Coach & Bus Week - Issue: 1125

MINIBUS this week...

Minibus Visits Mountain Goat in the Lakes p39

RECRUIT NOW

FIRST FOR RECRUITMENT JOB ADVERTS EVERY WEEK

Wednesday February 19, 2014 Issue 1125 | ÂŁ2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

p20

Marshalls in the saddle

TESTE DRIV

EURO 6 VOLVO 9700

p26

001_CBW1124_Cover.indd 1

Duck Tours splashes to the rescue p18

Stagecoach goes gas in Sunderland p16

17/02/2014 18:38

681629-1117-Quartix

9/12/13

13:06

Page 1

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

EDITORIAL Publisher Jonathan Taylor 01733 293240 jonathan.taylor@coachandbusweek.com Editor Gareth Evans 01733 293243 gareth.evans@coachandbusweek.com Features Editor Andrew Izatt 01733 293482 andrew.izatt@coachandbusweek.com Technical & Minibus Editor Martin Cole 01733 293245, 07597 179030 martin.cole@coachandbusweek.com Digital Editor James Day 01733 293244 james.day@coachandbusweek.com Art Director Ian Blaza Contributors Ray Wilkes, Jonathan Bray, David Bell, Tony Hunter, Steve Hodgson

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & EVENTS Advertising & Marketing Manager Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com Coach & Bus Market Advertising Manager Jade Cassidy 01733 293247 jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com Senior Sales Executive Caroline Barnes 01733 293480 caroline.barnes@coachandbusweek.com Advertising Production June Barnard 01473 858761 june@adsproduction.co.uk

DCPC shelf life

A

CONTENTS

Subscriptions & Circulation Manager Samantha Noble 01733 293240 samantha.noble@coachandbusweek.com Subscriptions Executive Lorraine Jackson 01733 293483 lorraine.jackson@coachandbusweek.com Annual subscription rate for 51 issues: UK £85, Europe/Eire £140, USA and RoW £295 ONLINE £44.95

www.coachandbusweek.com ISSN: 1351-3877 © 2014 Coach and Bus Week Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors. This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors.

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

20

39

The latest from across the coach and bus industry at home & abroad

10

Family-run Marshalls of Sutton on Trent celebrates 25 years

26

Minibuses can take groups to corners full-size coaches can’t reach

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

16

A test drive of Volvo’s newly launched Euro 6 9700 coach

33

Independents in the North West of England and AEC Buses

Stagecoach North East launches 17 new ADL gas buses in Sunderland

18

EVM secures fleet deals in London and Northern Ireland

36

A lighthearted look at the industry, plus Office Diary column

How DUKW buses have been helping flooded communities

A Mountain Goat Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in Grassmere

All the latest people moves from across the industry

Vehicle Launch

News Focus

40 years of enterprise at New Enterprise p18

SPECIAL

ISSUE

Finglands purchase First Kings Ferry approved by OFT p4 DAF for 25 years p8

W NOW RECRUITNO

FIRST FOR RECRUITMENT JOB ADVERTS EVERY WEEK

Big Picture

Sleafordian building bridges Government announces cuts with the local authority p8 in red tape worth £54m p4

Woods Coaches of Leicester We review more buys another Irizar i6 p9 interesting books p34

RECRUITNOW

FIRST FOR RECRUITMENT JOB ADVERTS EVERY WEEK

Wednesday February 12, 2014 Issue 1124 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com Wednesday February 5, 2014 Issue 1123 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

Wednesday January 29, 2014 Issue 1122 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

Tube strike rescue

TEST

DRIVE

Yutong TC12

p20

p42

FOCUS ON

Chinese Challenge

p22

A leading independent

NCT Enviro400 rollout begins

*applies to annual single digital subscription

p6

Interview...

Claire Haigh of Greener Journeys talks to CBW

p19

Adrian de Courcey p30

Arriva wins Luton Airport case

p38

Mike de Courcey p24 001_CBW1122_Cover.indd 1

p44 p28

Buses at Coach Services

p14

Driver First Assist

HERITAGE

Black buses on track for Country first aid 001_CBW1124_Cover.indd 1

27/01/2014 18:37

Expressions of interest invited in Malta p14

RECRUITNOW

FIRST FOR RECRUITMENT JOB ADVERTS EVERY WEEK 001_CBW1123_Cover.indd 1

10/02/2014 16:30

Go North East opening

p6

Mountain Goat

44

Reviews

67

Minibus

Flood Rescue

for less than * PER ISSUE

Operator Profile

Regional News

READ

90p

Gareth Evans Editor

4

News

SUBSCRIPTIONS & CIRCULATION

incorrectly counted towards your 25 hours.”

Now, I’m the �irst to admit we all make mistakes, but on this occasion to say I was not a happy bunny is an understatement – I admit the air turned blue.

With the DCPC help desk (which thankfully is not one of those non-geographic rip-off numbers I hasten to add) closed at weekends, I �ired off a quick email to Alec Horner. He replied: “I always emphasise to drivers who are in your position about the �iveyear shelf life, but like quite a lot of detail connected with DCPC it’s not that well known or understood.

I would also say that probably you don’t need a DQC to do your ‘road tests’ as this is now ‘exempt.’

However, I understand that you might want to drive ‘commercially’ at some point in the future and for ‘street cred’ you also want to have a DQC. Therefore, you need to complete another sevenhour course.”

I trust my experience is of interest – particularly to those of you who like me, no longer drive full-time but �it into the ‘casual’ box.

s some of you may be aware, I failed to complete my 35 hours of Driver CPC (DCPC) training by September 2013 – I’d managed 28 hours. I did this with Alec Horner of Minimise Your Risk at Bibbys of Ingleton; at Blakes of Tiverton under SAFED; with Tanat Valley Coaches; and with AA DriveTech – all of which were seven-hour days. It was my understanding that I would receive my DQC once I’d completed my 35 hours. As a result, I attended the Driver First Assist (DFA) course in London (report in latest CBW). I was con�ident I would receive my DQC, which duly arrived.

However, on Saturday morning I received a letter from the DSA informing me there had been a “system error” which resulted in a DQC being incorrectly issued to me.

It added: “DCPC training is only valid for �ive years. This means that seven hours training you completed on 10/09/2008 expired on 09/09/2013.

The reminder of your training was not completed within this �ive-year period.

Unfortunately this training was

Last Stop

68

People

CONTACT OUR DEDICATED SUBSCRIPTIONS TEAM Tel: 01733 293240 or email samantha.noble@coachandbusweek.com

03/02/2014 19:14

The latest news, views, features, jobs, vehicles for sale AND MUCH MORE...

www.coachandbusweek.com

003_CBW1125_Comment&Contents1.indd 3

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 3 17/02/2014 18:41

NEWS

First proposes scheme to oust Leeds NGT Reports suggest First has proposed its own ‘New Bus for Leeds’ project FirstGroup has unveiled plans aimed at delivering greater benefits than the proposed and controversial NGT (New Generation Transport) trolleybus scheme and at a fraction of the cost.

First confirmed to CBW that it has proposed its own NBfL ‘New Bus for Leeds’ – a project outlined in its submission to the forthcoming public inquiry aimed at deciding the fate of the public sector-backed trolleybus plan. The proposal would see up to 200 ‘futuristic’ buses (depicted as green-painted New Routemasters) introduced to services in Leeds.

First also wants to introduce Oyster card-style fare payment to encourage cashless transactions with the intention of reducing bus

First says its scheme has the benefit of operating citywide stop waiting times. The package of improvement measures would require road and infrastructure improvements alongside traffic signal priority measures to speed up journeys. First is proposing to provide the vehicles, with money for infrastructure and signal work potentially coming from the £1bn West Yorkshire Plus Transport

Bruce’s Coaches depot fully reopened National Express UK Managing Director, Tom Stables has paid a visit to Scottish coach operator Bruce’s Coaches of Salsburgh, which has fully reopened its rebuilt depot just six months after it was damaged by fire.

Joined by National Express Head of Contracts, Alistair Coxon, Tom cut a ribbon to open four new buildings.

Bruce’s run five services on behalf of National Express to Bournemouth, London and Plymouth. Tom said: “Bruce’s has been running our services out of Scotland for 17 years, carrying passengers on some of our longest routes in the UK, and in them we

have one of the industry’s most distinguished and respected operators.

“We depend on first-class operators to provide our passengers with the high-quality service they deserve and it’s fantastic to know we can always depend on getting that from Bruce’s.

Bruce’s boss John Bruce said: “Our partnership with National Express has gone from strength to strength and the Scottish roads just wouldn’t be complete without our white National Express coaches proudly bearing the Scottish flag, so we hope the partnership continues long into the future.”

4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 004_005_CBW1125_News.indd 4

Fund – although it is uncertain how much would be required. Despite this, First claims the scheme would offer “huge savings” compared to NGT – the pet project of Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire passenger transport authority Metro.

First says its scheme has the benefit and advantage of operating

citywide to benefit the maximum number of people – whereas the proposed trolleybus would initially only have one north-south route to show for the required £250m system. First claims its bus-based masterplan could be delivered faster than “outdated” NGT, which would not go live until 2020.

Dave Alexander, Regional MD First in the north of England, said: “A common objective between First, the council and Metro is for Leeds to have a radical improvement in public transport to enhance its image and boost its status.

“We are concerned the trolleybus scheme will not achieve this.

On the other hand the ‘New Bus for Leeds’, combined with other measures, will bring radical improvements to far more passengers, in a much shorter time and with huge savings to the public purse compared with the trolleybus proposals.”

Nat Exp’s Tom Stables shakes hands with John Bruce of Bruce’s Coaches

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 19:33

2,411 Followers

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets

1,795 Likes

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ coachandbusweek

New campaign Ring and Ride safeguarded despite budget cut from Lucketts

Lucketts Travel Group is turning 10 of its coaches and double-decker buses into mobile billboards to promote different areas of the business, notably group travel, theatre trips, holidays and day excursions.

There is also one for new drivers.

The family-run firm, founded in 1926 and employing 300 people, offers free training and what it describes as competitive salaries.

The adverts are a mix of full colour ‘back wraps’, long panels and ‘T’ panels. Images have been chosen to catch the attention and as well as the tagline, ‘Get on Board’ each is accompanied by a catchy slogan.

The campaign is being accompanied by a new range of company merchandise that includes teddy bears and mugs.

Paul Barringer, Group Sales and Marketing Director, said: “We’re delighted with the new campaign featuring on our coaches and buses.

Not only are the adverts an eye catching addition to the local fleet, they highlight the wide range of products that we offer. As people go about their everyday lives they’ll get a colourful reminder that if they ‘get on board’ with Lucketts we can help them escape the daily grind!”

Lucketts Travel is making best use of the rear of its vehicles

Ring and Ride services will continue Monday to Saturday, but not on Sundays – least not for the moment Centro’s approved budget for 2014-15 includes an annual grant of £8.5m to West Midlands Special Needs Transport to provide its Ring and Ride service Monday to Saturday between 0800hrs and 2000hrs. A new £1 per trip fare is to be introduced and Centro will work closely with the charity over the coming weeks to mitigate any effect on users. The money does not cover Sunday operation and the provision of a limited service is to be explored.

It has also been decided to keep half-price bus fares for children and free tram and train travel for eligible people despite the implementation of a £7m budget cut. Free bus travel for older people, the blind and disabled has been safeguarded after 2300hrs.

Centro members had considered cutting or even ending half price child fares, free tram and train travel and the Ring and Ride service

in a bid to save 5% of the transport budget in 2014-15 and a further 5% in 2015-16.

A public consultation was held in which people were invited to give their views on the options and how they would affect the way they travel. More than 8,000 people responded.

Centro Chairman, Cllr John McNicholas said it had only been right for Centro to reduce the budget given the dramatic cuts in Government funding being faced by the district councils – Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

He said that the approved 5% cut meant Centro would now be able to reduce its levy on the councils by £7.3m for the coming year with the overall budget falling from £146m to £138.7m.

As well as a £2m reduction in the Ring and Ride grant, the approved budget will also involve

a £1m reduction in bus station and infrastructure maintenance, changes to subsidised bus access standards and measures to reduce financing costs.

In order to limit the impact on frontline services Centro will be required to cut its own operational and staffing costs by £3m (15%) which is £1m more than originally planned for 2014-15. It means that through on-going staffing restructures and other efficiencies, Centro will have reduced such costs from £27m in 2010 to £16.5m in 2014-15 – a cut of nearly 40%.

Cllr McNicholas added: “Over the last four years Centro has made on-going cuts in its operational costs by restructuring its workforce and by finding other efficiencies.

However, a further 15% cut in the coming year will inevitably impact further on Centro’s staff and the way they deliver services.”

Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance Compliance Services

If you would like further information please call 01543 897505

Visit our website: www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

004_005_CBW1125_News.indd 5

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5 17/02/2014 19:33

40

NEWS › BUSES

Number of gas buses destined for service at Stagecoach in Sunderland

Stagecoach cuts fares in wake of South West rail disruption Operator commits to maintaining the discount until the rail network is repaired Stagecoach has confirmed a package of measures to help communities affected by the closure of the storm-damaged railway line at Dawlish in Devon.

Around 80 metres of sea wall was destroyed by high tides and storms last week, causing a significant stretch of railway to collapse into the sea. Work is underway to repair the sea wall, but Network Rail estimated that the damage means the line between Exeter St David’s and Newton Abbot will not re-open until mid-March at the earliest.

Stagecoach, which operates around 330 buses across the south-west of England, is discounting single and return fares on key routes in Devon by up to 50%.

The reduced fares are available from today on its Hop2, Hop11 and B bus services, for all stops along the Coast between Starcross and Newton Abbot.

The operator is further extending the travel zones covered by its multi-journey tickets to include areas affected by rail disruption.

The zone for its Torbay Dayrider and Megarider tickets is being expanded to include journeys

between Teignmouth, Newton Abbot and Torquay. This follows the announcement by Stagecoach that it was extending the coverage of its ‘Exeter Plus’ Dayrider and Megarider zone to include Dawlish.

Stagecoach also confirmed that it is accepting First Great Western rail tickets on its bus journeys between Exeter and Newton Abbot while rail services remain disrupted.

Michael Watson, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: “Communities in the southwest are facing a daily struggle against the impact of some of the most severe and relentless weather conditions we’ve ever seen.

“Transport is absolutely vital to our region to get people to work and ensure they can get on as best they can with their daily lives. At times like this it’s important we all pull together.”

Anne Maris Morris, MP for Newton Abbot, commented: “Minimising the disruption for the travelling public both practically and financially is crucial while we put in place a more resilient railway line at Dawlish.

“I welcome this announcement from Stagecoach about further fare reductions and rail tickets being accepted on buses which will remain in place until the train line

Michael Watson, Stagecoach South West MD: “At times like this it’s important we all pull together” is up and running again.”

Stagecoach has pledged that the special fares and extended travel

zones will remain in place until the railway line at Dawlish is reopened.

Optare partners TfL and the LT Museum as Year of the Bus sponsor Optare is to partner Transport for London and The London Transport Museum as an official sponsor of Year of the Bus, recently launched by The Mayor of London.

Following last year’s successful celebration of 150 years of the London Underground, the Year of the Bus 2014 will celebrate a heritage of travelling by bus and the enormous contribution and central role buses and their drivers and operators, make to keeping London’s population and the UK’s economy going every day.

Enrico Vassallo, Optare’s CEO, said: “As a leading UK bus manufacturer, I’m delighted

Optare is supporting this special focus on bus travel through the high profile activities of the Year of the Bus. It also represents a unique opportunity to partner with Transport for London and we look forward to working together to celebrate bus travel and demonstrating Optare’s latest technology to reduce the environmental impact of buses.”

Another highlight of Optare’s activities this year will be the launch of its double decker bus in May which will offer a new and efficient choice for operators in London and other cities across the UK. Targeted at London the first Euro 6 MetroCitys have been orderd by Epsom Coaches.

6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 006_007_CBW1125_News.indd 6

Optare launched MetroCity at Euro Bus Expo 2012

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 19:33

25

Number of years which Marshalls Coaches has been in existence

£285k

Cost of the first new Euro 6 Volvo 9700 in the UK, which is being used as a demonstrator

Reading Buses takes control Reading Buses is to unveil one of the most modern control rooms of its kind in the country.

The company is investing £250,000 in the latest technology to upgrade its existing 15 yearold facilities in order to maintain reliable bus services. It should be completed in April.

James Freeman, Reading Buses Chief Executive Of�icer, said: “We

have sought to bring the control facility up to date using the latest technology to give our controllers the best chance of keeping buses running on time in the increasingly congested environment of Reading.

In particular, the new control room will allow us to manage several incidents simultaneously thereby greatly improving what we can do at times of disruption such as

SHARE WATCH

�loods, snow, road closures and the many other things which can disrupt the regular operation of our bus services.

“Another feature will be the inclusion of a direct feed from Reading Borough Council’s CCTV cameras which will enable controllers to see the traf�ic situation they are having to deal with in real time.”

Blackpool Punctuality Improvement Partnership agreed Blackpool Transport has signed up to a scheme to improve bus punctuality.

The Punctuality Improvement Partnership (PIP for short) will be charged with identifying hotspots and problems which prevent buses from staying on schedule and coming up with plans to tackle them.

The group will comprise of staff from both Blackpool Council and Blackpool Transport and other agencies, like emergency services, other councils and VOSA, will also be consulted when it is necessary.

Similar partnerships have worked effectively in other areas of the country.

Cllr John Jones, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Ensuring buses run consistently, reliably and on time is the number one priority for bus users. Developing a task force to proactively identify hotspots is great news for passengers and for

www.coachandbusweek.com

006_007_CBW1125_News.indd 7

438.25p

Price: Year High: 471.00p Year Low: 324.70p

+11.10 on last week

134.00p

Price: Year High: 183.03p Year Low: 90.30p

+3.60 on last week

2065.00p

Price: Year High: 2068.00p Year Low: 1258.00p

Cllr John Jones and Bob Mason sign the Blackpool Punctuality Improvement Partnership agreement the town in general.

“The PIP group will meet regularly and will also be a key forum for listening to public feedback and discussing how to improve the service for customers.”

And Bob Mason, Director of Delivery at Blackpool Transport, said: “Punctuality, reliability and safety are the most important part of any public transport operation

Popular WiFi service launched on new Shef�ield buses

Free WiFi for Stagecoach bus passengers has been introduced on a further four vehicles in Shef�ield.

Four new Enviro 200s are equipped with the technology and recently entered service on Stagecoach’s 123 service operating between Crystal Peaks and the city centre via Woodhouse and Manor Top. It was part of a £1.5m investment

by Stagecoach in December 2013, in a �leet of 13 new buses for Shef�ield and Chester�ield.

The new WiFi facility means passengers can browse the internet, check their emails and post on social media sites while travelling to and from work or leisure activities.

Since Stagecoach �irst launched

Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, February 17. Go-Ahead Group saw the greatest proportional rise, Optare saw the greatest proportional drop.

Most figures obtained from www. iii.co.uk

WiFi on its Shef�ield buses in September 2011, it has seen more than 53,000 unique users who use the service over 130,000 times a month spending an average of 21 minutes online. Stagecoach passengers also bene�it from WiFi on services 120, 52, X17 and 43.

Paul Lynch, Managing Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: “New technology is having a massive impact on many areas of life and none more so than on peoples travel choices and expectations.

With smartphones now the most common starting place for online activities, WiFi is something that our customers look for as part of the company’s service.

“Our WiFi facilities have already

and we hope, by working together more effectively, we can continue to improve on all these important issues.

“We have been in discussions with of�icers from the council and VOSA for some time and we look forward to seeing some positive results which will assist in getting buses moving from A to B in a more timely manner in Blackpool.”

+89.00

290.50p

Price: Year High: 307.96p Year Low: 189.20p

365.40p

Price: Year High: 382.01p Year Low: 284.70p

0.21p

Price: Year High: 0.52p Year Low: 0.20p

53.00p

Price: Year High: 60.00p Year Low: 42.00p

555.00p

Price: Year High: 625.00p Year Low: 331.70p

WiFi is a feature on many of Stagecoach services proved incredibly popular so we are delighted to extend these to our new buses operation on service 123 in Shef�ield.

“People now expect access to WiFi on public transport and see it as an important part of their daily commute, helping them to communicate and keep informed.”

6.12p

Price: Year High: 15.57p Year Low: 4.65p

on last week

+4.65 on last week

+0.60 on last week

-0.01 on last week

-0.50 on last week

-15.00 on last week

+0.24 on last week

FTSE 100

6,734

Index: Year High: 6,840 Year Low: 6029

+159 on last week

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 7 17/02/2014 19:33

NEWS › COACHES RO A D WATC H n REFURBISHMENT OF THE A9 Crieff Road over bridge has been completed almost two weeks ahead of schedule. The £600,000 project included concrete repairs to the central pier and the replacement of the existing bridge deck support bearings. Favourable weather has meant all traffic restrictions have been removed from the surrounding routes 12 days earlier than planned.

Stagecoach adds coaches to X62 service

n THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY of the A5 at Churncote Island (A458 Welshpool turn off) at Shrewsbury is currently closed every night until March 30, between 2000 and 0600hrs. n THE M6 is shut every evening between junction 10 (Walsall) and 10A (M54) in both directions between 2000 and 0700hrs until March 28.

Further south, the northbound carriageway is shut between 2200 and 0500 until March 15 for road marking repairs between junction 1 (Rugby) and 2 (Coventry). n WORK TO INTRODUCE a new 60mph speed limit along with average speed cameras on the A1 between Buckden and Southoe, Cambridgeshire, was due to start this week. It will take place overnight for 20 nights, Monday to Friday nights only, between 1900 and 0700hrs, weather permitting.

The work will require single lane closures and is expected to be completed by March 15. n THE HIGHWAYS AGENCY has opened a consultation on reducing the speed limit to 60mph betweem junction 3 (Lightwater) and junction 4 (Farnborough), between 0700 and 1900hrs. It is expected to form part of the project to turn the 13.4-mile stretch between junctions 2 and 4A into a ‘smart motorway.’

Richard Kay (Ops Director SEM) and Marc Astley (Astley Media) handing roses to customers on Valentine’s Day Refurbished Plaxton Profile coaches replace double-decker East Lancs-bodied buses Stagecoach East Midlands has unveiled four refurbished 54-plate Plaxton Profile-bodied Volvo B7Rs to operate on its X62 route, running between Hull and Leeds.

The coaches have moved down from Stragecoach West Scotland and replaced three East Lancsbodied Volvo B7TLs. X-Factor’s Ryan Mathie was present at the unveiling in Hull city centre on Valentine’s Day. He boarded the X62 to serenade passengers, singing love songs as he launched the new ‘Love Your X’ fleet. Later on February 14, fellow X-Factor contestant Carolynne Poole helped launch the Love Your X service in Leeds.

The vehicles have been completely refurbished with a full repaint and now include free WiFi. The coaches are decked out in a

vibrant Love Your X livery.

To celebrate the launch, a Valentine Duo ‘Bring a loved one for free’ offer is running from Saturday February 15 to Sunday February 23.

A new commuter ticket – megarider X – can also be purchased for a special introductory price of £20 in the same week, before switching to a £39 standard price. The ticket includes a week’s travel on all local Stagecoach services in Hull.

Shoppers and commuters who use the service can also benefit from a new ‘Shop in your Pocket’ timetable voucher booklet, with money-saving offers for a range of stores in Hull and at Junction 32 Outlet Shopping Village.

Offers include discounts from the likes of Wok and Go and Handmade Burger Company in Hull, Peter Jones, Gap and Mountain Warehouse at Junction 32 Glasshoughton. In the coming

months, further offers for stores in Hull and Leeds will be added.

Michelle Hargreaves, Stagecoach East Midland’s Managing Director, said: “The X62 is definitely on the up. It’s a frequent and reliable service, offering commuters and shoppers hassle free travel to and from Hull city centre.

“Shoppers and commuters can now travel in greater comfort, enjoy free WiFi and save money in local stores thanks to Love Your X.” Love Your X coaches run from Hull nine times a day Monday to Saturday 0450 to 1740hrs, with the last service returning from Leeds at 1940hrs. There are four journeys on Sundays and Bank Holidays leaving Hull at 0910, 1010, 1430 and 1530hrs.

A new commuter service from Goole is also being introduced, leaving from Goole at 0739hrs and departing from the Hull Interchange at 1740hrs.

Quality mobile bus & coach engineers throughout the UK

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Ltd 8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 008_009_CBW1125_News.indd 8

01253 340565 enquiries@wjftechnicalsupport.co.uk www.wjftechnicalsupport.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 19:48

2,411 Followers

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets

1,795 Likes

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ coachandbusweek

Tickets now on sale for the UK Coach Awards 2014 Tickets have gone on sale this week for the 2014 UK Coach Awards annual presentation ceremony, to be held in Manchester on Thursday, April 10.

Single tickets are available for £87.50, while a double ticket costs £170. Tables for 10 cost £825 including VAT. Seats can be booked online via the UK Coach Awards website at

www.ukcoachawards.co.uk.

The venue for this year is the Mercure Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester City Centre, in the newly refurbished International Suite.

Chris Owens, MD of Alpine Travel and President of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), will present the awards at the ceremony, which will be compered once again by

the BBC’s Carol Kirkwood.

UK Coach Awards Chairman Allan Edmondson said: “We’re looking forward very much to returning to the Piccadilly, where everybody had such a great time in 2010 and 2011.

“The ceremony offers a great networking opportunity for operators, attractions and suppliers – to meet and chat, exchange news and pick up on

the latest business trends.

These awards are dedicated to coach operators and their staff, so we’re hoping to welcome as many as possible to another really great evening.”

For further details about ticket prices and booking arrangements, visit the UK Coach Awards web site at www. ukcoachawards.co.uk

Distinctive Systems enhances Coach Manager Connect Mid Anglia Coach Distinctive Systems has released an enhancement to Coach Manager Connect which allows an operator to share bookings with not just other users of its Coach Manager private hire and contract booking system, but also with any operator in the country.

Coach Manager Connect is an internet based service which connects the booking systems at over 350 UK operators using Coach Manager. It allows operators to easily subcontract bookings to other operators, or take on bookings being offered by others, instantly transferring details in both directions.

Previously, available bookings were only open to operators using Coach Manager, but now when a booking is added to Connect, providing it is not flagged as private, its outline details are instantly published to everyone following Distinctive Systems on Twitter.

An operator viewing a booking on Twitter can click a link to be taken to the new Coach Manager Connect website where its full details can be seen. All other available bookings can also be seen. The operator can contact the originator using the details supplied, or if they have Coach Manager, make an offer directly via Connect.

Operators can follow Distinctive Systems on Twitter at @DistinctiveSys or view all available bookings at any time on the Coach Manager Connect

www.coachandbusweek.com

008_009_CBW1125_News.indd 9

Ops dinner is a success

Coach Manager Connect is a internet based tool connecting the booking systems of over 350 UK operators website at connect.coachmanager. com.

Access to the Coach Manager Connect website is free of charge and open to any operator, irrespective of which management software they may use.

For users of Coach Manager, the new Twitter feed and Coach Manager Connect website mean bookings added to Connect are now available to a larger audience.

This greatly improves the chances an operator will find someone to cover a booking it is looking to subcontract.

Operators who don’t currently have Coach Manager now just need to follow Distinctive Systems on Twitter to be automatically notified of the availability of new bookings.

This new functionality represents just the start of the company’s plans for the Coach Manager Connect website and the ways in which it will utilise social media for the benefit of the whole coaching community.

For operators who are interested in adopting the Coach Manager booking system, outright purchase prices start at £3,000 or rental

Managers, Owners, Directors and guests from a range of East Anglian Coach operators enjoyed a great night at the annual Mid Anglia Coach Operators Association (MACOA) dinner held at the Bedford Lodge hotel, Newmarket.

With a hundred attendees consisting of 14 coach operators from all over the Anglian region, whom were joined by the CPT and 12 trade and industry representatives, the evening consisted of a formal meal, during which a magician conjured up an array of close up magic tricks. This was followed by a very successful raffle kindly supported by donations from the trade resulting in a grand total of £520 being raised in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Operators present were Richmonds, Dews, Kenzies, Neal’s Travel, Saffords, Judds, Decker Bus, Grey’s of Ely, Youngs, Carriageways, Beestons, Fowlers, Mil-Ken and Lambert’s. Trade and industry representatives included the CPT, Volvo Bus, MAN, Irizar UK, Taylor Coach Sales, John Hill Coach Sales, Belmont Int, Mercedes, Pellys and Plaxton.

The MACOA said it is constantly looking for new members, who should contact Bridget at Neal’s Travel for more information. Its next meeting is on March 12, 2014, with a presentation on Pension AutoEnrolment.

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9 17/02/2014 19:48

NEWS › REGIONAL EAST FIRST EASTERN COUNTIES has agreed to meet MP Steve Barclay to discuss altering the X1 bus route so it passes through two Fenland villages.

First Eastern Counties’ Regional Commercial Director, Steve Wickers, will meet with the North East Cambs MP, who has called for Wisbech St Mary and Guyhirn to be included on the X1 bus route.

A petition requesting a diversion and backed by 344 residents was delivered to the operator.

The X1 service currently starts at Peterborough, heads down the A47 and diverts through Thorney before rejoining the A47.

Campaigners claim stopping at Wisbech St Mary and Guyhirn would enable residents to access the shopping and leisure activities on offer in Peterborough and the surrounding areas and could help people from further afield to cut down on the cost of their daily commute.

Wisbech St Mary resident Brian Sandall, who is leading the campaign, said: “The good thing about this service is that it starts early and finishes late in the evening, meaning not only is it good for commuters but great for evenings out, going to the theatre or cinema.

“A bus service would allow us to cut down on fuel and parking costs.”

MP Steve Barclay said: “A diversion of the popular X1 service would not only offer the local community an efficient and affordable way of getting in to Peterborough but would also set an important precedent in adapting existing transport services to fit the needs of local residents.

“Having seen the local support for this initiative, it is clear that residents believe the service would have a good uptake.”

THE REGENERATION of Bedford bus station has received a £670,000 funding boost.

Bedford Borough Council is investing additional funding to pay for landscape improvements as well as a major improvement to the front of the bus station forecourt.

These projects take the total value of the improvements in this part of town up to nearly £9.5m.

The improvements to the front of the bus station forecourt will see the construction of a large covered facility, providing shelter for those waiting to catch a bus.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave

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

Hodgson, said: “The multi-million pound regeneration of the bus station area is well underway and will deliver a series of improvements to this important part of the town centre.

“This additional £670,000 will enable us to include Thurlow Street as part of the Bedford Bus Station works, including more landscaping improvements and also a major upgrade to the facilities for bus users who are picked up and dropped off at the front of the bus station by the Greyfriars roundabout.

“Bedford Bus Station has let our town centre down for far too long and this scheme will deliver a much improved gateway to the town centre.”

The additional works will be included in the current scheme and are scheduled to start towards the end of this year.

SOUTH EAST

FIRST has cut or frozen prices on two-thirds of its services in Southampton, the Daily Echo reported.

Some passengers can now board from £1, but those on some routes will have to pay more. First is also poised for a £2.7m investment into new buses complete with Audio Visual (AV) technology.

First said the shake-up is part of a ‘groundbreaking’ scheme to encourage more people onto public transport by standardising fares. It focuses on rounding down prices to even numbers and simplifying route maps, making fares easier

10 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 010_012_CBW1125_Regional News.indd 10

MIDLANDS

KEY

for passengers to understand and calculate. There will be six standard ticket prices for 14 new fare zones on a colour-coded map.

More than 63% of fares will be rounded down to the nearest 50p or £1 making it easier for customers to prepare correct change.

Timetables will remain unchanged with the cheapest adult single at £1 – down from £1.15 – while all adult return fares will cost £1 more than the corresponding single fare.

Key routes include the Millbrook to Shirley service – dropping from £1.30 to just £1 for a single and £2 for a return. The cost of travelling one way from Weston to the city centre falls from £2.35 to £2 and is £3 for a return. However, passengers travelling from Hamble into the city centre face an increase from £2.85 to £3.50 one way and from £4.30 to £5 for a return.

A journey from Hedge End now rises from £3.70 to £4 for a single but drops from £5.60 to £5 for a return.

Managing Director Marc Reddy said: “We are trying to reduce the complexity of fares and introduce more simplicity to make the journey a simpler experience.

“It makes it more attractive for our customers who can see much more easily how pricing works.

“Most people will know they have to just use 50p or £1 and it will speed up journey times as neither they nor our drivers will have to worry about finding different change.”

THE ECCLESBOURNE VALLEY RAILWAY has teamed up with trent barton to offer a joint bus-rail ticket. The heritage railway operates between Duffield and Wirksworth using a range of preserved locomotives and diesel railcars.

Buses serve both Duffield and Wirksworth railway stations, which are located less than five minutes’ walk from bus stops on ‘the sixes’ route. Buses run to Duffield from Derby every 15 minutes, while the 6.1 route operates hourly to Derby and Belper or Bakewell, and every 30 mins to Matlock and Matlock Bath.

The ‘zigzag choo choo’ (sic) ticket, as it is being marketed, costs £14 for adults, £7 for children or £33 for a group ticket for any five people travelling together. The ticket, which can be bought from any trent barton driver, allows unlimited travel after 0900hrs Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and bank holidays.

More details can be found at www.trentbarton.co.uk and e-v-r. com/timetable.

STUDENTS FROM MALVERN will have access to more further education courses from September thanks to a new bus service.

South Worcestershire College will provide college transport, for a small charge, from Malvern to its Evesham Campus, with possible pick-ups along the route according to demand.

More information is available at sworcs.ac.uk TWO BUS SERVICES are set to be cut after Nottingham City Transport said they were losing money, the Nottingham Post reported.

The 14 route – from the city centre to Chilwell – and the 37 – from the city to the Queen’s Medical Centre – will run for the last time on March 30.

David Astill, Commercial Manager at NCT, said the services are not sustainable.

He said: “The revenue we take on both of these services covers just two thirds of their running costs, and has done for some time now.

“These losses are obviously not sustainable in the long-term, and despite trying several different initiatives aimed at making the routes more profitable, increasing cost pressures have led to the difficult decision to withdraw the www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 19:05

699052-1121-CVShow

18/1/14

09:07

Page 1

2,411 Followers

two services.”

NCT said more competition on its 14 route has led to a drop in passengers.

Mr Astill added: “Withdrawing a service is always the very last resort for NCT and our priority during this time is to minimise the inevitable impact on our customers.”

Easyrider cardholders who use Maroon Line 14 will be written to in early March outlining the process for either upgrading to Kangaroo or for applying for a refund on their Easyrider travel.

NORTH

A NEW BUS SHELTER scheme is getting on the road in South Tyneside following a successful transport bid for funding, the Shields Gazette reported.

A total of 15 new shelters will be installed across the borough in the coming weeks, with the support of the DfT’s Better Bus Area Fund.

The bid was made by Tyne

and Wear Integrated Transport Authority, of which South Tyneside Council is a member.

All the new bus shelters will contain timetables, including passenger information and seating where possible.

Cllr Jim Foreman said: “We are really pleased to introduce the new bus shelter scheme across South Tyneside.

“The various locations have been chosen by using comments and recommendations from local residents and councillors, who’ve contacted Nexus and the council with their thoughts.

“We hope the shelters will become welcome additions to bus routes in the borough.

“The new shelters are all part of the council’s commitment to improving public transport in the borough, particularly the bus services, which are vital to reduce the amount of congestion on our roads.”

The new bus shelters will be installed and managed by Nexus.

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets

2014 n February 23-24 Coach Holiday Conference & Workshop. Best Western Premier Queen Hotel, Chester. www.coachtourismcouncil.

co.uk

n March 4–7 QV Associates’ course Introduction to Bus & Crew Scheduling. Birmingham. 01905 613527. www.qv-associates.com/

n March 19-20 Young Bus Managers Network Conference.

Reading. www.youngbusmanagers. org.uk n March 25–28 QV Associates’ course Route & Timetable Planning Birmingham. 01905 613527. www.qv-

associates.com/qvcourses.htm

12 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 010_012_CBW1125_Regional News.indd 12

coachandbusweek

The 2014 Low Carbon Vehicle Event takes place at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire from September 10-11

n March 19 ATCO School Transport Seminar, Birmingham. Full information available at www.atco. org.uk

by bus, passenger numbers have increased significantly.

“At the same time, we’ve introduced plenty of trent barton touches as part of the skylink package, including free WiFi and a dedicated manager with a team of drivers running the route round the clock.”

Skylink Manager, Barry Allitt (pictured) said his team was pleased to be part of the development after less than two years running the service.

“The additional daytime buses will make it easier than ever to get to the airport to catch a flight. They will also benefit anyone who needs to travel between East Midlands Airport, Long Eaton and Nottingham for business or pleasure,” he added.

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

qvcourses.htm

TRENT BARTON’S skylink 24/7 bus service linking Nottingham with East Midlands Airport is set to soar with the introduction of a new timetable.

Buses will now run every 20 minutes instead of every half hour on the Nottingham route, which also serves residents in Beeston, Chilwell, Long Eaton and Castle Donington.

Alex Hornby, the firm’s Commercial Director, commented: “Originally, the service was part-funded by the taxpayer, but since we’ve operated it commercially, skylink has really taken off.

“In the past couple of years, thanks to our investment and continuing partnership with East Midlands Airport to grow travel

1,795 Likes

n March 30 Vintage Bus Running Day to celebrate the 100th anniversary of London bus route 142, organised by the Amersham & District Motorbus Society, Watford Junction Bus Interchange. www. amershammotorbussociety.co.uk

n June 8 Barry Festival of Transport Barry Island, South Wales. www.ctpg.co.uk n June 15 Welsh Coach Rally, Swansea. ntfwswansea.co.uk Contact Ashley Lovering 07814 958379 n June 29 Reading Buses seventh annual open day Great Knollys Street depot 1100-1600hrs. 0118 959 4000 n July 6-7 North Norfolk Railway Bus Rally. Heritage bus service both days, transport Festival on Sunday. Email bus@johnrstewart. co.uk for an entry form. n July 12–13 Routemaster 60.

Finsbury Park, London. Organised by the Routemaster Association, the event will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of RM1. www.routemaster.org.uk n July 20 Alton Bus Rally.

Anstey Park, Alton, Hants. www. altonbusrally.org.uk n September 9 Association of Trainers AGM. Birmingham. 01797 344251 www.asot.org.uk/index.php/ asot/come-to-meet-us-menu

n April 5 South East Bus Festival.

Kent Showground, Maidstone. www.

n September 10-11 Low Carbon Vehicle Event, Millbrook, Bedfordshire. 01509 635 750. www. cenex-lcv.co.uk

n April 10 UK Coach Awards.

Mercure Piccadilly Hotel, Manchester.

www.ukcoachawards.co.uk

n September 14 UK Bus Driver of the Year 2014 Blackpool. bdoy@ btinternet.com

n April 29-May 1 The Commercial Vehicle Show NEC, Birmingham.

01634 261262 www.cvshow.com

n September 21 Showbus 2014.

Imperial War Museum, Duxford. www.showbus.com

n May 10-11 UK Coach Rally.

Alton Towers. 01753 631170. www.coachdisplays.co.uk

n September 25 - October 2 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show.

Hannover, Germany. www.iaa.de

n May 12-14 ALBUM Conference.

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

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

facebook.com/southeastbusfestival

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 19:05

p13_CBW_1125

17/2/14

12:53

Page 13

Swansea Coachworks New 16 seat Mercedes Sprinter with large boot and side lockers.

New Mercedes Sprinter 16 seat with tables

Based on the Mercedes Sprinter 516, we have designed a truly unique mini-coach. First of all we have added our coach style body extension to facilitate the luggage requirements, then we have created an interior capable of seating 16 passengers in extreme comfort but added the option of 4 tables, 2 double tables and 2 single tables.

Based on the Mercedes Sprinter 516, we have designed an extension to fit onto the rear of the vehicle which adds to the length of the vehicle but also transforms the vehicle from a van look into a mini-coach. By adding this extension it enables us to construct a vehicle capable of carrying 16 passengers in total luxury with legroom that has never been achieved in a mini-coach before, and a luggage area of enormous proportion. Also when you take into account the re designed sides of the vehicle which house the coach style lockers this is truly a vehicle that will not be beaten on luggage space.

Once again you decide what options you require from a vast list available and then pick your own colours to match your requirements.

One thing you can be sure about is that a Swansea Coachworks mini-coach stands out in a crowd.

Just like all our vehicles you decide what you want in the vehicle and you choose your own colour scheme to suit your needs.

www.swanseacoachworks.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 13

NEWS › INTERNATIONAL

2,411 Followers

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets

1,795 Likes

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ coachandbusweek

Koiviston Auto is largest Finnish order for VDL 64 lightweight vehicles VDL Citeas LLE to join Koiviston Auto fleet FINLAND Koiviston Auto, the largest passenger transport operator in Finland, has ordered 64 Citea LLEs from VDL Bus & Coach.

The 64 buses, which make up the Dutch manufacturer’s biggest order to date for the Scandinavian country, are destined for the cities of Kuopio and Lahti and will be delivered before the summer.

Explaining the choice of supplier, Antti Norrlin, CEO Koiviston Auto said: “The design and production method of this lightweight bus perfectly matches the requirements we specify for our vehicles. The low net weight of the VDL Citea offers many benefits. Of which, economically speaking, low fuel consumption is naturally the greatest.”

Rémi Henkemans, Managing Director VDL Bus & Coach commented: “This order is the largest in the history of VDL Bus & Coach for the Finnish market. So we are very proud that Koiviston Auto has chosen our buses.

Moreover, this order confirms our strategy regarding lightweight vehicles and reducing operating

VDL said the order confirms its strategy of producing lightweight vehicles is the way forward costs.”

Kuopio and Lahti are among the top-10 largest Finnish cities, each having more than 100,000 residents. Located 100 to 380km north of Helsinki, they are subject to extremely cold winters, hot summers and demanding topography.

To make travel as pleasant as possible for the passengers,

considerable attention was paid to the interior comfort of the Citeas.

The bright colours, combined with the large windows, create a spacious feeling. Energy-saving LED lamps provide balanced lighting. All the Citeas have a 39+1 seating arrangement and space for around 40 standing passengers.

Climate control systems with extra heating and extra air conditioning

Saxony’s PVM acquires its 75th Setra GERMANY Personenverkehrsgesellschaft Muldental (PVM) has acquired 10 new Setra S415NF low-floor buses – a move which has also seen the company take delivery of its 75th new Setra vehicle.

Commenting at the handover at the Setra Customer Center in NeuUlm, company Director Andreas Kultscher, who has been managing PVM since October 2010, said: “Setra has always excelled at meeting all our requirements in terms of our daily regular service operations for a number of years now. Major plus points include the partnership-like cooperation based on trust, from sales through to service via the Omniplus service brand, the robust vehicle technology and also the high residual values.”

The new buses, which in part are being sponsored by the Free State of Saxony, meet EEV standard without particulate filter. Features include ZF Ecolife six-speed automatic transmissions, 42 passenger seats, wheelchair

One of the total of 10 new S 415 NF buses operated by passenger transport company PVM on regular services throughout of the Leipzig district and buggy bays and a manuallyoperated folding ramp and also the computer-controlled RBL central guidance system, with visual and audible next stop announcements.

PVM operates 82 local bus routes across the Leipzig district, five of which are urban and 77

14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 014_CBW1125_International News.indd 14

regional transport routes. School bus operations make up the lion’s share, accounting for almost three-quarters of the company’s daily business. The firm employs 230 members of staff at four sites in Saxony – in Colditz, Deuben, Grimma and Zwenkau.

capability ensure comfortable temperatures year round.

Koiviston Auto has an annual turnover of €118m, generated in equal shares by the city service and long-distance transport divisions. The company has 1,500 employees. Its fleet comprises 750 coaches and local service buses, which travel around 58 million km per year.

Northcoast Bus and Coach ceases manufacturing

AUSTRALIA Queenslandbased Northcoast Bus and Coach is to end the manufacturing buses but will continue to provide the servicing side of the operation.

Managing Director Wayne Smith told Australasian Bus & Coach magazine: “We’re finding imports have really impacted the industry.

Obviously I tried a few things to get on. I think everybody’s finding it tough. There aren’t many Australian builders out there anymore.”

Located on the Sunshine Coast, the firm was founded in 1985 as a bus repair and refurbishment workshop, before becoming a bus and coach designer and manufacturer.

For further information visit www.ncbc.com.au

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 18:42

p15_CBW_1125

17/2/14

12:57

www.coachandbusweek.com

Page 15

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 15

NEWS FOCUS › STAGECOACH GAS BUSES

Stagecoach North East prepares for a switch to gas Martin Cole reports on the unveiling of 17 new ADL E300-bodied Scania gas buses for Sunderland – and learns a further 23 are on the way Stagecoach North East’s Sunderland depot has taken delivery of 17 new gas buses and marked the occasion by holding an official preview open day on Friday (February 14) to publicly introduce the fleet.

All 17 gas buses are Alexander Dennis Enviro300 Scania K UB 4*2 models with 270bhp engines and adorned with a new livery which is to be rolled out across the Stagecoach Group’s gas bus fleets as they are introduced. They

are expected to enter service on routes 16 and 20 before the end of February.

Representing an investment by Stagecoach of over £2.5m in buses and £1m for the plant, storage and fuelling infrastructure at the Sunderland depot, it significantly reduces the age profile of the 89-vehicle fleet. A further 23 gas buses are on order for delivery in June. With 40 new buses in the gas fleet and 21 conventional ADL Enviro 200s delivered last year, Sunderland will boast two-thirds of its fleet being no more than a year old. The acquisition was part funded by a grant from the DfT’s Green Bus Fund.

While the new gas buses tick

16 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 016_017_CBW1125_StageCoach.indd 16

the box in terms of emission reductions they are also extremely quiet and will contribute to an improved environment.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is also less expensive than diesel and far more sustainable as it can be produced from anaerobic digestion of recycled organic waste.

A step change

Phil Medlicott, Managing Director, Stagecoach North East said: “We’re looking forward to the official launch of the gas buses and finally getting them on the road in Sunderland. Two routes are being converted immediately, with another two, services 3 and

13, following when the second batch arrives.

“We are extremely fortunate to get this level of investment from the group but it is really great for the people of Sunderland.

These buses produce extremely low emissions and the public will reap the benefits. With 40 out of a fleet of 89 buses running on CNG it means a huge change for Sunderland and gives us an ultramodern fleet which must be one of the youngest anywhere.

“Phasing-in the delivery of two batches means we can implement the finalisation of the refuelling plant. The first stage involves a storage tank which can support these 17 buses. The tank is due to arrive on-site in the next few days and will suffice until we can get the mains connection which we anticipate will take another three to four months. Fast filling takes about eight minutes per bus using the storage tank. When we get www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 19:02

We are extremely fortunate to get this level of investment from the group but it is really great for the people of Sunderland – Phil Medlicott

Only 40 different components between gas and diesel

Simple control unit display

Comfortable spacious interior

All 17 new buses are ready to enter service

Above: The fuelling island for Sunderland’s gas fleet.

Right: Pump display shows gas delivering as kilograms

www.coachandbusweek.com

016_017_CBW1125_StageCoach.indd 17

Scania’s 9.3 litre engine develops 270bhp

mains connection this will reduce to six minutes.”

Engineering Manager at Sunderland, Kim Teasdale, said: “We are still in the process of making changes to accommodate the new buses. The workshop bays are already fitted with louvres to allow exhaust gases to escape and we know we’re going to need gas detectors and some sort of extraction system but we are in discussion with the relevant authorities who are currently trying to decide on exactly what we should have in place to be fully compliant with safety regulations.”

Quiet operation

Two buses from the new intake were lined up to offer visitors a ride. The first one, which I travelled on, covered a circular route of a few miles from the depot down to the coastal road, along the seafront and back to the depot. It quickly underlined

the quiet nature of the engine and proved it had ample power to negotiate any of the inclines in the area. The ride was smooth and comfortable, for the most part, disturbed only by some untreated potholes which jarred the suspension. However, the jarring didn’t result in any annoying body rattles – indicating the body and fittings had been well put together.

The bus warmed up quickly from cold and apart from some steamed up windows it provided a pleasant, passenger friendly environment with comfortable seats and reasonable legroom.

Passengers aboard the bus, which included members of the public, enthusiasts, local journalists, management and dignitaries all said how quiet it was in the saloon. Before entering service in the near future they are to gain WiFi as a further attraction to teenagers and business commuters. n

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17

17/02/2014 19:02

NEWS FOCUS › WINDSOR AND LONDON DUCK TOURS

Duck Tours to the rescue James Day looks at what Windsor Duck Tours and London Duck Tours have been doing to help �lood victims near the Thames in the wake of the recent severe weather While the UK hasn’t had to battle with snow and ice as much as in recent years, this winter is still reportedly the wettest winter the country has seen for 250 years.

The disruption this has caused has been unprecedented, particularly in parts of Somerset, and around the Severn and Thames Valleys.

London Duck Tours, based near Waterloo Station, has been arranging for people to be relocated from their homes using its amphibious DUKWs. One of the DUKWs, ‘Miranda,’ was shown on BBC news evacuating people from properties on Windsor Road outside Egham. The video can be seen at http://www.bbc.co.uk/ news/uk-26126247 .

The operator has also been helping the World Duty Free

corporation, which has had one of its warehouses marooned by the �loods. It is providing what is effectively a corporate bus service through the �lood waters.

London Duck Tours Managing Director, John Bigos, told CBW: “We’ve been helping them with the movement of their staff. It’s important to make sure the staff patterns remain undisturbed.

“Because of our help they can continue to deliver duty free goods to the major airports around London.”

London Duck Tours was the subject of some negative media attention in the latter half of 2013, after one of its vehicles caught �ire.

This was due to buoyancy foam being packed too tightly around the vehicle’s machinery, causing excessive friction which resulted in it catching �ire. However, the vehicles operated by London Duck Tours have not been taken off the road since the incident and indeed have performed exceptionally well when audited. It was therefore

18 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 018_019_CBW1125_Duck Tours.indd 18

Members of the armed forces on board with Windsor Duck Tours perfectly acceptable for the vehicles to be driven through the shallow �loodwaters.

“The DUKW maintenance programmes, record keeping systems, and condition of London Duck Tours’ DUKWs was found to be in excellent condition following the unannounced VOSA inspection on August 10,” John explained.

“The company received a 100% pass rate. Likewise on October 18, Transport for London (TfL) audited and passed without quali�ication London Duck Tours’ health and safety procedures, maintenance systems, and related risk management to comply with the London operating service documentation.”

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 18:29

2,411 Followers

The extent of the Thames flooding is clear in this view

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets

1,795 Likes

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ coachandbusweek

A BRIEF HISTORY

DUKW The DUKWs, affectionately known as ‘Ducks,’ were the product of two very impressive parents, the General Motors Corporation (GMC – who provided the automotive components) and New York City yacht designers Sparkman & Stephens who gave the new vehicles their sea-going capabilities.

During the early days of World War II, the allies were faced with a tactical problem of how they could unload cargo and men from their ships in places where the dock facilities had been destroyed, simply did not exist, or to coastlines which were heavily guarded. The answer was to unload cargo directly onto the beach. An amphibious vehicle

– half boat and half truck that could run on land and water was invented; a DUKW. The code-name DUKW can be broken down into its four constituent letters: l D – First year of production code “D” is for 1942; l U – Body style “U” utility truck (amphibious); l K – Front wheel drive; and l W – Two rear driving wheels (tandem axle) The DUKW played a crucial role in the invasions in Sicily, the Pacific, and D-Day. More than 40% of all over-beach supplies in Normandy were transported by the DUKWs during the first four months. They were originally used to carry supplies ashore, negating the need for loading and unloading of smaller boats.

The DUKW was invented in 1942 as a means to deliver supplies and troops to coastlines without easily usable dock facilities during WW2

Windsor Duck Tours came to the rescue in the Thames Valley “LDT publicly acknowledges the constructive approach of TfL, VOSA, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

LDT will now work with the MCA to undertake the necessary sea borne modifications required.”

Also on hand to help Thames flood victims in Wraysbury in www.coachandbusweek.com

018_019_CBW1125_Duck Tours.indd 19

Berkshire has been another amphibious bus operator, Windsor Duck Tours.

The firm’s owner, Graham Lumley, spoke to CBW after the vehicle was parked up for the day on Wednesday (February 12). He said: “We were called on Monday (February 10) morning by Colin Raynor, a councillor from Horton

and Raysbury, who was Deputy Mayor of Windsor last year. He asked us if we could come and join in with the relief effort, as at that point there was not much help, with the army only arriving at the end of Tuesday.

“We were taking people out of houses, ferrying people around and just generally seeing if people were alright.”

Even with the military involved, there’s a good chance the vehicle could be out helping the flood relief effort for a while longer.

“We’re playing it by ear,” Graham explained. “There’s a particular bit of the Thames which is being held in with a sandbag wall at the moment, but there’s a good chance it could breach.”

Windsor Duck Tours started operating in late October 2013 and uses a purpose-built vehicle licenced to carry 26 passengers, which is styled to look like the historic DUKW, but constructed out of fibreglass. The vehicle, built in 2010, is 11 meters long and eight

foot wide. It is powered by a Volvo Penta 6 cylinder five-litre engine, driving a hydraulic pump, which drives seven motors for the six wheels and one Hamilton Jet. It has a maximum speed of 8-10 knots in water and 30mph on land. It meets DVSA standards for land, and MCA standards for water.

The operator also has a brand new 41-seater hybrid on the way, capable of traversing both road and water. It is currently due for delivery in April.

All Windsor Duck Tours drivers are boatmen with a minimum of tier two qualification for water and category D PSV licences for the road.

Windsor Duck Tours can be reached on 01753 581158.

Visit www.windsorducktours. co.uk and follow the company on Twitter @WindsorDuckTour London Duck Tours can be contacted on 020 7928 3132.

Visit www.londonducktours.co.uk and follow @LondonDuckTours

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19 17/02/2014 19:42

OPERATOR PROFILE › MARSHALLS OF SUTTON ON TRENT

A quarter century of service

Gareth Evans visits Marshalls of Sutton on Trent, a charming family-run operator which has developed a network of local bus services and is now expanding its coach holiday business

The rural nature of the firm’s headquarters can be seen to good effect in this view of Plaxton Profile-bodied Volvo B7R ‘YN04HJV’ – the Trent flows over the bank behind the pick-up

20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 020_024_CBW1125_Marshalls.indd 20

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 17:18

AT A GLANCE Operator: Marshalls of Sutton on Trent Location: Sutton on Trent, Nottinghamshire Fleet size: 29 Contact: 01636 821138 Web: www.marshallscoaches.co.uk Twitter: @Marshallsbuses

A

small �irm in the heart of a rural East Midlands community it may be but Marshalls of Sutton on Trent enjoys an excellent reputation with both its local residents and the wider coach and bus industry alike. Indeed, it’s enough to say the family-run �irm’s motto is ‘Working with the community for the community.’ What’s more, the �irm is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month – and you’ve guessed it, a family-friendly open event involving the local community is due to be held in the summer.

History

John Marshall, the company’s founder, is no stranger at industry events. Indeed, he’s a familiar face at CPT events, most notably the popular annual Coach Conference, in which he is never afraid to speak out for his fellow operators – with his trademark passion and conviction.

It came as no surprise, when, with a cabinet of model coaches, buses and cars on the wall of his of�ice, he said: “I was and still am a bus enthusiast. I’m a car enthusiast too.”

Recalling his �irst involvement in the coach and bus industry, he said: “In the 1960s I became friends with the Managing Director of W Gash & Son of Newark, a good local coach operator.

“I told him I would like to learn to drive a bus.

He asked me if I would be willing to drive a school run for him – as I would be no good to him otherwise. I enjoyed spending a lot of time speaking to him about the engineering side.

I took my test in February 1969 in a Daimler double-decker bus.

Because he was such a good operator, staff retention was high, so it was actually some time before I started driving. I worked there parttime for 20 years.

“I then went to see Ray Brumpton of Brumpton’s, whose son Derek is now at Irizar UK in Worksop. In late 1988 Ray was about to retire. I remember him telling me there was no future in the industry. Me being me, his words gave me determination to give it a go myself.

“I bought a Bedford YLQ 45-seater Plaxton, from W Gash & Son which was �leet number B30 and registered ‘RAU624R.’ It was not the most

John Marshall stands alongside the commemorative crest

www.coachandbusweek.com

020_024_CBW1125_Marshalls.indd 21

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21 17/02/2014 17:18

OPERATOR PROFILE › MARSHALLS OF SUTTON ON TRENT popular coach in the fleet – the others were more powerful, heavyweight Leylands.

“It was off the road with mechanical problems at the time. The General Manager at Gash told me to take it away and if I could fix it, I could buy it – if not, I could bring it back. This was still in service until 2001.

“I applied for an Operators Licence and took an intensive CPC course. Brumpton’s had cancelled the service registration for its weekly market day service from Dunham-on-Trent to Newark, via the west side of the Trent. A replacement was registered by Gash’s.

“In February 1989 we were granted an O-licence and took over the operation of that market day service.”

As the work increased, the fleet expanded with it.

John took up the story: “We won a school contract in the September, which needed a 53-seater. I obtained a Duple Dominant-bodied AEC. The work built up for it. Mind you, there were more OAP groups in those days than there are today.

“My wife and I had operated our own motor spares business from 1982. She ran that while I jumped in the Bedford. We took on a part-time

MEET THE TEAM

driver, which led to a second part-timer.

“One of them was Bill Rich, who was a fantastic man. He didn’t drive during the week, which meant he could get behind the wheel at weekends. He had a great personality – he was an ambassador for us. When he asked for 40 hours a week, because I didn’t want to loose him he became a full-time member of staff. He would do everything – in office and the workshop, as well as out on the road. Sadly, he died of a heart attack in 2000.”

Reflecting the close-knit relationships which form a key part of a family-owned business, John said poignantly: “On the evening before he passed away in February of the year, he hung his cap in the drivers’ room for the last time. It’s been there ever since.”

“In 1991 a friend called me asking for a price for a minibus to take his children to Grantham.

We bought a 30-seater Plaxton-bodied Bristol LHS. It never broke down – well not with passengers on in any case,” he mused.

John continued: “Lincolnshire County Council asked if they could put children on it.

The service grew and grew. We now run five 86-seater double-deckers each day to Grantham.

One starts in Retford at 0655hrs. They’re all

The management: Kenneth Tag, Charlie Marshall & Sally Sloan with Thelma, John & Paul Marshall

Management team Thelma Marshall, Director is John’s better half.

She oversees the processing of all the fares taken by bus drivers and also allocates the related paperwork to the relevant person.

Thelma also contributes to the day to day running of the office on a regular basis.

Paul Marshall, is John and Thelma’s son.

As Engineering Director he is in charge of looking after the vehicle fleet. He and his team undertake all types of engineering work from routine checking to full mechanical overhauls.

Kenneth Tagg, Operations Director joined Marshalls in 1998 as the Office Manager, before being appointed Operations Manager

22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 020_024_CBW1125_Marshalls.indd 22

in 2001. He mainly looks after the day to day management of the vehicles and drivers alike.

Charlie Marshall, Office Manager joined the firm in January 2009. As John’s daughter-inlaw, she is responsible for the holiday and day trip brochures, marketing, publicity and the general running of the office.

Sally Sloan is the Financial Director and is also John and Thelma’s daughter. Having worked in the business before having her three sons, she started her current role in 2001 on a part-time basis to look after the accounts of the business, overseeing every penny earned and spent.

commercial services. The parents can either pay daily or buy passes. There is also spare capacity, which means we provide important commuter links.”

The coach side of the business continued to grow too. As a result, John upgraded both his CPC and the company’s O-licence from National to an International.

As in almost all family firms, one generation often hopes the next one will take care of the family pride and joy – and Marshalls was not exception.

“One day in 1995 I was in Prague on holiday.

Walking down the street on Wenceslas Square, I asked my son Paul, who was 18 at the time, if he was interested in joining the business. Without a second thought, he said ‘yes dad.’ He had completed an agricultural engineering course.

The principles are similar to the PSV industry. He was working for a local tractor dealer at the time.

He gained his PCV at the age of 18.”

History was made in 1998 when the firm acquired its first new coach – a 57-seater Plaxton-bodied Dennis Javelin.

“Through that vehicle I got to know Bob Walmsley, who became a good friend. We still keep in touch,” enthused John.

“In the same year, we acquired our first new low floor bus, a Plaxton Pointer-bodied Dart. We ran it until two years ago. When we wanted to replace it with a newer vehicle, its regular driver didn’t want to loose her bus though.”

“In 2003 we converted the old cow shed to the offices and built a new workshop. All the brick www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 17:18

A cross-section of the bus and coach fleet – an Optare Versa and a Mercedes-Benz Tourino

Above: The firm’s solitary Wright Eclipse Gemini-bodied Volvo B9TL makes an impressive sight in Nottingham city centre. Below: John is enthusiastic about Optare Versas. Both pictures DAVID BELL

structures are listed as buildings of character.

We’re in a conservation area. We’re fortunate to enjoy a good relationship with the local community.

“Our family has been in this village for 300 years. Indeed, much of it was built in 1808. We’re very traditional here,” he said.

“The pit you see in the field alongside is clay-lined. It’s a reminder of our roots as basket makers. The pool was used to soak the willow.

This is reflected in our company crest.”

Business mix

For the past five or six years, the firm has concentrated on developing its local bus service network.

“In 2008 Mark Fowles, MD of Nottingham City Transport (NCT) asked if he could come to see us. He enquired whether we were interested in taking over the Fosse Way Flyer. NCT had closed its Newark depot,” recalled John.

“We took the service on and it’s now doing well.

We operate it using an ADL Enviro 200 and Optare Versas. In addition to standard single and return fares, we also offer 10-trip and monthly tickets.

In 2009 the firm took over the operation of service 37, which passes through Sutton on Trent.

“It had been tendered since deregulation in 1986. It was latterly being operated by Veolia but there were issues with service delivery.

We also operated service 39, which had a common section of route. We registered the 37 commercially. We’re fortunate to have student traffic on it both ways and it also enjoys much www.coachandbusweek.com

020_024_CBW1125_Marshalls.indd 23

customer loyalty. It’s an important service to us,” said John.

Since 2012, the firm has aimed to diversify its workload. This has included running National Express coach duplicates, third party coach tour operator work and rail replacement.

On a coaching note, John added: “While we’ve always done day trips, we’ve not previously operated a lot of our own holidays. However, we’re now increasing the amount of continental work we do. Charlie is really driving it forward.”

The business has not been slow to embrace technology. It’s bus ticketing system is fully ITSOcompliant and in December 2012, the entire fleet was fitted with Fleetmatics Trackers.

Asked why that particular supplier was chosen, Paul replied: “Three or four firms came here to see us but we were impressed with both the costs and service on offer. We have had a couple of little issues but they’ve been dealt with promptly – that’s the important thing.”

Marshalls is currently examining the possibility of equipping its vehicles with CCTV. Recently £7,000 has been invested in specialist diagnostic equipment, which is also available to help other operators.

“It’s even repaired the local dust carts. We can either visit other operators’ premises with our service van or their vehicles can come here,” explained Paul.

Industry participation

As discussed earlier, John is a familiar figure in both the coach and bus sectors of our industry.

His roles include chairing the CPT East Midlands Regional Committee and chairing the East Midlands Transport Information Service (EMTIS), the organisation which runs the local Traveline operation.

“I’m elected by CPT East Midlands members to represent the small operators,” he explained.

Marshalls has been a CoachMarque-accredited operator since 2009. John described it as “a very worthwhile organisation to be part of.” Citing one such example, he said: “It’s not only about the standards, it’s about the relationships we’ve made. A coach broke down on Oxford Street in London on the Sunday before Christmas.

Andersons got it back on the road for us within half an hour. They were great.”

John added: “We’re also members of ALBUM. It’s a good organisation which works together.

We’ve always been made to feel most welcome.”

Fleet

The fleet may be varied but it’s certainly well presented and meets the firm’s operational needs.

The bus fleet includes five traditional Optare Solos, one of which has been owned from new and two of which are ex-NCT examples. Indeed, Marshalls is also notable as operating the first production Solo SR model, registered ‘YJ57EHD’ – a photo of which hangs proudly in the main office.

There are also a pair of Versas – both of which were bought new in 2008 and 2010 respectively.

Other single-decker buses comprise a Reays of

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 23 17/02/2014 17:18

OPERATOR PROFILE › MARSHALLS OF SUTTON ON TRENT The two-bay workshop and yard

Wigton 04-plate ADL Pointer Dart and an Enviro 200 bought new in 2012.

In addition to a solitary H-plate ex Blue Bus Alexander RV-bodied Volvo Citybus, there are half a dozen Volvo and Leyland Olympians, which include examples formerly in service with Lothian Buses and East Thames Buses.

Low floor double-decker buses have entered the fleet in more recent times – with a pair of former NCT East Lancs-bodied Tridents and an 08-plate Wrightbus Gemini-bodied Volvo B9TL an ex Volvo demonstrator.

Plaxton products feature heavily in the coach fleet, on both Dennis and Volvo chassis, with examples of Prima, Profile Panther and Paragon bodywork. With seating capacities from 49 to 53, it is notable that almost all these have been owned from new.

History was made in 2011 when the operator’s inaugural Bova Futura entered service. As the second former Reays vehicle in the fleet, the 58-plate coach seats 53 to full executive specification.

Joining the Mercedes-Benz Tourino acquired new in 2008, a 10-plate example has recently replaced the 14-year old Berkhof-bodied MAN, which went in part-exchange. The firm’s smallest coach is a 29-seater Indcar Maxim 2-bodied Iveco, which has spent its entire life with Marshalls.

At the opposite end of the scale is a 73-seater tri-axle double-decker coach – a former Ferris Holidays Berkhof 2000-bodied Volvo B12BT. The next addition to the fleet will be a brand new VDL Futura 2. The coach will carry a commemorative 25th anniversary livery, which will feature an adaptation of the current colour scheme. It is due to enter service on March 1 in time for the registration change.

Not to be forgotten is the three-strong heritage fleet. Asked what his favourite bus or coach is, John replied without hesitation: “Our 1949-built 24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 020_024_CBW1125_Marshalls.indd 24

Part of the heritage bus and car collection, which is John’s pride and joy Daimler CVG6 double-decker bus. I used to drive it daily on schools. I like Daimler cars too – to the extent I own six. ‘LNN353’ is ex Gash. It’s a lovely thing to drive. We adopted the Gash livery and fleet numbering system.

“My other pride and joy in our former Lincolnshire Road Car 1935-built Leyland Tiger single-decker. It was on route 31 in Sutton on Sea during the East Coast flood of 1953. It was surrounded by water to a depth of four foot 11. 1 inches took it back to Mablethorpe on the anniversary of the flood. The headgasket went en route but it arrived there just 15 minutes late thanks to a friend who runs a recovery firm. I was presented with a framed picture of it by Mablethorpe Town Council.”

The Daimler is currenly under restoration, while the Tiger is having its head gasket repaired.

Open Day

A special Birthday Party Open Event is to be held at the firm’s Sutton on Trent head office on Saturday, July 26.

There will be special offers, a prize draw, live entertainment, refreshment marquee and free gifts.

Due to be launched at the event is the ‘Marshalls Club,’ which will include having a special day out every two months. It will enable loyal customers to get together with friends and family, with lunch included at different venues throughout Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire upon joining. Customers will receive a membership card free of charge.

Entry to the open event will cost £2.50 for adults, with seniors admitted for £2.50 and children 50p. n

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 17:18

p25_CBW_1125

17/2/14

17:13

www.coachandbusweek.com

Page 25

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 25

VEHICLE LAUNCH › EURO 6 VOLVO 9700

A perfectly I balanced proposition Volvo is one of the �irst in the UK with a Euro 6 demonstrator, a tri-axle 9700. While the coach will eventually go to an Irish buyer, it’s now touring other potential customers and Andy Izatt has taken it for a test drive

26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 026_031_CBW1153_Test Drive.indd 26

f you have the budget, the Euro 6 Volvo 9700 deserves very serious consideration.

In terms of �inish, handling and performance, the demonstrator made available to CBW exhibited a level of re�inement that would be hard to beat.

It might come as a surprise to learn that the 9700 is still a body on chassis combination both of which are manufactured at Volvo’s factory in Wroclaw, Poland. The B11R underframe is constructed from high strength carbon steel while the ECE 66.01-compliant body structure comprises 3CR12 stainless steel pro�iles.

Sidewall panelling is made from stainless steel sheet. The roof is aluminium sheet, as are luggage locker doors and access �laps. One piece composite is used for the front and rear.

The 9700 is available in three lengths. The shortest two-axle version is 12.35m while there are two three-axle options, one at 13.05m, the other 13.83m. Power comes from a 10.8-litre D11K engine rated at 380bhp (280kW), 430bhp (316kW) or 460bhp (339kW). Standard gearbox is the automated I-Shift AT2142E with or without manual selection although the ZF EcoLife

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 13:51

VE

I DR ST TE

6AP2000B six-speed automatic with topographydependent TopoDyn is available on the B11R chassis at 380bhp – an option that will be appreciated by operators undertaking a lot of city work. The 9700 is not available with the 2F option.

The demonstrator, which has been built with Volvo’s standard speci�ication, is a 13.05m triaxle with a 460bhp engine. It has independent front suspension. A beam axle is an option on tri-axles, but is standard equipment on two-axle 9700s. The steering tag axle locks above a given speed. A differential lock is optional.

To meet Euro 6, Volvo has combined selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The D11K engine has a ‘hot EGR’ system unlike Volvo’s smaller eight and �ive litre engines where ‘cooled EGR’ is used. A redesigned exhaust system has a single box muf�ler that combines a diesel oxidisation catalyst (DOC) and a diesel particulate �ilter (DPF). How often the DPF needs cleaning depends on the vehicle’s duty cycle. A dashboard warning light will give the drive plenty of advanced notice.

The exhaust system has a regeneration

Taking a leaf out of Van Hool’s book, Volvo has gone for subtle styling enhancements rather than radical change to the look of the 9700. function that burns the soot collected. Ignited diesel from an extra injector in the exhuast system raises the temperature to do this, but eventually the �ilter will need to be cleansed of the resulting ash. It will have to be removed from the vehicle, but Volvo will be making exchange �ilters available through its dealer network. If the vehicle fails to successfully complete on board regeneration automatically, it needs to be undertaken at a workshop, but that does not have to be a Volvo dealer.

The coach in detail

Taking a leaf out of Van Hool’s book, Volvo has gone for subtle styling enhancements rather than radical change to the look of the 9700. Park a Euro 5 coach next to the Euro 6 demonstrator, as we did at Volvo’s Coventry Bus & Coach Sales

Centre after the test drive, and the differences between the two become more noticeable. The result is a softer, more aerodynamic look with restyled front grills. Deep, heated, electrically adjustable rear view mirrors incorporating top mirrors covering the front of the vehicle are slightly more compact and more stylish. On the road, they were vibration free.

The front fairing lifts up to reveal a FIP (Front Impact Protection) bar and spare wheel. The latter is a standard feature, but can be omitted if required. The headlights are equipped with popout water jets. Behind the lift up panel below the driver’s signalling window are the batteries, pairs of 105Ah and 35Ah units for consumer systems and starting the coach respectively.

Volvo Vehicle Co-ordinator, Oliver Walker explained that battery capacity has been

Volvo’s first Euro 6 9700 has already been bought by an Irish customer

www.coachandbusweek.com

026_031_CBW1153_Test Drive.indd 27

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 27 17/02/2014 13:51

VEHICLE LAUNCH › EURO 6 VOLVO 9700

Revisions at the rear include a re-styled window, bumper and vents

Theatre style ramped seating means everyone gets a better view

The front fairing lifts to reveal a Front Impact Protection bar and spare wheel

Power comes from D11K engine driving through an I-Shift gearbox

SPECIFICATIONS

Volvo 9700 Price: Engine: Power: Torque: Euro system: Gearbox: Retarder: Fuel tank: AdBlue tank: Steering: Brakes: Suspension: Axles: Wheels: Luggage cap: GVW: ULW: Warranty:

Length: Width: Height: Wheelbase:

£285,000 Volvo D11K 460hp 2,200Nm Euro 6 SCR + “hot” EGR Volvo I-shift AT2412E Hydraulic, gearbox mounted 600litre 64litre Re-circulating ball, built in servo assistance Disc with ESP, ABS, ASR and electronic braking (EBS5) Two air bags front, four air bags drive axle, two air bags tag axle, all three with anti-roll bars Volvo IFS front, Volvo RS1228C rear drive, hydraulic steered tag Michelin 295/80Rx22.5 with 9.00” rims – 7500kg front axle capacity 9.4m3 24,750kg 15,560kg Two years chassis & body plus 3rd year nominated driveline units to maximum of 455,000kms 13.05m 2.55m 3.74m 6.190m

28 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 026_031_CBW1153_Test Drive.indd 28

split to provide power for what is called the I-Start facility. It means that should the main set become depleted for any reason, power is always available to start the engine and power the onboard systems. The electrical system is Volvo’s enhanced BEA2 with ARMS (Automatic Reset of the Main Switch). If lights, for example, are left on too long, ARMS will shut the battery supply down.

Despite a tri-axle configuration, centre sunken toilet and continental door, 9.4 cubic metres of underfloor luggage capacity is available. This would reduce by two cubic metres if a driver’s sleeping berth is specified. The hot water boiler and a fresh water tank on wheels so it can be easily refilled are mounted on the back wall of the compartment. A vacuum is optional. On the nearside of the luggage locker are valves for filling the fresh water toilet and sink. A third can be used for vehicle washing or for drainage of all tanks – useful in winter when temperatures can fall below zero.

Parallel luggage locker doors are manually operated, but centrally lock. Microswitches trigger a dashboard audible warning if they have not been shut properly. Ski lockers over the rear axles have foldout plastic mats to prevent scratching of the bodywork.

A new rear roof mounted spoiler houses the reversing camera the view from which will no longer be obstructed when the ‘boot lid’ is open.

Reversing sensors are also specified. The Volvo ‘Iron Mark’ is prominent and the bumper has been restyled, as has the rear window. Larger vents are designed to improve airflow around the engine compartment.

The engine is vertical and inline. Access

to consumables is excellent, whether it be coolant, engine oil or power steering and transmission fluid. Two lights can illuminate the compartment. The AdBlue tank, adjacent to the pivoted radiator, is accessed at the rear nearside.

A rear offside panel lifts to provide access to the Euro 6 exhaust system – extensive, but neatly packaged. Fillers for the fuel tank are located both sides above the front axle.

The demonstrator has Alcoa Dura-Bright wheels with Michelin X-Coach 295/80R 22.5 tyres. As Oliver explained, tyre size is a customer choice. “Some want 295, others want 315,” he said. “The tyres fitted to this vehicle are new from Michelin. They offer 7,500kg axle capacity when fitted to nine-inch rims while 295 tyres normally only offer 7,100kg. We would normally fit 315 tyres where the front axle load is higher.

We specified these because they were newly available.”

Passenger aspects

Two 21cm entrance steps (all measurements include carpet) and one of 22cm lead to the platform next to the driver. Another of 24cm takes passengers into the saloon where the aisle is sunken by around 15cm. There is blue LED strip night lighting to the step edges and lining the aisle. A safe has been built into the top step.

While the outswing passenger door is 89cm at its widest, access past the courier seat is around 67cm, reducing to 64cm by the forward decency screens behind the driver. A handrail on the left by the entrance door is well positioned to aid boarding.

Headroom at the front of the saloon is around 216cm, 192cm at the rear before the step up www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 13:51

VE

I DR ST TE

COACHING ASPECTS

Hot water boiler and a fresh water tank on wheels

Lockable water boiler and drinks making facilities

to the back seats where it reduces to 163cm.

Legroom on the nearside ranges between 24cm and 26cm. It’s 33cm behind the forward decency screen. On the offside it’s 22cm to 24cm – 30cm by the forward decency screen, and 33cm behind the one adjacent to the continental door. Rear seats have 22cm to 23cm of legroom.

At floor level the aisle is around 59cm wide although this reduces to 36cm at seat armrest level.

Four steps need to be negotiated to access the saloon from the continental door – three of 28cm and one of 22cm. Throat width is 62cm and access to the centre sunken, demountable fresh water toilet where there is a power handdrier, is good. A lockable water boiler and drinks making facilities are above. When the toilet unit is removed, seating capacity increases by two to 55. The conversion kit including a half toilet door, floor section and double seat come as standard, as does a toolbox. The continental door remains enabling the coach to meet Whole Vehicle Type Approval.

The rear window and five side double-glazed windows are emergency exits, as are the entrance and continental doors and the two Spheros electrically or manually operated roof hatches. The hatches can be lifted from either end or both.

Volvo’s own passenger seats are slimmer profile with slightly lower headrests than their predecessors, each pair being around 7kg lighter.

Those in the demonstrator are trimmed in leather and a velour type material. The squabs are moulded to give better lumber support at the base and are very comfortable. The base of the seat slides out slightly when reclined minimising intrusion for the person sitting behind. Aisle seats also slide out sideways, creating additional space between the pairs, but reducing gangway width by around 10cm. Each seat comes with a magazine net, drop down table and foot rest.

The theatre-style ramped floor is a key selling point of the 9700 and visibility out of the coach, even sat at the rear, is excellent. As well as fulldraw curtains, the dark tinted side windows have manual pull-down blinds.

The climate controlled heating and ventilation www.coachandbusweek.com

026_031_CBW1153_Test Drive.indd 29

Well finished toilet has its own power hand drier

system incorporates floor and bottom of the step-mounted convection radiators and there is also a Spheros (Webasto) pre-heater. As would be expected, air vents are built into the aircraft-style luggage racks above each seat, as are reading lights and courier call buttons. Gas struts ensure the smooth operation of the rack doors.

Bosch supplies the Professional Line 3 CCD/ CCS/CPA multimedia entertainment system, which includes two electrically- controlled dropdown 19-inch LED monitors, one on the front bulkhead, the other above the toilet.

Drivers need to take care when they’re deployed as the latter unit obscures the mirror covering the continental exit. It’s a surprise that a camera hasn’t been specified here.

Driver controls

This driver particularly liked the large 50cm steering wheel, adjustable using a foot pedal. With many coaches and buses having almost car like controls, it’s a constant and welcome reminder of the size of the vehicle. Oliver explained it was

Continental exit has its own convection radiator

down to Whole Vehicle Type Approval.

“There are regulations concerning steering wheel effort required in the event of power steering failure,” he said. “With IFS and 7,500kg axle capacity, the larger 500mm steering wheel is required to fulfil the manual effort demands.

This is the same for 4x2 (two-axle) and 6x2 (three-axle) although we don’t normally need 7,500kg capacity on the front axle for a 4x2.

Then the smaller 450mm steering wheel would come with 295 tyres. A beam axle is ok with a 450mm steering wheel regardless of axle weight.”

The air sprung, fully adjustable Volvo-branded Isringhausen driver’s seat incorporates a microphone activated, again, via a foot pedal.

It has adjustable lumber support, headrest and armrests each side. A mic for the courier is located adjacent to the Volvo-branded VDO tachograph and controls for the Spheros preheater. The seat is heated and quickly warms up, a welcome feature that along with the pre-heater will make this a very inviting vehicle on a cold winter’s morning. The seat also swivels to the

The driver’s binnacle remains unchanged from Euro 5 but the digital display is new February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 29 17/02/2014 13:52

VEHICLE LAUNCH › EURO 6 VOLVO 9700

Ski lockers over the rear axles have foldout plastic mats to prevent scratching nearside and a little to the offside enabling the driver to face passengers as they board, and get in and out of more easily.

While the binnacle is the familiar Volvo standard, the same as at Euro 5, the digital instrument display has been updated. As expected there are pressure gauges for the turbo, engine oil and air for the brakes as well as the speedometer and rev counter. The green band is from 1,100 to 1,800rpm. There is also a range of system indicator and warning lights.

The digital display itself includes all the data a driver would expect as well as showing diagnostics information. Time, trip and immediate fuel consumption (in litres or gallons) as well as gear, retarder and cruise control selection are all displayed. Whether the toilet is being used is indicated, as is whether the continental door is open. That’s accompanied by an audible alarm.

A Bosch dashboard monitor is for the reversing

THE VIEW INSIDE

Oliver Walker demonstrates the contents of the Volvo Blue Box. These are the seatback safety cards camera and sat-nav which can also be displayed through the monitors. Controls to the left of the main display cover refrigerator, water boiler and toilet activation, right and left luggage hatch central locking, both doors, entrance kneeling which reduces the distance to the road by around 9cm, interior lighting, passengers’ individual lighting and night lighting. There is also a switch that enables the doors to be opened, or not from the outside. The entrance door can be opened externally using a button in the door handle or on the inside using one above the door.

There are dashboard vents and a convection heater by the driver’s seat. Simple controls adjacent to that set the saloon temperature and air recirculation, but also give the driver complete control over his or her own environment.

To the right of the main display is the reversing sensor display and controls for the electric

Neatly styled reading lights, blowers and a call button in the racks

Dashboard storage compartment has a mirror on lid underside

As well as full-draw curtains there are manual window blinds

A mirror gives the driver a view of the continental exit and toilet

30 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 026_031_CBW1153_Test Drive.indd 30

Offside rear there is access to the extensive Euro 6 exhaust system sunblind, upper screen wiper with its own water jet, and driver’s lighting. A single light switch is for different settings for the fog lights, indicators and fogs, instrumentation lighting and hazards as well as parking, driving and spots.

A switch for the rear axle is not an axle lift.

When the switch is pressed, it dumps air from the tag axle suspension, thereby increasing the load on the drive axle. It is intended to help if there is a traction problem. There is also a traction control function that is part of the EBS system. If one of the wheels starts to spin, then that brake is applied to stop it.

Other switches cover washers for the front headlights, ferry lift, a master switch and an emergency electrical cut-off. There is also the parking brake. Hill hold comes as standard so no rollback between disengaging the parking brake and pressing the accelerator.

If an air drop disables the parking brake, a broms brake located by the driver’s right knee will keep the brake engaged. An adjacent air valve can be used to pump up a tyre. As well as a pocket for maps and documents under the signalling window, there is also a 12v supply connection. Behind the driver’s seat is a pocket for a roadside warning triangle and Volvo has thoughtfully supplied two hooks for coats and jackets.

The front windscreen blind is powered and meshed on the nearside so passenger forward vision isn’t compromised too much. The signalling window is heated and powered, and there is a manual blind. There are no péage windows on either side of the vehicle although they’re options.

A fire extinguisher is located under the front nearside passenger seat while the first aid box is in the second section of the overhead nearside rack. A lockable cupboard is by the courier seat. Another compartment in the nearside dashboard has a mirror on the underside of the lid. Adjacent is a drinks holder moulded in to the dashboard and a protruding cool box. Both compartment and cool box are also lockable.

Oliver pointed out that included as standard is a Volvo ‘Blue Box’. Inside are all the vehicle’s manuals covering everything from the gearbox to the toilet, digital tachograph and heating system, all in a leather case. There are also driver handbooks, a safety DVD that can be played to passengers, seatback safety cards, audio visual equipment manuals and a remote, and a DVD for the sat-nav as well as a remote for that as well.

Details of the Volvo Europe-wide service support network are also included, as is a card explaining all the binnacle controls. n www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 15:19

VE

I DR ST TE

IN DEPTH

SECOND SECTION:

A25.6 Volvo 9700: Test driving the coach in the Midlands Euro A17.

A18.

A11. Roadside infrastructure includes a control unit and two cooling systems for the primary coils

Euro 5 and Euro 6 Volvo 9700 compared at the Coventry Bus & Coach Sales Centre. The subtle styling changes become more obvious Our route from Volvo’s Coventry Bus & Coach Sales Centre aimed to encompass a range of road and traffic conditions. On the day, the weather was generally cloudy with the sun breaking through from time to time and there was ever so occasional light rain.

Visibility was good.

We joined the A45 Stonebridge Highway travelling west. A dual carriageway, it was restricted to one lane because of roadworks.

It was then on to the A46 dual carriageway travelling southwest towards Warwick, home to Volvo Bus in the UK. From the driver’s seat it was almost as if we were floating on air. Engine noise was barely perceptible although an air pressure regulating valve did very occasionally blow off. Ride quality just has to be described as stunning.

The steering wheel cruise control made for easy adjustments to our speed. The retarder could be stalk activated or operated through the footbrake peddle in conjunction with the foundation brakes. Three intermediary settings on the stalk gave progressively, but noticeably greater retardation block changing down the gearbox. For smooth deceleration, the footbrake was the best option.

Traffic on the A46 was light, but on the M40 heading west and then on to the M42 there were

www.coachandbusweek.com

026_031_CBW1153_Test Drive.indd 31

plenty of articulated lorries on the inside lane. One in particular, running for Downton was making best use of the middle lane to get past them. We could have pushed past 60mph on to the limiter to get past him, but that would have been illegal for a coach of this length. Frustratingly it meant we didn’t have an open lane to test the 9700 on the long incline west of Junction 2 where the M42 meets the A441.

On the M5 heading south we happily motored along at 60mph in 12th gear at 1,300rpm. The 9700 was proving to be a real joy to drive. There just wasn’t anything to comment on. At Junction 6 we joined the A4538 south doing 45mph in 11th gear at 1,200rpm.

The A422 carries plenty of traffic including its fair share of articulated lorries. It’s often narrow and winding, but we made steady progress at 40mph in 10th gear at 1,400. Average trip fuel consumption topped 12.6mpg.

This driver isn’t a fan of a single blind across the full width of the windscreen. With a bright sky I had it positioned low, but had to raise it because, even meshed on the left-hand side to aid forward visibility for passengers, it was part obscuring the nearside mirror.

The junction with the A441 and B4088 was an opportunity to

put the hill hold to test and it performed impeccably.

On the A46 heading east towards Stratford-upon-Avon we undertook an acceleration test. With the 12-speed automated I-Shift, engine revs never go outside the green band and it happily block changes when appropriate during normal acceleration. Fourth, seventh, ninth and then tenth from a standing start on flat terrain is typical. There is no rushing an automated. It was 0 to 30mph in 15.21 seconds, 23.34 seconds to 40 mph and 29.75 seconds to 50mph during our acceleration test.

The A46 also provided us with a steep hill west of Stratford and we were able to maintain a steady 41mph in 11th gear only dropping to 10th near the top. Stratford is often regarded as England’s second tourist attraction after London. It can be a busy place, but there was little traffic as we made our way through the centre. A Stagecoach Enviro400 kindly gave way as we negotiated a parked car in narrow Wood Street, and the 9700 manoeuvred perfectly on the tight roundabout with Bridge Street.

It was time to let Oliver takeover so I could experience the coach from a passenger’s point of view.

To find a suitable lay-by to stop we re-joined the A46 heading east at the Avon Park roundabout

using the roundabout with the A3400 to re-trace our steps and head back to Coventry. It also furnished another opportunity for a hill climb and the 9700 kept to 50mph all the way in 11th gear at 1,400rpm. Oliver maintained a steady 60mph as we used the A46 dual carriageway to return to base.

We had covered 95.7miles averaging, according to the vehicle’s diagnostics, 11.7mpg.

Volvo’s own figures across a range of operating conditions are between 10.8mpg and 11.8mpg.

The manufacturer has worked hard to dispel the perception that its coaches are less fuel efficient than competitors and certainly based on our little test drive, it has succeeded.

2014 is going to be an interesting year for coach sales as some dealers take advantage of the legislative loophole that allows them to continue selling cheaper Euro 5 product well after what had been expected to be the cut off date at the turn of the year. For manufacturers like Volvo which plan for such changes well in advance and gear their production accordingly, there isn’t maybe the same flexibility, but in a sense the Euro 5/Euro 6 debate is a sideshow given the overall price of this vehicle. The 9700 was a truly refined travelling experience that ticked all the boxes.

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 31 17/02/2014 15:19

699493-1125-EVM

17/2/14

12:42

Page 1

MINIBUS The essential read for Minibus Operators

February 2013

Mountain Goat – a resilient spirit

T

his month’s Minibus takes a close look the activities of Mountain Goat which is a classic tale of developing a business to fit the circumstances of what is a beautiful but sparsely populated area. As most commercial enterprises know, a well-vaunted measure of success often equates to the number of chimney pots they have within their operating area.

Mountain Goat has turned this on its head and makes its living mainly out of incoming tourism – through marketing its own tours, excursions and holidays. Interestingly, it has developed partnerships with incoming tour operators and provides extended services for them by taking passengers into the lonely, remote and rarely seen Lake District beauty spots which are inaccessible to full-sized touring coaches.

There’s much more underpinning the operation, including ownership of two hotels, the operation of a ferry in holiday season and growth in small party excursions or tours of the area. It’s clear – being flexible and having

www.coachandbusweek.com

033_CBW1121_MINIBUS_Opener.indd 33

the ability to cope with diversity allows Mountain Goat to thrive.

Next month the first of the new in-house EvoBus range of Euro 6 minibuses is due to arrive at Coventry. They include coach specification Sprinter Travel, the accessible Sprinter Mobility and the lowfloor Sprinter City. No mention has been made of the Transfer – although I understand this has now become the new Traveliner and will form the basis of in-house minibuses marketed through selected Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle outlets. This new tactic may begin, quite slowly, to affect traditional buying patterns for everyday vehicles. However, it’s hard to see where even the EvoBus Travel 45s can steal much of the market for executive style minicoaches which is so closely associated with individual choice and bespoke specifications.

Martin Cole MINIBUS Editor

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 33 17/02/2014 20:05

MINIBUS › NEWS

2,411 Followers

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets

1,7895 Likes

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ coachandbusweek

EVM secures two fleet deals Both Go-Gutsi in London and Airporter in Northern Ireland receive 16 minicoaches

EVM has secured two significant fleet deals – each for 16 minicoaches – one with Go-Gutsi in London and the other Airporter of Derry.

Airporter specified a fleet of Sprinter Avantgardes in executive trim with seating arrangements from 13 to 16. They are based on Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 Cdi platforms with 163nhp engines and manual gearboxes.

Airporter also opted for EVM’s plug-type power door, integrated three-stage entry steps with LED strip lights and stainless steel inserts, stepped double glazing, in-dash air conditioning supported by Eberspacher saloon air-conditioning and heating.

Mercedes-Benz Sound 20 head systems were selected and power inverters installed to supply multiple plug points throughout the vehicles.

Seats in both 13 or 16-seat versions are EVM Executive Class with three-point seat belts, folding arm rest to aisle sides, trimmed in two colour real leather with the rear set in conference layout. The Avangardes were all fitted with

Airporter of Derry specified Sprinter Avantgardes, based on the Sprinter 516 Cdi X-Clusive body styling kits and chrome packs.

Airporter provides a direct coach service connecting Derry/ Londonderry with the Belfast Airports and carries 80,000 passengers a year on the airport route. Airporter is an award winning transport company and recognized throughout the industry in delivering in customer service. In addition to the scheduled service, Airporter provides private airport transfers and general vehicle hire for golf, special events and conference or incentive travel.

Niall McKeever of Airporter is a long term customer of EVM and cites the company’s consistent ability to deliver a quality product

on time as his reason for buying.

Go-Gutsi Executive Transfer of London took delivery of 16 EVM Sprinter Elegance 16-seat minicoaches. These were also Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 Cdi models with 163bhp engines plus automatic gearboxes. They were finished in Mercedes-Benz silver and completed in Go-Gutsi livery.

The operator chose original manual opening passenger entry doors with EVM integrated three stage entry step, stepped double glazing throughout, in-dash air-conditioning plus saloon air conditioning and heating.

Meredes-Benz Sound 20 head units were selected with DVD players and freeview digital TV boxes supporting monitors at the

front and rear of each vehicle.

Seats are also EVM Executive Class upholstered in two-colour real leather, with the rear set in conference layout. EVM Body Styling and Chrome Packs were also fitted.

GUTSi Executive Transfer claims it is a smart, intuitive minibus hire company in London offering unique and luxurious transport around the capital and the UK at unbeatable value. Its minibus fleet aims to deliver style and elegance, with unrivalled service standards and an atmosphere of flawless quality. The company operates executive cars and minibuses from nine to 16 seats with all vehicles equipped to the highest specification – including leather seats, climate control, Sky TV, WiFi, DVD players, charging points, tables and complimentary papers and magazines. Through Go-Gutsi’s extensive partnership network, built upon years of experience as a London minibus hire company, it can arrange transport on almost any form of vehicle – large or small, conventional, hybrid or electric, from limos to coaches.

Go-Gutsi’s Nick Monger-Godfrey said EVM’s custom design options and ability to deliver on such a large order was his reason for

Coach House receives Euro 5 Sprinter New EVM Sprinter for Milburn Luxury

Coach House Travel of Dorset has taken delivery of a new Euro 5 EVM Sprinter from EVM. It is based on a Mercedes-Benz 516 Cdi with a 163bhp engine with an automatic gearbox. The Piddlehinton-based operator chose to retain the standard cab entrance door suitably modified to suit the stock EVM three-step entrance stepwell incorporating stainless steel inserts and LED lighting strips.

In-dash air-conditioning coupled with Mercedes-Benz saloon air-conditioning and a saloon heater were specified to provide comprehensive climate control.

Passenger entertainment comes

from the new Mercedes Sound 20 head unit, with DVD player plus TV monitor at the front of the saloon.

It accommodates 16 passengers on EVM Executive Class seats with three-point seatbelts, folding arm rest to aisle sides and trimmed in Epengle moquette. Stepped double glazing with privacy tinting was installed and the exterior enhanced with a colour coded EVM body styling kit.

Les Watts of Coach House Travel said he was very pleased with the new 16-seater and claimed the short delivery time and comprehensive warranty available were deciding factors for choosing EVM.

34 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | February 19, 2014 034_CBW1121_MINIBUS_News.indd 34

Milburn Luxury Coaches of Birtley, Northumberland, has acquired a new EVM Elegance Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 Cdi. It features a 163bhp engine and six-speed manual gearbox.

The new vehicle retains the original passenger entrance door which is modified to suit the EVM three step entrance. It has a large drop boot to accommodate luggage, is fitted with 16 EVM Executive Class seats, stepped double glazing, in-dash and saloon air-conditioning, Sound 20 head unit with DVD and 15” monitor plus an EVM body styling kit and chrome pack.

Established by Ossie Smith

just after the Second World War, the business is now run by his daughter Gloria, along with her husband Hughie and other members of the Milburn family.

What began as a minibus service transporting children from remote farms and villages to link up with their main school buses has evolved into a modern business, offering tours and private hire.

With the Northumberland National Park on its doorstep, it is ideally placed to serve the needs of ramblers.

Call 01434 230696.

Visit www.milburnluxury coaches.co.uk

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 19:03

699951-1125-Eberspacher

14/2/14

13:00

Page 1

THE BIG PICTURE This photograph, taken by Richard Whittle, captures one the Mountain Goat MercedesBenz Sprinter 311 CDis crossing Church Bridge in Grassmere. The company operates a fleet of 16 of these 16-seaters, a mixture of 311 and 313 CDis, during peak summer alongside an eight-seater Renault Trafic, plus a couple of Mercedes-Benz Vianos which the company finds ideal for shuttle duties or for exclusive small party tours. They are seven-seat examples with the extended body to give additional luggage space.

036_037_CBW1125_Big Picture.indd 36

17/02/2014 12:52

036_037_CBW1125_Big Picture.indd 37

17/02/2014 12:52

p38_CBW_1125

17/2/14

17:07

Page 38

Yutong TC12

38 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

MINIBUS › OPERATOR FOCUS

Mountain Goat Agile and nimble – the Mountain Goat minibuses can access the places other operators cannot reach to provide tourists with unique and spectacular views

W

hile Mountain Goat gainfully employs its 16seat minibuses to access the remote and more inaccessible areas of the Lake District it also has diverse interests in areas of conventional touring and excursions for incoming tourists, runs its own holiday and tour programmes, runs a daily ferry service across Windermere during the holiday season, targets adventure holiday fans with specialist outdoor activities – such as Go Ape, and works with incoming tour coach operators to provide extensions to the packages they can offer their own clients.

Mountain Goat has worked alongside Shearings for some time. It offers the larger company access to elements

www.coachandbusweek.com

039_041_CBW1121_MINIBUS_Feature.indd 39

A day in the Life of a Mountain Goat Driver/Guide

of the local attraction it could not satisfy with its large coaches and, importantly, it potentially frees up a coach to return outgoing holidaymakers and return the next day with a party beginning its holiday. On the other hand – it can just provide a rest day for the driver which might mean there would be no need to double crew a coach.

Mountain Goat’s Commercial Director Peter Brendling, said: “We’ve worked with large tour operators like Shearings for some time. It’s a very good arrangement for both parties.”

It certainly provides a lot of �lexibility for a fullsized coach party. Passengers may not all want to explore the same attractions but Mountain Goat could supply three minibuses to cater for the whole party – with all three going to same place or in completely different directions.

“Variety, they say, is the spice of life. As a Mountain Goat driver/guide one certainly has plenty of variety! Variety in the changing scenery through the seasons, the different areas we drive through and in the passengers we take. Many are British but in eight years I have had passengers from almost eighty different countries!

“For more than 40 years now the company has been taking visitors, and some locals, on tours of the stunning scenery here and the driver/guides are the ‘face’ of the business.

The day begins for us checking our allocated vehicle and then collecting our passenger list from the of�ice. Sometimes this will be a group all at the same hotel, but more often will entail visiting several hotels and guest houses to collect the passengers. This can be the trickiest part of the day, for it seems there must be hundreds of accommodation providers in the Windermere/Ambleside area! The larger groups have often come to the Lakes on a coach holiday, though we do also collect groups of Americans at Manchester airport. Taking these groups out of course requires several of our smaller vehicles travelling together, which gives the three or more drivers the opportunity to chat and compare notes during the stops.

Exclusive, spectacular views of the Lake District can be accessed only with small vehicles

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 39 17/02/2014 16:50

MINIBUS › OPERATOR FOCUS Malcolm Brooks

“We then set off to show, and tell, the group about the area. Although the tour routes are usually prescribed by the company, we do have the opportunity to ‘tweak’ them as we go, depending on the passengers, the traffic and, of course, the weather! On days when the cloud comes right down the commentary becomes even more important, to make up for the lack of views, although I have been amazed at how philosophical the passengers are – the reputation of the Lake District’s weather has, sadly it seems, spread throughout the world.

Having said that, we rarely have a completely bad day, as the weather moves through the fells and we travel around as well. The basic ‘bones’ of the commentary are supplied by the company, but each driver/guide develops his/her own ‘patter’ over time. Indeed regular customers who take the same tours year in year out comment on how different the commentary can be – given they are being taken the usual route.

“The company uses 16-seater Mercedes-Benz minibuses which enable us to get to remote

places many visitors simply would not easily find themselves. The main tours obviously focus on the Lake District National Park, including of course our famous High Adventure tour over the Wrynose and Hardknott passes – an interesting drive! In the afternoon we visit Wastwater – ‘Britain’s Favourite View’, ride on

This is one of the reasons we work closely with several of the large coach tour operators. Firstly we can get our 16 seater minibuses where they can’t go with the larger buses La’al Ratty Narrow gauge Railway and have a break at Muncaster Castle. The Ten Lakes Tour includes the Kirkstone and Honister passes, Keswick and Grasmere as well as the ‘ten lakes’ in the title, with a cruise on one of them, while the Beatrix Potter tour concentrates on the area around Hawkshead and Near Sawrey

40 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | February 19, 2014 039_041_CBW1121_MINIBUS_Feature.indd 40

visiting Hill Top and Tarn Hows and including a cruise on Coniston Water. However, other tours do include the area further east, heading into the Eden Valley, the Yorkshire Dales and to Hadrian’s Wall. All the tours include short stops and a longer lunch break, and brief halts for photos. However, we do have to keep

to a schedule because there is so much of interest to fit in and we arrive back to return the passengers to their accommodation late afternoon.

“The story is told that the name of the company was suggested by two French visitors who, back in 1972, compared a Mountain Goat

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 16:50

Mountain Goat can get right to the heart of the countryside

vehicle on the Kirkstone Pass to ‘un chèvre des montagnes’. There are no wild goats in Cumbria, but this simple fact didn’t stop the driver/ courier on one of the coach holidays convincing his passengers they were going to see or ride real goats. To say they were mightily relieved when three of us turned up to take them out for the day would be an understatement.

“Variety, as mentioned; being one’s own ‘boss’ for the day (but with back-up, if necessary, from the office and vehicle depot) and hearing the comments of the passengers at the end of the day, make the job worthwhile and pleasurable.

The expected accolades – beautiful, wonderful, breathtaking are often heard, but probably the most common are ‘I wish I could live here’ and ‘I would love to do your job’. The Mountain Goat driver/guides not only live here but have the privilege of also working amid some of the best scenery in the world.

Range of services

Mountain Goat operates ‘The Cross Lakes Experience’ daily throughout the summer from

www.coachandbusweek.com

039_041_CBW1121_MINIBUS_Feature.indd 41

Bowness-on-Windermere. A connecting ferry service allows visitors to cross to the western shore of Windermere to join the minicoach service and travel onward to visit Hill Top (the house of Beatrix Potter in the hamlet of Near Sawrey), the picturesque village of Hawkshead with its delightful church, Wordsworth’s Grammar School and the Beatrix Potter Gallery.

“Onward connections are available to Coniston Water where passengers can enjoy a cruise and visit Brantwood, John Ruskin’s home, or to Grizedale Forest for the high-level fun of Go Ape, mountain biking and the new visitor centre.

Mountain Goat’s sister company owns two local hotels and has access to a range of accommodation to suit all tastes. Its own holiday breaks include transfers from Windermere railway station, one or more of our famous day tours and accommodation in either Windermere or Bowness-on-Windermere.

Customers can choose between a traditional lakeland guest house or the four-star Lindeth Howe County House Hotel, with fine two AA Rosette dining.

“It’s not all about incoming tourism either.

Tours will take locals or visitors into the Yorkshire Dales or Hadrian’s Wall and a full programme of December Christmas shopping trips is offered which includes destinations like Manchester’s Trafford Park and Sheffield’s Meadowhall.”

Peter Brendling added: “Malcolm is typical of Mountain Goat Driver Guides. Not only does he have a detailed knowledge of all of the Lake District’s twisty and narrow mountain roads but he has a passion for the history and life of the Lakes.

“This is one of the reason we work closely with several of the large coach tour operators. Firstly we can get our 16 seater minibuses where they can’t go with the larger buses. It enables their customers to get an even better experience of the Lake District and enhances the operator’s tours even more. With our drivers having that detailed local knowledge means that customers get to see some of the great little places that they might otherwise miss.

“The Lake District is also the perfect place to attract younger more active customers. As well as our more traditional tours, we have been developing tours for the adventurous where customers can swing on ropes high in the trees and cross 100 foot drops on a wire bridge.

“We are not ignoring the more traditional customer who wants to take in the fantastic scenery over the high passes and visit some of our many historic places like Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top. “We are very fortunate to have The fourstar Lindeth Howe Hotel as our sister company formerly a house owned by Beatrix Potter, which means we can offer luxury accommodation should customers want to have a longer stay in the Lakes. This often appeals to our Japanese customers who seem to take a great interest in Beatrix Potter.

“For our younger customers who might be on a tight budget we work very closely with the YHA and local B&Bs. “Like a lot of tour companies we are looking at what we can do to attract more people and feel that working in partnership with other operators and providers is key, with us all doing what we are best at. However the cornerstone of Mountain Goat will always be our drivers and their passion for the Lake District.”

From humble beginnings in 1972, with a single minibus used to re-establish a village link between Bowness-on-Windermere and Glenridding-on-Ullswater, Mountain Goat has risen to become the area’s leading tour operator. Its local knowledge and experience can add significant enhancement to passenger enjoyment. n Check out the website at www. mountain-goat.co.uk - or call Peter on 01539 445249.

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 41 17/02/2014 16:50

Send your technology news to Technical Editor Martin Cole martin.cole@coachandbusweek.com or call 01733 293245

NEWS › PRODUCTS

PFC Brakes after confirms £60k savings for NCT

PFC brake pads offer double life and reduced costs Results of an initial trial indicate PFC Brakes dramatically outperform their competitors and significantly reduce disc wear, leading to substantial financial and time savings.

An extended trial with Nottingham City Transport (NCT) and subsequent trouble free use have demonstrated PFC Brakes offer fleet operators the opportunity to make considerable cost savings by simply switching brake pad supplier.

The trial, led by NCT, monitored pad and disc wear on two Scania double decker buses, which are used daily around the city. The results confirmed that the PFC Brakes would cover 156,000km compared to the existing pads, which last, on average, 85,000km.

Crucially, the less abrasive PFC Brakes compound meant that disc life was also doubled – further reducing costs and workshop time.

In the first trial the 21mm PFC pads and new (separately purchased) 44mm discs were fitted

to the rear axle of bus 743.

They were then monitored and measured by both PFC and NCT on a six weekly basis. Over an 11 month period, the discs remained at 44mm and the pads had only worn by 5mm, despite having covered 52,000km, using the previous pad specification new discs would typically be needed after the second set of pads. A second trial using PFC Brakes’ pads fitted on the front axle of bus 720 returned equally pleasing results, with just 4mm of wear over 40,000km and, again, a lifespan of up to four years. With less time in the workshop, NCT calculated it would save £60,000 if it rolled PFC Brakes’ pads out across the fleet.

“Following the successful trial with PFC pads NCT now fits these as standard across the fleet of double deckers,” says Graham Smith, NCT’s engineering manager. “This has also included the vehicles in the Network fleet at Parliament Street depot which now totals 220 vehicles. The fleet includes Scania double

deckers ranging from 2003 up to 2014 models. This also makes standardising on one pad type much simpler to control and gives the company possible saving of over £60,000. As Parliament Street is a big bus depot with only 11 midibuses it was easy to convert all vehicles to PFC once the warranty period had expired.”

Since 1953 PFC Brakes has manufactured brakes in the USA, notably for the automotive and motorsport industry where it is already supplying large fleets such as U-Haul and FedEx. Thanks to its ability to offer significant cost savings through its patented Carbon Metallic compounds, the Oxfordshire-based European division is now expanding its CV business across the UK and Europe.

“Our Carbon Metallic compounds have been proven to offer longer life with less maintenance on US duty cycles,” says PFC Brakes Europe’s Managing Director, Peter Babbage, “This and other carefully monitored projects in the UK has highlighted the benefits

for European operators to make valuable savings through a simple pad change.”

All PFC Brakes’ pads rely on a Carbon Metallic compound, with specific constructions for each application. Derived from the harsh motorsport environment, where the firm has won more championships than any other brake manufacturer, the carbon material in a metallic matrix improves thermal stability, stopping power and noise. In line with all PFC Brakes’ products, the pads exceed current and planned US legislation for copper content which is very likely to be introduced in Europe in the future.

Following the success to date, NCT is now also using PFC Brakes’ components on its Solo and Versa vehicles.

For more information, please visit www.pfcbrakes. com. Or contact: PFC Brakes Sales: Richard Ledger - Tel: +44 (0)1295 221 025 Email: rledger@pfcbrakes.com

Giti Tire prepares for further expansion with new UK office Giti Tire has moved its UK headquarters to prestigious new 3,000sq ft offices in Northwich, Cheshire as the company prepares for further British and panEuropean expansion.

The new facility will house the passenger car, SUV and light truck (PCR) and commercial truck and bus (TBR) operations across the three main mid-market brands, GT Radial, Primewell and Runway.

Giti Tire has made several key appointments this year including Neil Hendry, Internet Strategy and E-Commerce Manager - Europe

and Sujata Achuthan, Business Systems Manager who are based in the UK. Richard Lyons, Managing Director - Europe for Giti Tire, said: “The company started sales and retail operations in the UK in 2009, since then we have launched successful operations throughout Europe and achieved substantial market penetration in the PCR and TBR segments.

“To outgrow our existing facilities in just four years is testament to both the quality of products on offer and the

42 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 042_043_CBW1124_Products.indd 42

L-R Members of the Giti Tire team including Matt Mardle, Customer Service Manager, Tony McHugh, Sales and Marketing Director (UK) - Commercial Tires, Richard Lyons, Managing Director - Europe and Peter Foulkes, Marketing Director Europe - Commercial Tires.

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 12:53

2,411 Followers

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets

1,795 Likes

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ coachandbusweek

Shell ultrasonic fuel sensor enhances accuracy of fuel consumption data and fraud detection Shell has launched a new Ultrasonic Fuel Sensor for Shell FuelSave Partner, its advanced fuel management telematics system for commercial vehicles.

The innovative device precisely detects fuel levels in up to two fuel tanks. In doing so, it improves the accuracy of the fuel consumption data assessed by Shell FuelSave Partner, enhancing its ability to detect fraudulent activity, estimate fuel costs for routes, and identify opportunities to help generate fuel savings by adjusting driver behaviour.

The Ultrasonic Fuel Sensor is a bespoke, non-intrusive fuel reading solution developed

by Shell specifically for Shell FuelSave Partner. The device can capture the full tank capacity of a vehicle when in motion and, due to its unobtrusive design, be installed on a wide range of vehicles. The Ultrasonic Fuel Sensor has also been designed to minimise the potential for removal or tampering by unauthorised personnel.

Sophie Fenner, Smart Transport Project Manager, Shell, said: “Shell FuelSave Partner offers road transport fleet customers value through the insights it provides – be they in fuel consumption trends or help in fraud detection. The precision

Nutexa works with the Manufacturing Advisory Service to improve production Nutexa Frictions Ltd in Hoylake on the Wirral manufactures an extensive range of brake linings and disc brake pads for bus, coach, truck, trailers and mobile cranes.

It also exports worldwide, with overseas sales accounting for around 60% of annual turnover.

Earlier this year, the directors were looking to target new markets abroad and identified a need within the business to streamline and improve manufacturing processes before they could begin to look at new export opportunities. Now, thanks to the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), Nutexa is able to take the brakes off its expansion plans and continue to grow its overseas client base.

Nutexa Managing Director Janet Sergeant recognised they didn’t have the in-house experience to make the changes required, so contacted the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) for help. Following a manufacturing review with MAS Advisor Mark Sutherberry, business improvement specialist Bob Unsworth was brought in to help the company implement a major improvement project which identified the skills needed to support the business and how it could access the right funding.

As a result, Nutexa has now designed new production equipment, improved existing www.coachandbusweek.com

042_043_CBW1124_Products.indd 43

processes to reduce lead-times and refined the current job costing method. The company now has a new production machine in place enabling it to meet higher demand from clients; one new job has been created and there has been an increase overall in the profitability of jobs.

Janet said: “Bob quickly identified what improvements were needed right across our business and he worked with the team on the shop floor to design and specify exactly the type of new machinery needed.

As well as being more productive, we have also changed the way we cost our products, which is already helping the business to become more profitable.”

MAS Advisor Mark Sutherberry said: “Nutexa is the type of manufacturing company which is the backbone of the sector in this country. It’s great at what it does and knew it could do it better, which is where MAS was able to step in with funding and advice. The new machinery and improved processes means that Nutexa is much more confident of being able to supply extra demand both in the UK and when supporting the overseas sales drive.”

For further information about MAS support visit www.mymas.org or follow @ mas_works on twitter.

of these insights is influenced by the accuracy of the fuel level data the device receives. The design of standard fuel gauges often limits the accuracy of fuel level data in certain operating ranges. The Ultrasonic Fuel Sensor has been specially developed to provide a high degree of accuracy no matter how much fuel is in the tank.”

The Ultrasonic Fuel Sensor for Shell FuelSave Partner is available to all commercial road transport fleets as of today in the UK for a monthly charge. Shell FuelSave Partner customers need only to ask their account manager for the Ultrasonic Fuel Sensor as an additional option. Interested

parties who are not Shell FuelSave Partner customers are required to sign up The Ultrasonic for the standard Fuel Sensor can service with the capture the full supplementary tank capacity Ultrasonic Fuel of a vehicle Sensor option. when in motion For more information, visit http://www.shell. co.uk/gbr/products-services/ on-the-road/card-services/ shell-fuel-card-for-business/ fleet-management/fuel-

Sprint WiFi announce an innovative mobile package

Sprint WiFi is a public WiFi system designed to be installed in buses, taxis, trains and trams worldwide.

Sprint is powered by the 4G cellular networks and developed alongside partner Network Utilities (Systems) Ltd to create a high speed, secure, and easy to use solution meeting the growing demand for WiFi on the move.

A recent survey completed by users using Sprint on a rural bus route revealed 100% of users found the service useful, 95% of users would actively use bus routes more if they had WiFi installed and a further 40% said that if they were waiting at a bus stop they would wait for a bus with WiFi before travelling.

In addition to the high speed data connection the products unique login facility is the backbone of the solution. It allows for the gathering of marketing data as well as acting as a platform for both video and banner advertising. It is claimed to be the only cellular solution fully compliant with UK and EU legislation on recording users details and data transmitted over public WiFi. Users must login before gaining access to the internet either through an account setup with their mobile number and

email address, or with their Facebook or Twitter ID. Sprint records, encrypts and stores this information. The login facility allows the owner of the Sprint WiFi to gather marketing data such as customer names, email addresses, and telephone numbers and records when those users are online.

Sprint WiFi is designed to allow for an ‘ads-for-access’ model whereby users watch a 15 second video advertisement in return for 15 minutes of free WiFi this would allow the operator to reduce the overall cost of the solution through advertising revenue, whilst retaining a free WiFi model for the end user.

The extensive reporting platform allows operators to login and view the number of users online across their network at any time, as well as other key information such as the length of time users spend online, graphs showing the peak times on the network and allows for the export of data for further analysis.

More information can be found on the Sprint WiFi YouTube channel at: ww.youtube.com/sprintwifi or visit: www.sprintcomms. co.uk

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 43 17/02/2014 12:53

a

REVIEWS › BOOKS

2,411 Followers

Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @cbwtweets

1,795 Likes

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ coachandbusweek

Great British name overtaken by changing times AEC remains widely respected even though it’s not built a vehicle for more than three decades. A new book provides a pictorial tribute to the Southall, London manufacturer Airways in 1970 with a forward-facing platform to help it load on the apron at Heathrow Airport.

AEC had important export markets, notably in South Africa and Portugal.

Stewart worked in South Africa in the early 1970s and he’s included a picture of a Kudu, a type of front-engined bus specifically designed for the country’s unmade roads. One of Carris, Lisbon’s famous and long-lived Regent IIIs is depicted and there’s also a picture of a rare UTIC integral that was imported by coach dealer Moseley into the UK during the early 1970s. “‘Builders of London Buses’ was the proud boast of AEC,” as Stewart

One of Ian Allan’s more prolific authors, Stewart J. Brown has been at it again. One of his latest offerings is AEC Buses Since 1955, a 96-page picture book priced at £22.50.

All of the images are colour and of first class quality although at least one has been published before. The majority have been taken by Stewart who worked for Leyland although other contributors include Ted Jones, Harry Hay, John Aldridge who worked for AEC, and Gavin Booth.

Some rare vehicles are depicted including the only British Sabre coach bodied by ECW and a Sparshattbodied Swift built for British Overseas

SUBSCRIBE

TODAY£65

and save!

NOW RECRUITNO

Ferry purchase First Kings SPECIAL Finglands by OFT p4 DAF for 25 years p8 approved

ISSUE

Woods Coaches of Leicester MENT RECRUIT FIRST buysFOR another Irizar i6 p9 WEEK JOB ADVERTS EVERY

We review more interesting books p34

FIRST FOR RECRUITMENT

RECRUITNOWFirst JOBbigADVERTS EVERY WEEK order for 2014/15 p8

Passenger Focus: focuses on bus passengers p6

RECRUITNOW

FIRST FOR RECRUIT JOB ADVERTS EVERY MENT WEEK

Wednesday February 5, 2014 Issue 1123 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

29, 2014 Wednesday January Issue 1122 | £2.95 m www.coachandbusweek.co

43% OFF

Wednesday January 22, 2014 Issue 1121 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.co m

TEST

DRIVE ng

TH COVER E PRICE*

Yuto TC12

p20

Chinese Challenge p22

dent A leading indepen

FOCUS ON

NCT Enviro400 rollout begins

Interview...

p6

p19

Mike de Courcey p24

p22

p14 HERITAGE

Black Country buses

001_CBW1123_Cover.indd 1

Going ahead in Ea st

Claire Haigh of Greener Journeys talks to CBW

Arriva wins Luton Airport case

Adrian de Courcey p30

p44

p28

MINIBUS INSIDE this week...

Buses January 2013

The essential read for Minibus Operators

at Coach Services

EVM goes Enviro 6

assist.

Press releases from manufacturers generally arrive via e-mail as soon as they are released, however, trawling the web for stories last week I discovered a

press release (dated September 2013) on the Daimler media site I had not been sent. It referred to the ending of the period of co-operation with Volkswagen and said the current arrangement would cease by 2016.

This will effectively cut production of the Crafter and leave Volkswagen to develop its own replacement. It also refers to a plan to extend the Sprinter range with a larger capacity model. This, no doubt, will be the replacement for Vario which no-one at MercedesBenz has yet said anything about. It is welcome news as it will provide the necessary capacity for operators seeking 27-33-seats without the need to purchase more expensive Atego-based products – all of which have to be coachbuilt and involve many man-hours just making the chassis suitable for coach applications.

Martin Cole MINIBUS Editor

03/02/2014 19:14

January 22, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 41

www.coachandbusweek.com

ver.indd 1

ver.indd 1

SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY JANUARY 2014

grouptrave

lworld.com

PLUS

£3.95

A Day Races

A FREE

WIN Show tickets Ideal Home SEE INSIDE

at the

PLUS

to the action – get close rse visit with a racecou glorious gardens

ng ● England’s overview 2014: The Homecomi aids ● Isle of Man 5 of the best packing

alive at – the past comeshistorical Britain’s diverse attractions

● Scotland ● GTO Grapevine:

09/01/2014

14:16

Anglia

p28

£85

on trackGo North East opening

27/01/2014 18:37

his month’s issue is pretty much dominated by Euro 6 – the latest implementation of emissions legislation which sees the virtual elimination of particulates from the exhaust.

Currently only Mercedes-Benz has brought Euro 6 to market and the other manufacturers will follow over the course of the next 12 months. The new technology does not come without added cost and there are some signi�icant price increases attached to new vehicles as a result. They are not just attached to Euro 6 modi�ications, the range has been updated with some restyling and some new or revised safety systems. The ESP has been upgraded, engine stop/start developed to work with automatic transmission and there is now a side wind compensation option along with a blind-spot

001_CBW1121_Co

001_CBW1122_Co

HERITAGE

p16

p45

A new era for low emissions

T p6

One man and his rare buses Taking flight – Nottingha

for a whole year m - Derby

20/01/2014 18:36

Subscription to Group Travel World magazine and online subscription to coachandbusweek.com

* 43% off full annual subscription. Other subsciption packages available. †Group Travel World only subscription worth £39; coachandbusweek.com subscription worth £44.95

indd 1

001_GTW_Jan14_Cover.

Call 01733 293240 or visit

www.coachandbusweek.com/subscribe 44 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 044_CBW1125_Reviews.indd 44

explains in his forward. “And it was true. The Associated Equipment Company had started life as the bus building arm of the London General Omnibus Company in 1912 and became an independent business in 1933.

“AEC sold its Reliance and Regent in competition with Leyland’s Leopard and Titan. Similarly the Swift, announced in 1964, competed with Leyland’s Panther, even though the two models shared the same chassis frame. But AEC lost out through the lack of a model to compete with Leyland’s Atlantean.

“By the early 1970s AEC was, in the

UK bus and coach market, a company with but one model: the Reliance.

At the end of the decade there was much-needed rationalisation within the Leyland organisation, and that saw the closure of AEC’s factory in 1979.”

Ian Allan Direct, 12 Ethel Street, Birmingham, B2 4BG. Tel: 0844 245 6944, Email: enquiries@ ianallandirect.co.uk, Website: www. ianallanpublishing.com

Independent in the North West of England Number 31 in Venture Publishing’s Super Prestige series is Neville Mercer’s Independent Bus Operators in North West England. If you have an interest in the industry in this part of the world, this is a book for you, Neville generously dedicating his work to widely respected former municipal bus manager and prolific photographer and writer, Roy Marshall who died last year.

As Neville points out in his forward, information on operators just wasn’t readily available like it is today. “You have to remember that this was 1967.

Not only was there no internet, but the generally available reference works (Ian Allan’s British Bus Fleets series) contained no mention of independent operators in Cumberland and Westmorland. When the driver asked me if I was on my way to visit Blair & Palmer I had no idea what he was talking about. All became clear upon arrival in Carlisle. Ernie Hartness was not the only independent operator in Cumberland to have his own bus station.”

Many of the pictures are black and

white, but there is a colour section at the rear with images of some memorable vehicles.

Pictured are a Blair & Palmer Commer and an Atkinson, a rather splendid re-bodied Roe Daimler CVD6 with Ernie Hartness, iconic vehicles with Bamber Bridge Motor Services before it was taken over by Ribble in 1967, and that ungainly Fowler-bodied Atlantean which ran for Fishwick of Leyland.

The Regal III delivered to the Belfast Steam Ship Co in 1954 and pictured on page 174 is quite a sight. It gave 12 years service, but what’s it doing in the picture? Is it delivering passengers to Liverpool docks? The constabulary are on the gates – a fascinating picture.

Another book in the Super Prestige series that represents a vast amount of hard work by its author. It’s priced at £18.95.

Venture Publications, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 8EH. Tel: 01457 861508, Email: info@ venturepublications.co.uk, Website: www.venturepublications.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 12:54

THE MARKET FOR VEHICLES, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

x4 rise 40 years of enterp p18 rise at New Enterp

cuts ment announces p4 g bridges Govern £54m Sleafordian buildin ity p8 in red tape worth with the local author 12, 2014 Wednesday February | £2.95 Issue 1124 week.com

www.coachandbus

p42

p38

4_Cover.indd

001_CBW112

1

Expressions of interes p14 invited in Malta

✔

✔

Up to 4 5X1 PRINT VEHICLE SALES ADVERTISEMENTS per week in Coach&BusWeek magazine

✔

✔

HALF PRICE RECRUITMENT ADS in Coach&BusWeek magazine

✔

✔

3 ANNUAL DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS to coachandbusweek.com

✔

✔

1 ANNUAL PRINT SUBSCRIPTION to Coach&BusWeek magazine

Tube strike rescue

Driver First Assist for first aid

UNLIMITED ONLINE vehicle for sale advertisments on coachandbusmarket.com

t

OW RECRUITN

✔ * Excluding VAT. MARKET PREMIUM UNLIMITED price is UK only

ITMENT FIRST FOR RECRU WEEK JOB ADVERTS EVERY 10/02/2014

16:30

Deadline for vehicle and classified advertisements in the magazine is 1200hrs Friday.

Contact your friendly coachandbusmarket Manager Jade Cassidy via phone, email or fax Tel: 01733 293247 f: 0845 280 2927 e: jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 045_CBW1125_CBM Cover.indd 45

17/02/2014 11:22

p46_CBW_1125

17/2/14

13:05

Page 46

Setra 415 GTHD

2000 Volvo B7TL’S

ZF gearboxes, single door, 82 seats fully seated or 80 seats as DDA compliant, supplied with new MOT and COIF, new batch just arriving.

POA

400,000 km. Long MOT. 48 reclining seats. Frenzel Kitchen,Toilet/Washroom. 2 Screen + DVD player.

Built in vehicle wash.

Choice of two - June 2007 + January 2008

£80,000 each + VAT

2008 Mercedes Atego

2005 Neoplan Skyliners

L With Sitcar Marlin 33 seat body in green. £45,000

T S A

E N O

13.8m, MAN engines, 89 seats, toilet, air-con.

POA

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Buzzlines Travel Contact Nigel or Scott on 01303 261870

Andy Shaw – 0131 554 5413

EnsignBus 01708 865656

2003 (03) ADL Enviro 300 12m

2008 Mercedes Sprinter 515 EX

1998 Volvo B10M Caetano Enigma

Mercedes Vario 814

44 seats + 27 standees, DDA compliant, Hanover LED. PRICE NOW REDUCED – £22,500 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

16 recliners with 3 point belts, MOT till May, air-con, double glazing, large drop boot, decorative curtains, 276,000 miles (39,258 on new engine), 1 owner. £22,995 + VAT

Volvo B10M Plaxton Premier

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

24 seater, tested until Sept, taxed Feb 2015, we have owned this bus from new, KVC conversion, TV, DVD, racks, reading lights, blown air, saloon heater, still working daily – bullet proof.

£12,500 + VAT ono

£11,995

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

Call Paul on 07970 416159 Boyd’s Coach Hire

2008 Toyota Optimo

2008 Mercedes Benz Sitcar Marlin

2008 MAN 14:240 MCV Evolution

Very good condition, we have done an engine kit and compressor in the last 20K miles.

May 2008. 215,000 km, MOT May 2014.

22 Leather reclining seats with 3 point belts.

Coffee machine.

£15,500

£24,000 + VAT

33 moquette seats + guide + driver, 3 point belts, folding arm rests, reclining back rest, double glazing, A/C, radio/CD/PA, full draw curtains, aisle carpet, fridge, saloon heater, 4.5m2 of luggage storage.

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

POA

43 seats + 22 standees, auto box, 3 point belts, DDA compliant with Mobitec display, 8 camera CCTV system,Traffilog tracking & diagnostics, well maintained with long MOT, 4 available.

£47,500

Bakers Dolphin 01934 422400 or 07788 101631

Call Paul on 07970 416159 Boyd’s Coach Hire

Buzzlines Travel Contact Nigel or Scott on 01303 261870

1996 Volvo B10MA Articulated Coach

2007 MAN Marco Polo

2008 MAN Marco Polo Viaggio 3

2007 Esker Cimo

55 reclining seats (plus driver & courier), 345,000Km, reversing camera, air con, DVD/monitor, fridge, radio/CD, microphone, individual air vent and light per seat, really good MPG, come take a test drive.

57 reclining seats (plus driver & courier), side wheelchair lift prepared, only 195,000km, reverse camera, air con, DVD/monitor, fridge, radio/CD, microphone, individual air vent and light per seat.

33 seats+ courier, all the toys, bells and whistles, tested may, happy to retest, we have two 33s up for sale, this and a Beluga, not fussed which one goes but don’t need two.

£89,000

£98,000

£53,000

POA

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Tony Doyle Coaches Ltd 0035 312 867427

Tony Doyle Coaches Ltd 0035 312 867427

Call Paul on 07970 416159 Boyd’s Coach Hire

L

T S A

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

E N O

ZF automatics, 71 seats.

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 46 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

p47_CBW_1125

17/2/14

13:05

Page 47

2001 MAN Neoplan

2006 Bova Majiq

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

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

1999 Mercedes 412D

1999 Mercedes Optare Solo M850

26 + standees, automatic box, DDA compliant with Mobitec display, 8 camera CCTV system and Traffilog tracking and diagnostics fitted.

MOT to March 2014.

£95,000 + VAT

16 removable seats, or 6 wheelchairs, 5 speed manual, external wheelchair lift, tachograph fitted, very clean condition, MOT June 14. £3,250 + VAT

Travelstar European 01922 647100 / 07779 801862

Chalkwell Coach Hire 01795 423982 andy.bates@chalkwell.co.uk

Bakers Dolphin 01934 422400 or 07788 101631

Plaxton Panther MAN

2006 Scania Irizar Century

2004 Ford Transit 350

2002 Mercedes Benz 814 Plaxton Beaver 2

49 reclining seats, AS Tronic gearbox, LEZ compliant, A/C, W/C, sat-nav, reverse camera, DVD, 2 x monitors.

Auto, one year’s MOT, 49 seats: new 70 Cogent seats on order and the conversion will be carried out shortly, so pick your own trim.

15 seats, remote central locking, radio, dual passenger seat, side loading door, tacho, only 68,000 miles, ex Princes Trust.

33 brand new re-trimmed seats + driver with 3 point belts. Luggage Racks. Just been re-painted. This vehicle is immaculate. Test May 2014

£4,650 + VAT – FINANCE ARRANGED

£19,950 + VAT

£95,500

Applegates Coaches 01453 810314

£100,000 + VAT Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

01923 270688 Watford Commercial Vehicles

Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

2003 Setra 315 GTHD

2006 Ford Transit minibus

2002 Bova Futura

2006 Mercedes Benz Beluga Midi Coach

£25,000 + VAT

Contact Gary – 07930 377051

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

Ideal for school contracts and private hire work. Very clean throughout. Fully maintained in our in house work shops. Test October 2014. Choice of 2

• Air con • Toilet • DVD • Monitor x 2 • Eminox euro 4 • 49 seats • Green cloth • Long MOT

£8,500

Merc Vario 815, 5 speed manual, 29 reclining seats with armrests + courier seat . Re-trimmed in in moquette May 2013, new carpet. A/C, rear heating.

Large boot and sidelockers 1 yr MOT. 328000 kms

£45,000 + VAT ono

04 plate £5,250 + VAT 06 plate £6,250 + VAT

Paul Watson Travel paul.watson9@btconnect.com

Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

£50,000 + VAT

POA

L.J. Edwards – 07974 369570

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

2001, Volvo B10M Plaxton Excalibur

2007 Scania K340/ Caetano Levante

2005 (05) Optare Solo 9.5m

33 seats + 17 standees, Mercedes engine, DDA compliant, Hanover LED.

£25,000 + VAT

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

Call 01691 780212 or visit www.tanat.co.uk for more details

yourbus – 01773 714013

ZF Auto, 49 belted seats. A/C, Toilet, MOT’d till April 2014.

LEZ Certificated until April 2014.

£80,000 + VAT each

PRICE NOW REDUCED – £29,000 + VAT Southdown PSV 01342 711840 email: bussales@southdownpsv.co.uk www.southdownpsv.co.uk

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

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 47

p48_CBW_1125

17/2/14

13:06

Page 48

2007 Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle

DAF MB230 VanHool Super High

Scania Wrightbus Solar

2007 LDV Maxus 3.9T 17 seater minibus Remote central locking CD player, Side loading door

9 seats, air-con, remote central locking, CD player, twin side loading doors, silver.

53 seater + WC, tax and MOT until April 2014, in daily use, newer vehicle forces sale, private plate not included.

£9,495 + VAT – FINANCE ARRANGED

£3,250 ono + VAT

01923 270688 Watford Commercial Vehicles

Express Motors Email: jones14@btconnect.com

1999 Dennis Dart Plaxton SLF

2001 Salvador Caetano B10M Enigma

COIF, 29 seats and 17 standing or 26 seated + 1 w/chair and 17 standing, MOT until May 2014, blue seats which were retrimmed a couple of years ago.

70 seats + driver and crew, 3 point belts fitted, ZF auto, 3+2 seat config, air con, good runner, inspection welcome, ready for work.

£5,000 + VAT

£40,000 + VAT

Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530

Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk

57 plate, 44 seats, MOT June 2014.

£75,000

Coach Services Ltd Tel: 01842 821509

01923 270688 Watford Commercial Vehicles

CONTRACT VEHICLES FOR SALE

2006 VOLVO B12M

51/53 EXEC, W.C., A.C. (AUTO), BERKOFF, LEZ, MOT 12/11/14, EXCELLENT CONDITION £79,000

TEL: 01884 252646 / 07702 626542 Kingdoms Tours Ltd

2002 Scania VanHool K124

2003 (52 plate) Volvo B7R Plaxton Prima

£5,495 + VAT – FINANCE ARRANGED

Two coaches for sale with 53/57 seats.

£3,250 ono each

Manns Travel – 07796 695675

1998 Mercedes Sprinter 15 seats, front entry, Mellor conversion, MOT 16/5/14, very good condition, with tail lift.

£ 3,700

1998 Iveco 40 / 10 15 seats, front entry, MOT 22/8/14, very good condition.

ZF auto, 57 seats + courier, lap belts, 8 camera x200 CCTV system, manual tacho, MOT July 2014, owned by us from new, sold as seen.

£39,950 + VAT

enquiries@perrymansbuses.com 01289 308719

2003 (53) VOLVO B12M 51/53 EXEC, W.C., A.C., BERKOFF, LEZ, MOT 12/11/14, EXCELLENT CONDITION £52,500

TEL: 01884 252646 / 07702 626542 Kingdoms Tours Ltd

2008 Mercedes Sprinter Executive

10 seats + driver, DVD stereo system, air con, tables, inverter, leather seats, huge luggage space, black tint rear windows, very good, clean condition, LEZ, ready for work.

£18,000 + VAT

Volvo B12B Van Hool

ZF auto, 14 berth sleeper, Euro 4 LEZ, static AC/heating, 240v, normal band bus stuff! MOT March 2014, good condition.

Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk

£25,000 + VAT

Telephone: 01487 843333

£ 2,500

1995 Iveco 49 / 10 49 exec, W.C., A.C., 7 speed C-Shift, MOT 30/9/14, excellent condition.

19 seats, front entry, power door, MOT 13/1/15, very good condition.

£45,000 Kingdoms Tours Ltd

Kingdoms Tours Ltd

01884 252646 / 07702 626542

01884 252646 / 07702 626542

2003 Volvo B12M Plaxton Paragon

2000 Volvo B10M Plaxton Panther

ZF auto, 70 seats, PA system, CD/DVD player, new 70 conversion, destination blinds, reclining seats, large luggage hold, very good condition, good runner, ready for work.

49 seats, manual Easyshift, PA system, DVD player, climate control, centre sunken WC, continental door, water boiler, P/Plate, not subject to LEZ,sale due to fleet replacement.

£ 3,000

£59,950 + VAT

£24,000 + VAT

Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk

Steve 0161 775 0800/07445 266345 operations@travel-master.co.uk

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 48 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

p49_CBW_1125

17/2/14

13:07

Page 49

2004 Iveco Beulas Elmundo

2002 Scania Irizar K114

51 exec, W.C., A.C. (auto), comes with new MOT, excellent condition.

49 exec, W.C., A.C., 7 speed C-Shift, MOT 21/5/14, excellent condition.

£45,000 Kingdoms Tours Ltd

£43,000 Kingdoms Tours Ltd

01884 252646 / 07702 626542

01884 252646 / 07702 626542

Chambers Coaches 01438 352920

2000 Dennis Dart Plaxton SLF

2001 Mercedes Vario

2007 Plaxton Cheetah 816

MOT and taxed to March 2014, COIF, 29 seats and 17 standing or 26 standing + 1 wheelchair and 17 standing, blue seats retrimmed a couple of years ago.

29 belted seats, taxed until end of February, MOT until 17th March, well maintained and in daily use.

29 seats, A/C, CD & radio, large boot, air horns, marker lights & Euroliners, very smart interior with floor lighting, good body condition, 2 owner drivers from new.

£6,500 + VAT

£7,500 + VAT

WORTH A LOOK AT £49,950 ono + VAT

51 seats, air-con, MOT November, taxed until July, good reliable coach, regularly serviced.

Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530

Phone Nick on 01626 833664 or 07872 839530

Tel Kev 07957 174732 info@coachhireyork.com

Chambers Coaches 01438 352920

Luxury VW Crafter

2008 Ford Transit

Volvo Plaxton

Dennis Plaxton

Dennis Plaxton

1995 Setra 250 Special

57 seats, LEZ compliant, MOT Sept, taxed till August, good reliable coach, regularly serviced.

£12,000

8 speed ZF gearbox (4 over 4), Mercedes V8 engine, 53 standard, Eminox system fitted, LEZ until end of April 2014, MOT until end of April.

£9,000

Williams Coaches 01874 622223

Volvo Plaxton

£15,000

51 seats MOT until November Taxed until October Aircon fitted but not working Good reliable coach 2007, 16 seats, A/C, DVD, microphone, 135,000 miles, 7 months MOT, excellent condition.

£21,000

Slick Rides – 07823 770978

D OL

LDV Convoy

S

PSV, 16 seater, COIF, Tacho. 2005/55. 11 mths MOT, v tidy coach, low mileage, tow bar. Transit 2.4 duro torque engine. Choice of two the same, many other 16 seaters available

£2950

Parnells Coaches 01404 47502/07790 966667

Regularly serviced 115bhp, 16 seats with headrests and 3 point belts, one owner, low mileage, side loading entry door, radio/CD, twin rear wheels, tow bar, butterfly step.

£15,000

57 seats, MOT April, taxed till July, good reliable coach, regularly serviced.

Chambers Coaches 01438 352920

Chambers Coaches 01438 352920

£12,000

£10,495

EVM Direct – 0845 5205160

D L O

Mercedes Sprinter

S

16 seat luxury minicoach, 2004/04. Taxed & MOT. London LEZ Compliant, very tidy, drives well, low front entry, forced air, lift up boot, wood dash kit, manual gearbox, well below average mileage, super little coach, converted by Crest, COIF. May px

£11,750

Parnells Coaches 01404 47502/07790 966667

2011 Van Hool Astron MAN

14.04 metres Exceptional touring specification LAST CHANCE! £220,000 + VAT

PARRYS INTERNATIONAL 01922 414576

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

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 49

p50_CBW_1125

17/2/14

13:08

Page 50

2003 Scania K114

2000 Mercedes 814 Plaxton Beaver 2

7HO

33 coach seats with 3 point belts. Perfect for school trips and private hire Very tidy throughout. Test December 2014

With Irizar Century 49 seat body with toilet. £45,000

Andy Shaw – 0131 554 5413 1992, Volvo B10M Plaxton Paramount

2004 Iveco Beulas

Manual, 57 seat belted seats.

Available due to fleet upgrade.

MOT’d till May 14

Auto, 49 seat executive coach, WC, DVD, A/C, drinks boiler, fridge, etc, in exceptional condition for age, MOT July 2014.

£6,000 + VAT

Call 01691 780212 or visit www.tanat.co.uk for more details

2002 Mercedes 814 Vario Plaxton Cheetah

2010 Volvo B9TL’S

33 seater + driver. Manual. New model cheetah. Taxed + mot’d. Wood dash. 3 point belts. Drives like new.

Excellent condition inside + out. Euro liner wheel trims.View Devon near Exeter airport. PX available.

Euro 5, Wrights Eclipse Gemini 2 bodies, single door, 74 seats.

D

L SO

£10,995 + VAT

Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

2009 MAN Plaxton Centro

£27,999 + VAT

POA

38 blue moquette seats, Mobitec LED destination equipment, one year’s MOT. Offers over £45,000

Call Tim 01404 47502 07790 966667 parnell-coaches@supanet.com

EnsignBus 01708 865656

Andy Shaw – 0131 554 5413

2008 Ford Transit 430

2003 Mercedes Cheetah

Setra 315 GTHD

£39,000 ono + VAT - Possible P/X

Tel 01249 742000/07717 768315

2006 Transit Tourneo

9 seater, tax till Jan, will have new MOT, 190,000 miles, runs well, front and rear air-con, tow bar. £3,500 + VAT

Hailstone Travel Ltd 0845 388 3848

29 passengers plus courier seat Tax till March MOT till February Large boot New clutch and turbo 17 seats, remote central locking, CD player, driver’s airbag, electric windows, 6 speed, side loading door.

£21,000 + VAT

£10,750 + VAT – FINANCE ARRANGED

Hailstone Travel Ltd 0845 388 3848

01923 270688 Watford Commercial Vehicles

6 speed manual, 49 seater executive, MOT April 2014 (LEZ, Eminox system).

£35,000

Williams Coaches 01874 622223

Telephone Jade Cassidy on 01733 293247 or email jade.cassidy@coachandbusweek.com 50 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

p51_CBW_1125

17/2/14

13:08

2007 Scania Irizar Century

Opticruise, 49 seater executive, MOT and tax October 2013, LEZ.

£85,000

Williams Coaches 01874 622223

2002 Volvo B7R Plaxton

Page 51

1988 DAF MB230 Plaxton

1995 Scania K113 VanHool Alizee

1998 Mercedes Benz 814 Alexander Auto

53 seats, automatic, very good condition for year, currently in dry storage, additional vehicle also available. £2,750

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

PAB Tours – 0113 320 0780 ant@pabtours.com

£21,000 Milligans Coach Travel 01290 550365

Call Karl at Whitegate Travel Tel: 01606 786833 Mobile: 07841 110426

2003 Mercedes 614D

2003 Bova Futura

2002 Renault Rohill

53 seats plus courier, automatic, A/C, used only on tour work, removable vinyls, seat belts, available with new test. £39,000 Call Anthony Kelly

Frank Guy, 16 seater, belted, manual, power door, wheelchair lift at rear, MOT’d until August 2014.

Available due to fleet upgrade.

PAB Tours – 0113 320 0780 ant@pabtours.com

Call 01691 780212 or visit www.tanat.co.uk for more details

1993 Volvo B10M Plaxton Premier

2002 Iveco Beulas Stergo

• Air con • Toilet • DVD • Monitor x 2 • Full exec spec • Eminox euro 4 • 49 seats • Green cloth • Manual • Long MOT

27 coach seats with 3 point belts.

Ideal for school contracts. Test September 2014.

£6,450 + VAT

£55,000 + VAT

2.5 diesel minibus with 15 seats, low floor with kneeling facility, 1 removable seat for wheelchair use, destination equipment, ideal multi-purpose vehicle, MOT 25/5/2014. £3,950 + VAT

L.J. Edwards – 07974 369570

Chalkwell Coach Hire 01795 423982

£7,000 + VAT

1997 Volvo Olympian open top bus

• Automatic • Air con • Toilet • Monitor x 2 49 seats, automatic, good condition for year, available with new test, removable vinyls.

Choice of 3. £11,995

• Non LEZ • Long MOT

PAB Tours – 0113 320 0780 ant@pabtours.com

£30,000 + VAT

Alexander Dennis body, P reg, 75 seats, fitted with a PA system, new MOT on purchase.

Only 2 remaining.

L.J. Edwards – 07974 369570

Bath Bus Company 01225 330444

2004 Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse

2004 Mercedes Sitcar Beluga

2006 Iveco Beulas Cygnus

33 seats, we have owned this coach since 2006, selling one of two 33 seaters, this and a 07 Unvi Cimo, one has to go, Beluga is booked in for test this week therefore will have 13 months MOT.

53 seats + crew and driver, exceptionally clean interior, air con, reversing camera, DVD/monitor, radio/CD, microphone, fridge, individual air vent and light per seat, powered side lockers, owned from new.

45 seats, full DDA, ZF automatic gearbox, MobiTec destination, Cyberlyne CCTV with audio recording, choice of four.

£45,000 + VAT

yourbus – 01773 714013

53 plate Mercedes Cheetah

£32,995

£76,000 o.n.o

29 passengers plus courier seat, tax till August, MOT till June, large boot, low emission exhaust fitted. £23,000 + VAT

Call Paul on 07970 416159 Boyd’s Coach Hire

Tony Doyle Coaches Ltd 0035 312 867427

Hailstone Travel Ltd 0845 388 3848

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

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 51

698896-1125-Ensign:Layout 1

17/2/14

15:48

Page 1

Ensig DOUBLE DECK 2003 SCANIA K114’S

ZF automatic, Irizar Century bodies, Hanover LED’s, air-con, LEZ compliant, brand new 70 seat conversions.

LEZ

COMPLIANT

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

1999/2000/2001 V/Y REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

13.8m, MAN engines, 89 seats, toilet, air-con.

Cummins / Allison with traps, DDA and LEZ compliant, Caetano bodies, 38 seats.

2005 NEOPLAN SKYLINER’S

2001 Y REG DENNIS DARTS

2000/2001 X/Y REG VOLVO B7TL’S

Cummins / Voith, Alexander ALX 400 lowheight body, 84 seats, LEZ compliant.

1999 DENNIS TRIDENT

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

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

1999 VOLVO B7TL’S

Cummins / Allison , Plaxton Pointer bodies, 35 seats.

1998 R REG DENNIS DARTS

2000 VOLVO B7TL’s

ZF gearboxes, single door, 82 seats fully seated or 80 seats as DDA compliant, supplied with new MOT and COIF, new batch just arriving.

Euro 4 Volvo engine, Wrights Eclipse Gemini body, 68 seats or 74 converted to single door.

2007 VOLVO B9TL

1998 R REG VOLVO OLYMPIANS

Volvo Euro 2 engines, ZF gearboxes, East Lancs bodies, 72 seats.

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY -

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

698896-1125-Ensign:Layout 1

17/2/14

15:48

Page 2

nbus

K ER SPECIALIST 2006 56 PLATE ENVIRO 200

ZF automatic, Plaxton Verde bodies, 51 seats.

1995 VOLVO B10B’S

Cummins ISB Euro 3 engine, 10.7m, DDA compliant, Hanover LED’s, 37 seats. (SN56AYB)

Euro 3 Cummins ISB engines, 8.8m, DDA, LEZ, 25 seats.

2006 MINI POINTER DARTS

2003 SCANIA OMNICITY CN94UB

Single door, Euro 3, ZF automatic, 40 seats, 12m, DDA.

SELECTION OF OPTARE SOLO’S AVAILABLE

All Mercedes engines, from 2002-2011, various lengths and capacities, please call for further details.

2003 03 PLATE DENNIS TRIDENTS

Cummins ISC Euro 3 engines, DDA and LEZ compliant, 2 door 62 seats or can be single doored and upseated.

ZF automatic, Northern Counties low height bodies, 77 seats, Volvo Euro 2 engines.

1997 VOLVO OLYMPIANS

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

Cummins / Allison, 8.8m, 29 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.

2000 X REG DENNIS SUPER POINTER DARTS

2001 X REG DENNIS MINI POINTER DARTS

2001/2002 DENNIS TRIDENTS

Cummins 160 engines, Voith gearboxes, 41 seats.

1996 VOLVO B10MA ARTICULATED COACHES ZF automatics, 71 seats.

2001 51 PLATE MINI POINTER DARTS

8.8m, 25 seats, LEZ compliant.

1999 T/V REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

Cummins / ZF, Plaxton bodies, 62 seats, DDA and LEZ compliant.

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

700432-1125-Stafford

17/2/14

17:15

Page 1

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

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

DENNIS DART PLAXTON POINTER "MPD" 2001 Y reg, 29 seats with new 3 point belt installation, wheelchair ramp in step so DDA, Eminox exhaust to euro 4 LEZ/RPC Choice of 4 £9,950

OPTARE SOLO M850/920

53 & 54 reg, 29/33 seats, long MOTs and newly painted.

Choice of many from £17,950 Also W, X & Y Reg All DDA. From £6,000

MERCEDES SPRINTER 413 UVG BODY 2007 Reg, seats on tracking, rear underfloor lift, low miles. £21,950

DENNIS DART PLAXTON SPD “SUPER POINTER” 1998/9, 41 seats, direct from Cardiff Bus. Choice from £4,450

MERCEDES 815D VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER 2

2008 58 Reg, 33 coach seats with belts, manual, power in-swing door, destination. Ideal purpose bus. £35,950

FORD TRANSIT FACTORY 16 SEATER

2008/9 58/59 Reg, COIF, PSV test, tacho, 80k miles. £12,950

DOUBLE DECKERS

AEC ROUTEMASTER No 1747 FOR RESTORATION With AEC engine, 95% complete and does run, no seats, been a playbus & office, just waiting for new use. Offers around £18,950 DENNIS TRIDENT ALEXANDER ALX400 1999 T REG LD SOand 62 seats, very clean inside out. Choice of 2 £9,950 DENNIS TRIDENT PLAXTON PRESIDENT 2000 X REG Single door converted, can be belted if required. FROM £7,950 VOLVO OLYMPIAN NORTHERN COUNTIES “LOW HEIGHT” BODY 1998 R REG Volvo engine/ZF gearbox, 76 seats plus 8, can be belted if required.

CHOICE OF 2 £7,950 VOLVO OLYMPIAN ALEXANDER BODY 1996 N REG 78 seats with belts, long or new MoT, one repainted white, currently taxed so ready to work. FROM £7,750

SINGLE DECKERS

ADL ENVIRO 300 2006 56 REG SLF BUS - dual use options, with 60 x 3 point belted seats, use on bus services or school contracts. Phone for spec and price DENNIS DART PLAXTON "SUPER POINTER" 1998 S REG Direct from Cardiff Bus. Currently being seatbelted for schools etc, will be 41 seats, uprated engine and gearbox, painted belted etc FROM £8,450 DENNIS DART PLAXTON MINI POINTER “MPD” Y REG 29 seats, DDA destination equipment. Choice of 4 £6,950 (Euro 4 and beltable) DENNIS DART CAETANO CUTLASS Step entrance with 38 seats and 3 point belts. Ideal school contracts etc. £3,450

MINIBUS

FORD TRANSIT 350 15 SEAT FACTORY BUS 57 REG Low miles, Class 5 MoT, drive on any car licence, ideal for school and club use with restricted drivers. £8,950 PSV TRANSITS 15-17 seats, available for short term rental. Rent for one week, month or year. Up to you. Always available. Phone for details IVECO 45/15 2005 55 REG 16 seats, power door, powerful 3.0 ltr engine. £7,950 MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER 2 2002/3 52 REG 28 removable H/B seats on tracking, tail lift, PSV tested, auto gearbox, choice of many, very presentable. £13,940 MERCEDES 413D SPRINTER 2004 04 REG Extra long body with 16 seats and huge full height boot, COIF and long MoT. £11,950 MERCEDES 814 VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER 2 2004 54 REG Fitted with 20 seats on tracking, and up to 10 wheelchairs, PSV, COIF and MoT, manual gearbox, power door, destination etc. long wheel base so could go to 32 seats. £14,950 MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON BEAVER 2 2000 W reg, fitted with 31/33 H/B coach seats & belts, manual gearbox, new test and paint. £8,950 MERCEDES 614D VARIO 1999 T REG SWB 16 seater, 2 + 1 seating so looks nice, hide away tail lift, COIF and PSV test. £4,250 OPTARE SOLO M 920 54 REG 33 seats, all wheelchair accessible/DDA. £29,950 OPTARE SOLO M 850 54 REG 29 seats, all wheelchair accessible/DDA. £22,950 OPTARE SOLO M 850 54 REG 29 seats, all wheelchair accessible/DDA. £22,950 OPTARE SOLO M 920 53 REG 33 seats, all wheelchair accessible/DDA. £21,950 OPTARE SOLO M 920 Y REG 33 seats, all wheelchair accessible/DDA. £9,950 OPTARE SOLO M920 1999 (PP) 33 seats with belts + tip ups, fully repainted, long test. £8,950 OPTARE SOLO M 850 X REG 29 seats, all wheelchair accessible/DDA. £6,950 OPTARE SOLO M 850 W REG 29 seats, all wheelchair accessible/DDA. £6,250 OPTARE SOLO M920 1999 PP Currently out of test and no seats (don’t ask) runs fine £3,000 VW LT 46 Extra long wheelbase and super low floor, currently only 8 seats but could be 16-20 seats or make superb accessible camper.

CHOICE OF 2 FROM £5,500

RECOVERY TRUCK

DAF 2500 UNDERLIFT RECOVERY TRUCK Good condition, 1987 D reg, all underlift extras, in lockers, will save you pounds. £8,450

700425-1125-Blythswood

17/2/14

16:09

Page 1

700211-1125-Ventura

13/2/14

15:39

Page 1

698956-1123-Pembridge

3/2/14

16:13

Page 1

FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES (12) 2012 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 135ps air-con, tacho, COIF/PSV £19,995 (12) 2012 Ford Transit 9 seat Shuttle twin side loading doors 18000 miles £12,995 (10) 2010 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.4 diesel, six speed gearbox, tacho, 55,000 km £13,495 (56) 2006 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus 2.3 diesel with six speed gearbox, 40,000 miles, COIF/PSV £8,995 (56) 2006 Ford Transit 17 seat minibus, high back seats with three point belts, COIF/PSV £8,995 (02) 2002 Ford Transit 2.4 diesel 3.5 ton, automatic gearbox, 8 seats, inboard Ricon wheelchair lift, rear heating, tracking to take 3 wheelchairs, overhead lockers £5,995

OTHER MAKES

New Peugeot Boxer 16 seat 3.5 ton and 17 seat w/chair accessible minibuses, 2.2 diesel 120ps, six speed gearbox LEZ COMPLIANT From £24,750 + VAT (60) 2010 Renault Master 3.5 ton GVW 17 seat minibus, 2.3 diesel, six speed manual, high back seats, tacho, 38,000kms, sat-nav £15,995

OTHER MAKES

(56) 2006 Peugeot Boxer 3.5t on 17 seat minibus 2.8 diesel, high back seats with three point belts, 33,000 miles £8,995 (54) 2004 LDV Convoy 17 seat school minibus, internal racks, roof rack, tachograph, 51,500miles, FSH £4,995

D

SOL

Renault Master 17 seat 2.8 diesel mini coach, full under floor luggage large boot, tachograph, COIF/PSV £5,995 + VAT

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

(62) 2013 Citroen Berlingo Automatic, 8,000 miles only, low floor, lightweight ramp, electric reals, high spec £12,850 (11) 2011 Renault Master 3.5ton 17 seat 2.3 diesel six speed, tachograph, fully tracked floor, inboard lightweight ramp, 30,000 miles £16,995 (06) 2006 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 cdti 9 seat, inboard lift, tracking for 2 wheelchairs, 45,000 miles £8,995 (57) 2007 Renault Master MWB 2.5TD 6 speed, tracking for two wheelchairs, in board lift, aircon, rear heating, 35,000 miles, one owner £12,495

(07) 2007 Fiat Doblo 1.4 petrol, 11,500 miles only, five speed manual, three seats plus wheelchair space, low floor, lightweight ramp, electric reals, air-con £6,995

(60) 2010 Renault Master 9 seat Shuttel 2.3 diesel six speed, large boot, sat-nav, Bluetooth £10,495

(54) 2004 Renault Master 3.5 ton 2.5 Diesel, five speed manual gearbox,12 seats, tracking to take two wheelchairs, inboard lift, rear heating, low entry side step £6,995

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

(53) 2003 Renault Master SWB 2.3 diesel, inboard Ricon lift,tracking for two wheelchairs, electric side step £5,995

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

Tel: 01633 485858 Mobile: 07866 443304

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

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

All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%

700434-1125-Heatons FP

17/2/14

17:14

Page 1

HEATONS MOTOR CO. WIGAN 81316 MB HEATONS FP 1222

24/4/13

13:28

Page 43

THE NORTH WEST’S PREMIER MINIBUS SALES, SUPPLYING NATIONWIDE FOR OVER 40 YEARS 07 IVECO 45C15

One charity owner from 15/16, highback passenger seats in coach moquette, lots of Unwin tracking, full air conditioning, external fully automatic cassette tailift, powerdoor, front entry

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

RK O OW YT

AD E R £12,995HEATONS MOTOR

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

THE NORTH

05 FORD TRANSIT 430

High roof, covered 70,000 miles, 12 highback WEST’S PREMIER MINIBUS SALES, passenger seats, lots of Unwin tracking, SLD with electric side step, Ricon internal tailift, totally showroom condition inside and out, excellent value LEZ £9,250

57 FORD TRANSIT 430

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

SUPPLYING

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

LWB highroof, 8 passenger seats plus wheelchair spaces, lots of Unwin tracking, external Ratcliffe fully automatic cassette tailift, SLD with side step, good quality conversion, totally unmarked in every way LEZ £12,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

LWBM 8 highback passenger seats, Unwin tracking, Ricon internal Clearway tailift, SLD with cassette step, totally immaculate inside and out, good quality conversion, excellent value £8,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

13 highback passenger seats or 9 seats plus 3 wheelchairs, external PLS fully automatic cassette tailift, low step front entry, fully colour coded, one council owner from new, looks and drives superb. £8,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

Mellor coachbuilt, 24 highback passenger seats all on

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

56 RENAULT MASTER

54 MERCEDES VARIO 614

RK O OW T Y AD E R

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

PSV’d

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

05 PLATE IVECO 65C15

quick release, external PLS fully automatic cassette

tailift, low mileage, new COIF and 12 months PSV test. £11,495

LEZ

CHOICE OF 7 MERCEDES SPRINTER UVG TREKA COACHBUILT

TripTronic transmission, complete flat floor, COIF’d, only fitted with 8 passenger seats, powerdoor front entry, external PLS cassette tailift, must give excellent value LEZ 04 PLATE PRICES FROM £8,995

59 PLATE VW CRAFTER CR50

16 highback passenger seats on Unwin tracking, in soft trim, SLD with electric side step, air conditioning, full electric pack, reversing sensors, looks and drives like new, totally unmarked and will come with 12 months PSV test.

LEZ £16,995

quick release, external PLS fully automatic cassette

tailift, low mileage, new COIF and 12 months PSV test.

CO. WIGAN

PSV’d

LEZ

55 PLATE IVECO 65C15

Mellor coachbuilt, 24 highback passenger seats all on

ALL PRICES PLUS VAT

LEZ

58 PLATE RENAULT MASTER

SWB high roof, only covered 20,340 miles, SLD with NATIONWIDE OVER 40 YEARS electricFOR step, lots of Unwin tracking, 4 highback passenger seats plus wheelchair spaces or would up seat, Ricon internal Clearway fully automatic tailift, air conditioning, showroom condition inside and out £11,995 LEZ

58 PLATE RENAULT TRAFFIC

Passenger LWB fitted with 8 highback passenger seats with 3 pointbelts, twin SLDs, air conditioning, full electric pack, alloy wheels, above average miles but a very low price, looks and drives fantastic LEZ £5,995

57 PLATE IVECO 50C15

Good quality Mellor coachbuilt, 16 highback passenger seats with 3 point belts, COIF’d, lots of Unwin tracking, full length Cant rail, Powerdoor front entry, external PLS fully automatic cassette tailift, totally showroom condition inside and out, excellent value for money for latest shape Iveco coachbuilt body LEZ £15,995

A EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE A 58 PLATE RENAULT MASTER

MWB, only covered 41,000 miles, one owner from new, 8 highback passenger seats with twin SLDs, cassette step, lots of Unwin tracking, Rolac wheelchair accessible ramp, automatic transmission, totally showroom condition inside LEZ and out, fantastic value £12,995

09 FIAT DUCATO

LWB, features 8 highback passenger seats with 3 point belts, lots of Unwin tracking, twin side loading doors, Ricon Clearway fully automatic tailift, side step, totally showroom condition inside and out, LEZ compliant £16,495 LEZ

06 PLATE IVECO 50C14

Mellor coachcraft body, 14/16 highback passenger seats with 3 point belts, lots of Unwin tracking, full length cant rail, Ricon internal Clearway tailift, Powerdoor front entry, low miles, one council owner, choice of 5 all COIF’d, just arrived in, excellent value LEZ £7,995

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

£11,995

09 PEUGEOT BOXER 335 HDI

LWB, only covered 41,111 miles, stunning unmarked silver metallic, 8/13 highback passenger seats, lots of Unwin tracking, SLD with side step, external Ratcliffe fully automatic cassette tailift, looks and drives like new, top quality conversion, excellent value LEZ £17,495

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

ALL PRICES 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.

HEATONS CO.WIGAN WIGAN HEATONS MOTOR MOTOR CO.

BickershawLane, Lane, Abram, Abram, Wigan, WN2 5PL5PL 5353 Bickershaw Wigan,Lancashire Lancashire WN2

Tel: 01942 01942 864222 Tel: 864222 SEE ALL OUR STOCK ON OUR WEBSITE SEE ALL OUR STOCK ON OUR WEBSITE www.heatonsmotorco.co.uk

www.heatonsmotorco.co.uk

699876-1125-Connaught

17/2/14

15:11

Page 1

Mini Coach Sales

BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ FERQUI SOROCO 16/19 high back seats, 3 point belts, A/C, D/G, forced air, reading lights and boot.

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

2010 IVECO DAILY 45C15 19 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, curtains.

D L SO 2008 08 REG MERCEDES 515CDI SOROCO 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, DG, forced air, reading lights, DVD system, reversing camera, power door, large boot.

2008 58 REG MERCEDES 613D VARIO 24 high back seats, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.

2008 58 REG IVECO DAILY 45C15 AUTO 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, large boot. 2007 57 Reg Manual also available.

2007 57 REG MERCEDES 816 TORO 28 high back seats, courier seat, 3 point belts, AC, DG, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot, metallic silver.

2007 57 REG MERCEDES 816D WING 29 high back seats + courier, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, power door, large boot, metallic silver.

2007 07 REG MERCEDES 613 VARIO 24 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot.

2006 56 REG MERCEDES 616 CDI RIADA 22 high back seats plus courier, 3 point belts, AC, DVD, forced air, reading lights, power door and boot. New engine Dec ‘13.

2006 56 REG MERCEDES 413CDI SOROCO 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, forced air, reading lights, power door and large boot.

2002 02 REG MERCEDES 413 CDI SOROCO 16 high back seats, 3 point belts, AC, power door, large boot. Choice of 2.

Steve Peach Tel: 01405 814064 Mob: 07836 551020 Email: info@connaughtpsv.co.uk www.connaughtpsv.co.uk

p60_CBW_1125

17/2/14

13:00

Page 60

2006/7 Scania K340 Caetano Levante

For Sale Choice of 2 MCV Service Buses

On behalf of finance company, 2006 MCV Evolution Service Buses on a MAN F2000 Chassis.

Mileage: 852,644kms. 43 Seats.

Location: Central Scotland – viewing by appointment.

For more information and pictures please visit: www.gmgasset-management.com

Please email offers to auction@gmgsales.com Tel: 01698 386726

Eastcroft House, 25 Woodhall Road, Cambusnethan, Wishaw ML2 8PY

49 seats, rear floor mounted WC, automatic gearbox, air conditioning, DDA compliant

To arrange a viewing call 07760 771285

60 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

700303-1125-Winchester

17/2/14

12:50

Page 1

SCANIA BENDY BUSES FOR SALE Quantity: 10 Guide Price: £15,000 each, discount for quantities Reg. date: 2003 Capacity: 46 seated & 102 standing Average mileage: 220,000 Engine: Scania DC9 Transmission: Automatic – ZF 5HP Ecomat Dry stored and unused for the last two years, excellent condition body and mechanics

Body length (overall): 17,985mm, Body width: 2,550mm, Height (external) incl. roof ventilator: 2,971mm, Axles: 3, Tyre size: 275/70 R22.5, Turning circle (kerb to kerb): 21,750mm, Approach angle: 6.5 degrees, Departure angle: 6.6 degrees, Front overhang 2,645mm, Rear overhang: 2,870mm, Gross vehicle weight: 28,000kg, Kerbside weight: 16,360kg, Front axle (max load): 7,100kg, Centre axle (max load): 9,500kg, Drive axle (max load): 12,000kg, Tank capacity: 290 litres.

MERCEDES BENDY BUSES FOR SALE Quantity: 60 Guide Price: £15,000 each, discount for quantities Reg. date: 2003 Capacity: 49 seated & 100 standing Average mileage: 220,000 Engine: Mercedes 906 Euro 3 Transmission: Automatic (Voith or ZF Ecomat) Dry stored and unused for the last two years, excellent condition body and mechanics

Body length (overall): 17,940mm, Body width: 2,550mm, Height (external) incl. roof ventilator: 3,009mm, Axles: 3, Tyre size: 275/70 R22.5, Turning circle: 22,822mm, Approach angle: 7 degrees, Departure angle: 7 degrees, Front overhang 2,705mm, Front Height (above road): 370mm, Rear overhang: 3,400mm, Gross vehicle weight: 28,000kg, Kerbside weight: 16,000kg, Front axle (max load): 7,245kg, Centre Axle: 10,000kg, Drive axle (max load): 13,000kg, Tank capacity: 290 litres.

Winchester Marine & Industrial

RAF Manby, Manby Middlegate, Manby, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 8UT Tel: 01507327100 Fax: 01507327103 Email: info@winchestermarine.net or Email winchestermarine@btconnect.com A CUSTOMER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT VISITOR ON OUR PREMISES. HE IS NOT DEPENDENT ON US, WE ARE DEPENDENT ON HIM. HE IS NOT AN INTERRUPTION ON OUR WORK; HE IS THE PURPOSE OF IT. HE IS NOT AN OUTSIDER ON OUR BUSINESS, HE IS PART OF IT, WE ARE NOT DOING HIM A FAVOUR BY SERVING HIM, HE IS DOING US A FAVOUR BY GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO.

p62_CBW_1125

17/2/14

13:56

Page 62

8

VUgYWcUW\gU`Yg#Wc#i_ 62 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

p63_CBW_1125

17/2/14

13:03

Page 63

08 (08) IVECO IRIS BUS 50C15 17 SEAT INC DRIVER W/CHAIR ACCESS PLUG DOOR COIF/PSV £17,995

2010 (10) FORD TRANSIT 12 SEAT MINIBUS 115PS 49,500 MILES £11,250

08 (08) IVECO 50C15 16 SEAT W/CHAIR MINIBUS U/FLOOR LIFT TRACKING FOR UP TO 5 W/CHAIRS COIF/PSV 49,000 MILES £19,995

08 (08) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS COIF/PSV TO DECEMBER 2014 26,000 MILES £12,995

05 (05) VW LT35 TDI LWB 16 SEAT NON D1 DRIVER W/CHAIR ACCESSIBLE INBOARD LIFT £15,500

05 (05) FORD TRANSIT 13 SEAT INC DRIVER W/CHAIR ACCESSIBLE U/FLOOR LIFT £7,995

NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE 519CDI • ALTAS CONVERSION • 17 SEAT MINICOACH • DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS • FULL AIR CONDITIONING • POWER DOOR LOW ENTRY STEP

P.O.A. (PONTYPOOL) LTD

2008 (08) IVECO IRIS BUS 50C15 17 SEAT W/CHAIR ACCESSIBLE COIF/PSV 54,000 MILES £16,995

2010 (10) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT BUS 115 PS DIGITAL TACHOGRAPH COIF/PSV £14,995

2010 (10) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT BUS 14OPS DIGITAL TACHOGRAPH COIF/PSV £15,495

MULTIPART & LDV/MAXUS PARTS STOCKISTS

Tel: 01495 757111 Mob: 07850 739446 (Haydn) or visit our website www.minibussales.biz to view the above stock www.coachandbusweek.com

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 63

p64_CBW_1125

17/2/14

13:51

Page 64

Kinglong Scotland XMQ 6130Y Triaxle

53-59 seats.

Full executive specification, wired for wi-fi.

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

BUILDINGS

• Bus Workshops • Secure Storage

• Supplied any width,

XMQ 6129 Tourist Coach Up to 53 seats, full exec specification, wired for wi-fi, reversing camera

XMQ 6127 12m Coach

36-55 seats, full exec specification, wired for wi-fi

XMQ 6127J City Bus

40 seats + standees, DDA compliant

XMQ 6900 Medium Passenger Coach

33-35 seats, full exec specification

any length

• Building to BS5590

• Doors high enough for Double Deckers

• Finance available Phone for further information

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime

BUSINESS WANTED

Bus & Coach Businesses

• Are you Retiring • Losing Money • • Need Investment • or Just Had Enough • We have Interested Buyers, Cash Investors Waiting

Reply, in con!idence, to PO Box 7677, Brackley, NN13 9BB

CHECKPOINTS

XMQ 6900J City Bus

27 seats + standees, DDA compliant

Buses Midis Coaches Kinglong Scotland George Stratford Main Office: 01651 872864 Mobile: 07527 815340

64 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014

ENGINEERING SERVICES

• 4-STROKE ENGINE TUNING & REBUILDS (PORTING, CAMS, BLUEPRINTING ETC) • CYLINDER HEAD FLOWBENCH TESTING & MODIFICATIONS • MULTI ANGLE VALVE SEAT CUTTING • MOTORCYLE ECU REFLASHING • CAD CAM & DESIGN FACILITIES • CNC MILLING (4-AXIS) • CNC TURNING • SURFACE GRINDING • MANUAL MILLING & SAWING • TIG WELDING FACILITIES AVAILABLE Browse our brand new online parts shop

XMQ 6120C Intercity Bus

Up to 70 seats, DDA compliant, can be fully tracked, wheelchair access Call for list of second-hand vehicles available

Wanted

www.rbengineering.co.uk Tel 01924 260555

ENGINES

THE CUMMINS ENGINE SPECIALISTS PARTS & SERVICE DIVISION

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

www.coachandbusweek.com

p65_CBW_1125

17/2/14

14:37

Page 65

FLEET SALES

GARAGE EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

RETIRING or

CHANGING YOUR FLEET?

Contact Malcolm Harrison Auctions

01630 674326

auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk MALCOLM HARRISON AUCTIONS

GEARBOXES

Coach and Commercial Transmissions Ltd For all your automatic, manual transmissions and differentials.

Service exchange or cost of repair available.

On-site mobile diagnostics.

Remove and refit service.

Contact 01977 599800 INSURANCE

Experts in Commercial Garage Equipment www.bwsequip.co.uk BWS (0117) 9530381

Driver Licence Checks

LICENCE CHECKS

DRIVING LICEN

CE

If you would like further information please call 01543 897505

Visit our website: www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk

HEATING PARTS 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

Formed in 2011 to support the UK’s PSV & CV operators with parts from Market leading OEM brands from World Wide renowned manufacturers

We off a comprehensive all makes parts program in:

Braking • Steering • Suspension Chassis Components • Transmission Filtration • Engine • Electrical Lubricants • Consumables EXPRESS PARTS DELIVERY

Master Part | Portland House | Dukeries Industrial Estate | Worksop | Notts | S81 7BQ

REGISTRATIONS

£750 22 PXY AXZ 17 FRZ 70 JXI 37 KIG 80 PEZ 65 RUI 46 SBZ 37 WXI 17

£350 CEZ 828 EIG 525 JJZ 868 MHZ 505 NUI 737 SBZ 949 UKZ 404 VIW 282 YIB 252

£99 CRZ 8384 FRZ 5515 GRZ 2555 GRZ 2556 HIG 8788 KIG 6556 LIG 9121 LIG 9122 MIG 1811

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

£99 MIG 1812 RFZ 1688 RHZ 5655 SNZ 1150 SNZ 1151 SUI 8185 UUI 2886 UUI 2887 VJZ 3232

£50 ERZ 8737 FXZ 2177 GRZ 4749 LIG 7715 LIG 7716 MIG 2016 MIG 2017 MIG 2018 MIG 2019

£50 NFZ 9485 RFZ 1686 RFZ 1687 RHZ 5696 SNZ 7181 TNZ 2267 TNZ 2268 UUI 5580 VJZ 3230

Tel: 028 6638 7124 • www.speedyreg.co.uk Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ

www.coachandbusweek.com

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 65

p66_CBW_1125

17/2/14

14:32

Page 66

REFURBISHMENT

SEATING

TRAINING

BUCKINGHAM 3 & 2 • Ideal for 3 & 2 configurations • Ergonomic design for maximum support, comfort and legroom • Tried & tested: fitted into many new coaches as OEM • Full range of legs and fitting options make the Buckingham ideal for upseating to 70+ seats • Lighter weight makes easier for installation Prime Passenger Seating Limited 7 Canalwood Industrial Estate, Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5RL Telephone: 01691 898 665 Fax: 01691 770 798 Email: johnm@primeps.com

www.primeps.com

trim TRAINING COACH TRIMMERS LTD

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

Full floors re-laid and centre gangways.

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

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

Tel/Fax: 01751 472229 VEHICLE SPARES

Trevor Wigley & Son Bus Ltd

With driver CPC Course on average £78 + VAT per module, we are really competitive at £65 + VAT per module.

BUT have you considered organising this training at your own premises* for 20 drivers, This would work out at £33 + VAT per person per module.

TW FULLY LICENSED END OF LIFE VEHICLE CENTRE TW REDUNDANT AND SCRAP VEHICLES TAKEN TW PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT SERVICE TW ALL REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR TW VARIOUS SPARES AVAILABLE TW CONTACT US FOR FULL AVAILABILITY

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

www.twigley.com

66 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014

www.coachandbusweek.com

In association with

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

How to unload an NBfL

Monday Gareth here: The familiar press day. Mum’s flapjack goes down a treat with my colleagues. It prompts the suggestion we should have a ‘cake section’ in CBW. Food for thought…

Tuesday Catch up on admin and update our spreadsheets. Spend much of the day writing up a feature, which it later turns out has be held over as the operator concerned has gone on holiday. I always like to run features by those concerned for fact checking. I may be ‘too nice’ at times (according to a former colleague) but I believe I can’t behave like some newspapers – the don’t give a monkeys about shafting folks attitude.

Wednesday Spend an enjoyable morning with Marshalls of Sutton on Trent – a visit which I had been looking forward to for several weeks. The welcome is every bit as warm as when I first made contact on the phone. Coffee and banter is thankfully not in short supply.

With time to spare, I decide to put a face to the name with David at Travel Wright. Another warm welcome and a smart, professional set up to boot.

Arrive back in Peterborough mid afternoon after a steady run down the A1, battling the wind and rain. Make a start writing up the Marshalls copy.

Thursday Crack on with the Marshalls feature and also meet our magazine distributors.

Friday Produce pages for this issue. A coach operator calls to update me on some developments. He tells me I always perk him up.

www.coachandbusweek.com

067_CBW1125_Last Stop.indd 67

Examples of the New Bus for London (NBfL) are currently on a world tour promoting Britain. Upon reaching South Korea, a somewhat ingenious way of unloading this vehicle from its flat bed container was devised, without the use of a drive off ramp.

Using three forklift vehicles, the NBfL is raised above the flatbed slightly, which is then driven out from underneath it. The vehicle is then lowered onto to ground. All of this can be seen in a rather tongue-in-cheek video on YouTube, showing the events

as if they are taking place within the trailer the latest generic Hollywood action flick.

On the same YouTube channel is a similar video showing another leg of the buses journey. The NBfL can be seen boarding a ferry as it leaves London for Hong Kong and Singapore.

View the video at http://coachandbusweek.com/ videos

How many cats?

Posted by Lainey Black on the ‘Coach driver’s name and shame’ Facebook forum was this little joke, a sort of ‘out of the mouths babes.’

Teacher: “If I gave you two cats and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?”

Johnny: “Seven, sir.”

Teacher: No, listen carefully. If I gave you two cats and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?”

Johnny: “Seven.”

Teacher: “Let me put it to you differently.

If I gave you two apples and another two apples and another two, how many would you have?”

Johnny: “Six.” Teacher: “Good. Now if I gave you two cats and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?”

Johnny: “Seven.”

By now the teacher, who who was becoming irritated asked: “Where on earth do you get seven from?”

Johnny replied: “Because I’ve already got a cat at home.”

Lancashire or Lanarkshire?

A member of CBW’s editorial team overheard an amusing conversation the other day. Yes, we know, with our at times warped sense of humour, you’re not wrong if you conclude that’s probably nothing unusual.

Anyway, the individual concerned was convinced North Lanarkshire was “above Manchester.”

Yes, it is if you’re ‘down south’ as our Scottish friends like to say, but she was getting her Lanarkshire and Lancashire mixed up. After much debate, she thankfully understood it in the end. It’s an easy mistake to make if geography is not your strong point. Little things amuse small minds...

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 67 17/02/2014 21:18

In association with

RECRUITMENT & PEOPLE DEADLINES Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm CONTACT Ian Gillis T: 01733 293484 E: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

Tachodisc MD Karen Crispe to join the FTA Karen Crispe has announced she will be leaving her role as Managing Director of Tachodisc, and will be joining the Freight Transport Association (FTA) at the beginning of April as Commercial Director.

As a member of the FTA’s Executive team, Karen will be responsible for leading the FTA’s commercial operations.

“It is with mixed emotions that I make this move,” said Karen. “I’ve been with Tachodisc for 15 years and have seen first-hand how the business has evolved in line with the needs of the industry. I’m immensely proud of all that we have achieved.”

“None of this success would have been possible however without the professionalism and expertise of everyone at Tachodisc, and I would like to thank all my colleagues, who I will miss dearly, for their

continued support over the years.” she concluded.

Nigel Tollit, Tachodisc’s Chairman said: “The Board was very sorry to learn that Karen would be leaving, but understands the position at the FTA is an exciting opportunity and one which will enable Karen to further advance her career across different areas of the transport industry.”

“It has been an honour to work with Karen, and on behalf of all the directors and staff, we would like to thank Karen for all her hard work and dedication over the years. We wish her every success in the future.”

The Tachodisc Board has also confirmed that Philip Jordan will take over as Managing Director and will be working alongside Karen with immediate effect to facilitate the handover. Philip, who has previously worked with

Steven Salmon appointed IRU President

Karen Crispe is to leave Tachodisc after 15 years Tachodisc, brings many years of senior management and product development experience to the role. Over the last few years he has worked successfully across several B2B industries, including software, technology and the logistics market.

The IRU Social Affairs Commission (CAS) has appointed a new President, Steven Salmon (CPT, United Kingdom), as well as a new Vice President, Lars Nielsen (ITD, Denmark) and reconfirmed Roxanne Ilie (UNTRR, Romania) as CAS Vice President.

CAS Members also bid farewell to George Causse, who stepped down as President after serving for 18 years. He will continue his term as Chairman of the Social Sectoral Dialogue meetings and will also continue participating in IRU activities by representing French road freight transport Member, FNTR. Reacting to the news, Steve said: “I am honoured to be chosen by the members of CAS to lead this important field for the next two years. CPT has long had a presence in Europe to ensure the voice of the industry, and CPT’s members in particular, is represented effectively.”

Operations Co-ordinator Edinburgh Due to our continued expansion we are currently inviting applications for an Operations Co-ordinator to join our office team in Edinburgh.

We are looking for a professional and enthusiastic individual who has previously experience of the Operations side of the coach industry. You will assist in the planning, direction and coordination of the day-to day operation of the organisation by handling the logistics and supervision of the team.

We are seeking applicants who have experience of dealing with the incoming tourist and corporate charter business and would like to develop their skills in this hands-on role to drive forward our commitment to customer service.

In return we will offer you access to continuous personal development to achieve your full potential accompanied by industry leading rates of pay and a generous company pension scheme.

Please send your CV and cover letter detailing your current remuneration package to recruitment@citycircleuk.com or alternatively send to HR Department, City Circle Limited, West London Coach Centre, North Hyde Gardens, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 4QT. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

68 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 068_071_CBW1125_People_Recruitment.indd 68

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 18:40

CITY GROUP CO. KSC – KUWAIT Posi�on: GENERAL MANAGER Department: Opera�ons Reports to: Chief Execu�ve Officer Applica�ons are invited from interested par�es for the posi�on of General Manager at City Group Company KSC, Kuwait.

We are a leading public transport operator in Kuwait (privately owned) commi�ed to deploying global best prac�ces towards providing a reliable, safe and pleasant service to our passengers, a rewarding working environment to our staff, in addi�on to effec�ve, efficient and environmentally-friendly public transport solu�ons to our governmental and private sector clients.

Key responsibili es would involve: • Developing the opera�onal strategy in coordina�on with the Execu�ve Commi�ee • Manage bus opera�ons including Route & Charter opera�ons, Contracted services, Service development, Engineering and maintenance • Ensure Service Delivery in terms of revenue protec�on, revenue genera�on, roadside support, team management along with customer rela�onship management and improvement in customer sa�sfac�on.

• Ensure compliance with corporate and legisla�ve standards.

Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in the industry; experience in management of large scale transport opera�ons including Route and Charter opera�ons.

To apply for this challenging posi�on, please send your CV along with a covering le�er to careers@citygroupco.com by 6th March 2014.

We can also be reached on Tel. No. 00965-24645815. Fax No. 24677945.

www.coachandbusweek.com

068_071_CBW1125_People_Recruitment.indd 69

W O N T I U R C E R

FIRST FOR RECRUITMENT JOB ADVERTS EVERY WEEK

TESTIMONIAL

“

Many thanks for assisting with the vacancy that we placed in Coach and Bus Week.

We had a very good response to our advertisement for a Fleet Engineer and we have now employed a prime candidate into the position who is very qualified and fits the business model.

”

Mark Bowden, Director– Galleon Travel

DIDATES

GET YOUR VAC ANCY SEEN BY QUALIT Y CAN Full Colour as standard vacancies posted to www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs n Details of all vacancies posted to our Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin pages n

n All

Contact Ian Gillis – Tel: 01733 293484 Email: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

Book one week, get a second week

HALF PRICE and a third week

FREE!

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 69 17/02/2014 18:40

Book one week, get a second week

Get your vacancy seen by quality candidates

half price and a third week

free!

Full Colour as standard n All vacancies posted to www.coachandbusweek.com/jobs n Details of all vacancies posted to our Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin pages n

Contact Ian Gillis 01733 293484 ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com Do you enjoy a

challenging, fast paced, detailed environment?

s Manager Commercial & Contract king for Go South Coast is loo for detail, eye an h wit someone ing and op vel who is good at de holder ke sta g on str ing ain maint relationships. nsibility The role will hold respo sis, sales, aly an e ric g/p tin ke tic for across a tenders and contracts ting area. era op e wide and divers h the You will work closely witc eti erg en d an innovative managing Go South Coast team, Damory, ar, est Blu s; nd bra s our bu ds, more bus, Salisbury Re rist.

Tou d an s, cti Ve ern uth So d relocation An attractive salary an the right for er off on package is candidate. page CV Please apply with a 2 to: ter let ing ver co d an coast.co.uk diana.wilks@gosouth ry 2014 closing date 28 Februa

Based in Croydon, Surrey we are looking for an experienced

Opera ons Manager A wide variety of opera�ons are undertaken by our coaches including UK and con�nental tours, as well as private hires and contracts.

Repor�ng directly to our managing director, the successful candidate will demonstrate good management and team leading skills and have full knowledge of driver’s hours and other legisla�on.

A CPC and PCV licence would be an advantage. A working knowledge of the coach manager system would be desirable.

In return we offer a compe��ve salary and benefits, along with a great working environment.

Ini�ally please send a CV by email to opera�ons@coachesetc.com sta�ng your current remunera�on package .

For an informal chat call 07500 049061 and speak to Richard.

This vacancy is due to internal changes and an immediate start will be offered to the right candidate.

If you feel this is the job for you please get in touch now.

70 | COACH & BUS WEEK | February 19, 2014 068_071_CBW1125_People_Recruitment.indd 70

www.coachandbusweek.com

17/02/2014 18:40

RECRUITMENT & PEOPLE DEADLINES Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.00pm CONTACT Ian Gillis T: 01733 293484 E: ian.gillis@coachandbusweek.com

New MD for First Greater Manchester First has announced that Teresa Broxton is to be appointed as the new Managing Director for the First bus operations in the Greater Manchester area.

Teresa, who joined First in 1998, has held the position of Finance Director for First in the North of England since 2011. More recently Teresa (49) has championed the business transformation programme in the region which has driven up passenger volumes by 14% since the summer of 2013 through improvements in customer service performance and delivering value for money for customers.

Teresa started her career with Greater Manchester Buses in 1983 and has a wealth of experience

Teresa Broxton joined First in 1998 of UK bus operations including her role as Financial Controller for Stagecoach Manchester. It is believed she is the first female MD of a Manchester bus business.

She has always lived in Greater

Manchester and has a strong family background in the bus industry. Both her parents were in the industry, her father as an Operations Manager and her mother as an engineering clerk.

Dave Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First in the North of England, said: “Teresa has established herself as an effective leader with a commendable track record of building and leading strong teams and driving significant performance improvements across our business.

“Teresa’s leadership, experience and commitment to our customers and our people will be invaluable in continuing to drive forward our plans to grow our Greater Manchester business.”

Trent barton honours for long serving staff

After spending 45 years behind the wheel of a bus, Peter Bladon said he still gets a buzz out of going to work and chatting to customers he now regards as friends.

The 64-year-old is one of trent barton’s longest-serving drivers and first got behind the wheel of a bus in 1968 after deciding that a career as a butcher’s apprentice wasn’t for him.

“It was one of the best decisions I ever made,” said Peter. “I really enjoy meeting new people, as well as my regular customers, and trying to be as helpful to them as I can.”

Peter, a familiar face on i4 buses between Nottingham, Stapleford, Sandiacre and Derby, was among 19 staff from kinchbus and trent barton presented with long service awards at a special dinner at

www.coachandbusweek.com

068_071_CBW1125_People_Recruitment.indd 71

Morley Hayes, Derby.

Between them they have clocked up more than 550 years’ service, and seven of them have joined the firm’s exclusive ‘35+ Club’. The remainder all have a minimum of 25 years’ service behind them and represent all areas of the business.

Jeff Counsell, trent barton Managing Director, commented: “For more than four decades, Peter has delivered a sterling service. Like all those who have been with us for a quarter of a century or more, he deserves recognition for his efforts over the years.

“The company prides itself on having very low staff turnover, and the fact that many customers get to know our drivers as friends is all part of the trent barton experience.”

In total, 19 staff were presented with long service awards

Express Motors appoints General Manager

Family-run Express Motors, of Penygroes, near Caernarfon, Gwynedd, has appointed its first General Manager.

Richard Jones was previously Gwynedd Council’s Senior Public Transport Officer and then subsequently the successful General Manager at Machynllethbased Lloyds Coaches.

Mr Eric Wyn Jones, owner of Express Motors, commented: “Richard comes with an impressive track record of success in the transport industry being associated with many national awards, and as such we felt he would be an important asset in taking our company forward in the same way as he has previously achieved elsewhere.”

Richard Jones commented: “I stepped down as General Manager at Lloyds Coaches having achieved so much there over the past four and a half years. I was initially offered the post of advisor/business development with Express Motors which provided me with the opportunity to spend more time with my family as the company is based closer to my home than Lloyds Coaches.

“However towards the end of my first week this changed, with me being appointed as the company’s inaugural General Manager with the remit of taking the company to the next level as I achieved at Lloyds. Having played an integral front line position at Lloyds I immediately accepted.”

Richard will be based at the company’s main garage at Penygroes.

February 19, 2014 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 71 17/02/2014 18:40

p00_CBW_0000 TBF generic

21/10/13

16:41

Page 1