Coach & Bus Week : Issue 1006

Wednesday October 5, 2011 Issue 1006 | £2.95 www.coachandbusweek.com

COACH:

New Plaxton Scania combination set for launch in 2012 p4

FINANCIAL:

Optare and FirstGroup results – plus VW takeover of MAN p12

Inside this week...

Minibus

BUS:

Stagecoach trials CNGpowered MAN bus in Liverpool p5

AWARDS:

Nominations now open for 2012 UK Coach Awards p4

for recru i

Stephen Barber: The changing face of coaching

JOB ADV tment EVERY WERTS EEK

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THIS WEEK

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

EDITORIAL Publisher Jonathan Taylor 01733 293240 jonathan.taylor@rouncymedia.co.uk Editor Gareth Evans 01733 293243 gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk Industry Editor Meera Rambissoon 01733 293240 meera.rambissoon@rouncymedia.co.uk Technical and Minibus Editor Martin Cole 01733 293245, 07885 692144 martin.cole@rouncymedia.co.uk Art Director Keith Simpson Contributors Richard Charnley, Gabriel Conway, Alan Payling

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Coach Awards 2012 are go

I

t’s official – the timetable for UK Coach Awards (UKCA) 2012 has been set. Nominations have opened this week, but please remember they close in early December. If the number of enquires I’ve received is anything to go by, the next UKCA looks set to be even more popular than previously.

As detailed on p4, the event will make a welcome return to Manchester’s Ramada Jarvis Piccadilly hotel, a venue which is easy to reach by public transport and the private car alike and which did us proud in 2011.

If you’ve never been, it’s worth remembering that the UKCA is dedicated purely to coaches. To this end, the tourism element of the industry prominently.

A notable addition to the line up at the next UKCA is the Young Coach Industry Professional award, something which,

at the risk of sounding big headed, I have suggested.

With the Young Manager title being a popular part of the associated UK Bus Awards, I felt it was about time a similar category existed for promoting the coach industry’s future talent. In the four and a half years I’ve worked full time on CBW, I’ve been delighted to meet a number of individuals on my travels who without doubt are worthy of receiving the recognition they deserve. However, let it not be said that I have any direct influence over the winners – I write about and photograph them.

On the subject of awards, the Bus Awards final is only weeks away – Tuesday, November 29 to be precise. Watch out for further details in CBW in the coming weeks. Have you booked your table yet? If not, visit www. ukbusawards.org.uk.

Gareth Evans Editor

CONTENTS 4

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36

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

12

The second part of an interview with the CPT’s Stephen Barber

Birmingham International’s tri-axle Volvo Leiciester City FC team coach

Interim results from Optare and FirstGroup - plus MAN/VW merger

18

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

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

22

Campaign for Better Transport’s Stephen Joseph on ‘Save our Buses’

CBW looks at the leading suppliers of workshop equipment

Driver turns author and two employment tribunal rulings

News

Financial News Tour News

Essential Guide

Face to Face

30

Deliveries

32

Open Platform

35

Drivers

The Big Picture

39

Minibus

An in-depth looks at Iveco’s new Daily, Q-Straint’s Q&A column – plus all the latest Minibus news

69

Last Stop

A lighthearted look at the industry.

Plus Gareth’s Diary!

70

People

All the latest people moves

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

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

www.coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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4 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

NEWS

BRIEFLY Alex Carter last week unexpectedly stepped down from his role as managing director of Go South Coast. A spokesperson for the Go-Ahead Group told CBW: “Alex Carter is currently unable to fulfil his duties as MD at Go-South Coast, so Andrew Wickham is temporarily covering the post. There is nothing further to say, but we would urge you not to draw any conclusions based on speculation.” Alex has managed Go South Coast since 2003, with responsibility over eight businesses – including Wilts & Dorset Bus – covering bus, coach and engineering. Alex joined the bus industry in 1981 in its nationalised form and has held a number of senior roles post-privatisation.

The new dual three-lane Mersey Gateway Bridge and associated link roads will form a major new transport route improving links between the North West to the rest of the country.

It will also ease the congestion currently experienced by users of the Silver Jubilee Bridge, reducing journey times by up to 10 minutes at peak times. Construction of the bridge is expected to begin in 2013 and open for traffic in 2016.

The construction cost is around £600m which the DfT will support with a mixture of capital grant and continued revenue funding for PFI payments. The existing Silver Jubilee Bridge, 1.5 miles to the west of the planned bridge, will be converted into a local traffic bridge with priority for buses.

Ten buses belonging to Plymouth Citybus have been fitted with the latest on-board information screens as part of a partnership with Plymouth-based Blue Lollipop Media. The screens and service are provided free to Plymouth Citybus and funded by advertising revenue from businesses in the region. Andrew Wickham, Plymouth Citybus MD, said: “Having next stop information automatically displayed is just one of the features we believe will be of help to our customers in the near future. Blue Lollipop Media can also remotely download appropriate travel information for a specific bus or buses on a chosen route.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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UK Coach Awards 2012 heat is on New categories include Young Industry Professional and Making Coaches a Better Choice Nominations for the UK Coach Awards 2012 opened this week – which means coach operators and their customers can nominate people, companies and organisations who have excelled during the 2011 season.

Entries will be accepted up to and including December 9, 2011, and the shortlist will be announced in February. The results will be announced at the Annual Presentation Ceremony, to be held at the Ramada Jarvis Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester on Thursday April 19, next year.

There is an expanded list of awards for 2012 which is designed to reflect excellence and good practice across a whole range of activities, and a cardinal principle of the scheme is that people who actually use the services are the ones who should do the nominating. New categories for 2012 include Making Coaches a Better Choice and a Young Coach Industry Professional Award.

There are 21 awards in total and the categories are divided into the following groups: n Industry people; n Coach operation; n Management of coaching;

New Plaxton Scania combination for 2012

From 2012, the availability of Plaxton’s top-selling Panther body on Scania’s K360 underframe will be a new option for UK coach operators, offering a return to what was a popular platform.

The Scania Panther SE will be a 12.8m-long high-specification coach, typically configured with 53 reclining seats with a centre sunken

n Coach friendliness; n Manufacturers and support service suppliers; n Suppliers of services for coach passengers.

UK Coach Awards director Jamie Cash commented: “Our goal is to raise awareness, recognise the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the diverse organisations and of the people involved in coach tourism.

“The scheme is designed to recognise and reward excellence, original thinking and innovation,” he continued, explaining that each award would be independently and

impartially judged using objective criteria. “That way, we can promise that taking home a UK Coach Award really is a badge of achievement.”

The award categories cover the full range of services provided by and for coach operators and their passengers. There are prizes for industry people, for excellence in coach operation and management, in coach friendliness by attractions and local authorities. Suppliers of services for coach passengers, such as catering and venue ticketing, are recognised too, alongside manufacturers and support service suppliers.

Nominations can be submitted online via the UK Coach Awards web site or using specially designed forms that can be downloaded from the site. The web site, at www. ukcoachawards.co.uk also contains detailed criteria for each award category plus news and information about current and previous winners.

Organisations which support the awards include the Coach Tourism Council, the Confederation of Passenger Transport, the Group Travel Organisers Association and media partners Coach & Bus Week.

Johnsons Coaches of Henley-inArden won Large Fleet Coach Operator of the Year 2010

For further information about the awards, visit the UKCA website at www. ukcoachawards.co.uk

washroom, or with 57 recliners in fully-seated coaches. Also available will be a 12.3m version which will be fully DDA compliant.

“We are keen to appeal to the widest possible range of operators,” said Kevin Wood, Plaxton’s sales and marketing director, “and working with Scania adds an attractive option to the Plaxton coach line-up. We anticipate that the new model will bring incremental business to both ourselves and to Scania.”

Bob Nevitt of Scania (Great Britain) Limited, commented: “Scania is committed to providing its customers with a choice of highquality coaches. By working with

the popular and highly respected British manufacturer Plaxton, we are able to offer operators greater choice and an attractive new model.”

The proven K360 underframe has a 360bhp Scania DC9 engine and Scania OptiCruise transmission.

The DC9 engine uses EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) to meet Euro 5 emission limits and therefore does not require AdBlue.

The first Scania Panther SE coaches will be available for delivery in the spring of 2012. Sales will be handled by both Plaxton Coach Sales at Anston and Scania (Great Britain) Limited’s Worksopbased coach sales team.

03/10/2011 23:32

“If a driver is carrying a coach load of 70 yearolds, you expect him to wear a tie and be smart; if he’s carrying 25 year olds it’s less rigid.”

Stephen Barber

Stagecoach trials CNG powered EcoCity bus Stagecoach has launched a sixweek trial in Liverpool of a new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)powered MAN bus.

The 12-metre EcoCity can also run on biomethane, which is already used as a fuel by the group as part of a project in Lincoln. The low-floor bus, which is right-hand drive for the UK market, is expected to meet the new Euro 6 engine emissions standards, which will come into force in January 1, 2014.

While CNG fuelling infrastructure in the UK is in its infancy, there is no need for large stocks of fuel to be managed and stored in a bus depot, because gas is drawn from the national grid as required.

Commenting on the trial, Sam Greer, Stagecoach UK Bus regional director, said: “We’re looking forward to testing the performance of the gas bus in Liverpool over the

Two new TCs to be recruited

The department for transport’s roads minister Mike Penning has announced the recruitment of two new Traffic Commissioners (TCs).

The TCs will serve the South Eastern & Metropolitan and North Eastern Traffic Areas, replacing Philip Brown and Tom Macartney who are to retire this month.

Mike Penning said: “The TCs provide an essential service as independent regulators and provide a vital contribution to road safety by ensuring only those competent and equipped to be operators and drivers are licensed.

October 5, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 5

Face to Face p26

next six weeks. This will allow us to compare its fuel consumption and operating costs against other types of vehicles in our fleet. We continue to look at a variety of technologies to help reduce our carbon footprint.”

MAN has already supplied more than 7,000 CNG buses which now operate throughout the world.

Fleets of MAN buses are already running on biomethane in both Sweden and the Netherlands.

Tony Griffiths, of MAN Truck and Bus UK, said: “We’re thrilled to have a major operator such as Stagecoach running these very important initial UK trials. MAN gas-engine technology has been well-proven throughout the rest of the world, and we are confident it can contribute a significant reduction in costs and emissions – both central to the future of passenger transport and the UK environment.”

MAN’s CNG-powered buses already operate in several parts of Europe “We will be recruiting new TCs to replace Philip Brown and Tom Macartney.”

Richard Turfitt has been appointed to act as interim TC for the South Eastern and Metropolitan Area - in addition to his default role as commissioner for the Eastern Traffic Area. Beverley Bell, TC for the North Western Area, will be temporarily covering the North Eastern Traffic Area.

The cabinet office public appointments website is providing details of the recruitment exercise. The department is keen to encourage applications from anyone who may have a relevant industry background. Visit http:// publicappointments.cabinet office.gov.uk/

First sells off German bus operations FirstGroup has sold its German bus operation for a gross amount of €5.5m. FirstGroup Deutschland GmbH, which runs 130 buses in Rhineland Pfalz, South West Germany, has been sold to Marwyn European Transport (MET), a wholly owed subsidiary of Marwyn Management Partners (MMP).

MMP was created to pursue acquisition-led growth strategies in public markets. It was listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange in January 2011 by Marwyn, the principal investment and advisory group.

Ian Gillis joins Coach & Bus Week CBW’s sales team has been boosted with the appointment of Ian Gillis, who previously worked on another weekly trade magazine. Ian has a lot of friends and many years of experience in the industry. He is looking forward to the new challenges of working at our premium magazine alongside Harley and Lara.

Commenting on his appointment, Ian said: “I have always read CBW to keep up with news as it is by far the best magazine in the industry.

Therefore, after leaving my former job I decided to see if there were any vacancies as this would be a natural career progression for me.

The atmosphere at CBW is great and I enjoy the close working relationship the sales team has with the editorial team. I look forward to helping clients maximise the complete range of sales and marketing opportunities we can deliver for them at CBW.”

O’Toole: focus is on core business Commenting on the sale, Tim O’Toole, First’s CEO, said: “The disposal of our small German bus business marks a further step in our programme of small asset and business disposals as part of our strategy to focus on our core operations in the UK and North America.”

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

www.coachandbusweek.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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6 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

NEWS › BUSES

1998

The year Green Triangle Buses Ltd, trading as South Lancs Travel was founded

BRIEFLY The Department for Transport has produced figures showing the removal of the M4 bus lane has made journeys from London to Heathrow Airport a minute shorter. The lane has been used by 4.5 million motorists since December 2010 with none of the anticipated travel chaos. It will be briefly reinstated for the 2012 Olympics.

Go-Ahead Group-owned Plymouth Citybus has teamed up with Placr to offer a smartphone app which provides up to date information on traffic and bus times. The app can either scan a QR code or visit the specifically designed mobile website placr. mobi to access the information.

Bus users can search for a specific stop or search for the closest stop to them. The app will then identify a list of incoming buses in route order, along with their end destinations. The app also displays maps to find bus stops and has twitter integration, allowing users to add to dialogue about traffic updates.

The Sunday ‘Robin Hood’ replacement bus service between Mansfield Woodhouse and Worksop may be withdrawn after it was revealed the withdrawn funding for the Sunday trains on the Robin Hood line may not return.

The service, costing an estimated £125,000 per year, began when the Sunday trains were stopped on May 22. A Derbyshire County Council officer’s report recommended the bus also be withdrawn after Sunday, October 9.

Vinci has been named as the main contractor to complete the next phase of the new Stoke-on-Trent bus station.

The firm, which won the tender subject to a 10 day call-in period, will move in to build the facility once groundworks are completed.

The station is still on schedule to open in autumn 2012, the local council said. The new station will have 22 new bus bays, along with improved passenger waiting areas, refreshment kiosk and toilets, and forms part of the £350m City Sentral (sic) shopping centre initiative. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Labour looks to reverse bus deregulation Shadow transport secretary says Labour policy review seeks ‘right way to reverse bus deregulation’ Shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle MP said Labour is looking at reversing bus deregulation.

Speaking at last week’s Labour party conference in Livepool, she also called on bus operators to support the next generation of young people, in a way which best suits each community.

Eagle said powers to deliver Quality Contract were a good start but more is needed to devolve decision-making on buses. She also laid blame for bus cuts with transport minister Norman Baker, the “Give Way Minister”.

“Devolving funding and decisionmaking over transport is making

a real difference in our cities, but in government we didn’t go far enough,” said Eagle. “That’s why our policy review has been looking at how we can devolve more transport responsibilities and, just like in London, powers to deliver

Maria Eagle MP says deregulation has led to profits driving decisions

First launches Gold Service Customer Charter

First Bus has introduced a gold standard service for its 25 and 26/26A routes in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, as part of a scheme to improve customer service.

The number 25 service runs from Hanley to Keele via Stoke and Newcastle, and the number 26 runs from Hanley to Newcastle via Dividy Road in Bentilee, Brookwood Drive in Meir, Longton and Stoke.

An interesting development is that First has revived the 1990s livery of its former PMT subsidiary to the launch improved levels of service. One PMT-liveried bus will be used on each service. The routes will have dedicated drivers, extra daytime cleaning of the buses and improved information at stops.

£3.50

The cost of First’s new two-trip ticket in the Potteries bus services in the way that best suits each community. Quality contracts were a good start. But the incentives to use them just aren’t there and the risks too great.”

Eagle said in too many places, there is a lack of accountability and no way for local communities to set priorities, with “profits, not passengers, too often driving decisions. Our policy review is therefore looking at the right way to reverse bus deregulation,” she said.

Operators have their role to play too, urged Eagle, commenting: “But the transport companies have a social responsibility too.

Since privatisation, we’ve not seen enough of it. We’ve stood by the bus companies as the government has cut their subsidies. Now I want them to stand by Britain’s next generation.”

Concluding on buses, Eagle said: “So today I call on them to work together. And in return for the support they receive, invest some of their profits in Britain’s young people. And in time for the next academic year, deliver a concessionary fares scheme for 16-18 year olds in education or training. And if they don’t, the government should insist that they do.”

First has revived the colourful old PMT livery A new ‘two-trip’ fare will also allow passengers to complete two journeys on either the 25 or 26 with the option to transfer onto others in the network to complete journeys in any one day. Tickets cost £2.50 for children and £3.50 for adults.

“We want to encourage as many people as possible to use our services, so we are introducing a new ‘gold service’ whereby we hope to provide the very best bus service possible,” said general manager of First in the Potteries, Peter Walch.

“We also want to build a better relationship with our customers so we’re employing dedicated drivers to the routes and we’re taking steps to further improve the standard of cleanliness on our vehicles as we know how important this is to our customers.

Walch concluded: “Finally, we’re implementing a ‘Gold Service Customer Charter’ – which outlines our commitment to run reliable, punctual and clean services with friendly, customer focused, drivers.”

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21

SHARE WATCH

The number of BAE Systems-powered ADL Enviro 400 Hybrid buses at Stagecoach in Sheffield

Mark Savelli says farewell to First Mark Savelli has resigned from his position as FirstGroup’s regional managing director in Scotland and left the group on September 30.

Giles Fearnley, head of First’s UK bus division thanked Mark for his “significant contribution” to First’s business over the past five years.

Mark was managing director in Glasgow and then as regional MD for Scotland.

“This was Mark’s second spell at FirstGroup and his achievements included recognition for the First Glasgow team at the Scottish Transport Awards 2009 with the top accolade of Public Transport Operator of the Year,” said Giles.

“We will miss Mark’s great energy and drive and wish him every success for the future.”

Giles announced Neil Barker has been appointed to succeed the role and will join the firm in early December. Neil is currently European development director at National Express having previously served as the firm’s MD of UK Bus with responsibility for all its bus operations. Neil has also held senior positions at Arriva, including in the Midlands, where he was MD.

D&G buys South Lancs Travel

D&G Bus along with existing shareholder Julian Peddle, has purchased the remaining shares of Martin Bott and David Stewart of Green Triangle Buses Ltd trading as South Lancs Travel. The deal was completed on Friday (September 30).

David Reeves, MD of D&G Bus, and the new MD of South Lancs Travel (SLT), said: “South Lancs Travel has a fine pedigree and some excellent core work, along with a modern fleet. Many of their staff have been with the company for a number of years, and I am looking forward to getting to know them and working with them.”

Martin Bott and David Stewart will remain with the SLT in a consultancy role to help with the business going forward, as will

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Industry share prices at the close of the Stock Exchange on Monday, October 3. Stagecoach saw the highest proportional rise and Siemens the biggest proportional drop.

Figures obtained from www.iii.co.uk

260.00p

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Stagecoach Yorkshire MD Paul Lynch with Brian Blessed at the launch

Stagecoach Yorkshire launches new hybrid �leet Stagecoach Yorkshire launched a fleet of 21 BAE Systems-powered ADL Enviro 400 Hybrids in Sheffield last week.

The first of their kind in South Yorkshire, they have replaced Volvo B6s on route 120, which links Lodge Moor with Halfway, via the city centre. The vehicles were officially launched on Thursday

(September 29) and are part of a £4m investment from Stagecoach with £2m funding from the government’s Green Bus Fund.

Paul Lynch, Stagecoach Yorkshire managing director, said the buses would provide customers with the same service and hoped they would entice more people on to public transport. He said: “We are proud to be introducing these new buses, which will provide customers with the same safe and reliable service but also cut carbon emissions and show our commitment to attracting non-bus users to public transport.

“Our passengers will therefore enjoy the dual benefits of a greener bus service and smoother ride.”

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South Lancs Travel operates a modern fleet Alan Scoles the traffic manager and Keith Marshall the fleet engineer.

D&G plan to make few or no initial changes. Dave Reeves’ said he intends to “get to know the business, before we do anything.”

Martin Bott and David Stewart established Green Triangle in 1998 starting with four buses. Since that time they have grown the business to a 48 vehicle operation, with over

100 staff. Martin said: “D&G’s offer gives us the opportunity to do other things with our lives, I with my bookshop and Dave with his golf.”

Dave Stewart commented: “We will not have the pressure of control, but will have the benefit of still being involved within a business and industry that has formed a large part of our lives for so long.”

Price: Year High: 99.57p Year Low: 66.86p

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www.coachandbusweek.com

04/10/2011 00:14

8 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

NEWS › COACHES

“By making bus cuts a national rather than local issue, we were able to get significant national coverage for buses for he first time, and this has continued.”

Stephen Joseph

BRIEFLY A number of roadworks are to take place on the A1 from October onwards. From Great Lumley to J65, Co. Durham, white lining operations will take place. One lane will be open northbound between 2000 and 0600hrs. The works will take place October 3-8. Slight delays are expected overnight at Blaydon Bridge for maintenance works.

There will be a carriageway closure with a diversion in place north or southbound from 2000 to 0600hrs. The works began on the southbound on September and end October 5. Northbound starts October 5-17. Delays are expected between Alnwick and Newton on the Moor as resurfacing and construction works take place.

There will be a 24-hour contraflow and lane closures north and southbound. The resurfacing will take place until November.

Roadworks between the Tollbar and Ryton Islands on the A45 are to begin on October 17 and finish on October 28.

The intention of the works is to improve safe driving conditions.

The road marking and stud renewal works will take place overnight from 2000 to 0645hrs to minimise disruption. Diversion routes will be signposted.

Road marking and stud renewal works are to take place on a 2.5 mile stretch on the southbound carriageway of the A46 between M40 J15 and A46 Stoneleigh Road junction. Work will begin on October 10 and is due to be completed by October 21.

One lane will remain open to traffic during the works and all activity will take place overnight from 2000 to 0600hrs.

Overnight work along the A405 at Bricket Wood begins on October 3, on both carriageways between the M1 J6 and M25 J21a.

The work is due to be completed on October 12 (weather permitting) and will take place between 2200 and 0530hrs on weeknights only.

Mount Pleasant Lane, Chequers Lane and High Elms Lane will be closed during some of the phases at their junctions with the A405, with a diversion route signposted. www.coachandbusweek.com

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Open Platform p32

Changes in passenger tobacco allowances Reduction to 800 cigarettes and 1 kg of hand-rolling tobacco allowed The CPT is informing operators of a change in the law affecting tobacco allowances passengers are entitled to bring into the UK from the EU. Minimum Indicative Levels (MILs) changed on October 1, 2011, reduced to 800 cigarettes and 1 kg of hand-rolling tobacco, aligning the UK with levels elsewhere in Europe.

The UK minimum indicative levels were hitherto set at 3,200 cigarettes and 3kg of hand-rolling tobacco (HRT).

The change to the MILs was agreed in April 2011 in the renewed tobacco strategy ‘Tackling Tobacco Smuggling: Building on our Success’ and can be viewed on the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

website.

Latest available estimates for 2008/09 show revenue losses from illicit cigarettes and handrolling tobacco were approximately £2.2bn.

HMRC spokesman, Bob Gaiger said: “Law-abiding individuals who

Permitted cigarette allowance has been reduced by 75%

Lucketts brothers complete 120km charity bike ride Two brothers from Fareham-based Lucketts Travel have donned lycra and hopped on their bikes for a charity bike from London to Hayling Island, on the Hampshire coast, in aid of HOPEHIV. Ian and Steve Luckett, directors at the family-run business, participated in the 120km bike ride on September 25 and have so far raised over £1,100 for the charity.

Ian and Steve joined 59 other cyclists in the ride from Richmond Park, London to Langstone Bridge at Hayling Island. The difficult but scenic route took the cyclists through Richmond Park, Esham and Cobham, then Guildford, Haslemere and Burton before passing through Roland’s Castle and Havant and finally completing the journey in Hayling Island.

Steve Luckett said: “The training was gruelling as was the ride itself but we made it and we’re very proud. I feel like I need a knee replacement now but it’s a small price to pay! ” HOPEHIV is a charity supporting over 50,000 children and young

Steve and Ian Luckett completed the London – Haying Island ride in aid of HOPEHIV people in sub-Saharan Africa who have been orphaned or affected by HIV/AIDS. Funds raised by the ride will be used to buy bikes.

Ian Luckett said: “It’s not often you’ll catch me doing physical exercise so this really was no mean feat for me but we did it!”

You can donate to Ian and Steve’s cause by visiting their JustGiving pages at www. justgiving.com/IanLuckett and www.justgiving.com/SteveLuckett

genuinely import goods for their own use will not be affected. This change will only affect individuals who are abusing the current limits to avoid paying excise duty on tobacco products which are subsequently resold.”

Minimum indicative levels are guide levels set by EU Member States to determine whether imported goods are for travellers own use. There are no limits to volumes of tobacco travellers can bring back from the EU provided the goods are transported by them and are genuinely for their own use.

Further details of Traveller’s Allowances can be viewed on the HMRC and UKBA websites. www.ukba. homeoffice.gov.uk and www. hmrc.gov.uk

Maretts buys Bluebird Travel Maretts Chariots of Cromer has acquired Bluebird Travel in North Walsham, North Norfolk.

Maretts, run by Anthony Marett, is well known for its www. donttravelempty.com set up by Anthony to allow operators to maximise profits by minimising the amount of ‘dead’ mileage through linking all operators together via a jobs database.

Marrets has taken on four staff as a result and three coaches from Bluebird. These include an Optare Solera and two MAN-powered Van Hool coaches which join Marrett’s fleet, in addition to Bluebird’s workshops at North Walsham to form a combined operation.

A licence for 16 vehicles has been applied for and CBW understands the expanded business will trade as Marretts/Bluebird at the outset.

It is reportedly Anthony’s aim to increase the joint turnover from the two businesses – currently about £750,000 - to £1m - without increasing the size of the fleet.

03/10/2011 22:55

IN PARLIAMENT…

The new vehicle will be two metres shorter than the exisiting Jumbulance

Jumbulance Trust orders new Van Hool The Jumbulance Trust, a registered charity dedicated to providing holidays and trips for seriously disabled and sick people, has recently placed an order with Van Hool for a new ‘Jumbulance.’

The purpose-built vehicle is based on Van Hool’s T915 Acron design and is broadly similar to the Trust’s existing Van Hool T917 Acron, only two metres shorter.

This £300,000 Jumbulance features large disabled washroom, full kitchen, medical facilities including oxygen and resuscitation equipment and a capacity of 20, including luxury seating, and tracking for a combination of beds

and wheelchairs.

The old Jumbulance, was built

by Van Hool in 1990 and has given tremendous service over 20 years, covering a huge mileage, but now needs replacing.

A spokesman told CBW: “The new design of ‘Jumbulance’, put into service two years ago, has been a big step forwards for all our groups, giving more comfort, space and convenience. The new vehicle will bring those benefits to more people when it is delivered early next year. Van Hool has built all Jumbulances since the mid1970s. Their design flexibility and quality of workmanship makes them hard to beat.”

The new Jumbulance will be officially launched in January 2012.

More information on the Jumbulance Trust can be found at www.jumbulance.org.uk

Old and new vehicles were showcased at Bakers Coaches’ Open Day on Saturday (October 1) at its Coach Travel Centre in Biddulph, Staffordshire.

The theme of the day was ‘A celebration of passenger transport’, and visitors were invited to see a selection of veteran vehicles along with the latest additions to the Bakers fleet, including two of the three new Volvo hybrid buses (pictured), which are to enter service this month. Bakers told CBW the event was well attended and included interesting historic vehicles including coaches and examples of PMT (Potteries) buses from the Sixties.

October 5, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 9

CONCESSIONARY COACH TRAVEL In an oral answers to questions session, transport minister Norman Baker said: “First, we have retained the bus concession in its entirety when many thought it was vulnerable in the current financial climate. Secondly, the senior citizen railcard continues to exist, and it enables those people to receive a significant discount on rail travel.

Thirdly, as I have said, National Express, which is by far the largest coach provider, is intending to put its own scheme in place. I say that, first, because it makes commercial sense for National Express to do so and, secondly, because the profits on its coach division increased by 14% in the last six months.

Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish, Labour MP) said: “This proposal beggars belief—only on planet Norman can this be a good idea. Does the Minister not understand that removing the concessionary coach fares—an entitlement for almost 12 million pensioners and an additional number of disabled people— will, as Age UK puts it, have a “devastating effect” on many people, who will struggle to afford their coach journeys in future? Does he not see that by cutting too far and too fast his approach is having an unfair impact on pensioners and disabled people, and increasing the chances of them being socially isolated?

Baker replied: “That was rather over the top, if I may say so. The fact is National Express operated its own coach concession arrangements before 2003, and it indicated last year it believes the situation is manageable and that it intends to introduce a further concession. As I said a moment ago, the profits of the UK coach division of National Express have increased by 14%. Indeed, the profits of the National Express Group—a very successful company— have risen by 26% in the first half of this year.

If the hon. Gentleman is suggesting the public purse should subsidise

the profits of National Express, that would be an odd position for the Labour party to take.”

RURAL BUS SERVICES Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire, Labour MP) asked the transport minister: “Integrated transport authorities have effectively re-regulated buses in the larger metropolitan county areas, which has squeezed private bus companies and made the bus wars in rural areas particularly fierce.

That is great for those who live on lucrative bus routes, but services to smaller rural villages have become so bad as to be non-existent in some places. What is the Minister doing to help people out in those smaller rural areas?

Transport minister Norman Baker replied: “Local decisions are a matter for local authorities, which are elected and are in the best position to make those decisions. The hon. Lady will be aware the Competition Commission is examining the bus market and will report later this year. We will obviously give serious consideration to its recommendations.”

YOUNG PEOPLE Clive Betts (Sheffield South East, Labour MP) asked the transport secretary what assessment he has made of the effects of bus service reductions on young people; and if he will make a statement.

Transport minister Norman Baker replied: “I am aware that, as a result of local decisions, in some areas of the country bus services are being reduced.

“Changes to services are a matter for bus operators and local transport authorities. While I am monitoring the overall impact, the Government do not and cannot make an assessment of every individual change.

I would encourage all local authorities to ensure young people’s ability to access education and leisure activities is not compromised. Local education authorities have statutory duties regarding travel to school—students must not be prevented from attending education because there is no bus service or the fare is unaffordable.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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NEWS › INTERNATIONAL

Cabotage operations widened within France 230 new inter-regional coach routes have been authorised generating interest in several countries FRANCE The French Transport Minister, Thierry Mariani, has authorised cabotage operations on 230 new inter-regional coach lines crossing France, within the framework of international journeys. The announcement was made on September 6.

The move will come as welcome news to many coach travel operators who provide routes through France. Traditionally, these were unable to collect passengers in French territory.

ORTF legislation dating back to December 2009 authorised cabotage along international coach lines, on the condition no more than 50% of passengers embarked in France.

Coach operators from Spain and Portugal are reported to be interested in capitalising on this development, while international operator Eurolines has welcomed the chance to expand its services.

EC calls for EU-wide journey planner ideas EUROPE The European Commission (EC) has invited industry and stakeholders to submit ideas for Europe-wide journey planners.

Although more than 100 journey planners are currently in operation across the continent, there is not yet a service allowing users to find information or book a ticket for a journey within Europe regardless of the number of transport modes or countries involved.

Long distance coach and local bus routes are two methods of transport especially neglected by such services.

On the campaign’s website, vice president of the EC, Siim Kallas asks the question: “Why can’t I yet plan www.coachandbusweek.com

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President of Eurolines, John Gilbert said the news is “an excellent opportunity for Eurolines.

As a result of the decision by the French ministry, we are already offering domestic travel within France.”

“It will also create more awareness of our wider international business. And

with the opening up of the German market, travelling by coach across Europe is set to become even more appealing for passengers.”

Eurolines launched six new connections between Paris and western France in July this year, running them as international lines.

For instance, a Rennes-Paris service would terminate in Prague.

Eurolines is keen expand its services within France following the news or book my journey through Europe — switching from air to rail or sea, to urban or road transport — in one single go and online?” If the initiative is successful, the planning and execution of trans-European journeys on public transport could be made a significantly more efficient process.

The two categories for submissions are: European 1 Operational (or at least cross-border) multimodal journey planners; bright ideas on how 2 New to develop a real European multimodal journey planner – ideally including reservation and ticketing facilities to make sure people can also book their whole journey online.

Those with an idea or a service that is up and running can submit it on http:// ec.europa.eu/transport/its/ multimodal-planners/index_ en.htm

Brisbane’s Northern Busway AUSTRALIA Brisbane’s busway network is nearing completion, with the Windsor to Kedron section of the Northern Busway having been inspected by Queensland premier Anna Bligh. The A$444m Northern Busway project is more than 60% complete with construction of the 1.5km busway tunnel finished and a mechanical and electrical fit-out now underway.

By 2016 this congestion busting project will mean north-siders have access to a bus every 30 seconds in peak hour, increasing to a bus every 20 seconds by 2026.

On completion, the Busway will be handed to the Queensland Government for final fit-out and commissioning by south-east transport authority, TransLink.

Konstantinos Tsiknas, head of sales at Mercedes-Benz Buses and Coaches in Germany and Uwe Lücke, MD of Lücke-Reisen

First new generation Citaro delivered to Lücke-Reisen GERMANY The first of the new generation Mercedes-Benz Citaros has been delivered to Lücke-Reisen.

It was handed on 19 September

by Konstantinos Tsiknas, head of sales for Mercedes-Benz Buses and Coaches in Germany, to managing directors Anne and Uwe Lücke. Lücke-Reisen is based in Nordkirchen, Germany.

The new Citaro features environmentally-friendly BlueTec diesel technology and is powered by a Euro 5 six-cylinder turbocharged OM 906 hLA engine with a capacity of 6.37 litres. It develops 286bhp (210 kW) and delivers a massive torque output of 1200Nm. Bus and coach operator LückeReisen was founded in 1966 by Otto Lücke and is now managed by the second generation of the family, Uwe and Anne Lücke. The firm’s fleet comprises around 60 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including coaches. Lücke-Reisen’s services range from school trips and club outings to coach tours throughout Germany and Europe.

The family business also runs local bus services for public transport authorities, including Regionalverkehr Münsterland (RVM) and Verkehrsgesellschaft Kreis Unna (VKU) as well as for the charity Caritasverband Kreis Coesfeld. The new Citaro will operate alongside nine earlier generation Citaros.

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NEWS › FINANCIAL

FirstGroup trading update points to difficult times ahead for UK Bus FirstGroup’s update predicts a future with slowed growth and squeezed operating margins FirstGroup has released its preclose trading update for the six months to September 30. Promising figures have been discussed, though more difficult trading conditions are predicted to arrive during the course of the second half of the financial year.

The operator’s UK Bus division is expected to show an increase in like-for-like passenger revenue of 1.2% and improvements in operating margin, and an increase in operating profit by 19.4% to £148.8m. However “more challenging trading conditions” are anticipated in the next financial half-year.

This has been put down to “lower economic activity continuing to impact regional economies.”

Many local authorities around the country have had to reduce their financial provision for bus services.

In spite of this, FirstGroup’s focus will remain on developing existing opportunities, with a view to encouraging growth, while maintaining “strong cost discipline.”

First’s Greyhound coach travel brand, which originated in the US and was purchased in 2007, has been operating in the UK for the past year and passenger revenue is expected to increase by 0.8%.

Passenger revenues increase for UK Bus, but expected lower economic activity looks set to restrict operations and squeeze profit margins

EC clears the way for Volkswagen’s MAN takeover Volkswagen’s takeover bid for MAN has been given approval by the European Commission, and as such is one step closer creating a powerful European truck business that compete with rivals Volvo and Daimler.

Chairman of Volkswagen Ferdinand Piëch has his sights on Volkswagen becoming the world’s largest car and truck manufacturer by 2018.

The announcement on September 26 will allow Volkswagen to pursue a co-operation effort between www.coachandbusweek.com

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MAN and Scania to deliver what it calls “substantial synergies” in procurement, development and production.

A regulatory dispute with competition authorities at the Commission had previously forced Volkswagen to adjust its takeover bid. However the European Commission explained that the takeover would not significantly impede competition as Volkswagen would be facing “strong competition” from other well-established manufacturers.

The German car manufacturer’s bid to gain control of Munichbased MAN during the summer was upheld by the European Commission, which explained to Volkswagen it should not appoint a total of five members to its supervisory board prior to receiving the necessary merger approval.

VW offered a mandatory €95 per ordinary share to MAN at the end of May, after its shareholding rose above 30%. This was below its ideal figure however, and 35-40% was the preferred target. Such a proportion would have given VW a stable majority at MAN’s annual general meetings. VW anticipates the takeover could be

Chief executive of FirstGroup Tim O’Toole said: “We are encouraged by improving trends in UK Rail and Greyhound and a continued steady performance in our UK Bus and First Transit operations. We expect that our North American First Student business will continue to see pressure on margins during 2011/12.”

In other departments, UK Rail’s performance remained strong as demand for rail services grew and led to an expected increase in like for like passenger revenue of 9%, and First Student, following a disappointing performance last year, operated within expectations and is undergoing a recovery plan to “address performance.”

The group’s outlook maintains several key goals for the future, including increasing cash generation to support capital investment, reducing debt, and achieving dividend growth of at least 7% per annum. A £150m target for net cash inflow in 2011/12 will remain. While there are economic challenges that have to be addressed in the short term, “the Board is confident that the Group has good prospects to continue to deliver long term value for shareholders… the Group has diverse operations that are fundamentally strong and we have a clear focus on creating a stronger business.” worth €200m annually, mainly in procurement.

The Commission examined the impact of the transaction on the supply of heavy trucks and deemed the takeover to pose no threat to the quality of competition in the industry. It said in a statement: “The Commission concluded that the proposed transaction would not significantly impede effective competition … because the merged entity would continue to face strong competition from other well established manufacturers.”

Volkswagen now controls an impressive array of marques including Seat, Bentley, Audi and Scania, in which it holds nearly 72% of voting shares.

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Optare releases interim results for financial half-year Optare has released its interim results for the sixth months ending June 30. Highlights include major investment in its Sherburn factory in North Yorkshire. Relocation to the facility began in August and is expected to be completed by the middle of this month.

There were six consecutive months of increasing output during the period, and significant progress was made in export markets, as the company worked collaboratively with Ashok-Leyland on potential major contracts. Investment in product development continued, particularly in target export markets to achieve local market testing and approvals.

With regards to financial highlights of the period, CEO Jim Sumner said: “Whilst the UK market in the first half of 2011 continued to be challenging, substantial

progress was maintained against the three year turnaround plan with investment in a new factory to support planned growth in domestic and export markets.

The business is also targeting to

move back into profit following completion of the factory move.”

In its business and financial review, Optare noted its turnover for the half-year was £22.7m, a fall from the equivalent period last year of £27.1m. Optare puts this down to “a continuing reduction in UK demand,” and disruption to production from supply chain issues, which have now been resolved.

An Optare Versa diesel electric hybrid in two-door London specification

Optare also announced it was the preferred bidder for a 200-vehicle order through a partner in South Africa, with buses to be provided in kit form and assembled in the local market. Confirmation of the contract is said to be expected shortly and will be notified to the market in due course.

Optare’s outlook includes a predicted improvement in UK demand in the coming two years, “driven by an expected pre-buy of existing Euro 5 emission buses to avoid the additional cost burdens of Euro 6 legislation compliance due in 2013 and to comply with the Disability Discrimination legislation which is required for all singledecker buses by 2014.”

The manufacturer is looking confidently ahead to the third year of its “turnaround strategy,” which follows a phase of restructuring, debt reduction and investment in business. A strong order book moving into the second half of 2011 would help to propel sustained growth.

See us at Stand K47

www.coachandbusweek.com

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14 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

TECHNOLOGY › FLEET MANAGEMENT PART ONE

Real time visibility of fleet management From reduced fuel consumption to service reliability: in the first of a two part fleet management special, Giles Margerison, Director UK & Ireland, TomTom Business Solutions, makes a compelling case for vehicle tracking technology

T

he highly competitive nature of coach and bus services, combined with the industry’s tight margins, has put companies under increasing pressure to scrutinise their operational performance.

Vehicle tracking and navigation technology systems offer one of the most logical options for maximising efficiency and reliability. These systems have evolved over recent years to become extremely sophisticated management tools, helping to drive down costs and boost quality of service.

In their early guises, telematics systems did little more than relay positional data back to the central office PC. For many organisations, the ‘fleet visibility’ provided by track and trace information still proves to be the most valuable, albeit that the accuracy and ways in which it is relayed has become increasingly advanced.

It is vital that bus and coach companies, for example, ensure their drivers are keeping to the schedules upon which passengers depend.

TomTom Business Solutions’ WORKsmart™-Track is the latest incarnation of a relatively simple system, which incorporates LINK 300 tracking units in company vehicles. These combine with the web-based fleet management software system, TomTom WEBFLEET, which lets managers see at a glance who is on the move, where they are, where they’re heading and at what speed they’re travelling.

The ability to monitor speed, in real time and via a range of management reporting options,

A few key elements combine to form a powerful management tool brings with it considerable fuel cost savings and passenger safety benefits.

For one TomTom Business Solutions adopter, bus and coach company Richards Bros, late running has been virtually eliminated and customer

complaints have fallen dramatically since using the system.

If and when complaints do arise, a vehicle tracking system will generate evidence to refute bogus claims because the company in question can quickly determine the exact time a bus reached a pick-up

point on its route.

For companies that don’t run regular routes, integrating a personal navigation device into a vehicle tracking system transforms operational possibilities.

The navigation device with truck attributes is an obvious boon for drivers, and typically reduces journey times in unfamiliar areas by 10%. This is further enhanced by live HD traffic information being relayed automatically to drivers in real time en-route as the situation in front changes, enabling them to negotiate around congested areas and increase time savings by 15%.

When connected to a broader vehicle tracking system a wealth of additional functionality becomes available to management, which as well as live and historic reporting includes two-way messaging and job management.

The wealth of functions and information that can now be generated from the latest technologies are remarkably extensive, and these have an impact on efficiencies in many departments across the business as solutions are increasingly being tailored to meet specific business requirements.

TomTom’s WORKsmart™– eco solution, for example, is the latest innovation to help businesses promote greener, safer and more efficient drivers. This includes integration with an on-board diagnostics system that enables managers to measure and reduce fuel costs and carbon footprint by monitoring live data direct from vehicles and an easy to read format.

For more information about the most recent innovations in fleet management technology, a further vehicle tracking special will follow

Above: Richards Bros ended late running with a TomTom management system. Above: Giles Margerison

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NEWS › REGIONAL

MIDLANDS

Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has increased the frequency and number of buses running on its Unilink 4 route.

Three extra buses have boosted the peak frequency from 12 to eight minutes.

The decision comes just prior to the beginning of the new academic year, when demand for the service will certainly increase. The Unilink 4 route is now run with nine buses, six bendy buses and three highcapacity triaxle vehicles. The bendy bus fleet consists of one Scania Omnicity and five Scania Wright Solar Fusions. The tri-axle vehicles are all Scania Omnicity models.

NCT marketing manager, Anthony Carver-Smith, said: “Unilink started in 2005 with buses running every 15 minutes, and it has grown to be one of our most popular services, thanks to our reputation for being frequent, reliable and safe. The bus runs onto Clifton Campus, so there is no walking from the main road. We’ve seen passenger numbers rise by 17% over the last academic year alone!”

Mark Garlick of Nottingham City Council’s public transport team said: “The City Council is very pleased to work in partnership with Nottingham City Transport and Nottingham Trent University to improve sustainable student travel.”

He continued: “Students are vital to the city’s economy. To this end NCT has provided three additional tri-axle buses to the partnership to increase frequency at peak times, together with funding for real-time bus information and shelters along the route.”

WALES

Newport Council is to fund the construction of a new bus station in the city, as part of wider plans to redevelop the city centre.

The council cabinet has agreed to fund the facility, which is to be built on the current site, and which forms part of the redevelopment of John Frost Square. The Council selected Queensberry as its preferred bidder for the project, and is expecting to sign a legal agreement with the firm in the coming weeks.

Leader of Newport Council, Matthew Evans, said: “The new bus station will serve the redevelopment and the proposals will complement the rest of the city’s integrated transport plans.”

In 2009, plans to revamp the www.coachandbusweek.com

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KEY

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

current bus station formed part of a previous development scheme which collapsed. Under this plan, the bus station was to be reduced from 31 to 15 bays, with bus stops to be built on the Queensway to deal with any overspill.

Plans for the development appear to be at a very early stage. A Council spokeswoman said there is currently no design for the site, no indication of cost of the project, nor is it known how large it will be.

Scott Pearson, managing director at Newport Transport welcomed the news, saying: “The bus station is used by thousands of people every day. It is therefore important that the bus station plays a key role in the regeneration of Newport.”

EAST

Hertfordshire County Council has announced that only pupils with statutory entitlement are to be given free transport to schools from autumn 2012.

The decision follows a public consultation by the county council, and it is thought the policy will help to save between £5m - £6m annually from the council’s £25m transport budget.

If there are spare seats are available on routes being run for those with a statutory entitlement, the council cabinet decided priority will be given to children with special educational needs and disabled pupils who do not have such an entitlement.

Such cases will be decided by a panel of officers, on the basis of individual medical or social need.

There will also be a provision to consider cases where financial hardship is a factor.

Executive member for education and skills, Frances Button, said the council have been faced with “tough choices.”

“In the difficult economic climate, it is vital we continue to identify the best ways to use our resources,” she explained.

“In light of financial pressures on the council, we are faced with some tough choices. The authority as a whole has already identified £139m of efficiency savings, which will contribute substantially to our overall savings target of £201m by 2014/15.”

Executive member for highways and transport, Stuart Pile, said: “We are continuing to work with commercial bus operators to establish viable transport arrangements for pupils who will be affected by these changes.

Although there is a year to go before the changes take place, we can confirm 24 of the existing routes will be run by commercial operators.

“We are committed to continue to promote sustainable modes of school travel and will shortly be launching an online survey so parents can tell us about their plans for school travel from September 2012.”

Six bus services from Freedom Travel in Newmarket caused concern when they failed to appear in a new bus timetable handbook.

Suffolk County Council’s ‘Newmarket and Surrounding Area - Get on Board’’ booklet was released in September detailing bus services operating in the town and as far as Ely, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge, but without printing the services running between Newmarket and some Cambridgeshire villages.

Routes 203 and 204, which serve Isleham, Fordham, Snailwell and Newmarket were missed out, as were the 901, 902, 903 and 904 services, which cater for those living in Newmarket, Ashley, Cheveley, Kirtling, Dullingham and Brinkley.

Route 47 was also incorrectly printed on the timetable. The Brinkley to Newmarket journey leaving Dullingham at 0653hrs is no longer running and the second bus leaves Brinkley three minutes later.

A spokesman for Suffolk County Council said: “All of these routes are Freedom Travel services. When we are notified of routes, we add them to our timetables and website. It appears we’ve not been notified of these services yet. However, now we are aware we can include them.”

Dylan Evans, managing director of Freedom Travel, said: “We were not aware of the error but we are glad it has been rectified.”

LONDON

In response to Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s proposals to increase fares across London transport by 7% next year (CBW1004), Labour’s mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone has pledged to cut fares across bus, train and underground services by 5% if re-elected.

Livingstone has promised a 5% cut in fares in autumn 2012, no rises in 2013 and no increases above retail price index inflation from 2014 onwards. He said: “Fares must be cut to make the transport system more attractive, but also on economic grounds to put ordinary Londoners first by putting money back in the pockets, which will boost the London economy.

“These decisions will save Londoners hundreds and in some cases thousands of pounds. Under Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson and his Coalition Government, millions of Londoners are less well off and less safe.”

03/10/2011 23:03

SOUTH WEST

Two new contracts for home to school transport have been awarded to First Hampshire and Dorset. The operator had been successfully providing them since the beginning of the academic year, transporting students attending Bournemouth School for Boys, Bournemouth School for Girls and Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester. As a result of being awarded this new work the firm has now set up its own outstation in Poole.

One of the contracts was awarded to First by Bournemouth Borough Council while the other – for Kingston Maurward College – was set up directly between the college and First. In all, the new contracts see First providing service 54 between Wallisdown, Bearwood, Kinson and Northbourne, serving both Bournemouth School for Boys

October 5, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 17

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

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

and Bournemouth School for Girls, and four services for Kingston Maurward College covering travel to the college from Portland, Weymouth, Sixpenny Handley and Christchurch as well as providing travel to and from the college and Bournemouth.

Commenting on the expansion of its business in Dorset, Marc Reddy, regional commercial and business growth director for First in the South West and Wales, said: “Poole and Bournemouth represents new territory for us but it’s an exciting new development and one that we look forward to building on as we go forward.”

Richard Barnes, public transport officer, Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “Bournemouth Council welcomes First Hampshire and Dorset as a new operator to provide one of our school bus services.”

2011 n October 5-6 Coach and Bus Live. NEC. 01926 833052. www.coachandbuslive.com n October 9 Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust Annual Open Day. Fordneuk Street, Glasgow. www.gvvt.org n October 9 Warminster Vintage Bus Running Day. West Wiltshire, 1000-1730hrs. At least 16 routes and 25 buses in service. http://www. warminstervbrd.connectfree.co.uk/ n October 16 Bus & Classic Vehicle Rally. Oxford Bus Museum, Long Hanborough, Witney, Oxfordshire. www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk n Oct 18-21 Course on Bus and Crew Scheduling. Birmingham. courses@qv-associates.com. Call QV Associates on 01905 613527. n October 20 2011 Trapeze UK User Conference. Radisson Hotel, Manchester Airport. 0844 561 6771. www.trapezegroup.co.uk n October 21-26 Busworld.

Kortrijk, Belgium. www.busworld.org n October 23 The Very Best of London Buses. The first event at the new London Bus Museum (Cobham) at Brooklands, Weybridge, Surrey. www.lbpt.org n November 6 Lincolnshire Road Transport Museum Open Day. Running day with stalls and opportunity to see workhops. 01522 500566. http://www.lvvs.org.uk/

The University of Southampton has increased the number of buses running on the Bluestar-operated uni-link U6 route within the city.

Buses will now run at an increased frequency of every 20 minutes as opposed to the previous half hourly service.”

Environment manager at the university, Dr Neil Smith, said: “At a time when money is tight and bus service cuts are commonplace across the UK, it is fantastic to be able to expand our services. uni-link is important for University staff and students, but we have also received strong support from around the city and we hope the increased U6 frequency will benefit everyone.”

Divisional director for Go-Ahead Group-owned Bluestar, Ed Wills explained: “This increase reflects the significant increase in customer demand wishing to travel to the General Hospital and other sections of the service. We hope the additional capacity will make travel with unilink even easier and encourage more people in Southampton to use a sustainable mode of transport.”

Pictured here at the launch of the enhanced service at the university’s Highfield interchange are: councillor Dan Fitzhenry, portfolio holder for transport, Southampton City Council, Sarah Jones, project manager at Southampton University hospital, Ed Wills, Simon Bell, public transport and operations manager for Southampton City Council, Dr Neil Smith and Steve Cuff, operations manager for Bluestar.

n November 7-10 World Travel Market. ExCeL, London. www.wtmlondon.com n November 22 SMMT Annual Dinner. Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London. 0808 1788818. annualdinner@smmt.co.uk n November 24 ATCO Winter Conference 2011 ‘Can a leopard change its spots?’ Local Government Association House, Smith Square, London SW1. www. atco.org.uk n November 29 UK Bus Awards.

Hilton Park Lane, London.

www.ukbusawards.org.uk

2012 n January 26, 2011 CPT Annual Dinner. Hilton Park Lane, London. www.cpt-uk.org

The UK Coach Rally will be held over the weekend of April 21-22 in 2012. As seen here at this year’s event, it will again be held at the East of England Showground in Peterborough n March 14 – 15 Best of Britain and Ireland (BoBi). Travel Trade Forum. NEC, 01926 834796. www. bestofbritainandirelandevent.co.uk n April 19-21 Busworld Turkey.

Istanbul Expo Center, Turkey. www.busworldturkey.com/en/ index.html n April 21-22 UK Coach Rally.

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

– Forest Pines Hotel, near Brigg, North Lincolnshire. www.album-bus.co.uk n August 27 The National Association of Road Transport Museums gala day. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk n September 20-27 IAA Commercial Vehicles. Hannover. +(00)49 30897842. www.iaa.de n October 14 Midland Red Centenary of the Reintroduction of Motorbuses. The Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham. www.wythall.org.uk n November 6 – 8 2012 Euro Bus Expo. NEC, Birmingham. 01926 834790. www.eurobusxpo.com

2013 n May 26-30 UITP Congress & Exhibition. Palexpo, Geneva. www.uitp.org. +(00)32 2673 6100.

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

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NEWS › TOURISM

170m

Height of Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower viewing platform

BRIEFLY Bolsover Castle is hosting a fireworks night on its grounds on Friday, November 4.

The Derbyshire castle, built in the 12th century by the Peverel family, is now in the care of English Heritage. Make the trip to this excellent venue for a night of entertainment and loud bangs, as the story of Guy Fawkes is revisited. Adult entry is £8, and children can enter for £5, and the event runs from 1800 to 2100hrs.

Tickets can be purchased by calling ticket sales on 0870 333 1183.

Booking tickets is essential, as places are limited.

York will be offering a delicious new visitor attraction, opening in spring 2012. With the working title The Sweet History of York, a three storey building at the end of the Shambles in the city will be turned into an immersive experience that will tell the story of York’s confectionery trading and manufacturing past, bringing the story up to date and making sure that visitors get lots of opportunities to interact with chocolate! The attraction will include retail and a café. Tours will be held during the day and evening, and group activities will be available all days of the week. The phone line for group enquiries, information and rates is 0845 498 9411.

Tate Britain offers excellent group rates for private tours of its collections. The tours highlight key works from the permanent collection and last for an hour. Tourists can choose from a general highlights tour or focus on a specific artist or movement such as Turner or Pre-Rapaelites.

As an alternative, 90-minute long tailor-made tours for groups can be made on a theme of your choice, with sketching as an option on request. The permanent collection tours cost £9 per person, and tailor-made tours cost £14 per person. Foreign language tours are also available and are priced at £14 per person. The minimum group size is 15. To find out more and book call 020 7887 4946, or email tour.bookings@ take.org.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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South Lakeland Parks announces group offers Groups of more than 10 can make excellent savings South Lakeland Parks, the northwest’s largest holiday park operator, has launched accommodation packages for groups at its flagship park White Cross Bay on Windermere in the Lake District, and in Morecambe Bay at Ocean Edge Leisure Park.

For groups of more than 10 people,

discounts are available, with increased savings for larger parties.

The accommodation packages are very variable, and can include everything from food to leisure passes. South Lakeland Parks are offering free trial stays for group organisers in a super deluxe lodge at White Cross Bay, for a limited time.

Key highlights of the offer include:

White Cross Bay, situated on the shore of Windermere

Exclusive offers for coaches stopping at Dalton Park Dalton Park is offering a ‘Group Travel Club’ welcome to coaches touring northeast England. The offer provides passengers with a free tea or coffee from BB’s Coffee & Muffins, plus exclusive offers from selected retailers. Coach drivers get VIP treatment and benefits with Dalton Park’s special ‘Coach Driver Club’. By registering their name and company at the ‘At Your Service’ desk in the management suite, drivers receive a £10 voucher to spend at each subsequent visit. Drivers also receive free tea or coffee and the coach gets a dedicated concrete parking space.

Dalton Park has a range of cafés making it an ideal stop for refreshments. The tour can enjoy a delectable hot chocolate at Café Thorntons, where you’ll also find a range of snacks. The park also contains a Starbucks, Subway, Spud-

Dalton Park’s stores contain 60 brands available at up to half price u-like and McDonalds.

Shops in the centre contain 60 brands available at up to half price.

You’ll find major high street names including Marks & Spencer Outlet and Next Clearance plus a wealth of top fashion on sale at Joseph, Radley and Gap Outlet. Dalton Park is the biggest sportswear retailer in the region with a Nike clearance store, Adidas, Reebok, New Balance

Luxury lodge and caravan accommodation Dedicated group travel coordinator Free accommodation for coach drivers Free passes to entertainment and leisure facilities Packaged prices starting at £13.89pppn White Cross Bay is South Lakeland Parks’ flagship park, and occupies and enviable position on the shore of Windermere, the largest natural lake in the UK. Windermere is an excellent destination, given its location in the heart of the Lake District, and is an ideal base for the numerous activities and attractions on offer.

Meanwhile, Ocean Edge Leisure Park is close to the historic village of Heysham on the southern shores of Morecambe Bay, with a cliff-top location overlooking the Irish Sea.

South Lakeland Parks can be contacted on 01539 569835, or visit http://www. slholidays.co.uk/groups

and Lillywhites – plus outdoor and sports wear from Trespass, Berghaus, Regatta, Mountain Warehouse and Tog 24. For smart and casual menswear there’s Kurt Muller, plus Moss Bros for occasion wear and suit hire. There’s up to 50% off bedroom and bed accessories at Broomhill & Co, top quality beds at Sleepmasters, plus stylish kitchenware and tableware from Denby and Whittards. For hallmark jewellery, watches and diamond rings visit Chapelle Jewellery, and for unusual gift ideas try Past Times and Collectables outlet.

Dalton Park is well positioned as a stop off for coach parties enjoying the sights of the northeast. More information can be found online at www.dalton-park.co.uk. You can pre-book your coach party with minimum 24 hours notice on 0191 526 6500 or email atyourservice@dalton-park. co.uk

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114

Acreage of Anglesey Abbey’s garden in Cambridgeshire

Anglesey Abbey awaits autumn visitors Autumn is an excellent time to visit Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill in Cambridgeshire. Passion for tradition and style inspired one man to transform a run-down country house and desolate landscape. Visitors are welcome to step into his elegant home and discover the luxuries enjoyed by guests. Enjoy the warmth and comfort, and be amazed at rare and fabulous objects. The 114 acre garden has a working watermill, wildlife discovery area and statuary.

Family activity packs are on offer for those wanting to set out on an adventure. Anglesey Abbey is open all year round, and is a brilliant attraction in any season. Tickets for admission to the house, garden and mill are £10.50 for adults, £5.25 for children, and £26.25 for families or £15.75 for families with one accompanying adult.

For more information and admission times, visit http://www.nationaltrust. org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/wfindaplace/w-angleseyabbeyandg ardenandlodemill.htm, or phone 01223 810080

DEALS OF THE WEEK The Exbury Ghost Train in Southampton is making a return this Halloween, and with skeletons, scarecrows and other ghoulish characters en route, dare you take a ride? The train is ideal for family fun, and visitors arriving in fancy dress will receive a free goody bag. The train is full of interesting stories, terrible jokes, puns and visual gags, in what can only be described as a Halloween ‘phantomime.’ Beyond the train, there is plenty to see in the gardens as the vivid autumn colour of Exbury will be at its greatest.

The Domesday Yew, Chinese Coffin Tree, Ghost Tree and Devil’s Walking Stick are waiting to be discovered by children on a special trail of the gardens. Themed fare

October 5, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 19

135mins

Journey time from Belfast to Cairnryan aboard Stena Line’s refurbished Superfast vessels

DIESEL PRICES

The Superfast vessels with improved capacity will reduce journey times

Stena Line to launch two new ships for Irish Sea ferry Stena Line is to refurbish two large ships to be deployed on the Irish Sea for the Cairnryan to Belfast service.

The new Stena Superfast vessels can accommodate 1200 passengers, 660 cars or 110 freight units and operate as many as 12 daily departures.

The identical vessels are the largest ferries to undertake the crossing.

Stena Line’s route director Paul Grant said: “In November this year we will be launching a new purpose-built port and terminal at Cairnryan in Scotland which will herald a new route for our Northern Ireland to Scotland

including Witches toad-in-the-hole and pumpkin pie will be on offer in Mr Eddy’s restaurant. The Ghost Train has been described as the “number one Halloween treat in the country” by The Guardian, with many of the costumed roles played by 13 to 18 year olds from local scout groups. The train is running from October 22 to October 30, with the most popular days being those closest to Halloween. Booking early is recommended for dates close to October 31. Tickets are £11 for groups of 15 or more when booked in advance, saving £1.50 on the full price, while children’s tickets are £5.50. n For train times and availability information, visit http://www. exbury.co.uk/website/exbury_ ghost_train.aspx or contact the box office on 023 8024 5750 Two of Portsmouth’s favourite attractions are offering groups the opportunity to

service.

The launch of the ferries is the result of an ongoing investment project which began with the construction of the new terminal at VT4 in Belfast in 2008. With the combination of a new port and new ships, Stena Line will also be able to reduce the journey time to 135 minutes.

“The ship layout will be changed to accommodate freight customers. There are no deck height restrictions, so we can accommodate virtually any load our freight customers have.”

For more information visit www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry

Spinnaker Tower offers stunning views of the surrounding area take the panto experience to new heights this Christmas. The King’s Theatre and Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth are teaming up to offer groups of 15 or more the chance to combine a trip to the top of the stunning 170 metre tower, followed by an enchanting performance of Cinderella, complete with lavish sets, wonderful costumes and even ponies, for just £17.50 per person.

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

139.90 133.74 133.44 129.84 126.76 126.23 126.18 121.66 120.61 118.46 117.00 116.56 116.39 113.40 108.83 106.37 103.29

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

1.17 1.42 9.14 349.39 29.10 5.17

Cinderella will be performed at the Kings Theatre from December 7 to January 1, and stars Tracy Shaw of Coronation Street fame and Portsmouth-born Marcus Patrick, known for his role in Hollyoaks and ITV show 71 Degrees North. They will star as the Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming respectively.

The Spinnaker Tower offers a display of a different sort, though one certainly as enjoyable. It is the tallest publicly-accessible viewing platform outside of London, and offers unparalleled views that take in the Isle of Wight and metamorphic seascape of activity in one of Britain’s busiest shopping ports, not forgetting a bird’s eye view of the neighbouring Historic Dockyards. n For additional information, or to book a group visit, please contact the Kings Theatre on 02392 852208 or email groups@kingssouthsea.com www.coachandbusweek.com

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NEWS › BUSINESS

The former default retirement age, which has now been phased out

BRIEFLY Consultation is due to start over BAE Systems’ proposed plans to shed almost 3,000 mainly highly-skilled engineering positions. The Brough plant in East Yorkshire will lose almost 900 jobs from its 1,300-strong workforce. In Lancashire, 565 jobs will be shed from 3,970 at Samlesbury, and 843 posts will go from 6,537 at Warton. BAE said costs needed to be reduced as the business depended on remaining competitive. It is due to start a 90-day consultation with unions and workers at some sites, ending at Christmas. While Lancashire and East Yorkshire are particularly badly hit in terms of numbers of job losses, BAE is also shedding posts at sites across the UK. Small businesses will see the cost of credit increase further this year despite the banks expecting corporate demand to fall, the Bank of England has reported. The Bank said its third quarter credit conditions survey painted a “somewhat gloomier picture for credit demand” from the corporate sector. It also revealed for the first time that “some” banks are now routinely taking a view on the credit risk of individual industry sectors rather than lending on an individual company basis, as all the dominant business lenders claim is standard practice. The lenders blamed “tight wholesale funding conditions” rather than the cost of additional capital requirements and regulations for the planned price rises.

A UK business delegation has joined the business secretary Vince Cable on a tradeboosting mission to Turkey, a country whose economy grew nearly 9% last year. Members of the UK delegation included Rolls Royce, and BAE Systems.

“Turkey has an enviable record of economic growth over the last decade,” said Cable. “There are big opportunities for both British and Turkish firms to seize. The size and stature of the delegation accompanying me here signals the clear and growing importance of the Turkish market for British companies.” www.coachandbusweek.com

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Culture of injury claims on the up, tour operators warned Defending lawyers have frequently found problems with firms’ terms and conditions Lawyers and insurers issued a warning at a recent seminar on excursions liability in London, Travel Weekly reported.

Alex Padfield, managing director of law firm Hextalls, said: “The culture of claiming is increasing.

Claimants’ lawyers are trying harder and in more ways to make tour operators liable. Judges are often sympathetic to a badly injured claimant, and if a judge can find a way to attach liability to a tour operator they will do it.”

Tour operators have recently become liable for negligence (tort) in relation to excursions, and Padfield warned: “Small mistakes can cost a fortune. Insurers now see excursions as a big issue.”

He referred to a recent case settled out of court by a “wellknown tour operator” after a claimant was injured on a four-wheel-drive excursion in Egypt. “The firm believed the injury had nothing to do with it,” said Padfield. However, the excursion was sold by a rep wearing a t-shirt with the firm’s logo, who distributed leaflets and issued a receipt stamped with the

Tours operators have recently become liable for negligence in relation to excursions and need to do their homework, says Alex Padfield

Twitter Web Analytics pilot A step forward in measuring the success of using social networking as a promotional and business tool has been taken, with the introduction of Twitter Web Analytics last week.

This follows on from the success of Google Analytics, which has become an invaluable tool for website owners to use in order to tailor content which best meets

to needs of its customers and to gauge interest and demand about services and queries. A growing number of coach and bus operators are using Twitter and Facebook to communicate with, gauge feedback from and market their services to passengers. In particular such sites were a vital means of communication from operators such as trent barton and FirstGroup during the winter when heavy snow affected services and timetables, and updates could be made instantaneously.

“Twitter is a powerful platform

company’s name. The settlement cost £20,000 plus legal fees.

Padfield said: “It is not a situation where you have to pay every claim which comes in. However, you need to understand your business model and ensure your documents do not contradict it.”

David Grant, professor of travel law at Vantage who organised the seminar, said: “There needs to be consistency throughout the process, including the way in which a trip is sold, the guidance given to reps and how money is handled.”

Padfield said defending lawyers frequently found problems with travel firms’ terms and conditions.

“Booking conditions vary massively from company to company. Some are extremely concerned to get the conditions right. Others seem not to worry,” he said, adding that many firms appeared to use terms and conditions cut and pasted from the web. “What can look like similar clauses can lead to quite different outcomes.”

For example, there is a difference between a company saying it can “arrange” an excursion or “provide” one. The latter can mean the company contracts to “ensure it is performed”.

“A judge will look at the impression created rather than the specific terms, so make sure you do your homework,” advised Padfield. for websites to share content, and will drive internet traffic and engagement,” said Twitter.

“People have struggled to accurately measure the amount of traffic Twitter is sending to their websites, because web analytics software hasn’t evolved as quickly as online sharing and social signals.

“We’re now announcing Twitter Web Analytics, a tool which helps website owners understand how much traffic they receive from Twitter and the effectiveness of Twitter integrations on their sites.

Twitter Web Analytics was driven

03/10/2011 21:41

8%

Amount by which the Turkish economy grew in 2010

£20,000

The sum of compensation a tour operator was forced to pay to a customer injured on an excursion

Reward needs to be linked with effort, says Labour leader Ed Milliband who came under fire for his speech at last week’s Labour party conference

Miliband denies being anti-business Ed Miliband has denied that his Labour conference speech - in which he attacked “predatory” firms and a “fast-buck” culture was “anti-business”.

He told the BBC his aim was to improve behaviour in the commercial sector in an effort to improve the UK’s economy. Large bonuses for bosses who achieve little should be phased out, he added.

Ex-CBI boss Lord Digby Jones said the speech was a “kick in the teeth” for firms.

In his speech, Miliband said the UK was crying out for a new kind of society in which responsible “grafters” were properly rewarded.

He also attacked “asset-stripping” companies for damaging attempts to bring about economic recovery and he vowed to fight for “a new by the acquisition of BackType, which we announced in July.”

The product provides three key benefits to users: Understanding how much your website content is being shared across the Twitter network; Seeing the amount of traffic Twitter sends to your site; and Measuring the effectiveness of your Tweet Button integration.

Twitter Web Analytics is being piloted with a small group of partners and will be made available to all website owners in the coming weeks.

BusinessNews.indd 21

October 5, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 21

bargain in our economy, so reward is linked with effort”.

Andrew Cave, of the Federation of Small Business, said a call to force firms who wanted to bid for public contracts to offer apprenticeships “risks clobbering small business and cutting off a lifeline for them”.

CBI director-general John Cridland said the Labour leader was right to encourage “long-termism” but added “he must be careful not to characterise some businesses as asset strippers”.

In a round of interviews last week, Mr Miliband said Labour would not lurch to the left and would be “firmly in the middle ground” - but argued that the middle ground was changing.

“This isn’t anti-business; it’s antibusiness as usual. Business as usual is not going to get us what we need as an economy,” Miliband added.

He said a “new reckoning” was needed if Labour was to achieve its goals, adding that government spending was “not going to be the way we achieve social justice in the next decade.”

The Twitter page of coach operator Greys of Ely, who recently won the transport category of “The Best of British Web Competition”

BLOG of the week

BRITAIN’S AGING WORKFORCE AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Kevin Friery, clinical director of employee assistance programme provider, Right Corecare, looks at the implications of the phasing out of the the Default Retirement Age from this October, on www. businesszone.co.uk Imagine if, in your organisation, you could harness the abilities of any of the following business leaders: David Rockefeller, Liliane Bettencourt of L’Oréal, Forrest Mars Jnr of Mars Inc or Karl Albrecht of Aldi.

Most employers would be delighted to be in a position to hire such talent, yet apart from their impressive track record, there is one other thing they have in common; they are all more than 80 years old.

THE END OF DRA: In the UK, the Default Retirement Age is to be phased out from October this year, but is this likely to mean employers look any more favourably on the over-65s?

With a declining birth-rate, an aging population and economic considerations forcing more people to stay at work for longer, it is important that firms are able to maximise the value older workers bring to the company. This means fostering a culture in which diversity of all sorts is celebrated, age included, and creating opportunities which enable staff to develop and use their skills regardless of age.

It also means ensuring the real value of candidates is recognised and age is not given undue weight in recruitment strategies.

Finally, existing employees must be able to develop in such a way that they are still motivated to bring value to the workplace way beyond the traditional retirement age.

RESEARCH: A white paper

by Manpower Group entitled ‘Gray Matters’ shows today’s older workers can offer several key benefits: a strong work ethic, abundant knowledge, loyalty, reliability, focus, perseverance and emotional maturity. HR professionals need to understand exactly what this is likely to mean for their organisation and help managers identify tactical approaches to talent enrichment.

One of the myths of employing

older staff is they are frailer than their younger counterparts and, therefore, will need more time off work. However, looking at UK sickness absence figures provided by the Office of National Statistics, the over-60s have the lowest absence levels per head of all.

A culture which values older workers will need to recognise their particular needs but, as we see more and more people playing an active role in the workplace for longer, we will develop a better understanding of the potential impact of the situation.

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS: One change linked to an aging workforce is people’s expectations of what constitutes normal working hours will shift. There is growing evidence to suggest a greater need for flexible working, for changed patterns of hours.

Some firms are already beginning to develop a culture of casual working for people past normal retirement age.

The thing to bear in mind in this context is that respect is pivotal. In a culture which promotes dignity at work, respect flows in all directions.

It is not simply a matter of young people having to respect their elders, but rather of everyone acknowledging and celebrating the skills and attributes of everyone else, regardless of age or, for that matter, any other aspect.

RADICAL RETHINK: For example, the primary cause of ill-health in older workers, according to some sources, is arthritis and related complaints.

The ergonomic impact of this has to be taken into account and assessed carefully. It is important to understand age is not a disability.

It is simply one aspect of a number of different diversity considerations and should be treated as such.

IS IT WORTH IT? To ascertain if it’s worth all this effort, it would be advisable to simply look at some of the best-performing organisations around the world.

If some of the top entrepreneurs are over 80, imagine what your workforce will be able to achieve. www.coachandbusweek.com

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22 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

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ESSENTIAL GUIDE

› WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT

Keeping fully equipped off-road For vehicles across the bus and coach industry to be in top condition and working order, it is vital to get repair and maintenance support off-road back at workshops and garages. Coach & Bus Week looks at what leading suppliers of workshop equipment have to offer, from brake testers to lubrication

TECALEMIT AT CBL Tecalemit will be exhibiting on stand C21/C23 at Coach and Bus Live 2011.

Established in 1927, Tecalemit Garage Equipment is a leading supplier of vehicle servicing equipment in the automotive industry throughout the UK. Renowned for its expertise in garage equipment and lifting equipment, Tecalemit will be displaying the new high quality 5.5T wireless mobile column lifts from Finkbeiner, along with a lubrication reel stand, a commercial vehicle brake tester roller bed and the top of the range PLA25 headlamp beam tester from LET, which is used in VOSA testing stations nationwide. Tecalemit is also an established supplier of ATF test lane equipment.

Tecalemit provides a complete range of testing equipment for general workshop application and also statutory vehicle inspection.

Other products in the Tecalemit

range include its latest generation of emission testers, headlamp beam testers and brake testers which all conform fully with UK VOSA standards for MOT testing and are used widely throughout both the UK, Europe the Middle East and Asia.

In addition to MOT testing equipment, general servicing equipment for air-conditioning systems, compressors and an extensive range of lubrication products are available. The Tecalemit lifting range provides a complete solution for vehicles ranging from two to 18 wheelers.

All Tecalemit vehicle lifts meet or exceed current EU legislative requirements for safety and electromagnetic emissions.

The company is able to design and manufacture heavy duty lifts for buses, trucks and plant to client specific requirements and are the only supplier in the UK to have a nationwide team of factory trained engineers ready to service your equipment.

www.coachandbusweek.com

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GETTING TOUGH WITH TTP

Tecalemit offers the most advanced range of tyreshop equipment, including tyre changers, wheel balancers and vehicle geometry equipment. Its latest generation of automatic tyre changers and wheel balancers feature some of the most advanced technology available today, specifically developed to meet the increasingly complex wheels and tyres now in common use on many vehicles.

T: 01752 219111 E: sales@tecalemit.co.uk W: www.tecalemit.co.uk

CGE SERVES BIG AND SMALL Commercial Garage Equipment (CGE) offers a wide range of commercial vehicle equipment for the smaller, independent garages to the largest commercial vehicle fleet workshops.

The products on its web site are just a sample of the wide choice available from Commercial Garage

The Oxford Bus Company benefits from covered workshop facilities Equipment. If you cannot find what you need, simply contact them and the firm says it will probably be able to supply what you are looking for.

“Our prices and availability are both excellent and we pride ourselves in the level of experience

and service we offer,” said CGE. T: 07538 218194 E: sales@commercial garageequipment.co.uk W: www.commercialgarage equipment.co.uk

Tough Technology Products is proud of its close association with the bus and coach industry. The firm has been supplying proven repair and maintenance products direct to the end user for almost a decade.

Products are chosen for their ability to save the user time and money, and to keep vehicles on the road or reduce their ‘off road’ repair time.

Products categories include bonding, lubrication, additives, electrical and tapes all which are designed to be easy to use and to perform in the most demanding of environments.

Its flagship product ‘TTP90’ is an ultra fast instant plastic repair product capable of repairing almost all plastic and fibreglass damage successfully. So whether it is a damaged mirror housing, a wheel step or a bumper why not save money and repair it yourself? Not only will TTP90

Retractable Barrier System

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Prevent accidents with high visibility pit barriers 9m retractable tape Available with bespoke free standing posts or wall mounted brackets (will also fit onto standard traffic cones) Available in a choice of red/white and yellow/black chevrons Robust design

www.coachandbusweek.com

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24 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

eg

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

› WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT

repair most plastics it will also bond almost all materials. Join the rest of the industry and discover a product, which is guaranteed to save you money.

Whether you run a fleet of two or 200 vehicles, why not log onto TTP’s website to see the full range of products designed to make your life easier.

“We aim to make your job easier, we value our clients and strive to be the easiest supplier to work with by continually developing, manufacturing and supplying repair and vehicle maintenance products and solutions which meet our customers precise needs,” said the company.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER For October only, Tough Technology Products is offering two tubes of TTP90 and two bags of mixer tips for £59.90, and get £108.35 worth of products: one free tube of TTP90, one free bag of mixer tips and one free dispensing gun.

Bus and coach operators

who register online as a ‘Trade Customer’ can now order products direct to be delivered straight to their workshop. Free instructional videos and testimonials can also be viewed online.

T: 0161 9699939 M: 07785 257565 E: sales@ttproducts.com W: www.ttproducts.com

EVERQUIP TAILORS ITS PITS Everquip says it enjoys a unique position in the independent garage equipment market.

Its inspection pit business is built upon a solid foundation and for more than 20 years Everquip has been supplying, installing, testing and calibrating garage equipment on a national scale.

“We have built our reputation as much through our excellent support services as through the quality and comprehensive range of products we provide,” said the company.

“Understanding the specialised yet different natures of the bus and commercial vehicle sectors is the key to Everquip’s success.”

Each inspection pit designed, built and installed by Everquip undergoes a lengthy process of quality control and assurance.

Using the latest computer aided design principles, each pit is literally designed from the ground up. With load bearing calculations an important part of the design of each pit, Everquip also takes into account the ground conditions and proposed application. All pits come complete with these calculations for your records.

Each inspection pit is built to exacting standards in the firm’s own workshops. Following an intensive quality control survey, each pit will receive a 10 year comprehensive warranty against manufacturing defects. The steel used in the construction is specially supplied by steel stockists to Everquip’s rigorous standards.

The installation of an Everquip

inspection pit is your choice. If you choose to use your own civil engineering company, Everquip will supply all the relevant engineering plans and drawings. The complete process of installation (including satisfactory preparation of the area) takes no more than three to five working days, causing the minimum disruption to your existing business.

Everquip says the benefits of its pre-fabricated steel inspection pits include: n Improved working conditions; n No concrete contamination; n Minimal maintenance costs; n Backed by full 10-year guarantee; n Built to your specifications; n Fully sealed for watertightness; n Any size and load bearing capacity; and n Suitable for workshop and bodyshop T: 01430 449480 E: john.rs.branton@ inspectionpits.co.uk W: www.inspectionpits.co.uk

Costly Replacement or

uctory Introd R!

OFFE

Cost Effective Repair?

BUY

Value £48.45

get FREE

2x TTP 90 20x Tips

1 x TTP 90 10 x Tips 1x Gun

£59.90

• Headlight Lugs • Steps • Mirrors • Bumpers

Repairs all common plastics

1 product covers all your plastic repairs successfully “We have been using Tough Technology Products for two years. All products have proven to be of the highest standard and represent great value, saving us time and money in repairs and reducing vehicle down time.”

Littles Travel - Chris (workshop manager)

Order by phone 0161 969 9939 Buy online www.ttproducts.com REGISTER AS TRADE CUSTOMER

At checkout use code TTP90 Offer ends Oct 31st 2011

One order per customer

www.coachandbusweek.com

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16/9/11

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26 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

FACE TO FACE › STEPHEN BARBER PART TWO

A changing coach landscape The coach and coach holiday industries are changing ones – the landscape has altered and so has the nature of the demand, and operators need to keep up, says Stephen Barber, the CPT director of coaching. Coach & Bus Week’s Meera Rambissoon spoke to him about the threats and the ways forward for coach operators.

S

tephen Barber looked back with great fondness on a bygone era for the coach industry and on the firm at which he spent 22 years – Wallace Arnold – in CBW’s recent bumper thousandth issue. For the CPT director of coaching, the industry isn’t what it used to be and Stephen speaks candidly and delivers sobering messages about the challenges, or in his words threats, setting out how the coach holiday landscape has changed. While he paints a bleak picture on the one hand, on the other, his viewpoint, he says, is one of optimism - but apportioned with reality. Stephen recommends ways forward for the current industry and how it needs to change with the times – highlighting that his views are his own and not those of the CPT.

Ch.. ch.. changes

Stephen loves a good coach holiday and says he has recently been on holiday with his wife and two friends. “We have two short breaks a year,” he explains. “I love being on coach holidays with people of a certain age. We stayed in Cromer with 120 people – with roughly 10 men and an average age of 75.”

However Stephen adds: “Nothing has changed but the coach holiday industry has changed. As a man of 61, I think it hasn’t changed for the better.”

For Stephen a dramatic change is the shift from the seven or eight-day coach holidays which people were inclined to take 10 years ago, to the current emphasis on short and www.coachandbusweek.com

F2FStephenBarber2.indd 26

Stephen Barber: Now coach holiday tours are often people’s second or third holiday. Their first is a package deal in the sun.

Key messages: Stephen’s key messages to the coach and coach holiday industry: Be more money-grabbing and charge more for luxury coaches Value your drivers and be patient with tour drivers Make the company name on the side of the coach legible Attract a younger market and go to cities not destinations more popular with older travellers Find out what people want – do some market research Make sure a cheap offer doesn’t mean nasty – match it with quality Make use of the internet as a marketing tool – don’t let coach brokers win the monopoly by also raising prices Know your costs – keep on top of the books

weekend breaks.

“280ish people would go on WA’s eight-day tours to Eastbourne.

They were all based around hotel accommodation and vehicle utilisation. Nowadays I have random views.”

One of the root causes is a change in legislation, in Stephen’s view.

“Prior to 1980, the Road Traffic Act from 1930 said if you were selling individual tours, you needed to be licensed. There were a very small number of operators who were legal,” he says. “All this was swept away after 1980, when you could do anything. The growth and benefits of deregulation were not something which went to the coaching industry but to tour operators who started up probably from their kitchens, contacting local operators asking how much they charged for a tour to ‘x’ location.

“Profit was made by the tour companies, not by the coach companies. Looking back at that, it’s very sad. The coach industry undersold its services and I watched a lot of people make money at its expense,” laments Stephen.

Rags to riches to rags

“What are the threats to the industry?” he mused: “I use the ‘f’ word – family. Passing of companies from grandfathers to sons and grandsons is fraught with danger.

I’ve seen a lot of companies fail because they have not done as they should have done - rags to riches and back to rags in three generations,” he warns.

“The grandfather builds up the business, hands it on to his son who continues the business which

has been built up, and because of the success of the business he has a house and a car. His grandson wants what his father had but too often he doesn’t have his father’s work ethic or ability.”

“It’s sad,” Stephen concludes.

“A lot of people don’t let go of the reins but get taken ill or die and the son is left without experience and knowledge of running the business.”

A good example where the family business has succeeded is Peter O’Neil and family at Kings Ferry, says Stephen. “I admire the way he managed the business. He has let his son and daughter get on with it. It’s a positive example, but for every one good example, there are 10 bad ones.”

Valuing the stars of the show

A sobering message from Stephen regards the industry not sufficiently valuing its drivers. “We undervalue our drivers. If you talk to industries like Tesco and Morrisons, they

04/10/2011 01:55

October 5, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 27

NAME: Stephen Barber AGE: 61

OCCUPATION: Director of coaching, CPT CONTACT: 0207 240 3131 www.cpt-uk.org them because they are a rare breed.

“In my experience, the better the tour driver, the more of a prima donna he is! I often have to say, I know he is a pain around the depot, but we pay him to be nice to customers not staff. If they come in and are an awkward, then that’s the price we have to pay – it’s part of the animal.

He’s the guy that matters!

Equally, Stephen has had to do a bit of reining-in of attitude. “If the tour driver says, ‘it’s my coach and he can’t use it and he can’t do this’, I have had to say ‘go look at the side of the coach – if your name is on it, it’s your coach, if it isn’t, it’s not. You have to remind them every so often, as good as they are, they have to toe the party line.

“A good tour driver is a difficult man to employ and you have to control him. People who write in never mention how good Stephen Barber was but how good the driver was.”

“The Grand Tourer concept meant in 2001, we charged a handsome premium for a specific vehicle. Now there is no premium at all.

Luxury coaches are the norm.”

Stephen Barber

value their check-out staff. Our drivers are not only our frontline staff . We trust them, not just with a cash register but with £200,000 or £300,000 coach.

“As an industry, we don’t respect drivers in many cases – we see them as a nuisance – we see them as a cost we’d like to keep down. It amazes me we haven’t realised how important that man or woman who sits at the front of the coach is – why can’t they see it?”

Commenting on the drivers themselves, Stephen says: “I feel embarrassed going to a service area and looking at the drivers and thinking I’m in the same industry as you – as to how a driver looks and how he talks and - it’s an age thing - how he dresses. If a driver is carrying a coach load of 70 yearolds, you expect him to wear a tie and be smart; if he’s carrying 25 year olds it’s less rigid.”

Turning to tour drivers, Stephen recommends a bit of patience with

F2FStephenBarber2.indd 27

Stephen comments: “Tour drivers were legends in their own lifetime but they were of their time. I lost 12 of the old drivers at WA who were a lot older than me. There were a lot of very good younger drivers but they weren’t the older traditional ones for whom it wasn’t about getting from ‘a’ to ‘b’ but it was a career. They are not being replaced and that is something I worry about for the industry.

“You can train someone to drive a bus and a coach – you can tell them the policies but a tour driver is born,” concludes Stephen. “No amount of CPC or training can change that – good tour drivers are a product of nature. They are so valuable, they don’t come round so often.”

A good exampleof where a family business has succeeded is The Kings Ferry, says Stephen, who admires the way Peter O’ Neill lets his son and daughter get on with it – whereas others don’t let go of the reins, become ill or die and it is passed on to the son who has no knowledge or experience. Top: One of Wallace Arnold’s Grand Tourer branded coaches

Spell it out – clearly

As to the vehicles and branding of companies, Stephen is struck by how the design of some coaches is such that you can’t read the name of the business. “You

www.coachandbusweek.com

04/10/2011 01:57

28 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

FACE TO FACE › STEPHEN BARBER PART TWO see very expensive coaches with strange, random splashes of colour down the side but you can’t see who the company is as the writing is illegible. A coach needs to have the ‘wow factor’ but it has to say it is ‘so and so’s’ coach!”

Stephen also questions the benefit of putting an email and web address on a coach – how can people write such details down “without breaking the law”, he asks.

“Yes, you need contact details – but you can’t read half of them.”

One of the surprises for Stephen through joining the CPT is how the transition has shifted his perspective on historic competitor firms. “Now I know many coach operators as friends rather than competitors. I now know how wrong I was in my estimation of some competitors – in giving them too much credit. I’ve begun to find the ones I rated highly don’t now impress me, while others I didn’t rate at the time are actually very good.

“There are some very, very good coach operators out there, but sadly there are those that are not, and are worse.”

Re-positioning the industry

The future for the coach industry will depend on cutbacks to school transport budgets, says Stephen. “A lot of coach operators depend on it.

If it is significantly reduced it will cause a lot of problems.”

Turning to the private hire market, Stephen believes fewer social activities, such as clubs like the Derby & Joan, are taking place nowadays. “We are not such a sociable society – people want to travel in their own cars; back in my day they travelled together. So there is the question of whether you need the traditional 49/53 seat coach or will 25/35 be all that is required? I already know of operators looking at smaller vehicles.”

There is also a shift in the role and take-up of coach holidays.

“Now coach holiday tours are a niche market: often it’s people’s second or third holiday, when their first holiday is a package deal in the sun. The second holiday is the break in Bournemouth or the traditional holiday of five days in Torquay, with one day in Plymouth, a sail on a boat and a trip to Buckfast Abbey, has existed for 70 years. Now people are looking for more content and to do more things.”

Stephen offers his advice: “One www.coachandbusweek.com

F2FStephenBarber2.indd 28

way the industry can go forward is by trying to attract a younger market. This means a change of approach. The younger generation doesn’t go to the traditional seaside resorts but goes for cities – inland tourist hotspots, not Torquay but Bristol.”

Cheap but not cheerful

Another problem the industry faces, says Stephen: “The average British seaside resort is caught up in a time-warp: you could feature it in a 1950s film – all you would have to change would be the road vehicles because the rest is set in the 1950s.

“I’ve visited these resorts and huge centres of attraction throughout my career. Now I see boarded up hotels. As an industry now we have relied on resorts for so much of our business The people we are carrying now and for the next 20 years will not accept the standards average seaside resorts have on offer. They don’t want hotels where the corridors are illogical to follow and makeshift bathrooms stuck in the corner which are purely wooden frames clad in plywood. People have stayed in an average group hotel such as Holiday Express where they see straight corridors and nicely tiled bathrooms.

“You open the door of the average seaside bathroom and you go back in time and this will inhibit the coach industry,” Stephen warns. “It’s less painful for people to stop in a hotel for four nights than it is for seven.”

“You can get round it,” encourages Stephen. “To attract people, you can have some successful offers like all-inclusive deals, with drinks all in, and Elvis tribute nights. It would be wonderful if you can get people to go – I wouldn’t, but if you can, wonderful.”

“We are ploughing a furrow of offering cheap hotels on the basis that lower price in difficult times should sell. There is no such thing as a bargain, but there is value for money. Bargains come at a price – you get what you pay for. If I pay £200, I expect a good standard. If I pay £50, I get what is put before me.

Still, people expect a lot.

“Talking with operators, there seems to be the view that expensive tours are selling and cheap tours are selling, but middle of the road – mid-priced tours are struggling.

So, some market research is needed. The challenge is to find

Mike Eaves of Eavesway runs an excellent business carrying people to cruise ships but for every two people he takes to Southampton, that’s two people lost on coach operations, says Stephen

“We are ploughing a furrow of cheap hotels on the basis that price in difficult times should sell.

There is no such thing as a bargain but there is value for money.

Bargains come at a price – you get what you pay for.”

Stephen Barber

There is something to be learnt from the approach of Michael O’ Leary, the head of Ryanair, says Stephen – people like ‘from’ prices and pay £60 instead of £10 because people want extras such as more luggage space

just what people want and give it to them. Selling on price alone isn’t a viable option, as offering cheap usually means offering nasty.

“People have been fed a diet of Tesco, Morrisons and Asda – which matches quality to price. We can’t replicate that – when we say pay a cheap price, you get a not very good package.” Not everyone wants to take a cheap flight such as Ryanair and Easyjet offer, which land 20 miles from where you want to go,” Stephen points out.

Cruising for a losing

Another big threat comes in the shape of the cruising offer – and a big factor in its appeal is customers get picked up from where they live and are taken to Dover or wherever they’re sailing from.

“The coach industry is almost eating itself – it’s almost like animals eating their young,” comments Stephen. “Mike Eaves of Eavesway runs an excellent business – he carries lots of people to cruise ships and this is his main business. For every two people he takes to Southampton, that’s two people lost on coach operations.

Mike would smile, and say that’s not the case.”

Stephen praised the high quality

04/10/2011 01:56

October 5, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 29

standard of vehicles employed at Eavesway – vehicles which also offer disabled access. “It’s a double irony – these are stunning vehicles but they are only for running people to cruise ships, who are only going to the cruise ships because the coach picks them up. They wouldn’t dream of going to Southampton themselves.”

Stephen adds some 30% or 40% of these passengers would have travelled on a coach holiday at some stage, but wouldn’t again.

Competing with coach brokers

Stephen considers air holidays not to be much of a threat, but he strongly believes the role of the internet for booking holidays is something operators need to work on.

“A lot of CPT members are concerned about coach brokers who are using current technology very well,” he says. Coach brokers have a strong position on Google and if you type in coach hire, it is brokers who come up, not the local operator.

“Coach brokers use the system well and have very good websites.

The criticism is that they charge clients a lot but don’t pay much to operators. If brokers charge £300,

F2FStephenBarber2.indd 29

“A good tour driver is a difficult man to employ and you have to control them.

People who write in never mention how good Stephen Barber was but how good the driver was.”

Stephen Barber

why don’t the industry charge £300.

Why do we quote £250 and make a loss?”

Operators need to take the onus, urges Stephen. “It’s our own fault – we should have confidence in our product. We should say ‘haven’t we got a lovely website – book with us’. Should we be critical of coach brokers or should we be admiring what they are doing? They have no premises to pay for, they are dealing with a huge amount of business – and who is funding them and providing the vehicles and providing the profits? Coach operators.”

The way forward? Stephen thinks: “What we need to do as an industry is understand what customers and prospective customers want. Also, what they would like more of so operators can give more of it. What else can we give them?”

“There is no harm in using a clipboard and asking questions of people who are with us for a few days. Research is a dirty word, but understanding our customers is vital and will also bring opportunities,” says Stephen.

“It took a while to convince people of the benefit of the Eden Project but it has filled a lot of coaches.

A lot of people have also gone to Euro Disney. We should always be looking at what is out there.”

Stephen recommends the industry should listen to what the drivers have to say. “He is your eyes and ears. Passengers will have spoken to him with their likes and dislikes, yet 99 times out of a 100, the driver is not asked his opinion about what people like.

As petrol gets dearer and people want to drive less, this is where the coach comes in. It’s all about

A lot of CPT members are concerned about coach brokers who are using current technology very well, says Stephen. Operators don’t get paid much but brokers take a very large cut and enjoy the profits

strategy – put out something which is under-costed but where there is quality – two days at a nice hotel.

There will be a high cost but as a marketing tool, it is saying ‘isn’t my coach lovely’.”

Be money-grabbing!

Stephen reiterates the need to charge more for coach travel given the rate at which the vehicles themselves have improved. “Over the years we’ve seen substantial improvements from introducing air suspension, double glazing and better heating, but we don’t charge any more money for it. The Grand Tourer concept meant in 2001, we charged a handsome premium for a specific vehicle. Now there is no premium at all. Luxury coaches are the norm – we keep giving things away.”

Stephen takes a leaf out of the Ryanair book. “Look at Michael O’Leary – there is a lot to be learnt from him. It shows whether they like it or not, people are bewitched by a ‘from’ price. It ought to be £10 you are paying for a flight but people are paying £60 because they want extra luggage and so on. There must be a way of learning from what he does.

“I know there are operators out there who charge for front seats – why not? If there’s demand for anything else, let’s see how big the demand is.

“Without wanting to be seen as money-grabbing or greedy, we send out coaches with a toilet on. If customers want the use of the toilet, levy £25 on top of the £400 hire charge” Stephen advises: “Yes it is money-grabbling but as an industry, we’re not money-grabbing enough.

My message to the industry is don’t be embarrassed about grabbing as much money as you can.”

Stephen says when Wallace Arnold operated private hire, a competitor rang up and asked how much the company charged for a trip to Blackpool and would then tell potential customers they could beat the Wallace Arnold price. “In a way, it was a compliment,” says Stephen nobly.

“My final point is know your costs,” Stephen underlines. “We don’t as an industry know our costs.

It’s not rocket science, it’s basic accountancy.”

In conclusion Stephen adds: “This is Stephen Barber’s view, not the CPT’s – optimism with a touch of realism.” Be warned and take heed. www.coachandbusweek.com

04/10/2011 01:57

30 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

DELIVERIES

ELLISONS TRAVEL Ellisons Travel Services of St Helens, Merseyside has taken delivery of a new Van Hool T918 Altano tri-axle over-deck coach, for an undisclosed Premier League football team.

The T918 is fitted with a Man D2676 LOH27, 12.4-litre engine, AS-Tronic automated

transmission and Alcoa DuraBright wheels. The interior is fitted to Ellisons’ unique demands, and features 36 leather reclining seats and kitchen facilities, which include a microwave, fan oven and coffee machine.

Sky TV can be displayed on flat-screen monitors throughout the vehicle.

Ellisons has a long history, having been established in the 1920s by the current

director’s grandfather.

The firm has served an impressive host of clients, including several Premier League football sides and the England Rugby Union national team. Its fleet ranges from Mercedes S-Class and Viano vehicles for small-scale operations, to the top ‘Premiership Range’ for luxury travel. Vehicles are available for corporate event hire and tailor-made tours.

The coach was supplied by Moseley PCV of Pontefract..

GARFIELD EXECUTIVE TRAVEL Garfield Executive Travel, based in Cramlington, Northumberland has taken delivery of two Van Hool T915 Alicrons from Cleckheatonbased dealer Arriva Bus and Coach.

The 12.2-metre vehicles are powered by 9.2 litre

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY Van Hool T918

Altano

ENGINE MAN D2676 LOH27

12.4 Litre

TRANSMISSION Astronic SEATS 36 SPEC Alcoa DuraBright wheels SUPPLIED BY

Moseley PCV 01977 609000 www.moseleycoachsales.co.uk

GREY’S OF ELY Grey’s of Ely’s latest addition is a Plaxton Panther Volvo B9R. The new Panther replaces a Plaxton Profile and continues the transition of the company’s premier coach fleet to the new grey livery – as previously featured in CBW. Managing director Richard Grey explained: “We wanted a new coach with a minimum of 57 seats on two axles and had been impressed with the facelifted Panther range when we visited EuroBus Expo in 2010.

It is one of the most stunning vehicles on the road today and represents good value for money.”

The Panther is a 12.8m two-axle vehicle, featuring 59 Politecnica GTV reclining seats equipped with all-age three-point seatbelts. A courier seat is installed in the

PACCAR PR265 engines built to Euro 5 specification, and ZF 6AP1700B transmissions. A split delivery saw one coache were delivered in July and the other in August this year.

The interior specification includes 49 reclining seats, and on-board entertainment facilities such as an MP3 control unit, radio/CD/DVD player and with two LCD monitors.

Webasto heating is

Richard Grey concluded: “We specified it as a large groups vehicle and it is excellent for our range of clients. It has tremendous ‘kerb appeal’ and has been very well received by our customers. We have a vehicle we are very proud of and we have had no issues with it since delivery.”

The new Plaxton Panther was supplied to Grey’s of Ely

by Plaxton Coach Sales at Anston.

FACT FILE

easy-access entrance, with the driver benefiting from a Grammar fully adjustable seat. The vehicle also has a rear offside emergency exit, maximising the interior space available to passengers, and is equipped with a pavement lighting system.

Air-conditioning is delivered by a roof mounted

Thermo-King unit and entertainment facilities provided by a dash mounted CD/Radio/PA system. For additional security the vehicle was specified with a six-camera CCTV system.

The Euro 5 Volvo B9R chassis features a rear mounted Volvo D9B 9.36 litre engine delivering 380bhp

and Volvo I-Shift automated gearbox. Euro 5 emissions levels are achieved through SCR technology using AdBlue.

The new Panther boasts a three-quarter tonne reduction in unladen weight compared to the previous generation, meaning it can be a fully featured executive coach at 12.8m on two axles.

CHASSIS/BODY Volvo B9R/ Plaxton Panther ENGINE Volvo D9B 9.36 litre 380hp TRANSMISSION Volvo I-Shift SEATS 59 SPEC Thermo-King air con, Politecnica GTV reclining seats SUPPLIED BY

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

Tel: 01353 773000 Fax: 01353 773001 Email: info@mcv-uk.com

www.coachandbusweek.com

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October 5, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 31

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

E-mail all the details and pictures to cbwinbox@ rouncymedia.co.uk

LAWMANS COACHES

included alongside full climate control, a fridge, drinks machine and toilet complete with hand dryer, hand basin and air extractor.

Garfield Executive Travel is a family-run coach and chauffeur operator, offering a range of vehicles from small 16-seater coaches or MPVs up to the 49-seater T915s.

Clients include Premier League football clubs, the BBC and Sky Television.

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY Van Hool T915

Alicron

ENGINE PACCAR PR265 Euro 5 TRANSMISSION ZF 6AP1700B

(with intarder) SEATS 49 SPEC Wabasto heating, CD/DVD player, fridge and drinks machine SUPPLIED BY

Arriva Bus and Coach 01274 681144 www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk

INTRODUCING

Lawmans Coaches of Kettering has chosen a Plaxton Panther as the latest addition to its coach fleet.

The vehicle was selected

by Rod and Julian Lawman to meet the firm’s specific business needs.

The new Panther is a 12.8m two-axle vehicle sporting 57 Politecnica GTV reclining seats with all-age three-point seatbelts. A courier seat is installed at the entrance, while the driver has a Grammar fully adjustable seat.

The vehicle has a rear offside emergency exit, and is capable of being upseated to 61 if required.

The Panther is equipped with a Thermo-King air conditioning unit and dark tinted glazing, and

V

although the family connections with coach operations go back to 1948.

The firm now operates 14 modern coaches offering capacities between 33 and 57 seats from a modern base on the outskirts of Kettering, Northamptonshire.

A variety of tours and holidays are offered alongside private hire, contracts and school travel activities. entertainment is provided by a dash-mounted CD/Radio/ PA system.

It is based on a Euro 5 Volvo B9R chassis, featuring a rear mounted D9B 9.36 litre engine delivering 380bhp and Volvo I-Shift automatic gearbox. Alcoa Dura-Brite alloy wheels and a select registration mark featuring Rod Lawman’s initials add individuality.

Rod and Julian Lawman

said: “The Panther is the ideal high capacity coach to carry large adult groups in comfort. Plaxton’s lighter weight body structure gives us the extra length to carry 57 in comfort on two axles.

Avoiding the need for a third axle really won us over. We are very happy with the vehicle.”

Family-run Lawmans Coaches was established

by Rod Lawman in 2003

e olution

FACT FILE

CHASSIS/BODY B9R/Plaxton

Panther

ENGINE Volvo D9B 9.36 litre

380bhp

TRANSMISSION Volvo I-Shift SEATS 57 SPEC Thermo-King air con,

Politecnica GTV reclining seats

SUPPLIED BY

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

• NEW GENERATION • NEW DESIGN • NEW IMAGE

DESIGNED TO LEAD. BUILT TO L AST. Sterling Place, Elean Business Park, Sutton, Ely, Cambs CB6 2QE Telephone: 01353 773000 Fax: 01353 773001 E-mail: sales@mcv-uk.com www.coachandbusweek.com

Deliveries.indd 31

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32 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

OPEN PLATFORM › STEPHEN JOSEPH

Flying the flag for the bus funding. This is why we are taking a bus to each of the party conferences, festooned with “Save our Buses” banners, and have invited politicians to meet bus users and those representing them on the bus to hear their stories and concerns.

Young people from colleges and representatives of Age UK, citizens advice, amongst other charities, have come to meet politicians and explain how important buses are to them and the problems being caused by funding cuts.

We hope this will help give buses and coaches the political visibility they deserve. Signs are good, and show more MPs now recognise the importance of buses to their electors. As a result of our activities, we would like to think an MP raising concern about buses will, in future, be taken seriously rather than laughed at.

As part of its Save our Buses campaign, the CBT has been taking a bus to each of the party conferences, and invited politicians to meet bus users and those representing them on the bus The bus issue has come a long way from being seen as a joke in Westminster, says CBT director Stephen Joseph, who has been flying the bus flag at the party conferences with none other than a bus Last year an MP asked former prime minister Gordon Brown a question about buses. Gales of laughter swept through the Commons.

How could anyone think buses were important to MPs or the prime minister? Buses were seen as far too humdrum an issue for politicians to be interested in. We complained and did get a sort of apology from the prime minister’s office, but the impression was clear - buses were unimportant politically.

We’ve come some way since then. Beginning with a joint campaign to save BSOG (Bus Service Operators Grant). In the spending review last year, we, with others, have succeeded in making buses an issue politically. The BSOG campaign received significant support from a range of groups, and succeeded in getting MPs to support an Early Day Motion. Ultimately, although a cut was agreed, the campaign succeeded in staving off much worse cuts than had been planned.

We then developed “Save our Buses”, which launched in February this year, with an interactive map highlighting and bringing together the cuts going on across the country.

By making bus cuts a national rather than local

issue, we were able to get significant national coverage for buses for the first time, which has continued. We have highlighted the combined impact of changes in concessionary fares, the forthcoming BSOG cut and the cuts in local government transport spending.

We arranged for 28 charities to write to the prime minister, drawing attention to the importance of buses for wider government policy - welfare to work, access to education, support for town centres and rural areas. We have also tried to offer ideas to local authorities on how to make the most of limited funding, based on good practice. However, we have also taken on authorities where we felt we had to, and supported a legal challenge to Cambridgeshire’s decision to cut all bus funding, which the council has now reversed.

We want to continue to keep buses in the eye of the politicians and the public, and keep making the case against local and national cuts in bus

“We hope this will help give buses and coaches the political visibility they deserve. The signs are good that more MPs now recognise the importance of buses to their electors.”

Stephen became the executive director of the Campaign for Better Transport in 1988. His transport policy expertise is widely regarded and he is regularly called to serve as a governmental advisor. He has led numerous successful policy campaigns, is frequently quoted by the national press, and is a regular author of research and opinion pieces.

Stephen was awarded an OBE in 1996 for services to transport and the environment and in 2008 he was honoured with a PTRC (Planning and Transport, Research and Computation) Lifetime Achievement Award ‘for furthering the role of transport planning in society’.

For nearly 40 years, working with thousands of inspiring people, the Campaign for Better Transport – previously known as Transport 2000 - has fought for better public transport, walking and cycling - for the sake of communities and the environment. It is an independent charity, which works by providing well-researched, practical solutions to transport problems, pressuring national and local government to adopt them, and empowering ordinary people across the country. Visit the CBT’s website at www.bettertransport.org.uk If you want to let off some steam, just tap away at the keyboard and send your rant (or carefully-reasoned views) to cbwinbox@rouncymedia.co.uk, or fax 0845 280 2927. Make ‘Open Platform’ the subject line. Alternatively, send your missive to: CBW, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX

www.coachandbusweek.com

OpenPlatform.indd 32

03/10/2011 23:02

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DRIVERS

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

To advertise on this page, contact team leader Harley Denham on 01733 293 249 or e-mail harley.denham@ rouncymedia.co.uk

Tribunal rejects driver dismissal claim Birmingham bus driver has unfair dismissal claim rejected after causing accident when threatened by youths A Birmingham bus driver has had a compensation claim for unfair dismissal against National Express West Midlands rejected after he was suspended and dismissed for gross misconduct for causing a £60,000 crash involving three cars, when two youths put him in fear of his safety.

Mr Delroy Senior, 52, explained that after stopping the number 46 double decker, the two youths instigated trouble.

“One started kicking in the glass door and the other ran round to my cab and tried to force open the cab door to get at me,” said Mr Senior.

He went on to say he feared for his safety, and attempted to drive the bus away but the vehicle moved forward and crashed into a

stationary car in front.

A concertina crash followed involving two other stationary cars, the tribunal was told. One passenger was slightly injured in one car and two vehicles had to be written off.

In spite of a clean record since he became a driver in 2002, Mr Senior was suspended and dismissed for gross misconduct. A compensation claim for unfair dismissal against

The incident involved a National Express West Midlands double decker bus in Birmingham

First book

by Salisbury bus driver

A bus driver has completed his first book after three and half years of research and writing. Julian Noyce, 43, who lives in Salisbury and has been an employee of Go-Ahead Group-owned Wilts & Dorset since 1992, said: ‘Tomb Of The Lost’ is a fictional story which covers the days of the Roman empire, Hitler’s obsession with Alexander the Great, and a current day marine archaeologist.

The inspiration for the book stems from his long time fascination of ancient history and his grandfather who served in North Africa with the Royal Engineers in World War Two. Now published on Amazon for Kindle users, Julian says he is excited with the early sales and response from readers of the 165,000 word novel.

“It’s very gratifying to receive good reviews from people across the world who I have never met as

Drivers.indd 35

his employers followed, which was successfully opposed by Mr Frank Sutcliffe, representative of the respondents. Mr Sutcliffe accused Mr Senior of driving negligence.

Tribunal judge Mr Peter Rose QC said Mr Senior had told the tribunal that, in panic, he must have accidentally caught the accelerator which caused the bus to move forward.

“Sixty thousand pounds worth of damage was caused and a car passenger suffered a minor injury, but the consequences could have been much worse,” said Mr Rose.

“The tribunal decision is the dismissal was within the bounds of reasonable responses by the respondent and the compensation claim for unfair dismissal is rejected.”

Mr Senior, who is now unemployed, said he would consider appealing against the decision of the tribunal.

‘Booking on time’ has a different meaning for W&D driver Julian Noyce you always worry that family and friends may be being nice in their critique!” said Julian.

“I understand that there has never been a harder time to try to get a book published in print so the internet allows authors to build an audience for future novels. It’s odd to think a kindle user on my bus could be reading my novel!”

He believes the intriguingly spun

story has all the ingredients for a feature film with lead roles suiting a cast that could include Bill Nighy as Julius Caesar, Emily Browning as Cleopatra, Tom Hardy as an SS Major, and Emily Blunt and Michael Fassbender as other characters.

‘Tomb Of The Lost’ is available for download from www.amazon.co.uk, priced

Diamond Bus is in the clear

Redditch drivers’ claim clarified Two former Diamond Bus drivers may receive thousands of pounds from another operator, Solihull Travel Ltd of Birmingham, despite never having worked for them – the Redditch Advertiser reported.

Robert Hillman and Steven Smith were both employed by Diamond Bus as drivers on three service contracts with Worcestershire County Council, a Birmingham employment tribunal was told.

However, the council axed the contracts and Messrs Hillman and Smith lost their jobs – prompting claims for unfair dismissal, redundancy money and holiday and notice pay against Diamond Bus. Matt Abdullah, representing both claimants, said the contract for the three bus services had since been taken over by Solihull Travel Ltd of Birmingham and no one seemed to accept responsibility for paying the compensation. One of the bus routes affected was the 178.

Mr Garry Smart, representing Diamond Bus, told the tribunal the respondents, Diamond Bus, were not responsible for paying the compensation because operation of the contract had been taken over.

Tribunal judge Mr John Keith agreed and dismissed Diamond Bus from the claim, saying Solihull Travel Ltd was liable because they had taken over the contract. As a result, he ordered Solihull Travel to attend a tribunal hearing later this year as respondents. In addition, he said the possibility of Mr Hillman and Mr Smith being reinstated as drivers might be considered at the next hearing as an option to compensation.

Mr Hillman had been a driver for Diamond Bus for four years but has now retired at the age of 65, while Mr Smith had been employed by Diamond Bus for seven years and is now a driver for a delivery firm.

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THE BIG PICTURE

Birmingham International Coaches is no strangers to providing high specification coaches for professional football teams, but the interior of its new Jonckheere bodied-Volvo B13R has been designed to meet the specific requirements set out by Leicester City FC. The interior features 36 leather seats and eight tables. The club also requested the servery be moved to the centre, with staff seating in the front compartment and the players situated in the rear.

Other on-board features include a rear horseshoe-shaped lounge, treatment table and eight individual TV screens. Entertainment facilities, include a Bose sound system, a Playstation, Sky TV, Wi-Fi connectivity and iPod connectors.

Previously profiled in CBW, the renowned operator is owned by the Watkiss family, who take great pride in their work.

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minibus The essential read for Minibus Operators

October 2011

p52

p50

p44

market merry-go-round

A

fter speaking to a small selection of dealers this past week it remains clear there is little sign of improvement in the marketplace. Some are faring much better than others but no indication of consistency or sustained growth which could constitute any sign of a general recovery.

Some operators who relied on local authority contracts for schools transport have found the cutbacks have left them without work or facing unrealistic tender prices. The difficulty for many now revolves around the need to provide vehicles with a suitable specification yet suddenly needing a more dual purpose option in order to seek out additional private hire opportunities. For the one-man-band operator, this is not a good sign as mixing schools and private hires eats up far too much of the drivers’ hours allowance – making it almost impossible to legally pursue additional revenue without

employing full or part time staff.

Look out for the new Euro 5 Iveco Daily which is scheduled for release in the UK during November. Always a popular option in the minibus sector, it offer lots of power, improved fuel consumption and is whisper quiet (see pages 44-49). Irisbus versions will be available but marketed directly through Iveco. The manufacturer is restructuring its operations and Irisbus will only have independent facilities in markets where it is very strong – like France and Italy. The UK is one market where current sales don’t justify an individual support division. Full details will be revealed in due course but Iveco cannot be more specific until all the necessary legal requirements have been fulfilled. martin Cole Editor

CONTENTS 40

News

Not-for-profit service starts up in Meriden, operated by charity organisation Heart of England Taxibus

44

New Iveco Daily

Australia’s Philip Island is the international launch venue for Iveco’s new Daily - at the end of October. Minibus gets to see it revealed in Turin.

50

Q’Straint Q&A

Q’Straint provides the answers to commonly asked questions concerning passenger restraint

52

Royal Wedding VW

How many people could claim the Royal Wedding was a practice-run for their own family event? We get to drive one of the Wedding VWs.

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NEWS

Centro minibus service fills the gap in Meriden A new minibus service has been launched between Meriden Gap and Solihull.

Passengers previously had to book a taxibus 24 hours in advance, but the new number 83 service makes regular stops on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

The service is being operated by Heart of England Taxibus, who will be using a nine-seater LDV Maxus in minibus spec to run the route.

It leaves Meriden Green at 0930hrs and calls at Berkswell village, Balsall Common, Barston and Eastcote, before arriving in Solihull’s Mell Square at 1007hrs. It makes its return journey at 1145.

Local transport authority Centro recently launched the fixed service following the alteration of the old number 82 service in July last year – operated by National Express West Midlands and partly subsidised by Centro. The route alteration left a number of passengers without a regular bus service.

Steven Hayes, Centro’s area manager for Coventry and Solihull, said: “The service will now run at fixed times to make it easier for passengers living within the Meriden Gap to travel to and from

Ford to build Tourneo at Southampton until 2013 Ford’s production of the Tourneo minibus will continue at its Southampton plant until 2013.

The plant at Wide Lane, Swaythling, employs 500 people and builds short and medium

Solihull without having to worry about booking in advance.

“It re-establishes a fixed bus route for Berkswell, Eastcote and Barston and reinstates the link between Meriden and Balsall Common.”

Glyn Price, of Balsall Common

Village Residents’ Association, said: “There is no doubt the withdrawal of the regular service 0 caused hardship and difficulty for some members of the community.”

The service 83 will continue to run until January 2012 when it will be reviewed.

(Left to right) Centro’s area manager for Coventry and Solihull Steven Hayes, Veronica Jones, John White (from Berkswell), Hilary and Tony Cunningham from Balsall Common and bus driver Kay Channing wheelbase and Tourneo minibus versions of the Transit van. Half of its 28,700 unit output is exported annually.

However, after 2013, production of Tourneo will move and only chassis-cab Transit production will remain at Southampton. Production of short and medium wheelbase versions of Transit, including the Tourneo, will move to Turkey.

Dan Jones, spokesman for Ford, said: “Employment at the plant is expected to continue at least at current levels to support chassis

cab production. Production of current model Transit will continue at Southampton until the plant becomes the primary source for future chassis cab models.”

Swaythling plant experienced an unexpected boost after 2008 as many truck operators switched to vans for deliveries, precipitated London’s Low Emissions Zone and internet sales deliveries.

The Transit was introduced 46 years ago, with 2 million being sold in Britain alone. Sales of Transits worldwide exceed 6.3 million.

Northants switches to electric minibus Northamptonshire County Council has invested in an electric minibus for its regular link service which shuttles staff between offices at County Hall and John Dryden House.

The council says replacing its diesel minibus with an electric shuttle will contribute to lowering it’s carbon footprint and save the authority thousands of pounds annually. It offers minimal running costs of around £2 a day.

The new bus has been funded out of the council’s energy and carbon ‘invest-to-save’ fund, which is comprised of savings made through reducing carbon output and energy bills.

Cllr Ben Smith, council cabinet member for environment, said: “This is an innovative solution which makes sense both environmentally and economically.

Increasing fuel bills bring financial pressures and in these tough financial times the electric bus can play a big part in reducing costs.”

The new electric bus costs 4.1p per mile to run in fuel, which equates to about £525 per year.

Northamptonshire’s existing diesel bus, which is leased to the council, costs £50,000 a year, therefore the new electric bus will not only save the authority £30,000 a year but will also be an asset the council owns.

Based on a Ford Transit, the Edison minibus is built by Smiths Electric Vehicles.

Northamptonshire CC’s electric minibus will cost £2 per day to run

UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1 www.coachandbusweek.com

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Stow Disability Association VW Crafter

Caught on camera by Paul Jenkinson, Ffoshelig’s Cheetah is seen in Blackpool, complete with its personalised registration plate ‘DS11FOS’

Cheetah joins Ffoshelig fleet After its first season in traffic, West Wales operator Ffoshelig Coaches says it is pleased with the performance of its brand new 33-seater Plaxton Cheetah, which joined the fleet in April this year.

In addition to the familiar cream-based Ffoshelig livery, the new Cheetah carries branding celebrating the firm’s 90th anniversary. The company was established in 1921 by David Jones, who ran it until the 1970s. His son Desmond took over the business until 1996, when the firm was acquired by Rhodri Evans.

Asked why he selected the Cheetah, Mr Evans, proprietor told

CBW: “We bought our first Cheetah in 2005. We were delighted with its performance and mindful that production of the 33-seater Cheetah is coming to an end, we wanted to buy one before they were all sold.

“This one benefits from the more powerful Mercedes-Benz 816 Vario – as opposed to the 814 under our other Cheetah – and is also fitted with full air-conditioning.”

Based at St Peters, west of Carmarthen, the firm operates a dozen buses and coaches on a variety of work, including private hire coaching, school contracts and local bus services. The firm also runs its own tour programme.

Call Ffosheling Coaches on 01267 237584. Visit www. ffoshelig.co.uk

CountyConnect services for Northampton A new CountyConnect bus service in Northampton is providing an ‘on demand’ service, where residents in rural areas can call or text for a bus.

This comes after Northamptonshire County Council phased out subsidies for non-commercial services as covered in CBW998.

The CountyConnect service started operating on 5 September

and for the first time many rural communities have gained access to public transport. In many other locations, infrequent services running less than three times a week have now been replaced by daily services.

The demand response system focuses on five separate areas in Northamptonshire and

Stow Disability Association held an official handover ceremony for its new accessible minibus where David Hardacre of Stanford Coachworks handed over the keys for the Volkswagen Crafter to Lord Ashton of Hyde.

The event was staged at Stow Disability Association’s regular meeting place, the Cotswold village hall at Adlestrop, near Morton in Marsh.

The CR50 4325mm wheelbase high roof Crafter features a sixspeed automated gearbox, a speed limiter calibrated to 62mph, power steering and is specified with 16 seats (including driver’s seat) of which 12 are detachable to allow access for up to three wheelchairs.

The minibus floor utilises Unwin tracking for wheelchair security and seating configuration, Taraplus non-slip flooring and interior and headlining trim finished in soft carpet material.

Wheelchair passenger access is via a Ratcliff RUL35AL automatic underfloor passenger lift. The system comes with a sealed lift cassette and protrudes slightly at the rear, offering a step for able bodied passenger access.

“From our first contact with Stanford Coachworks the help, centres round hub towns, where passengers can connect with regular inter-urban buses to make onward journeys.

The service works on a firstcome-first-served basis and journeys can be booked up to a week in advance for travel to any other stop in the area served, not just the local town centre.

CountyConnect differs from conventional bus services by allowing customers to book a seat on specially designed lowfloor minibuses either by telephone, text

advice and communication was first class,” explains George Hill, Chairman and Trustee of Stow Disability Association.

“The minibus was built exactly to our specification and fits our needs precisely; all the disabled members of our association say it is exactly what was required.

“Our passengers really like the side access door with the drop down step. When it was first used people were amazed at how easy it was to board using this step with the attached hand rails.”

Stow Disability Association has thirteen full members and up to fifteen associate members. Two members are wheelchair users and up to five associate members are also wheelchairs users, making the vehicle a much needed asset.

The minibus is used at least twice a week by the Stow Association for its own purposes. They also offer the vehicle to other local organisations, residential and nursing homes.

Stanford Coachworks offers its clients advice and guidance on legal requirements for its conversions, bodywork, interior and engine options.

Mr. Hill concluded: “Nothing was too much for them, we appreciated their advice and Stanford Coachworks has kept in contact with us since the delivery to ensure our satisfaction; they are the experts and it showed.”

T: 01375 676088 E: sales@stanfordcoach works.co.uk W: www.stanfordcoachworks.co.uk

message or via the internet and arrange to be picked up at a specific time at their nearest village bus stop.

As well as the existing CallConnect branded service in northeast Northants, the new CountyConnect service launched in September serves: Nene Valley, focused on Oundle, Thrapston and Raunds; Welland Valley, focused on Market Harborough, Long Buckby and Daventry; and South Northants, focused on Towcester and Brackley, including off-peak links to Banbury.

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2m

NEWS

The number of Iveco Daily vehicles built worldwide since 1978

Watchdog research bolsters rural bus argument

John Cox, operator of Homesafe Travel, from Welling, has recently taken delivery of this Stanford Coachworksbuilt Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 extra-long minicoach. The vehicle features a power-operated entrance door with automatic access step, full leather upholstery with piped seams, air conditioning, DVD/CD/PA system, special LED lighting system, full body skirting kit and a dropwell luggage boot.

Homesafe specified a fully automatic gearbox which John Cox says makes driving much easier in London and big cities. Bob Swallow representing Stanford Coachworks supplied the new minicoach. Homesafe will be using the Sprinter on prestige contract operations and corporate private hire work. The company has also secured forward business for Olympic Games transport next year.

New town service for Selkirk Selkirk has a new town bus service, covering the previously unserved Ladylands area provided by a new 15-seat minibus operated by Scottish Borders Council. It only runs twice per day on Wednesdays.

The bus will leave Market Place at 1050 and 1150 hrs. It will head up The Loan before returning to the town centre via Hillside Terrace and Tower Street. There will be a flat rate fare of £1.30.

Although restricted, the service is an unexpected bonus for residents as SBC recently withdrew unprofitable service 64 from Kelso to Gattonside, Maxton, St Boswells, Bowden and Melrose, which was operated by Munro of Jedburgh.

The council has decided to step into the breach with the so-called Eildon Explorer bus and now the villages of Lilliesleaf and Midlem, which have no public transport service, are also set to benefit.

The Irisbus Daily has a wheelchair lift and distinctive yellow livery. It will run two limited weekday services: from Newtown to Galashiels, via Bowden, Lilliesleaf, Midlem (on request), Melrose and Gattonside (service 963); and from Rutherford to Gattonside via Maxton, Newtown, Bowden and Melrose (service 964).

But on Wednesdays only, the bus will be used for a morning shopping service from Newtown to Hawick, via Bowden, Lillisleaf, Midlem and Selkirk (1010 hrs), returning in the afternoon.

And it is during the downtime that the new town service in Selkirk will operate.

“This service has been a long-

standing request of residents and we have been able to include it in our revised package of bus services around the Eildons,” said John Dellow of SBC’s passenger transport section.

“It will be ideal for residents from this populous part of Selkirk to plan shopping trips to the town without having to walk or take their cars,” he added.

Timetable leaflets for the Eildon Explorer services are now available.

“This is a different way of providing bus services for residents of some our villages where there are few regular bus passengers,” said Cllr Jim Fullarton, SBC’s executive member for transport.

“We have tried to tailor the journeys to meet their needs, but if residents feel there are any gaps in the level of service they should contact our passenger transport section who will be closely monitoring the operation.”

The importance of local bus services to people living in the countryside has been highlighted by research carried out by the watchdog Passenger Focus.

The research, ‘Rural bus services’, focused on the experiences of passengers traveling on Herefordshire Council’s ‘market day buses’, which are tendered weekly services, and Shropshire Council’s demandresponsive ShropshireLink.

Passenger Focus said while the findings were not untypical of most rural areas the overall message is clear - passengers who use rural bus services rely on them and their ability to get to the places they need or want to get to would be severely affected if these buses disappeared.

The key findings include: over half of the passengers use rural bus services to make all or most trips outside of their neighbourhood; a third of passengers would struggle to make these trips if these bus services were not available; the vast majority of passengers are very satisfied with all aspects of the journey they had just made on the services provided; the majority of passengers are over 60, with a good proportion aged over 70 and a third said they had a disability; only a minority believing that their councils would listen a lot to their view if they wanted to make changes to services.

Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus’ CEO, said: “For people living in the countryside, especially those without access to a car, rural bus services are seen as a lifeline. Many of these services are under threat as local authorities’ budgets are squeezed.”

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6.3m 4.1p The number of Ford Transit units sold worldwide since its launch

October 5, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK MINIBUS | 43

The cost per mile of operating an electric minibus shuttle service

Optare Solo for Calderdale CT

Community Transport Calderdale has acquired a new Optare Solo, which will be used to plug a gap in services in the Brighouse area of West Yorkshire.

Transport authority Metro awarded the charity a permit to operate the route on a ‘not for profit’ basis, while Calderdale Metropolitan Council subsidises the service and maintains the Solo.

The independent charity has provided on-demand services in the area for a number of years using seven minibuses and people carriers.

This is its first venture into running scheduled services and the Solo is the largest vehicle it has operated.

The 7.8 metre Solo is the Slimline SE version, which at 2.33 metres in width is better suited to the conditions on the 258 service the

Tesco minibus and cash donation aids Torridge CTA

Slimline Optare Solo SE selected for not-for-profit Calderdale service vehicle will be serving. It is fitted with Ster 6 MS seats (24 fixed and two tip-ups in the wheelchair/buggy bay). Power comes from a MercedesBenz OM904LA engine, which is matched to an Allison 1000 Series five-speed automatic transmission.

LED destination equipment from Mobitec has been installed.

Community Transport Calderdale chief officer, Paul Jones, said: “This is an important move for our charity

and a key part of our strategy to grow the services we provide to local communities in the area.”

“The Optare Solo is an ideal vehicle for our type of operation because of its compact size and good accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

At weekends, when it is not in use on the scheduled service, it will be available for other local organisations to use.”

Supermarket giant Tesco has donated £165,000 to help put two new minibuses on the road for five years. The buses, worth £65,000, were donated to the Torridge Commmunity Transport Association (TCTA) as part of the food giant’s planning permission to build a new store in Bideford’s East-the-Water, Devon. The other £100,000 went on expected running costs. The 15 and seven seaters are converted vehicles for passengers with mobility difficulties. The TCTA provided nearly 8,000 journeys last year for those with no other viable transport options.

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VEHICLE LAUNCH › IVECO DAILY EURO 5

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Euro 5 Daily – more power – more mpg Martin Cole gives an in-depth looks at Iveco’s new Euro 5 Daily, which was revealed in Italy last week. It is launched officially during October and comes to the UK in November

Iveco’s new Daily in Irrisbus Tourys guise - a practical, well equipped off-the-peg minicoach

T

he new-generation Iveco Daily featuring Euro 5 compliant engines was revealed last week in Turin. The comprehensive range, including new passenger carrying examples from Irisbus, is totally revised and packed with innovative features. In a move designed to promote the capability of the new models, the manufacturer has entered a licensing deal with Warner Bros. for 12 months use of its Superman logo to accompany the slogans: ‘This is a job for’ and ‘Fit for a superhero.’

The range offers six gross weights from 3.2 – 7.0 tonnes, payload options up to 4.7 tonnes and combined with the wheelbase and body length options, driveline variants including hybrids and 4x4 offroad capability plus chassis cab or front-end only, the possible permutations exceed 7000.

Long history

The Daily was first introduced in 1978 and each subsequent product evolution has set new firsts and become a popular contender in the marketplace for light commercials.

It adheres to the principles of maintaining a truck style chassis

frame, rear wheel drive and direct injection turbocharged, intercooled diesel engines. Natural gas engines are an option and body sizes offer up to 17.2 m3 load or passenger space and up to 210 cm internal height. Over two million units have now been produced.

FPT (Fiat Power Train) engines

New Daily’s offer of FPT Industrial engines includes three new versions: most powerful Diesel 1 The engine in its segment, the Euro 5, 3.0 litre Twin Turbo, rated at 205bhp (150 kW) with a maximum torque of 470 Nm. It represents the first four cylinder diesel engine in its class to exceed the threshold of 200bhp, through the adoption of a new two stage turbocharger with inter-stage charge cooling technology. new Euro 5 2.3 litre 2 The diesel engine at 146bhp (107 kW) with a torque of 350 Nm, with a new variable geometry turbocharger and the exclusive Multijet II fuel injection technology, optimised to provide maximum operating efficiency.

EEV version of the 3 A3.0new litre diesel engine, rated at 146bhp and 370 Nm with a variable geometry

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VEHICLE LAUNCH › IVECO DAILY EURO 5

turbocharger offering tail-pipe emissions of particulate matter well below the levels required by the homologation standard.

The range also features the Natural Power Bi-fuel version, powered by the super-ecological EEV engine, optimised for operation on natural gas, with a small gasoline tank for use in case of emergency and the zero-emission Daily electric, designed, produced and marketed directly by Iveco.

Other means of reducing emissions and improving fuel economy come from the availability of a ‘Stop & Start’ function and a GSI (Gear Shift Indicator) system, which promotes better management of gearshifting from the driver.

Together with a new six-speed transmission offered in the 2.3 litre diesel versions, reductions in fuel consumption and consequent CO2 emissions of up to 10% are possible compared to the previous model.

Redesign

The redesigned face is highly distinctive but retains sufficient familiarity with the previous model to make it immediately recognisable. It features a much larger radiator grille, designed to accommodate the new optimised engine cooling system, new headlamps units incorporating DRL (Daytime Running Lights) and new fog lights with Fog Cornering functionality, operable at road speeds up to 40 km/h permitting improved visibility and safety by illuminating the road when cornering. These are mounted in a new bumper unit.

The cab has a completely restyled interior making Daily even more car-like. A new axial adjustable steering column and a greater range of seat and seat back adjustment have been introduced, while the ergonomics of the driver’s movements and ease of crossing the cab is improved by repositioning the gear lever housing. Also new is the desmodromic door and ignition key boasting 10,000 key combinations to offer improved protection against unauthorised access.

Several configurable storage

Top: Uncluttered driver area with fully adjustable seat. Above left: Powered entrance door with full height glass panel. Above: The Irisbus Tourys features a rear coach-style luggage boot and seating for 19 passengers compartments have been added, including a shelf located above the windshield, a large 6.0 litre container under the passenger’s two-seater bench and a functional support, housed in the passenger seat back, with a clip-board that can be mounted onto the steering wheel to serve as a writing desk.

The compartment can also be used to house a notebook PC, or tablet (such as an iPad). Noise levels have been reduced by 5dB(A) between 1,600 and 2,000rpm – the most common operating range.

Safety

As a natural development, New Daily sees the introduction of the latest generation ESP 9 system, featuring active sensors, alongside ABS, EBD, ASR (traction control) and MSR (Engine over-run

manager), Hill Holder (Hill start assistant) and LAC (Active load control), new features such as HFCs (Hydraulic brake fade control), RMI (Roll movement intervention), ROM (Roll over mitigation) and TSM (selective braking enhancing vehicle and trailer dynamic stability).

Telematics

New technical features include information telematics, offering the Blue&Me™ system, the hardware solution designed by Fiat and Microsoft, to ensure the best communication services for those at the wheel, and Blue&Me Fleet™, the fleet management telematics package, developed in collaboration with Qualcomm.

There is also the latest generation TomTom Go Live 1000 navigator,

with a 4.7” fluid touch screen, with HD Traffic and IQ Routes technology able to constantly calculate and suggest better routes.

Euro 5 and EEV engines Engines for the new Daily were developed by sister company, FPT Industrial, in the guise of its 2.3 and 3.0 litre engines along with five and six-speed transmissions, plus the Agile automated six-speed transmission, and its rear drive axle with a selection of axle ratios to ensure optimised performance, economy and respect for the environment.

The flagship FPT Industrial Euro 5, 3.0 litre twin turbo features conventional post turbocharger charge cooling and also includes an intermediate stage charge cooler between the first stage and the

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second resulting in considerable efficiency and performance benefits. The engine uses a common rail fuel injection system with piezoelectric actuators, allowing the optimisation of the combustion process and reducing pollutant emissions and fuel consumption.

This 3.0 litre engine is also available at 170bhp (125 kW), 400Nm - employing a new high efficiency VGT (variable geometry turbocharger) and at 146bhp (107 kW), 350Nm, employing a fixed geometry turbocharger with waste-gate valve, both ratings meeting the Euro 5 emissions standard. Homologated according to the heavy duty regime to the EEV (Enhanced Environmentallyfriendly Vehicle) standard, there are three FPT Industrial engines available: 170bhp (125 kW) with maximum torque of 400Nm with two stage turbocharger, a new 146

Top: Spacious Tourys saloon complete with overhead racks.

Above: Attractive centre console appears rugged and practical.

Below: Daily offers a comfortable, attractive workplace for drivers

cv (107 kW) variant with 370 Nm of torque, with variable geometry turbocharger and the Natural Power variant for use with natural gas, rated at 136bhp (100 kW), already very well respected for its incredibly low exhaust tail-pipe emissions already within the Euro 6 heavy duty exhaust emission limits which enter into force in 2014.

The new FPT Industrial 2.3 litre Euro 5 Diesel engine rated at 146bhp (107 kW) and peak torque of 350Nm features the new Multijet II common rail multi-event fuel injection system, with up to eight injection events per cycle, allows class leading injection rate shape profiling to allow very low engine noise, reduced engine-out emissions and outstanding fuel economy.

The engine is also available at ratings of 106bhp (78 kW) with a maximum torque of 270Nm and 126 cv (93 kW) with an increased maximum torque of 320Nm. Both of these engines use a fixed geometry turbocharger with wastegate valve.

All FPT Industrial Diesel engines employ the new advanced exhaust gas recirculation with enhanced electrical EGR mixing, ensuring homogeneous gas distribution among the engine cylinders and exhaust after-treatment by means of an oxidising catalyst and Diesel Particulate Filter.

The transmissions include an entirely new six-speed transmission

for the 2.3 litre version and a specific six-speed version for the new 3.0 litre engine rated at 205bhp (150 kW) and 470 Nm of torque, both characterised by the double ratios overdrive for maximum fuel economy. For urban operation, the Agile automated sixspeed transmission is available.

Daily electric

Iveco developed and built the first electrically propelled Daily in 1986 and the range has now been extended to include vans and urban buses. The advanced electrical architecture and control, incorporating a dedicated electronic controller with invehicle communication using the CAN network and the proven Na/ NiCl2 battery technology, allows New Daily to achieve a high level of reliability and to adapt to operation under urban conditions, such as door to door deliveries and urban passenger transport. This fully electric powered vehicle with zero tail-pipe emissions is designed, manufactured, sold and serviced totally by Iveco. A high energy storage battery in combination with electronic inverter powers the asynchronous three-phase traction motor that directly powers the vehicle and recovers the vehicle’s kinetic energy under braking.

Motor power is 30kW continuous (60kW peak) for 35S models (van, and chassis cab versions) and 40kW continuous (80kW peak) for 50C models (van and chassis cab versions).

Equipped with sealed traction batteries using Na/ NiCl2 technology (Sodium/ Nickel-Chloride), which does not produce gaseous emissions and is fully recyclable, with a system voltage of 278 v, the 35S vehicles are equipped with two batteries with a third optionally available on long wheelbase models and 50C models have three batteries with a fourth optionally available, again depending on wheelbase. Vehicle speed is electronically limited to 70 km/h with a usable range from 90 – 130 km, depending on the mission and the number of batteries.

UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1

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VEHICLE LAUNCH › IVECO DAILY EURO 5 New Daily Natural Power

Iveco claims the Daily Natural Power is the lightest vehicle in this full range offer and is equipped with an FPT Industrial CNG engine of 136bhp (100 kW) with three way catalytic converter, using a stoichiometric (with chemically correct air-fuel ratio) combustion regime delivering characteristics of reliability and durability and ensures exhaust emissions well below the limits required by the European EEV legislation in force. This system can actually detect the composition of the gas used and is able to adapt the actual air/ fuel ratio accordingly, in order to maintain low emissions without sacrificing performance.

The positive ignition results in engine noise significantly lower than those of diesel equivalents, so are particularly suitable for night-time use in urban centres, without requiring additional sound insulation measures.

The natural gas vehicles can also use bio-methane, one of the sources of renewable energy with the best credentials in terms of reducing emissions of global warming gases.

Above and below: The Daily Combi - limited seating but plenty of space for luggage - ideal for golfing, fishing excursions or airport runs.

Safety on board

Iveco has revised and upgraded the on-board safety for the new model in terms of excellent vehicle handling under all loading conditions, as well as an improved quality of life on board. Daily was one of the first commercial vehicles to specify disc brakes all round as a safety measure.

Introduced for New Daily are new headlamp units incorporating day-time running lights (DRL) and new fog lights incorporated in the front bumper with a cornering function. With this feature, the relevant fog light is switched on automatically when cornering to illuminate the road in the direction the vehicle will take.

New Daily makes available the advanced vehicle stability control system known as ESP 9. This system builds on and enhances the features of the stability control system available with previous

Daily models that comprised ABS (ant-lock brakes), EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ASR (traction control), MSR (engine speed management to control engine over-run braking), ESP (stability control), HBA (hydraulic brake assist to ensure emergency braking is as effective as possible), Hill Holder and LAC (load adaptive braking control). The new ESP 9 features include: TSM (Trailer Sway Mitigation) - selectively applies the vehicle brakes in the event of detecting trailer sway.

HRB (Hydraulic Rear Wheel Boost) - increases rear axle brake force when front axle ABS activity is detected in order to reduce braking distance.

HFC (Hydraulic Brake Fade Control) - detects the reduced braking force associated with brake fade and automatically increases braking effort to compensate.

RMI & ROM (Roll Movement Intervention & Roll Over Mitigation) works by detecting critical lateral acceleration when cornering and reacts by modulating engine torque and by increasing braking pressure at the relevant wheels.

Iveco Irisbus New Daily for passenger transport Daily minibus options include factory-built versions from Irisbus although Iveco is also proposing to bring in part-finished, glazed vehicles to allow customer to

specify their own conversion preferences - within the scope of Type Approval compliance.

Standard equipment on all models includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control (ASR), latest generation electronic stability control (ESP), the starting assist function (Hill Holder) or the ‘cornering’ function fog lights with day time running lights make it one of the safest minibuses in its class. They may be supplemented by a driver’s airbag, cruise control/ speed limiter and an electric retarder.

Engine options include the FPT Industrial 3.0 litre engines available in three power ratings, Diesel: 146bhp (107 kW) and 170bhp (125 kW) and CNG: 136bhp (100 kW), meeting EEV standards. With a maximum torque of 400 Nm from 1250 rev/min (170bhp engine), power reserve and flexibility are accompanied by a measured fuel consumption.

The range includes four versions: CITIS: designed for urban 1 applications with a double central door to facilitate easy entrance and exit and a seating capacity of up to nine with 16 standing. dedicated to school 2 RECREO: transport, carrying up to 45 children of elementary school age. interurban operation 3 WAY: with a competitive price/ performance ratio without limiting comfort and safety. This version comes with standard air conditioning for the driver, a flat dash board, PVC seat covering which is stain resistant for easy cleaning, and opening windows to improve saloon comfort. a minicoach 4 TOURYS: specifically developed for tourism, offering up to 27 comfortable seats and equipped with all necessary amenities for long distance trips with unicast air conditioning, velvet seat covers with reclining back, dark tinted windows and rear luggage boot.

The available options include leather seats, LCD video screen and DVD player, refrigerator, etc.

All versions are equipped to transport disabled persons.

UNIVERSAL, SIMPLE, SAFE. Wheelchair Passenger Safety Solutions. t: +44 (0)1227 773035 e: info@qstraint.co.uk www.qstraint.com 0060QS.newcorpstripadv1.indd 1 www.coachandbusweek.com

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Iveco Irisbus also offers its expertise to its bodybuilder partners who specialise in passenger transport, offering bespoke body work for buses, derived from chassis cabs, and windowed vans, with a maximum permitted mass ranging from 4.2t to 7t and wheelbase of 3300mm to 4750mm.

AFTER SALES SERVICE: The after-sales services offered

by Iveco are Elements, Advanced diagnostic, ANS, Daily Chrono Service, VOR Log and 200 VIP. Iveco’s EASY platform allows rapid diagnosis of electronic control units and the TELESERVICES telematics software enables technical experts to remotely connect to the actual vehicle/ workshop and provide assistance as if it were actually present with the vehicle.

Other diagnostic tool are EASY SKITE, a sophisticated endoscopic analysis system employing a small probe, to inspect normally inaccessible parts of the vehicle and the images can be shared in real time and remotely with Iveco specialists, and EASY SCOPE, a latest generation, powerful, digital oscilloscope displays graphically electrical circuit time-varying current and voltage.

The Iveco breakdown ANS (Assistance Non Stop) service offers multi-lingual professionals available to its customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by toll free telephone.

During the operation, the control centre monitors the progress of the repairs and ensures the vehicle is back on the road as soon as possible.

The Daily Chrono Service, however, provides a rapid and efficient service for vehicle interventions regarding replacement brake pads, dampers, oil and filter changing, and exhaust system replacement without any booking requirement.

The VOR Log service helps customers in case of an urgent need for spare parts not otherwise available from the authorised dealer. Thanks to a reliable transport system, Iveco retrieves parts from its international warehouses, suppliers and

factories, and guarantees delivery in the shortest possible time. The service is available all year round, 24 hours a day, and is activated by telephoning the customer Call Centre or directly from the dealer with a web-based application. Iveco VOR Log operates in all European markets and can provide online support for alternative solutions of very complex parts.

‘Elements’ is a personalised assistance programme offered

by Iveco - providing modular and flexible maintenance and repair contracts, or extensions of the contractual warranty services.

In addition, the 200 VIP service guarantees delivery within 24 hours of 200 specific fast-moving spare parts such as filters, brakes, clutches, engine, electrical and chassis components, dampers, lights, lamp lenses, etc.

Driving impression

Two things are immediately apparent about the latest Daily incarnation – how quiet it is and how flexible the engine is. In both 2.3 and 3.0 litre format, peak torque is available from low engine rpm and remains flat almost throughout the rev-range. This makes it far less reliant on gear changes and means short-shifting is perfectly possible – saving fuel without losing out on acceleration.

The highly effective sound insulation combined with quieter running engines has virtually

eliminated engine noise. The bulk of any disturbance inside the cab is mainly road noise transmitted via the tyres. It is probably fair to assume a coach-specification Tourys or a coachbuilt model with additional soft trim, carpeting and seating will deaden the engine noise further and provide a very acceptable and peaceful saloon environment. Passengers will be able converse comfortably without shouting at one another.

All three models I managed to drive – a six-seat Combi, a medium and a long wheelbase van, all seemed very nimble with light steering, plenty of feel in the brakes and a light, positive gear change. An urban route around Turin was ideal for making the best of the flexible engine characteristics and despite the high volume of local traffic, most of which seemed indifferent to normal codes of tolerance for other road users, proved to be a relatively stress-free experience.

A later run into the foot of the neighbouring Alps allowed the Daily to show its comfortable cruising potential on motorway stretches and the benefits of the massive torque and flexibility when climbing up the mountainside on twisty roads with numerous hairpin bends. In all situations the Daily performed admirably and it certainly builds further on the reputation it has already gained for the performance of the outgoing 3.0 litre Euro 4 engine.

The new Euro 5 engine and gearbox unit from Fiat Power Train

New Daily: overview

The New Daily, consistent with its vocation to offer customers vehicles to suit every type of mission, confirms a very wide product range with over 7000 possible combinations of chassis, engine, wheelbase and body characteristics: freight and passenger versions with platforms for conversions and body and equipment installations; 6 total mass variants, from 3.2 up to 7 tons; Maximum permissible front axle loads from 1500 to 2500 kg and from 1900 to 5350 kg on the rear; Payloads (including the driver) up to 4700 kg and towing capacity up to 3500 kg; 3 wheelbases, 4 lengths and 3 internal heights for the van range; 8 cargo loading volumes from 7 to 17.2 m3; 9 engines from 106 to 205bhp, with torque levels of up to 470 Nm; Parabolic, semi-elliptical and pneumatic rear suspension; 7 wheelbase and body lengths from 3 to 6.2m for third party conversions (chassis cabs, chassis front-end, crew cab, etc.); 18 Exterior colours; Over 28 options available.

To assist customers in choosing the most appropriate configuration best suiting their business needs, New Daily is offered in three equipment versions – Daily, Daily Plus and Daily Top - with increasing levels of standard content. These equipment levels are combined with several optional packages: Tipper pack, specially designed for construction missions; Special Van Pack, dedicated to the parcel delivery mission; Winter Pack, which provides the necessary equipment for operation in cold climates and Towing Pack, designed specifically for trailer towing.

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INSIGHT

Maximise wheelchair safety and minimise operator risk Welcome to the fifteenth in a series of Q&A features from CBW in association with Q’Straint.

These provide key tips and facts regarding restraint systems for securing wheelchair passengers in accessible vehicles and help answer many of the topical questions vehicle professionals ask us. This feature focuses on the importance of wheelchair tie-down testing and how this ensures conformity with the requirements of ISO10542 and ultimately European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA).

What is involved in Wheelchair Tie-down and Occupant Restraint Systems (WTORS) crash tests and why must they be independent for ECWVTA? WTORS crash tests are performed essentially for three main reasons – for compliance with industry standards, for product development and for approval by wheelchair manufacturers so passengers are ensured of maximum safety at all times.

As an example from a leading specialist, Q’Straint systems gain their Standards Approval by crash tests which adhere to the ISO10542-2 standard. To simulate a real life head-on collision in an M1 vehicle, this crash test involves firing a sled forward along a track with a surrogate wheelchair and a 50th percentile ATD (Anthropomorphic Test Dummy) secured with a Q’Straint restraint system. The sled is decelerated rapidly to represent a 20g impact of a vehicle and to determine the behaviour of the wheelchair and ATD as dramatic dynamic stress is applied. The test is a 48 km/h, 20g test using a forward facing, SWC

Q A

Q’Straint WTORS crash-testing at Millbrook demonstrates the importance of occupant restraints with a third point upper anchorage (surrogate wheelchair) with a mass of 85kg and a 76.3kg Hybrid II 50th percentile ATD. The test exceeds 20g for at least 15ms with 15g for a cumulative period of at least 40ms.

The procedure is shot on highspeed film of at least 500 frames per second and then analysed to determine various points of movement.

Historically these procedures have been performed at relevant test houses without the need for external auditing. However since the introduction of the 2007/46/EC European Directive, all legislation compliant crash tests of WTORS need to be witnessed and approved by a representative from the VCA or other EU national competent body.

ECWVTA can only be achieved by independent testing such as provided by Millbrook Proving Ground as chosen by Q’Straint. The same applies for approval with the

European Bus Directive 2001/85/ EC and the UK Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) 2000.

Over and above crash testing, what other factors need to be considered for a WTORS to comply with ECWVTA? Both parts 1 and 2 of ISO10542 must be satisfied by a WTORS to fully comply with ECWVTA. Part 2 of ISO10542 is commonly satisfied by several WTORS suppliers, however Part 1 stipulates all belt systems and components are subject to rigorous environmental testing in accordance with UN/ECE Regulation 16. As an example, Q’Straint is one of the only specialists to have enhanced its procedures to comply with all the multitude of product

Q A

performance tests required which include mechanical, chemical and temperature-related examinations. Through extensive R&D investment and new in-house expertise, Q’Straint continues to be trusted worldwide for the safest solutions through robust design procedures and continual product innovation. This total ECWVTA product conformity is supported

by Q’Straint’s continued delivery of occupant restraints that only ever encompass an upper third-point anchorage above and behind the passenger’s shoulder.

When selecting occupant restraints to accompany wheelchair safety systems, operators and convertors have a choice between webbing which is secured via the floor or the sidewall of a vehicle.

To maintain ideal passenger geometry and to maximise safety if a vehicle has to turn suddenly or is involved in a collision, an anchorage point is recommended above and behind the occupant’s shoulder. This upper anchorage belt layout is recommended by The Department for Transport and is required for full compliance with safety Standards, primarily ISO10542 and ECWVTA. Results from simulation studies

by The Department of Transport for the safety of wheelchair occupants in road passenger M1 and M2 vehicles, outline that a floor anchored occupant restraint might be less favourable, compared with an upper anchorage location.

This conclusion was based on both the dummy kinematics and the predicted occupant loading during an impact. When using a floormounted restraint during impact, the upper body tends to rotate forwards about the waist, resulting in a high head excursion and in some cases contact with the legs.

In general, the dummy forces and

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accelerations were higher and there were more instances where the injury limits were exceeded.

It is an essential design requirement of the wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint system standard ISO10542 for the shoulder belt to be anchored to the vehicle structure above and behind the occupant’s shoulder.

Occupant restraint systems where the shoulder belt is anchored to the floor do not fully comply with the design requirements of the current industry standard ISO10542 and those of the ECWVTA. Which is the reason why specialists such as Q’Straint do not supply occupant restraint systems with a floor mounted shoulder belt anchorage.

They always recommend a thirdpoint occupant restraint with an upper fixing so the best possible passenger geometry is maintained if a collision occurs.

In terms of occupant restraints, it is best to select units which have been successfully tested in relation to the requirements of the UNECE Regulation 16 and the 77/541/EC Directive. Although not labeled as such, if the restraint system used meets Part 1 of ISO10542 then it will comply with these regulations.

It is advisable to obtain a certificate of conformance from your supplier, as many of the restraint systems on the market do not comply fully with ISO10542, even though compliance is implied.

When seeking conformity with ECWVTA, what is the best option for vehicle convertors to choose when requiring managed testing support?

As an example from a leading specialist, Q’Straint always uses and recommends independent testing at facilities such as Millbrook Proving Ground, which is one of Europe’s leading locations for the development and testing of every type of land vehicle. This custombuilt facility provides virtually every test, validation and homologation service necessary to meet today’s demanding wheelchair and accessible vehicle

safety directives, complemented by a worldwide reputation for confidentiality, service and competitiveness. Independent testing by a proven establishment is the only way to ensure the highest possible protection for passengers and lowest commercial risk for vehicle operators.

Having specialist support throughout testing procedures is critical for efficient vehicle

design and the ECWVTA process.

Q’Straint personnel work with the experts at Millbrook to ensure businesses can achieve independent wheelchair and accessible vehicle testing that successfully achieves not only ECWVTA, but also the EU Bus Directive (2001/85/ EC) and National Small Series Approval. On behalf of convertors, Q’Straint and Millbrook take care of the many time-consuming

As illustrated by this transparent mock-up, Q’Straint retractors encompass world-leading technology and engineering both inside and out

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Q’Straint QRT systems lead the market by conforming to both parts 1 and 2 of ISO10542 and hence provide total compliance with Type Approval

procedures associated with testing so businesses can rest assured their certification is in the hands of specialist industry experts. Q’Straint provides WTORS consultative support during the whole vehicle design process.

Before accessible vehicles enter ECWVTA examination, Q’Straint now has additional resources to deploy highly experienced UKbased engineers for test days so design programmes can progress efficiently and positively. Working with an accredited organisation such as Millbrook is essential, as no wheelchair passenger solution can be deemed ‘safe’ unless it has been tested independently. This supportive role at test days is an integral part of the new consultative approach Q’Straint now offers throughout the wider design process involved with vehicle conversion. This holistic ethos ensures the Q’Straint WTORS range, which is already fully ECWVTA compliant, can be installed in equally well-conceived vehicles so passenger safety is maximised.

In terms of supporting wheelchair R&D, Q’Straint actively assists wheelchair manufacturers through the crash testing process so they can seek ISO7176 part 19 Approval. This test is virtually identical to the ISO10542 procedure with the exception that their respective wheelchairs replace the SWC. The same pass/ fail criteria exists, however the layout is not so strict for the WTORS as this test can be performed with surrogate webbing and occupant restraints. There is an additional pass/fail criteria, in that no object of mass exceeding 100g is allowed to become detached from the wheelchair during the test. Any ‘Tilt-in-Space’ mechanisms present are not allowed to show signs of failure.

We hope this Q&A has been useful and if you have any further queries regarding risk assessment within accessible vehicles, please contact one of the specialist Q’Straint team on – Tel: 01227 773035 Email: info@ qstraint.co.uk

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VEHICLE EVALUATION › VW CRAFTER CR50

A ‘Royal’ treat Martin Cole reports on his experience of driving one of the Volkswagen Crafter minibuses converted by Mellor Coachcraft for the Royal Wedding guest transport

E

arlier this year I paid a visit to the Rochdale coachbuilding facility of Mellor Coachcraft to take a look at the new lowfloor minibus it was developing at the time. As is usual with such visits I get the chance for a look around and to see what else is being built.

I was certainly most surprised to see a Mercedes-Benz Citaro artic among the part-built minibus body frames and was told it was not something I could write about at the time. The vehicle in question was one of a small batch destined for Arriva to operate in Malta and was being given an interior refit to adapt it to its new requirements.

Further on, I came across a silver Volkswagen Crafter with a safety floor installed but no seats. Again, I was told I couldn’t mention this vehicle as it was one of six vehicles commissioned from Volkswagen for carrying minor Royals and other dignitaries to and from Westminster Abbey at the Royal Wedding between HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Of the six Crafters being converted, two were fitted out with a fully carpeted interior and only eight seats - which would provide each passenger with an inordinate amount of space in a saloon capable of seating at least 16. The other four vehicles were completed without carpets and equipped with 15 seats.

The front passenger entrance featured a modified stepwell and standard cab door with an underfloor step to provide boarding assistance.

I made a mental note to pursue the Royal Wedding angle on these vehicles at a later date, when all press embargoes on the vehicles had been lifted. However, other pressures meant it was not going to happen immediately after the event and the plans seemed to fading away.

However, a family wedding scheduled for early August was in the diary and as it was some distance away (Lancashire) and there appeared to be a number of logistics problems in arranging sufficient transport without taking three cars, I was suddenly struck with the idea of using a

Above: Volkswagen Crafter minibuses on parade in London.

Right: The Crafter at Whalley Abbey - between the spells of rain

“I made a mental note to pursue the Royal Wedding angle on these vehicles at a later date, when all press embargoes had been lifted.”

Royal Wedding minibus for our own family wedding – effectively solving our own transport issues, giving the vehicles some previously unavailable coverage and, by all travelling together, we could reduce congestion on the roads, save fuel and cut down on emissions.

A quick phone call to John Rawlings in the Volkswagen CV press office met with a favourable response. John thought it was a good public relations angle and agreed to supply one of the minibuses for the weekend in question. Once it was confirmed I spoke to Mellor to let them know what was going on and learned the two eight-seater models were being returned to have the carpets removed and additional seating installed before all six eventually made their way onto the market – as reasonably-specified 15-seat low mileage minibuses.

In the run-up to the event, I gave a lot of thought to photo opportunities - such as, the vehicle outside the church, getting the bride and groom to pose with the minibus, alongside any interesting local architecture and further photo opportunities at Whalley Abbey – where the reception was being held. Unfortunately – little of this materialised due to the miserable, overcast and wet weather on the day. The church was situated in a difficult spot, on a bend, very close to a busy T-junction and it would have been unsafe to use it for photographs.

The rain also dictated both bride and groom would be more comfortable making a quick getaway rather than enduring a soaking.

Out on the road

The CR50 Crafter had been fitted with a reversing camera which automatically activated a foldup/down screen, located in a well above the centre console whenever reverse gear was selected. Cab-air conditioning was included and it featured a six-speed manual gearbox. The new Euro 5 specification Crafter models had not been launched at the time, so it originated from one of the last Euro 4 Crafter production runs. It was quiet, comfortable and performed

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its task admirably. If it lacked anything at all it was somewhere to put coats and baggage as there was no designated boot and no overhead parcel racks. This wasn’t much of a problem for our relatively small party as there were spare seats, but it wouldn’t have been ideal for a full complement of passengers.

To add a touch of interest to an otherwise uneventful and troublefree journey, we were pulled-over

by VOSA approaching Birch Services on the M62. This was a

novel experience as it was the first time it has ever happened to me. I duly followed the VOSA vehicle into the parking area of the Services where I was questioned by officials who expressed some concern over the Crafter not displaying and Operator Licence in the front windscreen.

The inspector wanted to know who owned the vehicle. Was I being paid by VW? Would I be looking to sell the article I wrote – because surely it would count as reward?

Was I being paid at all? I explained

the nearest I would be to getting paid was down to me being a salaried member of staff at CBW. One could argue drawing a salary means you are being paid for the whole month – at work, rest or play and he was obviously trying hard to associate some form of payment being made to me for driving the minibus.

It took them quite some time to understand the situation but once they were convinced I was not being paid specifically for driving the Crafter, or receiving any

payment from the passengers, they muttered a bit about ‘grey areas’ between themselves and waved me on. I invited them to check the vehicle over but they declined.

On the plus side, it did show the VOSA team was alert enough to spot the lack of a disc in the windscreen and under different circumstances they could well have pulled over someone operating illegally – so they deserve praise for being onthe-ball and observant.

This little aside was the only event of real note during the journey. The bulk of it was made along dual carriageway and motorway so it was a case of finding top gear and setting the cruise control with little other interruption until we neared the destination and a few minutes of urban driving before reaching the church and finding a parking spot Being a Saturday morning, the traffic wasn’t as heavy as one would expect during midweek and I can’t remember one incident which called for harsh braking or violent steering movement to avoid anything. The Crafter made light work of the trip and took all the road conditions comfortably in its stride. Everything was just as it should be – quite unremarkable – which means the journey went well, no fuss or concerns and the passengers were all happy. It certainly proved very relaxing and stress-free to drive – which meant the driver was happy too.

Parked at Whalley Abbey, where a brief window in the weather allowed limited time for a few photographs, the Crafter drew some attention from other guests.

Word soon spread about the vehicle’s ‘Royal’ connection and a small proportion of the interested or curious assembly ventured across the car park for a closer look. More would have come but were seemingly put off by it being a bit muddy underfoot. In some ways this was probably a blessing in disguise because a stream of people coming aboard for a quick look would have left me with a very dirty saloon floor to clean up before handing the vehicle back to Volkswagen.

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BUS STOPthe place to buy and sell

To advertise on these pages for as little as £20 just call 020 8320 1351 OFFER FOR SALE DUE TO FLEET UPGRADE

2004(04) IVECO BEULAS EL MUNDO, 51 seats, auto, full exec £82,000 now ..............£76,000 2003(53) IVECO BEULAS STERGEO, 49/53 seats, auto , full exec ..............................£75,000 2003(52) DAF SB300 S VAN HOOL T9, 51/53 seats, auto, full exec .................................£79,000 OLD 2002(52) SCANIA K124 VAN HOOL T9, 49 seats, comfort shift, full exec ......................£75,000 2002(02) SCANIA K114 IRIZAR, 49 seats, comfort shift, full exec £68,000 now ............£63,000 (All coaches are in excellent condition with low miles, base white with removable transfers)

PART EXCHANGE CONSIDERED ON ALL ABOVE 2003(03) MERCEDES 311 CDI, 8 seats, MOT Feb 2012 .................................................£3,995 1998(S) IVECO DAILY 2.8 diesel, 15 seats .......................................................................£2,995 1998(S) FORD TRANSIT 2.5 diesel, Jumbo XL, 17 seats ................................................£1,995 SOLD 1991(J) MERCEDESS 814D, 29 seats New MOT ...............................................................£3,250 OLD ALL PRICES ARE PLUS VAT

For more details contact Steve or Russ 01884 252646 or 07702 626542

Excel Conversion Executive 16 seat Mini-Coach with brand new (not re-con) power unit supplied & fitted by Mercedes Benz Glasgow on 22/08/2011, 2 years Mercedes Parts & Labour warranty, full leather seating, 12 reclining, 4 fixed at rear, Eberspacher air-con and saloon heating, DVD and monitor, full draw curtains, large boot, electric front windows & mirrors, MOT Apr 2012, £35,000 + VAT – Available Now.

tel: 07789 860346 email: michael@discoverscotlandtours.com

AdvertiseyourCoachorBushereforaslittleas£20.00 aweek!

Call Lara Odumosu on 0208 301 8310 or email: lara.odumosu@rouncymedia.co.uk

Minibus World

01782 444 289 07967 456 911

11 plate Ford Transit 17 seat bus COIF, PSV and tacho £24,995

2008 Peugeot Boxer 17 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, COIF, PSV, one owner, fsh, electrics £19995

09 plate Ford Transit 17 seat minibus wheelchair accessible, 35k miles, fits 2 chairs, underfloor lift £23,995

LDV Convoy 17 seater choice of 2 from £3,995

Choice of 8 and 9 str buses, Traffic, Vivaro, Tourneo, 54 to 10 plate, factory bus and wheelchair conversions

2004/2005 Ford Transit 17 Seater Minibuses choice of 5 from £7,495

I

Nationwide Delivery I Money Back Guarantee I Finance Arranged I PSV Minibus Hire Custom Wheelchair Conversions I We Buy Minibuses I Minibus Finder Service

www.minibus-online.co.uk I

enquiries@minibus-online.co.uk

01782 444 289

Telephone Lara Odumosu on 020 8320 1351 or email lara.odumosu@rouncymedia.co.uk

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October 5, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 55

To advertise on these pages for as little as £20 just call 020 8320 1351 Optare Toro

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

£45,500 +VAT

UNVI GT

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

£69,950 +VAT

Call Dougie at Haggis Adventures on 0131 554 9192 VOLKSWAGEN LT46 LWB 2.5 TDi WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIBUS 17 seats. 02 52, Stanford Conversion, non slip flooring, full tracking for 4 wheelchairs, fully lined interior, side loading door, grab handles, tinted glazing, AVS side step, automatic Ratcliff under floor tail lift, tachograph, road speed limiter.

Excellent condition, 75,000 miles, 1 owner, ex-council, with COIF. £8,995 + VAT

AdvertiseyourCoachorBushereforaslittleas £20.00 aweek!

Call Lara Odumosu on 0208 301 8310 or email: lara.odumosu@rouncymedia.co.uk

Twin Wheel Bike Transport Trailer

New Barn Motor Company • 07956 833132 • www.nbmc.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

VOLKSWAGEN T5 TRANSPORTER HIGH ROOF 2.5 TDI WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE 8 SEAT MINIBUS 05/55, Indian Blue, air conditioning, PAS, ABS, 6 speed gearbox, M2 Unwin Innotrax flooring, Ricon internal automatic wheelchair lift, 1 owner, 37,942 miles.

Excellent condition £10,995 + VAT

New Barn Motor Company • 07956 833132 • www.nbmc.co.uk

Completely refurbished, 12 bike space capacity or 10 + tandem, separate storage locker, CCTV, electronic key bike locks, 4.9m long, 2.6m wide, 2.1m high, gross weight 2500kg, max axle load 1 1700kg, max axle load 2 1700kg.

£4,995.00 o.n.o

Tel: 01463 222444 Mobile: 07867852959

FREEDESIGNFREEWEBADFREEFULLCOLOURFREEDESIGNFREEWEBADFREEFULLCOLOUR

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Ensig n

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

LEZ

LEZ

COMPLIANT

COMPLIANT

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

2000 W/X REG V0LVO B6BLE’S

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

1999/2000 T/V/X REG DENNIS TRIDENTS

8.9m, Cummins / Allison, Hanover blinds, 29 seats, full DDA, £72,000.

2009 ADL ENVIRO 200

ZF gearboxes, Wrights bodies, ramps, 35 seats, very clean, £13,000 each supplied with new MOT and COIF. LAST 4

Cummins ISBC engine, repainted white, Hanover destination, MOT August 2012, one only at £28,000.

2004 DART MPD

10.8m, Cummins / Allison, Hanover blinds, 37 seats, full DDA, £74,000.

2009 ADL ENVIRO 200

1995 M REG DENNIS DRAGONS

2006 OPTARE SOLO

Mercedes, 9.2m, 31 individual seats with 3 point belts.

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

2007 DART MPD

Euro 4, Cummins/Allison, MCV body, 9m, 32 seats.

One available at £45,000

2001 Y REG DART SLF’S

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

OPEN TOP BUSES A SPECIALITY - B

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

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g nbus

K ER SPECIALIST 1994 K REG VOLVO OLYMPIAN

GREAT VALUE DENNIS DARTS!!!

Northern Counties low height bodies, Volvo engines, good selection with long MOTs.

6 speed ZF manual, Marcopolo body, 67 seats, MOT 02/12.

1995 PP DENNIS JAVELIN

1998-2000 S / V / W reg Darts with Plaxton Pointer 2 bodies, 31 seats, dual door, DDA compliant, exhaust traps fitted so reduced tax, huge choice at an unbelievable £4,500 each plus VAT and tyres (£375).

Gardner engine, Voith gearbox, 106 seats, retrimmed, belts fitted, MOT April 2012.

1988 MCW SUPER METROBUS

1998 S REG DENNIS DART SPD

Cummins / Allison World Series gearbox , Pointer 2 body, 41 seats.

Cummins / Allison, Caetano body, 34 seats, Hanover LEDʼs. MOT June 2012.

ZF automatic, Plaxton Excalibur body, 49 seats, NSR toilet, air-con, MOT 05/12.

One only at £26,000.

Plaxton President bodies, LEZ post 2012 with traps, single door converted and 72 seats.

2000 W REG VOLVO B10M

Cummins / Allison, Marshall bodies, 37 seats, LEZ post 2012 with traps, from our own fleet and very tidy. £6,000 each.

1998 REG DENNIS DART SLF’S

2000 W REG DENNIS DART MPD’S Cummins/Allison, Plaxton bodies, 8.8m, 29 seats.

1999 V REG DART

2000 W REG VOLVO B7TL’S

ZF auto, Plaxton Prestige body, 41 retrimmed seats, MOT August 2012.

1998 R REG DAF SB220 SLF

Mercedes engines, Slimlines, 2.34m wide, 7.8m long, 24 seats, Hanover LEDʼs.

2006 OPTARE SOLO’S

- BRITAIN’S BIGGEST BUS DEALERS

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

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NEW PRE-REGISTERED FORDS

(11) 2011 Ford Transit 17 seat medium roof, 2.4tdi, air-con, tacho, air-con, Bluetooth, fogs, colour coded bumpers, ONLY 3,000 miles £23,750

W at NE se 17

(60) 2011 Ford Transit 15 seat 2.4 tdci minibus, tacho, air-con, Bluetooth, silver £18,995 (10) 2010 Ford Transit 12 minibus 2.2tdci 115ps tacho, air-con, Bluetooth, parking sensors, in silver, 1,400km £17,495 (10) 2010 Ford Transit 9 seat Shuttle Bus 2.2 tdci 140ps, air-con, sat-nav, Bluetooth, parking sensors, in silver, delivery miles only £17,995

FORD TRANSIT MINIBUSES

(08) 2008 Ford Transit 15 seat minibus, high back seats with three point belts, tacho, 41,000 kms £14,750

(08) 2008 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4tdi, tacho, high back seats with three point belts, 33,000kms only, COIF/PSV £15,200 (07) 2007 Ford Transit 17 seat 2.4 tdi 115ps, high back seats with three point belts, COIF/PSV, 44,000 miles £11,995

LDV MINIBUSES

New LDV Maxus 17 seat minibus 2.5 diesel, LWB, twin side loading doors, 2 year mechanical warranty, COIF/PSV £16,995

(57) 2007 LDV Maxus 15 seat minibus, high back seats with three point belts £7,495 (03) 2003 LDV Convoy Maxi XLWB 17 seat mini-coach, 2.4 Tdi, front entry drop step, luggage racks, rear heating, wide aisle, rear row of seats removable, New PSV £7,995

OTHER MAKES

(08) 2008 Renault Traffic Sportive 9 seat LL29 dci, 31,000 miles, in silver £10,750

Peugeot Boxer 3.5 ton 17 seat School minibus diesel 2.2 120ps six speed, COIF/PSV. Choice of colours £21,995+VAT

OTHER MAKES

5 3.

n to

New Renault Master 17 seat LM35 / 125PS £21,995 (55) 2005 Chrysler Grand Voyager 7 seat Auto 2.8 diesel, DVD, heated seats, radio/CD, electric mirrors, electric windows, one owner from new with FSH, silver, 67,000 miles £7,750

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

(58) Fiat Doblo 1.4 petrol, 3 seats, low floor, lightweight ramp, E/W, C/L, CD, 19,000 miles £9,995

(07) 2007 Volkswagen Crafter 8 seat 2.2 diesel inboard lift, fully tracked floor, rear heating, 48,000 miles £13,995 (07) 2007 Fiat Dobol 1.4 petrol, lightweight ramp low floor, 5 door, ABS, air bag, air con, electric reels, E/W, PAS, radio/ CD, C/L £6,995

(04) 2004 Mercedes Sprinter 413cdi minibus 2.2 diesel, front entry drop step with power door, inboard Clearway lift, fully tracked floor to take 4 wheelchairs, rear heating, 77,000 miles £9,995

(53) 2003 Iveco Daily 16 seat minibus, front entry drop step with power door, wheelchair tracking, under floor tail lift, rear heating, COIF/PSV £9,995

Y 2001 Renault Mascot 2.8 diesel, 16 seat wheelchair accessible minibus, front entry drop step, fully tracked floor to take five wheelchairs, under floor lift, rear heating, COIF/PSV £7,750

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 NPA 0AL – 10 minutes from M4 motorway. Viewing by appointment only Finance Contract Hire and Finance Lease Available. We deliver Nationwide. All vehicles prepared to VOSA standard COIF/PSV specialist

All above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%

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Mini Coach Sales

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

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

BRAND NEW MERCEDES 813 VARIO 24 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, power plug door, luggage boot.

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

2006 06 REG MERCEDES 413 CDI OPTARE SOROCO 16 high back reclining seats, forced air, reading lights, A/C, power door, large boot.

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

2005 55 REG MERCEDES 814D VARIO PLAXTON CHEETAH 29 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, D/G, power door and large boot.

2005 05 REG MERCEDES 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, large luggage boot.

2006 06 REG MERCEDES 814D VARIO 24 high back seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights and large boot, analogue tacho.

BARGAIN BUS STOP 2002 52 REG RENAULT 10 SEATS + RAMP 2004 04 REG MERCEDES 413 CDI SPRINTER 16 seats, 3 point belts, forced air, reading lights, luggage racks, coach back end and large boot.

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

2001 51 REG RENAULT 8 SEATS + RAMP

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

000000-1005-Fishwick

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THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS...

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

Straight from MOD

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

Dec 07, low mileage, 7 seats, quick release tracking for wheelchair use. £12,500 + VAT

06 MAN EVOLUTION

14/220, 37 seats, SLF automatic, wheelchair ramp, superb condition throughout, fully MoT’d. £45,500 Part exchange considered

BERKOF RADIAL 1998

53 seats, Cummins 300 engine, ex council, manual box, air cond, full years MoT, very low mileage, super condition. £POA £19,500

CAETANO (SALVADOR) 1998

57 seats, in white, Cummins 245 engine, MoT Sept 2012, very clean vehicle. £19,500 + VAT

BMC AIRPORT BUS

32 seats, 220 Cummins, new MoT this week.

QUICK SALE WANTED.

£15,000

f Coach Oeek The W MERCEDES VARIO 612

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

Choice of 6.

TRADE SALE OR SEPARATE

1995 DENNIS JAVELIN PLAXTON PREMIER HIGHLINER 53 recliner seats, 290 Cummins, automatic, continental door, toilet, full years MoT, must be seen. £POA + VAT £19,500

PLAXTON CHEETAH

33 seats, registered June 2005, tinted double glazed windows, finished in unmarked white, special red interior, MOT, must be seen. £POA

1996 DENNIS JAVELIN

10 metre, new MoT, 41/47 seats, 220 Cummins, 6 speed box, new stretch panels, repainted.

Choice of 2. £POA + VAT

1996 VOLVO PLAXTON PREMIER HIGH LINER

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

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64 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

Southdown PSV 01342 711840 www.southdownpsv.co.uk

2003 MAN 18.280 SLF IKARUS 12m. 42 seats £29,950

1999 DART SLF PLAXTON 31 seats. £7,500

1996 SCANIA SLF WRIGHTS 42 seats. £8,950

1996 VOLVO OLY ALEXANDER 78 seats. £15,500

2000 VOLVO B7 SLF ALEXANDER & PLAXTON 72/74 seats/belts. £POA

1999 DAF DB250 NCME EXHIBITION/HOSPITALITY. £32,500

VANHOOL T916 ASTRON

13.2mtr, 53 rec seats, centre sunken washroom, 3 monitors, fridge, boiler, air con plus other extras

01274 681144

Gomersal, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 4BJ Email: busandcoachsales@arriva.co.uk Web: www.arrivabusandcoach.co.uk Prices plus VAT @ 20%

Bus and Coach

Southdown PSV Silverwood Snow Hill Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EN

take a test drive today

7HO

Over 150 Minibuses / Coaches / Welfare Buses Weekly All Vehicles Direct Fleet Many With COIF’s, PSV’s, Wheelchair

Access Lifts & Ramps

1991 Leyland Olympian Northern Counties, Cummins L10 ZF gearbox, 78 seats, Front Hanover LED fitted. Very tidy. £4,500+VAT

Easy Live Phone Bidding with Delivery to your Door at Cost

Dennis Darts SLF Seat Belted: 1997 Plaxton Pointer 1. 39 seats fully belted with Tachograph, Hanover LED front, side & rear fitted.

Bargain at £8,000+VAT each.

Finance Available & Most vehicles with FREE Warranties

Dennis Darts SLF: 1997-8, Plaxton Pointer 1 & 2 bodywork, 36-38 seats.

Hanover LED front, side & rear fitted. Bargain at £6,500+VAT each.

2006 (06) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MEDIUM ROOF WHITE 115PS COIF/PSV 63,000 MILES £8,995

2011 (11) FORD TRANSIT 9 SEAT SHUTTLE BUS 115PS TWIN SIDE LOAD DOORS INK BLUE £17,495

2007 (07) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS WHITE TACHO 65,000 MILES £12,995

VANFIT & LDV PARTS STOCKIST

(PONTYPOOL) LTD

P9 BJT

REGISTRATION PLATE FOR SALE – £500

NEW MERCEDES SPRINTER TOURLINE 516CDI ALTAS CONVERSION 17 SEAT MINICOACH £56,995

Tel: 01495 757111 Mob: 07850 739446 (Haydn) or visit our website www.minibussales.biz to view the above stock

2010 (60) RENAULT TRAFFIC 9 SEAT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE DELIVERY MILEAGE £24,995

07 (57) IVECO DAILY 50C15 16 SEATS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE COIF/PSV 50,000 KM £24,995

2010 (60) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS WHITE TACHO 100PS 5,500KM £21,250

2010 (10) FORD TRANSIT 17 SEAT MINIBUS MEDIUM ROOF WHITE 115PS 23,000KM £19,495

17:39

NEW MAXUS 17 SEAT MINIBUS 120 PS LWB H/R PANAROMIC WINDOWS COIF £16,995

26/9/11

ONE SAAB 95 COLEMAN MILNE HEARSE TWO SAAB 95 COLEMAN MILNE STRETCHED 8 SEAT LIMOUSINES £90,000 FOR ALL 3 VEHICLES - CAN SELL SEPARATELY

p59_CBW_1005 Page 1

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66| COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES BUILDINGS

CHECKPOINTS

Suppliers of Reconditioned

HEAVY DUTY STEEL BUILDINGS

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

For further information phone

BLUELINE BUILDINGS 01709 578333 anytime

CRAIG TILSLEY

ENGINES

TO PURCHASE CHECKPOINT/ DUSTITE

loose wheelnut indicators or to locate your nearest stockist:

Tel: 01524 271200

www.checkpoint-safety.com Email: info@checkpoint-safety.com

ELECTRONICS

DAF MAN MERC, VOLVO SCANIA, GARDNER LEYLAND, CUMMINS ENGINES CYLINDER HEADS CRANKSHAFTS CRANKCASES CAMSHAFTS Tel: PUMPS Works: 01782 791524 Moorfields Ind. ETC 01782 791527 Est. Cotes Heath, Fax: 01782 791316

Stoke-on-Trent ST21 6QY

HEATING

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

Tel: 01993 849522 Fax: 01993 706920 Email: sales@thhs.co.uk

www.thhs.co.uk

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

ENGINES

ENGINES

Crewe Engines Ltd MERCEDES ENGINE SPECIALISTS

WE ALSO RECONDITION ALL MAKES OF BUS & COACH ENGINES Direct from the UK’s No.1 for 30 years

VOLVO - CUMMINS - SCANIA MAN - DAF - IVECO FULL FITTING FACILITIES

Getnoticed!

AdvertiseyourProducts &Servicesherefor aslittleas£30.00 aweek!

Call 01733 293484 NOW!

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October 5, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 67

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES INSURANCE

TICKETING

SEATING

TRAINING

Driver CPC – Farrow Training UK Ltd

SERVICE

URBAN

COACH

SERVICE

HAND RAIL PADDING

ACCESSORIES

G Hand Rail Padding G Next Day Delivery G Seat Belt Installations G Double Deckers Seat Belted G Seat Belt Supplies Securon Amsafe/Safetex Fasching ISRI Reflex Schneeweis Orion MCF Fainsa Vogle Keil Politecnica Esteban + many more

Driver CPC Training available in West Midlands, Worcestershire and Shropshire at a time and place to suit you.

Get Legal - Get Trained

www.trainingforcpc.com Tel: 07970 853663

Don’t forget to mention that you saw it advertised in

The UK’s No1 Seatbelt Installers Call the Experts: 01522 689911 Email: info@bhiuk.com www.bhiuk.com

TRIM REGISTRATIONS G £750 40 OXW 70 NNX 90 PXL 99 WNX ICZ 666 PJZ 88 RJZ 66 RJZ 77 SJZ 22

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

£350 £99 £99 £50 ACZ 696 HIG 4497 ONZ 1171 AXZ 5617 AJZ 484 HIG 4498 PEZ 9824 AXZ 5618 CJZ 818 JHZ 6118 REZ 3378 BXZ 8324 EIG 565 JNZ 5986 REZ 3379 BXZ 8325 JBZ 383 JNZ 5987 RUI 2117 CRZ 4816 JJZ 808 MHZ 9958 SEZ 8950 CRZ 4817 LLZ 676 MJZ 6748 TLZ 1202 DRZ 3178 NUI 636 MJZ 6749 TUI 2772 DRZ 3179 PBZ 131 MNZ 1182 UEZ 1920 IIG 9341 We Buy for Cash, also Part Exchange

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

Millwood, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland BT94 5HQ

COACH TRIMMERS LTD £50 IIG 9342 JIG 8071 JIG 8072 JIG 8073 SUI 9701 SUI 9702 TUI 2556 TUI 2557 TUI 2558

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

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

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68 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS &SERVICES TYRES & EQUIPMENT

• Tyre fitting machine now available •

Phone now for unbeatable prices!

205/75R 17.5 215/75R 17.5 215/75R 17.5 235/75R 17.5 245/70R 19.5 265/70R 19.5 275/70R 22.5

Premium Budget Steer Premium Budget Steer Budget Barum Steer Budget Steer

275/70R 22.5 275/80R 22.5 295/80R 22.5 295/80R 22.5 295/80R 22.5 295/80R 22.5 295/80R 22.5

Matador FU1 Regal Steer Budget Steer Barum Steer Barum Drive M+S Bridgestone R297 Bridgestone M729 M+S

Bridgestone M788 M+S Budget Steer Barum Steer Regal Drive M+S Bridgestone R297 Bridgestone M788 Goodyear LHS

r e b m u N w e N 01684 560029

ALSO CONSUMABLES & BREAKDOWN COVER NOW AVAILABLE.

www.tdtyres.com

295/80R 22.5 315/80R 22.5 315/80R 22.5 315/80R 22.5 315/80R 22.5 315/80R 22.5 305/75R 24.5

Adam : 07841 239411 Steve : 07545 735303

More stock available. All prices subject to VAT and availability.

VEHICLE SPARES

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

Recovery

•

Testing

• • • • • • • •

Refurbishment Repairs

Engine/gearbox rebuilds Fault finding

Buying & selling vehicles

DISMANTLING/SPARES: • • • • • •

Reconditioned engines Reconditioned gearboxes Engine spares Windows

Windscreens Seats

Export to foreign markets Repairs

Finance repossession and storage

CALL: 01226 727 769 Bus sales: www.geoff-ripleysbuscoachsales.com Geoff Ripley, Boulder Lane (off Shaw Lane), Carlton, Barnsley S71 3HJ

Mob: 07912 103 497 or 07711 750 434 Fax: 01226 727 607 Email: geoff-ripley@btconnect.com

October 5, 2011 | COACH & BUS WEEK | 69

Seen something funny? Send it to gareth.evans@rouncymedia.co.uk, fax 0845 2802927 or write to: Last Stop, Coach & Bus Week, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX

Monday: Press day. As ever, the atmosphere is happy in the office – friendly banter is the order of the day.

Receive a call from a lady asking if I’ve got two minutes to spare to take part in a survey. My colleagues laugh at my prompt response, which is polite but snappy.

Tuesday: Spend the afternoon in the office. When I get home, far from relaxing, I trim back a hedge – no resting for the wicked.

Anyone who’s ever driven a bus or coach will doubtless have found themselves in the following situation: you’re parked up on your break, coffee and banana to hand or perhaps enjoying a quick mental shut down with your eyes shut. Then the peace (heaven, even) is shattered by a tap on the entrance door by a member of the public, who duly asks: “What time do you go?” or similar. It’s a controversial subject. While a driver is undoubtedly an operator’s ambassador on the front line, and hence should greet customers in a professional manner, the fact remains that a driver also needs a break – a point often forgotten. Rest assured (get it?), this GHA Coaches driver, pictured here by Trystan Williams at Llangollen, has made the position ‘blindingly obvious’. Look at the destination screen of his bus: “Driver on Meal Break Please Do Not Disturb.”

Cops may intercept stripper bus for fans Police may put the brakes on a bus which was apparently operating as a mobile strip club for tailgating Detroit Lions fans before a home game, The Detroit News reported.

Dilbert

The operators of the ‘Booty Lounge’ say on their company’s Facebook page that the red and black bus can be hired for private parties and is available with or without ‘ladys’ (sic). It features two stages with steel dance poles, a smoke machine, laser lights and a sound system.

They also say they park the bus at “numerous events” each year and invite the public to “pay a visit.”

Police began investigating after a TV broadcast about the bus last

week. The bus operators didn’t respond to requests seeking comment. Police Chief Ralph Godbee told The Detroit News the bus appears to be illegal.

In the CBW office, we concluded the newspaper’s headline ‘Cops may intercept stripper bus for fans’ was perhaps not the best choice of words. Perhaps we are equipped with rather warped minds, but the headline could be interpreted that the police have pulled the bus over for the benefit of its fans. Hmmm…

Wednesday: A full day in the office working on both this and forthcoming issues.

Leave the office a little earlier to deal with a personal matter don’t worry, it’s a positive step for the future.

Thursday: Spend the day working on CBW and Minibus in the office. A coach operator calls to update me on current developments in his family’s business. We pencil in a profile for next year.

Friday: A hectic day in the office producing this issue. Speak to a Welsh operator about a story for Minibus in my mother tongue.

Sub edit a number of pages ready for Monday. Head ‘back home’ in the evening to my parents in the Welsh borderland.

Saturday: Enjoy a day out to the Porthmadog area to visit my brother’s grave stone. After coffee at the Ffestiniog Railway station, snap some coach pics. Talk to a friendly Chenery Travel driver, who is in North Wales on behalf of Newmarket Holidays. Dad gives him some Welsh pronunciation lessons. Also chat to a friendly driver from Eifion’s of Gwalchmai at Pont Croesor station and take pics of his Mercedes-Benz Tourino.

After enjoying an ice cream from Beddgelert’s renowned ice cream parlour, take some ‘Big Pictures’ of one of Silver Star’s heritage fleet, which is on a wedding hire. www.coachandbusweek.com

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70 | COACH & BUS WEEK | October 5, 2011

RECRUITMENT

David Lee-Kong (left) and David Conway both took part in Stagecoach’s graduate training scheme

Stagecoach takes on two new ops managers

Your First Choice for Recruitment

CBW’s well-established recruitment portfolio attracts candidates across sales, marketing and management, delivering not just quantity but quality candidates, providing exceptional value for money.

In addition to our unrivalled print-based product, at no extra cost recruitment adverts are also automatically placed online at www.coachandbusweek.com, where they remain on view until a position’s closing date.

CBW and www.coachandbusweek.com combine to create the ultimate recruitment solution, guaranteeing your vacancy is seen by every job seeker that matters from sales agents to board level.

To get your vacancy seen by quality candidates, call Harley on 01733 293249 or email harley.denham@rouncymedia.co.uk www.coachandbusweek.com

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Stagecoach East Midlands has recruited two new operations managers to strengthen its management team.

The new operations manager for Hull is David Lee-Kong. He will be responsible for 300 drivers and 140 buses, providing urban bus services which carry 18.6 million passengers annually.

David joined the Stagecoach graduate training programme after completing his degree in transport management at Swansea Metropolitan University.

He previously held operational management roles with Stagecoach South, West and Yorkshire and has experience of running Citylink coaches from Glasgow. He moved to Hull from his previous post as operations manager for Stagecoach Gloucester Wye and Dean.

David Conway became operations manager for Skegness at the beginning of the 2011 summer season. He was also a product of the graduate training programme, coming from the University of Durham and having begun his career in Exeter before taking up operational management roles in Peterborough, Preston and Carlisle.

MD of Stagecoach East Midlands, Gary Nolan said: “We are delighted to welcome these two dynamic managers into our management team. Our business in the East Midlands covers the full range of bus operating territory from high frequency urban services through to long distance rural routes and seasonal seaside operations. I am sure they will make a significant contribution to the further development of our business.”

Three new staff are to join the Little Red Bus community transport company. Tony Bateson will be responsible for securing new contracts, Sue Ward will be developing a wide range of excursions and outings and Julia Frater will be increasing the

number of passengers.

Previously head of Visit Tees Valley, Julia Frater was appointed as marketing manager. Tony Bateson was appointed contracts manager and to secure new business and Sue Ward joins as outings co-ordinator after spending 20 years working in transport for North Yorkshire County Council.

Lyn Costelloe, chief executive of the Little Red Bus said the company made the three appointments with the help of government funding through the Transition Fund.

Three new staff for Little Red Bus

03/10/2011 23:47

DEADLINES Booking: Monday 5.00pm Full artwork: Monday 5.30pm

CONTACT Harley Denham 01733 293249

Halonen joins Optare board

independent non-executive director of Ashok-Leyland and its parent company the Hinduja Group.

Jim Sumner, Optare’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jorma to the board. He brings a wealth of international experience in the CV sector and will be a great asset to Optare at a time when the company is expanding abroad”.

John Fickling, Optare’s chairman, said: “We are grateful to David for his contributions to the company, thank him for all his advice and efforts and wish him well for the future.”

Former chairman of Volvo Bus Corporation, Jorma Halonen, has joined the board of Optare plc as a non-executive director.

Halonen, 62, takes the place of David Stonehouse, who is standing down to progress other business interests.

A Finnish citizen, Halonen has over 18 years of experience of working in the bus and truck industries. He spent seven years with the Volvo Group, latterly as the group deputy CEO and chairman of Volvo Bus Corporation. Prior to this he was president and CEO of Volvo Truck Corporation.

Before joining the Volvo Group, he was president and CEO of Scania Latin America in Sao Paulo, Brazil and president and CEO for Oy ScanAutomotive AB (a Scania importer) in Helsinki, Finland.

Halonen is currently an

harley.denham@rouncymedia.co.uk

Jorma Halonen

SUBCONTRACTING The Star Bus Company is looking to work in Partnership with fellow quality contractors in the Hertfordshire and North London areas to service one or more of our contracts.

The value of the work could be substantial and would be for a fixed period.

If you wish to register your interest then please email info@starbus.co.uk with the subject heading SUBCONTRACTING. Please include in your email the name of your company, name and contact number of the prime contact for us, type of vehicles you could supply, number of vehicles in your fleet and any other information you wish to include.

We will request additional information before awarding any work.

We require service providers of passenger assistants, PCO drivers and PCV drivers.

Vehicle requirements would be for saloon cars, MPV’s, accessible cars, mini-buses up to 8 seats, mini-buses 9-16 passenger seats, tail-lift mini-buses, accessible welfare buses, service buses/coaches.

Executive contractors also sought. www.coachandbusweek.com

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