Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1083

Wednesday April 17, 2013 Issue 1083 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

First pic of Parrys International's new Neoplan Starliner p8

OPINION:

ATCO's David Blainey on how tendering has changed p38

BUS:

First disposes of most of its London bus operations p4

SOCIAL MEDIA:

How Nat Ex deals with its 100,000 Facebook followers p28

for recruitm

JOB ADVE ent EVERY WERTS EK

RECRUIT N

OW

Cardiff: investing for the future p20

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this week

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

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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.

EV’s proving their worth?

N

ottingham City Council’s (NCC) move to obtain a further 20 electric buses (see page 6) seems like a giant leap forward but having already been operating eight of them, quite successfully, in daily service it does not constitute the huge leap of faith such a move suggests.

While zero emissions at the point of use combined with cheaper operating costs are extremely attractive to any cash-strapped transport authority, NCC has at least seized the opportunity to benefit from the Green Bus Fund in order to offset a large proportion of the additional cost.

Nottingham is also a very good place to be experimenting with electric buses.

Ridership is generally good and there plenty of routes where they can run which are not too challenging in terms of terrain or distance. It has well used park and ride sites which present ample opportunity for placing charging stations where buses can obtain a top-up during layovers or lunch breaks in order to ensure they

have adequate reserves of energy in their batteries to complete a full day’s work.

The current scenario of successful operation with a Solo-sized vehicle seems to be one of viability. However, extend the length and weight significantly and it seems a tipping point is quickly reached.

Excitement over BYD’s (and others) 12m electric buses has waned somewhat as huge numbers are now being taken out of service in China. Closer to home, followers of industry blogs may have noticed recent pictures of the 10 New Zealand-built DesignLine electric buses originally operated by Stagecoach on behalf of Nexus on Quay Link services in Newcastle.

The buses are now stacked, one on top of the other, in a North East breaker’s yard – a sad and wasteful end to a huge investment. If the NCC Solo EV’s ever did fail – at least they could be easily repowered thanks to the modular powerpack system Optare employs.

Martin Cole Technical Editor

CONTENTS 4

26

36

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

16

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

28

Bringing you all the latest ideas to help make your life easier

A new quartet of hybrid vehicles and route changes for First Essex.

18

Sally Jawkesford gives an insight into NXs use of social media

32

ATCO Chairman David Blainy on operator relationships with LTAs

...from tourist attractions and events. Plus ideas for group visits

20

G-Line Holidays’ new Plaxton Panther-bodied Volvo B9R

34

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Office Diary column

A long overdue update from the Welsh municipal operator

Cycle awareness programme introduced for Stagecoach drivers

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

News Focus Tour News

Cardiff Bus

Deliveries

NX Social Media Big Picture Drivers

Products

38

Open Platform

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.

For all your relief coach driver needs call us today 0845 2416 288 www.justcoachdrivers.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 17, 2013

news

“As a team, we’ve each adopted a route to look after. The analogy is if we made baked beans, we would expect managers to eat them.”

Peter Heath Cardiff Bus

briefly National Express Group CEO Dean Finch exercised his vested awards of 73,863 performance and 73,863 matching share awards granted under the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) on March 15, 2010. However, on April 9, 2013 Mr Finch sold 69,571 shares at a price of 195.89 pence per share and retained 78,155 shares. The shares were sold to meet the tax liability arising on the exercise of the awards. Mr Finch’s total shareholding has increased from 174,372 to 252,527, which represents 0.049% of the total voting rights in the company.

AOT Coaches is launching a new bus service for the Hucknall area. The firm is to operate the Route 8 service from Beauvale to Milton Street in Nottingham city centre from April 22. The fare from Hucknall to Nottingham will be £2, with £3.50 return and a weekly pass priced at £15. The company is hosting a prelaunch event on Saturday, April 20, where members of the public can try the service for free and collect a discount voucher for a seven-day ticket at a special launch price of £10.

Brighton & Hove fares are set to rise. The increase is the third price rise in 18 months, while passenger numbers have increased year-on-year to approximately 50 million per annum. In a bulletin sent to the firm’s staff, the operater said the increases were to combat further rising fuel and insurance costs. It added: “We will, however, be continuing to do special offers on longer-term tickets and m-tickets, and our saver range available on the key will continue to offer exceptional value.” The new tariffs will be introduced on April 21, with single fares increasing from £2.20 to £2.30, day savers from £4.40 to £4.60 and a day’s travel through the key smartcard increasing from £3.50 to £3.90, the largest increase at 11.4%.

FirstGroup has donated £10,000 to support Save the Children’s Emergency Appeal for Syria. First has supported Save the Children since 2007 and since then has donated over £4.6m. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Operator Update p20

First confirms London sell-off The group has effectively exited the capital as part of its ongoing strategy to reposition its UK Bus division After months of speculation, FirstGroup announced the sale of eight of its London bus depots on April 9.

The garages at Alperton, Greenford, Hayes, Uxbridge and Willesden Junction, along with 494 vehicles and approximately 1,700 employees, will transfer to Metroline on completion of the sale for a gross consideration of £57.5m.

Metroline is of course, an existing London bus operator and whollyowned subsidiary of Comfort DelGro Corporation Limited, a Singapore-incorporated transport group, which also owns London coach firm Westbus.

Atlas Road, Lea Interchange and Westbourne Park, along with 400 vehicles and 1,500 employees, will transfer to Transit Systems Group, an Australian transport firm, on completion of the sale for a gross consideration of £21.3m.

Transit Systems, which will operate in the capital as Tower Transit, runs metropolitan bus contracts in the Australian cities of Perth, Sydney and Adelaide, comprising 1,000 buses and more than 2,000 employees. In addition, the firm claims it will be the only operator of hydrogen-powered Wright Pulsars in London.

Both disposals are subject to the necessary regulatory approvals including contractual obligations with TfL.

Asked to comment on speculation about the future of First’s soon to be sole-remaining London garage, Dagenham, a FirstGroup spokesman told CBW: “The long term future of the depot is under review. There are several options available including exploring alternatives for sale of the property or incorporating the routes into First’s nearby operations in Essex.”

Giles Fearnley, First’s Managing Director UK Bus, said: “Our strategy is to focus on those areas of the country which offer the greatest potential and while we have been a key operator in London for many years, our focus going forward is on the deregulated market outside of the capital.

“The decision is a business driven one and does not reflect on the effort, commitment or individual performance of our employees in London and we will be supporting them fully as they

Routes 23 and RV1 will both transfer to Tower Transit

transfer to their new employers.

Over the years we have enjoyed a constructive relationship with Transport for London and look forward to working closely with them to ensure this transfer goes ahead as smoothly as possible.”

ComfortDelGro CEO Kua Hong Pak said: “We are naturally excited about the expansion of our business in London through this acquisition and will continue to work hard at providing a high quality of service to our customers.”

Transit Systems CEO Clint Feuerherdt said: “We’ll be taking best practice from all of our operating contracts, working successfully with Government and private companies, to ensure the transition is smooth and our service to passengers and Transport for London exceeds expectations.”

This news coincides with FirstGroup’s pre-close trading update for the year ended March 31, 2013.

The group said overall trading is in line with management’s expectations and during the period it achieved steady growth with like-for-like passenger revenue expected to increase by 2.4% with full year operating margin to be approximately 8%. In addition, recovery programmes in First Student and UK Bus are on track while First Transit achieved strong contract performance and sale of Support Services, consistent with strategy to focus on core businesses.

Greyhound Express continues to expand, offsetting the impact of the weaker economy and there is continued strong passenger volume and revenue growth in UK Rail.

Tim O’Toole, Chief Executive, said: “Trading during the period is in line with our expectations.

Although there remains significant work still to be done, we are satisfied with the progress made so far. While remaining cautious in respect of continued challenging economic conditions, we are confident the actions we are taking will position the business to generate sustainable growth and improved returns.”

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April 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5

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

Upbeat atmosphere at this year’s CV Show The NEC in Birmingham was home to the CV Show between April 9 and 11 last week.

As this issue went to press, official visitor numbers had not been released, but during the event, show organiser Bob Sockl expected visitor numbers to reach 16,000, around the same as last year’s event.

The mood was buoyant among exhibitors however. MD of SOMERSTOTALKARE Tim Jackson said: “The lifts really did attract a lot of quality enquiries and we have come away from the show with dozens of concrete leads.

“Over the next 12 months we expect many of these to be turned into confirmed sales and there has

also been a lot of interest in our comprehensive service and repair offering.

“The CV Show also gave us the chance to catch up with many existing customers, as well as meeting new ones, while enabling us to network with others in the industry.”

Michael Kamper, MD Commercial Vehicles at Mercedes-Benz UK, told

SOMERSTOTALKARE’s lifts received plenty of inquiries at the show

Trial of free bus travel for school children in Cardiff A review has been launched into whether free transport to and from school could be provided in Cardiff, The Western Mail has reported.

It is one of six options being considered as an alternative way the council could provide home to school transport. Currently, the local authority spends £2.5m a year transporting 5,200 youngsters through 85 private coach contracts.

Cllr Ralph Cook, cabinet member for transport, said the contracts with coach firms were unaffordable.

As well as a cost-saving, Cllr Cook hopes free bus travel will encourage the city’s youngsters to continue to use public transport once they leave school.

“If we were creating a culture of public transport use through taking kids to school I could see a significant benefit, but we are not doing that,” he said.

“I spoke to children and they all said they do not use buses but are perfectly happy to use coaches.

“But if you grow up using public

Commercial Motor: “It’s been really good and the stand has been really busy. People have made quite an effort in coming back. I have been given the opportunity to speak to many operators of commercial vehicles and I think the overall impression is how optimistic they are since last year.”

Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin paid a visit to the event to speak with CV Show partners. He also test drove the Nissan Leaf electric car, saying: “This was my first experience of an electric vehicle. It’s an emerging technology which is suited to the big cities. Having a range of electric vehicles is important, but there needs to be more charging points.”

Exhibition space booked across the three halls had increased by 2100m2 this year.

Next week’s Minibus in CBW will feature a round-up of minibus news from the event.

The 2014 CV Show will take place on April 29 to May 1. transport all the time, whether it’s cool or not does not become a part of it, it’s just how you get around.”

Talks will also be held with operators such as Cardiff Bus to see if they would be prepared to transport schoolchildren before and after school at reduced fares.

Peter Heath, of Cardiff Bus, said: “From our point of view it’s a sensible move where there is duplication between a school coach and the local bus network.”

The council recently stopped £52,000 in funding for two discretionary services. The LA will look at whether it can afford to pay for those affected to travel for free on existing local bus services.

Paul Clark Services gains quality certification Paul Clark Services’ Quality Management System, BS EN ISO 9001 has been certified by ISOQAR UKAS. Over the past six months the business has been working hard to produce a quality management system specifically designed around the internal processes which dovetail together ensuring consistent customer service.

The business provides engineering support to operators and manufacturers in the bus and coach industry, aswell as the NHS ambulance service.

Additionally the new Customer Charter/Code of Practice has been designed to complement and further support customer care with published details of the mission statement “To be the first choice provider for engineering support to the Road Transport Industry.”

In addition, customer satisfaction surveys are regularly conducted and the information gathered is used to help improve with the designing and producing a high quality product.

PCS is also a member of the Freight Transport Association, with the entirity of the Management team full members of the SOE/ IRTE. Details of the firm’s Quality Management System and Customer Charter are available at www.paulclarkservices.co.uk

Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance Compliance Services

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

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news › BUSeS

100k

Milestone achieved for ‘likes’ on the National Express Facebook page

briefly Metrobus has lost three routes in the latest London Buses route tendering tranche to Stagecoach, amounting to 14 buses worth of work. The clockwise/ anticlockwise R5/ R10 Orpington Circular, via Cudham & Knockholt and service R7 Orpington Circular, via Bickley Station, will transfer to Stagecoach from December 7.

November 30 will mark the end 25 years of operation by Metrobus or route 261 Lewisham – Princess Royal Hospital, when it moves to Stagecoach. London Sovereign will need to acquire nine new doubledeckers by December 7 for route 292 (Borehamwood – Colindale), which it has retained. School bus route 603, which runs between Muswell Hill and Swiss Cottage, has been retained by Metroline, while Epsom Coaches’ Quality Line will continue to run the S1 Mitcham – Banstead. Stagecoach will still operate the 51 route, which links Woolwich with Orpington Station, using a mix of new and existing double deckers. All the aforementioned routes have been awarded on the basis of using conventional diesel engined buses.

The East Anglian Railway Museum at Wakes Colne, Essex is holding a Transport Extravaganza over the weekend of May 11/12. A selection of vintage cars, vans, lorries buses and tractors will be on display on in the exhibition field. There will also be a vintage steam train in operation providing unlimited rides plus miniature railway rides.

The museum has said attendees are welcome to bring along their own classic or vintage vehicles for exhibition, but are requested to call 01206 242524 beforehand. For details, Visit www.earm.co.uk English Heritage will advise the Government to give Preston bus station listed status.

The body is preparing a report which it will give to architecture minister Ed Vaizey recommending the building be protected. The response is expected to draw on the arguments which saw two separate ministers throw out previous applications submitted by heritage lobby, the 20th Century Society. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Nottingham boosts EV fleet The 20 new vehicles join the eight Solo EVs already in service in the city An order for 20 Optare electric buses from Nottingham City Council (NCC) means the city is taking a lead in the introduction of this advanced technology into its public transport network. It is believed Nottingham will have the largest free-running EV bus fleet in Europe.

NCC already has eight Optare Solo EVs in daily operation delivering a quieter, smoother and emissions-free travelling experience for passengers on its high frequency CentreLink and MediLink city centre services. They have proved highly popular with users and are contributing to the City’s ambitious target of achieving a reduction of 26% in carbon emissions by 2020 when compared with the levels in 2005.

Councillor Jane Urquhart, portfolio holder for Planning and Transportation at NCCl, said: “This is a welcome addition to our fleet of buses. We have award winning public transport in Nottingham

and a strong commitment to the environment. These buses will help us to continue leading the way in efficient, greener transportation.”

The new order consolidates Optare’s position as the UK and Europe’s leading manufacturer of full-size, commercially viable battery-powered electric buses.

This status was confirmed in

When the 20 Solos are delivered, Nottingham may have the largest freerunning EV bus fleet in Europe

Prentice introduces mobile app

East Lothian-based operator Prentice Coaches has introduced a new smartphone app.

Passengers with an Android phone can now download the app to view live vehicle tracking, timetables, contact details, links to social media sites and more. The company hopes to have a version for iPhone available shortly.

Ross Prentice told CBW: “The main reason for having the app is for the live bus tracking. We have recently moved onto the Pinpointers tracking system. Now passengers can find out where our buses are at the press of a couple of buttons.

“We also have all the timetable information and our contact details

November last year when the company won the prestigious SMMT Innovation Award for its Versa EV model and associated fastcharging technology and is further underlined by successful operation of Solo EVs in Nottingham, Durham, Coventry, Dorset and at Heathrow Airport.

Optare’s Deputy CEO, Glenn Saint, said: “This is a significant and important order for Optare which validates the commitment we made three years ago to take the lead in electric bus technology in the UK. “The successful operation of our EV models in Nottingham and elsewhere has proved beyond doubt this technology is both

A handy app for Prentice passengers are very easy to access.

“Furthermore, there is the option to include a live ‘album’ tab which we might add, where people could upload their own photos. This would create more interaction.”

The app also doubles up as a mobile website. When entering the standard site via a mobile devise, users are asked whether they would like to be directed to the

app instead.

“We try and stay as up to date as possible with technology when it is of benefit to the business,” Ross added. “For example, we have been using social media for a few years now.

“We decided to introduce the app as we have been using Google Analytics for a while now and the percentage of people who visit the website on mobile devises is rising all the time.

“We can see the tracking on our desktop computers but an effective use is someone standing at the bus stop. It’s all about instilling confidence and trying to attract people out of their cars. East Lothian Council is also very happy with our decision to introduce the app.”

For more information go to www.prentice.info. Android phone users can download the app for free from the Google Play store.

15/04/2013 17:35

60

Number of new vehicles Cardiff Bus is currently procuring

technically and commercially viable and electric buses have a place in the public transport scene both here in Britain and around the world.”

The NCC order is for 10 each of Optare’s Solo SR midibus model and the larger Versa model. Although the Nottingham specifications have yet to be finalised, the largest Solo SR model can carry up to 33 seated passengers plus standees and the largest version of Versa can carry up to 40 passengers plus standees.

Each bus will be equipped with a rapid charge system allowing the use of charging stations installed at the Queen’s Drive Park and Ride site on the outskirts of the city. This technology allows ‘opportunity charging’ during lunchtime layovers in the schedule to enable their daily range to be effectively doubled.

Part of the financing for the new buses is coming from round three of the Government’s Green Bus Fund, which covers the additional cost of the electric driveline.

Initial purchase costs are further counteracted during the lifetime of each bus with savings of up to £8,000 a year on fuel alone, with daily recharging costs estimated at less than £10.00. Further savings will result from significantly reduced maintenance costs because of the relative simplicity and robustness of the electric propulsion system and from Road Fund Licence savings.

£54.8m

The turnover of Rotala plc for the financial year ended November 2012

New open-top guided tour bus for Oxford

City Sightseeing Oxford has announced the introduction of a new brand of open top hop on – hop off bus service in Oxford, operated by Tom Tappin.

Branded as “Guide Friday The Oxford Tour”, four newly acquired buses will be painted in a green livery and operate with both a live guide and recorded multi-lingual commentary. The name will help passengers identify the buses which have a guide on board.

The tour route is unchanged, with passengers given tickets which are interchangeable between the traditional red hop on – hop off City Sightseeing liveried buses which normally only have a recorded commentary and the green guided buses.

The four second hand buses which join the fleet meet DDA requirements and replace older Leyland Olympians. All are Dennis Tridents with Alexander bodies.

Two have been purchased from EnsignBus who have undertaken complete open top conversions while the other two, which have come from the Oxford Bus Company, have been converted to partial open top by Bus and Coach

New integrated bus concept from Cannon SV Cannon Specialist Vehicles is poised to launch its first ever fully integrated city bus, the Cannon 150BEL. Traditionally a bus chassis manufacturer, Company Director William Cannon said he was compelled to develop his own body to build upon his innovative, fullygalvanised low-floor bus chassis.

Mr Cannon said he was dismayed to find most independent body builders had been forced out of the market by the bigger players who were positioned to develop both chassis and bodies and had been unable to convince the larger body building companies to accept a donor chassis in order to develop a new city bus. With that, and armed with 20 years chassis-building experience, Mr Cannon has made his first foray into body building.

News6,7.indd 7

Cannon SV plans to target small to medium operators and seeks to concentrate on their requirements by delivering bespoke builds.

Cannon SV will provide aftersales and technical support for the bus chassis and body and will effectively constitute a “one-stop shop” for the small operator.

Cannon SV promises excellence in customer service by providing immediate supply of spare parts, which are shared with other manufacturers and will be in a position to supply parts for competitors’ vehicles.

The company is now in the preliminary stages of developing a 2.3m wide bus for the niche operator in the Channel Islands and subsequently in the UK and Ireland markets.

April 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7

SHARE WATCH

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

Most figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

396.70p

Price: Year High: 399.70p Year Low: 268.52p

The distinctive green livery makes the new service stand out from its red counterparts with recorded commentary World of Blackburn. The buses were introduced into the fleet during the last couple of weeks as soon as the pictorial vinyls were applied.

Over the next few months, the whole fleet will be brought up to Euro 5 equivalent specification for NOx emissions to meet the requirements of the LEZ. Jane Marshall, Tom Tappin General Manager, said: “We see this as a very positive step in supporting both the long established popular City Sightseeing brand and the aspirations of the Local Authorities in improving the air quality of Oxford City Centre”.

CANNON 150BEL SPECIFICATION Vehicle Dimensions and Weights ■ Width: 2.444m ■ Wheelbase: 4.4m ■ Overall length: 9.475m, with optional Lengths: 8.9m, 10.2m, 10.8 ■ Seating: 32 seats & wheelchair ■ Front axle design weight: 5000kgs ■ Rear axle: 8,250kg ■ Gross Weight: 12,150kgs Driveline ■ Engine: Cummins ISBE 4 cylinder 4.5 litre Euro 5 160bhp at 2500 rpm ■ Transmission: Allison 2100, 4-5 speed with Telma retarder ■ Steering: ZF 8095 steering column, air-release/ lock ■ Chassis Frame: All welded, hot-dipped galvanised box and flat high grade steel, lifetime warranty against corrosion ■ Fuel Tank: Aluminium 220 litre fast-fill anti-foaming system ■ Ad blue 22l stainless steel tank.

214.15p

Price: Year High: 267.00p Year Low: 174.60p

1537.5p

Price: Year High: 1559.0p Year Low: 1074.0p

199.55p

Price: Year High: 250.00p Year Low: 162.90p

297.05p

Price: Year High: 321.50p Year Low: 227.90p

0.35p

Price: Year High: 0.87p Year Low: 0.30p

44.50p

Price: Year High: 46.98p Year Low: 36.00p

79.00p

Price: Year High: 88.20p Year Low: 62.29p

14.00p

Price: Year High: 19.50p Year Low: 8.25p

+9.10 on last week

+13.05 on last week

+101.0 on last week

+3.25 on last week

+0.70 on last week

+0.03 on last week

+0.00 on last week

-2.60 on last week

+0.25 on last week

FTSE 100

6,331

Index: Year High: 6,529 Year Low: 5,260

+64 on last week

www.coachandbusweek.com

15/04/2013 17:37

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 17, 2013

news › coaches

briefly Charmouth Road car park, located towards the north east of Lyme Regis, Dorset has been closed to buses and coaches from Monday, April 15, for approximately 16 months.

The closure is required to accommodate the environmental improvement and coast protection works. All bus and coach drivers are required to find alternative parking arrangements during this busy period. Except for limited coach parking at Holbush Car Park, Sidmouth Road, coach parking within the town is not permitted during this period.

Resurfacing works begin on April 24 on the southbound carriageway of the A1 between Derwenthaugh Interchange and Lobley Hill Interchange on the Newcastle Gateshead Western Bypass. The work is due to be completed by May 13 and takes place overnight, (except on Sundays) between 2000 and 0600hrs. Saturday morning working times are extended to 0700 and on Sunday mornings to 0900hrs. Work will be carried out in four phases, with two junctions of the southbound A1 closed at a time. During phase one, the A1 will close from the Derwenthaugh Interchange to the Metro Centre Interchange, with a diversion in place along the A694, A1114 and Scotswood view before rejoining the A1 from Hollinside Road. This work is planned for April 24 and 25. In phase two, the A1 closes from the Metro Centre Interchange to Dunston Interchange. The diversion goes along Market Lane to rejoin the A1 from Park Terrace. This work is planned for April 26, 27 and 29 to May 2. Phase three will see the A1 close from Dunston Interchange to Consett Interchange, with a diversion along Dunston Road, St Omers Road, the A1114 and the A184 before rejoining the A1 at Consett Interchange. This is in effect on May 3, 7 and 8. The final phase, planned for May 9, 10, 13 and 14, will close the A1 southbound from Consett Interchange and Lobley Hill Interchange. The diversion will take road users along the A184 and the B601 before rejoining at Lobley Hill Interchange. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Caber Coaches loses contract following director conviction Kenneth Carey is banned for six years with concerns raised about mental health following a separate incident in January Caber Coaches has lost a school bus contract after one of its directors was charged with being drunk while driving a vehicle full of schoolchildren for 20 miles, The Courier reported.

Perth and Kinross Council confirmed that the contract with Kenneth Carey, 56, was terminated immediately following his arrest last year on a drink-driving charge.

It emerged during his appearance at Perth Sheriff Court on Tuesday, April 9, that his company had previously been contracted to transport Breadalbane Academy pupils from their homes to Breadalbane Community Campus in Aberfeldy, in a contract worth £40,000 per year.

Carey was banned from driving for six years, after he admitted that,

Parrys adds coach for tour season

Parrys International is adding a 16th vehicle to its fleet, which it said was to ensure all its 2013 holidays are delivered in what may be its final year of operation.

Parrys has not taken any bookings for next year but is delivering a full programme of tours and holidays this year, with Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and Holland among the destinations.

The 50-seat MAN Neoplan Starliner coach has been made to owner Dave Parry’s specifications in Germany and has been painted in the company’s burgundy and gold livery. It is also to be entered in the 2013 UK Coach Rally which is being held this year at Alton Towers on April 20 and 21.

on June 21 last year he drove while under excessive influence of alcohol (105 mic). The legal limit is 35 mic.

He will have to sit the extended driving test after serving his ban.

Solicitor Paul Ralph, representing Carey, told the court the bus contract was lost after Carey was charged.

“The bus operator’s licence was lost and my client is no longer a director,” he said.

Mr Ralph told the court he hoped this incident would be a “wakeup call” for Carey but his client – who was treated as a missing person earlier this year – was later charged with a series of offences, including behaving in a threatening manner by standing on top of a bus and repeatedly shouting, uttering threats, banging on bus windows and waving a petrol can around, between January 23 and 24 at Birks View, Aberfeldy. These incidents were described by Mr Ralph as being akin to something out of 1970s comedy film National

Lampoon’s Animal House.

Sheriff Lindsay Foulis imposed a six-month compulsion order, a mental health disposal made by the court, for these charges and, as a result, admonished Carey. Carey is receiving treatment at Murray Royal Hospital in Perth.

A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council confirmed the contract, which began on August 19, 2008, was terminated on June 21, 2012, the day of the police involvement.

“The council’s public transport unit had not received any reports of Mr Carey drinking and driving prior to being apprehended by police at Breadalbane Academy,” he said.

“If we had known, we would have followed the allegation up as a matter of urgency and may have temporarily suspended Mr Carey’s authorisation to drive on the Perth and Kinross Council contracts until a full investigation had been concluded.”

The new 50-seat MAN Neoplan Starliner was purchased by Parrys International in anticipation of a busy tour season ahead The fleet will be sold if Mr Parry decides not to carry on or sell the business, which has an annual turnover of £5m, to a new owner.

An announcement is expected in the next few weeks on the future of the Cheslyn Hay-based firm.

Dave Parry originally announced in February he planned to shut

at the end of the year due to increasing regulation and costs.

He has since had a rethink after messages from customers urging him to stay in business.

Dave, who was 65 last month, said: “I hope to make a positive announcement in the next few weeks.”

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“Despite price increases and the cut in BSOG, last year prices for local bus service contracts fell by 6.7% and for home to school contracts by 7.7%.”

David Blainey ATCO

April 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

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Maynes win at David Urquhart Travel Awards

Edwards Coaches Commercial Director, Jason Edwards (top left) and Deputy Skills Minister, Jeff Cuthbert (top right) with Edwards Coaches staff members

Minister joins the learning drive at Edwards Coaches Welsh Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Jeff Cuthbert has visited the head office of South Wales-based Edwards Coaches to learn more about the accredited workforce development programme, currently being delivered to more than 400 staff across the operator.

The Minister received a tour of the firm’s site in Llantwit Fardre and heard from staff who are benefitting from the programme, which has been specifically designed for the firm. He also learned about the training academy which will soon be established.

The programme is being delivered with over £280,000 funding from the Welsh government’s Skills Growth Wales initiative, which is in turn funded by the European Social fund. The fund gives support to Welsh companies looking to up skill their workforce during periods of expansion.

Edwards Coaches has increased from 300 to 400 staff over the past 12 months and as a result of several new contracts plans to increase turnover by 15% over the year.

Each member of the workforce will complete a personalised version of the training programme and will gain a nationally recognised qualification. The training covers a range of jobrelated topics from personal effectiveness to customer service.

Cardiff-based learning and development firm Stratum worked closely with staff at Edwards Coaches to design a bespoke learning programme enabling staff

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to develop specific skills.

Director of Edwards Coaches Kelly Edwards said: “We strive to have a highly-skilled and motivated workforce. We are investing a lot of time into this programme and are committed to developing the highest quality employees. We are confident this will give us a competitive edge and help our workforce to excel at what they do.”

Clayton Watts, Commercial Director of Stratum, said: “We have a lot of experience working to develop skills and we have some examples of increased efficiency and bottom line savings as a result of company-wide training. Edwards Coaches is a successful company and a great example of an operator which is focused on the benefits of staff development.”

The Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Jeff Cuthbert, said: “It has been fascinating to see the innovative work which is taking place at Edwards Coaches. The team has used the programme to establish an effective learning culture across its sites. I am delighted to hear about plans to set up an in-house training academy as this will help the momentum of this programme to continue.

“A highly-skilled workforce in Wales will have a positive impact on employment and the economy.

We are committed to supporting companies like Edwards Coaches to sustain jobs and create further employment while up-skilling their workforce. They are setting an excellent example and I wish them the best of luck with future plans.”

Two Mayness Coaches tour drivers have received awards and recognition for their services from David Urquhart Travel (DUT).

Maynes Coaches has continually worked with DUT for the past 12 years, supplying coaches and experienced tour drivers to undertake both short weekend and extended tours around both the UK and Europe.

Maynes’ drivers been commended

by DUT for many years and this year is no exception with Both Dagmar Finlayson and Mark Breslin being awarded during the DUT driver performance awards 2012.

Following many commendations during the year, Dagmar was been awarded the David Urquhart Travel Driver of the Year 2012 for East Scotland. Mark has also received a certificate of distinction from DUT for his efforts.

This is not the first time Dagmar or Mark have been awarded from DUT – both have been awarded on several previous years for continually providing an excellent level of care to all passengers.

The awards are calculated from the scores compiled from DUT’s customer satisfaction responses, covering all tour drivers from across the UK which undertook tours for the company during the year.

Maynes coaches said it is proud to be associated with DUT and since 2004 has had vehicles touring in the recognisable DUT livery. On a recent tour David Urquhart himself said he was delighted by the service Maynes provide his passengers and he appreciates the effort every Maynes driver puts in to give all their passenger’s a “holiday to remember”.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 17, 2013

news › financial

Rotala pre-tax profit rise Rotala plc has announced a 10.5% rise in pre-tax profit from £1.88m to £2.08m – according to its final results for the year ended November 30, 2012.

While turnover decreased from £56.1m to £54.8m, the gross profit margin increased to 16.5% from 15.6%.

Chairman John Gunn described 2012 as being “one of profound and continuing change for the bus industry.”

The 20% cut in BSOG hit Rotala to the tune of £1m. Revenues in contracted services overall rose by 3% to £22.5m. However, Rotala said reductions in revenue resulted from further cutbacks in transport budgets in Worcestershire and, to a certain extent, in the Bristol area, following the withdrawal of some subsidised services. According to Mr Gunn, the group also lost “a number of marginally profitable subsidised contracts in the Centro operating area in circumstances where we refused to match unrealistic tender bids made by certain competitors.”

On that note, he added: “We have also not been drawn in to submitting unrealistic bids for local authority tenders and have thus deliberately relinquished some business in this area.”

Gatwick depot was closed at the end of 2011, with some of the work moving to Heathrow and the remainder being relinquished.

According to Mr Gunn: “This had some impact on the comparisons with 2012. We took this step because we did not consider we stood any realistic prospect of significant expansion in our business around Gatwick and because we felt our capital invested there would be better utilised elsewhere in the group. However, in contrast to this our revenues from corporate customers grew strongly in the year and more than compensated for the reductions in local authority business and the closure of the Gatwick depot.”

In line with its policy, the group has progressively reduced the amount of private hire coach www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsFinancial.indd 10

Rotala’s Hallmark coaching operation now makes up an increasingly small part of the business, private hire being a ‘risky business’ – the group said work it undertakes. “We have done this consciously because we judged the return on capital in this sector to be too low to justify continued investment,” explained Mr Gunn. “We also cut back the number of coaches we have available for private hire work as we considered that, in the current economic environment, the risks in speculative private hire work were too high. As a result, charter revenues fell by 18% to £2.7m – the 2011 figure being £3.3m.”

fleet, fuel & First depots Having acquired operations in Redditch and Worcester from FirstGroup earlier this year, the firm acknowledges a “certain amount of investment is required”. As Mr Gunn put it: “Many of the (36) vehicles (acquired from First) do not comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act which begin to come into force in 2014. We will thus need to replace most of these vehicles in due course, and in certain cases have done this already.”

Turning to the all-important cost of fuel, Mr Gunn said in the earlier part of 2012 the price of fuel was volatile and an average price of about 113p per litre was paid. This gave rise to an adverse variance in that period against the budgeted cost of fuel. However, in the middle of the year the firm was able to take advantage of the dip in diesel prices at that time to fix some 75% of the

group’s diesel needs out to July 2013. These fuel fixes ensured that the average price of three quarters of the group’s fuel supply was 108p a litre for the rest of the year.

“This was slightly below the figure at which we had budgeted for that period. The board is keen to fix fuel prices as far out as possible and so will take advantage of any further opportunities to eliminate fuel price exposures as and when they arise,” he added.

Perhaps helping to quantify that figure, following the recent acquisition of the Kidderminster and Redditch depots, the group said it will use about 12 million litres of diesel fuel in a full year.

In an attempt to save fuel the group is installing 21st Century’s ‘EcoManager’ software in the existing conventionally dieselpowered fleet. To date, about 23% of the fleet has been equipped, with a further 50% due to be fitted by the end of the year. The group said EcoManager has so far shown a like-for-like fuel saving of a minimum of 11% of fuel usage.

On a fleet note, the group has set itself a target to have an average fleet age of about 7.5 years. Mr Gunn took up the story: “Even with the addition of the relatively old vehicles we acquired recently with Redditch and Kidderminster, the average fleet age stands at 7.7 years. As we continue to replace vehicles this average will certainly fall. This figure is low in industry

terms. We believe that having a modern and efficient bus fleet is a key aspect of customer service and that running one of the youngest fleets compared to its peers gives the group an important competitive advantage. Older vehicles also emit a greater level of emissions and we are keen to minimise this aspect of bus operation.

“The board monitors each vehicle in the fleet for relative fuel consumption, reliability and maintenance cost. Those vehicles which fall outside of acceptable parameters are designated for disposal. As a result of this policy about 25% of the vehicle fleet was replaced in the year. These replacements are a judicious mix of the new and the second hand, chosen so as to meet the criteria which we have set. The objective, to possess an efficient and effective fleet of the right age profile, was successfully achieved.”

the future The sale of vehicles, after taking account of the related hire purchase settlements, produced £3.1m for the group – compared to £0.7m in 2011. Interestingly, Rotala has also switched from rented to owned tyres in the last year.

The company paid an interim dividend of 0.50 pence per share in December 2012. At the forthcoming AGM the Board will recommend a final dividend in respect of 2012 of 0.90p per share, making 1.40p for the year as a whole.

Turning to the future, Mr Gunn said the firm intends to continue to expand its commercial bus business. Following the recent expansion, 60% of the group’s annualised revenues will derive from this source.

He also said he believes “there is still encouraging activity in the corporate sector for private bus networks.” Rotala is confident more of this business can be obtained.

“Where others take decisions to divest, or not re-invest, we are given the opportunity to expand,” concluded Mr Gunn. “Uncertainty brings opportunity. When we have digested our recent acquisition, the group will be conservatively geared and we possess ample facilities to take on any further acquisitions which may arise.”

tony hunter

After a move away from coaching, commercial bus work now makes up 60% of the group’s annualised revenues

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news › international

Volvo’s largest ever coach chassis order in Brazil 310 chassis sold to JCA Group, to be delivered at the end of May BRAZIL Volvo Buses has sold 310 coach chassis to the JCA Group, one of Brazil’s largest passenger transport companies. This is the biggest deal closed to date in Brazil by Volvo in the coach chassis segment.

“This is the largest deal in the coach and bus area and is also one more step in the dedicated partnership we have with the JCA Group. This sale puts more responsibility on us in consolidating it,” said Luis Carlos Pimenta, President of Volvo Bus Latin America.

The buses, which will be delivered in May this year, are all the B340R model, version 4x2, with 340bhp engines. Their duties include interstate and intrastate medium and short distance routes, as well as in charter operations.

Marcopolo has been selected to body them.

Three JCA Group companies are to share the new intake: 180 vehicles are for Auto Viação 1001, 100 units for Opção Turismo and

30 for Catarinense.

“This model is ideal for the type of transportation being performed

by JCA Group companies. We already have chassis in the fleet being evaluated and developed for excellent performance. This vehicle stands out for fuel economy and, in particular, for safety.” explained José Luis Gonçalves, Manager of Volvo Bus Latin America coach line.

The B340R is factory equipped with the intelligent ABS/EBS brake system, which increases braking performance and prevents the vehicle from skidding, and with the Volvo 390 hp engine brake, which ensures increased safety on downhill stretches. Another differential of this vehicle is the

renowned I-Shift gearbox, which reduces fuel consumption by up to 5%, as well as driving vehicle safety.

Gonçalves added: “In addition to having the market’s best operating cost, the B340R features the leading edge in onboard vehicle technology for safety, comfort and operational efficiency. These are all essential values for the JCA Group practiced in its daily activities and which are confirmed in the Volvo fleet, acquired with all the optional items and technology available on the market for the purpose of ensuring these points.”

In order to ensure even more safety for transports, the JCA Group’s vehicles are also equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability

The B340R has the ABS/EBS brake system and the Volvo 390hp engine brake

BLT receives Nine Euro 6 Citaros

SWITZERLAND Swiss operator BLT Baselland Transport AG has taken delivery of nine Euro 6 MercedesBenz Citaros. These are the first standard-production regularservice buses featuring this clean technology to go into service with BLT in Switzerland.

The new Euro 6 Citaro is claimed to be the cleanest diesel-driven bus on the market featuring an optimised combustion process and a sophisticated emission control system which reduces particulate emissions to just 3% of the level specified by Euro I twenty years ago. Nitrogen oxide emissions have been cut to 5%.

The Citaro also features a new outer shell with a raft of new www.coachandbusweek.com

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Cape Town Solos to run F14 feeder SOUTH AFRICA Following its debut on the Walmer Estate/ Salt River route, Cape Town’s MyCiTi operation has introduced nine-metre Optare Solo SRs on its F14 Table View feeder service, connecting the residential areas of East Parklands, Blaauwberg and Big Bay with the trunk route to Cape Town at Table View Station.

The Solo SRs have doors on both sides for rapid boarding and alighting and to allow the vehicles to use purpose-built passenger terminals and standard bus stops.

As demand grows on the trunk route from Table View to Cape Town Civic Centre, MyCiTi is increasing the frequency. The deployment of the Optare Solo SRs liberates more of the bigger buses for trunk route duty.

The East Parklands to Blaauwberg service embraces high population density suburbs and the tourist areas of Blaauwberg.

Other suburban routes in the Table View area will be converted to the new Optare Solo SRs, freeing up more big buses for new routes.

Feeder services are a key component of the BRT network being introduced by the Council.

Volvo’s first 8900 intercity buses for France

BLT has received its first Euro 6 vehicles, nine Mercedes-Benz Citaros design measures yet the buses weigh no more than previously – despite the additional technology on board. Mercedes-Benz said they offer lower fuel consumption – and lower CO2 emissions than originally expected. The manufacturer implemented a number of measures to

compensate for the additional weight of the Euro 6 components, including a lightweight fibreglassreinforced-plastic (FRP) roof and a weight-optimised rear axle. The modifications mean Citaro is able to boast the same high payload and passenger-carrying capacity as before.

FRANCE Volvo Buses has signed its first order for its intercity 8900 RLE bus in France.

The six 13m vehicles are due for delivery in August and are to join the Faure fleet. The order also includes service contracts.

The buses are low-entry and the bodies employ an aluminium structure and Volvo’s patented jointing method aimed at creating a strong, corrosion resistant and easy-to-maintain bus with low weight and a long service life.

The Faure group operates around 1100 vehicles and is planning to operate the new buses in the Rhône region.

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14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 17, 2013

news › REGIONAL

NORTHERN IRELAND

A new bus lane is scheduled to be up and running on College Avenue and College Square East from Millfield along to Wellington Place in Belfast.

The scheme comes as part of the Belfast on the Move project, which has seen a large-scale reorganisation of the city centre’s traffic routes since last year in a bid to speed up bus travel times.

The new bus lane will be in force from 0700 to 1900hrs on weekdays and also on Saturdays. There will also be two general southbound traffic lanes.

Further bus lanes will be introduced in Great Victoria Street and Fisherwick Place as resurfacing works are completed during April.

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: “As further resurfacing works are completed in the area amended road markings will be laid.

“I would remind motorists to be aware of the new traffic management arrangements as they come into operation and to pay extra care and attention as they become used to them.”

SCOTLAND

A former McGill’s bus driver has been sentenced for being over the drink-drive limit and crashing his bus.

Paisley Sheriff Court was told that Steven Dawson had crashed his Dennis Dart into a car in Bridge Street, Glasgow on March 8 and then drove back to the McGill’s depot in Muriel Street, Barrhead.

Upon arrival, a McGill’s supervisor was so concerned about what had happened and noting a strong smell of alcohol from Dawson’s breath, contacted police.

Mr Dawson gave a reading of 136 microgrammes, the legal limit being 35.

Depute Fiscal Annette Ward said: “When officers spoke to him, he said ‘I’ve made a mistake. I was drinking this morning’.”

After entering a guilty plea, he was made the subject of a two-year community payback order, which ordered him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and banned him from driving for three years.

The court heard that Dawson, a former soldier with 20 years’ service, suffered combat stress which led him to drink to excess.

Bob Kerr, defending, said his client had been in contact with an ex-veterans combat stress unit to www.coachandbusweek.com

RegionalNews.indd 14

people can use the OneCard to travel anywhere across the county.”

An ITSO spokesman told CBW: “It’s great to see Leicestershire joining the increasing number of English transport authorities using, or planning to use, an ITSO smartcard scheme for both commercial and concessionary ticketing. They can now reap the rewards in terms of passenger convenience and reducing fraudulent use, thus saving their local residents time and money.”

KEY

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

SOUTH EAST

have underlying issues addressed and was attending Alcoholics Anonymous for support.

NORTH

Stagecoach is changing its network in South Yorkshire later this month.

Night bus route N25, which runs from Sheffield city centre to Lowedges, the N52, which runs from Hillsborough to Sheffield city centre and through to Woodhouse, and the N88, from Ecclesfield to Sheffield city centre and through to Bents Green are to be withdrawn.

Stagecoach Yorkshire MD Paul Lynch, said: “We recognise the withdrawal of our night services may have an impact on a small number of passengers. We are unable to continue operating routes with such low demand.”

However journey times are set to be improved between Barnsley and Penistone with the reintroduction of route 20, which will run hourly during the daytime, Mondays to Saturdays. From Penistone, the bus will return to Barnsley via the new 21 route allowing through journeys between Barnsley and Cubley.

The routes will be coordinated to provide a 30-minute frequency between Barnsley and Penistone.

MIDLANDS

All four of Leicestershire’s biggest bus operators – Arriva, First, Centrebus and Kinch – have equipped their fleets with

smart ticket-reading technology.

This has enabled Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council to roll out its OneCard scheme across around 500 vehicles, meaning the 160,000 concessionary bus pass holders across the city and county can now use smart ticketing with their existing cards.

The OneCard scheme will eventually be extended to all passengers, as well as possibly incorporating other services such as car or bicycle parking.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has provided £2.2m towards the cost of developing smartcards for Leicester and Leicestershire.

Adele Wearing, Leicester City Council’s Transport Development Officer, told CBW: “Kinch was the last operator to complete its fleet equipping, on March 24.

“For the future, we are looking at adding commercial products on the smartcards and extending some of our saver tickets to be used on the scheme.

“We are also hoping to integrate with other operators in the area in due course.”

Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “It is great to see that each of the four big bus operators covering the city and county are now equipped to offer smart ticketing for passengers.

“A lot of work has gone into this scheme to ensure it works efficiently and meets the needs of passengers, and now it means

Oxford Bus Company has been congratulated on its special service run in conjunction with the Queen’s Maundy Money service in Oxford. It’s the first time in over 600 years that the monarch has presented the traditional Maundy money in Oxford. OBC ran a special shuttle service from Redbridge Park and Ride to Christ’s Cathedral on St Aldates for the recipients and their guests and family.

Phil Southall, OBC Operations Director, said: “We used a dedicated fleet of three brand new Wright hybrid buses with special branding to take the guests to the ceremony and back afterwards. We had extra supervisors on duty, both at the car park and in the city centre.

We carried over 200 people, a significant number of whom were in wheelchairs. Despite being unable to predict the time they would need to travel back to Redbridge after their special lunch, we managed to get everyone on their way with the minimum of delay.”

LONDON

The first two new buses for London (NB4Ls) have left the Wrightbus factory, with another four to follow this week.

When they arrive in London the buses will initially be used for driver training and familiarisation.

Route 24, which Metroline operates between Pimlico and Hampstead Heath, will become the first bus route to operate exclusively with NB4Ls from Saturday June 22.

Boris Johnson said: “I am delighted that our first gleaming new buses have driven off the production line, through the gates of Wrightbus and are now London-bound. These fabulous machines meld the very best in design, engineering and green engine technology. I believe they will be hugely popular with passengers and they will be joined by hundreds more of their brethren

15/04/2013 13:02

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. in the coming years.”

Financial approval to order 600 NB4Ls was given by the TfL Board in September last year. The buses will be delivered in batches over the next three years. The order represents the largest order of hybrid buses ever placed in Europe.

Many components of the vehicle, including engines, chassis, superstructure and seats, are manufactured in the UK. Route 24 operates 24 hours a day. During peak hours, 27 of the new buses will be in passenger service to carry the 28,000 people who use the route each day.

Around 90 new buses will be delivered to TfL in 2013.

SOUTH WEST

On April 22 the Eclipse BRT system between Gosport and Fareham celebrates its first birthday.

To mark the milestone First worked with Wave 105FM to give away 2,000 free bus tickets to local people in an initiative known as ‘AnniversaFree Day’. The company also organised two special events for Eclipse BRT, which gave people the chance to pick up some

birthday cake, free balloons and information about the E1 and E2 services. First also gave those people attending its road-show events the opportunity to win free travel or an iPad. Eclipse BRT began running on Sunday, April 22, 2012 and one year on the scheme has proved successful. Passenger numbers have risen steadily, with more than 1.3 million passenger journeys made since the service began.

Overall the number of people using public transport to travel between Gosport and Fareham has risen by 11.86% overall, while 64% more people now use the Eclipse BRT service than used the services it replaced (Services 82 and 86).

The first pre-birthday event took place in Fareham town centre on Thursday April 11 while the second will take place Thursday April 18, from 1000hrs in Gosport town centre.

To celebrate the actual birthday date, a number of “Eclipse Angels” will also be out in force between 0800 and 1000hrs on April 22 at Gosport and Fareham bus stations, handing out birthday cake to Eclipse travellers. .

April 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 15

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

A vintage vehicle extravaganza is to be held at the Cambrian Heritage Railways in Oswestry this Saturday. Visit www.cambrianrailways.com

2013 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 April 25 Special Education Transport National Conference.

Liverpool. Details from Sian Thornthwaite by email on info@ school-transport.com n April 28 ‘History in Motion’.

East Anglia Transport Museum, Carlon Coalville, near Lowestoft Call 01502 518459. www.eatm.org.uk 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/

In 2008 Engineer Andy Stapleton from Verwood was airlifted by the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance following a motorcycle accident where he suffered fractures to his shoulder and arm. So when he won £200 in a competition with his colleagues at Wilts & Dorset’s Poole depot to design and wear the weirdest woolly jumper, created by his wife and children, he decided to donate his winnings to the air ambulance service. On hearing of Andy’s intentions, Area Engineering Manager Kenny McDonald agreed the company would double the donation. Andy and Kenny were invited to meet the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance team at Henstridge Airfield, where they presented the £400 cheque, by Annette Plaistow-Trapaud, Fundraising Co-ordinator for the charity.

Andy said: “I don’t remember a lot except that I could relax knowing I was in very safe, expert hands. I’m delighted to make this contribution.”

Pictured: front (from left), Kenny McDonald and Andy Stapleton with (from left top) Paramedics Leonie German and Mark Williams, Annette Plaistow-Trapaud and Pilot Phil Merritt.

Anyone wishing to support the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can visit www.dsairambulance.org.uk or call 01823 669604.

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 June 30 Ringwood Bus Rally.

Scenic rides and memorabilia stall.

For details call the Wessex Transport Society on 01202 293245. www. wessextransportsociety.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 9-10 CPT Scotland Annual Conference. Crieff Hydro Hotel, Perthshire. Visit www.cpt-uk. org or call CPT Scotland on 0131 272 215 n September 10 Association of Trainers AGM. 1400hrs, Wembley.

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

Long Marston Airfield, Warwickshire. www.showbus.com n October 2-3 Coach & Bus Live 2013. NEC, Birmingham. www. coachandbuslive.com

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

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16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 17, 2013

news focus › first essex

1

First Essex hybrids complete £3.5m Chelmsford fleet upgrade John G. Lidstone reports on the launch of the first of four First Essex Alexander Dennis 350H hybrids while CBW’s Andrew Cream provides a round-up of the operator’s service changes in the area First Essex is now completing its £3.5m upgrade to buses in Chelmsford with four Alexander Dennis Enviro350H hybrid single-deckers.

Supplementing 15 standard diesel drivetrain Enviro 200s newly introduced on city services 45, 54 and 56, the new hybrid quartet is to work on route 42 between the city centre, Galleywood and Broomfield Hospital once driver training is completed.

Launching the first hybrid 350H at Broomfield Hospital on April 2, mid-Essex General Manager Charlotte Whitfield said: “We are hugely excited about the arrival of the www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsFocus_FirstEssex.indd 16

hybrid vehicles into Chelmsford. By bringing in new, environmentallyfriendly buses, we are able to provide greener, cleaner, quieter and smoother journeys to our customers in Essex, while ensuring our carbon footprint remains low.”

Nigel Barrett, Regional Managing Director for First South East & Midlands, added: “I’m delighted to offer our passengers the chance to enjoy these new hybrid vehicles.

It is imperative for companies, particularly those in the transport industry, to take action to reduce emissions. The 19 vehicles mark a significant investment by First into building a greener Essex.”

The Chelmsford-based Enviro350 hybrids complete the allocation of £1.8m investment grant toward low carbon emission buses in Essex, supplementing the UK’s first Polish-built Volvo 7900 hybrids introduced last month

on busy high-profile service 100 from Lakeside shopping centre via Basildon to Chelmsford (CBW1081).

Essex County Councillor Derrick Louis, Cabinet member for Highways and Transportation, said: “Bus services are very important to local communities and I welcome investment into this service, particularly with the introduction of more environmentally friendly hybrid buses.”

Chelmsford’s Mayor Christopher Kingsley, the Council’s second longest-serving councillor, was delighted to officially launch the first Enviro 350H with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting alongside Andrew Wheeler from First South East & Midlands PR & Marketing.

While the Enviro 350Hs offer a purpose-built and designed hybrid choice for the operator, the commonality of parts with twin

Enviro 200s and similarly of vehicle type will enable them to dovetail with these standard diesel buses.

The hybrid quartet is to 41-seat layout and features the new First Group corporate interior décor and trim. Differing quite significantly from the familiar purple and lavender shades, an immediately noticeable change is the switch from soft moquette fabric seats to eco composite E-Leather trimmed seats.

While aligning to the contemporary trend by some fleets toward such finish, this harks back to the vinyl seats of NBC, discarded in favour of a return to moquette in the 80s.

Service changes In addition to the fleet investment, First is also introducing a series of service changes from May 5.

Many routes will benefit from an increased level of service while a small number of route sections will

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ALL PICS JOHN G LIDSTONE

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3 1: The first of four ADL Enviro350Hs to be delivered arrives at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford for its official launch. 2: The rear window of the Enviro350H is covered with noncontravision vinyl. 3: An off-side view. 4: The Mayor of Chelmsford is shown internal features of the Enviro350 by Andrew Wheeler of First South East & Midland.

5,6: The new FirstGroup corporate interior featuring E-Leather seating.

7: Livery and green branding detail for First Essex hybrids. 8: The Mayor joins local dignitaries to cut the ribbon at the launch

5 no longer be served due to very low passenger usage.

Danny Jones, South Essex General Manager, said: “The changes to our network and investment in new vehicles represent an exciting time for customers and everyone at First.

Being able to provide a reliable and frequent service is something we’re very proud of and we believe the changes we’re making will have a positive impact both on our existing passengers and routes, and the new areas we’ll be serving.”

Key highlights are as follows: n Increased frequency, up to every 7 to 8 minutes between Benfleet, Hadleigh and Southend via the A13 London Road n Increased frequency, up to every 7 to 8 minutes between Rayleigh and Southend via Eastwood n Increased frequency, up to every 7 to 8 minutes between Southend town centre and Southend Hospital n Increased frequency, up to every 7 to 8 minutes between Benfleet and Basildon via Pitsea and Vange n Increased frequency, up to every 10 minutes between Basildon and Wickford n Increased frequency, up to every 30 minutes between Brentwood and Chelmsford

6 n More buses serving Laindon Station n Improved Sunday service to Southchurch Other changes in the Basildon area include revised timetables for the 5 service to Pitsea Tesco, routes 8, 8A, 8B and 8C between Pitsea and Laindon, service 25 between Southend and Basildon and service 200 between Basildon and Grays.

In Brentwood, route 73 will be revised to operate between Brentwood Station and Bishops Hall Estate, with the section of the service south of Brentwood Station to Warley instead being covered by an extension of service 9 (formerly 551). The section of route via Clements Park and Woodman Road will no longer be covered by First.

The revised service 73 will operate up to every 10 minutes during week day peak times and every 15 minutes during Monday to Saturday daytimes. The evening and Sunday service will be unchanged with the service continuing to operate through to Warley at these times.

The 351 between Chelmsford and Brentwood will change, with the frequency increased to operate up to every 30 minutes during Monday to Saturday daytimes.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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news › TOURISM

1545

The year the Mary Rose sank during the Battle of The Solent

brIEfly The Forncett Steam Museum, located in the South Norfolk countryside, 13 miles south of Norwich, plays host to an awardwinning collection of stationary steam engines. The preserved engines are not just static exhibits; nearly all of them can be seen working under live steam on the first Sunday of every month from May to October, 1100 - 1700hrs when the museum holds its ‘Steam Ups’. Admission rates start at £8 for adults with concessions available for children and senior citizens. Coach parties and group bookings are welcomed if prebooked in advance. For more information call 01508 488277 or visit www.forncettsteammuseum. co.uk The tour of Ringwood Brewery in Hampshire takes approximately one and a half hours and includes a complimentary drink in the Pin Room and a tour of the brewery. Due to the nature and layout of the brewery, there is limited access to certain areas which may not be suitable for all.

Suitable footwear and clothing is encouraged. Tours take place on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and on a Tuesday evening throughout the year. Pre-booking is essential as the tours are extremely popular. To arrange a group booking call 01425 470303 or visit www.ringwoodbrewery.co.uk Derren Brown returns to London with his new one-man psychological illusion show Derren Brown: Infamous, opening at the Palace Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue on June 27, 2013, following previews from June 24 – running to Aug 17, 2013.

Infamous is Derren Brown’s sixth show since 2003 and sees him return to the Palace Theatre, nine years after his debut West End show, ‘Derren Brown Live’, in 2004.

Since then he has toured every year and been watched by an estimated audience of over one million people. Derren Brown’s previous shows in the West End include “Svengali” at the Novello in 2012 & Shaftesbury Theatre in 2011 and “Enigma” at the Adelphi in 2009.

For more information and bookings visit www.londontheatre.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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Royal fashion shows in the capital this summer The two shows document the changing patterns of royal fashion throughout the ages Two new exhibitions explore royal style through history at Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace this summer for a celebration of fashion through the ages.

In Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion, on show at the Queen’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace May 10 to October 6, delves back into the 16th and 17th centuries to trace the changing tastes in fashionable attire and the spread of fashion through the royal courts of Europe. It will display

paintings, drawings and prints from the Royal Collection, as well as rare surviving examples of clothing and accessories.

From July 4, Fashion Rules at Kensington Palace will take a different era as its subject fastforwards from the Tudors and Stuarts ahead to the 20th century.

Featuring rare dresses from HM Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Diana Princess of Wales, this colourful and exuberant exhibition provides a nostalgic glance back at recent decades.

For Kensington Palace group rates start at £13.50 per head.

Groups must book in advance to

The ‘Fashion Rules’ exhibition at Kensington Palace starts on July 4

To the end of the Earth The beautiful scenery of Land’s End, at the most south-westerly point of mainland Britain, has made it one of Britain’s most well-known destinations for days out.

Land’s End offers excellent facilities for group visits; the West Country Shopping Village, the famous Land’s End Signpost, cafes, restaurant and bar.

Groups which pre-book can visit four attractions for £5 per person.

Free coach parking is provided with dedicated drop off point.

Exclusive vouchers for discounts and deals within the Shopping Village and café are also available.

acquire a ‘time slot’ for the visit.

The maximum size for a guided group is 50. Coach drivers and Blue Badge Guides bringing groups are admitted free.

There is a coach park north of the palace on Bayswater Road. Open 24 hours, it has capacity for 20 coaches and costs £20 for 2-12 hours and £30 for 12-24 hours (£10.00 prebooking charge).

At the Queen's Gallery prebooking is required for group visits. Groups enjoy reduced admission prices for parties of 15 people or more and pre-booked tickets must be paid for by credit card or company cheque with two signatures 28 days prior to the day of the visit. On-the-day group visits must be paid for by cash or credit card. Company cheques should be made payable to ‘Royal Collection Enterprises Limited’.

There is no coach parking near The Queen’s Gallery. However, once your booking is confirmed the attraction will advise the nearest set down and pick up points. Further information on coach parking is available from Transport for London.

For more information and bookings for either event visit www.royalcollection. org.uk and www.hrp.org.uk/ KensingtonPalace

Stunning garden with views to match The famous Land's End signpost Special menus and bookings can be taken for the restaurant.

Driver incentives include free admission, free meal voucher and discount bonuses to spend in The West Country Shopping Village.

Call 0871 720 0044 or email info@landsendlandmark.co.uk

Hinton Ampner, in Alresford, Hampshire, contains a sizeable collection of Georgian and regency furniture, Italian pictures and other objets d’art. The gardens, laid out

by Ralph Dutton, are regarded as a masterpiece of 20th century design which mixes formal and informal planting to provide a year-round interest. The average visit length is around two hours, with on-board welcome and guided tours available.

Parking is available for four coaches and details are provided upon booking. Call 01962 771305.

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£5

The group rate to enter all four attractions at Land's End

Tranquillity and peace at Buckland Abbey In the 13th century, Buckland Abbey was home to the Cistercian monks who built the abbey and the incredible Great Barn and farmed the then vast estate.

The Abbey, located in Yelverton, Devon, is now a house with a combination of furnished rooms and interactive galleries, which tell the story of how Sir Richard Grenville and Sir Francis Drake changed the shape of the house.

Visitors can take in the Buckland estate, the meadows, the orchards and enjoy the Tavy Valley.

Tours can be tailored to the group and also include the newly acquired Cider House Garden.

There is a restaurant and booking is encouraged for larger groups.

Group rates start at £8pp.

Parking is available 200 yards from the entrance. A free buggy service is available to transport less-able visitors around the property.

Coaches are encouraged to follow the brown signs from the A386, and not to follow Sat Nav directions.

For bookings and information call 01822 856005

12,000 The number of litres of water used in the Singin’ in the Rain musical

diesel prices

The new museum was built around the hull of the ship

Mary Rose museum set to open The new Mary Rose Museum opens to visitors on May 31 at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard where the ship was built over 500 years ago.

The opening marks 30 years since the hull of Mary Rose was raised from the Solent in 1982 and 437 years after she sank on July 19, 1545. The ship sank in full view of King Henry VIII while leading the attack on a French invasion fleet during the Battle of The Solent.

Each object in the museum, from fleas to giant guns, was raised from the seabed and conserved through a groundbreaking process that is

DEALS OF THE WEEK The renowned musical Singin’ in the Rain, based on the original 1952 Gene Kelly film, is playing at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff from December 3, 2013 to January 5, 2014. This spectacular adaptation features all the songs from the popular MGM score including ‘Good Morning’, ‘Make ‘em Laugh’,’Moses Supposes’ and the classic ‘Singin’ in the Rain’. The impressive set design includes 12,000 litres

April 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19

Siiiingin’ in the rain… just siiingin’ in the rain! of water and, needless to say, audience members sitting in the front five rows of the stalls may get splashed. The show runs for approximately two hours and 40 minutes which includes an interval.

still ongoing.

The new museum was built around the hull of the ship. The building takes the form of a finely crafted wooden ‘jewellery box’ with the hull at its centre and galleries running the length of the ship, each at a level corresponding to a deck level on the ship.

Coach parking and drop off areas can be allocated on arrival. Parking spaces are available on a first come first served basis and can be booked. Coach drivers are given a free lunch voucher.

Pre-booked groups of 15 people or more enjoy a 25% discount and advance tickets start at £12.75 for adults and £9.35 for children.

For more details visit www. historicdockyard.co.uk/ tickets or call 023 9283 9766

Tickets range from £19 - £47.50 and the age guidance is 5+ (No under 2s). Group discounts are £4 off Groups of 10 plus, £5 off for 20 plus and groups of 50 plus enjoy £7 off (subject to availability).

In addition, one free organiser ticket & refreshment voucher is available when booking for 20+ n To book call 029 2063 6464 or visit www.wmc.org.uk A one-day music festival ‘Carnaby Sound’ will be held in Carnaby, London, on Saturday July 6 from 1200 – 1900hrs as part of the area’s celebration of music heritage. The free event features live music from musicians, artists

Cost per litre in pence: Sweden Great Britain Italy Ireland Netherlands Belgium France Portugal Greece Czech Republic Hungary Slovenia Germany Spain Austria Poland Luxembourg

147.89 146.40 145.81 129.14 129.08 128.14 125.31 125.05 124.37 122.82 120.50 120.25 118.96 117.85 116.99 116.32 106.53

holiday pound £1 will get you: Euro 1.17 Switzerland (Franc) 1.42 Norway (Kroner) 8.79 Hungary (Forint) 345.00 Czech Republic (Koruna) 30.32 Poland (Zloty) 4.82

and bands covering a range of music genres which have been playing in Carnaby over the last 10 decades, from Jazz and Blues to Mod, Urban and Rock. In addition to live music, alfresco dining is available with complimentary drinks, shopping offers and promotions from the shops, bars and restaurants in the area.

Carnaby is celebrating music throughout 2013 with events, exhibitions and pop-ups in the heart of London’s West End, two minutes away from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus. n For local coach parking in London, consult ww.tfl.gov.uk

20 Years supplying accommodation for Coach Operators – Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Benidorm & Lake Garda For a quote please contact Richard on 0161 655 3645 richard@northern-holidays.com www.northern-holidays.com

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Costa Brava Oct. 3★ H.Top Hotels H/B fr. €13, A/I fr. €19 Christmas now available 3★ H.Top Hotels H/B fr. €21, A/I fr. €28 Now taking bookings for 2013 Special EBD for group bookings

• NO deposit required • We can also arrange group by Air under our ATOL5139 • Book with confident fully ABTA bonded W3565

www.coachandbusweek.com

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operator update › cardiff bus

Fewer services now serve Central Bus Station as customers prefer to be closer to the retail heartland

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operator: Cardiff Bus location: Cardiff, South Wales ESTABLISHED: 1902 Contact: 029 2066 6444 www.cardiffbus.com

Firmly back on track Coach & Bus Week’s Gareth Evans talks to the senior management team at Cardiff Bus and finds the municipal is firmly back on course after its long-running encounter with the competition authorities

A

s a youngster with a passing interest in buses I admired Cardiff Bus. Visiting my grandparents in the Vale of Glamorgan, I was always struck by the firm’s well-turned out fleet. The livery changed from the 1970s-style orange and white to something more befitting a modern operator when I was in my late teens, by which time I had aspirations to work for the firm.

I can recall the anonymous white-liveried Optare Metroriders but I also remember the somewhat tired blue and white-liveried competition. While it is not the intention of this article to judge the merits and methods of responding to competition, after I joined CBW there were real fears over the municipal’s future independence.

To put it mildly, the whole 2 Travel affair cast a shadow over the once proud operator. Of course, life does not stop in such circumstances but inevitably, the brakes are applied.

With the storm clouds having blown out into the Bristol Channel, I felt it was time to find out what’s been occurring – as the locallyproduced TV sitcom Gavin & Stacey might say.

Thus I was recently fortunate to catch up with the three-strong executive directorate team at Sloper Road depot.

Cynthia Ogbonna was formally promoted to the role of Managing Director in November 2012. Having been with the firm since 2004 as Finance & Administration Director,

CardiffBus.indd 21

her appointment made history, when she became Cardiff Bus’ first female MD in its 110-year history.

Associate Commercial Director Peter Heath has for many years enjoyed a reputation for his technological expertise. Indeed, as a placement student at Travel West Midlands in the mid ‘noughties’ I remember how helpful he was to us while introducing the then new real-time information system in Birmingham. Today, he is widely recognised for his knowledge of smartcards ticketing systems.

Gareth Mole, Service Delivery Director was previously the Head of Operations at Cardiff Bus. His current role has seen the integration of all operational, valeting and engineering functions into one department. On a personal level, he may have lived ‘down south’ for a number of years but he has retained his friendly Wrexham accent, having previously worked in the aviation engineering sector.

Quality of service

Perhaps Cynthia summed things up in her trademark down to earth style when she said: “Having gone through a period of competition, we’re beginning again the process of investing in the fleet. We mean more to people on a day-to-day basis than sexy trains or flying.”

As someone who uses public transport herself, Cynthia is keen on quality. “I wholeheartedly endorse the Driver CPC – our drivers are professionals after all.

Nobody turns up here off the street and drives straight away – training is vital. There has

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operator update › cardiff bus

to be a benchmark on how people drive,” she said.

Peter agreed. “If operators have not ensured their staff have completed the DCPC by September, things may get interesting. The DCPC will in some ways help to create a level playing field.

Quality is not consistent as things stand. Customers’ experiences of travelling with poor performing operators inevitably taints the image of bus travel.

“We’re trying to segment our customer base. By that I mean not only the traditional groups such as OAPs and school children, but we now want to look at 18 year olds as young people as opposed to adults.

“Therefore, we’re reducing fares for young people. In a way the bus has lagged behind society. Young people are now in education until they’re 18. It’s the enlightened operators which can see 16 year olds are different to adults – they’ve not got the same earning power for a start. There’s a lost generation – they’ve travelled to school on a bus and then got a car. The key is to get them into the habit of using the bus.”

Reflecting her own experience as a mother of two girls, Cynthia talked about the digital world. “All they want to do is stay connected. They can’t do that in a car. Therefore, we’re looking at installing WiFi on our buses.”

Gareth said WiFi and audiovisual technology are to become standard on all the firm’s new vehicles. “After all, it’s expected today,” he added.

Since 2006 Cardiff Bus has shown BBC News live on board, but Peter observed this is “perhaps a step too far for the technology”.

“We’ve had mixed feedback from customers – some regard it as intrusive but people want to know what Cardiff Bus is doing. In future, the screen will display the next stop.

The problem we have is we have to fund it ourselves – and while we may be a municipal, the pit is certainly not bottomless,” he added.

The executive directorate team feels it is important for the firm to make it as easy as possible for its services to be used. With the company’s ‘iff’ smartcard having been launched three years ago, it is hoped to achieve online topup in the current calendar year, in addition to an mticketing presence.

Peter took up the story: “Our smartcard has grown fundamentally. We wanted to get www.coachandbusweek.com

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it working perfectly first before widening it. The great thing with online is anyone can create a website for top up but the problem is how to get it to deliver to an individual’s smartcard. We’ve let the all-Wales Go Cymru card settle down and then we’ll use it to set up our own scheme.”

However, Peter acknowledged: “Smartcards are one part of it but there is a section of society which doesn’t want another bit of plastic.

It’s about catering for different people. There is a danger you can start duplicating – it’s pointless for us to spend money developing an app when the Traveline Cymru app is so good. We enjoy a great relationship with Traveline.”

Gareth said technology across the industry has accelerated at “an unprecedented rate.”

Cynthia enthused: “Ultimately we want to increase our passenger numbers. Yesterday I got the bus into town to catch the train to London and got chatting to a couple who had used the bus for the first time. People have to understand the hidden benefits of bus travel, which include walking to a stop and chatting to new people.

“People tend to be happy to make connections when using a train but with a bus, they expect point to point journeys. Bearing in mind we’ve got limited road space, some times there are constraints. On that note, we work in partnership with local authorities – we have to make buses quicker than using the car or it’s almost pointless.”

Part of that partnership is for a Civil Parking Enforcement Officer to accompany one of the firm’s Service Delivery Supervisors to target problem roads.

“As a senior management team we’ve adopted a route or two to look after. At least twice a month we go out on a route, feed problems back and look for solutions. The analogy we have is that if we made baked beans, we would expect managers to eat them,” mused Peter.

“There are so many benefits – we’re seen to be supporting our employees and sampling the product. It’s also about looking at publicity. On our stops we also make a point of including fare information,” enthused Cynthia.

Peter said the firm tries to ensure each stop has got information. “Our stops also include information from other operators as it’s about encouraging people to use the bus.”

Cynthia continued: “The Welsh

The iff smartcard is to be developed this year with online top-up

“While the past has shrouded the business we have invested in our depot facilities. This includes a new wash, fuelling bays, deep cleaning area, lighting and welfare facilities to develop a positive working culture.”

Gareth Mole

The new washing and fuelling facilities. The deep cleaning area lies to the left behind the screens

Government has a policy to promote integrated travel. The next stage is looking at integrated ticketing but that’s a political decision. From our point of view, we will of course contribute but it’s vital to have the back office organised properly. That’s a matter for the OFT too. We can’t set our fares together. One would hope the Governments in Cardiff and Westminster will resolve the matter.

From a customer’s point of view, one can understand they want a seamless transaction – they don’t want to face a minefield of ticket types and validity.”

Peter said Cardiff already offers PlusBus. “We have quite high usage here – although admittedly it’s not as great at the South East of England. From 2014 onwards as part of the Welsh bus financial changes one of the quality indicators is to ‘persuade’ integrated transport.”

However, Peter warned the X91, which links Cardiff with Llantwit Major, via the airport, has had to be rationalised owing to competition from the revived train service on the Vale of Glamorgan line.

“Because the level of subsidy for the parallel rail service is so high, we’ve found fares very competitive.

People switched to the train, and as a result we may have to alter the

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route as patronage has vanished.”

On that note, Cynthia observed: “To some extent by subsidising one mode you hit another. Public transport provision should be expanded – not contracted. It’s about getting public transport strategies to look beyond all political colours – we need reliability. As a bus operator, we welcome the approach taken by Cardiff City Council for including bus provision in developments in its 15-year plan – as opposed to being an afterthought.”

Peter noted: “And they’re also speaking to bus operators at an early stage rather than master plan stage. It’s taking best practice from mainland Europe.”

Above: The executive directorate – Peter Heath, Cynthia Ogbonna and Gareth Mole. Below: Scania bendybuses have run in the city since 2006

Ecological investment

“While the past has shrouded the business we have invested in our depot facilities. This includes a new wash, fuelling bays, deep cleaning area, lighting and welfare facilities to develop a positive working culture,” explained Gareth.

“You can sum it up as a modern garage on an existing site as opposed to an all-new depot. The fuel tanks have moved from below to above ground, which is best practice these days.”

The vehicles washes are provided by Smith Bros & Webber.

Cardiff Bus: a brief history

Cardiff Corporation started running electric powered trams in 1902 between Newport Road and the city centre. The Corporation had taken over the private Cardiff Tramway Company which had run horse trams and buses since 1870, although other operators had been running horse buses in the area since at least 1845.

Trams actually lasted right through to 1950, when trolleybuses eventually replaced them, the first trolleybuses having been introduced in 1942. Cardiff was unusual in that it had single-deck trolleybuses as well as double-deckers, due to several low bridges in the docks area.

From 1962 motor buses began to replace the trolleys, and the last trolleybus ran in Cardiff in 1970. Of course, motor buses were operated since the early part of the 20th century too.

Traditionally buses in Cardiff were crimson and cream, but in the 1970s this was changed to orange and white. Although the first ‘driver only’ buses had been seen as long ago as 1923, one-person-operation on a large scale really began in the 1970s, with the Snowden Road route the last to lose its conductors in 1980.

In 1986, the firm became an arms-length firm, owned by the council. The now familiar green and orange-based livery was unveiled in 2007 and the first bendybuses were acquired in 2006.

On November 18, 2008,the OFT issued a decision that Cardiff Bus had abused its dominant position in the market for local ‘no frills’ and normal bus services into and out of Cardiff city centre between April 2004 and February 2005 by operating its unbranded ‘white service’ buses with the intent to exclude the 2 Travel Group plc, a new entrant. In 2012, Cardiff Bus was forced to pay ‘exemplary damages’ of £60,000 to 2 Travel, which was by then in receivership.

Three machines use 75% recycled water while that in the deep clean bay uses 95% recycled water. All machines are topped up with rain water harvested from the garage roof, something which has slashed water bills.

“Rain harvesting helps reduce our environmental impact.

We’ve recently been awarded OHSS18001 accreditation and the environmental ISO14001 which sits alongside our existing 9001. All these initiatives are only successful if employees embrace them. We’ve also got Investors in People.”

Cynthia said “It makes business sense. People take work habits home – we’ve got a role with the environmental awareness. As a bus company you emit CO2 but the key is to mitigate.”

The former tyre bay at the rear has been converted to the cash office. As a result, the firm is now looking to let some of the front office space.

Staff welfare facilities have not been forgotten either at both Sloper Road and at Wood Street in the city centre. The contemporary styling would not look out of place at a university students’ guild or trendy coffee shop. Detail touches include special wallpaper with photos of some of the city’s landmarks like the castle and the millennium stadium.

“We’ve gone for the comfy relaxed environment of a coffee shop,” explained Gareth. “It’s vital to have happy employees. We didn’t go for the cheapest as it’s a long-term investment. Even the toilets have been done properly – it’s always easy in such circumstances to cut corners on loos.”

With the aid of Mix Telematics, the firm is currently focussing on reducing idling, the aim being to save fuel, improve environmental performance and increase driving standards.

Gareth continued: “Drivers have got indicators on their bus but we’re working to enable them to log on using their home computer to access that information.

“We’re constantly reviewing it. We’re also using it to monitor the health of each vehicle, such as battery drainage, which leads to increased reliability.”

The issue of G-force, i.e. cornering, is also being looked at, according to Peter. “The bus industry has changed the way it deals with bumps. You get people claiming drivers have braked hard but if you can prove www.coachandbusweek.com

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operator update › cardiff bus

Peter responded: “At the end of the day, bus services are there to serve customers. The way we serve it now is best for our customers.

Serving a railway station is great if there is a transfer between the modes but the fact remains relatively few passengers do so.

The city is fortunate St David’s 2 Shopping Centre development started before the crash. Cardiff remains vibrant and attractive.”

there was no G-force, you can throw out a £10,000 injury claim.”

Perhaps reflecting his drive for technology like Peter, Gareth enthused: “It’s a very exciting area of the industry. We’ve had operators visit us from Ireland and New Zealand. We all get excited with new technology but you have to be careful not be get carried away.”

Fleet

With the last intake of new buses having been in 2008, Cardiff is currently procuring new singledeckers.

“We’re looking at 60 new buses over three years. We hope to take delivery of the first batch in September or October this year.

80% of customers feel we need new buses,” explained Cynthia.

Gareth took up the story: “We’re in the market for singledeckers. We’ve had four vehicles for evaluation – a Wrightbus StreetLite, a Mercedes-Benz Citaro and an MCV-bodied Volvo B7RLE. Afterall, some of our older Darts are approaching 15 years old. Finishing last year, we carried out a mid life refurbishment of 90 buses, which included undersealing, full re-trim and a repaint. A lot of operators in the testing economic times feel they can squeeze a few more years out of an asset – and we’ve been no exception.”

Asked what the future holds for the firm’s livery, Peter replied: “We’re not changing our colour scheme as we feel the current one works. We’ve also repainted a substantial part of our fleet.

“Route branding is another story though. We’ve tried it and we’ve decided we’re going to get rid of it apart from on the high-profile BayCar, which has its own unique identity.”

Cardiff Bus is not averse to so-called ‘green’ buses, although it does not currently operate any.

Gareth continued: “The problem with this side of the border is there is no Green Bus Fund. The additional capital cost of a hybrid or gas bus is something we are conscious of. The other side is it’s good not being a guinea pig – we’re not big enough. That’s something which applies to all new vehicles.”

However, Cynthia was keen to stress “alternative technologies must be kept on the radar”.

Gareth added: “There are so many alternatives at the moment – including hybrids, gas buses and fully electric. The thing to www.coachandbusweek.com

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Challenges

Above: The smart staff welfare facilities at Sloper Road depot. Below: Captured in the pouring rain, the current livery is shown in all its glory

“At ALBUM I’m the only female MD but I play to it – it’s a bit of a novelty. I’m enjoying the privilege of being a woman in a senior position in this industry.”

Cynthia Ogbonna remember is, each operator’s environment differs.”

With that in mind, in early April the operator successfully trialled an ADL E350H Hybrid which both customers and staff were impressed by. However, it is understood a firm decision on which vehicle types to ordered is imminent.

Reader Questions

Norfolk County Council’s Tracy Jessop was keen to ask Cynthia what it’s like being a woman in charge in a pre-dominantly male industry?

Cynthia replied: “I don’t think it makes a difference – probably because I’ve been here eight years.

I like think I’m approachable at levels. It’s certainly not been hard for me – even when applying for this role, I had a lot of support.

“The problem I have is there are not enough women drivers in our company. At ALBUM I’m the only female MD but I play to it – it’s a bit of a novelty. I’m enjoying the privilege of being a woman in a senior position in this industry.

“I think it comes as a shock for the drivers when they’re signing on in the morning. I told one he didn’t expect to see me that side of 0600hrs. It’s vital for us to be accessible as managers.”

On that note, Gareth echoed her thoughts: “We’re virtually a 24/7 operation so it’s important at all levels to be seen.”

Another reader, Paul Harley of Bus Users Wales, asked about the smaller central bus station and its replacement with hubs around the city centre.

Asked about the challenges currently facing the firm, Peter said it was undeniably the changes in Welsh Government funding. “It’s become more like the Scottish system which will hit urban operators particularly hard.”

In something which will doubtless ring true for all bus managers, Cynthia said: “Uncertainty is so hard.

Concessionary fare changes are on the horizon too – the current threeyear agreement finishes on March 31, 2014.”

Peter added: “Currently we get a fairly good reimbursement rate compared to England and Scotland. The challenge for bus operators is they’ve been used to an environment where Government funding has been relatively generous – to the complete opposite. We’ve recently taken on a Business Development Manager in Gareth Stevens to try to mitigate some of that effect.”

On that note, Cynthia said: “We’ve got to grow organically and use spare capacity in our network without being a distraction. Four years ago we moved to a flat fare.

Our simplified fares were generally well received but the problem was we began to alienate short hop passengers so we introduced short hop fares. We’re going to expand them to different areas of the city.

We want to reward frequent users too using smartcards and we need to communicate with them and get them travelling more often and to be seen as the mode of first choice.”

Cardiff Bus is however, fortunate to have the support of its shareholder. Indeed, Cllr Russell Goodway, the Cabinet Member for Finance‚ Business & Local Economy recently described the operator as “an asset which needs protecting because of its importance to the residents of Cardiff.”

As Gareth rightly said: “That support and backing can only be good.”

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DELIVERIES

LAWMANS COACHES Lawmans Coaches has invested in its first large brand new Mercedes-Benz coach – a Tourismo.

Based in Kettering, the firm provides coach services to the local community, as well as offering vehicles for private hire and holidays.

The new vehicle has 49 seats with leather headrests.

A variety of systems providing driver support are fitted as standard, including ABS, Brake Assist and ESP. Passengers can stretch out in comfort, while being entertained by the Professional Line 3 Radio/CD/ DVD system, including two 15-inch monitors.

Julian Lawman, General Manager at Lawmans, told CBW : “We mostly go with Volvo coaches but just thought we’d give the Tourismo a try.

One or two of the operators we work with have been using them. It’s nice to see how a different vehicle performs and if we get on well with it we may well have another in the future.

“Phil Cowdery came in at just the right time and was very helpful.”

Evobus Area Sales Manager Phil Cowdery said: “They were impressed with the specification and the standard of build quality, and look forward to running this vehicle in their modern fleet.”

The new Panthers are 12.8m two-axle vehicles featuring Politecnica GTV reclining seats with all age three-point seatbelts, trimmed in moquette with light coloured leather headrest inserts and piping.

A matching courier seat is installed in Plaxton’s easy access entrance with the

Mistral Bus and Coach has recently supplied two new Wrightbus Streetlites to Battersby SilverGrey of Morecambe.

The 8.8m Streetlites are fitted with a Cummins Euro 5 engine, Voith gearbox, 37 Lazzerini seatbelted seats, Mobitec Electronic Destination equipment and

Synectics CCTV. The vehicles operate on contract to Lancashire County Council Services, on a Lancaster City service and Morecambe Town service, and have been received very well by customers and drivers. The Lancaster City bus operates on some tight residential streets and has proved to be a success.

James Crook-Williams, Transport Manager, said: “We prefer them over any other

FACT FILE

Chassis/body Scania

Mercedes-Benz Tourismo

Engine Mercedes-Benz OM 457 Transmission ZF Ecolife Seats 49 Spec Touring Supplied by

EvoBus (UK) 02476626000 www.evobus.co.uk

Horseman Coaches Four new Plaxton Panther coaches have joined the Berkshire-based fleet of Horseman Coaches.

James Horseman, Director of Operations, said: “We have purchased 20 new Panthers since 2006. They have been well tested on all our operations and have proven thoroughly reliable, therefore we did not hesitate in ordering another four 53-seat full executive Panthers for our 2013 fleet upgrade.

“We have a good working relationship with Plaxton built up over many years.

We find them flexible to deal with and their products offer unbeatable value for money being both reliable and competitively priced.”

Battersby SilverGrey

driver benefiting from a Grammar fully adjustable seat. The specification includes climate control with a roof-mounted Thermo-King air conditioning unit and tinted windows. Alongside the centre continental door 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. Euro 5 is achieved through SCR technology. Externally, the new Panthers are enhanced with Alcoa Dura-Brite alloy wheels and feature Horseman Coaches’ bold red and blue branding on a white background. Horseman Coaches has specified a full internal and external CCTV system on the new vehicles.

Horseman Coaches is a second generation family business based at a modern depot in the south of Reading, Berkshire.

It was founded by Keith Horseman in 1977 and has grown to its current fleet

strength of 70 vehicles, all to full coach specification.

Plaxton products have featured in the fleet since the company’s formation with 50 currently being operated, predominantly Panthers and Cheetahs. The fleet is used on a wide variety of work including school contracts, private charters, corporate shuttles and a tour programme across the UK and Europe.

FACT FILE

Chassis/body Plaxton Panther Volvo B9R Engine Volvo D9B 9.36ltr 380bhp Transmission Volvo I-Shift Automatic Seats 53 Spec Touring Supplied by

Plaxton Coach Sales 01909 551166 www.plaxtoncoachsales.co.uk

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

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Deliveries.indd 26

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April 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 27

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

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

vehicle in their class and they met our requirements.

They’re the only two Wrightbus vehicles in our fleet and have replaced two Plaxton Beavers, since the routes now require low-floor vehicles.

“Tim Matthews at Mistral is always very helpful and the vehicles are performing very well. We’ve been well supported by Wright and Mistral when we’ve had issues but mechanically the vehicles are very reliable.”

FACT FILE

Chassis/body Wrightbus

Streetlite

Engine Cummins Euro 5 Transmission Voith Seats 37 Spec Local Contracts Supplied by

Mistral Bus and Coach Plc 0800 781 4144 www.mistral-group.com

Parnhams Coaches Parnhams Coaches Ltd, of Ludgershall, Wiltshire, has taken delivery of a pair of Bova Futura Classic FHD 127.365 PR 12.7m coaches.

The vehicles are powered by 365bhp DAF PR Euro 5 engines with ZF Automatic transmission and ZF Intarder with hand control. The vehicles carry ASR traction control and cruise control, along with suspension with raise and lowering functions and 160 gallon fuel tanks.

On the inside, curtains adorn the dark tinted, double glazed side and rear windows. There is a carpeted area to the entrance and exit steps, driver’s cab and gangway, with wood effect floor covering elsewhere.

The vehicles have Vogel Conturo reclining seats with

seatbelts, headrest flaps and piping to moquette seams. Passengers have access to seatback tables and adjustable, individual footrests. The courier seat is trimmed in leather along with the air-suspended driver’s seat.

Climate control is provided by a Futurair heating and air conditioning system with additional winter protection and Webasto pre heater with digital timer. Onboard facilites include a centre sunken toilet

compartment/washroom, fridge to the gangway side of the toilet with water boiler to toilet top, a Radio, PA, CD system and a DVD system linked with two LCD monitors.

The driver benefits from a sat nav system and reverse camera with LED rear lights.

Externally, the coaches carry offside centre power operated continental exits, body colour wheel trims, xenon headlamps and towing equipment. The body

is finished in white with vinyl sign writing.

Parhman Coaches may have one of the largest fleets of Bova vehicles in Britian, with the Bova brand seen on all of its 15 vehicles. Ray Parnham, MD, told CBW : “Improvements in the design of the vehicle have enhanced it sufficiently to warrant the extra investment. The service we have received from Moseley has also been second to none.”

FACT FILE

Chassis/body Bova Futura Classic FHD 127.365 PR Engine DAF PR Euro 5 365bhp Transmission ZF Automatic Seats 53 Spec Touring Supplied by

Moseley in the South 01823 653000 www.moseleysouth.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

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INSIGHT › SOCIAL MEDIA AT NX

A milestone achievement Andrew Cream talks to National Express’ Content Manager Sally Hawkesford about how the coach operator communicates to its customers online and how the company has managed to reach 100,000 Facebook ‘likes’

I

t would take a fool to dispute the importance of social media to businesses these days. While of course each industry will rely on it in varying degrees, online networking with consumers can, if done correctly, greatly enhance sales opportunities and in turn drive customers to using your company’s products and services.

The coaching industry is seen by many as a traditional market which often relies on word of mouth and a dedicated office team ready to answer customer queries. This approach works very well for a lot of operators, but other firms are realising what social media can do to help increase custom.

Clearly, National Express (NX) is not your typical coach operator, but that is not to say that smaller companies can’t learn something from the way it handles online communication with customers.

Engaging with customers online

In March, NX celebrated its 100,000th ‘like’ on its Facebook page, making it the first UK public transport company to reach the milestone figure. Evidently, Facebook is an incredibly important tool for NX for talking to customers and promoting itself. “It’s about brand awareness,” explained NX Content Manager Sally Hawkesford. “The travel market is very competitive and it is quite challenging to get people to move away from using the car and train. Our aim is to inspire people to travel by coach.”

The firm uses its Facebook page to engage with current and potential customers. It does this by observing what people are talking about www.coachandbusweek.com

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try and give people that,” she said.

“We hold competitions, for tickets to Wembley for example, which we can offer as we are the official coach supplier for Wembley. Our Facebook followers can see the latest competitions and special pricing available.

“I think Facebook helps people feel quite warm and happy as they feel like a valued customer. We are very excited to get to 100,000 ‘likes’ and would like to reach 200,000, but we need to make sure the community engagement comes with us.”

NX has ramped up its online presence since Sally Hawkesford joined the team in May 2012

Facebook vs. Twitter Nat Ex aims to engage with its customers on its Facebook page and posting relevant conversation starters in order to stimulate discussion and comments.

“We want NX to be at the forefront of people’s minds,” Sally continued. “We write content on events like the Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds festivals because it’s what people are talking about.

That way we get people asking questions and they find out about the services we offer to those events. Obviously we would like it to be a direct revenue driver and it’s about getting into people’s minds.”

NX also uses Facebook as a way of advertising promotions. Sally said: “For the people who do travel with us regularly we offer deals which are exclusive to our social media pages.”

Sally believes one of the main reasons people ‘like’ companies on Facebook is to get something more from them. “Through connecting with us in this way, customers feel they might get something they wouldn’t get otherwise and we

Many operators use Facebook to inform passengers of service updates, but NX has found Twitter to be a better platform for this.

“Over the year I have been at NX we have learnt a lot,” Sally said.

“On Facebook, people aren’t as interested in real-time information.

For example, during the awful snow we had, we used Twitter to communicate with passengers.

Facebook is better for posting more engaging content which people will spend time reading. We look to create content which is quite shareable. That way we can achieve a bigger reach.

“But on Twitter, people want the news and they want it now. We have learnt to become proactive, offering service update information – although we do include updates about the offers and promotions we are running too.

“We looked at our average Twitter followers and they often follow other public transport companies. Our Facebook page, on the other hand, has more people who follow brands.”

NX has its Facebook set up so people cannot post their

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insight › social media at nx

own comments on its wall, unless they are replying to a post NX has written. Instead, if customers have questions, they are asked to use the Facebook messaging system.

“We use Facebook for longer enquiries as on Twitter you are only limited to 140 characters,” explained Sally. “Those visiting from abroad use Facebook to plan trips with us and ask extended questions.”

Dealing with negativity

A few months ago I saw that a Scottish bus operator had decided to deactivate its Facebook page and Twitter feeds due to the number of “abusive and slanderous comments” it received. I was keen to find out how NX dealt with the negative side of using social media.

“Some people might say they are not happy with a particular service but that often brings out people defending us, saying they have never had a problem with our services,” Sally said. “That helps takes away work from the contact centre. It really helps alleviate the situation.

“We don’t get a huge amount of negative comments anyway. But things are never going to be 100%; any public transport company is always going to get negative comments.

“When the last bad snow hit people were saying how well we coped. They were acting like brand ambassadors for us.”

Behind the social networking sites, it is important to have a team in place to respond to problems.

Sally continued: “We have a good customer service team who treat people well. They respond in the same way as when people contact us via phone and emails.

“It’s just about keeping people informed. We have found there is a huge amount of good feeling around the NX brand. But if you don’t think you are going to get negative comments then you’re quite naïve. It’s just about getting the problems sorted.

Reaching the milestone

So that’s how NX uses Facebook and Twitter, but how has it managed to reach the heights of 100,000 ‘likes’?

“We have started to work much closer with Facebook, utilising the new products Facebook has,” Sally said. “For example, if we are going to increase a service we can use Facebook’s targeting tools. This might in turn encourage people to book with us. www.coachandbusweek.com

NatexSocialMedia.indd 30

“We are also working with them for advertising purposes, helping us promote our page to gain a further reach. Furthermore, we are talking to people on our email database to get them onto our Facebook page.

“We have had a very focused programme and it’s paying dividends.

We have a strategy which is very well integrated into our marketing plan. It’s about working with the tools we have got and making sure the messages are right. If you give out the wrong messages then social media will not work for you.”

On whether every public

“We have started to work much closer with Facebook, utilising the new products Facebook has. For example, if we are going to increase a service we can use Facebook’s targeting tools.”

Sally Hawkesford

National Express is looking to grow its over 60s following on Facebook

Sally Hawkesford: a brief history

As National Express’ Content Manager, Sally looks after all digital content – what goes on the website and its social media channels.

In her own words: “I look after the content and our tone of voice. We speak to people in a similar way to how they communicate online.

“My job involves writing online content and working with the Online Marketing Manager to make sure we have put the key points across in our messages.”

Sally is a journalist by trade; her last role was at Centaur Media working for a home interiors publication.

“My job started progressing from print to digital,” she explained. “But it was never an exclusively digital role and I was keen to get more involved in that side. So I took the decision to take a step up in a different realm.

“I’ve been at NX since May 2012. As I worked in home interiors before, coach and travel is quite daunting, but I can draw on the experience I have of inspiring people.

“Having a dedicated person at NX working on the online content, you can really see the difference it has made to the company.”

transport operator should be making use of Facebook and Twitter, Sally said: “It depends on the type of customer you have, but we certainly need that kind of online presence.

“For example, not everybody is aware we run the events and airport services. Someone might think: ‘My flight leaves at 0400hrs – how on earth am I going to get to Heathrow?’, so we need to make sure people know what we provide.

“I don’t think people can ignore the power of social media.”

Further afield

While Twitter and Facebook dominate the market share of social media websites, there is a plethora of other potential marketing avenues online. NX has a presence on Google+, the search engine’s attempt at knocking Facebook of its podium, but the site hasn’t taken off in the UK. “But it does have a really good SEO (search engine optimisation) benefit to it,” Sally commented.

“We are looking at moving into Instagram (online photo sharing and social networking service),” she added. “The kinds of photos users are positing of them onboard our coaches is very positive. It shows our coaches have changed and people are seeing that live.

Instagram users are doing a really good job for us.

“But we want to do that ourselves.

Instagram has younger following so we can promote our Young Persons Coachcards, for example.”

On the subject of age, the NX team is also looking to grow its over 60s following on Facebook.

“We need to keep up-to-date with the websites, making sure we carry on utilising them as well as we can.

Twitter for example has moved into video with its ‘Vine’ app, where users can post six-second videos,” Sally said. “However, we need to be careful – it’s about coming into new spaces like Instagram without spamming people. We need to look at how we can move into other sites without completely over saturating ourselves. Should we look at moving into Youtube?”

From talking to Sally, it’s obvious NX is very serious when it comes to its online presence and developing the ways it communicates with its customers. “I think social media is really exciting,” she concluded.

“Coach companies are seen to be really old fashioned but that perception could be lost in time.”

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THE BIG PICTURE

North West of England firm G-Line Holidays of Lytham St Annes has taken delivery of a new Plaxton Panther-bodied Volvo B9R for UK and continental holiday tours and for private hires. “We have had good service from Plaxton over the years,” said G-Line Proprietor Ernie Bradshaw, “and this is our third on the B9R. It’s a first-class combination, and popular with our customers.” The 12.8m-long Panther is an air-conditioned 53-seater with centre sunken washroom. The Panther’s tiered seating for the front rows of passengers provides excellent forward vision. The reclining seats have leather headrests, as do the matching driver’s and courier seats.

G-Line is a family-run business, currently with three generations of the Bradshaw family working there.

Established in 1967, the company runs 10 modern coaches and operates its own UK and European holiday programme. For holiday tour customers the company provides door-to-door service in the Fylde, Preston, Wyre and South Ribble areas of Lancashire.

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DRIVERS

In association with

DriveTech

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

Stagecoach develops cycle awareness programme Scheme UK’s first in-house programme aims to promote awareness of cyclists in the capital Stagecoach has worked with Cycle Training UK (CTUK) to develop the UK’s first in-house cycle awareness programme for bus drivers.

The training course, which will be delivered at Stagecoach’s London West Ham training garage, aims to help drivers minimise the risk around sharing the city’s road space with cyclists.

The firm hopes to start delivering the programme this summer.

Stagecoach recently took part in a London-wide training course called ‘Safe Urban Driving’, which is accredited as part of the Driver CPC. Five Stagecoach London trainers were put through a four-day National Standards cycle instructor’s course at the company’s training centre.

All five participants completed the training successfully to become Provisional Accredited National Standard Cycling Instructors (NSIs).

Jean Mowbray, Head of Marketing, Cycle Training UK,

Bus routes become cycle training routes

Southern Vectis bus drivers Richard Day and Adam Webb are using bus routes on the Isle of Wight to build stamina for the Island’s 100k Randonnee charity cycling event organised by the Wayfarer Cycle Touring Club on Sunday May 5.

Richard, 25, who cycles from his home in Cowes to Newport to work, and Adam, 27, who commutes by bike from Ventnor, became keen cyclists just a year ago in a bid to keep fit. They hope that,

said: “Stagecoach has taken an innovative approach to train driver trainers who are also keen cyclists to deliver the programme.

“Key to this is to encourage drivers to empathise with cyclists. It makes sense and has more impact for the drivers to actually experience cycling on the road themselves, rather than talking around it.

“The Stagecoach trainers now have a unique perspective of the road, as cycling instructors and driver trainers. This can only help to further minimise risk for everyone and we recommend all professional drivers using urban roads follow Stagecoach’s lead.”

Stagecoach London has since developed its own CPC cycle awareness training, which can be delivered in-house by its own training instructors. It was piloted under observation from a CTUK instructor. The next stage is to fully accredit the team when they deliver their CPC programme.

Stagecoach London Training Officer Malcolm Critchard said: “We are keen to ensure all of our drivers are cycle aware. We were

impressed by the interactive and practical nature of the CTUK programme and the way it communicated concepts directly and clearly to the drivers. We wanted to explore this type of training and have it tailored to our own requirements.”

Trainee driver Richard Brown added: “The cycle training gave me a greater awareness of cyclists’ movements, positioning and habits on the road. Drivers need to empathise with cyclists and be aware of the shared road space.”

Last year, Stagecoach Group announced that its employees had benefited from £1m worth of new bikes in less than a year through the company’s Cycle to Work Scheme.

Almost 1500 of the company’s bus drivers and support staff have taken advantage of the scheme.

Under flexible pay and benefit arrangements the firm provides employees with a bike to use for cycling to and from work. The initiative provides savings on the price of the bikes through bulk discounts and employees also save on tax and national insurance.

Southern Vectis fundraisers Richard Day (left) and Adam Webb

schoolgirl, who has been paralysed from the neck down by two attacks of Meningitis, by providing funds to adapt the family home, so she can return to the Island after being away since April 2012.

“We are determined to go the distance to raise as much as possible for Lottie,” said Adam. “Southern Vectis has agreed to make a major contribution to support our bid to raise over £1000.”

through sponsorship from friends, colleagues and some of their regular passengers, they can raise funds for the Lottie Rann Trust.

The Trust aims to help the

Donations and sponsorship can be made using forms at the Newport and Ryde information points and at the Blenheim in Ventnor.

Alternatively visit www.fundrazr. com and search for Randonnee.

Eric Leverton

Driver retires after 47 years’ service trent barton has bid farewell to one of its longest serving drivers with a special send-off involving family, colleagues and a vintage bus.

When Eric Leverton first got behind the wheel of a bus, England was celebrating its World Cup win.

Since then Eric has won trent barton’s Driver of the Month Award a record nine times.

To mark the occasion, the operator organised a surprise party after his last shift and rolled out a vintage Leyland Leopard to remind him of his early days on the buses.

“It certainly brought back a few memories,” said Eric, who joined Barton Transport in 1974 after eight years as a driver with Midland General. “Things have changed a bit, for a start there was no power steering in those days.”

He added: “I’ve worked on the buses for almost my entire working life and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“I felt particularly proud when I collected my first award. trent barton has been great to work for.”

Through his career Eric has worked on many routes but for the past decade he’s driven a 27 bus, serving the Ilkeston area.

Jeff Counsell, trent barton MD, said: “Eric has set an example for colleagues to follow, winning numerous accolades alongside the Driver of the Month awards. We’ll miss Eric, but wish him a long and happy retirement.”

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36 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 17, 2013

PRODUCTS

Go-Ahead selects Michelin in major tyre deal Go-Ahead has extended its Michelin contract for three years following a competitive tender for its bus and coach tyre business.

The pence-per-mile (PPM) deal strengthens Michelin’s 25-year relationship with Go-Ahead Group and means Michelin will remain the tyre of choice for nearly 4,500 of the company’s buses and coaches across the UK – the overwhelming majority of Go-Ahead’s fleet.

The operator will use Michelin X InCity tyres across its single and double-deck buses, while its 100 coaches will be shod with Michelin’s latest X MultiWay 3D tyres.

Phil Margrave, Go-Ahead’s Group Engineering Director, said: “We’ve worked with Michelin for many years and if we were basing our tyre policy solely on product quality then we would opt for Michelin every time. Michelin doesn’t just stop at supplying us with tyres, but provides a total mobility solution. Their resident fitters are available on-site in our bus garages and work alongside our own technicians – the service support system Michelin has in place suits our business perfectly.”

Michelin’s fitters will continue to work in-house at Go-Ahead’s

40 depots as part of the extended contract, with ATS Euromaster’s nationwide roadside rapid response service available should the company need tyre assistance out on the road.

Margrave added: “With an increasing number of 24-hour routes being implemented, our buses need to have minimum downtime and our tyres must be as durable as possible.

Michelin tyres offer us the longevity and robustness that we need.”

Many of Go-Ahead’s London buses are in operation 17 hours a day and can travel up to 200 miles daily, averaging 13 stops per mile, so long-lasting and resilient tyres with strong sidewalls to protect against kerbing are essential.

Email martin.cole@coachandbus week.com to get your new product or service in the spotlight

The rubber compound used in the Michelin X InCity range is particularly resistant to stop and start driving and increases mileage performance by up to 15% as well as offering up to 18% more traction in urban driving conditions compared with the previous generation Michelin XZU+.

The X MultiWay 3D gets its name from its three-dimensional tread sipes which generate grip in difficult climatic conditions, providing outstanding safety and mobility for the company’s regional coaches, even in the event of adverse weather conditions.

Go-Ahead takes advantage of Michelin’s Four Lives policy to ensure multiple lives from every new Michelin casing which enters its fleet.

The operator will use Michelin X InCity tyres across its single and double deck buses while its 100 coaches will be shod with X Multiway 3D tyres

E-Leather helping to provide a new look for States of Jersey HCT Plus chose E-Leather for its vehicle interiors for the new buses which entered service at the beginning of the year on the island of Jersey.

The new interior colours where chosen to represent the island’s characteristics of harbours, rock pools, sea and surf and E-Leather was selected because it was felt to support the anticipated look and feel of the service, along with impressive environmental and maintenance advantages.

David Shaw, Project Designer on behalf of HCT, felt the E-Leather combination of natural leather with man-made fibres provided a hygienic, easy to clean and durable interior, which combined with the reduction of waste, emissions and water during the manufacturing process, provided exactly what they were looking to achieve.

Specific colours and shades of E-Leather were specially developed Colours and specific shades of E-Leather were specially developed for the project and a grain finish chosen to compliment both the seat design and overall layout of the vehicles.

Carl Watkins, Sales Manager at E-Leather, said: “More and more bus and coach operators are looking at their vehicle interiors as a way

of promoting their business, while achieving the balance of practicality, comfort and style and at E-Leather we believe we can play a part in advising upholstery styles and colour combinations to achieve a unique appearance.”

Email carl.watkins@eleather. com or ring 01733 843939

Paul Brooks and Scott Webb looking suitably posed

UK Steel Enterprise invests in FUELlink FUELlink Systems is using an equity investment from UK Steel Enterprise to help improve its product range.

FUELlink provides fuelling equipment and maintenance to local authorities as well as transport, logistics and emergency service operators across the UK, from Orkney to the New Forest and Norfolk to Monmouth.

High profile clients on FUELlink’s books include Lothian Buses, East Yorkshire Motor Services and NCT. Several customers have already committed to using the firm’s bespoke nozzle system which guards against fuel theft, spillage and hazards with its non-drip technology.

The nozzle attaches to a dedicated fuel cap fitted to each vehicle to ensure efficient re-fuelling without the worry of diesel loss and resulting financial and safety implications.

As well as providing on-site re-fuelling equipment and related maintenance, FUELlink has created a sophisticated online fuel management system, the software for which is written in-house.

Scott Webb, Regional Executive for UKSE, said: “UKSE applauds the firm’s entrepreneurial attitude and determination to improve its equipment and software products to make life easier for the fleets that rely on FUELlink’s expertise. With the challenging climate, companies are prioritising return on investment by spending more money on maintenance and looking for ways to reduce fuel bills and so FUELlink’s innovations are proving popular.”

Paul Brooks, Sales Director at FUELlink Systems, said: “The backing from UKSE is a great boost. While everyone is feeling the pinch, a growing number of companies are realising the value in ongoing maintenance contracts and effective fuel management.”

Email scot@ uksteelenterprise.co.uk or ring 01698 845045

www.coachandbusweek.com

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open platform › david blainey

Tender loving care ATCO Chairman David Blainey writes in a personal capacity about the relationship between operators and local transport authorities – and stresses there are real benefits for working together Back in pre-deregulation days when I was managing a family-owned bus and coach business, before each tender round, the local operators used to meet in a suitable public house and discuss how we could maintain tender prices for school contracts at a reasonable level. In those days, in that area, tendering was a new thing. At a time of rising school rolls, if an extra contract bus was required, the County Council would identify what they felt was the logical operator and ask for a price. As long as it was reasonable, it was accepted. Tendering changed that comfortable relationship; so we would meet to discuss how income levels could be maintained – then we went away and undercut each other’s prices. That was 30 years ago, but does anything change? If the columns of Coach & Bus Week and its predecessors are examined; articles, editorials and letters will be found over those 30 years, exhorting operators to work out their costs accurately, include a reasonable profit margin and then refuse to budge from that whatever the pressures to shave off a few pounds.

Sometimes the finger of blame is pointed at the Local Transport Authority. We should refrain from automatically accepting the lowest bidder on every occasion. But unless there is a glaring error, how can we do otherwise? Sometimes an operator will say “I was only a few thousand pounds more expensive but you gave ‘my’ contract to the lowest bidder!” How would that operator react if the tendering authority said “Their bid was only a few thousand pounds more so we gave ‘your’ contract to a competitor?” It is very difficult for a tendering authority not to go with the lowest price. At Merseytravel all the quality aspects are included in the tender specification so an objective decision can be made based on the price.

Local authority officers (members of ATCO) know that bus operators are under pressure.

One of our Merseytravel contractors explained to us recently how their costs have increased.

Fuel prices up by 32%, insurance premiums up by 36%.

So how much are tender prices increasing by?

Every year ATCO carries out a survey of prices for school and local bus service tenders across the United Kingdom. The outline results are announced each year at our Winter Conference.

These are actual figures from 98 tendering authorities. Despite the price increases and cut www.coachandbusweek.com

OpenPlatform_ATCO.indd 38

Tender prices for prices for home to school contracts fell by 7.7% last year, according to ATCO data

“What is clear is that it is in no-one’s interest in the long term for prices to be cut to such a level that operators are unable to make a living and invest in the future of their businesses.” in BSOG, last year prices for local bus service contracts fell by 6.9% and prices for home to school contracts fell by 7.7%. In both cases this is a continuation of a long term trend. How can this be the case?

Have operators been making excess profits in the past? I can hear the clatter of keyboards across the country as operators respond to that suggestion.

Is there an excess of supply over demand leading to margins being cut to retain business?

Are new operators coming into the market or expanding into new areas and prepared to work at or below cost to establish a presence?

Does a move to longer contracts enable costs to be spread over a longer period and prices therefore reduced?

Has there been an increase in e-tendering incorporating e-auctions encouraging operators to go below what they can afford in the excitement of the competition?

Are contracts being made more efficient so that operators can provide services for lower prices? The skills needed to produce efficient, cost effective vehicle workings and timetables are often under-valued in local government.

There is a view that anyone can knock together a bus timetable or design a school transport network, but ATCO members in local authorities have skills which can have a significant impact on reducing costs.

So why are contract prices going down year after year? It is probably a combination of some or all of the above reasons and more.

What is clear is that it is in no-one’s interest in the long term for prices to be cut to such a level that operators are unable to make a living and invest in the future of their businesses.

With that in mind ATCO and CPT are planning to work together so that local authority officers and operators understand each other better.

It is hoped to hold a series of procurement workshops where ATCO members and bus company managers work together in teams to price contracts and discuss the results and the reasons why certain decisions were made.

One of these workshops will be held as part of this year’s ATCO Summer Conference to be held in Liverpool from June 11-13 and local operators will be encouraged to come along and participate.

Then both groups will be offered the opportunity of having a couple of days working on ‘the other side’. ATCO members will get a better idea of what bus operators have to cope with in getting the bus to the school on time and vice versa.

Back in 1984, there was a definite attitude of ‘us and them’. When I arrived, the owner of the company I had come to manage told me “There’s no point talking to the local authority, it’s a waste of time.”

When we did talk, we found there were real benefits in working together. I believe that is still the case in 2013.

The views expressed here are those solely of the author and not necessarily those of ATCO or his employer Merseytravel.

ATCO (Association of Transport Coordinating Officers) was formed in 1974 to bring together local authority officers whose work involved what were then new county council responsibilities for passenger transport. Visit www.atco.org.uk If you want to let off some steam, just tap away at the keyboard and send your rant (or carefully-reasoned views) to gareth. evans@coachandbusweek.com, or fax 0845 280 2927. Make ‘Open Platform’ the subject line. Alternatively, send your missive to: CBW, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX

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Network Warrington have the following vehicles for sale 7HO

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

Access Lifts

& Ramps

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

2003 ALD Enviro 300

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

POA

Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530

2010 MAN Beulas

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

Florida Taxi Coaches 01787 477701

2001 Mercedes Autobus Nouvelle II

2002 ALD ALX200 Dennis Dart

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

2004 MAN 14.240 SLF MCV Evolution 11.3m

Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530

39 seats + 21 standees, DDA compliant, Mobitec LED. ÂŁ24,500 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

Optare Solo M710 SE (57 Plate)

2005 MAN Noge

1998 Tri-axle Scania Irizar

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

57 reclining seats, air conditioning, one owner from new, 320,000kms, dark moquette leather inset headrests, curtains.

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

ÂŁ65,000+VAT - P/X considered

Comfort shift gearbox, alloy wheels, good tyres, 49 re-trimmed seats with belts, air con, fridge, servery, WC, video with 2 monitors, 12 months, MOT, LEZ renewed, well loved and looked after by owner-driver for last 8 years. ÂŁ24,995

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

Martins of Tysoe 01295 680642

33 seats with lap belts, dual purpose, destination gear, this bus has been refurbished in the chassis, to body parts and repainted.

ÂŁ10,000+VAT

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

POA – choice of 3

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

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2003 Mercedes Citaros

2003 Dennis Trident 2 SLF Alex 400 10.5m

Mercedes 814D Euro Coach

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

67 seats + 18 standees, Cummins Euro IV/ZF, conversion to single door available, very clean. £25,000 + VAT – CHOICE Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

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

2 x 2007 (57) Optare Solo M950 Slimlines

2000 Plaxton Mini Pointer Dart 8.8m

yourbus – 01773 714013

Dennis Dart Mini Plaxton Pointer 8.8m

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

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.

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.

ÂŁ58,000

Contact William on 07733 914050

29 seat service bus, front, side & rear manual destination, front ramp, Euro 2, blue patterned moquette seats.

SPECIAL OFFER – £6,250

ÂŁ5,750

ÂŁ19,000 + VAT

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Florida Taxi Coaches 01787 477701

Courtney Buses 0118 973 3486

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

2006 Plaxton Pointer Plaxton/Transbus

2005 Bova Futura

2005 13m Bova Futura

2000 VOLVO B7TL’s

Full executive, 53 reclining seats, good leg room, used on holiday programme, one owner from new, 430,000kms, 12 months MOT.

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

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.

ÂŁ84,500+VAT - P/X considered

POA

Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144

Call Paul – 07968 106891

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

EnsignBus 01708 865656

2002 VOLVO B7TL’s

2004 Volvo B12M VanHool T9 Exec

2002 Futura

(09) 2009 Ford Transit

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)

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

17 seat minibus 2.4 diesel, Six speed gearbox, Tachograph, 65,000 km ÂŁ12,995

29 + 17 seats, 323,719 miles.

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

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Nigel McCree - 01509 502695

ÂŁ49,000 o.n.o.

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

Pembridge Vehicle Management 01633 485858

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

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2007 MAN Plaxton Panther 49/53 seats, LEZ compliant, toilet, DVD/CD, fridge, hot drinks, Webasto.

Only used on our own holidays and excursions.

Excellent condition.

ÂŁ90,000 + VAT

Please call Jamie 01730 267543 or 07956 029344

2008 MAN Auto Ayat

2000 SCANIA T9

51 seat full executive, owned from new, choice of 2, real head turner, used on tour programme, low mileage @ 240,000kms, a lot of coach for the money, looks great and great value at just...

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.

ÂŁ89,000+VAT - P/X considered

ÂŁ24,750

Tel: Adrian on 07717 768315

Contact Eric on 0792 138920

Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer

VOLVO B12B

2007 Setra S415HD

2007 Unvi Riada

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

49 seats, blue and red interior with leather trim, drinks facilities, fridge, air conditioning, vacuum system, DVD and centre toilet.

22 seats with 3 point belts, certified courier seat, DVD, P/A, air-conditioning, MOT 15/04/14, brand new engine with Mercedes warranty.

39 seats in blue patterned moquette, front, side & rear LED destination, luggage racks, Euro 2, front manual ramp.

ÂŁ120,000

POA

ÂŁ42,000

SPECIAL OFFER – £8,500

Contact William on 07733 914050

Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

2009 Mercedes Tourino

2002 Mercedes Vario 614

Neoplan Starliner

1998 Volvo B10M Jonckheere Mistral

Manual, 32-seat executive, purple, Webasto, air conditioning, retarder, WC, DVD McLaren colour seats with leather headrests, spare double seat, must be seen, 211,000km, MOT April 2014. Must sell due to retirement.

ÂŁ110,000

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

ÂŁ6,995

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.

ÂŁ65,000 + VAT o.n.o.

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.

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

Florida Taxi Coaches 01787 477701

ÂŁ35,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

2007 Setra 415GTHD Comfort Class

2003 Futura

2005 Daf VanHool

2010 Temsa Avenue

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

42-48 seats, 60,667 miles.

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

ÂŁ120,000

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

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

ÂŁ95,000

POA

Burns Coach Tours 01651 851279

Arriva Bus & Coach 01274 681144

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

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1999 MAN Neoplan Transliner

2005 Volvo B12B Plaxton Panther

2004 Optare Solo M850 SLF

Manual, air con, fixed toilet, TV monitor with DVD/video, seat belts, low driver’s position, radio/cassette/PA, water boiler, courier seat.

49 seats with belts, I-Shift, MOT May, LEZ compliant, fixed toilet, courier seat, low driver’s position, radio/CD/PA system.

ÂŁ19,995

ÂŁ57,500

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

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

2002 IVECO DAILY 50C13 17 SEAT FRONT ENTRY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS

2011 EVM X-Clusive Sprinter 519CDI

2007 (07) Ford Transit 17 seat minibus

2800cc turbo diesel, certificate of initial fitness, access underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for upto 6 wheelchairs, 72000 miles, excellent condition, COIF, PSV, tacho, supplied with 12 months MOT or PSV, fully serviced to Good Garage Scheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty. ÂŁ6495 + VAT

16 seats with 3 point belts, TV, DVD, plug door, air-con, 60,000 miles, mint condition, under warranty to April.

2.4 diesel, six speed, one owner, 64,000 miles, FSH, COIF/PSV.

ÂŁ59,950

Pembridge Vehicle Management 01633 485858

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

EVM – 07749 103203

Iveco 17 seat wheelchair accessible minibus

IVECO DAILY 40C13 FRONT ENTRY 17 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS

ÂŁ9,950 + VAT

2006 (56) Ford Transit 17 seat minibus

2.4 diesel, one owner, 40,000 miles.

ÂŁ9,995 + VAT

Pembridge Vehicle Management 01633 485858

Marco Polo Iris

21 seat wheelchair accessible bus with room for 18 wheelchairs, Euro 4, coach style seats, destination equipment, 300kg capacity tail lift, automatic ZF gearbox.

ÂŁ40,000

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

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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

2012 Ford Transit

16 coach style seats with seatbelts, tacho, manual gearbox & Euro 5, ideal social club or schools vehicle, in plain white â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ideal for putting on your own livery, still in warranty and LEZ compliant.

2800cc turbo diesel, Ratcliffe Palfinger underfloor rear wheelchair lift, tracking for up to 4 wheelchairs, coach style interior, front entry, analogue tachograph, panoramic glass, 125000 kilometers/78000 miles, excellent condition, supplied with 12 months MOT, fully serviced to Good GarageScheme standards, 3 months parts and labour warranty. ÂŁ8495 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NO VAT

Ben Weaver Commercials 0114 275 7076

2005 Bova Futura

ÂŁ16,500

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.

Ventura Sales 01342 835206

Call Paul â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07968 106891

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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

1999/2000/2001 V/X/51 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS Cummins/Voith, LEZ compliant for 2012 with traps to Euro 4, CCTV, Alexander ALX400 bodies, DDA compliant or upseated to 80 seats.

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).

2000 VOLVO B7TL’S

1986 LEYLAND OLYMPIAN TRI-AXLE

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

Gardner engine, Voith gearbox, 100 seats with seatbelts.

1999 VOLVO B7TL’S

2002 DENNIS DARTS

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

Euro 3 engines with traps, 8.8M long, Marshall bodies, 25 seats, DDA.

2001 Y REG DENNIS DARTS

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

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

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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K ER SPECIALIST 1990 LEYLAND OLYMPIAN OPEN TOP

1998 R REG VOLVO B10BLE’S

Cummins L10 / ZF, 78 seats.

1998 R REG DENNIS JAVELIN ZF 6 speed manual, Plaxton Premiere 350, 53 seats.

2000 DENNIS SUPER POINTER DARTS

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

2007 VOLVO B12BT’s

Euro 4, Plaxton Panther bodies, 15m, 65 seats, toilet, DDA, front wheelchair lift, Hanover LED's all round.

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.

2002 DENNIS TRIDENT

Cummins Euro 3 engines, ZF gearbox, Hanover LED’s, DDA, single door, 67 seats.

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.

2007 56 PLATE SCANIA OMNICITY

41 seats, 12m, DDA compliant, long MOT.

1995 M REG VOLVO B10M

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

1995 M REG VOLVO B10M

Alexander ALX400 bodies, 80 seats, DDA compliant.

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

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

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Call for details on our 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

ADL ENVIRO 300 2008 08 REG 38/42 seats, wheelchair access and standing, choice of 5.

FROM £55,000

VOLVO OLYMPIAN, NORTHERN COUNTIES “LOW HEIGHT” BODY 1998 R REG Volvo engine/ZF gearbox, 76 seats plus 8, can be belted if required. £9,950

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

MERCEDES 814D VARIO MELLOR BODY 2003 03 REG Fitted with 28 h/b seats on tracking, tail lift and Alison auto gearbox, low miles, up to 6 w/chairs and 12 seats. £19,950

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 £32,950

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

FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT FACTORY BUS 2010 59 REG Will have new COIF and PSV test, tachograph and only 60k miles. £14,950

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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April 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 47

681973-1083-Pembridge

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NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS

New Ford Transit 17 seat 4.3ton 135ps minibus. From £19,495 + VAT

FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES

(12) 2012 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.2tdci 135ps, tacho, 2300 miles only, ex-demo in silver, COIF/PSV £20,695 (12) 2012 Ford Transit Tourneo 9 seat Trend 2.2 125 PS, air-con, Bluetooth, in Midnight Sky Blue, 2,608 miles £14,900 + VAT (11) 2011 Ford Transit 9 seat Shuttle Bus, twin side loading doors, large rear luggage area, delivery miles only £16,995 (10) 2010 Ford Transit 17 seat 140ps minibus, tachograph, 33000 km,FSH, COIF/PSV £15,250 (09) 2009 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.4 diesel, six speed gearbox, tachograph, 65,000 km £12,995

(07) 2007 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.4 diesel, six speed, one owner, 64,000 miles, FSH, COIF/PSV £9,950 + VAT (56) 2006 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus, 2.4 diesel, one owner, 40,000 miles £9,995 +VAT

OTHER MAKES

New Peugeot Boxer 16 seat 3.5 ton and 17 seat w/chair accessible minibuses, 2.2 diesel 120ps, six speed gearbox LEZ COMPLIANT From £24,750 + VAT

(56) 2006 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat LWB minibus, 2.8 diesel, high back seats with three point seat belts, 19,000 miles only £9,450

OTHER MAKES

(56) 2006 Peugeot Boxer 3.5t on 17 seat minibus 2.8 diesel, high back seats with three point belts, 33,000 miles £8,995

D L O S

(55) 2005 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat minibus 2.8 diesel, with three point seat belts, tow bar, removable seats to rear, 77,000 miles £6,995

LDV MINIBUSES

(57) 2007 LDV Maxus 17 seat, high back seats with three point belts, twin side doors, COIF/ PSV, silver £7,500

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

(55) 2005 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, tracking to take two wheelchairs, low side entrance step, easy clean floor £7,495 (57) 2008 Iveco 50c15 wheelchair accessible minibus, 17 seats or 4 seated + 5 wheelchairs, rear heating, underfloor tail lift, front entry drop step, COIF/PSV £15,495

(57) 2008 Iveco 50c15 wheelchair accessible minibus, 17 seats or 4 seated + 5 wheelchairs, rear heating, underfloor tail lift, front entry drop step, 90,000 km COIF/PSV £15,495

D L O S

(08) 2008 Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 2.2 diesel, wheelchair accessible minibus, 11 seats, tracking to take three wheelchairs, in board lift £13,995 + VAT (07) 2007 LDV Maxus 13 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, under floor lift, space for two wheelchairs, electric side step £8,495

(06) 2006 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 cdti 9 seat, inboard lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, 45,000 miles £8,995

Y 2001 Renault Mascot 2.8 diesel, 16 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, front entry drop step, fully tracked floor to take five wheelchairs, under floor lift, rear heating, COIF/PSV £6,495

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

Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304

Pembridge House, The Park Business Centre, Plough Road, Goytre, Penperlleni, Nr Usk, South Wales NP4 0AL – 10 minutes from M4 motorway. Viewing by appointment only

Finance Contract Hire and Finance Lease Available. We deliver Nationwide. All vehicles prepared to VOSA standard COIF/PSV specialist

All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%

681297-1083-Connaught

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Mini Coach Sales

BRAND NEW COACH BUILT MERCEDES 516 FERQUI SOROCO 16 high back leather trimmed reclining seats, courier seat, A/C, D/G, power door, large boot, DVD, silver metallic. AVAILABLE NOW.

BRAND NEW MERCEDES FERQUI TORO 28/32 high back seats + courier, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot.

Order now for May delivery.

BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ FERQUI SOROCO 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights and boot.

Order now for May delivery.

2011 MERCEDES 519 CDI SPRINTER X-CLUSIVE AUTO 16 high back full leather trimmed seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, power door, glass roof, large boot and DVD system.

2011 61 REG MERCEDES 513 CDI TRANSFER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, A/C, parking sensors, side entry with automatic step, luggage space.

2010 59 REG MERCEDES 515 CDI TRAVEL 45 16 high back reclining seats, 3 point belts, A/C, forced air, reading lights, DVD, power door & power step, coach rear, auto.

2008 08 REG MERCEDES 515 CDI SOROCO 19 high back seats, forced air, A/C, D/G, reading lights, power door and boot, in silver metallic.

2007 07 REG MERCEDES 515CDI SOROCO 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, power door, boot, in silver metallic.

2007 07 REG MERCEDES 413 CDI SOROCO 16 high back seats, forced air, reading lights, A/C, power door and large boot.

2006 56 REG MERCEDES 616 SOROCO PLUS 16 high back leather seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights, fridge, DVD, power door and boot.

2001 51 REG MERCEDES BENZ 413 CDI SOROCO 16 high back seats, forced air, A/C, reading lights, power door and large boot.

2001 Y REG MERCEDES 814 VARIO OPTARE NOUVELLE 31/33 high back seats, forced air, reading lights, PA system, power door and boot.

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

682633-1083-Eastwoods DPS

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DUE TO ILLNESS OF THE MD, MASSIVE SALE WITH HUGE REDUCTIONS – ALL MUST BE SOLD!

2003 DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PROFILE Registered Dec 2003, double glazed tinted glass, Cummins 275 engine, 6 speed manual gearbox, 49 seats, toilet & washroom, ready for immediate use, MoT tested, 120,000 miles, choice of two.

Straight from MOD.

N I D E C U D E R S E L C I H E V L L A £P.O.A

Straight from MOD

1995 PLAXTON PREMIER B10 engine In excellent condition throughout MOT

£16,000 +VAT

06 MAN EVOLUTION

14/220, 37 seats, SLF automatic, wheelchair ramp, superb condition throughout, fully MoT’d.

£45,500

Part exchange considered

BERKOF RADIAL 1998

53 seats, Cummins 300 engine, ex council, manual box, air cond, MoT, very low mileage, super condition.

£19,500

CAETANO (SALVADOR) 1998

57 seats, in white, Cummins 245 engine, MoT Sept 2012, very clean vehicle.

£19,500 + VAT

BMC AIRPORT BUS

32 seats, 220 Cummins, new MoT this week.

QUICK SALE WANTED.

£15,000

DRIVER TRAINING VEHICLE

MERCEDES VARIO 612

1998, 20 new seats, wheelchair lift on wheel tracking, 20 new seats.

Choice of 6.

TRADE SALE OR SEPARATE

1995 DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PREMIER HIGHLINER

53 recliner seats, 290 Cummins, automatic, continental door, toilet, full years MoT, must be seen.

£POA + VAT

02 LDV

Minibus with 12 seats, long MOT, wheelchair lift and very clean.

£P.O.A.

DENNIS JAVELIN

10 metre, 47 seater, ABS brakes, new Class 5 for driver training, Cummins 220 engine, 6 speed gearbox, new stretch panels repainted white, ready for service.

£14,250

682633-1083-Eastwoods DPS

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17:25

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E L A S K C I U Q R O F E C I R P N I D IVECO SERVICE BUS

67 seats (moquet), new 2006, only 12,000 miles since new,Vihixel body, auto gearbox, air-con, MOT full year, LEZ, must be seen, superb condition.

£65,000 + VAT PX considered

PLAXTON PARAGON

48 reclining seats plus courier seat, air-con.

£49,500 + VAT

03 MERCEDES VARIO

With wheelchair lift, 13 seats, low mileage.

£12,000 + VAT

02 SETRA

1996 VOLVO PLAXTON PREMIER HIGH LINER

B10 engine, 14 months test, 70 seats, tinted double glazing, curtains, continental door, must be seen.

Model S-315 GT HD, 6 cylinder MAN engine, manual 6 speed gearbox, 49 seater, full air conditioning, many extras, full year MOT

£45,000 + VAT

Part exchange considered

696754-1083-Pickrell

H. W. PICKRELL

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Page 1

MINIBUS AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

Gardiners Lane North • Crays Hill • Billericay • Essex • CM11 2XE Tel: 01268 521033 • Mobile: 07860 894331 • Fax: 01268 284951

Email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk - www.hwpickrell.co.uk Finance available on all vehicles (subject to status) Written details on request.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINI BUSES For latest stock arrivals follow @h_w_pickrell

09 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5 TD

2009 59 REG VAUXHALL VIVARO SL28 2.0 T D

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4TDCI

07 REG VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR50 UVG TREKA

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.

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.

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, 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.

57 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

59 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.45TD

06 REG M ERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI

60 REG FORD TRANSIT 330 2.4T DCI

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

Manual 6 speed, high roof, PAS, LWB, O & H conversion, side loading door, side step, 8-14 high back seats, fully tracked Unwin floor, Ricon tail lift, Eberspacher heater, ex NHS, only 12,695 miles.

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

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.

57 REG PEUGEOT BOXER 2.5TD

57 REG FORD TRANSIT 100, 350 2.4TDCI

57 REG CITROEN RELAY 2.5TD

55 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVG TREKA

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

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

Auto gearbox, LWB, PAS, climate control, n/s/f electric power door, 16 high back removable seats on NMI quick release, Eberspacher, PLS underfloor t/lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, 104,180 kms.

58 REG IVECO DAILY 50c13 IRIS BUS 3.0

07 REG RENAULT M ASTER LM35 2.5TD

08 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

08 REG F ORD TRANSIT 430 2.4TDCI

Manual gearbox, high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, power door, 16 rear high back seats, Unwin tracked floor, Eberspacher heater, destination board, Ratcliff tail lift, COIF’d, 63,371 miles, PSV till March 2014.

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

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, semi high roof, PAS, LWB, tacho, side loading door, 17 high back seats including driver, electric windows, Bluetooth, COIF, PSV tested till September 2013, metallic silver, Euroliners, 84,407kms.

06 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4TDCI

NEW UN REG IVECO DAILY 50c17 IRIS BUS 3.0

08 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.5TD

2008 57 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 311 2.2CDI

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.

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

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

6 speed manual gearbox, semi high roof, PAS, MWB, side loading door, 14 high back seats including driver, electric widows, Bluetooth, electric side step, air con, satnav, electric windows & mirrors, 39,834miles.

08 REG FORD TRANSIT 430 JUMBO 2.4 TDCI

06 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 CDI UVK TREKA

59 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO LM39 2.5TD

56 RENAULT MASTER M M33 2.5TD

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.

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, choice of 5.

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).

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.

696769-1083-Rotala

15/4/13

16:39

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p54_CBW_1083

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696725-1083-Moseley

12/4/13

11:31

Page 1

IN THE SOUTH LTD.

2007 BOVA FUTURA FHD 120.365PR AUTOMATIC - EURO 4 EMISSION LEVEL ENGINE

53 Reclining seats, Courier seat, AIR CONDITIONING, Double Glazing, CD/DVD equipment, Retarder, Digital Tachograph, Cruise control, Alloy wheels, Automatic transmission

2010 MERCEDES 0816D PLAXTON CHEETAH 2 EURO 4 EMISSIONS - AUTOMATIC - CHOICE • 25 Leather trimmed • Double Glazing • CD Audio reclining seats • DVD & Monitor • 3 Point seat belts • Free standing Fridge • Courier seat • Inswing entrance door • Reverse Camera • AIR CONDITIONING • Digital Tachograph

2008 BOVA FUTURA FHD 120.365PR AUTOMATIC - EURO 4 EMISSION LEVEL ENGINE • Water boiler • 49 Reclining seats • CD/DVD equipment • Courier seat • AIR CONDITIONING • Retarder • Digital Tachograph • Double Glazing • Cruise control • Centre sunken toilet • Alloy wheels • Powered Conti exit • Top loading fridge

2007 VAN HOOL T916 - DAF MX/AS- TRONIC EURO 4 EMISSIONS • Water boiler • 49 Royal class seats • AIR CONDITIONING • 3 point seat belts • Reclining courier seat • Double glazing • Navigation system • Centre sunken toilet • Audio/DVD systems • Continental exit • Rack locker doors • Large fridge

2006 VOLVO B12M VAN HOOL ALIZEE T9 CHOICE OF VEHICLES • Double glazing • 53 Reclining seats • Hanover displays • Courier seat • Audio equipment • In-swing door • Rear floor mtd toilet • Navigation • AIR CONDITIONING • Retarder

2005 BOVA FUTURA FHD 12.340XE CHOICE OF 2 VEHICLES • CD/DVD equipment • 49 Reclining seats • Boiler & fridge • Courier seat • Continental exit • AIR CONDITIONING • Cruise control • Double Glazing • Retarder • Centre sunken toilet

2003 VOLVO B12M VAN HOOL ALIZEE T9

2000 BOVA FUTURA FHD 12.370

2003 BOVA FUTURA FHD 12.340XE • 49/53 Reclining seats • Courier seat • AIR CONDITIONING • Double Glazing • Centre demount toilet

• Continental exit • CD Audio • Boiler & fridge • Webasto retarder • Cruise control

Summerfield Avenue, Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9JF.

• 51 Reclining seats • Courier seat • Rear sunken demount toilet • Continental exit • Double glazing

• Double glazing • 57 Reclining seats • • Courier seat • Audio & DVD system • • AIR CONDITIONING • Retarder • • •

Follow us @MoseleySouth on

www.moseleysouth.co.uk

• AIR CONDITIONING • CD/DVD systems • Boiler & Fridge • Crew bunk • Alloy wheels • Retarder

1998 VOLVO B12R VAN HOOL ASTROBEL AUTOMATIC & L.E.Z. COMPLIANT 71 Reclining seats • Audio & DVD systems Twin courier seat • Servery unit Centre entrance • Reverse camera Crew door • U/S camera Double glazing • Towing equipment

Telephone (01823) 653000 Fax: (01823) 663502 E-mail: sales@moseleysouth.co.uk

p56_CBW_1083

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56 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 17, 2013

Kinglong Scotland Come and see us on our external stand at

Scottish Fleet Management Seminar at the Hilton Coylumbridge from 8th-10th May 2013 to discuss:

• Specialist school buses • New tourist coaches and many other products

MANY USED VEHICLES FOR SALE

2010 BMC Nifty 2012 Kinglong 9 Metre Service Bus 57 Plate Sprinter 55 Plate Volkswagen LT 58 Mercedes Sprinter 92 Leyland Tiger PRICE ON APPLICATION ON THESE AND MANY OTHER QUALITY USED VEHICLES

Tel: 01651 872864 24-hr Mobile 07769719252 Email: kinglongscotland@yahoo.co.uk Station Yard, Oldmeldrum, AB51 0EZ

Under Instruc)ons of RSM Tenon & Others RE: F. Procter & Son (In Liquida)on)

ONLINE AUCTION OF COACHES SERVICE BUSES & CONTENTS OF VEHICLE WORKSHOP, ETC.

BIDDING CLOSES TUESDAY 30TH APRIL 12 NOON

To Include: 70, 53 & 48 Seater Bova Futura FHD Coaches, 4 x DAF Van Hool Alizee Coaches, 4 x Dennis Dart Service Buses, Plus Others Also to Include: Contents Of Vehicles Workshop & Offices

BID ONLINE WITH

VIEWING FRIDAY 26TH APRIL, 10.00am – 4.00pm.

AT F. PROCTER & SON, DEWSBURY ROAD, FENTON INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, STOKE ON TRENT, ST4 2TE. For further details contact: 01782 267752

www.bu*ersjohnbee.com

p57_CBW_1083

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April 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 57

p58_CBW_1083

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58 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 17, 2013

BUILDINGS

BUS & COACH RENTALS

The ABC of Rental Solutions

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

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

CHECKPOINTS ®

'XVWLWH/5

Under your control.

For the time you need it.

Bus and Coach

01274 681144

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

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime

&KHFNSRLQW

PARTS

+44(0)1524 271200 www.checkpoint-safety.com

• Same day local delivery

HEATING

• Next day national delivery

Heaters • A/C Equipment Blowers • Motors Radiators • Silicone Hose Ducting • Wiper Equipment Gas Struts

• Official Irizar part distributor

®

Wheel Nut Indicators and Retainers

• Full UK coverage

Tel: 01993 849522 Fax: 01993 706920

• All manufacturer parts supplier • Fast, efficient & 24/7

Email: sales@thhs.co.uk

www.thhs.co.uk

UNIT 9 NIMROD BUSINESS PARK DE HAVILLAND WAY, WITNEY OX29 0YG

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

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

Innovative funding solutions to fit every business. We specialise in raising funds for all types of companies from sole traders to PLCs.

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

As a specialist business funder, Huxley Corporate Finance can provide your company with a wide range of finance facilities including the following:

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

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

Order now on: 0845 3038366

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

SIGNWRITING

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

• School bus sign sets with suction cups – £15 + VAT • Vehicle livery design & supply – fitting by arrangement if required • Legal lettering & graphics supplied by post

Tel: 01884 290818 Mobile: 07583 334455 www.kjsupport.co.uk

p59_CBW_1083

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Page 59

April 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 59

TRAINING

VEHICLE BADGES

FOR SALE

Large badges for Leyland Coaches 6 new – make an offer Also Tiger Head badge available

EASTWOODS COMMERCIAL MOTORS LTD Tel: 0121 328 5959 Fax: 0121 327 3800

VEHICLE INSPECTION TRAINING

THE DRIVER CPC IS HERE 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 Rising above all others

www.meridianpcv.com

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

Specialist vehicle Inspection training with optional IRTEC accreditation

VEHICLE SPARES

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

BLACKPOOL TRIM SHOPS LTD

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

BRUN GROVE BLACKPOOL FY1 6PG

01253 766762

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE

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

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

TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY

SEATING 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

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

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

/blackpooltrimshops sales@blackpooltrimshops.co.uk

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

www.twigley.com

60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | April 17, 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

Bluestar bus honours Titanic’s last survivor One of Eastleigh-based Bluestar’s Uni-Link double deckers has been named after the Titanic’s last survivor at a ceremony arranged by the British Titanic Society.

Millvina Dean, who, aged just two months, was the youngest person on board the Titanic when it sank after hitting an iceberg on April 14, 1912, survived with her mother, although her father was one of the 1517 people who died. Millvina died in Ashhurst, Hampshire, as the longest living survivor in 2009 aged 97.

Paul Coyne, Operations Manager from Bluestar, joined Rudi Newman, the Hon. Sec of the BTS, and Ron Dean, nephew of Millvina Dean, for the naming ceremony held at the Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton.

Delegates from the Society’s Annual Convention travelled in the bus to place a wreath at the Millvina Dean memorial garden which is located at the Sea City Museum.

The group then placed a further wreath in the sea from the former departure berth of the Titanic.

Ron Dean (left) and Paul Coyne with the on-board plaque remembering Millvina Dean

Dilbert

A display of Eastbourne buses in Corporation colours

Sun shines on South East Bus Festival After weeks of cold weather, the sun shone over Kent Showground on Saturday, April 6, as 91 buses and coaches, old and new, took part in the South East Bus Festival.

The event was the third in a series held alongside the showground’s annual Heritage Transport Show and again attracted several thousand visitors, with the buses supplemented by around 400 cars, commercials, tractors and motorcycles in the heritage show.

One of the highlights of the day was the free bus service around the extensive showground site, with journeys every five minutes or so and utilising around thirty buses and coaches of all ages. These included the oldest entrant, a 1931 Leyland TD1 double-decker which used to run on Jersey, right up to the latest hybrid Volvo double-decker of the local Arriva company and one of the prototypes of the New Bus for London.

Other buses taking part in the

free service included two Maltese buses, a traditional Maltese-style Bedford and a Chinese-built King Long now owned by Go-Coach Hire of Sevenoaks, while a MercedesBenz ‘bendy bus’ from Brighton & Hove was also popular.

One of the organisers, Richard Lewis, said “Judging by the comments we are receiving it seems that we gave our visitors another day to remember and we have built further goodwill on top of that which resulted from our previous two events at Kent Showground.

“Visitor numbers weren’t quite as good as previously but the long period of cold and wintry weather conditions will undoubtedly have put some people off travelling to the event, especially as snow was still falling in parts of Kent the previous day.

“All in all it was a great day and the terrific feedback coming to us via email and on the event’s Facebook page has made all the effort worthwhile.”

A large selection of photos taken at the South East Bus Festival can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ southeastbusfestival

Monday: Andrew here. It’s press day. After travelling round the country for five days performing my solo acoustic songs (cheap plug), I’m back in the thick of it putting together the finishing touches to our Lucketts super feature with the rest of the team. Despite what seemed like a mammoth task, we still leave the office at the reasonable time of 1800hrs.

Tuesday: My busy last few days is catching up on me but I forge on with writing up my notes on my visit to Bath Bus Company for our upcoming RATP super feature, as well as my interview with RATP’s Cyril Carniel and François-Xavier Perin. Also find out some extra information on my trip to Volvo in Sweden next week. Alex is in Lincoln with PC Coaches.

Wednesday: A busy day for the Editorial team; Gareth is visiting the ever-friendly crew at Epsom Coaches, James spends an informative day at Bournemouth’s Yellow Buses and Martin is at the CV Show. Alex and I hold the fort in the office. I carry out some planning for upcoming articles and speak to someone within the industry regarding the problem of potentially confidential information being shared outside of a working relationship.

Thursday: Conduct a phone interview in the morning with National Express’ Content Manager Sally Hawkesford about the operator’s online presence (p 28). Her passion for the job shines through and it’s clear she’s having an effect – NX now has over 116,000 ‘likes’ on its Facebook page.

Spend the rest of the day writing up said interview.

Friday: Chat to Ross from Prentice Coaches about the firm’s new smartphone app (p6). Alex tells the office a joke: How do you keep an idiot in suspense? For the answer, you’ll have to wait for next week’s issue…

www.coachandbusweek.com

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April 10, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61 Part of the Human Capital Investment Group

RECRUITMENT & people Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm Contact Ian Gillis T: 01733 293484 E: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

Offices in Birmingham - London - Surrey

We are specialist recruiters with over 25 years experience in the PSV & Coach market.

Providing 24/7 staffing solutions to prestigious Bus & Coach clients across the UK.

New Operations Manager at Stagecoach North East Stagecoach North East’s Hartlepool depot has welcomed a new Operations Manager.

Janine Fowley, 33, originally from Preston, joins the Hartlepool depot after working at several other Stagecoach depots throughout the country and successfully completing the company’s Graduate Development Programme (GDP), after graduating from Central Lancashire University with a degree in International Business.

Janine joined Stagecoach in 2010, beating 500 candidates to one of the four places which were available on its GDP. The Programme aims to recognise, nourish and encourage the best in the transport industry. The graduate benefits from handson experience combined with comprehensive classroom theory tuition. Previous to her degree,

Janine worked overseas in the travel industry.

Janine said: “Stagecoach North East’s Hartlepool depot has welcomed me with open arms and I’m really enjoying my first few weeks as Operations Manager. My predecessor, Sandy Gallacher, did a wonderful job developing a strong team who work both on and off the road, as well as building a great relationship with the community and I look forward to continuing this into the future.”

Mike Watson, Operations Director, Stagecoach North East, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Janine to the company. She brings a wealth of experience which she has gathered from different depots around the country. We also wish Sandy the best of luck in his new role as Operations Manager at Stagecoach Bluebird.”

We are immediately able to supply and looking to recruit the following skill sets: • Engineering Directors • Diagnostic Technicians • Coachbuilders • Parts Specialists • Welders • General Labour

• Engineering Managers • PSV Technicians • Auto Electricians • Workshop Controllers • Cleaners • Administration & Office Staff

Please contact Andy Jennings - Divisional Manager 01784 487616 or 07799 866467 www.proactive-tech.co.uk

Transport Manager Part-time

required for new business on the Cambs/Herts/Essex border.

National CPC required, international an advantage. 10 - 15 hrs per week. Previous experience necessary and must have good customer skills.

Please send CV and covering letter to: PO Box 1104, Coach & Bus Week Ltd, 3 The Office Village, Forder Way, Cygnet Park, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX or email your cv, in strictest confidence, to ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

Tours Director

Alfa Travel is the tour operating division of the Alfa/Leisureplex Holiday group, which consists of three divisions: hotels, tour operation and coaches. The Tours Division is responsible for designing, contracting and selling the group’s coach inclusive tour programme which operates from four separate areas of the UK. It is one of the largest and most consistently profitable coach holiday operations in the UK. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced high quality candidate to build upon a strong legacy and be part of a highly motivated team driving forward a well respected, growing and financially stable holiday group.

The Tours Director is part of a small team led by the Group Managing Director and consisting of the heads of the Hotels & Coaches divisions plus the Human Resources Manager and Group Financial Controller. This post is directly responsible for the Contracts, Sales, Marketing and Customer Relations departments and candidates should be able to maximise the performance of those departments. Candidates will normally be of graduate calibre and must be experienced in coach holiday or other inclusive tour operation. This is a highly commercial position but candidates should also be passionate about delivering the highest standards of customer service.

Attractive remuneration package including company car and profit related bonus. The role is based at the group’s headquarters near Chorley.

To apply, please email your C.V. and a covering letter to Lucia Westhead, Human Resources Manager, Alfa Leisureplex Group, Alfa Building, Euxton Lane, Chorley PR7 6AF. Email: lucia.westhead@alfatravel.co.uk Closing date Friday 3rd May 2013

www.coachandbusweek.com

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TENDER

TENDER FOR FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES

Northumberland County Council is carrying out a tendering exercise to introduce a framework agreement to cover call-off contracts for passenger transport services.

The framework will be in place by 23 July 2013.

COMPLETED TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 12.00 NOON WEDNESDAY 15th May 2013.

Northumberland County Council uses the ProContract e-tendering System for all tenders. For further information please visit www.qtegov.com and search under Opportunities for Northumberland County Council.

This procurement is being handled by:

Kerry Davidson Commercial and Procurement Services Northumberland County Council County Hall, Morpeth NE61 2EF Tel 01670 622356 Email: Kerry.davidson@northumberland.gov.uk

TRAFFIC MANAGER FOR BARNARDS COACHES LTD

Barnards is a long established family company working out of the North East Lincolnshire area.

We are looking for an experienced person to oversee the daily operations within the coach business.

Knowledge of drivers hours and legislation is essential along with the ability to work as a team as well as independently.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following: ■ Full PCV licence ■ Computer skills ■ The ability to work under pressure and to deadlines ■ Awareness of legal requirements when travelling abroad (some training will be given) ■ Flexible working hours

Please submit a CV to: Mr Michael Barnard, Barnards Coaches Ltd, Station Road, Kirton Lindsey, Gainsborough DN21 4BD Or Call – 01652 648381 and speak to Donna

www.coachandbusweek.com

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RECRUITMENT & people

April 17, 2013 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 63

In association with

Deadlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm Contact Ian Gillis T: 01733 293484 E: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

IRU appoints new Secretary General The General Assembly of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) has appointed Umberto de Pretto as Secretary General. He replaces Martin Marmy and will assume this new function as of June 1, 2013.

IRU President Janusz Lacny said: “Umberto’s background and knowledge of IRU and the industry, gained during his 18 years with the IRU, makes him the best candidate, who will bring a new approach forward with his passion and commitment, to continue building a bright future for the road transport industry and IRU Members.”

Mr de Pretto joined the IRU in 1995 and was appointed Deputy Secretary General in 2002. He previously worked for the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, and the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa.

Born in Ottawa in 1961, Mr de Pretto is a Canadian and Italian national.

Martin Marmy has been IRU’s Secretary General for the last 20 years and concludes a 35-year career with the organisation by gaining the title ‘IRU Secretary General Emeritus’ in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to serving IRU Members and the road transport industry worldwide.

Janusz Lacny said: “Martin Marmy deserves this recognition due to his personal merit, charisma, talent and numerous achievements during his 35-year career with the IRU and for having successfully led the IRU to new heights as an organisation which today is united, credible and able to work at the highest level with its members and all public and private stakeholders.”

Martin Marmy

New Workshop Manager for Hants & Dorset Trim Hants & Dorset Trim has appointed Andy Collins as its new Workshop Manager.

Andy has come from Brighton & Hove Buses, where he gained 18 years of engineering experience.

He started as an Apprentice coach builder and progressed to leave as

Body Shop Supervisor.

Dave Clack, General Manager at Hants & Dorset Trim Ltd, said: “We are confident Andy will be a great asset to the business and will give additional confidence to customers who expect a first class service and high quality of workmanship.”

Arriva buses. Here to take you there.

Drive your career...

Engineering Director Vacancies North East and London Arriva, part of the Deutsche Bahn group, is one of the largest transport services organisations in Europe, employing some 47,500 people and delivering more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys across 12 European countries every year. We operate an extensive range of services including buses, trains, health and social transport services, airport related transport services, commuter coaches and water buses. We also engage in bus and coach distribution.

Arriva London and Arriva North East are both looking for an Engineering Director to lead their engineering function to deliver improvements in service quality, customer satisfaction and profitability. Reporting to the Regional Managing Director you will have the ability to motivate, inspire and drive improvements throughout your engineering teams.

Essential to the role is the ability to build effective working relationships with key stakeholders and to engage your team in driving the business forward therefore effective communication skills will be essential. Leading the success of the engineering function whilst making a significant contribution to the wider strategic development of the business, you will work closely with our operations, commercial, HR and financial teams to achieve key performance objectives.

With an outstanding career record, demonstrating strong technical competence you will be passionate about high standards. You will be accountable for ensuring that your team have the knowledge to comply and adhere with company standards, in particular vehicle safety maintenance, inspection, plant and equipment, stores, health and safety, work quality, vehicle cleanliness and environmental responsibilities. You will be able to lead your teams through the budgeting process, ensuring effective cost control measures are implemented and adhered to.

The successful candidate will, preferably, be a Chartered Engineer with experience in senior management. We are seeking a leader with the ability to inspire their team to achieve exceptional levels of performance. Experience of operating at the strategic level is required along with strong financial management.

If you have previous experience in the bus industry, in particular within an engineering management/director role and have a proven track record in driving improvements and achieving strong results, then you may be our next Engineering Director.

Interested candidates should apply in writing with CV stating which of the engineering positions they are interested to: Arriva.Vacancies@arriva.co.uk

arrivabus.co.uk

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 30th April 2013

Arriva is committed to diversity, if you’re good you’re welcome

www.coachandbusweek.com

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