which can contribute to building a higher profit margin. Add these to savings in fuel costs and it can mean a much healthier bottom line. Elsewhere, Henderson Travel adopted Envirox specifically to emulate Stagecoach. It reports reduced emissions of up to 11%.

EYMS have also adopted Envirox after an extended trial period. The local authority fleet in Bath receives diesel pre-treated with Envirox from its main fuel supplier.

According to Mike Attfield, one of the smaller coach operator customers used the fuel saving additive for a six month period but then stopped unconvinced that it was making a noticeable difference.

Three months later he was back to using Envirox again and said since he had stopped using it his average MPG had deteriorated significantly.

Mike Attfield said: “It was quite unusual for a coach operator to become so convinced by their own MPG figures without supporting

Above: Mike Attfield, Chief Executive of Energenic Europe. Above right: An Envirox dosing unit at the EYMS depot in Hull. Below: Fuel treated with Envirox has achieved efficiency benefits of up to 10%

data analysis. The lower fleet sizes of small coach businesses together with more variable operating patterns often make it harder to see the benefits clearly. I suspect the use of Envirox over a few months began to gradually take effect and increase efficiency at a progressive rate. However, it wasn’t long after he stopped using it the reality dawned. He is back to being a regular customer.”

Summary

It’s very hard to ignore the results achieved by Stagecoach – such an organisation doesn’t achieve success through spending money on unnecessary frivolities. It’s also interesting the initial Hong Kong trials turned in a best fuel saving of 10% yet when transferred to UK operations the trials produced significantly lower figures of 4-6% savings. It goes to prove climate may have an effect and also a wide variation operational duty cycles are likely to see significant difference between depots with dense urban operation to contend with against those with far greater suburban or extra-urban duties.

Whatever the reasons are behind variations one of the major and most successful transport operating groups is fully convinced it derives a significant benefit from Envirox.

Compared to 10 years ago the economics of using the product have become much more favourable as its price has remained stable whilst fuel prices have risen continuously due to impact of international oil prices and BSOG changes. The additional cost to a bus operator buying 205 litre drums of Envirox works out at around 0.5p/litre which would have added roughly 1% to the fuel budget in 2005. But now in 2013 wherever BSOG has been decoupled from fuel consumption e.g. in Scotland, the additional cost is below 0.5%.

For Energenics Europe, the well documented evidence provided

by Stagecoach provides a sound platform of reference for assisting potential customers with their queries and to understand the depth of monitoring required before and during any trial period.

The advantage is only a few percent which does not sound especially significant until it is addressed to the bulk cost of diesel for a whole fleet. In Stagecoach’s case a saving of 5% - worth several million pounds - is well worth having.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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THE BIG PICTURE

If you’re familiar with the charming Lincolnshire market town of Stamford, you’ll be aware of the unspoilt nature of the architecture, which is dominated by locallysourced limestone. In the eyes of bus people, another of the area’s charms is local family-run operator Delaine Buses of Bourne. Both factors are brought together in this scene, which was caught on camera

by CBW Editor Gareth Evans on the morning of Saturday, February 23, 2013. Wright Eclipse Urbanbodied Volvo B7RLE ‘BX04CKV’ heads along Water Street. The river Welland is out of shot to the right of this photo. As can be seen on the destination screen, the bus is working the hourly route 201 to Peterborough, via Barnack, Helpston and Werrington. Its near-side indicator is flashing ready to pull up at the stop. Numbered 104 in the Delaine fleet, the vehicle was new in 2004 to another award-winning and well-presented fleet, Perrymans Buses of BerwickUpon-Tweed. The bus joined the Delaine fleet in July 2009.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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INDUSTRY

GUIDE

TO SEATING & FLOORING

W

The seating on board an Optare Versa Hybrid Yellow School Bus operated by Belle Vue in Manchester, which includes three-point seatbelts

Are you sitting comfortably?

This week’s Industry Guide looks at suppliers of seating and flooring, alongside companies providing vehicle interior refurbishment www.coachandbusweek.com

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hile it’s easy to prioritise the exterior of vehicles to keep a fleet looking the part, passengers spend the vast majority of their time on board.

A comfortable and quality interior may be one of the better ways of keeping passengers satisfied and securing repeat business, and refurbishing the inside of an older bus or coach may help extend its service life, reducing the need to invest in brand new vehicles.

Meanwhile, the illusion of quality from a brand new vehicle with an attractive livery is quickly shattered if passengers board to find the interior isn’t up to scratch.

There’s also the matter of

perception, whereby an interior which is well presented and looked after is more likely to be treated with respect and less likely to be damaged as a result of so called ‘petty vandalism.’

Refurbishing vehicle interiors need not be something which puts vehicles out of action for extended periods of time. Suppliers can take individual seats out of vehicles and return them later, meaning the bus or coach merely needs to run at a slightly lower capacity, while flooring suppliers can provide selfadhesive material which is already cut to size and easy for an operator to install itself and easy to change when necessary.

Of course, if taking it off the road is not an issue, these same suppliers can refurbish the entire vehicle in a single session.

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CONTACT To advertise in future industry guides, call Brian Winterton for a features list or more details on 01733 293488, email brian.winterton@ coachandbusweek.com. For more information on providing editorial, call James Day on 01733 293244 or email james.day@coachandbusweek.com

Floor Tek ‘N’ Trim Floor Tek ‘N’ Trim is an established family-run bus and coach interior refurbishment company and a safety flooring specialist handling anything from a minor repair to a full floor re-lay.

MD Tony Sayers, with over 35 years experience in the industry, along with son Mark lead an experienced team of trimmers, based on the same site as Express Coach Repairs in North Yorkshire.

Working closely with the company, which carries out a full range of exterior work, Floor Tek offers a full interior and exterior refurbishment package.

Although the firm always has various sets of re-trimmed seats in stock for same day exchange to save “off the road time,” there is an extensive range of moquettes and flooring to choose from, helping to individual requirements.

Floor Tek sources and supplies seats and seat frames for up-seating and stocks a wide range of seat

frame parts and belts. Over the last few years the firm has rebuilt and retrimmed numerous sets of 1950s and 60s coach seats on heritage vehicles, many of which have been shown at coach and bus rallies across the UK and Europe.

The company offers a range of flooring products which can be cut to size or use Floor Tek’s laying service. This includes carpets and safety vinyl.

All floors are professionally welded, moulded and sealed by a team of qualified floor layers. The quality of work and materials give the customer a watertight floor with a lengthy lifespan.

Floor Tek offers a collection and delivery service UK wide, enabling operators to carry out other work on the vehicle while the seats are being re-trimmed. An on-site service is also provided for body trimming and flooring.

T: 01751 477994 E: floortekntrim@ btinternet.com

Duoflex Duoflex specialises in the reupholstering of coaches, buses, minibuses and heritage vehicles.

It also undertakes complete refurbishments of seats and interiors.

Based in Brackley, Northamptonshire, Duoflex is a family firm established for over 18 years and currently employing 20 staff. It claims to offer total customer satisfaction by providing a truly high quality service at competitive prices.

Duoflex holds an extensive range of moquettes, including John Holdsworth. It also offers a range of leathers for seats, inserts or complete refurbishment.

On most coach seats a same day service is available, with the coach arriving early in the morning and leaving at the end of the day with all the seats retrimmed and ready for work.

With coach interiors, Duoflex uses a wide range of different

fabrics to suit every individual choice. This range consists of velor, needlecord, headlining fabric and moquette. The wide range of different fabrics means the interior of the vehicle can be completely colour co-ordinated.

Duoflex claims to have a comprehensive, high quality and competitive offering, with a level of service and attention to detail which is expected from a dedicated family-run business.

Services also include the repair, renovation and replacement of coach and bus interior parts including: n Complete interior soft trim n Seats n Roof panels n D/Screens n Flooring Duoflex offers a full range of facilities for the repair and replacement of coach and bus flooring. It is also able to supply flooring materials and adhesives for do-it-yourself fitting if required.

T: 01280 701366 E: info@duoflex.co.uk W: www.duoflex.co.uk

Duoflex Limited COACH & BUS RETRIMMERS • SPECIALIST UPHOLSTERERS

Sets of re-trimmed Plaxton Paragon, Panther, Premier coach seats available Esteban 3 point belts available Various other seats available

SPECIAL DEALS on re-trims using stock moquette

Tel: 01280 701366 Fax: 01280 704799

Email: info@duoflex.co.uk

www.duoflex.co.uk

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Brun Grove - Blackpool - FY1 6PG - 01253 766762 www.facebook.com/blackpooltrimshops sales@blackpooltrimshops.co.uk

Stock set of Esteban seats, fitted with lap belts, newly trimmed, to fit Iriza Century.

From £2200+VAT Extra moquette available

Stock set of Plaxton Premiere seats, newly trimmed, cream inserts and cream piping.

From £2200+VAT Extra moquette available

Stock set of Plaxton Premiere seats, newly trimmed.

Prices from £2000+VAT Extra moquette available

Chapman drivers seat, trimmed in blue leather, new from Optare factory. £150+VAT

Vogal service seats, brand new.

9 doubles and 3 singles. £75+VAT per double £35+VAT per single

Vogal India service, brand new, 9 doubles and 3 singles. £75+VAT per double £35+VAT per single

Full set of 70 Cogent school bus seat covers, cut and sewn. £1000+VAT *** These are covers only ***

Approx. 150 Cosmic cushion foams. £10 each + VAT

Esteban Civic V3 pads, 40 cushions and 40 backs, rear 5 seats and cushions, brand new. £10 per pad+VAT

Fainsa rear 5 seats and framework, newly trimmed. £500+VAT

Fainsa 3 point belt seats, 3 nearside and 1 offside. £250 per double+VAT

37 double Cosmic service seat frames, including 12 brand new doubles, never been trimmed. £90 per double+VAT newly trimmed

Plaxon Paragon courier seat. £250+VAT untrimmed £350+VAT newly trimmed

11 flip seats available, all different moquette and leather. £75+VAT each

Urban 90 service seats, 4 doubles and 2 singles. £75+VAT each

Civic V2 and V3 pads, all in different moquettes, brand new. £10+VAT per pad

Chapman drivers seat with framework. £100+VAT each

VanHool rear 5 seats and framework. £500+VAT

SERVICES OFFERED • Same day repairs • Full interior re-trims • Gangway carpets • Pick-up and collect seats • And much more . . .

** We will beat any genuine price **

March 13, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 37

INDUSTRY

GUIDE

TO SEATING & FLOORING Prime Passenger Seating Prime Passenger Seating Ltd (PPS) is developing into a company which supplies a full range of seating and seating services for all involved in the bus and coach industry.

The firm is best known for its Buckingham seat which has been extensively fitted to vehicles from the smallest minibus through to 100-seat double-decker buses, always with three-point seatbelts.

The Buckingham has been thoroughly tested both dynamically and statically by test houses such as Status and IDIADA. It has been homologated on some of the bestknown coaches including Plaxton, Beulas, Irizar and Tata Hispano.

This seat can be supplied in various configurations and dimensions from single M1 seats at 400mm width to full width (1350mm) M3 triple seats. The Buckingham is only one of the seats which PPS is able to supply, now it has become a representative of Brusa, one of Turkeys leading

seat manufacturers. This allows it to include bus and reclining seats in its offerings. Brusa’s extensive range includes the sleek and stylish Daphne bus seat and their two ranges of reclining coach seats. The Create range offers an attractive range of high quality seating for touring coaches. The Extend range is very much the upmarket luxury seat. A particular feature of this range is the adjustable headrest, with both height and side adjustment.

PPS continues to increase the number of customers for whom it regularly repairs and retrims both bus and coach seats. Related to this part of the business, PPS has been called upon to recondition and supply bus seating. This includes the fitting of new foams and covers.

It is becoming very much the one stop shop for passenger seating requirements.

T: 0870 757 1320 E: johnm@primeps.com W: www.primeps.com

Martyn Industrials Martyn Industrials will present its new Tarabus range of flooring at ALBUM 2013 stand 58 on May 1415 at Belton Woods near Grantham.

Based in Carlisle, the firm has been the sole UK agent and distributor of the Tarabus range for over 25 years.

Amongst the new innovations is self-adhesive flooring, which can be supplied in roll or kit form. A short video showing the self adhesive product can be viewed at http:// www.gerflor.com/tarabus-selfadhesive-en.html Martyn Industrials also supplies an entrance logotile with detailed printed artwork, suitable for route branding or advertising opportunities. This can be supplied as a self adhesive tile for ease of renewal or replacement, as route branding or advertising requirements change over time.

Martyn Industrials is also presenting its new Gaya wood and mosaic effect product, which is already proving popular with new

and repeat customers. NCT and HCT Jersey are two of the operators who have taken delivery of buses fitted with Gaya flooring in 2013.

The firm also provides full technical assistance, including floor fitting and welding training, for customers who want to undertake refurbishment/crash repair themselves without outsourcing.

It also supplies complete welding, toolkits, sealants and adhesives.

Tarabus “Gamma London” is the flooring of choice for the New Bus for London, with anticipated orders for 600 vehicles over the next three years.

Phil Margrave, Engineering Director at Go-Ahead Group, said: “Tarabus Flooring is an essential part of the design of vehicles within London Central and London General. The product retains its good looks after years of use in London’s arduous conditions.”

T: 01228 544000 W: www.martynindustrials.com

BUCKINGHAM 3 & 2 • Ideal for 3 & 2 configurations • Ergonomic design for maximum support, comfort and legroom • Tried & tested: fitted into many new coaches as OEM • Full range of legs and fitting options make the Buckingham ideal for upseating to 70+ seats • Lighter weight makes easier for installation Prime Passenger Seating Limited 7 Canalwood Industrial Estate, Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5RL Telephone: 0870 757 1320 Fax: 01691 770 798 Email: johnm@primeps.com

www.primeps.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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face to face › Heather mcdonald

Head of Coach Stations Heather McDonald with her son Lawrence, a Route Manager at the firm

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NAME: Heather McDonald position: Head of Coach Stations, National Express Contact: 08717 818181 www.nationalexpressgroup.com

Climbing the ladder Andrew Cream talks to National Express’ Head of Coach Stations, Heather McDonald, about her career path at the company and her son’s decision to follow in her footsteps

T

he coaching world is often thought of as a familyorientated industry and firms across the country have second- and thirdgeneration family members coming through the ranks to take on the running of operations.

National Express (NX) is of course a completely different beast altogether, but the UK Coach arm of the company believes it still has those family ties which make the industry special.

In the run up to Mother’s Day, I interviewed NX’s Head of Coach Stations Heather McDonald, who has been working at the company for 26 years and has a son, Lawrence, at the firm.

Starting out

Heather was 21 when she first started in the coach industry. She was previously working for a scrap metal company but decided it wasn’t a path she wanted to take, so she decided to take a temporary summer job at Midland Red. When the operation was broken up, Midland Red’s coach division was absorbed by NX. “I liked the hustle and bustle of the business,” Heather recalled.

“But I decided I needed to look for something permanent.

“When I handed my notice in however I was offered a full-time job at the Bull Ring Bus Station, but I turned it down. I was then offered a position at Digbeth Coach Station, selling tickets over the counter.

HeatherMcDonald.indd 39

“I initially turned that down too, for the same reason as the first offer.

They were both dirty, cold and wet environments and there was a lot of emissions, especially as engines often weren’t switched off.

“I was told however they were planning to build a new station in two years time, which convinced me to take the job.

“It ended up being not two years but 22 years! But I stayed because the opportunities were really great and I enjoyed the challenges. There was a good engagement with the staff and you could clearly see a career path if you wanted to take it.”

Taking a new direction

While in her early days at NX, Heather worked as a part-time hostess onboard the coaches.

From this she realised a more hands-on, customer-facing role was something she wanted to do full-time. She said: “I decided I wanted to be an inspector, so I took my certificate of professional competence in road transport management.

“I did this at night college. When a vacancy came up I applied for it and got a position.”

Heather was an anomaly amongst the inspectors, being the only one who didn’t hold a PCV licence – as well as being the first female station inspector in the country. “Some of the other inspectors had been driving for 20 years,” she said. “I took a lot of grief from them because I couldn’t drive. One day I decided I’d had enough, so I went and did

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face to face › heather mcdonald

my test.

“That was a real turning point for me. Next time I had any comments from the other inspectors I was able to get out my licence, which really shut them up.”

With her licence, Heather was able to take on some driving work for the company, which made her one of the first female coach drivers in the country. As one might expect, there was a far bit of prejudice 25 years ago towards female drivers.

One story stuck out in Heather’s mind: “I was at Heathrow one day, ready to drive a coach-load of people back home, but I had to leave a man there as he would not get onboard with me driving. He said: ‘I am not getting on the coach with you – I’ll wait for the one two hours later.’

“It wasn’t expected; it was a total shock for me. But I only experienced two incidents of that type. Female drivers were very rare then – I had never worked with a woman driver when I was a hostess.”

its personality even though it’s global. You get a lot of loyalty from customers.”

Like mother like son

It took a bit longer than Heather expected, but Birmingham (formerly Digbeth) Coach Station was transformed in December 2009

Answering the call

The next step in Heather’s career resulted from a hunch which turned out to be accurate.

“I got a feeling that inspectors were going to become a thing of the past,” she explained. “So I got a position at NX’s call centre, where I stayed for five years as a team leader.

“I was then promoted to the role of Call Centre Manager for our Glasgow centre, where Scottish Citylink was based. I was there for just short of three years.”

After that Heather came back to Birmingham to work at the brand new centre outside Digbeth Station, where she was in charge of over 300 people on four floors. When the call centres combined in 2001, she moved to the position she currently holds – Head of Coach Stations.

Customer focus

This new role was quite different to what she was used to. “Working at the call centre gave you a feeling of the depth of the business,” Heather said. “While being Head of Coach Stations is more about breadth. We had 31 stations when I started this role. I don’t have to be anywhere at a particular time so it’s quite flexible, which I enjoy.”

While on the face of it the two jobs are unalike, they share similar customer-based values.

“Head of Coach Stations is about managing customer service,” www.coachandbusweek.com

HeatherMcDonald.indd 40

“I have definitely seen a massive change inside National Express. There are various women in senior and frontline positions. In terms of coach driving, women can deliver as good a service as men can.

I think NX believes we should employ the best people for each role. We are very much a 21st century business.”

Heather McDonald

Heather explained. “Customers are our business at the end of the day. We are always listening to customers and making changes to give them what they want. This is the way to retain and grow business.”

Times are a-changin’

I was keen to find out whether Heather feels there has been a culture change within the coach industry since she started.

She said: “I have definitely seen a massive change inside National Express. There are various women in senior and frontline positions. In terms of coach driving, women can deliver as good a service as men can.

“I think NX believes we should employ the best people for each role. We are very much a 21st century business.

“I sometimes question why I’ve stayed at NX for so long but it’s because it is always trying to evolve, while retaining a warm personal touch. We are always encouraged to work together as a team.

“Throughout the years the business has still been able to retain

In true coaching tradition, Heather’s son Lawrence has joined her at the company, although it’s not quite the path she expected him to take.

“I wanted him to go to university,” she said. “But he wanted to get into the working world. He has grown up with me being at NX and his dad was into public transport. He is very much into public transport himself too – he was an apprentice with the steam railway when he was younger.

“He always knew what industry he wanted to go into. I am not sure how I feel about his decision really – I was proud he decided to join NX but maybe a little disappointed he didn’t go to university.”

There was no nepotism involved in Lawrence gaining his position though. “We decided I would not say anything about him being my son because he needed to get the job on his own merit,” Heather said.

Lawrence started off as a controller in the Service Support Centre and is now Route Manager of the London network.

“He loves the job and the shift patterns,” Heather said. “He enjoys the interaction with drivers and the hours mean he can keep up with his passion outside of work, the Severn Valley Railway.”

Looking ahead

Heather has certainly held a wide variety of positions in her time at NX; is she ready to add another string to her bow?

She said: “The business has changed so much in the last four years and I’m really happy to come to work every day. I love being challenged and we have a great team of people.

“I haven’t had a job interview since 1997. I have never been overambitious – I am really happy in the job I have got so I’m not looking for the next one. As I don’t have that set path I think it has allowed me to concentrate on what I am doing.”

With regard to the highlight of her career so far, Heather said: “The management buyout was a very proud moment for the business. I was very pleased to be part of the overall success.

“It meant lots of changes going forward which impacted on every role in the company.”

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Network Warrington have the following vehicles for sale

2002 Mercedes Vario 614

2000 SCANIA T9

13 seat front entry wheelchair accessible minibus, diesel, 160,000 miles.

ÂŁ6,995

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.

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

Contact Eric on 0792 138920

VOLVO B12B

2006 Volvo B7TL Wrightbus Gemini SLF 10.7m

ÂŁ24,750

Dennis Dart SLF 10.8m 2000/2001 V & Y Plate, Cummins 6BT, Allison AT545 4 speed auto, Marshall body, 40 seats.

Contact Ian Parker (Engineering Manager) Warrington Borough Transport Ltd Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington WA4 6PT. Tel 01925 634296

1998 Volvo B10M Jonckheere Mistral

Converted to 70 seater in September using Cogent 3+2 seating all fitted with 3 point belts, MOT till Oct 2013 and has no known defects.

ÂŁ35,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

2003 Futura

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

ÂŁ65,000 + VAT L.J. Edwards: 01323 440622 option 2 or John 07974 369570

Ex-rental, LEZ compliant, 67 high back seats, 1 tip-up + 14 standees, wheelchair ramp, Mobitech LED, air-con, CCTV, MoT Dec 2013.

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

ÂŁ120,000

Contact William on 07733 914050

POA

Santander Used Assets 07753 712444

2004 MAN 14.240 SLF MCV Evolution 11.3m

2004 Iveco Daily 45c13

2004 Optare Solo M850 SLF

39 seats + 21 standees, DDA compliant, Mobitec LED. ÂŁ28,000 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

11 seat front entry wheelchair accessible minibus, white, diesel, 80,000 miles.

29 seats + 19 standees, fully DDA compliant, Hanover LED, Cummins engine, very clean. ÂŁ29,500 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

Neoplan Starliner

2010 Temsa Avenue

ÂŁ10,000 - no VAT

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

32 leather seats, full rear servery, airline style overhead lockers, 240V inverter and onboard generator, Blaupunkt sound system with DVD & Sky TV, ASTronic gearbox, A/C, WC, fully carpeted, removable ski box.

42-48 seats, 60,667 miles.

ÂŁ65,000 + VAT o.n.o.

POA

Florida Taxi Coaches 01787 477701

Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144

Iveco 17 seat wheelchair accessible minibus

Unwin Innotrax floor to take five wheelchairs, underfloor lift, rear heating, tachograph, front entry drop step with slam door, COIF, PSV.

ÂŁ15,495

Pembridge Vehicle Management 01633 485858

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

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Dennis Dart Mini Plaxton Pointer 8.8m

2004 Volvo B12M VanHool T9 Exec

2004 Ford Transit

MOT till Aug 2013, CCTV cameras, CCTV recorder, manual front, side & rear destination, front ramp, Euro 2, blue patterned moquette.

ÂŁ5,750

49, 51 or 53 seats, air con, Webasto, Ishift or manual, TV, DVD or video, 3 point seat belts, rear saloon w/c, phone, reversing camera, MOTs till late 2013. ÂŁ57,000 + VAT (manual gearbox)

17 seats, lap/diagonal belts, 2 x air bags, 121,000 miles, FSH, remote central locking, radio/cassette, one previous owner, very tidy throughout, no internal damage. ÂŁ3,950 + VAT

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Nigel McCree - 01509 502695

Crystal Coaches – 020 8960 8800

2006 Plaxton Pointer Plaxton/Transbus

2002 VOLVO B7TL’s

2008 MAN A22 Wrightbus Meridian SLF 12m

Mercedes 814D Euro Coach

Ex-rental, LEZ compliant, ZF automatic, 44 seats + 26 standees, wheelchair ramp, Mobitech LED, digital tacho.

29 + 17 seats, 323,719 miles.

Choice of 5 from ÂŁ294+VAT per week

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

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Santander Used Assets 07753 712444

Contact William on 07733 914050

2000 VOLVO B7TL’s

2005 Bova Futura

2002 Futura

Voith gearboxes, Plaxton President bodies, LWB, converted to single door high capacity schoolbuses with 83 seats.

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

POA

49 seat executive, excellent condition inside and out, used only for touring and excursions, 12 months MOT, 470K kms, owned since new, genuine reason for sale. ÂŁ75,000 + VAT o.n.o.

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Call Paul – 07968 106891

1996 Volvo VanHool B9M

2 x 2007 (57) Optare Solo M950 Slimlines

POA

DDA and LEZ, 70 seats, Euro 3, ÂŁ24,000 + VAT

Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144

38 reclining & belted seats, air-con, PA/Video/ DVD/VCR, floor mounted WC, full servery, full service history, MOT to October 2013.

ÂŁ15,000

Royal Blues - 01803 872422

32 seats + 17 standees, Cummins engines, Alison gearboxes, full service histories, both with current MOT, average mileages. Each one will be re-sprayed in white or in the new owner’s colours if required.

ÂŁ49,000 o.n.o.

Courtney Buses 0118 973 3486

ÂŁ55,000 + VAT L.J. Edwards: 01323 440622 option 2 or John 07974 369570

2009 Renault

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.

ÂŁ58,000

1998 Volvo VanHool B10M Alizee

48 reclining & belted seats, air-con, PA/Video/ DVD/VCR, floor mounted WC, full servery, full service history, MOT to December 2013.

ÂŁ25,000

Royal Blues - 01803 872422

2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313

84,000 miles, 16 seats + 1, one owner, full service history, superb condition, converted to an exceedingly high specification.

ÂŁ19,000 + VAT

ÂŁ29,995

Florida Taxi Coaches 01787 477701

Kripton UK - 07845 808096

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

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Mercedes Benz 816D Plaxton Cheetah

Optare Solo M710 SE (57 Plate)

Air conditioning, LEZ compliant, Webasto heater, radio CD/PA system, seat belts, double glazed tinted windows, coach style seats.

In good condition, 21 seats + 2 tip-ups & 10 standing, MOT till July, Mercedes engine, 239,180 miles, Hanover destination. ÂŁ47,000

7HO

All Vehicles Direct Fleet Many With COIF’s, PSV’s, Wheelchair

Access Lifts

& Ramps

ÂŁ42,500

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Graham Crooms, Courtney Buses 0118 973 3486 (Option 3)

2002 52 MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI FRONT ENTRY 15 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS

Mercedes Benz Vito 111 CDI

2200 turbo diesel automatic, certificate of initial fitness, electric front entry door, analogue tachograph, panaramic glass, underfloor electric wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, lift up sky lights, 172000 klms/108000 miles, excellent condition, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty ÂŁ8995 + VAT

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

2010 MAN Beulas

3 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, LEZ compliant, MOT until July, air con, plain silver, Euro 4, 300kg tail lift capacity, armrests.

Five in stock.

ÂŁ5,000

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Ford Transit 17 Seat Minibus <RXÂś UH L Q FRQW URO

71 seats, LEZ, Glory Euro 5 + EEV, WC, climate control, hot drinks, amazing luggage capacity, fantastic condition, MOT 31/10/2013, fully DDA, only 149,000km, sale due to fleet restructure.

ÂŁ225,000 + VAT

4.1 ton, 2.4 diesel engine 140 ps, six speed gearbox, tachograph, COIF, PSV.

ÂŁ15,750

D L O S

Florida Taxi Coaches 01787 477701

Pembridge Vehicle Management 01633 485858

2003 Dennis Trident 2 SLF Alex 400 10.5m

MAN Tourliner

67 seats + 18 standees, Cummins Euro IV/ZF, conversion to single door available, very clean. ÂŁ27,500 + VAT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CHOICE Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

460bhp Euro V engine, 12 speed AStronic gearbox, white with removable vinyls, no scrapes or scratches, Durabright alloys, many extras, MOT till September 2013.

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ÂŁ168,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

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

Caetano Compass bodies, 39 seats, ramps.

Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant with traps, Plaxton President bodies, 62 seats dual door (£13,000) or 70 when converted to single door (£16,000).

1995 M REG OPTARE SPECTRA

1996 LEYLAND OLYMPIAN TRI-AXLE

DAF engine, Voith gearbox, low height, 77 seats.

Gardner engine, Voith gearbox, 100 seats with seatbelts.

1998 R/S REG OPTARE SOLO’S

Merc engines , 8.5m long, 30 seats. £4500 each plus tyres.

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

2001 Y REG DENNIS DARTS

2002 52 PLATE VOLVO B7TL’S

1999 VOLVO B7TL’S

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

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 1990 LEYLAND OLYMPIAN OPEN TOP

1998 R REG VOLVO B10BLE’S

Cummins L10 / ZF, 78 seats.

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

1998 R REG DENNIS JAVELIN

2000 DENNIS SUPER POINTER DARTS

Cummins 160 engines, Voith gearboxes, DDA compliant, 41 seats.

Cummins L10 / ZF, Alexander RH body, 78 seats with retractable belts, MOT Oct 2013, tacho.

1992 LEYLAND OLYMPIAN

2000 VOLVO B7TL’S

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.

1995 N REG VOLVO OLYMPIAN

Northern Counties body, Volvo engine, 74 seats, seatbelts fitted.

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.

LWB, CCTV, particulate traps so LEZ compliant, Plaxton President bodies, dual door 67 seats or single door 77 seats, DDAS compliant.

2000/2001 VOLVO B7TL’S

ZF 6 speed manual, Caetano Algarve body, 49 seats, centre sunken toilet, very smart for age.

1995 M REG VOLVO B10M

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

1995 M REG VOLVO B10M

Alexander ALX400 bodies, 80 seats, DDA compliant.

- 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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WHERE DO YOU FIND THESE 98 DENNIS WADHAM STRINGER/ CAETANO

696363-1078-BenWeaver

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BEN WEAVER commercials 2006 56 FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400cc 115ps turbo diesel engine, 6 speed gearbox, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, finished in white, excellent condition, 96000 miles with full service history, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £9995 + VAT

2004 54 REG IVECO DAILY 45C13 11 SEAT FRONT ENTRY LWB WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, white, underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tachograph, 127000 kms, 80000 miles, 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £9995 NO VAT

2005 55 MERCEDES SPRINTER 411CDI 10 SEAT LWB WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2200 turbo diesel engine, certificate of intitial fitness, analogue tachograph, tracking for 4 wheelchairs, underfloor electric lift, 173000 klms/108000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £11995 + VAT

2007 56 REG IVECO DAILY 40C12 LWB 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2300 hpi turbo diesel engine, certificate of initial fitness, Access underfloor rear lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, analogue tachograph, 108000 miles/172800 kms, 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £11995 + VAT

2004 53 MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI FRONT ENTRY 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS Ex council vehicle, 2200 turbo diesel automatic, electric front entry door, analogue tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, panaramic glass, underfloor electric wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, lift up sk lights, 172000 klms/108000 miles, excellent condition, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £10495 + VAT

2004 53 IVECO DIALY 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY LWB WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc 6 speed turbo diesel, analogue tachograph, Ratcliffe underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for 3 wheelchairs, 103000 kilometers/64000 miles,excellent condition, white, supplied with 12 months MOT,fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £8995 NO VAT

2001 Y REG MERCEDES VARIO 814 FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE 28 SEAT MINIBUS 4300cc automatic turbo diesel engine, Plaxton conversion, electric front doors, Access under floor rear tail lift, tracking for 8 wheelchairs, analogue tachograph, 227000 klms/141000 miles, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £9995 + VAT

1999 T REG TOYOTA CAETANO OPTIMO 4 4166cc turbo diesel, 5 speed gearbox, 21 coach style seats with lapbelts and arm rests, passenger curtains, overhead luggage space, rear boot space, internal rear heater, reading lights, forced air, Euroliners, white, just had 12 months PSV put on, certificate of initial fitness, analogue tachograph, 412000 klms/257000 miles, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards £8995 + VAT

2005 05 FORD TRANSIT MWB MEDIUM ROOF 5 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2000 turbo diesel engine, internal Ricon wheelchair lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, AVS side access step, electric windows, lift up sky light, 85000 miles, finished in metallic silver blue, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £7995 + VAT

2006 06 REG IVECO DAILY 17 SEAT MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, AVS side step, tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, 118000 kilometers/73000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £9995 + VAT

2007 07 FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF MINIBUS 2400 turbo diesel 100ps engine, LEZ compliant, digital tachograph, electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, 133000 miles with full service history, finished in white, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £7495 + VAT

2002 02 MERCEDES VARIO 614 11 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 4300 turbo diesel engine, 5 speed manual gearbox, Access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, can be made upto 20 passenger seats, 232000 kms/145000 miles, white, 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £6995 + VAT Photos taken prior to valeting

2004 54 MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI FRONT ENTRY 11 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS 2200 turbo diesel automatic, electric front entry door, analogue tachograph, Ricon internal electric wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, lift up sky lights, taxed until the end of March, 83000 klms/51000 miles, excellent condition, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £11995 + VAT

2002 02 MERCEDES VARIO 614 11 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 4300 turbo diesel engine, 5 speed manual gearbox, ex council, Access underfloor rear tail lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, can be made up to 20 passenger seats, 256000 kms/160000 miles, white, 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £6995 + VAT photos taken prior to valeting

2007 57 REG FORD TRANSIT 9 SEAT MEDIUM WHEELBASE MEDIUM ROOF SHUTTLE BUS 2200cc 110ps turbo diesel, red , twin side loading doors, rear luggage area, 90000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £8995 + VAT

2007 07 REG FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT MINIBUS 2400cc 115ps turbo diesel, 6 speed gearbox, frozen white, digital tachograph, certificate of initial fitness, PSV, LEZ compliant, 134000 klms/83000 miles with service records, electric windows, electric heated door mirror, CD player, remote central locking, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £9795 + VAT

2004 54 IVECO DAILY 45C13 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800 turbo diesel engine, Ricon internal electric lift, analogue tachograph, tracking for 4 wheelchairs, 285000 klms/178000 miles, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £5995 + VAT

2002 52 MERCEDES SPRINTER 413CDI FRONT ENTRY 15 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WELFARE MINIBUS 2200 turbo diesel automatic, certificate of initial fitness, electric front entry door, analogue tachograph, panaramic glass, underfloor electric wheelchair lift, tracking for 6 wheelchairs, lift up sky lights, 172000 klms/108000 miles, excellent condition, finished in white, supplied with 12 months MOTor PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £8995 + VAT

2002 02 REG IVECO DAILY 50C13 11 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 2800cc turbo diesel, white, panoramic glass, ex local authority vehicle, certificate of initial fitness, tachograph, Access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, electric windows, power door mirrors, 139000 kilometers/86000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months PSV or MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £6295 + VAT

2009 09 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 209CDI SWB LOW ROOF WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE 2148cc cdi diesel, sprintshift auto gearbox, hand operated brake pedal, velvet red, electrically operated drivers, Ricon rear internal wheelchair lift, front & rear parking sensors, air conditioning, electic windows, mirrors, CD player, only covered 8000 miles with full service history, excellent condition, 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty £14995 NO VAT

All vehicles supplied with 12 months MOT/PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards and 3 months nationwide parts and labour warranty

Gower Street, Sheffield, S4 7JW Tel: 0114 275 7076 www.benweavercommercials.co.uk

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50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 13, 2013

BUS & CO A CH S A LE S

2 005 Dar t P oi nter

Converted to single door, finished to your final specification, circa ÂŁ30K 2008 MAN Plaxton Centro 38 seats ................ÂŁ42,000 2007 Wrightbus Electrocity Hybrid ..................ÂŁ42,000 2006 Iveco Beulas 51 seats auto......................ÂŁ60,000 2005 Scania Irizar Century 49 seats.................ÂŁ65,000 2005 Scania Irizar Century 40 seats.................ÂŁ57,000 2003 Volvo Caetano Enigma 49 seats .............ÂŁ33,000

2002 Dart Pointer 37 seats ...............................ÂŁ17,000 2002 Dennis Javelin Marco Polo 49 seats.......ÂŁ27,000 2002 Volvo B12M Plaxton 49 seats................ÂŁ36,000 2000 Scania Irizar 49 seats...............................ÂŁ26,000 2000 MAN Marco Polo 340..............................ÂŁ22,000 1998 Bova Futura 49 seats ..............................ÂŁ19,000

For more details contact 07979 295668

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696370-1078-Stafford

11/3/13

17:28

Page 1

Call for details on our vehicle 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

DENNIS DART CAETANO BODY S.L.F. 2000 W REG Fitted with 44 fully belted seats and 16 standing, so ideal school bus £8950

VOLVO OLYMPIAN, NORTHERN COUNTIES “LOW HEIGHT” BODY 1998 R REG Volvo engine/ZF gearbox, 76 seats plus 8, can be belted if required. £11,950

DAF SB220 ALEXANDER 1998 R REG 42 seats + 26 standing, good quality replacements for those unreliable, expensive to run Darts.

PHONE FOR MORE DETAILS

ADL ENVIRO 200. B900 2008 08 Reg.29 Seats and 17 standing, Fully repainted POA ENVIRO 300 ALSO AVAILABLE

DENNIS DART PLAXTON SUPER POINTER 1999 V REG Undergoing total internal re-fit to include 45 seats with belts.

FROM £12,950

DENNIS DART MARSHALL BODY 2000 W REG Fitted with up-dated body panels, new MoT and paint, 35 seats plus wheelchair. £6,950

MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER 2 2002/3 52 REG 28 Removable H/B seats on tracking, tail lift, PSV tested, auto gearbox, choice of many, very presentable £14,950

MERCEDES 815D MEDIO 2005 05 REG Mercedes built mini coach with 25 seats, large boot etc. £27,950

DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PREMIERE 2002 (51) REG Fitted with 70 highback coach seats, new MOT, manual gearbox £39,950

BLUEBIRD AMERICAN SCHOOL BUS 2000 W REG 60 high back coach seats with 3 point belts, Cummins engine and (reconditioned) Alison gearbox, very simple and rugged construction PHONE FOR MORE DETAILS

FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT FACTORY BUS 2011 11 REG C.O.I.F plus PSV MoT, very low miles, as new. £15,950

OPTARE SOLO M920 1999 V REG Currently being panelled/painted and belted to 31 seats plus wheelchair. £12,950

FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT FACTORY BUS 2007 (57) 80k miles, tacho, PSV, COIF etc. £10,950

FORD TRANSIT 15 SEAT BUS 2007 07 REG Very low mileage, suitable for school use if required as its 3500 cwt, can be driven on any full car licence. £9,950

DENNIS DART PLAXTON MINI POINTER 2002 52 REG Cummins ISB 4 cyl engine and Allison gearbox, fully panelled and painted, recent test £13,450

OPTARE SOLO 1020 2006 55 REG 37 Seats and 17 standing, Largest of the solo range, With fully recon 6 cyl ISBT engine, Fully repanelled and painted POA

WE ALSO HAVE AVAILABLE OPTARE SOLO ALL MERCEDES ENGINE ALLISON BOX W Reg, 25 seater, very short with new belts plus new paint. £12,950 W Reg, 29 seater, 9.2mtr with new belts plus new paint (in build now). £12,950 52 Reg, 29 seater, 8.5 mtr with belts plus new paint. £16,950

1999 V with auto box, 33 bus seats with belts (cert for 31), new paint and test. £8,950 1999 T with auto box, 29 coach seats but LWB, so plenty of room, destination and power door. £8,950

MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER R 2004 04 with manual box, 33 removable seats, power door and destination, tail lift etc. £16,950

FORD TRANSITS x 10 2007 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010 - 2011 Mostly PSV All 17 seats, tacho etc, all below 60k miles.

Vehicles available for short or long term lease

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Available Now!

52 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 13, 2013

n st ni La mai re

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g

Choice of 2 58 plated Setra 53 reclining seats with three point seat belts £110,000 + VAT

Choice of 2 59 plated Mercedes Benz Tourismo 49 reclining seats, executive finish £130,000 + VAT

Choice of 4 59 plated Mercedes Benz Tourismo 49 reclining seats, super executive finish £135,000 + VAT

Choice of 3 58 plated Setra 49 reclining seats, executive finish £115,000 + VAT

Contact Paul Hockley on 0207 733 1124 phockley@redwing-coaches to view or for further information

696148-1078-Blythswood

11/3/13

17:07

Page 1

p54_CBW_1078

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Page 54

Flexible rental solutions

54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 13, 2013

FROM

Bus and Coach

You choose the vehicle, for the period you need it, short or long term – you’re in control.

We’re here to help every step of the way!

www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk T: 01274 681 144 E: busandcoachrental@arriva.co.uk

@ArrivaBusCoach

/ArrivaBusAndCoachLtd

696286-1077-Pickrell

H. W. PICKRELL

4/3/13

11:15

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 09 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5 TD

10 REG RENAULT MASTER LM 39 2.5TD

06 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4TDCI

60 REG F ORD TRANSIT 330 2.4TDCI

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, new conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 14 high back seats, AMF m2 fully tracked floor, full air con, Ricon tail lift, tacho fitted, only 46,750kms.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, side step, 11 rear high back seats, full Unwin tracking, Eberspacher heater, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, 31,813 miles.

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.

6 speed manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, MWB, tacho, SL door, 12 rear standard factory high back seats, no tracking (can be fitted), underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, one owner local charity, 20,104kms.

08 REG IVECO 50C18 3.0TD

06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI

56 RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

59 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO LM39 2.5TD

6 speed manual, high roof, MWB, Wilker conversion ambulance, SLD, fitted with Jany fold up seat in rear, Ferno Pegasus stretcher, full air con, Eberspacher heater, piped oxygen & Entonox, 16,410 miles only.

Auto gearbox, LWB, PAS, Frank Guy conversion, n/s full height electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor tail lift, ex local authority, COIF’d, 103,080 kms.

6 speed manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 rear high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 14,300 miles only.

Manual 6 speed, high roof, PAS, LWB, Mellor conversion, side loading door, new AVS side step, 14 high back seats, new AMF m2 fully tracked floor, AMF tail lift, tacho fitted only 35,749 kms. (22,214 miles).

58 REG IVECO DAILY 50c13 IRIS BUS 3.0

NEW UN REG IVECO DAILY 50c17 IRIS BUS 3.0

07 REG MERCEDES 814D VARIO

07 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 313CDI 2.5 T D

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, power front entry door, 16 rear high back seats,Unwin tracked floor, Eberspacher heater, destination board, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, COIF, 63,371 miles.

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.

Mobile police unit/emergency comms unit, PAS, side entry door with electric step, Eberspacher heating, Ratciff tail lift, kitchen, entry CCTV, only 46,900kms from new (ideal camper conversion).

Manual, semi high roof minibus conversion, twin side entry sliding door with electric step, 14 x high back seats plus driver, air con front & rear, fully tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, ex NHS, only 25,000 miles.

06 REG IVECO DAILY 50c13 IRIS BUS 3.0

06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVK TREKA

57 REG PEUGEOT BOXER 2.5TD

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4TDCI

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, power front entry door, 16 rear high back seats, Unwin tracked flat floor, Eberspacher climate control, underfloor PLS tail lift, COIF, 67,671 kms.

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, 82,180 kms.

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.

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, AVS side step, 13 rear high back seats, Unwin tracked floor, Eberspacher heater, air con, underfloor Ratcliff tail lift, tacho, 53,946kms.

07 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR50 UVG TREKA

08 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

2008 57 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO LH28 2.0 TD

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUM BO 2.4 TDCI

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 gearbox, hi roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 5 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 30,280 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.

57 REG RENAULT MASTER LM 35 2.5TD

09 PEUGEOT EXPERT TEPEE 1.9 HDI

2009 59 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO SL28 2.0 TD

54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVG TREKA

Manual gearbox, PAS, LWB, Euromotive conversion, SLD, AVS side step, 12 rear high back seats, Unwin tested Innotrac floor, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, 20,775 miles.

Manual 5 speed gearbox, PAS, CD player, air con, twin side loading doors, 2 high back seat in rear, double passenger seat front, cut out floor, fold down ramp, blue metallic silver, alloy wheels, 14,932 miles.

Manual gearbox, low roof, O & H conversion, PAS, twin side loading door, side step, 4 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, modified low floor, electric winch & fold out ramp, 15,491 miles.

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, 104,180 kms.

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56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 13, 2013

Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance Compliance Services

ADVISORY SERVICES Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales

B7 Deckers & ISB Plaxton Pointer Darts (51 plate) Choice of 5 each, double doors, DDA compliant, Eminox exhaust systems, complete with tyres

Also available: Slimline Solo’s (54 plate)

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

BUSINESSES FOR SALE

COACH & BUS COMPANIES FOR SALE See website for details or call 0844 3877 344

www.kbscorporate.com

COACH HIRE & HOLIDAY COMPANY NORTHANTS. 40056 T/O £463k ANP £68,000 Strong local & regional presence Home to school contracts, private hire & own tour 5 Coaches, Freehold premises FREEHOLD, OFFERS INVITED

COACH HIRE & COMMERCIAL VEHICLE REPAIRS SW 40601 T/O £1.4m ANP £260k Lucrative contracts in place Modern fleet of vehicles F/H OR L/H OFFERS INVITED

REGIONAL & CORPORATE BUS COMPANY WALES 40089 T/O £1.9m ANP £ 325K School & local route contracts Valuable fleet Freehold premises F/H OFFERS INVITED

COACH HIRE AND TOURS CHESHIRE 41044 T/O £210k ANP £42k Established 12 years, home based Superb reputation Single vehicle in excellent condition £95,000 + VEHICLE

COACH TOURS AND COACH HIRE MERSEYSIDE 40234 Combined T/O £560k ANP £61k Established 21 years 2 modern coaches Home based/relocatable OFFERS INVITED

MINIBUS HIRE COMPANY STAFFORDSHIRE 40404 T/O £125k ANP £50k Established 16 years Modern fleet High repeat custom and referrals Lucrative contracts OFFERS INVITED

Considering Selling? For your free, no obligation appraisal call us today on 0844 3877 345

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

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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March 13, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 57

AUDIO & VIDEO

BUILDINGS HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

FUEL

‘Stop Fuel Theft’ • Prevents access to tank, while allowing unrestricted filling

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

• Prevents trash being put into tank • Wide range to suit most coach and bus fuel tanks

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime

CHECKPOINTS

Contact JBL Mechanical Engineers Green Fields • Stanton • Shrewsbury • Shropshire SY4 4LR

Wheel Nut Indicators and Retainers 5 I F

NB S L F U

G P S

7 F I J D M F T

1 S P E V D U T

B O E

4 F S W J D F T

++44(0)1524 44(0)1524 2271200 71200 checkpoint-safety.com

www.

Tel: 01939 251 351 • Fax: 01939 251 051 Mobile: 07831 332 913 LIVERY

ENGINES

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

Selling a vehicle is simple on . . .

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

INSURANCE PARTS

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

Don’t let your Dennis be a menace Trident/Javelin front hub bearings Why convert when you can replace?

The front hub bearings (part no 655387/6) are still available from Bus & Coach Parts Avoid the costly conversion kit Order now on: 0845 3038366

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58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 13, 2013

TRAINING

REFUELLING TANKS

Refuelling specialists to the Coach & Bus industry

Refuelling Tanks for sale or on short and long term hire options from just £75 PER WEEK

+44 (0) 1992 451101 www.taylorfuelcontrol.com

REGISTRATIONS G £750 30 PXA DRZ 40 DRZ 60 LAZ 87 MHZ 24 MHZ 25 RNZ 99 SNZ 55 UIB 69

THE DRIVER CPC IS HERE

SPEEDY REGISTRATIONS CO LTD G ‘Buy with confidence – CNDA Member’

£350 £99 £99 £50 ACZ 727 DXZ 1150 LIG 1239 CXZ 4470 AJZ 626 FRZ 1558 MJZ 6749 DXZ 3373 CEZ 838 HIG 5338 MNZ 1195 DXZ 3374 JBZ 686 IIG 5163 REZ 9451 ERZ 6181 RBZ 696 JIG 8488 SUI 8907 FRZ 2035 SCZ 949 JIG 8489 SUI 8908 FRZ 2036 VIW 848 KIG 6556 TJZ 1119 JFZ 8761 WJI 848 KIG 6557 UUI 1442 JFZ 8762 XJI 474 LIG 1238 UUI 1443 KIG 8976 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange

£50 KIG 8977 LIG 1763 LIG 1764 LIG 1765 RNZ 9198 SNZ 3877 SNZ 3878 TUI 7993 TUI 7994

Tel: (028) 6638 7124 Fax: (028) 6638 7771

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 PCV DRIVER LTD

Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ Rising above all others

www.meridianpcv.com

TRAINING TRIM

Now taking bookings for driver CPC training at our centre in Lincolnshire. Companies and individuals catered for.

Dates available: 18 & 19 March 31/2 hrs session Whole days: 28 March and 3, 4, 9 & 10 April

CPC Nat / International Driver CPC Digital Tachograph Drivers’ Hours Tachograph Analysis

For information contact Jemma: Call 01529 414242 / 303333 or visit: www.sleafordian.co.uk PVC DRIVER CPC TRAINING CREATED BY A COACH COMPANY FOR THE COACHING INDUSTRY

1 ) 0 5 0 4

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$ 0 0 6 3

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BLACKPOOL TRIM SHOPS LTD BRUN GROVE BLACKPOOL FY1 6PG

01253 766762

Stock set of Esteban seats to fit Iriza Century coach £2200+VAT

Stock set of Plaxton Premiere seats, newly trimmed £2200+VAT

Stock set of Plaxton Premiere seats, newly trimmed. £1800+VAT.

Full set of 70 Cogent school bus seat covers, cut and sewn. £1000+VAT

Vogal service seats, brand new.

9 doubles, 3 singles. £75+VAT per double £35+VAT per single

Vogal India service seats in red moquette.

9 doubles, 3 singles. £75+VAT per double £35+VAT per single

We have full sets of pads for Esteban Civic V2, plus spares and other service seats in stock

/blackpooltrimshops sales@blackpooltrimshops.co.uk

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March 13, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59

VEHICLE SPARES

TRIM

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales

COACH TRIMMERS LTD

Supplying the Bus and Coach Industry with quality seat retrims and interior refurbishment.

Full floors re-laid and centre gangways.

Collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK, seven days a week.

OUR SERVICES: •

Recovery

•

Testing

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

•

Tel/Fax: 01751 472229

• • • • •

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DISMANTLING/SPARES:

Refurbishment Repairs

Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding

Buying & selling vehicles

• • • • • •

Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows

Windscreens Seats

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

TYRE EQUIPMENT

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE

TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY

Call 01226 723147 Night Service 01226 716479 Fax 01226 700199 Email wigleys@btconnect.com

www.twigley.com

60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | March 13, 2013

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

Mum’s the word Three mums from across Aberdeen got a very pleasant surprise this week ahead of Mother’s Day. Their sons and daughters entered a competition run by First Aberdeen, which saw the winners have their personal Mother’s Day message displayed on buses in the city.

One of the three winners, Donna Edmonstone, 33, was moved to tears when she saw what her daughters Erin (14) and Charleigh (3) had entered. The message read: “Mum, you are the best mum ever, never letting us down and doing your best for us. After losing Dad you never lost hope, you made us feel happy all the time. You are the best mum Charleigh and me could ever have. We love you mum! Lots of love from your two troublemakers – Erin & Charleigh.”

Donna said: “Tragically my husband, Brian, who was a bus driver at First for around 15 years, died from cancer last year. It’s been a difficult time for the family, but we’ve rallied round and supported each other really well. I had no idea Erin had entered the competition – I’m really proud of them both and thrilled with my message.”

Kim Quinlan, 33, loved her Mother’s Day present. Her children Josh (8) and Chelsea (12) entered the competition and concocted an excuse to visit the First Aberdeen depot and so were able to keep their message a surprise. The message reads: “You are the best Mum in the whole world. We love you so much. Chelsea and Josh xxx.”

Kim said: “I’m totally taken aback. What a wonderful surprise. I can’t believe my kids have done this for me. It’s the best Mother’s Day present I’ve ever had.”

Dilbert

Monday Andrew here. Busy press day this week, putting the finishing touches to our Abellio issue. A later-than-usual finish was feared but we managed to ensure we were out the office by 2000hrs.

From back to front and left to right: Graeme Bell and his mum Helen Stewart; Erin and Charlie with their mum Donna Edmonstone; and Chelsea Quinlan with her Mum Kim and brother Josh First Aberdeen’s final winner was Helen Stewart. Helen’s son, Graeme Bell, added a touch of humour: “Ma, if you’re reading this, you have missed your bus!! Love Graeme.”

Graeme said: “I heard about the competition and entered as a bit of a joke. I didn’t expect to win, but I’m glad I did. My Mum’s a good sport and is a regular user of the bus and she certainly saw the funny side.”

Helen added: “It’s the most original Mother’s Day present that Graeme has given me! It’s good fun, very sweet and typical of Graeme.”

First Aberdeen ran its competition to pay tribute to Mums

across the city. The messages are now on display on the back of three buses and will remain in service for at least a week. The firm also treated the winners to a photoshoot with their Mother’s Day messages.

First Aberdeen’s Marketing Manager Paula Middleton, who came up with the idea, said: “We got a fantastic response from customers. Many of the messages tugged the heartstrings, while others were very funny. I think we’ve got a really good mix of winners. It’s definitely an idea that has worked and one that we’ll run again in the future.”

Tuesday Spent the morning planning for some future issues. In the afternoon, took the train down to London for pteg’s Parliamentary Reception. It took place at the Terrace Pavilion which overlooked the Thames – a great setting considering what a fine day it was. Caught up with ex-colleague Meera and spoke with Graham Stringer and Louise Ellman from the Transport Select Committee and Stephen Joseph from Campaign for Better Transport. The evening was spent watching the controversial Champions League match between Real Madrid and Manchester United – should Nani have been sent off? A refereeing decision goes against Sir Alex for once…

Wednesday Back to Westminster for Greener Journeys’ Behaviour Change Lab. It was interesting to hear what initiatives have been taking place although it was clear some had been more effective than others.

Back in the office, I interviewed National Express’ Heather McDonald (p38) who showed a real passion for the company.

Thursday Lots of things on the go, namely writing up articles and interviews for this issue. Martin’s busy week takes him to the Plastisol factory in Holland to see the manufacture of Optare’s Bonito minibus. Gareth heads up to MAN in Trafford Park, Manchester, to get an update on the vehicle manufacturer.

Friday Carry on with my Greener Journeys’ article. A regular caller fills me in on some industry gossip. He’s often on the ball with rumours so I make a note to remember to follow up some leads.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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RECRUITMENT & people

March 13, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61

In association with

Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm Contact Ian Gillis T: 01733 293484 E: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

Simon Wood to run London Marathon Alexander Dennis and Plaxton Area Sales Manager, Simon Wood, is running the London Marathon with the target of raising at least £2000 for his nominated charity, Children With Cancer UK. This is a charity, supported solely by donations, who work tirelessly to raise money to support not only research into the causes and potential cures for all types of childhood cancer, but also help fund care for children with the disease, easing the burden on parents at the most traumatic of times.

Simon has been in training since the Autumn for the event, and is confident the graft will pay off as the big day approaches on April 21. “It’s been a long road but the

Operations Director

London, competitive salary plus benefits Simon Wood motivation of supporting such a fantastic cause, and one very dear to my heart, has been the driving force, every step of the way,” he said. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the support of friends and colleagues in the industry and I’d like to thank them for all they’ve pledged.”

Donations can be made directly on his fundraising webpage at http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ SimonWood1309

HCT Group is an award-winning social enterprise in the transport industry, operating from depots in London, West Yorkshire, Humberside, Bristol and the Channel Islands. We deliver a range of high quality transport services – from London red buses to social services transport, from school transport to Park and Ride, from community transport to education and training. We reinvest the surplus from our commercial work back into further transport services or high-impact projects in the communities we serve.

Following a period of rapid growth, we are seeking an experienced operations professional to ensure the Group provides safe, compliant, punctual, reliable, high quality and cost effective transport service across all areas of its operation.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and forming an integral part of the leadership team, the postholder will lead our drive to continuously improve our operational and financial performance across all metrics.

EXPERIENCED PCV MECHANICS REQUIRED

Paul Clark Services are the leading provider of skilled engineering support to the UKʼS major Bus Operators, Manufacturers and NHS Ambulance Trusts.

Due to continued expansion we are looking to increase our team of experienced skilled Bus, Coach & Emergency Service Vehicle Mechanics supporting the industry across the United Kingdom.

Benefits include: • Service van • Excellent rates of pay • Contributory pension scheme

PAYE or self employed considered.

For more information and to request an application form, contact Paul on 01793 613 122 or send a CV to info@paulclarkservices.co.uk

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of operations excellence, preferably in the UK bus industry, combining strong business acumen, financial management/cost control skills and the ability to drive up operational performance in a way that makes a real difference to the bottom line.

As the Group continues to grow rapidly, the post holder will need a high level of strategic awareness and the initiative to develop and implement new systems, policies and processes as necessary, effectively managing change.

A skilled communicator and negotiator, the successful candidate will also have the people skills to lead, motivate and develop the Group’s operations team.

For the full job description and person specification job description, please visit www.hctgroup.org/jobs. No agencies please.

To apply for the post, please send a CV with covering letter to the Chief Executive’s office care of susandixon@hctgroup.org. Closing date for applications is 29 March 2013.

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WORKSHOP MANAGER Bournemouth Transport Ltd (Yellow Buses)

A Workshop Manager vacancy exists at our Bournemouth Depot which operates over 150 vehicles, both coach and bus.

Reporting to the Engineering Director you will be responsible for providing support to our operations by Â&#x2030;Č&#x161;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â?Â&#x161;Â&#x2030; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2030; Â&#x201C;Â&#x160; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2013; ČŁÂ&#x2030;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2018;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2019; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2013;Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x152;Â&#x201C;Â&#x201D;Ä˝ Applicants must have appropriate engineering Â&#x2022;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2026;Â?Â?Č?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2DC;Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Äş Â&#x2020;Â&#x2030; Â&#x160;Â&#x2122;Â?Â?Â? Â&#x2026;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2030; Â&#x201C;Â&#x160; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2030; requirements and good personnel management skills. Â&#x2013;Â&#x2030;Â&#x161;Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2122;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2013;Â&#x161;Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2013;Â? Â&#x2030;Â&#x153;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2013;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2030; Â?Â&#x2019; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x152;Â&#x2030; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2030; Â&#x160;Â?Â&#x2030;Â?Â&#x2C6; Â?Â&#x2014; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2020;Â?Â&#x2030;Ä˝ Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2030; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2C6; Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201D;Â?Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2DC;Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2019;Äş Â&#x203A;Â?Â&#x2DC;Â&#x152; Â&#x2026; Â&#x2021;Â&#x201C;Â&#x201D;Â? Â&#x201C;Â&#x160; Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2013; Äş Â&#x2DC;Â&#x201C; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014; Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x152; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Äş Â&#x2030;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2026;Â?Äş Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x152;Äş Â&#x201C;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2DC; Ć? Ć&#x2014; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2020;Â? Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â?Â? Â&#x2DC;Â&#x201C; cging@yellowbuses.co.uk Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2030;Äź Ć&#x2030;Ć? Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x152; Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x2021;Ć&#x2C6;Ć&#x160;Ä˝

PCV/PSV TECHNICIAN/FITTER Bournemouth Transport Ltd (Yellow Buses)

Ĺ&#x2014; Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â&#x152;Â&#x2019;Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Ĺ&#x2014; Â?Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2013; Â&#x161;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x2030;Â&#x153;Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2013; Bournemouth Depot which operates 150 vehicles, both bus and coach. Â&#x152;Â&#x2030; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2014;Â&#x160;Â&#x2122;Â? Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201D;Â?Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x203A;Â?Â?Â? Â&#x17D;Â&#x201C;Â?Â&#x2019; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2030;Â&#x153;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2013;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2C6; maintenance team and carry out vehicle inspections, Â&#x2C6;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2019;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2014;Äş Â&#x2013;Â&#x2030;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014; Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2122;Â&#x2C6;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039; Â&#x201C; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2030;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2DC;Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2019;Ä˝ Â&#x152;Â&#x2030; Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2C6;Â?Â&#x161;Â?Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2026;Â? Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2030; Â&#x2021;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC;Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2014; Â&#x203A;Â?Â&#x2DC;Â&#x152; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC;Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2019; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x201C; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2026;Â?Â? Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2026; Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2030; Â?Â&#x2014; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x161;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2030;Ä˝ Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2030; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2C6; Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201D;Â?Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2DC;Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2019;Äş Â&#x203A;Â&#x152;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x152; Â&#x2014;Â&#x152;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â?Â&#x2C6; Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2122;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2030; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2026;Â?Â?Â&#x2014; Â&#x201C;Â&#x160; Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x201C;Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x152;Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2013;Â? Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2026;Â?Â?Â&#x160;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2DC;Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Äş Â&#x2DC;Â&#x201C; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014; Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039;Äş Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x152; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Äş Â&#x2030;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2026;Â?Äş Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x152;Äş Â&#x201C;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2DC; Ć? Ć&#x2014; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2020;Â? Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â?Â? Â&#x2DC;Â&#x201C; cging@yellowbuses.co.uk Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2030;Äź Ć&#x2030;Ć? Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x152; Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x2021;Ć&#x2C6;Ć&#x160;Ä˝

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RECRUITMENT & people

March 13, 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

Gareth Stevens returns to Cardiff Bus Cardiff Bus has appointed Gareth Stevens as its Business Development Manager in this newly created role.

With close on 15 years expertise in the passenger transport industry, Gareth rejoins Cardiff Bus from First UK Bus, where he was their Regional Development Manager, covering West & Wales. Previously Gareth worked for Arriva UK Trains’ Road Transport Section as Commercial Manager. Gareth also worked for Cardiff Bus within the commercial team providing him with extensive knowledge of the organisation and the passenger transport industry.

Konectbus Managing Director retires

After more than 40 years in the bus industry Steve Challis is retiring from the position of Managing Director, Konectbus at the end of March.

Steve formed Konectbus in August 1999 with his wife Mags and fellow directors Julian Patterson and Andrew Warnes having held a number of positions with First Eastern Counties and its predecessor companies. The

Gareth Stevens Gareth will be responsible for developing new and exciting strategic opportunities for the company for profitable growth, and embedding a culture of enterprise and innovation within the organisation. He will work closely with stakeholders to ensure close, collaborative working and company quickly established a reputation for quality and was sold to Go-Ahead in March 2010. During his tenure, Steve successfully managed the transition from independent business to plc subsidiary, as well as the completion of a depot expansion at Dereham.

Steve is succeeded as Managing Director by Julian Patterson who moves from the position of Operations & Commercial Director.

David Brown, Go-Ahead Group Chief Executive said: “Konectbus is renowned for its focus on providing a high quality service, I would like to thank Steve for his hard work and commitment and wish him well for the future.”

development of Cardiff Bus. Welcoming Gareth back to his team Associate Commercial Director, Peter Heath, said the experience Gareth brings to the Senior Management team will play a key role in ensuring Cardiff Bus provides a quality bus service for the capital city. He said: “We are thrilled to have Gareth back and his experience will be invaluable in taking us forward in building vital partnerships, and developing products and services to provide the best deal for all our customers.”

Talking about his new role Gareth added: “The chance to return back to Cardiff Bus in this wide ranging senior role is an exciting challenge and one that I am going to enjoy. The company has undergone a lot of change recently and being part of the leadership team the focus the business and delivery for our customers will be an extremely satisfying and rewarding opportunity.”

Steve Challis pictured on the left with his successor Julian Patterson

Peter Knight to retires from Evobus After more than 10 years with EvoBus, Peter Knight has retired from his position as Area Manager, Coach Sales for London and South East.

Before joining Evobus he worked sold coach chassis to dealers on behalf of Alexander Dennis Specialist Vehicles and this was Peter’s first experience of working for a coach dealer. “I had visited most of the leading coach operators during that time and knew most of the larger operators in London and the South East, two of which being Epsom Coaches and Allied Coaches, who both ran Dennis vehicles and gave me references for my new position at EvoBus,” said Peter.

During his time within the bus and coach sector, Peter, has built on his wide range of professional skills including customer service, sales management and business development.

“It was a bit of a culture shock at first, but I soon settled in and remember my first deal well, selling two S415HDs to Hellyers of Fareham in Gosport; I was thrilled.

In my first year I managed to sell 19 new Setra coaches and 22 used vehicles,” he said.

Mike Beagrie, Director Coach Sales at EvoBus commented: “Peter’s steady professional approach and dogged determination to close the deal, has gained him respect across our Industry and he has been a real ambassador for EvoBus in the South of England.”

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682351-1075-CVShow

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