Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1025

Wednesday February 29, 2012 Issue 1025 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

New Interdeck Plaxton Elite with roll on wheelchair access p8

SHOW:

What to expect at this year's Commercial Vehicle Show p28

National Express cross country overhaul

BUS:

New Bus for London of�icially enters service on route 38 p6

AWARDS:

Shortlist announced for this year's UK Coach Awards p16

for recru i

JOB ADV tment EVERY WERTS EEK

p5

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THIS WEEK

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

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

Hedging their bets

W

ith BSOG being very much a current issue, as evidenced by the weekly mentions it’s getting at the moment, I was interested to read how the Go-Ahead Group is moving away from hedging (p12).

It currently hedges all its UK bus fuel but this figure will fall to 74% next year and will account for just 39% by 2014. If I recall correctly, the ability to hedge the price of fuel was judged to be a competitive tool which worked for rather than against the larger operators in the recent OFT and Competition Commission studies of the local bus services market. While I acknowledge hedging comes at a price, I must say I was intrigued by GoAhead’s decision.

Meanwhile, I can’t say I was surprised to read Scottish transport minister Keith Brown slate operators for blaming fare increases in urban areas on the BSOG reduction – there is after all, much political capital

at stake. I understand his team have been made fully aware of the reasons and results of changing not only the rate (20%) but also method of calculation by the industry. However, it would appear they have chosen to ignore it. I’m the first to acknowledge cuts have to be made but they need to be thought through properly first. I hope to be able to report more in next week’s issue.

On a more positive note, the 2012 UK Coach Awards shortlist was announced on Saturday (see p16). I know it’s cheesy but it’s good to see some new names in all areas of the competition this year, in addition to the familiar faces. If you’ve not been previously, I thoroughly recommend it if you’re involved with the coach tourism sector of our industry.

It’s formal, but not too formal – it’s a lounge suit rather than a dinner suit affair. Not only is it an excellent social occasion, it’s also a prime networking opportunity.

Gareth Evans Editor

CONTENTS 4

28

42

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

16

A look at some of the key exhibitors at the Commercial Vehicle Show

32

Reading’s ‘Star of the Year’ and Campbell praises Metroline driver

Shortlist announced, 57 individuals and organisations are chosen

20

A busy scene outside Cambridge Railway Station in August 2011

34

Ray Wilkes discusses inadequate concessionary fares reimbursement

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

26

Experiences shared at Transport Ticketing Conference

38

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Gareth’s Diary!

O-licences of two Scottish firms are revoked due to financial troubles

Some of the suppliers providing a range of accessibility options

All the latest people moves from across the industry

News

UK Coach Awards Tour News

Legal News

CV Show Preview The Big Picture

Smart Ticketing Essential Guide

Drivers

45

Open Platform

60

Last Stop

61

People

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

www.coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 29, 2012

nEWS

“Despite the cuts and the stalling economy, many bus services are being improved...”

Ray Wilkes

BriEfly The Transport Select Committee was due to hear bus market competition evidence the day after this issue went to press (Tuesday, February 27) from: Stephen Morris, general manager at Bus Users UK; Richard Hebditch, campaigns director at the Campaign for Better Transport; David Sidebottom, passenger director at Passenger Focus; David Brown, director general at SYPTE; John Pope, head of passenger transport at Essex County Council and cllr Shona Johnstone of the Local Government Association.

Evidence was also due to be heard from academics and consultants Dr Roger Sexton and Neil Anderson, associate director at Capital Traffic Management Limited. More details in next week’s CBW. Arriva Merseyside has announced an extension to the existing stadium sponsorship agreement that sees the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Marine stadium named after the bus operator until 2015. The agreement is now one of the longest sponsorship deals for stadium naming rights in non-league football. Howard Farrall, MD for Arriva Merseyside, said: “We’re proud to be able to put something back into the community we serve and supporting local community football clubs such as Marine FC is a vital part of that.”

Stagecoach North East is celebrating the company’s investment in 19 new buses by launching a competition for local school children to name the new fleet, which has been allocated to South Shields depot. Youngsters from schools across South Tyneside have been asked to put forward names for the vehicles.

The best ones will be branded on each bus. Robin Knight, commercial director at Stagecoach North East, said: “It’s fantastic the South Shields bus network is to receive 19 new vehicles to enhance its fleet. This is an ideal opportunity for us to get local schools involved by coming up with fun names for them and we’re looking forward to seeing what weird and wonderful ideas the children send in.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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Open Platform p45

DfT criticised over budget underspend TSC report into funding shows £543m handed back to Treasury The Transport Select Committee (TSC) has revealed the Department for Transport (DfT) handed back £543m to the Treasury at the end of the 2010/11 financial year – a move criticised by shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle.

The TSC published its report, ‘Counting the cost: financial scrutiny of the Department for Transport 2011–12’, examining transport spending pledges made by the government during this period, last week.

Then transport secretary Philip Hammond told the committee last autumn: “Overall the department spent £1,029m less than originally planned in 2010/11 of which £486m was recycled into transport initiatives and £543m surrendered to the Treasury.”

The TSC has warned the government it must do more to show transport expenditure plans involve a fair allocation of resources across the nation.

Louise Ellman MP, chairwoman of the TSC, said: “Although we welcome the additional investment in road and rail infrastructure projects announced in the Autumn Statement, there is still concern the regions are not as well provided for as London and the south east.

“We also have real concerns about how those projects were chosen. A project’s readiness to proceed does not necessarily

Scania to boost parts availability

Scania plans to boost its parts distribution capacity and is extending capacity at its central warehouse in Europe. A completely new parts warehouse will be built in South America. A total of SEK 400 million will be invested in these facilities, which will go into service during the first quarter of 2013.

demonstrate it is the best way of using public money to promote growth.

“Ministers also need to provide much more information about how the DfT’s funding of the Regional Growth and Growing Places Funds has been used.

“While the presentation of financial information is in a clearer, simpler format than previous years, the key performance indicators fail to show whether the DfT’s policies are effective and, overall, the DfT’s 2010–11 annual report gives a very thin account of the department’s performance during the year. The department must publish much more information about changes made to its budget within any given year.”

The committee repeated its call for the department to publish a national transport strategy to explain what the government aims

to achieve by spending money on transport and how its policies support these aims.

“It is now a full year since we first made this recommendation in our report on Transport and Economy so we look forward to hearing more from ministers on this crucial matter when that report is debated on the floor of the House on February 28,” added Ellman.

Meanwhile, Maria Eagle criticised the “needless cut” from local bus services given the underspend of the “budget shambles”.

“The government’s decision to cut more than half a billion pounds from support for buses across England last year has seen the loss of one in five local bus services.

“Yet it now turns out that these cuts were completely unnecessary thanks to a budget shambles at the DfT which saw a £543m underspend being handed back to the Treasury. This sum could have protected local bus services from the impact of the spending review.

“It’s time for Ministers to stop washing their hands of the cuts to bus services, end the blame game with local authorities and accept that it was their own shambolic book keeping which has laid waste to our vital bus services up and down the country.”

Shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle criticises “shambolic book keeping” given the impact of cuts in the bus budget

To read the report, Counting the cost: financial scrutiny of the Department for Transport 2011–12, visit www. parliament.uk/transcom

“This investment is being made so we can continue to ensure high availability of parts. Good parts availability at service workshops is of prime importance for our customers’ profitability,” said Jan Andries Oldenkamp, head of Scania Parts Logistics.

Scania’s central warehouse in Opglabbeek, Belgium, was opened in 1993 and since 2007 has served as the parts distribution hub for its 1,000 European dealerships and to the regional warehouses which supply Scania dealerships in the rest of the world. The existing

facility will be supplemented with a new 36,500 square metre building.

In South America, Scania’s parts supply occurs via a facility located near the firm’s production unit in São Paulo. This operation will be moved to the municipality of Vinhedo in the Campinas region, which has developed into a logistics centre for road and air transport services. The new 16,000 square metre building will represent a 60% increase in capacity.

Scania is investing in its regional parts distribution in the rest of the world, including Singapore.

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February 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5

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NatEx relaunches cross country coach routes National Express relaunched its cross country coach network on Monday (February 27), creating 230 new journeys.

The 10-month planning project to modernise coach travel has given rise to new coach routes including Cardiff to Carmarthen, Blackpool to Wolverhampton and Gloucester to Nottingham. To help boost tourism across Britain, additional journeys have been made available to major cities like Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds while seaside resorts like Blackpool and Weston-super-Mare will now receive a year-round service. A new direct link is also available from Manchester to the south coast.

Trans Pennine services see significant improvements with faster journey times from the North East to Manchester, Manchester Airport and Liverpool cut by one hour 40 minutes. For the first time services between Manchester and Sunderland will be faster than local rail. Train passengers on the same route face up to three changes and journey times of between 12 and

North Pole walk goes on in Huntley’s memory

The Just Giving page set up for Peter Huntley’s North Pole charity walk has been kept open and the walk is to go ahead, with the team taking a personal item of Peter’s in his memory.

A statement from Kevin Carr, Colin McPherson and Martin Harris

26 minutes longer.

Andrew Cleaves, managing director of National Express Coach, said: “This is one of the biggest changes Britain’s coach network has seen in 25 years.

It will deliver hundreds of new journey combinations and more connections between major towns and cities. Our cross country network covers 13m miles every year and we want to ensure every route offers the best combination of destinations, price and journey time for customers.”

The review follows National Express’ investment in 150 new coaches during 2011, replacing

around a third of its fleet with new wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Around 100 additional coaches will enter the fleet during 2012 with the company on track to be fully wheelchair accessible by early 2013 – seven years ahead of the government target.

Cleaves added: “Coach continues to be an extremely popular mode of transport as passengers prioritise value for money and reliability.

We’re investing in new vehicles to help reinvigorate the image of coach travel and modernising our network to ensure we’re providing more journeys where their most required.”

100 new coaches will enter service onto NatEx’s coach network this year at Go North East read: “In a tribute to Peter’s endless zest for life and his generous work for charity, we’d like to encourage everybody to continue to donate to the charity project which he was training for at the time of his tragic accident. Peter was planning to walk to the North Pole in April to raise more than £10,000 for Transaid.

“Peter’s children have kept the Just Giving website page open and it would be a fitting tribute to see his target of £10,000 reached.”

Peter Huntley’s funeral will take place at 1600hrs on Friday, March 2, 2012, at Preston Crematorium,

Longridge Road, Preston, PR2 5BP. If you would like to attend the funeral, please let Heather Smith at TAS know by emailing heather. smith@taspartnership.co.uk or calling 01772 204988. TAS will be organising bus transport from and to Preston station.

Please note parking at the Crematorium is limited. Further details about the arrangements will be placed on the TAS web site at www.tas.uk.net The Just Giving page can be found at www.justgiving. com/Peter-Huntley

CPT Driver CPC courses underway The inaugural CPT Driver’s CPC course on ‘Customer Service – Equality’ was presented in Boreham, Essex by Essex County Council (February 20).

Eight drivers attended the course from four different companies –Stephensons of Essex, NIBS, Bordacoach and Unicorn Coaches.

The varied sessions covered many aspects such as how drivers perceive their customers and how they think their customers perceive them and how to adjust themselves to meet the needs of all their customers. The drivers also heard about their legal duties under the Equality Act and how this can be delivered in practice. Terminology was explored in a game, which in a light hearted manner was able to dispel preconceptions.

The CPT led courses are currently being run in the London and South East Region. The next course, also on Customer Service – Equality, will be held on Monday, March 12 at CPT’s London office in Drury House.

Email Karen Tiley on karent@cpt-uk.org

Fund-raising for the North Pole walk which Peter Huntley had planned are being continued as a tribute to his “endless zest for life”

www.coachandbusweek.com

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nEWS › coaches

“I do think the word ‘smart’ has come alive but it has been with bloody hard work. You have to put a lot of work in with the supplier base to get a lot of the nuances.”

Dave Lynch Go-Ahead

BriEfly Work has started to improve street lighting on slip roads serving the M4 at Junction 7, near Slough in Berkshire. The work will be carried out in three phases.

Phase 1 will see work carried out on the southbound Huntercombe Spur Road and the eastbound entry slip road at Junction 7. Phase 2 will be on the northbound Huntercombe Spur Road and the eastbound exit slip road at Junction 7. Phase 3 will see work on the westbound entry and exit slip roads at Junction 7.

The hard shoulder of the slip roads and the spur roads will be closed throughout the scheme, and there will be additional restrictions overnight when traffic flows are lowest - including some closures of the slip roads themselves, when fully signed diversions will be in place. Weather permitting, is expected, the work is expected to be complete by the end of March.

A section of the bridge parapet adjacent to the northbound carriageway of the A45 at Ryton-on-Dunsmore, east of Coventry, Warwickshire, is to be replaced. Work started on the bridge, which carries the A45 London Road traffic over the River Avon, on Sunday (February 26).

Work is due to be completed by Friday, March 30 and will to take place 0800 to 1800hrs. During these periods one lane of the northbound carriageway will close. Completition of the work will result in a return to a fully open carriageway with 50mph speed limit.

Overnight work to repair an embankment on the A21 north of Hastings in East Sussex started on Monday (February 27).

The repair work, which is due to be complete in five weeks, means overnight closures of the A21. The work takes place between 1900 and 0600hrs each night, Monday to Friday. The A21 will be closed in both directions each night and a fully sign posted diversion route will be in place, via the A2100.

Southbound traffic will be diverted from the A21 at Johns Cross via the A2100 through Battle to rejoin the A21 at Junction Road. Northbound traffic will follow the same route in the opposite direction. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Insight p34

Plaxton unveils new Interdeck Elite coach First customer will be Stagecoach for megabus. Model offers liftfree access for wheelchairs Plaxton’s flagship Elite will offer an option for roll-on access for wheelchair users later this year, along with a full-length cabin to provide the optimum combination of capacity and comfort. The new model will be the first through-deck coach to be built in Britain and has been developed to offer wheelchair passengers easier access whilst maximising capacity.

The first customer for the new model will be Stagecoach, which has ordered 11 on Volvo chassis for delivery in 2012-13. They will be used on the megabus.com network.

The new coach will be available from the last quarter of this year, initially as a 15m model configured for express service operation.

Alternative lengths and layouts will be offered from early in 2013.

Kevin Wood, Plaxton sales and marketing director, said: “We initially launched the Elite as a highspecification tri-axle 14m coach in 2008, but always intended it would develop into a range of top-quality models.

“First was the 12.6m two-axle model followed by the maximum length 15m in 2009, and now comes the Interdeck Elite, which will be available both as an express coach and as a touring model.”

“Two features stand out. First,

The new coach will offer a lift-free access for wheelchairs

there is no need to fit a wheelchair lift, which benefits users with much better access and benefits operators by reducing maintenance and training requirements. The second feature is the ability to offer up to 72 seats, but with the flexibility to offer a wide range of seating layouts, as we do on all our models.”

Investment in the new model by ADL in its Plaxton division is in the region of £1m. The new coach will be based on the proven stainless steel technology of Panther and Elite, but will usher in an entirely new structure to accommodate the 3.9m high vehicle and offers the potential for additional models in the future. An aim is to retain a high degree of parts commonality.

A key distinguishing feature will be a restyled profile, necessary to accommodate the through-floor design.

“As well as building coaches for megabus.com we will be in a position to take orders for delivery to other customers in time for the 2013 season,” concluded Kevin Wood.

Visit www.plaxtonlimited. co.uk or call the Plaxton sales office at Anston on 01909 551166.

yourbus takes delivery of its 50th new vehicle East Midlands bus and coach operator yourbus has celebrated the arrival of its 50th new vehicle, a Caetano Levante-bodied Volvo B9 for its National Express operations.

The Derbyshire-based company operates a mixture of commercial and tendered bus routes along with 20 National Express coach contracts.

The arrival of the 50th vehicle sees an investment in 52 brand new vehicles by the company in a twelve- month period.

Scott Dunn, managing director of yourbus, along with the firm’s National Express manager, Paul Major, and one of the 52 new vehicles Nine of these new vehicles are Mercedes Citaro buses which arrived in June last year for use on the firm’s flagship service Y36 which the company says have

proved a big hit with passengers.

The remaining 43 vehicles are all Caetano Levante-bodied Volvo B9 coaches which are dedicated to the firm’s National Express routes.

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February 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

IN PARLIAMENT…

The CPT delegation in front of the Vanhool coach run by Don’s of Dunmow

CPT delegation enjoy a visit to Vanhool and DKV CPT London and South East organised a trip to Belgium and Holland last week to visit the Vanhool factory and to receive a presentation from DKV. The coach, a 52-seater Vanhool T917 Astron, provided by Don’s of Dunmow and driven by Simon Shead was filled with 50 CPT operating members.

“We crossed Dover to Calais on the new P & O Ferry the Spirit of France, courtesy of Dave Ashcroft of P&O Ferries and then headed to Mechelen, Belgium for an overnight stay at the Accor Novotel,” explained Karen Tiley, CPT London and South East regional manager.

“The next day, following a presentation on the history of Vanhool, Yves Goffin and Eric Olijslagers arranged us into groups to conduct the tours of the plant.

“We then arrived at the Accor Novotel, near Schipol Airport, Amsterdam for a two night stay.

After a quick freshen up, the delegation enjoyed a Valentines Day buffet in the hotels restaurant.”

The following morning the group made their way to the Van Der Valk Sassenheim Hotel for a presentation from fuel card supplier DKV. Jaap Berkhof, informed the delegation of the services DKV can provide for their business.

After the lunch, most members disembarked in Amsterdam city centre for the rest of the day.

Karen concluded: “I would like to thank Steve Harvey and Ian Sparks at Don’s of Dunmow for their help in organising the itinerary, Simon Shead for his expert driving, Dave Ashcroft of P & O Ferries, Yves Goffin and Eric Olijslagers of Vanhool, Jaap Berkhof and Greta Lammerse of DKV for their hospitality and Accor Hotels. I’d like to thank the members for their support and excellent company.”

Graham Messenger, the CPT’s coaching executive has announced he will be leaving to take up a position with Stewart Coaches Ltd, who are based near Reading.

Simon Posner, chief executive at the CPT, said: “On behalf of the team here at the CPT and all our members, I’d like to thank Graham for all his hard work since he joined us in 2008. He’s played an important role in representing the CPT to our key stakeholders on

behalf of all our coaching members.

We wish him well in his new role.”

Graham said: “I would like to thank all my colleagues at CPT and in particular all our members throughout the industry for all the support and help they have given me over the last three and half years. While I’m sorry to be leaving the CPT, I have a new exciting role at Stewarts Coaches, who are an existing member of CPT and Coachmarque. They are also members of the Guild of British Coach Operators. I will no do doubt be keeping close contact with colleagues and my many friends across the industry in my new role.”

Graham leaves the CPT to take up his new role on March 15.

Messenger to leave CPT for Stewarts

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UNVIABLE SERVICES Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat) asked: “How is it possible for a firm to win a competitive tender to provide a bus service but to cease operating it within months, claiming it is unviable, and causing great concern to those in villages dependent on the service and, presumably, extra expense to Dorset County Council given this service must be restored? What advice can the Secretary of State give?”

Justine Greening (Economic Secretary, HM Treasury; Putney, Conservative) replied: “I am grateful to the hon. Lady for that question. She will be aware all local bus operators must have an operators’ licence, which indicates financial standing at the time the operator was licensed by a traffic commissioner. Local transport authorities can check with VOSA whether operators hold a current licence. I’m not aware of any barrier to a local transport authority ensuring, through its procurement process, whether the current financial status of a bus operator is sound, but I shall ask my officials to explore the matter further with the county council.”

CONCESSIONARY FARES FOR STUDENTS Yvonne Fovargue (Makerfield, Labour) asked: “What recent assessment has been made of the effect of changes in funding for local bus services on stayingon rates in education for 16 and 17-year-olds?”

Norman Baker (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Regional and Local Transport), Transport; Lewes, Lib Dem) answered: “I have made no specific assessment. It is for local decision makers to assess the impact of their decisions, consulting with their communities. Local authorities are required to include arrangements for transport provision and charges for 16 to 19-year-olds in full-time education in local transport policies. The Department for Education is also

providing a £180m bursary fund to support 16 to 19-year-olds who are experiencing real financial barriers to participating in education.”

Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South, Labour), said: “Earlier this month, Barnardo’s revealed research showing the hardship experienced by young people trying to stay on in education. Its chief executive, Anne Marie Carrie, said that it was ‘an absolute disgrace that some students are now being forced to skip meals in order to afford the bus to college.’

“Bus companies tell us that, as a result of the Minister’s cuts to BSOG, they cannot afford to offer a concessionary fare scheme for those students. Will he now review the decision to cut BSOG, to provide affordable transport for those young people?”

Norman Baker said: “It is fair to say the previous Government’s research showed only one in 10 young people receiving EMA said that it was the deciding factor.

“On the issue of moving forward on concessionary fares, I do not know whether the Labour party is pledging a new spending commitment, but its own research shows that £740 million would be required for the concession it is advocating—a few days after the shadow Secretary of State announced that she would have a more responsible attitude to finance.”

Julian Huppert (Cambridge, Lib Dem) said: “Liberal Democrat councillors on Cambridgeshire County Council have proposed a fully-funded scheme which would provide free public transport for 16 to 19-yearolds who are seeking education, employment or training. Would the Minister support such a scheme and encourage Cambridgeshire and other councils to look carefully at such ideas?”

Norman Baker replied: “I certainly would support such a scheme and I welcome that initiative.

The reality is some councils provide support for young people to get to education better than other councils provide it. The matter is largely one for local authorities.

Good practice is out there and should be replicated wherever possible.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 29, 2012

nEWS

FTA & IRTE sign memorandum of understanding for technicians The agreement will help ensure the UK makes the most of homegrown talent, says IMechE’s James Hobbs A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the Freight Transport Association (FTA), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), which is a Professional Sector of the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE).

The three organisations have agreed to work together to establish a joint steering group.

Between them they will organise industry consultation reviews during 2012. The longer term aim will be to produce an industry agreed technical syllabus suitable for current industry needs. It should also prepare technicians and

FirstGroup wins prestigious accreditation

FirstGroup has been awarded the coveted CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply) Standard of Excellence accreditation for its procurement and supplier management activity in the UK. Ian Grindlay, FirstGroup’s procurement and supplier management director, led his team through a programme which reviewed the company’s procurement and supplier management processes, policies and procedures against criteria in areas such as strategy, sustainability, environment and ethics.

“I am delighted we have achieved the CIPS Standard of Excellence,” said Grindlay. “It is a positive endorsement of FirstGroup’s commitment to best practice procurement & supplier management.”

He added: “We are the first public transport operator to have received such accreditation – it’s pleasing to www.coachandbusweek.com

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technical managers for the future as new technology is incorporated into modern fleets.

There are approximately 30,000 technicians maintaining O-licensed vehicles in the UK and with rapid advancements in vehicle technology in recent years, training and assessment of technicians is important. However, it may be perceived there is a lack of training options for premium technicians and fleet engineers with higher skill requirements and some vehicle operators are concerned vehicle downtime and higher costs will become more burdensome in the future.

Theo de Pencier, FTA’s chief executive, said: “Some vehicle operators are already experiencing excessive vehicle downtime due to a lack of higher-level engineers, emphasising the long overdue

need to consult with the industry to provide a structured career path for premium technicians and fleet engineers. It is also important to start recognising and valuing these skills when acquired.

“Vehicle downtime is bad news for the supply chain, especially when the affected may be the newest and cleanest in the fleet.”

James Hobbs, director of marketing at IMechE, said: “This agreement will help ensure the UK makes the most of the homegrown talent we have in vehicle engineering. We need to ensure the UK can maintain and improve the cutting-edge skills needed to develop the country’s future transport infrastructure.”

SOE chief executive Nick Jones added: “The IRTE is proud to work with FTA and IMechE on this joint initiative which will directly benefit

The FirstGroup procurement team: Standing left to right: Justin Taylor, Peter Monk and Paul Keen. Sitting left to right: Niall Waters-Fuller and head of FirstGroup procurement and supplier management Ian Grindlay be in a position where we set new industry standards.

“The award reflects the passion for improvement of the FirstGroup procurement and supplier management team. They richly deserve the credit this accolade brings given the amount of hard work and expertise they provide.”

Chris Gallagher, strategic development director of CIPS, said: “FirstGroup has developed an outstanding approach to

procurement and now join an elite group of organisations who can boast CIPS accreditation. Knowing their commitment and passion, I have every confidence this team will continue to set new standards.”

The CIPS is the body which represents the field of procurement and supply chain management.

Its certification programme is a benchmark of excellence in organisational procurement competence.

the industry, and provide a path for committed technicians to develop their careers. The evolving skills of technicians are crucial in creating efficient and environmentally sustainable commercial vehicle maintenance. It is imperative we, as representatives of engineering professionals, provide the platforms to enable our technicians to continue their vital work.” de Pencier concluded: “Sophisticated electronics are now standard and will only grow more complex with greater vehicle volumes of Euro 6, hybrid and electric powertrains. Our partnership is a win for fleet operators, repair workshops and the technician or fleet engineer.

The primary aim is to provide the skills required to improve repair diagnostics of modern, high tech vehicles.”

Hardings buys Regal Coach Travel

Hardings Travel has bought Oldburybased Regal Coach Travel out of administration.

The company, which ran three executive 49-seater coaches from its Springfield Estate depot, collapsed as a result of cashflow problems.

“We now look forward to developing the Regal brand,” said managing director John Dyson.

Regal Coach Travel was founded in 2009 by Phil Bennett. He said: “Things were going alright until the start of the year, when we ran into difficulties. Advance bookings meant we could have been okay but the bank pulled the plug - they just didn’t want to know.”

Hardings said it is planning to expand the business and is actively recruiting.

In a separate move, Hardings has ordered a new Van Hool T9 Alizeebodied VDL SB4000 49-seater luxury touring coach from Arriva Bus & Coach (dealer), joining a pair of Van Hool T9s already being operated by the company.

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For more information nAsk the Michelin Mano: Call 0845 366 1535 Follow on twitter @MichelinTruckUK Visit www.michelin.co.uk/atmm

12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 29, 2011

nEWS › financial

Go-Ahead reports robust trading Growth across all sectors as group moves away from fuel hedging Go-Ahead Group has released its half-year results for the six months ending December 31, 2011.

Group revenue was up 5.9%, while underlying operating profit was up £1.7m.

In the regulated bus market (London), operating profit was down £1.2m to £17.2m – although Keith Down, group finance director, reported there has been a “Good contribution from new contracts, partly offset by labour costs.” The operating margin has also reduced from 10.5% to 9.5%, in line with the full year margin for 2011.

Quality Incentive Contracts (QICs) are down £1.3m, which the firm says is due to “tougher targets and roadworks”. Transport for London sets performance targets called QICs to ensure bus operators run a high quality service.

Operators are penalised when targets are not met.

While a breakdown of figures is unavailable, the firm said insurance claim costs have reduced.

In the deregulated bus market, operating profit was down £0.5m to £18.0m with an expected contribution from the acquisition of Thames Travel of £0.3m.

There was no change in underlying fuel costs, a reduction in insurance claim costs and increased costs resulting elsewhere from the implementation of a new contract.

Operating margin reduced from 12.8% to 11.7%. Strong organic revenue growth was partly offset by increase in labour costs.

Stagecoach backs out of First depot talks

Stagecoach has walked away from talks with FirstGroup about taking over London bus assets which have reportedly been on sale for months, according to The Scotsman.

It is understood the two groups could not agree on a price after FirstGroup invited “expressions of www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsFinancial.indd 12

Go-Ahead says it has also invested “heavily” in new buses, reflecting contract wins in London and enhancing deregulated operations.

Of these, the firm has leased 120 and purchased 198 new buses.

While the group’s fuel has been fully hedged since 2009, from next year (2013), this figure will fall to 74% and will account for just 39% by 2014. In 2009, fuel was hedged at 43 pence per litre (PPL); in 2010 it was 47PPL; in 2011 it fell back to 41PPL, a figure which has remained the same for 2012; and in 2013 and 2014, assuming hedging is completed at same average price, it is anticipated to be 49 and 51PPL

respectively.

The total annual cost for 2013 is expected to rise by around £10m compared to 2011/12. With a 20% BSOG (Bus Service Operators Grant) cut coming into force in England from April 1 this year, Go-Ahead anticipates an impact of circa £1.6m, the BSOG reduction being partly offset by the additional subsidy eligible for smartcard ticketing. The impact for 2013 is expected to be circa £9.6m.

David Brown, group chief executive, commented: “I am pleased to report a good set of results for the first half of the financial year.

Growth has continued across all

Operating profit was down down £1.2m to £17.2m in London interest” for the assets late last year.

The depots thought to be up for sale are Dagenham, Northumberland Park and Leigh in east London. Stagecoach was understood to have interest in Dagenham. This would mesh with Stagecoach’s other bus operations in the area, which include Barking, Bow, Leyton, Romford, West Ham and Catford.

“The two companies’ valuations of the assets were way apart, so it was not a runner,” one source close to the talks said.

As reported in CBW at the time, FirstGroup admitted in its January

trading update that net cash would reach just £100m to £115m in the financial year to the end of March, compared with a previous forecast of up to £150m, due to fewer disposals of non-core assets than planned. FirstGroup also said at the time that lower multiples were being offered by would-be buyers, and has since said it is in no hurry to sell.

No announcement on a pruning of the London bus operation, which is being handled by Ernst & Young, is expected before the annual results announcement in the spring.

Analysts said Stagecoach may

of our businesses as the public seek high quality, convenient and value for money alternatives to the private car.

“In bus, our strategic focus of operating in more vibrant urban areas, predominantly in the South East, combined with innovative local marketing and the promotion of smart ticketing has continued to deliver passenger growth. We recently announced the acquisition of Carousel, a small bus operation in High Wycombe, which fits perfectly with our strategy of acquiring bolt-on businesses which provide a solid basis for increasing passenger numbers.

“The Group remains in a good financial position with strong cash generation and a robust balance sheet.

“Looking ahead, whilst we remain suitably cautious about the wider economic outlook, in rail we expect first half revenue growth trends to continue in the second half and in bus we expect a solid performance despite an impact from the implementation of a new contract.

“Overall, we continue to anticipate the Group will deliver full year results in line with management expectations.”

Go-Ahead group has also submitted bids for two new rail franchises (Thameslink and Essex Thameside). It expects to carry 10% of Olympic spectators using public transport to get to the games via its Southeastern rail franchise.

Visit the Go-Ahead Group’s corporate website at www. go-ahead.com

also have been put off by recent public advice from the Competition Commission to the Office of Fair Trading to scrutinise bus deals.

Stagecoach currently has a 15% share of the London market, while FirstGroup is the fifth-biggest player with 13%. The market leaders are Go-Ahead with 21% and Arriva with 20%.

Stagecoach sold its London operations in June 2006, citing pressure on margins from the regulated market, getting a price of £263.6m from Macquarie Bank. It bought East London Bus Group in 2010, albeit for £52.8m.

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Ray McAlle (General Manager) Mobile: 07530 387394 Office: 01793 613122 Fax: 01793 840514 Email: info@paulclarkservices.co.uk Web:www.paulclarkservices.co.uk

14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 29, 2011

nEWS › international

Volvo steps up its drive to reduce emissions Volvo’s land-based operations commit to long-term sustainable development and carbon cuts SWEDEn Volvo Buses and Volvo Construction Equipment have joined Volvo Group’s co-operation with the Worldwide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Climate Savers programme. It is based on Volvo Group’s commitment to reduce CO2 emissions by 30m tonnes from construction equipment, buses and trucks manufactured through 2014.

Volvo’s CEO Olof Persson said: “By expanding the partnership with the WWF to include our buses and construction equipment, the Volvo Group demonstrates it is serious about continuously raising the targets in terms of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from our products, by complying with our

Travego gains Coach of the Year award in Spain SPAIn The Mercedes-Benz Travego Edition 1 has been voted ‘Coach of the Year 2012’ in Spain. It is the first touring coach claimed to meet the future Euro 6 emissions standard which becomes mandatory in 2014. It features the new range of BlueEfficiency Power engines, a new transmission with new gearshift, an upgraded, ergonomically optimised cockpit, and new safety features.

The engine is a vertical inline six-cylinder OM 471 with a displacement of 12.8 litres and develops 350 kW (476 bhp) at 1800 rpm. Maximum torque is 2,300 Nm at 1,100 rpm. It features a unique common-rail injection system plus X-Pulse injection with pressure booster. This delivers extremely precise fuel injection with cylinder-selective control, high injection pressures of up to 2,100 bar and freely modulated injection – the prerequisites for low fuel consumption, low exhaust www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsIntl.indd 14

vision for sustainable and carbonneutral future transportation.”

WWF’s Climate Savers programme involves multinational companies working to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. They pledge to reduce emissions in an agreement with WWF. Agreed targets must be more ambitious than the company would have set on its own and must also signify the company is leading its sector in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

“Emissions in the transport sector have a major impact on the climate and must be met with vigorous initiatives. It is very encouraging the Volvo Group now wants to broaden its co-operation with WWF by expanding to new business areas.” said Håkan Wirtén, secretary general of WWF Sweden.

In autumn 2010, Volvo Group became the world’s first automotive manufacturer to join Climate Savers.

The proposed CO2 reduction is the equivalent of the total carbon dioxide emitted by Sweden in a seven-month period.

The agreement between Volvo and WWF applies for AB Volvo and the Volvo Group’s brands Volvo Construction Equipment, Volvo Buses, Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks, Renault Trucks, UD Trucks and SDLG - which manufactures construction equipment in China, and will be the first Chinese company ever to join Climate Savers.

Volvo Buses has also committed to expand field tests with plug-in hybrids during the commitment period. The plug-in technology has excellent fuel-savings potential for city buses.

The Travego Edition 1 features a new engine range, new transmission, an upgraded cockpit and new safety features emissions and smooth engine operation.

Additional advantages are an effective three-stage exhaust brake and asymmetric turbocharger.

Despite EGR, this ensures rapid response to accelerator movements to the benefit of agile driving performance.

Mercedes-Benz says the particularly stringent requirements of the future Euro 6 emissions standard for nitrogen oxide emissions (NOX) generally stand in contradiction to the demands for further reduced

particulate emissions and low fuel consumption. The manufacturer resolves these conflicting objectives with X-Pulse injection technology, in conjunction with a complex emission control system. This involves the BlueTec engine technology with SCR and AdBlue injection combined with exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter, resulting in a reduction in pollutant emissions without the increase in fuel consumption which was initially feared. At the same time AdBlue consumption is reduced by around 40%.

WMC-Higer appoints chief engineer AUSTRALIA Higer’s Australian distributor WMC has appointed John Boon as chief engineer after 35 years with bus body builder Custom Coaches, Australasia Bus and Coach reported.

Boon has spent February working at Higer headquarters in Suzhou, China, leading the design and specification changes for Higer’s Citibus range for both the Australian and other western markets.

WMC CEO Jason Pecotic says Boon’s experience in the bus industry makes him a vital asset for the Higer team during continued expansion in Australia.

“Higer is in the process of building its presence in Australia and part of that is expanding into city buses,” said Pecotic. “His expertise, particularly in dealing with regulators and government transport authorities, will be a really important asset for Higer.”

At Custom Coaches, Boon served on several committees relating to the bus industry and is the current bus body building representative to the BusNSW committee – a position he has maintained for the past 25 years.

“John understands what is involved in the production process and will be able to liaise with government bodies and the production line in China to ensure Higer products meet the standards and needs of Australian authorities and end users,” added Pecotic.

As chief engineer at Higer Bus Australia, Boon will work towards the implementation of the Higer city buses in Australia by working directly with the Higer factory in Suzhou to ensure maximum efficiency and compliance.

Boon said the move to Higer provides a challenge and exciting opportunity to help develop an allnew range of not just city buses but also coaches and mini-buses.

“Higer has had rapid growth over the past couple of years and there are some exciting opportunities ahead that will provide a great challenge and enable Higer to become a major player in the Australian bus and coach market,” he added.

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16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 29, 2012

nEWS fOCUS › UK COACH AWARDS

UK Coach Awards:

a brief history

The UK Coach Awards (UKCA) was originally founded as the Coach Industry Awards in 1996, and is now owned and run on behalf of the coach industry by an independent special purpose not-for-dividend company – Transport Events Group, which also runs the highly acclaimed UK Bus Awards.

The UKCA Scheme is designed to recognise and reward excellence and good practice in a wide range of disciplines associated with the operation, design and promotion of coach services and coach tourism. Its mission is also to use the example of the winners to inspire others to emulate the excellence and good practice the winners demonstrate.

However, before deciding the winners, finalists in the operating categories will be checked by ‘mystery shoppers’ to ensure customer service is up to the mark.

The awards are judged by panels of independent experts, including passenger representatives, consultants, professional organisations and retired managers.

The 2012 UKCA will be presented at an evening ceremony on Thursday, April 19 at the Mercure Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester.

Networking opportunities abound at the event, which will start with a session from 1700hrs onwards where you can meet friends and acquaintances over a cup of tea or coffee.

Then at around 1900, the event will kick off with a drinks reception, after which it will move into the International Suite for dinner and the awards ceremony with some surprise presentations.

Hosted by BBC Breakfast’s Carol Kirkwood, the awards will be presented by Tom Jenkins, chief executive of the European Tour Operators Association.

After the show, attendees will be able to relax with drinks at their table and network with friends and acquaintances until 0100.

To find out more and to book tickets, visit www. ukcoachawards.co.uk. Call 0870 900 1450. www.coachandbusweek.com

UKCAshortlist.indd 16

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2

4 Oranganisations shortlisted include: 1: Johnsons of Henley-inArden; 2: Marshalls of Leighton Buzzard; 3: The Stanley Travel crew seen at the UK Coach Rally in 2010; 4: Woods Coaches of Bognor Regis; 5: The Severn Valley Railway; 6: Woods Coaches of Leicester

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UK Coach Awards Shortlist 2012 Announced 57 individuals and organisations across 18 categories covering the whole range of coaching and coach tourism activities wait with baited breath until the awards presentation evening on April 19 The delivery of high standards of customer service was recognised in the shortlist for the 2012 UK Coach Awards, announced on Saturday (February 25) during the Great Days Out fair at Event City in Manchester.

A total of 57 individuals and organisations are on the list, across 18 categories covering the whole range of coaching and coach tourism activities.

“We were once again very pleased indeed with the response

we received from the industry and its customers,” said UKCA chairman Allan Edmondson. “For the third year running, over 200 nominations were submitted for the various award categories, from customers who’ve responded to our appeal to tell us about their experience of quality service and warm welcomes.”

The UK Coach Awards approach can be summarised as ‘Nominated by customers, judged by experts’.

This means customers nominate people and organisations in a range of categories who in their view deliver the best service. These nominations are then subject to expert scrutiny, including mystery shopping where possible, and consideration by a panel of expert

judges.

“Our aim then is to tell the world about those who are delivering excellence. That way we can promote coach travel and coach tourism to a wider public as well as inspiring others in the industry to emulate the best practice we’ve identified,” explained UKCA director Jamie Cash.

Coach operators have been selected by the judges from the nominations submitted by group organisers and other customers from around the country.

The twelve names who will go head to head for the UK Coach Operator of the Year prize include some of the country’s biggest operators such as Kings Ferry, Johnsons and Woods, but also small and medium-size family businesses dotted around the regions.

“Running a high-quality coach business is very hard work: I know, because I used to do it,” recalled Allan. “It demands long hours, constant attention to detail and real commitment to the customer by everybody - operators, attractions, hoteliers and all their staff.”

He said the judges were once

27/02/2012 20:41

February 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17

UK Coach Awards 2012: the shortlist

CoaCh operator awards top Large Fleet operator n Kings Ferry, Kent n Johnson Brothers, Nottinghamshire n Johnsons Coach & Bus, Warwickshire n Stanley Travel, Co Durham top Medium Fleet operator n Excelsior Coaches, Bournemouth n Golden Boy Coaches, Hoddesdon n Anthony’s Travel, Runcorn n Marshalls Coaches, Leighton Buzzard

5

again immensely impressed by the comments made by customers about the companies they’ve nominated. He cited phrases from the nominations received from group organisers. These included: “The people are very friendly and you can always rely on them” “I always have faith in the company to provide exactly what is required.”

“Fantastic company, can never do enough for you and always good value for money.”

“Easy booking, friendly staff, always polite and cheerful.

Everyone enjoys their job and it shows.”

“They are an outstanding organisation. Customer care is at the top of the agenda. The drivers, without exception, are courteous, efficient, and totally unflappable in any situation.”

“They take great care of their passengers.”

“Super company. All trips have ran without a hitch, lovely friendly drivers.”

“This illustrates the quality of our finalists, and the hard work

UKCAshortlist.indd 17

they are putting in, especially against such a harsh economic background,” Allan Edmondson added.

Similar qualities are recognised amongst people who work with and for the coach industry, including historic and tourist attractions, local authorities, hotel and catering companies, tour wholesalers, ticket agencies, manufacturers and providers of other support services such as risk management and computer software.

Allan Edmondson concluded: “We all exist in a fiercely competitive world, especially when money is tight and time is at a premium too. This means we have to give our customers a good time, otherwise they won’t come back.

“To achieve these high standards, coach travel and tourism relies on a whole raft of people and organisations to work together.

Only that way can we deliver an extra special trip, day out or holiday.

We’re delighted to hear about best practice in all these areas from the people who really matter, and to recognise and reward the commitment and hard work.”

theatre and Venue ticketing n Encore Tickets n Group Line n Leeds City Varieties n Octagon Theatre Yeovil n Palace Theatre Manchester hotels and Catering n Hilton Hotels n Menzies Hotels n Rezidor Hotels

top small Fleet operator n Woods Travel Group, Bognor n Woods Coaches, Leicester n Carol Peters Travel, Ramsgate n CAB Travel, Goole n Grahams Coaches, Chelmsford

sea Crossing and water transport n P&O Ferries n Stena Line n Red Funnel n Wightlink

UK Coach operator of the Year The winner of this award will be selected from the winners of the other three competitions, and will be announced on 19 April.

awards For ManUFaCtUrers and indUstrY sUppLiers

awards For CoaCh FriendLiness

6

n Greatdays Travel Group n Norman Allen Group Travel

Coach Friendly Visitor attraction n Alton Towers Resort n Eden Project n Royal Yacht Britannia n West Midlands Safari Park Coach Friendly historic attraction n Beamish, Living Museum of the North n Eden Camp n Edinburgh Castle n Hampton Court Palace n Severn Valley Railway n Warwick Castle Coach Friendly shopping attraction n The Gretna Green Blacksmith’s Shop n Oswaldtwistle Mills n Trafford Centre n Bury Market n Boundary Mill Stores Coach Friendly Local authority n Liverpool City Council n Bury Metropolitan Borough Council sUppLiers oF serViCes For CoaCh passengers tour wholesaler n Albatross Travel Group

Coach of the Year n Bova Futura n Neoplan Tourliner n Setra 416 GTHD n Volvo B9R/Plaxton Elite industry support solution n Gauntlet Risk Management n Heavy Duty Parts n Towergate Chapman Stevens awards For CoaCh indUstrY peopLe top UK Coach driver n Billy Graham, Cochranes n David Alford, Euro Cruising n Ken Jones, Anthony’s Travel n Mike Fitzgerald, Anthony’s Travel n Kevin Starkey, Marshalls Coaches Unsung heroes award No short-list is announced for this award, the winner of which will be announced on 19 April. services to the Coach industry No short-list is announced for this award, the winner of which will be announced on 19 April.

Young Coach industry professional A separate announcement will be made CoaCh MarKeting award A separate announcement will be made. www.coachandbusweek.com

27/02/2012 20:41

18 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 29, 2012

nEWS › REGIONAL

nORTH

Cumbria County Council’s 24/7 Disabled Persons’ NowCard has been extended into the 2012/13 financial year.

The initiative, which was launched last June, is currently used by 670 people in Cumbria.

Councillor Tim Knowles, the county council cabinet member responsible for passenger transport, said: “We have decided we will extend round-the-clock free bus travel for disabled people.

“This is in line with the council’s priorities of protecting the most vulnerable and extending the life chances of the most disadvantaged.”

Cardholders are also entitled to apply for a companion card if they are unable to travel without assistance.

Existing cardholders can extend their 24/7 Disabled Persons’ NowCards until April 2013, provided they are still eligible. All should have been contacted to explain the scheme is being extended.

Confirmation that the scheme has been extended comes as a national petition calling for local authorities to be properly reimbursed for providing concessionary travel is handed into 10 Downing Street.

Cumbria gets a government grant of £7.2m to fund concessionary travel but will this year pay £8m to reimburse bus operators for carrying concessions.

Knowles added: “It is fundamentally unfair the Government is expecting local authorities to plug the gap in their funding for something which people are legally, and rightfully, entitled to.

“My fear is it will be everyday residents who will suffer as a result of this shortfall because there’s less money to support bus services in rural areas, which aren’t commercially sustainable without our support.”

Greater Manchester independent operator JPT Buses has taken over the site of the old Brookside Mill on Lodge Street in Middleton, with plans to turn the area into a second depot for the firm.

The mill was gutted by fire in 2009 while being used to manufacture and store bedding.

Mark Walsh, MD of JPT Buses, said: “In the short term we plan to level the site and use it as a parking area for our expanding fleet. In the longer term we will submit a planning application to develop the area into a self-sufficient site with www.coachandbusweek.com

RegionalNews.indd 18

contract and started the running the service at the beginning of February.

The bus provides a link to many student facilities, including halls of residence, two university campuses, Luton Regional Sports Centre and Luton town centre. Recently it has also had an extra stop added near Luton railway station on several term-time journeys.

The service runs from 0800 – 2000hrs, and Centrebus is currently in the process of discussing with the university the possibility of extra evening journeys. The operator says it is also keen to work with the university towards providing University of Bedfordshire students with better value student fares around Luton, and promoting the university in its surrounding area.

KEY

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

SOUTH WEST

an office and garage facilities.

“It’s quite a complicated site with varying levels so it will be a few months before we can start using it.”

JPT is currently based on Mills Hill Road but the new depot is central to the firm’s expansion plans.

Mr Walsh said: “We currently have 35 buses but by the end of the year hope that will be closer to 50.

“We are expecting to take delivery of four new double-deckers in the next few weeks which represent a £500,000 investment on our part.

“Over the next year we are also planning to introduce new routes which start, end and run through Middleton. Middleton has been the home of JPT since 1974 and we want to improve and expand the number of services we provide.”

Mr Walsh said the firm had moved away from providing subsidised tenders and wanted to target more competitive routes.

He added: “We have ambitious plans based on a simple ethos of providing low-cost, clean and modern buses which turn up when they are supposed to. It’s going to be a big year for us but we are confident we have the right ingredients in place to succeed.”

MIDLAnDS

A new transport group has been formed to preserve the history of bus travel in Coventry.

The Coventry Corporation Transport Society was set up to

coincide with the 100th anniversary of the city’s first municipal buses.

Coventry Corporation Transport took over Coventry Electric Tramways in January 1912.

The organisation ended in 1974 with the launch of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive, with its red and ivory buses giving way to blue and cream.

To mark the centenary, Coventry Transport Museum is opening up its reserve site in Sandy Lane, Radford, on Saturday, May 12.

Visitors will see a collection of 30 former Coventry Transport buses, along with buses from other operators which served the city.

People will also be able to ride on some of the buses between the museum itself and Sandy Lane.

John Kennedy, chairman of the new society, said: “We cannot let the centenary of the formation of the much-loved Coventry Transport go without celebration, but we must also act now to ensure as much information on the history of Coventry Transport and more importantly the people who worked for it are captured for generations to come.”

EAST

Centrebus is working in collaboration with the University of Bedfordshire to provide a student shuttle service in Luton.

The service was put to tender by the University of Bedfordshire in mid-December. Centrebus won the

Thamesdown Transport’s services which serve Swindon’s Great Western Hospital are under threat, as subsidies are set to come to an end in December.

Since opening in 2002, the hospital has provided £506,000 a year towards the running of the services 24, 20, 20b, 30 as well as the number 16 on evenings and weekends.

The hospital paid the Section 106 money for an agreed period of 10 years in the hope the routes would become commercially viable, but they are still unviable, according to the council.

Swindon Council, which also provides another £86,000 a year in subsidies towards these services, is to set up a group of councillors, bus operators and other bodies to try to find a sustainable solution before the funding ends in December.

If this cannot be found, the group will look for ways to remove or reduce subsidies allocated to other bus services in order to find the £147,000 needed to maintain the hospital bus services until the end of the financial year, which would provide more time to find an alternative.

Councillor Peter Greenhalgh, the cabinet member for council transformation, transport and strategic planning, said many section 106 funding subsidies were coming to an end across Swindon and a strategic, long-term solution had to be found.

“I think bus services to the hospital are vital because there are many people who have no other forms of transport,” he said.

27/02/2012 20:28

“I think the problem is many people are choosing to drive rather than take an alternative form of transport which could potentially save them money.”

A Swindon Council spokesman said the 16 service is still commercially viable in the daytime.

He added that the hospital is served by the commercial services 17, 78 and X5, as well as the 46, 47 and 48, which attract subsidies because they go into rural areas.

Cllr Derique Montaut said: “I accept the administration is in a difficult position as these bus services were previously funded by S106 money and there isn’t much new money going around.”

A spokesman for the Great Western Hospital said: “When the subsidy was agreed, the bus routes needed were then found to be different to those actually used and demanded by users after the hospital opened and a number of changes were made to the routes, frequency and timing of services.”

He said not all of the services due to come to an end by Thamesdown Transport are ones previously subsidised by the trust.

He said some are commercial, such as route 16, and decisions about halting or changing them are for the operator to make and are not influenced by the 106 agreement.

February 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19

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

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Bath and North East Somerset Council is injecting new funding into supporting rural bus services in the Bath area.

The council said it will not be following the example of neighbouring North Somerset Council (NSC), which has reduced support for cross-border services.

Extra support will be added for the 683 from Keynsham to Wells and the 791/793 Bath to Westonsuper-Mare service. These services are not commercially viable so they rely on financial support for their continued existence.

Cabinet member for transport cllr Roger Symonds said: “After looking at this, we’ve decided to fund these services for the next year because we know they are well used by our residents and provide a lifeline for our rural communities.

“Over the next year we’ll monitor their usage and may consider alternatives, including community transport which may prove to be more cost-effective.”

NSC has also withdrawn support for the 835 which runs from Chewton Mendip to Westonsuper-Mare on Thursdays, but B&NES Council has decided not to support this service as there is an alternative route.

Route 683 will be run by Buglers Coaches and service 834 will be operated by CT Coaches.

2012 n March 4-5, 2012 Coach Holiday Conference, organised by the Coach Tourism Council. Best Western Premier Queen Hotel, Chester. 0870 850 2839. www.coachtourismcouncil. co.uk n March 14-15 Best of Britain and Ireland (BoBi). Travel Trade Forum. NEC, 01926 834796. www.

bestofbritainandirelandevent.co.uk

n March 15 Volvo Bus social evening in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust’s Warwickshire Appeal.

Century Court House, Warwick. Pam Matthews 01926 414 553 or e-mail pam.matthews@volvo.com n March 18 Leyland National 40th Anniversary. Organised by the Leyland National Group, Nationals on static display and working in service. The British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland. www.leylandnational group.co.uk n March 21-22 Young Bus Managers Network conference.

Lansdown Hotel, Brighton. For more details, email alex.hornby@ youngbusmanagers.org.uk. Visit www.youngbusmanagers.org.uk n March 31 ‘M&D and EK 60’.

Kent Showground on the A249 near Maidstone. www.arrivabus.co.uk/ MDEK60, contact mdekbusclub@ gmail.com n April 14 Paul S Winson Coaches Running Day. Loughborough and local area. www.busrunningday. co.uk, contact info@busrunningday. co.uk n April 19, 2012 UK Coach Awards. Ramada Jarvis Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester, 0870 900 1450. www.ukcoachawards.co.uk n April 19-21 Busworld Turkey.

Istanbul Expo Center, Turkey. www.busworldturkey.com/en/ index.html

Employees from Arriva’s Selby depot have raised money for a local boy who has been diagnosed with cancer. The 14 employees walked the 22 miles of the 415 bus route, from Selby to York. The walkers took up the challenge on the weekend of February 18, beginning their journey at Selby Bus Station before passing through Barlby, Riccall, Naburn and Fulford and finally arriving five hours later in the city or York. They hope to help raise some of the funds Thomas Cammack needs in order to receive treatment in the USA. Arriva employee Walker Rebecca Morris said: “It was really tough and I am aching now, but we were so proud to do this for such a great cause.

I would like to thank everyone who supported us along the way.”

n April 21-22 UK Coach Rally.

East of England Showground, Peterborough. 01753 631170. www.coachdisplays.co.uk n April 24-26 CV Show. NEC, Birmingham. 01634 261262. www.cvshow.com n May 22-23 ALBUM Conference.

– Forest Pines Hotel, near Brigg, North Lincolnshire. www.albumconference.co.uk

The 2012 ALBUM conference is being held at the Forest Pines Hotel near Brigg in North Lincolnshire on May 22 and 23.

Pictured above is a MAN Lion’s City CNG bus on display at last year’s conference n June 10 Barry Festival of Transport. Organised by Cardiff Transport Preservation Group, Barry, South Wales. postmaster@-ctpg. co.uk. www.ctpg.co.uk n June 22 CILT Wales National Transport Awards lunch. Cardiff City Hall. 01446 451227. www.ciltuk. org.uk/pages/regions/wales n August 3-5 Bedford OB GetTogether. South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester, GL7 5QB. Contact the organiser Tim Wootton by email on tim@tjcs.freeserve.co.uk. Visit http://www.bedfordob.com/ n August 27 The National Association of Road Transport Museums gala day. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk n September 6 Association of Trainers AGM. Steele Road, Wembley Julia@asot.org.uk 01797 344251 n September 8-9 UK Bus Driver of the Year, Blackpool. Call competition secretary Bill Holmes on 01303 251462. www.bdoy.co.uk n September 16 Showbus.

Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire. www.showbus.com n September 20-27 IAA Commercial Vehicles. Hannover. +(00)49 30897842. www.iaa.de n October 14 Midland Red Centenary of the Reintroduction of Motorbuses. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk n October 18 CILT Annual Awards for Excellence Dinner. London.

01536 740104. www.ciltuk.org.uk

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

RegionalNews.indd 19

27/02/2012 20:29

20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 29, 2012

nEWS › TOURISM

£11.95 Price per person for Oswaldtwistle Mills’ Pendle Witch Experience

The Workhouse, in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, is a rare survival, as hundreds were once seen all over the country.

Visitors can explore 19th-century inhabitants’ lives and learn of poverty through the years.

Specialised services for groups are available. It is open until October 28, Wednesday to Sunday each week. Group admission is £6 per person. There is parking for two coaches, 200 yards from the entrance, with a drop-off point 20 yards from the entrance.

Tours are available for groups of 15 – 45 at an extra cost of £6 per person. For more information email theworkhouse@nationaltrust.org. uk or ring 01636 817260.

Great Yarmouth’s National Sea Life Centre is perfect for families looking for an entertaining and educational experience.

Visitors can come face-to-face with nurse and zebra sharks, humboldt penguins and African dwarf crocodiles and many more fascinating creatures. Groups of 10 plus receive discounted entry, while booking before March 30 can generate greater savings.

Prices from March 31 are £8.64 adults, £6.48 children and £7.92 concessions. Groups also receive free downloadable activity packs and a 10% saving in the gift shop.

Opening hours are 1000 to 1500hrs Monday to Friday and 1000 to 1600hrs on Saturdays. Visit www. visitsealife.com/Great-yarmouth/ for more information.

Royston Cave is a unique man-made cavern located in Melbourn Street in Royston town centre, Hertfordshire. The beehiveshaped cave features an extensive range of wall carvings representing the Crucifixion, the Holy Family and several saints. It opens on April 7 for the summer season. Entry is by guided tour only. Groups pay £45 for 18 people or less. Larger groups are split into groups of 18 or less and £30 is charged per subgroup.

Groups cannot be admitted during normal opening hours but special openings can be arranged. At least one week’s notice is required to organise a special opening. For more information visit www. roystoncave.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

TourNews.indd 20

Historic estate with acres of history and charisma England’s forgotten palace features a wealth of significant furniture and portraits Known as the forgotten palace of England, Knole is one of the National Trust’s most important and complete historic houses, preserving the treasures of kings.

The estate is located in Sevenoaks, Kent – exit 5 of the M25. Sat Nav users should use the post code for St Nicholas church, TN13 1JA. The house is set in a 1,000-acre medieval deer park and is steeped

in history. It was once at the centre of court life, and is still a family home to the Sackville-Wests. The new Estate Office Memory Bank retells the stories of the ordinary people who lived and worked there.

As well as seeing how the grand estate was run, visitors can delve into Knole’s history in the visitor centre, or relax in the orangery.

Group admission is £10 per adult, or £5.20 for children. For just the garden, adults pay £5 each and children £2.50 each.

There is parking for three coaches,

Knole house is set in a medieval deer park and is steeped in history

Big savings at Leighton Buzzard Railway Leighton Buzzard Railway is one of England’s finest narrowgauge railways, and is located just a few minutes away from the M1 (Junctions 11 to 14).

Coach parties must be booked in advance, as train capacity is limited.

Advance booking gives operators a 20% discount off the standard fare for public trains, and reserved seating for customers. The coach driver gets a free train ticket and a refreshment voucher.

Coach parking at Page’s Park station is free and conveniently close to the platforms, for those with limited mobility. Spaces need

to be reserved in advance.

Return fares for groups travelling on scheduled public trains are £7.50 adults, £5.50 seniors, £4.00 children (2-15) and free for children under two.

Whipsnade, Woburn and Bletchley Park are all a short drive away.

For 2012 operating dates and other information, visit www.buzzrail.co.uk

Groups benefit from a discount and reserved seating

60 yards from the house entrance.

Tours of the park are available daily when the house is open.

The house is reputedly a calendar house, with 365 rooms, 52 staircases, 12 entrances and seven courtyards.

Many other guided tours are available at an extra cost. These include a tour of the house’s portraits, featuring paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds, Kneller and Van Dyke; an insight into the royal furniture, which highlights the unique collection of royal Stuart furniture; and a tour of Lord Sackville’s private garden. The garden is best viewed in May and June. The first two tours are £5.50 per person while the latter is £3 per person.

There is a tea room which services morning coffee, lunch and afternoon cream teas. It is open on selected weekends outside of the season.

The house is open between March 10 and November 4, Wednesday to Sunday, while the garden is open on Tuesdays between April 3 and September 25.

Group bookings should be made by emailing knole@ nationaltrust.org.uk or ringing 01732 462100.

Rock ‘n’ roll at London’s West End Tickets are on sale for Dreamboats And Petticoats, a musical inspired by the popular compilation album of the same name, featuring songs from the 50s and early 60s.

The musical is currently showing at the Playhouse Theatre on Northumberland Avenue. Bookings are being taken until November 24.

Groups of 10 plus receive discounts. For weekday showings best available seats are reduced to £20 and for Saturday matinee shows, best available seats are £25.

Visit http://tinyurl. com/6ozrft5 for more information. For bookings call 0844 4825100.

NTPL JOHN MILLER

BrIEfly

27/02/2012 20:34

NTPL JOHN MILLER

20%

Discount for coach operators at Leighton Buzzard Railway

Museum and gardens to explore in York The Yorkshire Museum is the home of the Cawood Sword, and has four permanent collections covering biology, geology, archaeology and astronomy.

It is open daily from 1000 to 1700hrs, except for December 25 and 26 and January 1. The gardens are open daily from 0730hrs, except for December 25. There is also an observatory which is open every Saturday between 1130 and 1430hrs.

Group admission is £5.50 per adult, £3.50 per child and £5 for concessions. Entrance to the gardens and observatory is free.

Located next to Lendel Bridge on Museum Street, the nearest coach parking is at Union Terrace, just over half a mile away (YO31 7ES).

Between April 7 and April 15 the museum is hosting the 1212: The Making of the City exhibition, celebrating the 800th anniversary of York’s independence. In August, York Mystery Plays are also being held at the museum.

Visit www.yorkshire museum.org.uk for more information.

February 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21

365

Number of rooms at Knole house in Sevenoaks, Kent

diESEl priCES

A bewitching programme of food, entertainment and shopping is on offer

Spooky historical group event at Oswaldtwistle Mills Oswaldtwistle Mills is a shopping village and craft fair in Owswaldtwistle, Lancashire.

This year it is hosting a programme of group events to commemorate the 400th year of the Pendle Witches Trail.

The converted mill also hosts exhibitions detailing local history.

The Pendle Witch Experience will treat visitors to a traditional Lancashire three-course meal and entertainment followed by an interactive talk, where visitors will hear of Alice Nutter, a descendent of the current owners of Oswaldtwistle Mills, who was

one of the 12 women accused of witchcraft living around Pendle Hill.

The show is £11.95 per person and is open for bookings on April 19, May 23, May 31, June 26, July 19, September 5 and October 10.

The event can also be tailored to match required dates based on availability and a minimum booking of 50 people.

Full-day itineraries are also available. These include coffee, shopping, a meal, a textile museum tour and a Lancashire Tales Tour.

More information can be found at www.o-mills.co.uk

dEAlS OF THE WEEK Gloucester-based English Holiday Cruises has launched its schedule of UK cruises for 2012, including a new three-night ‘Midweek Break’. Offering glorious views of the English countryside from a different perspective, a cruise on the MV Edward Elgar also includes tours of some fascinating and historic locations; en-suite cabins with full air-conditioning; home cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner; at least one night with live entertainment; and a choice of breaks ranging from two to six nights. The all-new three-night ‘Midweek Break’ takes in The Lower Severn Vale beside The Cotswolds, with visits to wildlife and historic sites.

English Holiday Cruises claims it

NTS manages over 90 attractions, including Glenfinnan, pictured here prices its cruise charters keenly to allow tour operators to cover their costs, risks and margins sensibly.

It maintains coach companies and tour operators can be confident of filling up their holiday tours with the operator time and time again because their river cruise holidays look so different in their brochures,

offer value for money and come highly recommended from previous passengers.

Special group rates for 2012 are available, and the company is already booking for the 2013 season. n Visit www.englishholidaycruises. co.uk for an enquiry form or ring 01452 410411.

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

141.10 138.09 133.35 123.79 122.79 120.62 119.67 118.78 118.36 117.14 117.11 116.27 114.85 109.50 106.74 104.72 100.47

HOlidAy pOUnd £1 will get you: Euro Switzerland (Franc) Norway (Kroner) Hungary (Forint) Czech Republic (Koruna) Poland (Zloty)

1.18 1.42 8.86 343.50 29.43 4.92

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is holding all 2011 prices until the end of this year.

The charity owns or manages over 90 of Scotland’s finest historic attractions, including the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Threave Garden, Culzean Castle, The Hill House and Culloden Battlefield.

For even more significant savings, the NTS offers Discover Tickets, which can save tour operators and their customers over 80% on admission charges.

Flexible three-, seven- and 14-day tickets are available for use on NTS’s attractions. Operators can also become an NTS agent, and receive 25% commission on all Discover Tickets sold. The tickets are risk free and either issued on a sale or return basis, or by using the Discover Ticket voucher scheme. n Visit www.nts.org.uk. For more information email traveltrade@nts. org.uk or call 0131 243 9316. www.coachandbusweek.com

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22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 29, 2012

nEWS › BUSINESS

0.2%

Amount GDP has contracted in the last quarter of 2011

BriEfly Former defence secretary Liam Fox has called on chancellor George Osborne to ease the tax burden on business in next month’s budget. He also wants changes to the labour market to make it easier to hire and fire employees. The Conservative MP argued in the Financial Times for further public spending cuts to fund employment tax reductions. Deputy PM Nick Clegg said he favoured “tax cuts for the many, not the few” while the GMB union said Fox was “spouting twaddle”. Fox’s call comes as the CBI is urging the government to give a £500m boost to business in the March 21 budget, through a series of “targeted and modest” tax cuts.

The economy has contracted 0.2% in the last quarter of 2011, according to the Office for National Statistics. While household consumption rose 0.5%, the first quarterly rise since the third quarter of 2010, investment fell by £1.7bn, a drop of 5.6% from the previous quarter and 0.6% (£2bn) below its level in December 2010, with a 0.3% decline in employee pay. However, exports registered a 2.3% rise for the quarter. “While it was confirmed GDP contracted by 0.2% quarter on quarter in the fourth quarter of 2011, events since appear to have taken a welcome turn for the better with latest data relating to services, manufacturing and retail sales indicating that the economy is clearly growing early on in 2012,” said Howard Archer, economist at IHS Global Insight.

One in three company directors see a high or very high risk of the UK falling into recession this year, according to a survey by the Institute of Directors (IoD) of 1,000 business leaders. 53% thought there was a moderate recession risk. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research has predicted a UK recession in the first half of 2012. A recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth. The Bank of England predicts economic growth of about 1% this year. It expects the economy to “zigzag”, dipping in and out of growth, but avoid going back into recession. www.coachandbusweek.com

BusinessNews.indd 22

Entrepreneurs looking to acquisition for growth 34% of small and medium-sized firms want to acquire business within the UK More than half of the UK’s entrepreneurs see acquisition activity as the main way of growing their businesses in 2012, according to latest research by accountancy and advisers RSM Tenon.

The research, Lonely at the Top: The entrepreneurial challenge, surveyed leading entrepreneurs in the UK about the different challenges and issues they face in

today’s entrepreneurial Britain.

The research revealed 34% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) want to acquire within the UK, with a further 15% are looking to purchase overseas businesses.

Additionally, when identifying key business priorities for the rest of this year, 42% said they would be expanding into new product or service markets, and 31% said their priority was to move into new geographical markets. The lowest number, 7%, said selling their business would be a priority

Acquisitions within the bus industry are commonplace, with Go-Ahead to acquire Carousel buses next month

Small firms resilient while economy stalls, says FSB Small firms have been resilient in the last 12 months but the economy is stalling those who are looking to grow over the next year.

This is the message from the results of the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB’s) new member survey.

Despite tough economic conditions, new figures show seven in 10 small businesses have introduced new or improved products and services over the past two years, but the economy is preventing six in 10 from achieving growth this year.

The ‘Voice of Small Business’

Government must simplify the tax regime in next month’s budget, says John Walker, FSB national chairman

for 2012.

The desire to expand overseas is being heralded as one of the main ways SMEs can remain positive despite the continued tough conditions in the UK economy.

The publication of Lonely at the Top coincides with RSM Tenon’s latest Business Barometer results which show just 40% of UK businesses - the lowest since the regular Business Barometer survey began - are confident about their future.

“It is likely entrepreneurs are currently prioritising their M&A activity due to the many acquisition opportunities which have come about as a result of the downturn in the economy,” said Mark Lucas, RSM Tenon’s head of audit, tax and advisory services.

“We’ve definitely seen a rise in businesses, small and large, taking advantage of the situation and looking to acquire competitors while they are still able to do so at a reasonable price.

“Such a strong appetite for acquiring other businesses is good news for the economy. If firms get the basics right and adopt a sound strategy, then there are rewards to be reaped from overseas which will have a direct, positive, knock-on effect for job creation and business growth in the UK.”

member survey showed: 68% of small businesses have introduced new or improved products or services over the past two years, 15% higher than in 2009; 58% of small firms said they are looking to grow over the next 12 months – 43% moderately and 11% rapidly; 57% said they expect to increase their online presence; 26% want to increase their staff base; However, two thirds said the economy is the biggest barrier in achieving this, 16% say broadband is a barrier, 36% say employment taxes are a barrier and 13% say recruiting and training is a barrier.

27/02/2012 19:32

£1.7bn 2.3% Fall in business investment in the last quarter of 2011, according to the ONS

Rise in exports in the UK in the last three months of 2011

The improvement in manufacturing conditions seen in January has been sustained this month, says Ian McCafferty, CBI chief economic adviser

UK manufacturers report order improvement UK manufacturers have reported an encouraging improvement in total and export order books in February, following a much weaker period over late 2011, the CBI said.

As a result, firms expect solid output growth over the coming three months, according to the CBI’s most recent monthly Industrial Trends Survey.

Of the 471 manufacturers responding to the survey, 21% reported total order books to be above normal, while 23% said they were below. The resulting rounded balance of -3% is well above the long-run average (-18%) and a significant improvement in the levels of recent months.

Export orders also saw a similar upturn, with 22% of respondents stating levels were above normal

and 24% saying they were below, giving a balance of -2%, compared to the long-run average of -21%.

As a result of the improvement in orders, for the second month running UK manufacturers expect production to rise over the next three months, with a balance of +15% expecting an increase in their volume of output.

Ian McCafferty, CBI chief economic adviser, said: “The improvement in manufacturing conditions seen in January has been sustained this month. Both domestic and overseas demand have strengthened, underpinning solid expectations for output growth, which is encouraging news, given the particularly difficult period for business in the final quarter of 2011.”

6 in 10 of our members say there are barriers for small firms in bidding for public contracts.

The FSB is urging government to: Set out a clear commitment to deploy superfast broadband across all of the UK and say how it will avoid a two-tier broadband access in rural and urban areas; Be bolder in its changes to existing employment law to incentivise employment and think small first when it responds to the Modern Workplaces consultation; Bring down the barriers that stop small businesses getting their fair share of government procurement contracts; Simplify the tax regime which is a barrier for 38% of small businesses;

Promote alternative sources of finance.

“These figures show the small business community has remained resilient even in the ongoing tough economic climate. The smallest businesses have remained focused on growth and shown tenacity in bringing new products and services to market,” said John Walker, FSB national chairman.

“In the forthcoming Budget, the chancellor must ratchet up the growth agenda by simplifying the tax regime, promoting alternative sources of finance and thinking small first when making changes to employment law. Small businesses are committed and resilient, but they now need the government to match their ambition for growth.”

BusinessNews.indd 23

February 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 23

BLOG of the week

WHy TrAdE SHOWS – PArT TWO

Know your goal beforehand to get the most out of attending trade shows, advises entrepreneur and sales expert Liz Gilmour on www. businesszone.co.uk It’s show time! The stand is built, you have put the word out you will be there, press releases are done and you are ready to go. There is a buzz in the hall as everyone is running around carrying out last minute finishing touches and at last the doors are opened and everyone waits in anticipation for the first visitor to stop at their stand for a chat.

Trade Shows are a marathon of face-to-face cold calling.

Certainly you can use them as an opportunity to meet with customers and prospects already in the sales cycle but the main advantage of attending is for lead generation.

The goal is to leave with a healthy number of contacts you can jump on as soon as you get back to the office to get them into the sales cycle – or of course enough deals signed at the show to justify the cost of attending depending on the business you are in.

DURING The ShOw In order to protect your investment you need to remain focused on the goal and here is my advice on making the most of any trade show.

The real art of working a show is to recognise who amongst all those visitors are the ones you need to spend time with. Many people visit shows to research and nose around and can take up a lot of your staff’s time. Have a mental list of qualifying questions ready and rather than go into your positioning sales spiel ask questions first.

As long as you are polite and enthusiastic a true prospect will be delighted you are interested in them and you will be able to quickly determine whether you should spend time with them or not.

Work and turn. Many years ago I worked for a company who hired a specialist to review our effectiveness at trade shows and advise us how to the most out of the opportunity. He was the one who taught me to work and turn.

Once you have identified a visitor as a true prospect spend enough

time with them to ensure they will leave with your company on their potential supplier list and not a minute more. While you are busy with them there could be many other good opportunities walking past. If you have to demonstrate your product then show just enough to peak their interest and then arrange to meet with after the show to go into the details. And if you are offering a service hand out case studies so it is clear in their mind where the benefits are. Work them and turn them but with a follow-up plan clear in both of your minds.

If you have room on the stand organise times for planned demonstrations or presentations but make them short and pertinent.

Remember every visitor to your stand will be overwhelmed with information from multiple would-be suppliers and you have to make an impact in a clear concise manner. If you do not have room see if there are seminar opportunities available and use them as a way to portray yourself and your company as experts in your field.

If you find people are not naturally drawn to your stand engage people in conversation as they walk pass or come up with a giveaway that brings them to you. Years ago at a large and busy show I attended a new company gave away purple high top Converse sneakers and before long all you could see were people stopping those who already had theirs asking were they got them from. Everyone wanted a pair. You don’t have to go to that length but for that new company it worked brilliantly - their brand awareness and list of potential customers grew substantially overnight.

And don’t forget the housekeeping – make sure you have a good system in place to capture leads. And collect as much information as you can about each prospect you speak to and write it down as this will really help with your follow up activities.

Trade shows are exciting, frustrating and tiring and can deliver a great return in the investment but only if you know what the goal is beforehand and if you keep it in mind at all times. www.coachandbusweek.com

27/02/2012 19:32

24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 29, 2012

nEWS fOCUS › YBMN eveNts

www.coachandbusweek.com

NewsFocus.indd 24

27/02/2012 20:23

February 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 25

900

The number of coach, park and ride and shuttle services for spectators, provided by FirstGroup, some of which will be sub-contracted

The number of acres the Olympic Park covers

Extra buses being put on during the London 2012 Olympics

Olympic day out for Young bus managers

Roger French, Pat Stringer and Alex Hornby with members of the Young Bus Managers Network in front of a Wrightbus Gemini kindly provided by First London

NewsFocus.indd 25

500 200 Young Bus Managers Network enjoyed a tour of the Olympic Village and a talk from Peter Hendy on the transport challenge last week The Young Bus Managers Network (YBMN) gathered last Wednesday to enjoy a backstage tour of the Olympic Park in Stratford, ahead of the 2012 Games this summer.

11 YMBN members, alongside co-patron Roger French of Brighton & Hove (B&H) and committee members Alex Hornby of trent barton and Pat Stringer of B&H, were taken around the site on a FirstGroup bus to themselves.

The hour-long tour was hosted

by Transport for London (TfL), courtesy of its commissioner Peter Hendy in his capacity as president of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

Such tours are being run as part of TfL’s ‘Fit for London’ programme for its staff.

YBMN members were given facts and figures about the 2012 Games and showed off Olympic venues such as the Velodrome, nick-named ‘the pringle’ and the aquatic centre designed to emulate a sting ray, and various elements of the transport hub. Buses, which are part of an integrated bus network to take the construction team from venue to venue, were also visible.

Afterwards, the group heard a talk organised by CILT on delivering the transport challenge of the 2012 Olympics by Hendy, who highlighted the YBMN and its presence.

There won’t be the predicated “transport chaos”, he stressed, confident TfL, which has run major events such as the Royal Wedding, FA cup finals and the London Marathon, is up to the challenge.

“It won’t all run perfectly, but the bits which don’t run you can get round and then put back together,” he said.

“The first big issue in capacity terms is around the road network,” he said. The Olympic Route Network (ORN) will be in place a few days before the Games start,

said Hendy, and is the normal road network but with different traffic timings and restrictions such as a ban on right turnings. “The ORN will be quite fast when you get on it - the difficulty will be getting on it,” he added.

Asked for advice to commuter coach operators who will be affected by the ORN and how to model demand for passengers who will be considering different working patterns, Hendy said: “Look at what we’ve published so you can make a reasonable assessment. I’d also ask my passengers and say ‘do us a favour and tell us what you’re going to do so we can serve you’.”

The YBMN was set up to encourage young bus managers across the industry to engage, share their experiences and compare best practice at conferences and events such as these. Commenting on the tour and talk, Roger French told CBW: “Not only would we like more young managers to join YMBN but also to become members of CILT where, with Austin Birks’ enthusiasm as chairman of its Bus and Coach Forum, we’re reinvigorating the road passenger section. The tour was organised as a CILT event exclusively for YMBN members and was a brilliant example of the benefits from being involved in both organisations.” www.youngbusmanagers. org.uk & www.CILT.org.uk

Peter Hendy gave a talk on delivering the 2012 transport www.coachandbusweek.com

27/02/2012 20:23

26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 29, 2012

Financial difficulties lead to demise of two operators Joan Aitken, Traffic Commissioner for Scotland, revokes two Greenock-based coach operators’ licences due to insufficient financial standing.

The Traffic Commissioner for Scotland, Joan Aitken, called Robert Hunter Wilson, who trades as Wilson’s Coaches, to a Public Inquiry (PI) in Edinburgh on February 6, 2012. Mr Wilson is also a director of Flosshaul Ltd, trading as Scottish Travel, which was also called to the PI. The two companies are based at the same address.

The hearing was called following an adverse report from a VOSA vehicle examiner regarding a maintenance investigation in October 2011. This followed an incident on September 29, 2010, when one of Flosshaul’s buses lost a wheel while in transit. No-one was injured in the incident. The report showed inspection records were not fully completed and vehicles were not passing their annual test.

A week before the hearing was due to take place Wilson advised the Traffic Commissioner (TC) both companies were unable to meet the minimum required financial standing for the purposes of the operator licence. This was followed by applications from both companies to stop running their local services with immediate effect.

BACKGROUND Robert Hunter Wilson trades as Wilson’s Coaches from 15 Dellingburn Street, Greenock, where Flosshaul is also based.

Robert Hunter Wilson and Carol Wilson are the notified directors.

The nominated transport manager is Robert Hunter Wilson junior.

The PI call-up letters were despatched on December 16, 2011, with the PI scheduled for January 16, 2012. At Wilson’s request an adjournment was granted, as he needed more time, given the intervention of the festive season, to consult his solicitor and accountant.

February 6, 2012, was substituted.

In the two weeks prior to February 6, the TC’s office became aware from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and other firms www.coachandbusweek.com

LegalNews.indd 26

Service X22 was the subject of a short notice cancellation application that the operators intended to cease running their local registered services. The first indication was an application by McGills on January 30, 2012, with SPT support letter of January 31, for a short notice start to a service X22 on February 1, 2012. On January 31, 2012, Slaemuir Coaches Ltd applied for short notice commencement of four services, both operators stating that either Flosshaul or Wilsons was giving up their respective routes. Late on January 31, 2012, the TC’s office received short notice applications to cancel the service from Wilson and Flosshaul with effect from “asap”.

Wilson contacted the TC’s office on January 30, 2012, to say both companies were unable to meet the minimum required financial standing for the purposes of operator licensing and no shortterm recovery was possible. The companies themselves were profitable, but had been affected by other financial commitments of the operator and director Wilson senior. He indicated he would give a written explanation, with submissions for the PI, accompanied by the surrender of the two licences.

On February 3, Wilson submitted formal applications to surrender both licences and submitted commentaries in response to the call-up letters and briefs.

As it appeared the operators were abandoning/failing to operate registered services, amended call-

up letters dated January 31, 2012, were despatched to Mr and Mrs Wilson and the company advising the TC would be considering repute and also her powers under sections 6 and 26 of the Transport Act 1985; section 39 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001; and powers of revocation and disqualification.

PUBLIC INQUIRY The PI was convened at Edinburgh on February 6, 2012. Mr Robert Hunter Wilson (senior) was present and accompanied by his namesake elder son Robert Hunter Wilson (hereinafter Wilson junior). He was unrepresented. VOSA was represented by vehicle examiner Mr G Courtney who produced a brief addendum setting out details of two prohibitions which had been issued to vehicles operated by Flosshaul.

These were delayed prohibitions respectively issued on January 30, 2012, and November 1, 2011.

VEHICLE EXAMINER EVIDENCE There was a maintenance investigation on October 8, 2010, following a wheel-loss incident and immediate prohibition imposed

by Strathclyde Police. The police reported that on September 29, 2010, vehicle AE54JPY was seen on the A8 with the bus leaning to its nearside position. The driver said the rear nearside wheel had fallen off whilst the bus was in motion.

The wheel hub nuts were slightly worn which was all the officer could see as to what might have

happened. His colleague noted all wheel nuts were missing but he could find no obvious oval marks.

In light of this, VOSA investigated the matter. The examiner wrote: “There were signs on the outer face of the outer wheel of the nuts wearing the wheel and of wear elongating the holes in wheel.

Also the inner mating surface of the wheel was polished due to the movement between the wheels.

The hub spigot mounting for the wheel were also badly worn against evidence of the prolonged wheel movement. The inner wheel was not as worn but showed corrosion on the inner face where it contacts the hub indicating it may have been bonded by this to the hub. All studs on the hub were damaged and no wheel nuts were recovered at the scene of the incident.”

The operator’s records indicated the outer wheel had been removed for a new tyre on September 10, 2010, but there was no record of the mileage on the job card.

The retorquing of the wheel was recorded on the job card and the vehicle safety inspection on September 14, 2010. The examiner discussed the procedure for recording wheel changes with Wilson junior as safety inspection records and driver defect sheets rarely recorded that. In all, the maintenance investigation was unsatisfactory as inspection records were not fully completed; inspections were not carried out on vehicles being returned to service if scheduled date was missed due to the vehicle being off the road; and the prohibitions. Advice was given.

Three vehicles were checked and one delayed prohibition was issued.

For Flosshaul the prohibition history from May 19, 2008, to the PI was three immediate, nine delayed and two variation prohibitions.

Wilson responded to the VOSA report on November 12, 2010, giving his assessment of the wheel-loss incident. He accepted it was damaging to their reputation in maintenance terms and in customer attitude and use of the service. He said following the wheel loss all of the fleet had been checked and no other vehicles were found to have loose wheel nuts but some torque settings required adjustment. He had the vehicle examined by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and enclosed a copy of their report. It appeared evidence of recent maintenance on the outside wheel of axle 2 nearside

MArTyn SMEATOn

LEGAL nEWS › public inquiry

27/02/2012 19:56

MARTYN SMEATON

February 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 27

was a contributory factor. The FTA had given advice to the operator and remedial measures in relation to road wheel installation and inspection had been put in hand.

He had also decided there would be attendance at a VOSA course on the subject of vehicle maintenance.

The prohibition history for this licence from March 15, 2007, to date of the PI was of six immediate and five delayed prohibitions and two variations. There were ‘S’ markings in July 2008 and May 2009. There had been no further prohibitions since June 2010.

The VOSA examiner’s concerns were in relation to the standard of inspections being undertaken and the monitoring of those standards.

Dunoon and had an unsuccessful business venture with a Burger King franchise as West Coast Scotland Ltd where he was an investor with John Rasmussen.

Rasmussen resigned as a director, probably sensing it was going down. An investor, Terry Wiseman, put money in but required personal guarantees from Wilson and his wife. Wilson is being sued by Wiseman and the case is in court next week. He will be sequestrated.

Given his sequestration, Flosshaul will not be able to continue and will be put into administration. He felt sorry at what had happened and the impact of his business ventures on his family. Two of his sons work in the business and will now be out of work. When he got the call-up letter it was about that time he knew there was nowhere to go with financial standing.

In relation to the local services he explained there was no way he would have left the public standing, so he got in touch with McGills and explained there was a PI coming and he could not meet financial standing. They agreed to take on the X22. He asked Slaemuir if they could cover the three schools and the other services. This was all done with SPT and the other operators

OPERATOR RESPONSE The operators are FTA members and use the Association’s guidance.

Wilson wished to stress the shortcomings in the maintenance arrangements were not related to the lack of appropriate finance.

Five members of staff attended a three-day VOSA course relative to PSV inspection standards and procedures on February 10, 2011.

Wilson felt there had been progress in the maintenance but that he could not continue through financial standing.

He explained his financial difficulties were caused by his involvement with other businesses.

He had bought a plot of land in

Aitken: “An operator is under the legal duty to operate a service”

ANNUAL TEST HISTORY Wilson was asked by the TC’s office to provide vehicle registration numbers such that the annual test history for both licences could be considered. Copies of the extracted history were within the brief of papers sent to the operators. It is not always easy to extract such data from the VOSA database given that vehicles are not specified to licences and thus care has to be taken to ensure the annual test result actually applies to when the vehicles were within the possession of the operator. With those caveats it was clear these operators’ vehicles were not passing annual test on all occasions when they should have been. Because the vehicles are not specified the annual test results were for the period from July 1, 2010, to December 31, 2011. In particular, the TC noticed a multi-item fail on October 1, 2010, to one of the vehicles on the Robert Wilson licence and a worse fail rate on the Flosshaul licence.

LegalNews.indd 27

Key Points: Investigation carried out by VOSA following a wheel-loss incident.

VOSA identified failings regarding inspection records and annual tests.

Operators had insufficient finances due to director’s unrelated failed business ventures.

Applications to surrender both licenses were submitted by the director.

and arranged so all the runs would be covered to make sure the public had an operator in place. No finance had changed hands for any of this.

Wilson junior said he had been involved in the business since leaving school; he was not a time served mechanic but knew a lot of what to do and had worked in different aspects of the business.

In relation to disqualification, Wilson thought it would be unfair for his sons to suffer. He would like his son Robert to get the chance to start on his own in future as he has experience and could do a good job. So much had gone wrong and it had such a sad impact on his family which extended to six grandchildren.

CONSIDERATION OF THE EVIDENCE AND THE TC’S DECISION This is a case in which the call to PI exposed that these no longer had financial standing.

Aitken said: “At the time of the call to PI I had no way of knowing that and my concern was whether the absence of finance had contributed to the maintenance deficiencies disclosed in the VOSA report and the annual test history. Mr Wilson assured me that was not the case. In relation to his own licence there has been a year clear of prohibitions and that for Flosshaul had received only one delayed prohibition.

Thus, in relation to the lack of roadworthiness which prohibitions are set to counter, there was some evidence these operators were improving their maintenance standards. That five employees had been on the three-day VOSA course did reflect a commitment to maintenance standards as did membership of the FTA. However, there was a lack of attention to detail as disclosed by the doubts over rectification and whether such had happened and also the annual test items which had failed. Had this case turned on maintenance alone it is likely the outcome would have been curtailment of the vehicle authorisations for a period to ensure that the annual test history improved and that the record keeping was to the detail and transparency required by VOSA. “The other matter which concerned me greatly was my office receiving word that these operators were coming out of the registered services without my receiving formal cancellations or request for short notice

cancellations to be granted. It is not for an operator to abandon registered services and think that there can be no consequences from that. An operator is under the legal duty to operate the services. As it happens other operators have been able to step into the breach and SPT has been satisfied with the arrangements made to continue services to the public.”

The TC declined the surrender offer as she said it is necessary to explore what caused the demise of the local registered services.

Ceasing to operate without short notice cancellation being permitted is a matter which can lead to a penalty under section 39 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001.

Concluding, Aitken said: “I have no option but to revoke these licences on financial standing grounds which I now do. I have considered whether I should use my powers of disqualification in relation to Mr Robert Wilson as an individual and in relation to Mr and Mrs Wilson as Directors of Flosshaul Ltd – and I see Mrs Wilson as a director for that is the information available to me from Companies House – and Flosshaul Ltd. My interest in disqualification would be in preventing these individuals or the company from seeking to operate registered services in the near future. I am not so concerned about private hire arrangements.

“I take into account that neither Mr Wilson nor Flosshaul Ltd have a previous compliance history and Messrs Wilson senior and junior did not avoid attendance at the PI but came diligently and had prepared a dossier of information for me. This I contrast with many others who turn away from attending a PI. I give them credit for their attendance and for telling me about the background to the difficulties.

“Thus, I will hold back from disqualification but I make it clear that any future application for a public service vehicle operator licence will be considered at PI when it might be that I would put a condition preventing the registration of local services for a period. However, that is not a foregone conclusion for I consider all applications on their merits and listen to what applicants say to me.

“Given what I have been told about finance I have held back from any section 39 penalty order.”

The revocations are of immediate effect. www.coachandbusweek.com

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PREVIEW › CV SHOW

CV Show 2012 earlybird preview Some of the key industry suppliers taking part in the forthcoming CV Show at Birmingham’s NEC, 2426 April, gathered at the venue last week to deliver detailed previews of their exhibits. Martin Cole reports www.coachandbusweek.com

CVShow.indd 28

BRIdgEStOnE

Bridgestone is now beginning to make significant inroads to the UK bus and coach market having recently secured a contract to supply FirstGroup. Its Ecopia range of low rolling resistance tyres, designed to reduce overall fuel consumption and reduce emissions, has shown successful results and is being further developed.

An enhanced Ecopia II range is scheduled for launch in 2013.

Throughout this year’s show, Bridgestone is running short but highly informative seminars on its stand. They include: ‘Wheel security – cost & consequence’ which gives an overview of measures operators

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portfolio. The company owns the Bandag remould/retreading organisation and is proposing to make much more use of this facility by developing its tyre casings specifically to facilitate retreading procedures. A full range of Bridgestone’s commercial vehicle tyres will be on display.

MOBil DElvAC

Visitors to CV Show 2012 are offered a huge and varied selection of exhibits

can take to minimise the chance of any wheel loss; ‘Future of fuel efficiency’ which outlines the technology behind fuel-efficient tyres, an explanation of impending legislation on tyre labelling and the importance of maintaining correct tyre pressures to reduce fuel consumption; and ‘Saving money through tyre maintenance’ which deals with pressure maintenance and the effect on tyre life and economy, importance of correct husbandry, importance of managing casings for retreading, selecting the correct tyre for the application and performance monitoring.

Retreading is becoming a significant element of Bridgestone’s

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ExxonMobil’s range of flagship Mobil Delvac commercial vehicle lubricants recently demonstrated significant fuel economy benefits through independent testing with Volvo and Iveco trucks at Millbrook proving ground. Fuel economy savings recorded in Volvo articulated trucks highlighted the potential for operators to cut fuel bills by £1,270 per truck, while a significant average fuel economy improvement of 4.7% was realised in Iveco 7.5 tonne vehicles.

The recorded fuel economy benefits have the potential for fleet operators to make significant financial savings over a 12-month period. A company operating a fleet of 30 HGV trucks may save nearly £40,000 a year by switching from mineral-based products to Mobil Delvac.

Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 was used in the engine and Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 in the rear axle for both vehicles, with Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 and Mobil Delvac Synthetic Transmission Oil V30 used in the transmissions of the Iveco and Volvo trucks respectively.

The potential savings, coupled with the capability of Mobil Delvac fully synthetic lubricants to help extend vehicle life through enhanced equipment protection, can provide fleet operators with a tangible competitive edge.

Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 is a fully synthetic high performance heavy-duty diesel engine oil which protects both engine and emission systems while providing long drain capability and fuel economy potential for diesel engines, including those fitted with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF).

Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 is a fully synthetic, supreme performance commercial gear lubricant, suitable for total driveline application. Formulated using advanced base oils and an innovative additive system, Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 has been proven to deliver outstanding protection alongside fuel economy benefits.

Contact the ExxonMobil Lubricants Technical Help Desk on TechDeskEurope@ exxonmobil.com or + 44 (0) 1372 22 3790, or visit www. mobildelvac.co.uk

Bridgestone Ecopia tyres offer less rolling resistance for higher mpg

New Ebespacher heater unit is more compact and can run on 100% biofuel

EBErSpACHEr

Renowned for its large stand populated with minibuses and other LCVs, Eberspacher is introducing its latest Hydronic 2 independent heater unit as it celebrates 35 years of trading in the UK. Hydronic 2 is more compact than its predecessor, making it easier to install and widening its range of applications. Available in 12v or 24v format, it is far more efficient to operate - achieving 84% - and now has the capability of running on 100% biofuel. It has the ability to provide vehicle pre-heating, saloon heating and hot water.

Options range from 4kW – 35kW. Eberspacher Airtronic air heaters can provide from 4kW to 8kW output.

Eberspacher is also introducing a ‘Total Life Care’ programme which is designed to provide fast, efficient backup for its products.

There will be a single telephone number hotline to an assistance desk at Eberspacher. The desk will relay details to the nearest service agent which will send a technician to rectify any heater failure with minimum of delay. The company wants to maximise the benefits of its nationwide service network to ensure any delay or inconvenience to operators and passengers is minimised. A spokesman said: “Hopefully, if something goes wrong on a trip, we’d aim to send someone immediately, ideally to work on it at the destination while passengers are away from the vehicle and have the problem rectified before they return.”

Eberspacher has just been appointed as the UK distributor for the Wigam range of air conditioning workshop equipment. At the CV Show Eberspacher plans to display Wigam’s Piccola Data automatic charging machine; Total Test A/C leak detecting system (which uses Azoidro, a new gas employed to seek out very small leaks which elude leak detectors using R134a refrigerant) and Discovery Leak Detector, which is compatible with R1234yf refrigerant being used in new vehicle air conditioning systems, as well as the traditional R134a refrigerant. Also on show will be Flash-Flush, a small portable flushing device which cleans the A/C system following the failure of an internal component, and the Fox Evo digital manifold set which is ideal for service engineers both workshop-based and

www.coachandbusweek.com

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PREVIEW › CV SHOW

mobile.

Another new product range being distributed by Eberspacher is the Euroengel professional mobile refrigeration boxes which will also be on the company’s CV Show stand. These include 22, 32, 56, 82,140 and 330- litre models.

Made in Italy, they are high quality, ATP approved units with integral compressors and condensers within the box.

Easily installed within a vehicle, they require a 12v / 24v connection but can also run on a mains 110v or 230v supply. Euroengel boxes are available as chill only, chill/heat and chill/freeze within an operating temperature range (dependent on model) from -24 degrees centigrade to +40 degrees centigrade. They are equipped with a digital temperature controller to allow easy setting of the required internal temperature and monitoring of the true internal temperature.

SmartNav and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking system as standard equipment.

STAyCO

CMS SUPATRAK

CMS SupaTrak is promoting its telematics system which is geared towards vehicle tracking and driver behaviour management. It includes a Safe Driver Assistant which monitors behaviour and warns drivers if they are cornering too sharply, braking too harshly, leaving the engine idling for too long or driving uneconomically.

The EcoTrak element transmits data to a web-based system which allows management to log in at any time to download information for evaluation. SupaTrak records location details and allows operators to trace routes to ensure their vehicles are where they should be and have only been where they are supposed to go.

The company provides driver training sessions to explain the objectives and merits of the system. These are delivered by experienced drivers who have seen and appreciated the benefits it can deliver.

EcoTrak has been extensively trialled by a number coach operators and is, according to CMS SupaTrak, delivering monthly savings of around £350 per vehicle.

This means the system has a very fast payback time and represents significant value to customers. The company says it is more than happy to enter into evaluation trials with interested operators to underline the effectiveness of the system.

During the show, CMS SupaTrak is pairing with Vehicle Weighing www.coachandbusweek.com

CVShow.indd 30

Above: Stayco fold-out step system. Below left: New colour display for Trafficmaster. Below right: Eminox urges ‘keep filters clean’

Vehicle step producer Stayco is exhibiting its new range of steps under its own brand name for the first time at this year’s CV show.

Stayco has been designing and manufacturing a wide range of manual and electric vehicle steps for over twelve years, with many thousands in use worldwide. Up to last year its steps had always been sold via an independent distributor under other brand names. Stayco has an extensive range of ‘easy fit’ fold-out, frame and cassette steps and the capability to provide bespoke solutions matching the special requirements of customers, quickly and at an economical price.

A new frame step, which is an addition to the ‘Z’ step range, will be launched at the show. It has been specifically designed to fit the Iveco Daily with a nearside mounted fuel tank, and also fits the Hyundai. Also making its debut is a single tread foldout step designed to be mounted into standard van stepwells. When it is deployed, it increases the depth of the stepwell to a full tread size as well as providing a step tread 250mm below the stepwell height.

Stayco also produces a range of geared electric motors, bespoke wiring harnesses, relay control units, intercoms, door lock interrupters and heavy duty window winder mechanisms.

More information on all their products is available on their web site at www.stayco.com

EMInOx Solutions on stand 3E99. It will be providing demonstrations of the system and offering free fuel saving consultations.

CITROEn

Citroen won’t be displaying a minibus version of its Euro 5 Relay or Dispatch models this year as the ‘official’ minibus conversions remain under development until all elements of type approval requirement have been fulfilled. A Relay version is progressing with Advanced Vehicle Builders, the traditional preferred converter, and will not be launched until all the relevant criteria has been met.

The Euro 5 Relay, which can

be seen at the NEC in various van formats, including crew-cab models, offers more powerful engines with some of the lowest emissions and impressive claimed fuel economy.

The HDi diesels range from 110 to 180bhp. The HDi 110 replaces the former HDi 100 five-speed manual and is equipped with a six-speed gearbox. The former HDi 120 is replaced by the HDi 130 and a new HDi 150 enters the range for the first time.

The smaller Dispatch, popular as a passenger shuttle for up to eight people, also features more powerful engines with a choice of the HDi 90 or 125 options. Both Dispatch and Relay come with the TrafficMaster

Eminox plans to highlight the importance of maintaining clean diesel particulate filters to ensure exhaust emissions are minimised and engine performance unaffected in order to retain efficiency and prevent an increase in fuel consumption. While the systems are designed to regenerate they can, over time, build up accumulations of incombustible residues and soot, increasing back-pressure in the exhaust and lowering engine efficiency. Ignoring the warnings can also lead to permanent filter damage which would prevent a filter exchange and require the purchase of a new unit.

Eminox systems are supplied with indicator lights to warn if

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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachandbusweek back pressure levels are increasing and provide an early warning, but these need to be checked regularly as the amount of time individual filters can run between services is variable. The company offers its own patented ‘Xpurge’ system for cleaning filters and can arrange to supply reconditioned filters for operators to fit themselves, a full site visit with removal of filters and replacement with new or reconditioned units, or for vehicles in London for the day, it can remove, clean and replace the operator’s own filters at its facility near Heathrow Airport. There are two other facilities which can provide the same while-you-wait service.

Xpurge employs a process using water and compressed air which it says delivers a deep and effective clean in a very short time. Eminox claims this is far more effective than conventional cleaning in ovens which can also mean a lengthy baking period.

Xpurge is used in conjunction with patented ‘Veritex’ inspection technology which gives a picture of the filter’s internal structure – allowing operators to be confident the unit has been comprehensively cleaned.

StOnEridgE

Tachograph specialist Stoneridge Electronics will showcase its updated SE5000 Exakt digital tachograph.

Designed to cater for the ‘one minute rule’ it is now prepared for ‘second source motion’ (introduced from October 1, 2012, to counter tampering like putting magnets on the gearbox signal transmitter) along with new features to help drivers manage their time more efficiently and maximise vehicle utilisation.

Stoneridge says the new features all come at no additional cost.

The company will also demonstrate its OPTAC3 suite of

packages which can be tailored to fit any size of fleet requirement and give comprehensive analysis of tachograph data and can produce up to 28 different management reports. OPTAC3 can be installed on office PCs, a company server or accessed as a web-based service.

Stoneridge offers a free 30-day trial with OPTAC3.

For Workshop visitors, Stoneridge will be presenting the ARENA 250 roller brake tester for which it has produced the tachograph calibration system. As a dual function piece of equipment it saves workshop space. It is ATF approved and built to VOSA specification for Class IV, V and VII commercial vehicles. Touch screen operation is an available remote control option.

Mix tElEMAtiCS

MiX Telematics has announced the signing of two new partnership agreements, both of which will be launched at the show (Stand no: 3B74).

They cover two key areas where telematics solutions can be deployed to generate considerable savings for operators and service providers alike; namely, insurance and contract hire. The new partnerships are with brokers Towergate Insurance and contract hire firm Euroway.

“As the telematics industry continues to move towards maturity, it is important we demonstrate new and innovative ways to further enhance the fuel and cost savings our operators are routinely achieving today,” says Steve Coffin, marketing & operations director for MiX Telematics.

“As well as improving fuel efficiency, our solutions can help reduce accident rates, minimise driveline wear and tear, and monitor the way in which drivers

perform and vehicles are used. All these factors have a direct bearing on risk and the cost of operation and are therefore of great interest to insurers and contract hire companies. By working with our colleagues at Towergate Insurance and Euroway we have harnessed the power of telematics in sectorspecific packages designed to generate savings and lower costs for all concerned.”

MiX Telematics is also extending its innovative MiX Mobile suite of smartphone applications to users of the company’s Fleet Manager solution with the launch of a new iPhone app, MiX Fleet. Available in English and other major European languages, the MiX Fleet works with all Apple iOS-equipped mobiles. Versions for Android and BlackBerry are currently being finalised and subscribers will soon be able to track and monitor their fleets using tablets such as iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab. Fleet managers can now access the data which helps them reduce operating costs, manage risk more effectively and improve customer service at any time regardless of their location. They can also immediately determine the current status of their vehicles, tracking them as they are moving or locating them while stationary. Historical trip summaries and the plotting of these trips on a map represent additional features that make it easier for customers to manage their fleets while on the go.

rAtCliff PAlfingEr

A new version of the fully automatic RTP35H twin pillar internal lift designed specifically for smaller vans – such as Vito, Trafic or Dispatch – and will serve both passenger and commercial delivery markets. It features an 1100mm x 800mm horizontal folding

platform. The unit on display will feature a steel mesh platform but an aluminium option will be available.

trAffiCMAStEr

Trafficmaster will focus on the productivity, financial, safety and environmental benefits its advanced telematics can bring to the UK fleet vehicle sector. It will demonstrate and discuss the benefits of advanced Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation and Teletrac, a Trafficmaster Company’s Fleet Director real-time fleet management systems.

Smartnav and Fleet Director focus on the same goal - integrated, intelligent driving services which reduce costs, improve efficiency and reduce carbon footprint. They use a common telematics platform, developed in-house and provide essential, accurate, real-time traffic data based on Trafficmaster’s network of 5,200 traffic sensors.

This network covers 100% of the UK’s motorways and 95% of its trunk roads.

Smartnav is an intelligent route finding service using satellite navigation and live traffic information to find best routes and guide drivers around congestion.

The company’s real-time road speeds data and live incident information allows Smartnav to calculate the optimum routes and avoid traffic congestion on every journey, improving on-road efficiency and reducing congestion overall. It is supported by a 24/7 control centre, with a team of personal assistants on hand to check destinations, provide routes and even connect drivers to emergency and breakdown services.

Trafficmaster’s Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking is monitored 24 hours a day by the company’s Cranfield Control Centre. Stolen vehicles automatically inform the centre and are then monitored remotely, with police informed of their whereabouts for fast and efficient recovery.

Fleet Director is a real-time fleet management tool with a host of new features to set it further apart from the competition.

EnvvEH

MiX Telematics offers a complete and comprehensive telematics suite now with mobile phone and tablet access

EnvVeh will be demonstrating green solutions to keeping workshops clean and tidy that are re-usable, recyclable and reduce waste and exposure to chemicals increasing your commitment to becoming environmentally friendly.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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THE BIG PICTURE

The bus terminal area outside Cambridge Railway Station is regularly a hive of activity, as pictured in this scene, which was caught on camera by editor Gareth Evans on Tuesday, August 2, 2011.

No fewer than five buses can be seen, all of which are run by the city’s acclaimed bus operator, Stagecoach Cambridgeshire. Since this photo was taken, the station has become considerably busier in bus terms following the opening of the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway, the southern branch of which to Addenbrooke’s Hospital and Trumpington Park & Ride starts at this point. Cambridge has benefitted from considerable investment by Stagecoach in recent times, the ADL Enviro 400s seen here being prime examples. Not to be forgotten is the Northern Counties-bodied Volvo Olympian, which is pictured here working a City Sightseeing service. It is worth noting that open top services are to be upgraded this year to operate with low floor double-deckers, more of which in a future issue.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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60

INSIGHT › smart ticketing

itSo schemes implemented over 18 months to September 2011

Getting smart on ticketing Last month’s annual Transport Ticketing conference in London showed the smart ticketing scene and technology is moving at a fast pace. Coach and Bus Week’s Meera Rambissoon reports on operator advice and lessons, the passenger perspective and an update on ITSO

A

lthough introducing a smart card system is no cheap or magic bullet and takes considerable resources and patience to set up, several speakers at last month’s fourth, annual Transport Ticketing conference and expo in London organised by Clarion Events, extolled its benefits – given the right business case.

Transdev Blazefield’s Nigel Eggleton set out the right conditions for a strong case as did Go-Ahead’s Dave Lynch, whose honest appraisal of the process was summed up in the phrase “bloody hard work.”

Many operators have been using and bedding in smart cards and contactless ticketing for some time – in Scotland a single ITSO smart system is administered for concessionary travel - and while the ‘Big Five’ bus operators have all signed up to use ITSO, the conference heard how the challenge remains for smaller operators to come on board.

The issue is inescapable as the transport minister’s deadline of “most” journeys undertaken using ITSO-compliant smart ticketing

by December 2014 grows closer and a key recommendation in the Competition Commission’s final report is one of multi-operator ticketing.

Indeed, integration was a key strand during the conference and smart, integrated ticketing has been on the EU’s agenda for ten years now, with the possibility of an integrated card across Europe being explored. www.coachandbusweek.com

TransportTicketing.indd 34

Steve Howes, MD of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) said operators and TOCs are looking at ticketing across the bus and rail spheres. In his view, developments in ticketing and branded card schemes in the bus sector have come about during the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS). Benefits of smart ticketing identified were: increasing throughput, reducing transaction times and more efficient fraud management, heeding the “changing and increasing expectations of passengers who want more convenience and value for money”. “Clearly we are in the middle of a technological revolution,” he said.

DVD equiVAlent to ticketing norman Baker “We at the DfT are fully committed to smart ticketing,” said Baker, speaking at the start of the conference.

“It has the power to change the

public’s behaviour and make public transport an attractive offer. The capacity new technology has to deliver different options is key.”

He said ticketing and smart ticketing needs to support the role of flexible working over the traditional ‘9 to 5’ regime means, such as through carnet offers.

Identifying the Local Transport Sustainable Fund and Better Bus Area Fund as ways of funding smart ticketing, Baker said: “Linked to that is the review of BSOG and linked to that is our response to the Competition Commission inquiry and by the end of March we will make our views on both clear.”

Baker said the BSOG incentive to install smart ticketing has been “quite successful” with larger operators and less so with smaller ones.

Commenting on ITSO, he said: “It is essential ITSO keeps pace with other technological advancements such as EMV (EuroPay, MasterCard, Visa smart debit cards) which

David Sidebottom, passenger team director at Passenger Focus

Wilts & Dorset promotions team members Donna Vincent and Vicky Williams are pictured at the ‘key’ smart card launch with Salisbury operations manager Andrew Sherrington and managing director Andrew Wickham

has the potential to use bank cards as tickets, adding: “Most buses don’t have the necessary communications in place and won’t in the next few years.”

However Baker’s outlook is ambitious: “E-purchase is being used by a number of operators and we are looking at a national e-purse.

Oyster is successful but not suitable nationally. Oyster, in lay man’s terms is the video recorder whereas we’re now moving onto DVDs.”

the PASSenger FocuS David Sidebottom David Sidebottom, passenger team director at Passenger Focus (PF), told the conference how passengers are encouraged to travel when they feel confident using public transport. One of the major contributors to passenger confidence is the ease of purchasing the most suitable ticket for their journey. David explained passengers want “an accessible,

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147,000 £150k the number of go-Ahead group’s ‘key’ smart cards in use across the uK

February 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 35

estimated saving on five-minute frequency, 75-minute round-trip time and a PVr of 15 buses if smart ticketing can shave off five minutes and easy-to-use card is enjoyed by many, there is a counter argument that it penalises those who want to pay cash.

For designing and implementing an efficient ticketing system, David recommended listening to what passengers want: n Quick and easy purchase of tickets; n No queues; n Passenger confidence they are getting the best deal; n Clear restrictions; n Flexible payment options; n Up-to-date information; n Help available when required; n No jargon; and n Consistency between operators.

“There are many benefits to using electronic ticketing,” said David. “Passengers can be made more aware of their ticket choices and transactions can potentially be quicker. However the passenger interface needs to be designed to be accessible for all: a clear and easy user interface, which has been tested on passengers and is accessible to those without mobile phones and credit cards.”

Commenting on the next steps for PF on ticketing, David said: “We are intending to embark upon a major evaluation of smart card schemes in the near future.”

easy to understand ticketing scheme with no jargon and clear restrictions.”

In the 2010 ‘Bus Passenger Priorities for Improvement’ research by PF, interoperability and integration were highlighted as priorities four and nine respectively, out of 30 aspects of the bus journey.

Further qualitative research in 2008 showed many passengers have an appetite for convenient new ticketing technologies, with everyone in the study seeing the advantages of smart cards.

However, there were concerns raised over significant values being stored for long periods, lost cards and integration with other modes of transport.

“Implementation of a smart ticketing system needs the trust of passengers,” said David, “and transport needs to remain accessible to all.” Commenting on the success of Oyster, David said while the convenient, integrated

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Michael Leach is confident the 2014 smart ticketing deadline will be met

“We need to evolve and take this from a technical masterpiece where it doesn’t have to be so technical to implement.”

Michael Leach chief executive of ITSO

A strong business cAse nigel eggleton For the purpose of his presentation entitled ‘NFC (Near Field Communications) or EMV or SC ...or what?’ Nigel Eggleton, director of sales and marketing at Transdev Blazefield began with a disclaimer: “I’m ignoring implications of BSOG, I’m ignoring opportunities for integrated ticketing, I’m ignoring the requirements of ENCTS concessionary schemes.” For him, having “intelligent ticketing” is a no-brainer.

Eggleton put forward a vision for intelligent ticketing based on having a 75-bus depot in a mediumsized town, which would cost approximately £250,000. This can enable: nice new ticket machines with GPS, intelligent readers, WirelessLAN, back-office software systems and “various other bits and pieces”.

He set out a business case based on five-minute frequency, a 75-minute round-trip time and a PVR of 15 buses. In this case, smart ticketing can typically save eight seconds, and 17 with ENCTS acceptance, meaning if the

75-minute trip can be reduced to 70, “we can save a bus!”, which he said equates to £150,000. “If we save five seconds on 60 passengers each round trip, we’ve cracked it!” he continued, commenting the payback period is less than two years.

However, he warned this approach won’t work on less frequent services.

Eggleton also promoted the benefits of helping to tackle fraud (although the pay-back would be almost five years, which is not so good), less cash to worry about, customer loyalty and “much more and much better information on where passengers travel”.

“Intelligent ticketing must speed up journey times, minimise fraud, give competitive advantage, give numerous passenger benefits to encourage sales, be revenue-enhancing through the introduction of new products, give better statistics and management information, remove pressure from drivers and not be purely a straight replacement for existing ticket types,” he said. However, he urged boarding speed also be improved by removing payment and top-up from buses to elsewhere – namely, online, via telephone and mobile phone, company travel centres, local sales outlets, automatic top-up and direct debit.

Eggleton went further to suggest letting people change buses within the hour for free on touch on/touch off cards, commenting daily, weekly and monthly intelligence to cap payments should be possible.

Indeed, he explained how Bournemouth’s Yellow Buses introduced its ‘Glo Smartcard’ across its Yellow Buses’ Network (YB) in February 2010, replacing its Yellow Cards and following installation of new electronic ticketing machines on YB’s 110-strong bus fleet. Passengers add a seven, 30 or 90 day value to the card and ‘top up’ the value at one of over 80 Paypoint outlets across YB’s network area, at the company’s office in Bournemouth Square or – for seven-day travel – on the bus itself, with no change to single, return and one-day tickets.

Setting out the benefits to the customer, Eggleton included: n A very swift on-bus transaction; n Value which can easily be replaced; n Payment methods other than cash are acceptable; n Online statements; n Loyalty reward;

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INSIGHT › smart ticketing

n Modern technology and contemporary image; n A guarantee of best value; n Never have to worry about paying for your journey; and n No idea what the fare is!

“Is that a business case?” he concluded.

Evolving iTSo Michael leach Michael Leach, chief executive of ITSO, said the focus on the last 24 months has been creating a mature and stable system platform. An upgraded security management system (ISMS) is now in place as of May last year and there has been a “massive increase” in security messages processed to support the growing number of secure ITSOcompliant ticketing schemes, he said.

“As well as being nationally accepted in Scotland and Wales, over 60 new schemes were registered with ITSO in the 18 months up to September 2011 and more are coming on board all the time.

“The Big Five operators are now committed to installing, or have installed, ITSO-compliant ticket machines on their fleets but it is not only about the Big Five talking to each other but allowing local authorities and smaller operators on the scene.

“We are currently working with operators to meet new and varied IT and payment system developments like over-the-air and online transactions, i.e. buying your ticket online or in your local shop and using your NFC enabled mobile phone as a smart card.”

Leach also said there is movement towards making the smart media more ID-orientated and taking the rest of the work into the back office, adding ITSO uses the same protocol as the banking card system. At the same time the ITSO environment needs to work with other ticketing solutions like 2D barcodes.

“Although government funding has traditionally centred on smart systems for concessionary travel, operators are now seeing that introducing commercial schemes and maximising the use of the ITSO technology is the way forward.”

Leach said ITSO needs to continue to work with operators to deliver a system which is easier, simpler and cheaper to implement and operate, which could partly be achieved through working with the Department for Transport to simplify the processes necessary to www.coachandbusweek.com

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Yellow Buses launched its glo smartcard in February 2010 support the ENCTS. Commenting on feedback, Leach said last year ITSO held workshops and ran an online survey to identify key issues with existing and future members.

A number of ITSO members wanted more guidance and support in assuring their scheme development, which he said is being answered by an enhanced staff capability and new testing and demonstration suite.

Members also want more technical and business guidance and support and ITSO is working with its board to see how they can fund a future business plan which accommodate this.

“We need to evolve,” said Leach, “and take this from a technical masterpiece where it doesn’t have

Dave lynch, group technology and procurement director at go-Ahead

“I do think the word ‘smart’ has come alive but it has been with bloody hard work.”

Dave Lynch Go-Ahead group technology and procurement director

to be so technical to implement.

“Nice stuff is happening in Cardiff and Newport in Wales, Oxford and Brighton. It took 4.5 years to December 2010 to get 30,000 ITSO Secure Application Modules connected. By December 2011 the figure had more than doubled to 65,000 and we expect another 25,000 by December 2012.”

At this rate, Leach said ITSO and its members are on target to reach Baker’s December 2014 deadline.

He concluded: “We need you to tell us what you need and get together and advocate it.”

SoME ‘kEY’ lESSonS Dave lynch “MDs have turned into IT directors over the last 12 months,” said Dave Lynch, group technology and procurement director for Go-Ahead who has taken forward the group’s ‘key’ smart card. The ‘key’ was first introduced to the Oxford Bus Company in 2010, Go North East, Plymouth and Brighton in 2011 and is due to be added to Metrobus, konectbus, Southern Vectis and Bluestar this year, with Wilts and Dorset the latest addition.

Starting with a proviso, “there is a still a place for paper – let’s not forget paper”, Dave explained: “The rational for the national ‘key’ is to work across bus and rail companies. It’s distinctive and recognisable and able to connect with the customers on an individual level, with landmarks of the local area on the card.”

Lynch said the interoperable scheme with Stagecoach in Oxford has been “a very good success story”. “We are talking to Centro who have done a hell of a lot in the bus area in the Midlands so we can

integrate, so people can hop on and hop off on different modes of transport,” he added.

“I do think the word ‘smart’ has come alive but it has been with bloody hard work. You have to put a lot of work in with the supplier base to get a lot of the nuances,” he continued, praising the way the Oyster card was launched – first to staff and then incrementally.

Lynch listed some of the main lessons learnt: Compliance with the ITSO specification doesn’t mean various equipment and software from different suppliers will integrate immediately; ITSO isn’t ‘plug and play’ because the specification is still open to too much interpretation, “therefore we, the operator, often have to act as the referee between different suppliers on technical issues”; Some non ITSO elements need as much work as the ITSO scheme components, such as the web portal and business rules for various processes; and It’s hard work but with a real team effort the benefits are realisable.

“There needs to be one vision: local and central government, TfL, suppliers and operators alike need to work together,” said Lynch, who identified the following ways forward: Technology standards such as ITSO and EMV are vital for interoperability to work; Better industry education on the current scope of ITSO and capability; A simplified and slimmer ITSO standard for operators and suppliers alike will reduce complexity and costs; Interoperable ticketing is a complex IT project and needs to be treated as such “rather than the answers ‘yes’ now what’s the question”; Increased supplier competition is good and brings cost effective solutions; and Capability delivered in steady building blocks – “eating an elephant takes time”.

Lynch concluded: “There are a range of tickets – cash back, carnet and periodic. People are wedded to certain types of products.

Customers like carnets because they are effectively paying when they use it. We’re being led by customers and we’re being led by the data.”

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ESSENTIAL GUIDE

› accessibility

A prime example of an operator using accessible vehicles is North Yorkshire’s Little Red Bus

Access for all Accessibility is yet another requirement of our industry with a looming deadline. All operators of public service vehicles will have to meet new standards laid down by the law by 2015, which mean all buses will be required to have low floors and accessibility. This week’s Essential Guide looks at several firms whose services are crucial to help operators stay within the law and remain accessible once the deadline has passed www.coachandbusweek.com

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T

he Equality and Human Rights Commission’s ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’ report published recently offered some food for thought on the subject of disabled passengers. Although the CPT’s response addressed many of the concerns raised in the report, there is always more which can be done to help meet the needs of disabled passengers.

Q’Straint has 25 years experience providing effective wheelchair passenger safety products, both for public and private transport. Today, Q’Straint is a global company with a local network of representatives serving its customers in over 50 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Oceania, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

GM Coachwork offers a conversion service to turn mainstream minibuses into bespoke vehicles with easier wheelchair access. It also launched its own lightweight bus, the MinibusLite, in 2010. It is based on the Peugeot Boxer, with three of the five specifications available being wheelchair accessible.

Accessibility applies to more than just wheelchair users, and there are measures available to make travelling on the bus much easier for other groups.

Autosound provide passenger information systems which can make a bus journey for a blind or partially sighted passenger much less intimidating, with the ‘no strings attached’ Easyguide Citybus system. The peace of mind a next stop announcement system gives is attractive to all potential passengers, not just the visually impaired.

AUTOSOUND

There is increasing demand for provision of customer-oriented information on public transport and transit vehicles. Now providing on-board passenger information doesn’t need to be a major project and it needn’t be expensive either.

Where some passenger information systems require installation of infrastructure such as RFID or integration with other systems, such as ticketing system, Easyguide Citybus system from Autosound comes with no strings attached.

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The stand-alone unit is compatible with many existing PA systems and passenger screens for hassle-free installation and doesn’t require connection to any other equipment. Easyguide Citybus triggers location-specific announcements and visual media

by GPS. Besides the familiar ‘next-stop’ voice announcements, Easyguide Citybus can also provide route, interchange, service update information and advertising too.

Screens in the passenger area can display pictures, video and both schematic and Sat nav style geographic maps showing the vehicles’ progress in real time.

On-board passenger information makes public transport more user friendly. Knowing which stops are coming up reassures passengers and gives them time to prepare to alight from the vehicle. The resulting improvements in service quality can make public transport more attractive and increase revenue.

Configuring Easyguide Citybus couldn’t be easier. Using the new Easyguide Citybus online system, setting up GPS trigger points for ‘stop next’ type voice announcements or sightseeing tour commentaries is as easy as clicking on an internet map.

Designed for use on city buses, airport transfers, park and ride, rail replacement, train services and sightseeing tours (single and multi-language) Easyguide Citybus will make your customer’s journey easier and bring sightseeing tours to life.

T: 01274 688990 W: www.autosound.co.uk

Q’STRAINT Passenger restraint and wheelchair security specialist Q’Straint has doubled its size over the last five years.

Based in Whitstable, Kent, the business now employs around 40 people and following the acquisition of adjacent property, has branched into manufacturing some of its own components for the UK market.

Previously all components were brought in from the parent company in the USA and some on-site assembly to meet specific requirements was undertaken.

Now it has the ability to make and install all the belts for the restraint www.coachandbusweek.com

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systems and assemble systems prior to dispatch.

For Q’Straint, it’s all about quality.

A vast amount of research and development goes into the design and the workings of the products to ensure ease of use and durability.

Not only do they meet the full ISO certification, every component is fully tested to ISO requirements for durability and corrosion resistance.

All tests are VCA witnessed and certified.

The company’s QRT retractor system still accounts for the majority of sales and does extremely well in the private vehicle market where cars are adapted to carry a wheelchair. This market is vast and Q’Straint supplies even directly to car manufacturers across Europe and into Japan and China.

Q’Straint’s system is popular thanks to its universality. The only choices customers need make are about the type of floor fixing – either button mounts or tracking.

All retractors are the same. They don’t come with different belt lengths, thus can be used as front or rear securing straps. It is simple for the driver or attendant as there is no sorting out to do. They just put a hand in the box and take the first one they come to. They are self tensioning and securing a wheelchair can be done as a singlehanded operation. A red line marks the floor fixing which indicates whether the fitting is correctly positioned. If the line can be seen to be continuous it means the fitting is correctly seated.

Q’Straint’s most recent product, the QRT3 backrest has also generated some interest although uptake is on the slow side. Designed

for service bus application it is reasonably unobtrusive yet substantially robust. It is equipped with retractable belts to secure a wheelchair passenger at the most appropriate height.

The device was developed in response to issues raised by wheelchair users who often find the intractable dimensions of a typical ‘ironing board’ backrest and fixed height safety rail to be inadequate.

Q’Straint embraces change.

It claims to always develop its products to meet the highest standards and do what is right for the customer, taking the view

Q’Straint has 25 years experience with wheelchair passenger safety

that if it provides back-up support and technical assistance it is appreciated and people are happy to buy the products.

The international nature of the business is extremely evident from in-house capability in dealing with enquiries. Across its staff, Q’Straint boasts fluency in no fewer than 22 different languages – which is a considerable attribute when supplying to over 50 countries worldwide.

T: 01227 773035 E: info@qstraint.co.uk W: www.qstraint.com/

GM COACHWORK Operating in a niche and building what the customer wants has helped GM Coachwork grow from its beginnings into a mainstream minibus convertor.

Flying the accessibility flag for over 23 years, GM Coachwork has focused on this niche following its creation at the end on the 1980s.

Founded by David Vooght with his father-in-law in 1988, GM was a mainstream minibus convertor. In those days the business focused on PSV specification minibuses but given the competitiveness of the market the decision was taken to focus on bespoke conversion, including wheelchair accessibility.

Six months later GM had built its

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first minibus with a wheelchair lift.

Today GM converts all the mainstream minibuses such as the Peugeot Boxer, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Renault Master into bespoke vehicles. This can range from a 16-seater minibus with a rear tail lift to bespoke built security vehicles for transfer of individuals and security guards.

Similarly, patient transport vehicles used by hospitals, based on the Peugeot Expert, commonly feature lowered floors and space for two wheelchair users.

A typical minibus conversion would feature Unwins Innotrax tested flooring system, soft trim interior, a mix of fixed and removable M2 tested seats with lap and diagonal seatbelts and a full width fold out ramp at the rear. Clients can add powered side doors, under-floor lift and a host of accessible modifications.

In November 2010, GM launched the MinibusLite, a ground-breaking lightweight bus based on the Peugeot Boxer. MinibusLite is

Removable seats on the Minibus Lite (above); An internal Ricon lift fitted to a Peugeot Boxer (left) available in five specifications, of which three are wheelchair accessible, and a choice of 16 or 17 seats. Extensive use of weight saving materials has resulted in a 16-seater which is below 3.5 tons,

the point at which a D1 licence is required.

The advantage of this for an organisation is it allows more employees to drive the minibus without incurring the cost of training for a D1 licence (subject to conditions and a Section 19 permit.

See www.minibuslite.co.uk for full details).

Wheelchair access is at the rear of the vehicle by ramp or electric lift (depending on specification and options). The lightweight seats are easily removed to create space for the wheelchair passenger. Four seats can be removed to create one space, while the ELWB version can take three wheelchairs.

Nigel Collins, MD, said: “MinibusLite is going very well.

It’s the first time GM has offered a dedicated minibus product and we’re delighted with the results.”

T: 0845 8501860 E: sales@gmcoachwork.

co.uk W: www.gmcoachwork.co.uk/

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DRIVERS

In association with

Send your driver news and stories to gareth.evans@rouncymedia. co.uk or call 01733 293 243.

Reading’s ‘Star of the Year’ Driver rewarded for his decisive action after waiting passenger falls at stop Reading Buses driver and former special constable Chris Mocko was quick out of the cab of his Premier Route 33 bus when a man fell over at a bus stop.

The man, who was in his early 40s gashed his head in the fall where the bus was picking up passengers and as Chris, who had been a special constable for 12 years, attended to him he went into an epileptic fit.

The fits continued and Chris calmed him down and made him as comfortable as he could. He monitored his breathing, put towels under his head and stayed with him until an ambulance arrived.

Reading Buses inspector Andy Svensen, who attended the scene, nominated Chris, 55, for a Reading Buses ‘Star of the Month’ award.

It was an even bigger surprise to the bus driver of three years when the firm awarded him ‘Star of the Year’ status, for which he received a gold statue, certificate and a special box of chocolates.

The award was made at a gala

Epsom driver Dave Boughton retires

After a career starting in 1972, Epsom Coaches driver Dave Broughton marked his retirement with a lunch hosted by the directors and attended by close colleagues, followed by a reception of friends and staff.

Dave’s service record has been described by the company as “remarkable”. Over the years he has driven coaches and latterly buses on the firm’s Quality Line operation.

Commercial director Steve

evening attended by other award winners as well as recently retired employees.

Chris said the ‘Star of the Year’ award had come as a “big shock”.

“I just did what I could for the guy who fell,” said Chris.

“I was expecting one of the other drivers to be ‘Star of the Year – I wasn’t expecting it for myself at all. It was a great surprise and I’m grateful to Reading Buses for recognising me in this way.

“I’m fortunate to be part of a big

happy family where the people are approachable. It’s nice to be recognised and I’m sure the firm gets more out of staff by treating them with respect.

“Colleagues have been very complementary and supportive which I really appreciate.”

Reading Buses CEO James Freeman said: “We’re very proud of Chris. We had some excellent winners and as always this year’s ‘Star of the Year’ was a difficult choice to make.”

The Samaritan Chris Mocko, back in his cab Whiteway gave an illustrated presentation on Dave’s time with the firm, noting he had always been at the very centre of things, not only professionally but also socially.

Steve paid tribute to Dave’s loyalty and excellent record as one of the longest serving members of the Epsom team and said he would be sadly missed, but looked forward to keeping in touch through the ‘Epsom reunion club’, where past members of staff are kept up to date about the company and invited to various events.

Dave responded: “I have enjoyed my time with Epsom. I look forward to keeping in touch and having more time to enjoy my garden.”

He was presented with a guitar, his new hobby, together with gifts from friends and colleagues.

Stagecoach Carlisle tops GreenRoad table Research by Stagecoach has found its Carlisle drivers are the safest in the country.

The firm began monitoring the performance of its drivers, recording potentially risky manoeuvres such as harsh braking or rapid acceleration.

When Stagecoach management checked the national figures, they found drivers at Carlisle depot were at the top, beating the firm’s target by 60% with an average ‘event rate’

Praise for Metroline driver In a Twitter post on Thursday, February 16, Alastair Campbell, journalist and former director of communications and strategy for the prime minister Tony Blair, revealed a bus driver who was the subject of a blog post is being rewarded by Metroline.

The driver found Campbell’s mother-in-law’s handbag, which she’d left on the C11 route in North London. While she was busy cancelling cards, filling out a TfL online lost property form and contemplating catching the bus at the end of the route, the driver called the first contact he found in the address book inside the handbag, who in turn told her to meet him at the Archway bus stop at 2200hrs. The driver met her there and returned her belongings.

Campbell said the events had restored his faith in human nature, and told any TfL member of staff reading to “give that man a rise”.

Alastair Campbell’s blog post can be found at http:// tinyurl.com/7lj5q2c of 0.8 per hour.

Drivers are encouraged to stay within the ‘green driving zone’, in which they need to average under two points an hour over every 10hour block of driving, with the best drivers scoring closest to zero.

Stagecoach drivers in west Cumbria and Barrow are also performing ahead of target, the firm said.

Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire MD Nigel Winter said: “I’m delighted our drivers are displaying such high-quality driving skills through the use of this new technology.

“By driving more efficiently, we can reduce fuel consumption, which leads to environmental benefits as well as even more comfortable journeys for our customers.”

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OpEn plAtfOrm › Ray wilkes

February 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 45

The continuing battle for the buses While seasoned transport campaigner Ray Wilkes hails good news bus stories happening despite funding cuts, he argues inadequate concessionary fares reimbursement is the biggest threat and should be making operators better not worse off In both the bus industry and general press, there are mixed messages coming out about buses. The fact is despite the cuts and the stalling economy, many bus services are being improved. Here in West Yorkshire, some Leeds Overground services have been increased from every 10 minutes to every eight. Already, passengers have responded by increasingly using the buses, giving about 5% growth on those routes. Over in Lancashire, Transdev have increased the “Witch Way” Burnley to Manchester service from every 20 minutes to every 15. The Blackburn to Chorley service, abandoned by Stagecoach and taken on

by Transdev, has had its frequency doubled from hourly to half hourly. Excitingly for Dalesbus users, there is now a Sunday service from Manchester to Grassington and an hourly Sunday service from Burnley to Skipton.

Northern England is not the only place getting better services. However, the main news is cuts. Even some of the companies which are expanding their bus networks are cutting some routes and frequencies within that network.

There are cuts to tendered services, due to council funding being reduced. There are cuts to other services, because councils are underpaying the concessionary reimbursement. There will be more cuts due a reduction in the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG).

However, the main threat to bus services is the inadequacy of concessionary re-imbursement.

When ‘free’ fares were introduced, the deal was that bus companies ‘should be no better off and no worse off’. Yet it is clear many bus operators are worse off, especially in rural areas.

Routes which used to be commercial are being withdrawn because pensioners are travelling ‘free’ and the local authority isn’t paying enough.

The original deal was wrong. Obviously, if the government is making a mass purchase of bus journeys for pensioners there should be discount for bulk. However, it is wholly wrong that the bus companies should not benefit from providing this service for society. Rather than being simply ‘no better off or no worse off’, they should be better off because ‘free’ rides for pensioners bring enormous social benefits. People get out

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Why should bus operators be no better off if they have provided social benefits in partnership with the government, asks Ray Wilkes

“The first thing the government should do is to make sure the system is administered properly. The Scottish and Welsh systems are better administered.” and socialise more and this improves their mental and physical health. Because many are leaving their cars at home everyone benefits from reduced congestion and air pollution. So why should bus operators be no better off if they have provided this benefit in partnership with the government?

We need bus users to press politicians to change the system so the payments are more generous. We know the government is genuinely short of money. Nevertheless, when concession holders get a free bus ride they save their bus fare. For every £1 the government gives to a bus company, the pensioner has over £2 extra to spend. They then spend this money either directly in shops or on their grandchildren who are even better at spending. So all the money the government pays out to the bus company directly benefits the retail sector and the government immediately get 20% back in VAT. That is 40% of what the government originally paid out. If the money is spent in a pub, and quite a bit certainly is, then the government gets

even more back. All the money spent helps keep people in employment and these employees pay tax. It is clear the money the government spends on buses is a very good investment in the whole economy and in tax revenues. Fairer reimbursement is affordable.

The first thing the government should do is ensure the system is administered properly.

The Scottish and Welsh systems are better administered, but in England it is chaotic. The government hands money to Local Authorities (LA) who decide whether to pay over some of it to the bus companies or whether to spend it on something else and cheat the bus companies. The same company running a cross-border service often ends up with a different concession rate in each county. Something so clearly ridiculous and unfair surely needs sorting out!

At the very least the reimbursement rate should be based on local conditions and not so directly related to fares that it distorts commercial judgments. The LA should bill the DfT for the costs incurred so it is the LA who ‘should be no better off and no worse off’.

If the concession rate and its administration are not sorted out properly, the government will end up spending much extra on healthcare and other social services because people will not have the bus services.

If Mr Baker doesn’t want to be remembered as the“Beeching of the Buses” he needs to get a grip on this problem soon.

Ray Wilkes is a member of Bus Users UK, and secretary and co-ordinator of West Yorkshire Campaign for Better Transport. He became involved in transport campaigning in 1969 when he and fellow campaigners opposed the proposal to build a motorway in the Airedale Valley and he recently gave evidence at the Transport Select Committee’s inquiry into Bus Services After the Spending Review. Bus Users UK is encouraging more members says Ray – to join visit their website www.bususers.org If you want to let off some steam, just tap away at the keyboard and send your rant (or carefully-reasoned views) to cbwinbox@rouncymedia.co.uk, 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 www.coachandbusweek.com

27/02/2012 20:27

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46| COACH & BUS WEEK | February 29, 2012

COACH&BUSMARKET – the place to buy and sell

To advertise on these pages for as little as £20 just call 01733 293247 Optare Toro

UNVI GT

Mercedes-Benz 0815 Vario chassis with rear air suspension, 28 passenger seats with 3pt lap and diagonal seat belts, powered entry door, air conditioning, double glazed windows, luggage racks with individual passenger reading lights and adjustable air flow blowers, radio/CD & PA system.

Mercedes-Benz 0816 Vario chassis with rear air suspension, 29 passenger seats with 3pt lap and diagonal seat belts and leather headrest inserts, courier seat, dark tint double glazed windows, air con radio/CD & PA system, DVD player and monitor, grammer luxury heated driver seat, full draw curtains, large boot space and side lockers.

£45,500 +VAT NOW £41,000 +VAT

£69,950 +VAT NOW £66,950 +VAT

Call Dougie at Haggis Adventures on 0131 554 9192 Registration Number for sale: Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales

PB11 BUS

All spares available - includes engine, gearboxes, seats, etc.

On retention document transfer paid.

Dennis Pointer Dart Mk2 x 100 Call: 01226 727769 Mobile: 07912 103497 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com

BRAND NEW 2012 TRANSIT TOURNEO TREND 9-SEATER

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

2003: 2 x 49/53 seats with WC, 3 x 53 seats 2004: 5 x 53 seats 2005: 1 x 49/53 seats with WC, 2 x 53 seats All are well maintained, low mileage examples (approx 62,000km per annum) with long MoT, air conditioning and AStronic gearboxes.

Owned by us from new and used on our own holiday programme. All over cream. Can be sold with patterns of 2012 tour work if required. Viewing at Thos. Hardie Commercials, Red Scar, Preston.

Priced to sell at £47,000 (03 reg), £58,000 (04 reg) and £74,000 (05 reg) plus VAT (£3,000 premium for WC). Sorry no part exchange.

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

2002 Dennis Dart SLFs

01293 518307

Potters Bar Coach Hire • Tel 01707 652706 pottersbarcoach@btinternet.com

Potters Bar Coach Hire 01707 652706 anytime

Dennis Plaxton R Series

Pre-reg, delivery miles, Stage 5 (Euro 5), latest model, silver, aircon, cruise, CD system, 3 year warranty. These Euro 5 models are extremely good on diesel. We run a number of these vehicles on holiday feeder.

Save over £7,000 on list price, offered at £16,500+VAT

£500 no VAT

8.8m Marshall body, DDA compliant, power ramp, 25 seats/50 capacity, Euro 3 Cummins engine.

Choice available – £16,000 each

Get Results!

AdvertiseyourCoachorBusherefor aslittleas£20.00 aweek!

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

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

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February 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 47

To advertise on these pages for as little as £20 just call 01733 293247

SHELTON MOTORS – RAMSEY, CAMBS

WANTED ALL TYPES OF BUSES AND COACHES FULLY LICENSED ELV SITE # WANTED FOR BREAKING AND EXPORT ORDERS # IMMEDIATE PAY AND COLLECTION # SINGLE OR FLEET PURCHASES Tel: 01487 813156 (9 until 5 Mon - Fri only) Mobile: 07831 349760 Email: sales@shelton-motors.co.uk

WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED

WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED

# WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED #

# WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED #

Bullseye.

Network Warrington have the following vehicles for sale

Looking for a used Dennis Dart?

Then you’ve just hit the jackpot.

We have over 50 up for sale at amazing prices.

Starting at £4,995 on plates ranging from P to V. Call us at the double on 01922 457003 to find out more and to book a viewing and to make sure you’re going home with more than just your bus fare home.

Volant PVS Ltd Beecham Business Park, Northgate, Aldridge WS9 8TZ T: +44 (0)1922 457003 volantpvs.co.uk

Dennis Dart SLF 10.8m 1999, Choice of 6, Cummins 6BT, Allison AT545 4 speed auto, Marshall body, 40 seats.

Contact Damian Graham (Engineering Director) Warrington Borough Transport Ltd Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington WA4 6PT. Tel 01925 634296

FREEDESIGNFREEWEBADFREEFULLCOLOURFREEDESIGNFREEWEBADFREEFULLCOLOUR

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Ensig n

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

LEZ

LEZ

COMPLIANT

COMPLIANT

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

44 seats, SLF, extremely clean, long MOT.

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

1999/2000 T/V/X REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

ZF 6 speed manual, Plaxton Premiere 320, 70 seats.

2003 ENVIRO 300

1998 DENNIS JAVELIN

1999/2000 DENNIS TRIDENTS

Slimline, Mercedes engines, 23 seats, long MOTʼs.

2006 OPTAR SOLO’S

Cummins/Voith, East Lancs bodies, 87 seats.

1995 M REG DENNIS DRAGONS

1998 DAF SB3000

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

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

2001 DDA COMPLIANT DENNIS DARTS

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

2001 Y REG DART SLF’S

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

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY - B

Juliette Close, Purfleet Industrial Pa Telephone 01708 865656 Fax: 01708 864 Visit our website for current sto

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g nbus

K ER SPECIALIST 1993 L REG VOLVO OLYMPIAN

GREAT VALUE DENNIS DARTS!!!

Northern Counties low height body, Volvo engine, long MOT.

2001 Y REG DENNIS DART MPD’S

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

1998-2000 S / V / W reg Darts with Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, 31 seats, dual door, DDA compliant, exhaust traps fitted so reduced tax, huge choice at an unbelievable £4,500 each plus VAT and tyres (£400).

Hanover LEDʼs, East Lancs Myllenium body, 39 seats.

2003 MAN 14220

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

2003 MAN 11.2220’S

6 speed ZF manual, Van Hool T8 body, 48 seats with centre sunken toilet, very tidy.

1998 MERCEDES 814 PLAXTON CHEETAH

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

1999/2000 DENNIS TRIDENTS

Euro 4, Cummins/Allison, MCV body, 9m, 32 seats, special narrow version, only 2.4m wide.

Manual, 29 seats.

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

1999 V REG DENNIS DART MPD’S Cummins/Allison, Plaxton bodies, 8.8m, 29 seats.

1996 VOLVO B10M

2007 MAN 14.220

2007 DART MPD

ZF automatic, SLF, Wrights bodies.

2006 VOLVO B6’S

- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS

rial Park, Purfleet, Essex, RM15 4YF 708 864340 e-mail: sales@ensignbus.com ent stock at www.ensignbus.com

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HEATONS MOTOR CO. WIGAN 01942 864222 THE NORTH WEST’S PREMIER MINIBUS SALES, SUPPLYING NATIONWIDE FOR OVER 40 YEARS 02/03 MERCEDES VARIO 814

F7 O ICE O PSV’d CH

PSV’d

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

Mellor Coachcraft coachbuilt, covered 71,000 miles, one council owner, automatic transmission, 32 high back passenger seats all on Unwin tracking, 3 point belts, powerdoor front entry, external PLS cassette tailift, very very clean and original, PSV tested.

Where do you find these ultra low mileage buses, from £12,995 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

READY TO WORK

WERE DO YOU FIND THESE 07 MERCEDES VARIO 616

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

54 MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI Covered 57,000 miles, 16 highback passenger seats, one council owner, front low step entry, full carpetlined, analogue tacho, Triptronic transmission, 12 months PSV test, good value for a low mileage minibus. An excellent example of this popular minibus £10,995

04 MERCEDES VARIO 814 XLWB fitted with 10 highback seats would up seat to 28 or 2 seats plus 8 w/chairs, complete flatfloor, external PLS fully automatic tailift, powerdoor front entry, automatic transmission, an excellent example, COIF’d, tremendous value £12,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

PSV’d 55 VOLKSWAGEN LT 46 Mellor Coachbuilt, 15 highback coach seats, complete flat floor, Ricon internal fully automatic tailift, powerdoor front entry, totally immaculate, Eberspacher heater, COIFed, excellent value £10,995

PSV’d 55 IVECO 50C13 IRIS BUS 16 highback passenger seats in moquette, 3 point belts, complete flat floor, powerdoor front entry, plant on glass, complete flat floor, external PLS fully automatic tailift, lots of Unwin tracking, showroom condition inside and out, excellent value £11,995

56 RENAULT MASTER MM33 covered 25,000 miles, Ricon fully automatic internal Clearway tailift, 6 high back passenger seats plus wheelchair spaces or would up seat, SLD with electric cassette step, totally showroom condition inside and out £12,995

LEZ

04 PLAXTON BEAVER 2 with 32 passenger seats, covered only 100,000 miles, fully repainted, powerdoor front entry, external PLS cassette tailift, analogue tacho, chrome Euroliners, will come with 12 months PSV test, these give fantastic value for money, choice of 4 £17,995

READY TO WORK

PSV’d 08 IVECO 40C12 good quality Iris Bus conversion, covered 60,000 miles, one local authority plant on, panoramic windows, 16 highback passenger seats, 3 point belts, full air conditioning, Euroliners, totally showroom condition inside and out £15,995

Mellor Coachcraft coachbuilt, 15 high back seats all on Unwin tracking, complete flat floor, Ricon fully automatic internal tailift, powerdoor front low step entry, a good quality bus, LEZ compliant, will come with 12 months PSV test, excellent value £14,995

LEZ

LEZ

COMPLIANT

PSV’d

PSV’d

READY TO WORK

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

PSV’d

COMPLIANT

COMPLIANT

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

LEZ

COMPLIANT

PSV’d 54 MERCEDES VARIO 614 with 15 highback passenger seats, complete flat floor, powerdoor front entry, external PLS tailift, analogue tacho, fully colour coded, totally immaculate in every way. low miles, excellent value £10,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

05 RENAULT MASTER MWB, covered 41,000 miles, lots of Unwin tracking, Ricon internal tailift, SLD with cassette step, totally showroom condition inside and out, excellent value From £9,495

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

D L SO

06 IVECO 50C14 Covered 40,000 miles, 16 highback passenger seats, lots of Unwin tracking, full length Cant rail, full width side powerdoor entry with electric step, external fully auto PLS cassette tailift, reversing camera, Eberspacher heater, totally immaculate inside and out, excellent value choice of 3 £10,995

54 PLATE IVECO 50C13 IRIS BUS 16 highback passenger seats, 3 point belts, full air conditioning, panoramic tinted windows, front low step entry, one owner, looks excellent, excellent drive, excellent value, 12 months PSV test, ready to work From £9,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

03 MERCEDES VARIO 814 Coachbuilt with 16 highback seats or would up-seat to 24, low miles, complete flatfloor, powerdoor front entry, external PLS fully automatic tailift, totally immaculate and excellent value for money, choice of 2 £10,995

Let us take the stress out of the purchase of your next minibus, leaving you to concentrate on running your business.

1, PSV tested. 2, Tacho fitted. 3, Finance options if required – 36, 48, 60 months low deposits, etc. Details on request. 4, Delivered to your premises. 5, Tail lift certificates.

Where can you find one of the largest stock of wheelchair accessible/conventional minibuses? Ready to work, combining this with over 50 years of experience in the industry. Just one friendly phone call to Wayne or Philip will simplify your job.

HEATONS MOTOR CO. WIGAN

ALL PRICES PLUS VAT We guarantee quality vehicles, right prices, no pressure sales. Come and have a coffee while you browse at your leisure. Junction 23, M6 or 20 miles from Manchester/Liverpool airport.

52 Bickershaw Lane, Abram, Wigan, Lancashire WN2 5PL

Tel: 01942 864222

SEE ALL OUR STOCK ON OUR WEBSITE www.heatonsmotorco.co.uk

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Mini Coach Sales

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

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

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

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT OUR BRAND NEW WEBSITE: www.connaughtpsv.co.uk

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

2008 58 REG MERCEDES BENZ 1022L SITCAR MARLIN 33 high back reclining seats incorporating leather headrest inserts, armrests and seat back tables, A/C, double glazing, fridge and power door.

2007 07 REG FORD TRANSIT 14 seats, 3 point belts.

2006 06 MERCEDES 814D PLAXTON CHEETAH 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights D/G, power door.

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

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

2003 03 REG MERCEDES 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, luggage racks.

2000 W REG MERCEDES 814 BEAVER 33 high back seats, 3 point belts, power door, 12 months test.

1999 also available.

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

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NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS

OTHER MAKES

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

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

(05) Ford Transit 17 seat 2.5 diesel 115ps, high back seats with three point belts 25,000 miles only £8,750

(53) 2003 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4 td minibus, high back seats with three point belts, tacho, air-con, COIF/PSV £6,995

(04) 2004 Ford Transit 2.4tdi 15 seat, tacho, COIF/PSV £3,995

(03) Ford Transit 3.5 ton 15 seat minibus, 2.4 tdi, high back seats with three point belts £2,995

Peugeot Boxer 17 seat wheelchair accessible 2.2 diesel 120ps with six speed gearbox, COIF/PSV. Choice of colours. £23,500 + VAT (07) 2007 Peugeot Boxer 17 seat 3.5 ton minibus, 2.2 diesel, high back seats with three point belts, rear row of seats on tracking, 18,000 miles only £10,495

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS (07) 2007 Volkswagen Crafter 8 seat 2.2 diesel inboard lift, fully tracked floor, rear heating, 48,000 miles £13,995

(57) LDV Maxus LWB 9 seats tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, 49,000 miles, £9,995

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

(03) 2003 LDV Convoy Maxi XLWB 17 seat mini-coach, 2.4 Tdi, front entry drop step, luggage racks, rear heating, wide aisle, rear row of seats removable, New PSV £6,995

OTHER MAKES

SOLD

(06) Fiat Ducato LWB, high roof, panoramic windows, inboard tail lift, 6 seats plus wheelchair tracking, 42,000 miles £10,995 (54) 2005 Renault Master 13 seat wheelchair access minibus, inboard Ricon lift, fully tracked floor, rear heating, electric side step, 56,000 miles £8,995

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

(04) 2004 Mercedes Sprinter 413cdi minibus 2.2 diesel, front entry drop step with power door, inboard Clearway lift, fully tracked floor to take 4 wheelchairs, rear heating, 77,000 miles £9,995

(10) 2010 Renault Trafic 9 seat LL29, twin side loading doors, air-con, alloys, tail gate, 50,000 miles £11,995

(53) 2003 Mercedes Vito 108 cdi 2.2 diesel, 6 seats, low floor with lightweight ramp, tracking for two wheelchairs £5,995

(09) 2009 Renault Master 16 seat minibus, tacho,high back seats with three point belts, 35,000km £15,650

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 £7,750

Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304 Contact Graham Thatcher – email: sales@minibussales.co.uk

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

All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%

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54 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 29, 2012

NEW BUSES AVAILABLE

London United Busways Ltd CLEARANCE SALE – Don’t miss this opportunity to pick up a bargain Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 2 SLF 10.7m

VDL BUS SB180 MCV EVOLUTION 10.3mtr, 36 seats 11.1mtr, 40 seats

Single door 35 Seated 25 Standing T/V reg (1999) LEZ compliant Look CCTV system Manual ramp, Cab Air con, From £9,999.00 + VAT + Tyres (£250)

Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 2 SLF 10.7m 31 Seated 27 Standing T/V reg (1999) LEZ compliant Look CCTV system, Power ramp, Cab Air con, Single door conversion available.

From £4,999.00 + VAT + Tyres (£250)

VDL BUS SB200 WRIGHTBUS PULSAR 2 11.9mtr, 44 seats

01274 681144

Gomersal, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 4BJ Email: busandcoachsales@arriva.co.uk www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk Bus and Coach

take a test drive today

Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer 2 SLF 10.2m 27 Seated 30 Standing V reg (1999) LEZ compliant Look CCTV system Power ramp, Cab Air con, Single door conversion available From £4,500.00 + VAT + Tyres (£250)

Contact Joseph Sage 0208 400 6680 Email Joseph.sage@lonutd.co.uk

COACHES & BUSES WANTED FOR AUCTION for our UK & Commonwealth buyers Our main interest is equipment available due to Retirement or Fleet Reorganisation.

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

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

Merc V8/AsTronic box, 75str, white ext/blue int, air con, drinks, fridge, ski box, 160,000 miles since factory engine, MoT Oct 2012, Eminox fitted to Euro 4, RPC for reduced road tax (£190 P/A), very good condition, low mileage coach. Ideal people mover for the Olympics. £109,000 + VAT ono

NEOPLAN SKYLINER 2003

1 - 7.8SE 23str with seat belts and semi coach seats, digi tacho, radio, approx 142,000 miles. MoT June 2012 £49,500 + VAT ono 2 - 7.1SE 23str approx 195,000 miles, MoT May 2012 £47,500 + VAT ono Both vehicles Euro 4 Mercedes engines, white exterior/blue interior, Hanover destination, vgc.

2 OPTARE SOLOS 2007

Tel: 01296 398300 Motts Travel, Buckinghamshire

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February 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 55

DENNIS DART PLAXTON POINTER 1996 P REG SUPER LOW FLOOR, FITTED WITH 39 SEATS WITH SEAT BELTS, RECENT RE-TRIM, NEW TACHOGRAPH AND FULLY REPAINTED £6950 OR £5950 UNPAINTED ALSO 1999 T REG POINTER II AS ABOVE (NO TACHO) £9950

View all stock online: www.staffordbuscentre.com Email: martin@staffordbuscentre.com Tel: 01782 791774 Mobile: 07803 222552

554105-1026-Pickrell

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H.W. PICKRELL

MINIBUS AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

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

Email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk - www.hwpickrell.co.uk

Finance available on all vehicles (subject to status) Written details on request.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINI BUSES

54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 411 CDI

09 PEUGEOT EXPERT TEPEE 1.9 HDI

2011 UN-REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

56 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD

Tiptronic gearbox, Euromotive PSC bus conversion, front entry slam door with low entry step, 16 x high back removable seats, Eberspacher, ex local authority, COIF'd, tacho fitted, only 66,780 kms.

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

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, new conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 11 high back CT seats, M2 tested fully tracked floor, roof vent, new AMF tail lift.

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, Mellor conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 14 high back seats, AMF m2 fully tracked floor, new Ricon tail lift, only 35,756 miles, choice of two.

2010 10 REG VAUXHALL MOVANO LM39 2.5TD

58 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD

2007 MERCEDES VARIO 613D

06 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD

Manual, high roof, LWB, factory conversion, side loading door, side step, 12 rear high back seats, double passenger seat + driver, tacho fitted, a/c fitted front and rear, ex-authority, only 89,711kms.

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, Mellor conversion, side loading door, AVS side step, 12 high back seats, amf m2 fully tracked floor, Ratcliff tail lift, only 35,755 miles.

Euro 4, manual gearbox, tacho, Mellor coach conversion, electric power door, AVS manual step, 16 x high back removable seats, all age belts, Eberspacher, Ricon inboard t/lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, 132,000 kms.

Manual gearbox, high roof, Widnes conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Portaramp & winch, 8,947 miles.

06 REG RENAULT MASTER LM35 2.5TD

56 REG IVECO DAILY 40c12 IRIS BUS 2.3 TD

06 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.2TD

58 REG RENAULT MASTER SM33 2.2TD

Manual, PAS, LWB, Papworth ambulance conversion, SLD, 2 rear high back seats, Ferno stretcher locks, lowering suspension & electric cheese wedge ramp, blue light bars and siren, high spec, low miles, 35,000 only.

Manual gearbox, LWB, PAS, side loading door, AVS electric step, 12 high back removable seats, PLS underfloor t/ lift, ex local charity, tacho fitted, 47,827 kms only.

Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 21253.441 miles.

Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 8,630 miles only.

08 REG MERCEDES VARIO 613D

06 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD

2008 57 REG PEUGEOT BOXER 2.4TD

2004 54 REG IVECO 50c13 IRIS BUS 2.8 TURBO DIESEL

Euro 4, manual gearbox, tacho, Minibus Options conversion, electric power door, AVS manual step, 16 x high back removable seats, all age belts, Ebers-pacher, PLS underfloor t/lift, ex local authority, COIF'd, only 82,000 kms.

Automatic gearbox, high roof, SCW conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 7 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 11,831 miles.

Manual, high roof, PAS, LWB, O & H conversion, side loading door, side step, 11 rear high back seats, double passenger seat + driver, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, only 8,756 miles.

Manual, LWB, PAS, factory conversion, electric windows, cruise control, low front entry slam door, 16 high back seats with all age seat belts, full air con, exlocal authority, COIF, new PSV MOT, only 80,341 kms.

08 REG RENAULT MASTER LM39 2.5TD

07 REG RENAULT MASTER SL33 2.2TD

07 REG FORD TRANSIT 350 2.4TD

08 REG RENAULT MASTER MM33 2.2TD

Auto, high roof, PAS, LWB, Minibus Options conversion, electric full height low entry side loading door, 10 high back seats, Unwin tracking, climate control, air suspension, Ricon tail lift, ex local authority, only 46,019

Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 1 x w/chair, air con, heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 22,166 miles.

Long wheelbase, high roof, 6 seater crew van, PAS, SLD, rear partion for storage & tools in rear, Eberspacher heater, overhead storage, microwave, hot water box, wash facilties, 27,000 miles only.

Manual gearbox, high roof, O & H conversion, PAS, side loading door, side step, 6 high back seats plus 2 x w/chair, Eberspacher heater, air con, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 36,831 miles.

07 REG RENAULT MASTER LH35 2.5TD

06 REG VOLKSWAGEN LT35 2.5 TD

53 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 416 CDI

2004/05 54 REG MERCEDES SPRINTER 416CDI AMBULANCE

LWB, hi roof, multi purpose office/comms unit, PAS, SLD with AVS side step, awning, 3 x workstations, amber light, bars front and rear, overhead storage lockers, heating, generator, microwave, tv, only 1,500 miles.

Manual gearbox, MWB, high roof, SCW conversion, side loading door, manual side step, 10 high back seats plus 2 x w/chair, heater, Unwin tracked floor, Ricon tail lift, 45,531 miles.

4x4 ambulance, LWB, Wilker box body conversion, full air con/climate, side loading door, 3 high back seats, Falcon stretcher, PLS stretcher lift, very high spec, one owner ex Air Force, only 25,950 kms.

LWB, Macneillie van conversion, SLD, 2 rear high back seats, Ferno Falcon stretcher & locks, stretcher lift, blue light bars and siren, very high spec, low miles 65-85,000 miles only, choice of 8.

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ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES AUDIOVISUAL

BUILDINGS HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

BUSINESS FOR SALE

CHECKPOINTS

SUBSTANTIAL FREEHOLD 7 BED DETACHED HOUSE 2 minutes J23/M25 South Mimms/Potters Bar (London Olympics 25 minutes)

Next to Potters Bar BR station £195,000

TO PURCHASE CHECKPOINT/DUSTITE loose wheelnut indicators or to locate your nearest stockist:

Principles only please, apply in first instance to pbch@ymail.com or call 07941 063540

www.checkpoint-safety.com

SMALL YARD AND PARKING FOR UP TO 10 MINIBUSES Bus Workshops - Secure Storage Supplied any width, any length Building to BS5590 - Doors high enough for Double Deckers - Finance available For further information phone

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime

Don’t forget to mention that you saw it advertised in

Established 10 years £650,000 Freehold May sell just business £50,000

Also 1 BED LUXURY MAISONETTE

Tel: 01524 271200

ENGINES

Crewe Engines Ltd MERCEDES ENGINE SPECIALISTS

COIN DISPENSERS

C oi n D is pe n s e r s

WE ALSO RECONDITION ALL MAKES OF BUS & COACH ENGINES

Direct from the UK’s No.1 since 1975 Call now for a quote or more information

01270 526333

Federation of Engine Re-Manufacturers

Quick change coin dispensers Buy direct from manufacturer Also spares and repairs T T S

RANSPORT

ICKET

ERVICES

Phone: 01600 750650 Email: ttservices@tiscali.co.uk www.ticket-machines.co.uk

AdvertiseyourProducts &Serviceshere foraslittleas£30.00 aweek!

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

www.creweengines.co.uk

VOLVO - CUMMINS - SCANIA MAN - DAF - IVECO FULL FITTING FACILITIES CRAIG TILSLEY

Suppliers of Reconditioned

DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS Tel: PUMPS Works: 01782 791524 Moorfields Ind. ETC 01782 791527 Est. Cotes Heath, Fax: 01782 791316

Stoke-on-Trent ST21 6QY

HEATING

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

Tel: 01993 849522 Fax: 01993 706920 Email: sales@thhs.co.uk

www.thhs.co.uk

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

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ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES GARAGE EQUIPMENT

SEATING

Commercial Garage Equipment Brake Testers

Inspection Pits

Commercial Lifts

59 VAN HOOL ACRON COACH SEATS

Mobile Lifts

Complete with seat belts, blue, recent retrim, sale includes all interior matching panels Very good condition – £1,250 + VAT o.n.o.

Call 07880 931388 or 07801 897663 CoachChoice Ltd, Hudley House, 22 Hickman Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 0QW

Tel: 07538 218194 www.commercialgarageequipment.co.uk Email: sales@commercialgarageequipment.co.uk

REGISTRATIONS G £750 20 HXT 44 NXA BIG 177 ECR 767 IIG 62 IIL 36 JUI 808 MIW 808 RXI 85

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

£350 £99 £99 £50 AJZ 787 HIG 5651 MNZ 1195 AXZ 5648 JBZ 484 HIG 5652 ONZ 1180 AXZ 5649 JHZ 939 IIG 7764 REZ 3379 CRZ 6395 LLZ 949 IIG 7765 RUI 2119 CXZ 4470 MKZ 686 JIG 1575 SEZ 4324 CXZ 4471 PDZ 818 JIG 1576 SUI 2171 DRZ 7321 PXI 494 KIG 1902 SUI 2172 DRZ 7322 RBZ 131 KIG 1903 TJZ 1116 IFZ 4861 YIB 303 MJZ 6749 TJZ 1119 IFZ 4862 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange

£50 JIG 8031 JIG 8032 KIG 2285 KIG 2286 RNZ 1127 RNZ 1128 TUI 4740 TUI 4741 TUI 4742

Getyourbusiness noticed!

AdvertiseyourProducts &Serviceshere foraslittleas£30.00 aweek!

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

Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ

SEATING

Phone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email: jade.cassidy@rouncymedia.co.uk TRIM

COACH TRIMMERS LTD

COACH

SERVICE

ACCESSORIES

G Hand Rail Padding G Next Day Delivery G Seat Belt Installations G Double Deckers Seat Belted G Seat Belt Supplies Securon Amsafe/Safetex Fasching ISRI Reflex Schneeweis Orion MCF GWR Fainsa Vogle Keil Politecnica Esteban + many more

Parts Hotline - Graham White graham@bhiuk.com 01522 689911 Email: info@bhiuk.com www.bhiuk.com

Fax: 01522 689922

The UK’s No1 Seatbelt Installers

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

Full floors re-laid and centre gangways.

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

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

Tel/Fax: 01751 472229 TRAINING

WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED #

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

SHELTON MOTORS RAMSEY, CAMBS LICENSED ELV CENTRE

ALL BUSES & COACHES WANTED Tel: 01487 813156 (9 - 5, Mon - Fri) Mobile: 07831 349760 Email: sales@shelton-motors.co.uk

WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED

HAND RAIL PADDING

SERVICE

WANTED # WANTED # WANTED # WANTED

URBAN

# WANTED # WANTED # WANTED #

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ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES TYRES & EQUIPMENT

• Tyre fitting machine now available •

MARCH SPECIALS 205/75R 205/75R 215/75R 215/75R 245/70R 265/70R 265/70R 275/70R

17.5 BUDGET STEER 17.5 BARUM STEER 17.5 BUDGET STEER 17.5 BARUM STEER 19.5 BUDGET STEER 19.5 BUDGET STEER 19.5 BARUM STEER 22.5 BUDGET STEER

£102.00 £132.00 £99.00 £132.00 £128.00 £136.00 £185.00 £175.00

Remould and premium tyres price on request Free delivery on 4 tyres or more We have more tyres in stock – please give us a call for quotes

275/70R 275/80R 295/80R 295/80R 315/80R 315/80R 11R22.5 305/75R

22.5 BARUM STEER 22.5 BUDGET STEER 22.5 BUDGET STEER 22.5 MIDRANGE 22.5 BUDGET STEER 22.5 MIDRANGE BUDGET STEER 24.5 GOODYEAR NEW

£245.00 £190.00 £178.00 from £245.00 £198.00 from £255.00 £175.00 £550.00

r e b m u N w e N 01684 560029 Adam : 07841 239411 Mark : 07545 735303

www.tdtyres.com

All prices subject to VAT and availability.

VEHICLE SPARES

Passenger and Commercial Vehicles Recovery Dismantlers Parts Sales

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY

OUR SERVICES: •

Recovery

•

Testing

• • • • • • • •

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

www.twigley.com

Refurbishment Repairs

Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding

Buying & selling vehicles

DISMANTLING/SPARES: • • • • • •

Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows

Windscreens Seats

Export to foreign markets Repairs

Finance repossession and storage

CALL: 01226 727 769 Bus sales: www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com Geoff Ripley, Boulder Lane (off Shaw Lane), Carlton, Barnsley S71 3HJ

Mob: 07912 103 497 or 07711 750 434 Fax: 01226 727 607 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com

60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 29, 2012

Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk, fax 0845 2802927 or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX

Monday: Press day. The usual friendly office banter ensures we’re happy and productive – which is precisely the way I like things to be. Such is the current working relationship between the editorial and sales teams, a client books an advert a mere half an hour after I’ve passed over a lead. Manage to finish considerably earlier than normal.

In more internet adventures, news reporter James discovered this image, taken by DeviantArt user ‘CloverWing’, found at http://tinyurl.com/83pty3t. The ‘Pikachu’ bus, in the image of the famous electric yellow mouse from Nintendo’s Pokémon franchise, appeared to be used for school runs, with the photographer noting she saw four small school children riding in it. The vehicle also has a number of other ‘pocket monsters’ on the sides and roof, which James could unashamedly name every single one of. While pondering how to convince the morning commute to ride on such a vehicle, Andrew suggested you could ‘poke ‘em on’…

Frank Carson – The way he told them!

As a tribute to the popular comedian that was Frank Carson, who passed away on Wednesday (February 22) at the age of 85, we thought we’d run our own little piece in about the great man of Ulster. Spotted by editor Gareth’s dad Glyn was this bus-related joke:

Dilbert

“The Council in Blackpool have given the homeless bus passes.

How will they know where to get off?” All good fun. RIP Frank.

It’s a piece of cake for Redwing

Redwing Coaches driver Richard Higgins is so passionate about his

Neoplan Tourliner that his family organised an impressive cake for his birthday. As evidenced by a photo on the renowned London coach operator’s website, the cake is precisely the right shade of red and the Redwing logo, along with ventilation panels and wheel hubs, are replicated with remarkable accuracy. The attention to detail is literally the icing on the cake with this piece of culinary craftsmanship.

However, as good as it looks you can’t have your cake and eat it, and the photo is sadly all that remains.

Tuesday: No lie in for me. Accompanied

by Jonathan, who is interested in gaining a greater insight into what I do (apart from drinking coffee), spend an enjoyable time with National Express in Birmingham.

PR team Carly and Jack are their usual helpful selves. Arrive back in Peterborough by 1545hrs for our next meeting – to interview a potential new recruit.

Wednesday: A hectic day in the office.

Frankly I’m knackered. It’s one of those rubbish days we all have periodically.

Thursday: Another busy day. A contributor visits the office to discuss future plans and to meet some of our team. I treat him to lunch – he has after all, made the effort to visit us. Forge on with sub editing and dealing with admin.

Friday: New recruit Alex debuts in the office. His enthusiasm is all too apparent. As is the Friday norm, I coordinate production and sub edit pages. Enjoy a chat over the phone with McGills MD Ralph Roberts, who is extremely helpful and a nice bloke to boot. Leave the office later than I would ideally but at least we’ve reached a good point in terms of progress.

After tea, head ‘back home’ to my native Welsh borderland unaccompanied, ready to attend the Cambrian Heritage Railways AGM tomorrow. I spot what I believe to be thieves at a tourist attraction. West Mercia Police are grateful but it turns out to be a volunteer in his camper van. Arrive at my parents at 2315hrs.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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RECRUITMENT

JMP appointments support growth As part of a recent business development strategy, transport consultancy company JMP has made a number of senior appointments.

Gary Kyle has been appointed associate director to head up JMPs modeling capability. Gary has previously been an independent modeling adviser and is a former technical director for SIAS, where he worked for over 15 years. Gary’s remit at JMP is to expand the company’s touted microsimulation and strategic modeling project client list.

Martin Revill (pictured) returns to JMP from the public transit authority Metrolinx in Toronto, Canada, in an associate director capacity. He will be leading JMPs

DEADlINES Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm

advice on transport scheme, prioritisation for local authorities, LEPs and ITAs. Martin, alongside colleague Bruce Allan, has been involved in much of the company’s policy and strategy advisory activity.

Finally, Sam Denby also returns to the company after a period with i-Transport in Manchester. Sam, a principal consultant with over 10 years previous experience at JMP, will be focusing on the expansion of JMP’s private sector and professional partner base in the North of England.

Martin Revill returns to JMP as associate director

Your First Choice for Recruitment

February 29, 2012 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 61

CONTACT Ian Gillis 01733 293484

ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk

New assistant operations manager for Stagecoach Stagecoach North East has appointed 24-year-old Peter Knight as assistant operations manager at its Teeside depot.

Peter studied Human Geography at the University of Southampton, and was enrolled in the operator’s Graduate Trainee Scheme.

His new role will see him work with the operations manager to lead a team of 156 drivers to ensure the company’s high standards of service are maintained.

Comenting on his appointment, Peter said: “After just a year at Stagecoach I am thrilled to receive the promotion and the increased responsibility and new challenges the role will bring. I am also looking forward to working with the drivers to make sure operations continue to run smoothly for all of our customers.

“During my first year at

the company I was given the opportunity to learn the ropes of every aspect of the business, from behind the scenes at the depot to actually driving a bus in service.

This invaluable understanding means I can manage drivers more efficiently and effectively, having been in their shoes and experienced the challenges they face and what they do each day.”

Mike Watson, operations director at Stagecoach North East, said: “Peter has shown great promise and enthusiasm throughout his first year with the company and his promotion was a natural next step.

The trainee scheme enables those new to the job market to learn skills on location, and is further proof of Stagecoach’s commitment to working with and developing fresh talent, which hopefully culminates in a bright future with us.”

Coach & Bus Week’s well-established recruitment portfolio attracts candidates across sales, marketing and management, delivering not just quantity but quality candidates, providing exceptional value for money.

In addition to our unrivalled print-based product, at no extra cost recruitment adverts are also automatically placed online at www.coachandbusweek.com, where they remain on view until a position’s closing date.

Coach & Bus Week and www.coachandbusweek.com combine to create the ultimate recruitment solution, guaranteeing your vacancy is seen by every jobseeker that matters from sales agents to board level.

To get your vacancy seen by quality candidates, call Ian Gillis on 01733 293484 or email ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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RECRUITMENT

trent barton awards recognise commitment

Epsom ops manager celebrates 70th birthday

Staff at trent barton with a reputed ‘400 years’ of combined service have been recognised for their commitment to the firm.

Among those receiving longservice awards was the company’s chairman, Brian King.

On receiving the award, Brian said: “I’ve seen a lot of changes over the past half-century, but feel proud to have been part of an organisation which has evolved into the leading provider of bus services across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.”

Langley Mill-based fitter Ian McBryde and driver Peter Wardle were also honoured at the ceremony.

Both of whom have worked for the company for 45 years.

Meanwhile drivers Terence

Epsom Coaches Group operations manager Peter Duke has celebrated his 70th birthday - and is still going strong after a lifetime in the bus industry.

Steve Whiteway, the company’s commercial director, was full of praise for Peter when he congratulated him on achieving such a significant milestone: “Peter is a legend within the bus industry and we are very lucky to have his knowledge and wisdom available to us. He leads by example and is respected by all those who work with him, I wish Peter continued health and happiness and hope he doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon, we would dearly miss him.”

Pictured at the Long Service Awards Ceremony; Paul Riley, Ian Findlay, John Edwards, John Dolphin, Peter Wardle, Pat Harte, Brian King, Tony Lee, David Harrison, Ian McBryde, Michael Bagnall and Terence Barrowcliffe Barrowcliffe, Pat Harte and Michael Bagnall (Derby) were presented with awards after 35 years’ service, as was Engineering Support Unit Team Leader Tony Lee. Awards for 25 years’ service were presented to trent barton drivers John Edwards, Ian Findlay,

John Dolphin, David Harrison and Paul Riley.

Following the presentation managing director Jeff Counsell said: “The fact that we have so many staff who have worked here so long says something about the team spirit which drives the company.”

Operations Manager Based in London - Attractive Salary & Benefits Package We currently have a vacancy for the position of Operations Manager based at our Beddington depot. The main responsibilities of the position are to effectively, plan and manage all aspects of the operational and administrative provision at the depot, in order to deliver a consistently reliable, safe, high quality and punctual service in line with specified targets, contractual obligations and commercial objectives. The Operations Manager will oversee all operational staff to ensure they work together in consistently providing the required level and quality of service to both internal and external customers.

The successful applicant will be required to lead by example, and work as part of a team in monitoring staff performance and motivating staff to deliver an effective and efficient service. You will also ensure that all customer and Stakeholder feedback is promptly and professionally received, investigated and responded to, and that this information is used as a management tool to drive continuous improvement. A collaboration approach with colleagues in all departments is also required.

You will deliver all aspects of the people strategy at local level; ensuring all employees receive appropriate training, induction, and personal development. You will ensure that action plans are implemented and followed up, that individuals with high potential are retained and that all parts of the workforce are engaged and high performing.

Applications by way of a C.V. and covering letter clearly detailing your experience, knowledge and suitability for the role are to be forwarded by email to jackee.adamson@abellio.co.uk or post to: Jackee Adamson - HR Advisor, Silverthorne Road, Battersea, London, SW8 3HE Abellio is an equal opportunities employer

Deadline for applications is 14th March 2012 www.abellio.co.uk

Join the team where your skills and experience will be respected.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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DeaDlines Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm

ContaCt Ian Gillis 01733 293484

EvoBus appoints new head of sales

trucks division, he was responsible for sales management and market management in Central and Eastern Europe, before taking over the management of MercedesBenz Ceská in the Czech Republic in 2006. In February 2011, he returned to Stuttgart and has since been in charge of MercedesBenz Vans sales and market management.

As head of marketing, sales & aftersales, Till Oberwörder succeeds Angela Titzrath-Grimm, who left Daimler in January 2012 to join Deutsche Post/DHL.

The new head of sales at Daimler Buses/EvoBus GmbH has been named as Till Oberwörder. Subject to agreement by the board of management at EvoBus GmbH, the long-serving Daimler manager will take over management of the Marketing, Sales & Aftersales division on April 1, 2012. Hartmut Schick, head of Daimler Buses, said: “In Till Oberwörder, we’ve gained a real sales professional for the bus market who has many years of experience in the commercial vehicles segment” Till Oberwörder studied business administration and began his career in 1998 at Daimler in Stuttgart. He has held a variety of leadership functions in the sales department of the company, both in Germany and abroad. In the

British & Continental Coach Tours

ian.gillis@rouncymedia.co.uk

Tours’ Manager We are a well-established, medium-sized coach operator, based in the North West of England, and have a vacancy for an experienced Toursʼ Manager.

You will be responsible for planning and marketing our successful coach holiday and day excursion programmes. It would be beneficial, though not essential, to hold a PCV licence and have coach-touring experience in both Britain and Europe.

In addition to being reliable and flexible in your approach, you must have good people, interpersonal and IT skills.

Apply in writing, enclosing your CV, to: Pamela Jenkinson, G-Line Holidays Ltd, 54 St David’s Road South, St Anne’s-on-Sea, Lancashire FY8 1TS. Closing date for applications: Friday 30th March 2012.

Till Oberwörder starts on April 1

HEAD OF OPERATIONS Network Warrington is a dynamic bus operator serving the town of Warrington and the surrounding area. We were Bus Operator of the Year in 2008 and hold a number of important awards including OHSAS 18001 Health & Safety Accreditation and Investors in People (Bronze). Our annual turnover is £11.5M, we operate a fleet of 110 buses with a total staff of 270. Due to the impending retirement of a key member of our team, we are looking for an experienced Head of Operations to lead the operations and commercial function of the Company.

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will be responsible for managing the delivery of a high quality customer driven bus network, including operational delivery, schedules and marketing and you will be fully conversant with the setting and adherence of budgets and Business KPIs. You should have a proven track record of operational and commercial management experience leading to exceptional standards of service delivery, people management skills, be able to challenge established procedures and be keen to motivate and inject enthusiasm into the role. This post will be the principal Transport Manager and therefore an International CPC is required, membership of the CILT or similar body would be advantageous.

Please send a letter of application stating why you think that you are the right person for this role, together with a CV stating current salary to Gina Dale, PA to Directors, Network Warrington, Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington WA4 6PT, to be received by Friday 16 March 2012.

This position offer a salary of £48,000; 25 days annual holiday (+ Bank Holidays); contributory pension and travel benefits. Interviews will be scheduled to take place on 28/29 March.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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