Volvo opens up to overnight charging Volvo opens up to overnight ...

03 November 2017

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Volvo opens up to overnight charging

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comment Bus and Coach Professional is published by Plum Publishing Ltd

Editorial Steve Rooney [email protected]

Advertising Jo James [email protected] Sue Rooney [email protected]

Production Nigel Greenaway

Contact address: Bus and Coach Professional Plum Publishing Ltd, Unit 4 Marshbrook Business Park Church Stretton Shropshire SY6 6QE Telephone: 01694 731510 www.busandcoach.com Every care is taken over the accuracy of material in Bus and Coach Professional but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Views and opinions of contributors to Bus and Coach Professional are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for such contributions. Letters and articles may be submitted to the editor at the address above. © Plum Publishing Limited 2017

Plugging-in to the future By the time Busworld opens in Brussels in two years’ time, it is likely that electric vehicles will have become more commonplace and less of a talking point. The technologies may still not be settled by then, however, since there are still many different approaches to electrifying buses and coaches. The big beasts of the automotive world have begun to get into electric mode but the newcomers have already got a foothold which they will be eager to cling onto. Meanwhile Volvo has moved to broaden its appeal by abandoning the sole use of opportunity charging and promising a choice of charging options, including overnight at the depot, for the next 7900e. However, one of the most striking developments unveiled at Kortrijk this year was from Cummins; a business where you imagine that diesel is pumped intravenously through all of its executive’s veins. But Cummins has now caught the electric bug and presented a tantalising offering with both its range-extender and full-electric options on the back of a timely acquisition of a battery specialist in the USA. And Van Hool - which showed the exquisitely presented Exqui.City for Belfast at the show - is developing an electric coach for North America. With a forecast range of 300km, this could be a serious game-changer. Battery technology itself is developing fast and although James Dyson, of vacuum cleaner fame, believes that solid state units are the answer for his dream of developing an electric car, there seems little enthusiasm for this option elsewhere in the automotive world. One point that was made to me during several conversations at Kortrijk was about the safety of batteries. It is clearly something that is bothering some of the technical experts, with veiled and softly-spoken criticism of the approach of some in the market. There have been a few isolated incidents of electric vehicle fires, but no great alarm bells have yet been sounding. However, there is clearly a need to ensure confidence among operators and the travelling public that sufficient regulatory standards are in place, and are being adhered to.

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contents comment 06-15 news DfT injects £7million into South-East BRT.

32-34 product ATF owners’ organisation warns about shortage of DVSA testers.

06-15 news Express City Connect marks ten years of operation.

36 workshop The latest from workshop equipment suppliers.

16-19 busworld Van Hool launches first Exqui.City for Translink BRT in Belfast.

38-43 CB UK show

20-24 international

44-50

25-27

52-55

28-31 diary

58-62

VDL wins 102-vehicle order for Connexxion’s NoordHolland Noord operation.

people Peter Shipp hands over MD role to son David at EYMS.

Marking 50 years since Samuel Ledgard operations ceased.

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Irizar and Caetano highlight electric vehicles at NEC show.

technology Using technology systems to increase safety.

who buys what Barnes Coaches takes pair of new Volvos.

tourism South-east wins funding for new cultural project.

November 2017

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news

DfT injects £7million into South-East Bus Rapid Transit scheme Hampshire County Council and First have been awarded nearly £7million from the Department for Transport to extend the South-East Bus Rapid Transit scheme. Transport secretary Chris Grayling has confirmed that £6.93 million from the National Productivity Investment Fund of £345.3 million has been awarded to fund the extension. The BRT delivers a public transport alternative for people living and working in one of South Hampshire’s most congested areas. Currently, the bus-only route comprises 3.4km of dedicated busway, running along a disused public railway line, from Redlands Lane in Fareham to Tichborne Way in Gosport. The scheme is proving popular, according to First, with the Eclipse E1 and E2 services now carrying 60 per cent more passengers than the services they directly replaced, the 82 and 86. Hampshire County Council customer research has also shown that there has been a 20 per cent shift from people using cars to the bus since the scheme was launched.

“We’re delighted that the funding to extend the BRT route has been accepted,” says Marc Reddy, managing director, First Hampshire, Dorset & Berkshire. “We’ve worked tirelessly with our partners at Hampshire County Council to deliver the premium Eclipse service. And following its launch in 2012, the numbers of passengers that have used the service has been remarkable. “It’s fantastic that this has been recognised by the DfT as an innovative and well executed solution to alleviate the towns that we serve of congestion. Not only has the BRT and Eclipse ticked all the boxes when combatting congestion, the buses are also one of the cleanest with regards to emissions, so further helping air quality. We look forward to continuing our positive relationship with Hampshire County Council to make the bus travel more accessible and attractive for the people from Fareham to Gosport, and everywhere in between.” Rob Humby, Hampshire County

Council executive member for environment and transport, adds: “With this substantial investment, we can now take forward our long-standing plans for the £10.4 million scheme to extend the Gosport to Fareham Bus Rapid Transit busway. “We have a strong track record in securing external funding for transport schemes, as evidenced by our capital programme for 2017/18 – 2019/20, which has a total value of £100million for new roads and improvements. The County Council is well positioned to secure external funding to help deliver the necessary transport infrastructure to address current and future growth pressures and improve access to employment and services, as well to strengthen the county’s wider connectivity. “Creating easier access to key destinations will help to encourage more residents to favour travelling by bus, over making the journey by car. In turn, this will contribute to an improvement in air quality.”

www.firstgroup.com

First and Hampshire County Council win backing from National Productivity Investment Fund.

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November 2017

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news

Alternative budget from Campaign for Better Transport The Campaign for Better Transport has published an Alternative Transport Budget which includes proposals for transport taxation and spending policy to promote sustainable transport, improve air quality, and reduce emissions. “The Budget offers a chance to address the problems underlying the UK’s transport system: congestion, pollution and social exclusion from over-dependence on road and air transport,” says Stephen Joseph, chief executive, Campaign for Better Transport. “We’ve set out

some proposals for taxation and spending which can take the country in the right direction.” The report’s recommendations include improved funding for bus services including a ‘connectivity fund’ to support socially-necessary services and a bus bonus scheme for commuters, establishing a Clean Air Fund with significant resources to pay for the measures needed to cut air pollution, and introducing a surcharge for diesel vehicles in the short-term to discourage the purchase of diesel cars and to contribute to the promised Clean Air Fund.

Stephen Joseph, chief executive, Campaign for Better Transport.

The Chancellor will deliver his Autumn Budget on 22 November. www.bettertransport.org.uk

York Pullman & Ingleby’s Coaches join Guild of British Coach Operators The Guild of British Coach Operators has signed up York Pullman and its associated company Ingleby’s Luxury Coaches as members. “We are delighted to welcome these highly respected and successful operators into

the Guild, lifting our membership to 23 companies, with two more soon to be announced,” says Guild chairman Andrew Richmond. “We look forward to them participating fully in the Guild’s activities as we continue to share best practice and showcase excellence in coach travel”. Tom James, managing director, York Pullman, adds: “As our company has grown, we have always aspired to provide the highest quality standards in whatever job we have done. We are delighted to have had our operational standards Tom James (right) receives his membership accredited by the Guild certificate from Guild administrative director and we are looking forRichard Delahoy ward to taking part in the

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Guild’s commitment to, and promotion of, like-minded service providers who are equally dedicated to meeting and providing these high quality standards”. Now in its 32nd year, the Guild promotes and markets the services of its members, all of whom commit to meeting high quality standards, backed up by regular independent audits. Prospective members have to achieve a 100 per cent pass before being accepted into the Guild. The Guild is also registered as a Driver CPC training centre, giving members access to a suite of courses specifically designed for the coach industry. www.coach-tours.co.uk

November 2017

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news

New Stagecoach express bus route connecting Barnsley to Leeds Stagecoach Yorkshire has launched a new Express X10 service to provide a fast, limited stop connection for commuters and leisure users between Barnsley and Leeds. The service will run hourly, seven days a week from Barnsley via the motorway into Leeds; calling at New Lodge, Darton, Kexborough and Leeds city bus station with late night journeys also available on Friday and Saturday.

The X10 buses have USB charging points as well as free wi-fi. To celebrate the launch of the new service Stagecoach offered all trips on the Express X10 free from 28 October to 3 November. From 4 November a single fare will cost £6, and return £7, while a weekly ticket costs £30. “We are really excited to bring this new service to our customers,” says John Young, commercial director, Stagecoach. “The X10

will get passengers from Barnsley into Leeds quickly and comfortably without them having to worry about sitting behind a wheel in traffic jams or expensive city centre parking charges. “Whether you’re travelling for work, heading into Leeds for a day out shopping or even visiting Leeds for its nightlife, we have a great value ticket for your journey.” www.stagecoachbus.com

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news

Ten years of Express City Connect builds 100,000 passenger base

Stagecoach East Scotland’s Express City Connect.

Stagecoach East Scotland has celebrated 10 years of operation of its Express City Connect brand which links Fife with destinations such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth and Dundee. The Express City Connect branding used on the coaches was created in October 2007, to coincide with an investment of more than £4.5million in new coaches. Over the last 10 years, Stagecoach has spent more than £21million to upgrade the coach fleet each year, including a £2million purchase of six vehicles earlier this year. The Express City Connect offers free wi-fi, mobile device charging points, leather, reclining

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seats, air-conditioning, and certain vehicle types also have a toilet on board. The company is marking the anniversary by creating a calendar featuring photos of Express City Connect coaches over the last 10 years, which will be available for sale next month. Stagecoach employees have been invited to submit photos for inclusion in the calendar and all proceeds will be donated to a local charity. Express City Connect journeys to Edinburgh now depart up to every 5 minutes during peak times from Ferrytoll park-and-ride, and journeys to Glasgow run every 15 minutes from Halbeath park-and-ride. “So many improvements have been made to our express routes over the last 10

years, from fleet upgrades to improved service frequencies, and new technology to make customer journeys the best they can be for longer distance travel across our network,” says Sarah Elliott, marketing manager, Stagecoach East Scotland. “With each fleet upgrade we’ve been able to maintain a recognisable brand identity for our Express City Connect coaches, providing a comfortable and consistent journey standard for our customers.” Stagecoach East Scotland now carries almost 100,000 passengers per week on the Express City Connect journeys. www.stagecoachbus.com

November 2017

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news industry data Market prices Operator

Price

High

Low

FirstGroup

110

155

99

Go-Ahead

1770

2344

1442

National Exp. Rotala

368 59

383 67

332 43

Stagecoach

167

227

151

Swindon welcomes latest bus investment

Closing prices on 31/10/17 plus 12 months high and low.

UK diesel price update pence per litre Northern Ireland 119.2 Scotland Wales North North West Yorks & Humbs West Midlands East Midlands East Anglia South East South West

120.6 120.1 119.7 120.2 119.8 120.0 120.2 120.6 120.8 120.5

Average weekly fuel prices for the UK by region, October 2017.  Source: AA

European diesel price update pence per litre equivalent Austria Belgium Czech Rep Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Netherlands Hungary Ireland Italy Luxembourg Malta Norway Poland Portugal Spain Sweden Switzerland

98.6 110.5 100.0 111.1 105.4 114.6 110.0 104.6 112.8 108.9 101.0 110.9 122.7 89.0 104.7 121.4 91.5 110.8 98.0 124.8 120.2

European diesel pump price sample October 2017  Source: AA

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Go-Ahea d Group-ow ned Thamesdown, invited local people to see its latest batch of 13 new buses in Swindon town centre. The latest ADL Enviro 200s will operate across various routes in the town.  “We are incredibly proud of our new buses and this is good news for both commuters and leisure passengers wishing to travel across Swindon,” says Andrew Wickham, managing director, Thamesdown.  “Customers were very clear about the enhancements they wanted to see here, and we have listened to them. Onboard technology includes free wi-fi and USB charging points for smartphones and hand-held devices. And the buses are equipped with the very latest low emissions Euro 6 engines - which are kinder to the environment.  “We’ve also introduced our much-talked-about horseshoe seating layout to the rear of the

One of the latest batch of new Enviro200s.

buses, creating a more sociable setting for those travelling with us. “With more than a £2million investment in these new buses, we’re looking forward to seeing them out and about, transporting customers who use our services whilst living in or visiting Swindon.” Wickham was joined at the launch by local North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, representatives from the town council, and other stakeholders.  “The event prov ided an opportunity for local people to take a closer look at some of the new buses and to meet the Thamesdown management team - for an insight into the operator’s plans to enhance local bus services over the coming months and years,” adds Wickham. www.swindonbus.co.uk

November 2017

news

New Enviro400s for Uno Buses Working with the University of Northampton, Uno Buses has invested £1.5 million in eight ADL E400 MMC double-decks which went into service this month. The buses feature white Hanover blinds, free wi-fi, USB charging points and LED lighting inside and out. The new vehicles take over on the former number 19 route rebranded as Violet, and will ser ve both University campuses, Kingsthorpe, the train station and Sixfields. “We’ve spent a lot of time designing the very best inte-

riors for our customers,” says Jim Thorpe, managing director, Uno Buses. “They’re light and airy and should really enhance the overall journey experience. We’ve made sure we’ve involved employees from across the business within our Violet delivery team; leading a really strong focus on making sure we offer the best customer service and product. As a team we’re proud to serve the University and the town of Northampton, so all the interiors commemorate the town’s roots in shoemaking.” Nick Petford, vice chancellor, University of Northamp-

ton, adds: “As part of the University of Nor thampton’s commitment to providing more sustainable travel options, we are delighted to invest in the new fleet of Uno buses, which provides our students with the best onboard features and ensures a better travel experience around the town. Not only is the venture keeping entirely with the social enterprise mission of the University, but all the profits are re-invested back into the University, which hugely benefits the students.” www.unobus.info

New ADL E400 MMC double-decks for Violet route.

November 2017

 

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Analysis Steve Rooney reports

Some of the highlights from the final Busworld exhibition to take place in Kortrijk.

Volvo opens up to overnight charging for new version of 7900e Volvo has announced a new ‘flexible charging’ approach for its electric 7900e bus, signalling a departure from its previous position of insisting it used roadside opportunity charging. The move coincides with the launch a new version of the 7900e which can use both rapid charging at the roadside and overnight charging in a bus depot. In unveiling the new strategy at Busworld Kortrijk, Volvo Bus president Håkan Agnevall made a sideswipe at competitors who pack so much battery capacity into a bus that it reduces passenger capacity. “We believe in giving you the opportunity to charge the bus when and where you want,” says Agnevall. "We can tailor the charging system to fit your city and operation."

Volvo Bus president Håkan Agnevall.

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Agnevall suggested that some long city routes might not be possible to cover with an overnight charge and might require opportunity charging to be combined with overnight charging. The overnight charging systems for the new 7900e can use 150, 200 or 250kWh systems. However there is not a schedule yet on the availability of a right-hand drive version of the new variant. Volvo is continuing to pursue opportunity charging trials in the UK and says it is in discussions with TfL regarding a demonstration in the capital. Operators will be able to buy batteries outright for the 7900e, or lease them on a per km charge. Agnevall says that around half of the contracts for full-electric buses so far have opted for the per km solution. Volvo estimates that the batteries should last 5-7 years and is already investigating options for second life of batteries once they are no longer suitable for buses. A pilot project is underway in Gothenburg to use former bus batteries in a housing project as a storage system for solar power. Volvo already has more than 3,600 electrified buses in operation around the world including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full-electric buses. In June 2018 it will demonstrate two full-electric arctics in Gothenburg to coincide with the arrival of the Volvo Ocean Race in the city. The first implementation of the 7900e in the UK is scheduled for February 2018 with ten vehicles for Transdev in Harrogate. The buses will be charged at a unit inside the bus station which is the centre point of the route. www.volvobus.com November 2017

Analysis

Striking Glider BRTs for Translink from Van Hool

The first Exqui.City for Belfast launched at Busworld Kortrijk.

Van Hool launched the new BRT vehicle for Belfast at Busworld Kortrijk. The striking 18m Exqui.City vehicles have a passenger capacity of 105 and will be branded as Glider. They will operate every 7-8 minutes, linking East Belfast, West Belfast and the Titanic Quarter via the city centre. They are the first right-hand-drive versions of the Van Hool model. Attending the launch of the first vehicle in Kortrijk was Translink CEO Chris Conway and Belfast lord mayor Nuala McAllister. “Glider is the iconic new face of public transport in Belfast, helping to energise the city,” says Conway. “Our customers can expect a modern, high-capacity and high-frequency rapid transit service which integrates with our existing bus and rail network. With additional features such as on-board wi-fi, USB charging facilities and a new innovative and easy-to-use, off-vehicle ticketing system, Glider will deliver quicker boarding times and offer excellent November 2017

value for money fares.” McAllister adds: “As part of the city council’s Belfast Agenda, we have committed to work in partnership to progress the transport infrastructure and create a modern and efficient transport system for Belfast. “This investment by the Department of Infrastructure will help to ensure that our transport infrastructure will be a catalyst for growth, not a constraint to it; and will increase Belfast’s ability to attract future inward investment. “Belfast - like all strong and vibrant cities - needs a transport system that is befitting a global city, and I believe the new Glider service will help to deliver that for Belfast and its residents, workers and visitors.” Belfast's Glider will be launched in September 2018. www.vanhool.be www.translink.co.uk  

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Analysis

ADL promotes double-deck option for continental Europe Double-deck buses may not be a common sight on the continent, but Alexander Dennis is hoping to change that and used this year’s Busworld show to present the decker as a serious option for European operators on the back of its success in selling 19 threeaxle Enviro500s to Switzerland’s PostAuto. “We see potential for growth of the double-deck bus market in continental Europe,” says ADL chief executive Colin Robertson. “From our global experience we know how double-deck buses can get people to switch their commute from cars as they offer an unsurpassed passenger experience with comfortable, forward facing seats, USB charging, wi-fi and a whole host of other amenities.” The Enviro500 is ADL’s three-axle double deck bus for international markets and complements its two-axle Enviro400 that is primarily aimed at the UK market. The Enviro500 is a modular platform that can be built in different heights and lengths to suit local requirements throughout the world. More than 6,000 Enviro500 and predecessor models have been built to date. Recent major contracts include an ongoing supply of more than 250 3.91m

Enviro500 SuperLo buses for Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area transit agency Metrolinx in Canada, and 90 Enviro500s for Mexico City, where they are about to become the world’s first double-deck buses used as part of a Bus Rapid Transit system, according to ADL. Hong Kong, where ADL has held 80 per cent of the market in recent years, continues to be a strong market for the Enviro500 with new orders comprising 288 buses for Kowloon Motor Bus and a further 140 for New World First Bus. “We want to create added value for operators as well as passengers, city dwellers and the wider environment, so rather than rushing out a prototype we initially discuss the potential benefits with operators and learn how we can help solve their operational challenges,” adds Robertson. ADL also displayed an Enviro200 at Busworld, albeit a right-hand-drive London specification model, and is pitching it as a lightweight and more fuel-efficient alternative for operators in continental Europe than the traditional 18tonne single-decks. www.alexander-dennis.com

Enviro500 for PostAuto.

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November 2017

Analysis

Cummins launches electrified options Cummins has made a bold move into the electric bus field with the launch of a new electric driveline with both full-electric and range ex tender options. In conjunction with the announcement of the acquisition of US battery developer Brammo, Cummins used the Busworld Kortrijk show to unveil its new system which deploys 70kwh battery units, each promising around 28 miles of zero emission bus use, designed by Cummins in a modular format for both on roof and chassis integration into existing bus designs. "The introduction of our new BEV and REEV systems will complement Cummins clean diesel, natural gas and diesel hybrid products to offer the broadest, most energy diverse power portfolio; one able to meet the needs of every transit route, every duty cycle and every environmental consideration in Europe on the most cost effective basis," says Brian Wilson, Cummins general manager global bus business. The system includes an electric traction motor and controller for use in battery electric vehicles, and adding a small 2.8litre diesel engine and generator for the

range extender option. Cummins says that the range extender, using two to three battery units, could provide significant zero emission capability which could also be controlled by geo fencing systems to ensure that the vehicle runs in electric only mode in sensitive air quality areas and city centres. Cummins claims that in battery electric mode, the system enables a zero emissions range of up to 360 km (224 miles) on a single charge, with an energy consumption of a diesel equivalent of 30 mpg . Cummins plans to launch demonstration vehicles for both range extended and full electric systems in the UK early next year and is working toward series production, in conjunction with vehicle manufacturers, in 2019. The battery units each weigh around 500kg and between four and eight might be required for a full battery electric bus. The batteries can be charged overnight in around 3-4 hours. Battery life will be backed up by a six year Cummins warranty, extend able to 12 years. www.cummins.com

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19

international

Bus and coach news from around the world

Singapore

Volvo wins order for 50 hybrid buses for Singapore The Land Transport Authority of Singapore has ordered 50 Volvo 7900 Hybrids as part of its commitment to developing an environmentally-friendly public bus fleet. “Not only can commuters expect quieter and smoother rides, bus captains can also enjoy a more comfortable working environment,” says an LTA spokesperson. Volvo’s 7900 Hybrid claims to use 30 per cent less fuel with a correspondingly lower climate impact than a diesel bus, and around half the nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions.

Volvo7900 Electric Hybrid.

Volvo Buses has now sold more than 3,000 hybrids worldwide. “The order for the hybrid buses from the Singapore Land Transport Authority is a major breakthrough and re-emphasises the technology leadership and com-

mercial value delivered by Volvo Buses in Singapore”, says Manish Sahi, head of Volvo Buses, Singapore. The 50 buses will enter service by the second half of 2018. www.volvobuses.com

Netherlands

VDL order for 102 buses for Noord-Holland Noord operation Nether lands passenger transport company Connexxion has placed an order with VDL Bus & Coach for 62 MidCity

MidCity electric.

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Electric buses and 40 VDL Citea LLE-120 Euro 6 diesel buses. This represents the first major order for the recently-launched MidCity. All the vehicles will be used in the NoordHolland Noord concession and will go into operation at the end of July 2018. “With the introduction of the MidCity Electric, the smaller buses in Noord-Holland Noord are now also zero emission,” says Eric van Eijndhoven, public transport director, Connexxion. “This is yet another step in our efforts to make public transport even more sustainable.

“The goal is to have half of all buses run zero emissions in the Noord-Holland Noord concession area by 2025.” Ard Romers, director, VDL Bus & Coach Nederland, adds: “We aim to be the specialist in the field of E-mobility. “This smaller vehicle can be used for a broad range of purposes by our customers and is therefore an important addition to our zero-emission package. “And as a transition partner, VDL will also be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the vehicles and infrastructure.” The 8m-long MidCity Electric has an 87 kWh battery with a range of up to 220 km, according to VDL. www.vdlbuscoach.com

November 2017

international

Bus and coach news from around the world

Kuwait

Solar-powered electronic passenger information service for Kuwait Kuwait operator Citybus is introducing a new solar-powered electronic passenger information service developed by Papercast. The system will replace traditional bus stop paper timetables with Papercast’s first deployment of its e-paper display and onboard information screens, with a fully integrated real-time passenger information platform. The solution includes a management system designed to improve bus punctuality and service performance management, and a new mobile app will be available in the new year, the first for Kuwait. The initial deployment will be on four routes serving Kuwait International Airport and follows a six-month trial of testing to ensure that the e-paper display withstood extreme environmental conditions, with daily temperatures exceeding 48°C in the summer months combined with severe sand storms. It is expected that the technology will be rolled out across Citybus’ fleet over the next three years. “Getting accurate service information to passengers on

Papercast e-paper display.

time is transforming the service experience in cities around the world,” says Jamil Malik, chief operating officer, City Group Co. “We are delighted to be the first to introduce this technology, not only in Kuwait but across the GCC states.”

Netherlands

New order from De Lijn for VDL Bus & Coach De Lijn has placed an order for 66 VDL Citea SLE hybrids and 55 VDL Citea SLE diesel buses for operation in Belgium. The buses are manufactured at VDL Bus Roeselare, and the company stresses that its production is carried out exclusively in Western Europe. All the vehicles are to be delivered in 2018 and early 2019 and

November 2017

will be deployed on various lines in Flanders. The 12m Citea SLE-120 hybrid has a serial hybrid system with a stop-start facility. The vehicles for De Lijn will be configured to ensure that they can move off from traffic lights and bus stops using only electric power, without starting the diesel engine. www.vdlbuscoach.com

“We selected Papercast as they were able to provide an end-toend solution with some of the most progressive technology we have seen. Furthermore, the Papercast e-paper displays are wireless and solar-powered so we can easily install them without any power or infrastructure changes.” Robert Bicket, CEO, Papercast, adds: “This has proven to be an exceptional project with a forward-thinking company. Together, we have completely transformed the passenger experience and set the standard for the region with a fully integrated solution, also demonstrating that Papercast displays can withstand the demands of the harshest environmental conditions.” www.citygroupco.com

 

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international

Bus and coach news from around the world

USA

Van Hool to launch 300km-range electric coach for North America Van Hool is working with US manufacturer Proterra to introduce the first full-electric coaches for the North American market during the first half of 2019. The CX45E electric coaches will have a range of more than 300km, according to Van Hool. ABC Companies, which is the sole Van Hool distributor in North America, will handle sales, distribution and aftersales. The vehicle will be designed and developed at the Belgian parent company in Koningshooikt, where the first prototypes will be built. In common with the CX35 model, the CX45 is currently being built in Skopje, Macedonia, which will also take on the series production of the CX45E. “This announcement is the icing on the cake as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the cooperation between Van Hool and its exclusive partner ABC Bus Companies on the North American market,” says Filip Van Hool, CEO. “Today over 10,000 Van Hool coaches and buses are operating on North American roads, including a number of large Silicon Valley companies that organise shuttle services for their employees as well as many other customers. “After receiving requests from a number of customers for a fully electric-powered coach, we at Van Hool sought a solution. Van Hool is truly excited and proud to partner up with

22 

Filip Van Hool.

Proterra, a pioneering company in the development and production of battery technology. “The integration of Proterra’s battery technology into the CX will take this coach to the next level. It’s a clear statement as to Van Hool’s long-term commitment to the North American coach market, while also showing how quickly we can respond to the needs of our customers.” The CX45E will be followed by a shorter CX35E model with both sharing the Proterra E2 battery technology. The E2 battery technology was used by Proterra to

set a recent world record of of 1,101.2 miles on a single charge. “Entering the motor coach market and electrifying more f leets alongside Van Hool, a proven market leader, is a key milestone for Proterra and for the heavy-duty electric transportation industry,” adds Ryan Popple, CEO, Proterra. “Having proven our EV technology in transit, we’re pleased to expand our reach and help other heavyduty commercial vehicle applications go electric.”

ww.vanhool.be www.proterra.com

November 2017

Bus and coach news from around the world

international

Poland

Polish city invests in new electric bus infrastructure Public transport operator MZK Zielona Góra is to deploy a new charging infrastructure from Ekoenergetyka-Polska for what it claims is the largest bus electrification project in Poland. Sixty per cent of the city’s bus fleet, 47 vehicle, will be electrified with buses charged overnight in the depot and during the day on bus termini using charging stations from Ekoenergetyka. The €4million contract is claimed to be the biggest project of its kind in Poland. MZK Zielona Góra plans to site multi-output e-bus charging stations at eleven bus termini, with each charging station providing between 400kW and 800kW. Buses will be able to use 29 fully automatic, pantograph charging points across the city

powered by those stations. Ultrafast city chargers will be equipped with dynamic power management and will be capable of charging multiple buses at the same time using pantographs on the buses. Each charging point will be able to use the power allocated to other charge points to enable faster charging of buses if required. Alongside the charging infrastructure Ekoenergetyka-Polska will provide a fleet and infrastructure monitoring system to enable the operator to manage e-mobility assets and react to changing operating conditions in real-time. Charging stations from Zielona Góra will be developed in line with international electric vehicle charging standards, so that buses from different manufacturers will be able to be charged. “This was the biggest single

public tender for e-bus charging stations in Europe and the first project, where a complete citywide charging system will be deployed,” says Ekoenergetyka’s CEO Bartosz Kubik. “Electric buses mean cleaner air and quieter city. We are pleased that we will be contributing to the process of deployment of those vehicles and their everyday operations in the home town of our company. “Zielona Góra will be the first European city with city e-bus charging stations equipped with dynamic power management. With this project we are showing that our technologies - and Polish cities - are leaders of electric bus solutions in Europe.” The charging stations will be delivered next year. www.ekoenergetyka.com.pl

New charging infrastructure planned for Zielona Góra.

November 2017

 

23

international

Bus and coach news from around the world

Germany

Consortium research into autonomous electric minibuses Autonomous vehicles, electric drives, connected transport and mobility services – the transport sector is at the beginning of a period of significant disruption. This in turn offers huge potential for unlocking major opportunities, especially in public transport. A new international research project is being established to assess the potential role of autonomous and electric minibuses and buses. The two-year project will be managed by a consortium that consists of PTV Planung Transport Verkehr AG (Management), PTV Transport Consult, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and consultants Rödl & Partner. The group will analyse national and international approaches and projects, success factors, essential basic conditions and obstacles concerning the use of autonomous, electric minibuses. The results will be incorporated into a practical guide including recommendations for action.

New research project led by PTV.

“The current challenges are well known,” says a spokesperson for the consortium. “Traffic volumes are increasing, just like the requirements concerning energy efficiency and avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. And the world is facing unprecedented social and demographic changes. “While urban areas are expecting infrastructure bottlenecks and congestion, there is a declining demand for public transport in rural areas, generating economic problems. “Automat ion, net work i ng

options and electrification can help public transport providers offer on-demand mobility services that are both flexible and convenient. Further advantages arise from reduced air and noise pollution and possible cost savings which allow mobility service providers to offer economically viable services. “The integration of electric, fully automated and autonomous Robo taxis and minibuses could become part of an integrated public mobility chain, including door-to-door services.”

www.ptvgroup.com

E-ticketing solution for Schweinfurt A new e-ticketing solution, claimed to be the most advanced implementation in Germany, has been developed by IVU for operator Stadtwerke Schweinfurt. Prior to the new system, passengers in Schweinfurt had to buy block tickets when getting on the bus, but a new flexiticket, developed as part of the IVU.suite, enables them to scan a chip card on the scanner when boarding.

24 

The 52 buses used by Stadtwerke Schweinfurt use the IVU.ticket. box onboard computer as a scanner. The unit also records vehicle data and transmits it to the traffic control centre, which has also just been set up, and where dispatchers monitor traffic with the help of a new installation of IVU.fleet. In addition, the passenger information system IVU.realtime displays current departure times at stops.

“The new e-ticketing system is a milestone,” says Ulrich Lapp, head of the public transport and automotive engineering department, Stadtwerke Schweinfurt. “Our customers receive a straightforward and flexible system that is adapted specifically to their individual needs. With this service, we are setting a benchmark for the whole of Germany.”

www.ivu.com

November 2017

people

For all the latest vacancies visit – www.busandcoach.com David Shipp started with EYMS in July 1990 as a labourer in the Hull depot and moved into the office two years later before a two-year internal management trainee course. He moved on to become a depot supervisor at the depot in Pocklington, Hull city centre supervisor and then assistant depot manager for Hull and Beverley before being appointed assistant operations manager for the East Yorkshire subsidiary in 2004.

David Shipp.

November 2017

www.cpt-uk.org

www.eyms.co.uk

David Shipp appointed MD at East Yorkshire Motor Services David Shipp has been appointed managing director of EYMS Group subsidiary East Yorkshire Motor Services. Son of group chairman Peter Shipp, David (44) has been with the company for more than 27 years, and was most recently performance and business development manager after returning from two years as general manager of the Whittles subsidiary in Kidderminster before that business was sold in 2015. Peter Shipp’s other son Jonathan also works in the business as a depot supervisor. Peter Shipp says: “After over 55 very happy years in the bus industry, 37 of them at EYMS, plus my wife having just been forced to close her very successful pre-school after 35 years due to competition from the nearby primary school, the time has come for me to take a small step back from the day-today management of the company and spend just a little more time with her and the family including our six grandchildren. But I will remain as executive chairman of EYMS Group and will still be closely involved in the business and no doubt David will have to gently chide me from time to time for still being too involved.”

tional background for the benefit of other members.”

Kerrie Grant.

Grant to take charge of Unilink operations in Southampton

Mark Purchase.

Purchase joins CPT as operations manager M a r k Pu rchase has been appointed as operations manager at CPT. Purchase has worked in the industry for 14 years, most recently with Stephensons of Easingwold. “I am very pleased that Mark is joining the team,” says CPT operations director Keith McNally. “Mark has a huge amount of industry experience and is ideally placed to provide help, support and guidance to our members.” Purchase adds: “I am very much looking forward to joining CPT. Having worked for a number of CPT’s members during my career I know the value of the sound and helpful advice that the industry trade body can provide. I hope to draw on my experience and opera-

Kerrie Grant has been appointed to head up operations at Unilink, part of Go South Coast. Responsible for the day-to-day running of the business and service standards across the city, Grant joins from sister company Salisbury Reds. Prior to that she spent time at First Southampton on the graduate scheme, with spells across the UK, including Manchester, Glasgow and Stirling. “My graduate training involved getting to grips with different areas of the bus industry and I enjoyed my time as acting staff manager in Southampton, and as assistant operations manager for Salisbury Reds,” says Grant. “Both roles helped me develop my ‘people management’ skills and prepared me for my new position at Unilink.” A partnership between Bluestar and the University of Southampton, Unilink was originally created to transport the university’s staff and students between teaching sites and halls of residence; now the operator’s services are also used by the general public.  

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people Andrew Wickham, Go South Coast managing director adds: “Kerrie’s leadership skills and experience - both in Southampton and Salisbury - make her a perfect match, and I have no doubt she will work closely with our team to further enhance the services we offer here.” www.unilinkbus.co.uk

For all the latest vacancies visit – www.busandcoach.com Rob Jones, managing director, Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancashire, says: “It is fantastic when our graduate trainees go on to secure great new opportunities within the business. “David has proven himself to be a very competent and professional individual throughout his first two years with Stagecoach and I am delighted to welcome him to Merseyside as a permanent member of staff.” www.stagecoachbus.com

our team, and is bursting with ideas to deliver amazing customer service,” says Roebuck. “I’m delighted to welcome Andy to his new role with us – he’s a very enthusiastic advocate of public transport. He has a keen eye for quality and will steer us to deliver even higher standards for our customers.” During his training year, Turnbull spent time at each of Transdev’s depots across the North in Harrogate, York, Malton, Keighley, Burnley and Blackburn, in addition to spells in other Transdev UK businesses, including the Dublin light rail system Luas, Merseyside-based executive taxi and private hire supplier Cabfind.com, and eco car hire service Green Tomato Cars in London. www.transdevplc.co.uk

RATP Dev London appoints commercial director

David Rich.

Promotion for graduate trainee at Stagecoach Merseyside Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancashire has appointed David Rich as network manager. Rich has just completed a two-year graduate trainee scheme with the operator and his new role is based at Stagecoach’s Gillmoss depot in Liverpool. Rich started working for Stagecoach in 2015 after he graduated from the University of Durham. During the graduate scheme, he spent a year as a trainee in Winchester and a further year as an assistant operations manager at the Stagecoach depot in Rotherham. His new role is to identify opportunities to drive growth and enhance the reliability of the Stagecoach network across Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancashire. The newly-created post reports to commercial director David Shurden.

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Andy Turnbull.

Transdev promotes graduate to new role at Harrogate Bus Company Graduate trainee Andy Turnbull has been appointed as service delivery manager at Transdev subsidiary The Harrogate Bus Company’s depot in Starbeck. The promotion comes a year after Turnbull joined the Harrogatebased bus group after graduating from the University of Leeds’ geography with transport planning programme. As a graduate trainee he has gained valuable experience in all areas of the business, including operations, marketing, finance and engineering. He also shadowed The Harrogate Bus Company general manager Keith Roebuck. “Andy is a first class addition to

James Kean has joined RATP Dev London in the newly-created role of commercial director. He will lead RATP Dev’s growth strategy, aiming to increase its share of the TfL London bus market and creating new commercial opportunities in the bus and coach contract market. Kean has experience in commercial and business development roles, most recently for Capita, where he worked on a range of transport-related projects. He worked on major bids with another public transport operator and, while working with Network Rail on investment into key rail arteries, was part of the delivery team for the London 2012 games, delivering essential station improvements. “I’m delighted to have joined RATP Dev London,” says Kean. “The company has strong growth potential in both bus and coach and I look forward to working with the team to realise that potential.” www.ratpdevlondon.co.uk

November 2017

people

For all the latest vacancies visit – www.busandcoach.com

Matthew Moll.

TAS promotes Moll to senior consultant role The TAS Partnership has promoted Matthew Moll, who first worked for the consultancy on a graduate placement, to the role of senior consultant. Moll joined TAS in September 2012, following both a graduate placement at TAS in 2009 while studying transport management, and work experience with bus operator EYMS.

He has helped undertake service reviews for a variety of clients including Lancashire County Council, ZetTrans, FirstGroup and Nottingham City Transport. A CILT member, Moll also regularly attends the Young Bus Managers Network conference. “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity,” says Moll. “Working for TAS has provided me with a wide range of projects to work on from route and vehicle scheduling to inputting into local and national policy. I am excited about the future of TAS and the new opportunities we will be given.”

www.taspartnership.co.uk

New bus and coach manager for Allison Transmission Allison Transmission has appointed Jumel Choudhury as UK market development manager, bus and coach. His new role at Allison is to increase sales and revenue growth, manage relationships with Allison’s bus OEM and fleet customers

Jumel Choudhury.

and to support market development activities. Choudhury, who has an automotive engineering background and worked previously at Tesco in a purchasing role, will be based at Allison’s UK sales office in Ampthill, Bedfordshire. Choudhury takes over from Patricia Cobbold who died earlier this year and he will take on her previous roles at IRTE and ALBUM events. www.allisontransmission.com

Use the Professional option to fill your vacancy. Bus and Coach Professional – first for recruitment Call Jo James now on 01694 731510 for details. November 2017

 

27

diary

Alexander Pemberton’s Diary

Marking 50 years since Ledgard operations

Samuel Ledgard Society celebrations last month.

The 50th anniversary of the demise of the Samuel Ledgard bus company in 1967 was celebrated by a group of enthusiasts last month. Samuel Ledgard Society chairman Barry Rennison reports that Samuel Ledgard, born in 1874, was a pioneering businessman of the early 20th century. Ledgard established a haulage business first, building up a fleet of lorries which were initially steamdriven. In 1912 when petrol-driven lorries were purchased, he developed the idea of taking off the lorry body at weekends when they were not required, and replacing it with seating. making it into a charabanc. These were then utilised as transport for passengers taking them on day trips to the coast and the Yorkshire Dales. “1912 was the turning point of the future of the Ledgard empire,” adds Rennison. “The future was passenger transport and charabancs were bought over the next ten years to make up a tidy fleet. In 1924 the local bus company of Wards was acquired along with six

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buses and this started Ledgard’s venture into stage carriage services with a route from Leeds to Otley.” With acquisitions of further companies the fleet increased and it required garage accommodation. This was answered by Sam’s purchase of land behind the Nelson pub and in 1932, he applied for planning permission to build a two-tier garage. The idea was to have a concrete roof with strength to park buses on its roof and this was fully operational by 1933. Further company acquisitions led to the business taking on five bus depots in the Leeds area Armley, Otley, Bradford, Ilkley and Rawdon (sometimes referred to as Moorfield). Sam Ledgard died in 1952, aged 77 but the firm continued under his son, Tom along with Frank Steele and Norman Beaumont. “The fleet was aged and required renewal,” says Rennison. “Little money was available for new purchases. However, in 1953 London Transport was disposing of some of their f leet which were only

seven-years-old and a total of 24 double-deck buses were acquired. They were built to wartime restrictions thus were in not too good a state with poor quality wood and metal used in the building. But beggars couldn’t be choosers in those austere times, at least their entry into the Ledgard fleet was a lifeline and led to the withdrawal of many vehicles that were way past their sell-by date.” The Ledgard Company was eventually sold to West Yorkshire Road Car Company in October 1967. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Ledgard’s the society organised a running day of free vintage buses from Pudsey Civic Hall. The services were operated by a Ledgard vehicle and preserved buses from other Yorkshire operators were also used. And on the following day, the society organised a celebration run in Otley to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the takeover of the Ledgard concern by the West Yorkshire Road Car Company. www.samuelledgardsociety.org.uk

November 2017

diary

Alexander Pemberton’s Diary

Nottingham City Transport honours local boxer Nottingham City Transport has unveiled its latest named bus commemorating local boxing hero Wally Swift on the 60th anniversary of his first professional fight at a ceremony in Beechdale where he was born. Nottingham-born Wally Swift, took up boxing at the age of 10 and won three schoolboy titles, before beginning his professional career at Nottingham Ice Stadium on 7 October 1957 and winning his first nine fights whilst also working at Raleigh. In 1960, Swift won the British Welterweight title and twice fought for the Commonwealth title before moving up to Middleweight. He was British Champion between 1964 and 1965 and went on to fight for the European Super Welterweight and Middleweight titles and the British and Commonwealth Middleweight titles. After hanging up his boxing gloves following 88 professional fights, he went on to train, manage and promote other fighters, including former British champi-

NCT bus named in honour of Wally Swift.

ons Del Bryan and Roy Smith, as well as his own sons Wally Jr and Tony Swift. “The Swift family are absolutely delighted that Wally is being remembered in this way,” says Jamie Swift. “He was such a big part of Nottingham when people packed the ice stadium to see him fight and having his name on a bus that goes through the area where he grew up is fantastic”. Anthony Carver-Smith, NCT

marketing manager adds, “Wally Swift was a remarkable boxer and Nottingham City Transport is proud to honour his legacy by adding his name to an exclusive list of named buses, which includes local heroes, Olympians, Paralympians and an award winning musician.” The “Wally Swift” bus operates on Turquoise Line 77 which runs between Strelley, Aspley and the city. www.nctx.co.uk

Baby On Board badge trial backed by West Midlands mayor Transport for West Midlands has launched a Baby On Board badge for mothers-to-be. The badge identifies pregnant women on public transport so that fellow passengers can choose to offer them a seat without awkward questions. Tf WM, the transport arm of West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) introduced the scheme after a pregnant woman raised the issue with the mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street. A trial of 1000 badges is now under way and TfWM’s customer services team says that demand is high. November 2017

Mary Van-Roy wrote to the mayor when she was in the early stages of pregnancy: “I was finding pregnancy difficult and I was quite worried about how I’d cope on the train. “In earlier stages of pregnancy it’s not very obvious if you are pregnant or if that’s your body shape and I thought the introduction of a badge could remove a barrier for somebody who might be willing to give up their seat but not want to cause offence.” Mayor Andy Street says: “I’m grateful to Mary for highlighting this issue – I can see how there

could be an awkward situation. It isn’t always obvious that someone is expecting and it’s embarrassing to have to ask – so this cuts out any confusion. “The badge doesn’t guarantee mothers-to-be a seat but we know that most of the travelling public here in the West Midlands are very considerate and happy to give up their place for someone in greater need.” www.wmca.org.uk

 

29

diary

Alexander Pemberton’s Diary

Inaugural open day is success for East Coast More than 1,000 people attended East Coast Buses Musselburgh garage on Saturday 21 October for the company’s first open day, raising over £500 for charity partner, Macmillan Cancer Support. Visitors got a behind-the-scenes look at the garage and enjoyed a vintage bus display, the highlight of which was an Eastern Scottish Leyland Lion. Lothian took over the East Lothian region from First Bus East Scotland in 2016, which included the purchase of Musselburgh garage. “We’re always flattered by how many people want to see behind the scenes of our operations, learn more about the company and what’s involved in keeping buses moving every day,” says Mark Her-

More than 1,000 people attended open day at Musselburgh.

itage, general manager, East Coast Buses. “The popularity of our event this weekend has proved that East Coast Buses is a huge part of the

community and means something to the people who live in it - something we take huge pride in.” www.eastcoastbuses.co.uk

Graduate fundraising challenge at FirstGroup The latest recruits to FirstGroup’s graduate scheme have embarked upon a charity fundraising challenge. Between now and February 2018, two teams of five will compete to raise as much money as possible for the company’s UK charity of choice partner, Prostate Cancer UK. To complete the challenge, the teams must plan a series of large

and small events to meet their fundraising goals. Last year’s graduates competed in a half marathon, organised collections on board buses and trains, and organised a charity football tournament at Huddersfield Town FC’s John Smith’s Stadium. This year, the groups have been set a challenge to beat the previous record of £10,000 set by their 2016 predecessors. “ T h e G r a du a t e Challenge is designed to help our new graduates develop their communication, financial m a n a ge me nt a nd planning skills,” says Sian Hilling, graduate resourcing and development partner, FirstGroup. “By working as a team, they have an incredible opportunity to raise huge Students rattle buckets for Prostate Cancer UK. amounts for Prostate

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Cancer UK and help prevent more men dying from prostate cancer.” Each team of graduates will receive just £100 in seed funding and will then set to work on creating a fundraising strategy. They must use those resources to bank at least £2,500 by the end of February 2018. Thomas Stockdale, one of FirstGroup’s new graduate trainees, adds: “It’s exciting to be involved in this year’s charity challenge, to raise awareness of the disease and funds for Prostate Cancer UK. One in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime; that’s 110 fathers, husbands and brothers every day, so it really is a cause that we can all relate to. “Both teams will hold a range of events over the year, engaging staff and members of the public – hopefully we will educate people of the risks and raise as much money as possible for this great charity.” www.prostatecanceruk.org

November 2017

diary

Alexander Pemberton’s Diary

Well-being promotion at Stagecoach East Midlands Bootcamps, exercise bikes and free fruit are among an array of health-boosting initiatives introduced by Stagecoach East Midlands to improve the well-being of its employees. Michelle Hargreaves, managing director, and Helen Smith, operations manager, are leading the project which is steered by a Health and Well-being committee to develop health-improving ideas. The company points out that many of its employees are sedentary for up to five and a half hours a day. Among the initiatives is a Biggest Loser competition, launched this year across all Stagecoach East Midland depots. Through the year, 83st 4lb and 5oz was lost by employees. A weekly weigh-in was introduced and staff were encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle to become the ‘Biggest Loser’. For losing over 17st 6lb 12oz between them, the team at the Skegness depot were awarded a cheque for £500 to present to their nominated charities - £250 to MacMillan Cancer Support and £250 to the British Heart Foundation. The biggest loser overall was Liz Grocock from the Lincoln depot, who lost 2st 4lbs. She won annual membership to her local gym. Employees were also able to take part in bootcamps, ride exercise bikes that powered smoothie makers, and given cooking equipment to make quick and healthy meals at work. All 1,300 staff members were encouraged to take part in the Pedometer Step Challenge, including office-based workers, managers, engineers and bus drivers. Participants were given a pedometer to track their daily steps. The overall winner was Steve Robinson from Grimsby depot who won £500 November 2017

for his depot’s chosen charity, St Andrew’s Hospice. “With our workforce in a position where they are often sat down for long periods of time, we created an initiative that was fun, good for staff, increased morale and productivity across the workplace, and helped build and improve working relationships within the depots,” says Hargreaves. “We are dedicated to becoming the employer of choice in the East Midlands and part of that is about

Weight-busting staff with bus tyres equal to the weight lost by the ‘Biggest Losers’.

the well-being of employees. The programme promotes maintaining physical and mental health, as well as keeping the workforce motivated, engaged and healthy. In just a year, the project has become part of our ethos - to work with and listen to staff and offer them the support to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.”  

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product

The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector

Bowmonk launches BrakeCheck Geo with built-in GPS Bowmonk Tapley has enhanced its BrakeCheck range of hand-held DVSA-approved decelerometers. The BrakeCheck Geo includes a built-in GPS receiver which allows it to record the GPS coordinates of the point where the vehicle stopped at the end of its brake test. The GPS coordinates are included in the print-out, giving an exact record of the brake test location for auditing purposes and to provide a greater level of validation. The GPS facility can be turned on or off by the user as required. When enabled, a brake test cannot be started until BrakeCheck Geo has obtained a GPS fix. The

GPS status (off, obtaining fix, or locked) is indicated by an LED. BrakeCheck Geo shares all its other features with the BrakeCheck Plus, which stores up to 99 test results (for both service brake and parking brake) in its onboard memory. Test results can be printed using the optional wireless portable printer. In addition to calculating the brake efficiency, the device also indicates whether the vehicle pulls to the left or right during braking. www.bowmonk.com

Bowmonk introduces GPSenabled BrakeCheck Geo.

ATF owners’ organisation warns about shortage of DVSA testers The organisation that represents Authorised Testing Facilities has warned that its members are seeing shortages of official DVSA testers and it is embarking on a campaign to alert MPs to the problem.

ATF test station.

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The Authorised Testing Facilities Operators Association surveyed its members recently and found that ATFs across the UK are suffering from tester shortages, with an average shortfall of 17 per

cent. The ATFOA points out that its members have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in acquiring assets and establishing systems to run their testing operations, including land purchase, bespoke facilities, brake testing equipment and staff. “ATFs have gone through great expense to deliver on their side of the bargain,” says the ATFOA. “The ATF scheme has saved DVSA millions of pounds in real estate and administrative expenses. “The subsequent financial liabilities ATF’s have inherited are significant. However, through no fault of their own, they are being penalised by the challenging environment presented to them. The resulting decrease in revenue impacts on the financial sustainability of every ATF.” The organisation is urging its members to lobby their local MP in order to raise awareness of the problem, and it is also seeking legal opinion to consider any possible action which can be taken to enforce the ATF agreements. www.atfoa.co.uk

November 2017

The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector

Agreement on low carbon gas product Ceres Energy and Advanced Plasma Power have signed a fiveyear agreement for the shipping and supply of low carbon biosubstitute natural gas (BioSNG) produced by Advanced Plasma Power’s biofuels facility. Ceres Energy specialises in the transport and supply of low carbon gas for transport operations. Advanced Plasma Power’s plant will convert 10,000 tonnes of household waste per annum into 22GWh of BioSNG, enough to heat 1,500 homes or fuel 75 heavy commercial vehicles. Construction of the facility is underway and it is due to deliver gas in the first half of 2018. It will be the first plant in the world to produce grid-quality gas from household waste, according to Ceres. Funding for the £25million facility has been provided by the Department for Transport’s Advanced Biofuels Demonstration Competition, the Gas Network Innovation Competition and the project partners. Advanced Plasma Power claims that BioSNG produced by the plant will meet the sustainability and greenhouse gas requirements of the Department for Transport’s recently announced renewable transport fuel obligation development fuels category. Its analysis claims that greenhouse gas emissions from buses using the gas will be more than 80 per cent lower than fossil gas. “Ceres are pleased to be working with Advanced Plasma Power on this exciting project. BioSNG provides another source of low carbon natural gas to complement biomethane,” says Ceres Energy’s Helen Edwards. “We need to promote new technologies to meet increasing demand from transport.” www.ceresenergy.co.uk November 2017



product

New breathalyser from AlcoDigital Alcohol safety and training specialist AlcoDigital, which works with companies across the UK addressing their alcohol and drug testing procedures and policies, has launched a new EN-approved breathalyser. The new EON is due to retail at half the price of equivalent devices, according to AlcoDigital at £474. It features an accurate policegrade sensor that can provide a high volume of screening tests and on-the-spot evidential results. The EON also offers a replaceable fuel sensor system. This technology offers users the added benefit of a sensor they can replace themselves, negating the need for the breathalyser to be sent off-site for calibration.

AlcoDigital EON.

The AlcoDigital EON offers a test-memory of 500 results and a Bluetooth print facility for recording results. An app links directly to the device enabling the tester to take images of the individual being tested to provide additional evidence. 

www.alcodigital.co.uk

Transport sector opinions collated by Close Brothers Asset Finance Close Brothers Asset Finance’s latest transport sector review shows that 58% per cent expect their business to perform the same as it did in the previous 12 months, with 17 per cent hoping to expand, against 10 per cent predicting contraction. Only 2 per cent say they will close their doors for business before the end of 2018. The survey, which includes 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises across the UK, including the bus and coach sector also found that the most popular source of financial support and advice is an accountant (23 per cent) jointly followed by friends and family and online (17 per cent). “The results provide key insights into a wide range of issues affecting not only the Transport sector but the wider UK SME community,” says a Close Brothers Asset Finance spokesperson. Almost two fifths (38 per cent) of businesses are affected by

slow payments, compared to the national average of 34 per cent, while 65 per cent feel that current legislation does not support SMEs to counteract slow payment by debtors. Less than a quarter (23 per cent) truly understand what ‘personal data’ means, according to Close Brothers Asset Finance, while the same number answered that they did not; the remaining 54 per cent were unsure of its meaning. For 80 per cent of those surveyed, apprenticeships are all or part of the solution to the UK’s skills gap. Business owners also strongly believe that apprenticeships are a viable alternative to university, with 75 per cent of business owners agreeing with the statement ‘apprenticeships are a valuable alternative to university’. The full Transport sector review is available at the website.

www.closeassetfinance.co.uk/ transport/industry-insights  

33

product

The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector

AVID introduces 48V mild hybrid AVID Technology has launched a new 48V hybrid drivetrain solution for larger vehicles such as trucks, buses and off-highway machinery. “We have developed the 48V System for heavy duty vehicles to costeffectively improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions through smart electrification of the power train,” says AVID managing director Ryan Maughan. “Extensive testing shows our design provides outstanding fuel savings of up to 28 per cent with a NOx reduction of 46 per cent and a particulate reduction of 93 per cent on a Euro 5 EEV diesel engine. This has the potential to be further improved as the system also enables start-stop engine functionality and improved exhaust aftertreatment. “We are at the forefront of the clean automotive sector by designing and manufacturing industry leading solutions which benefit

Ryan Maughan, AVID managing director.

34 

vehicle owners and operators by reducing the overall cost of ownership and reducing impact on the environment.” AVID’s new 48V Mild Hybrid System replaces several key engine ancillary systems with an integrated 48V system powered by energy recovered during braking. The system also provides electrical torque assist to the engine during low-speed operation. This reduces parasitic loads on the engine, according to AVID, and allows the operating temperature to be optimised and significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions. The system uses a compact and low-cost lithium battery for energy storage. AVID reports that it is currently in discussion with a number of heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers seeking to adopt the technology. www.avidtp.com

New drivers’ online portal launched by Trapeze Group Trapeze Group, has launched a new online portal to enhance driver-office interactions for bus operators. The new OnBoard is an extension of Trapeze’s existing Duty Allocation System, the driver and duty management technology used by operators to minimise staff costs and overtime payments, reduce allocation wastage and manage driver payment and holidays. DAS OnBoard is designed to enable bus drivers to communicate with their traffic office in real-time from virtually any location, via a simple, user-friendly interface. OnBoard gives drivers a single portal for all interactions, including messaging, viewing of assigned work and late-running notifications. The system also offers drivers the ability to remotely sign-on for work which can help operators to improve the efficiency of schedules and driver shifts. “By truly embracing mobile sign-on, DAS OnBoard enables transport teams to streamline the entire duty management process, reducing cost while delivering better overall services for passengers, and offering operators far greater control over bus services,” says Trapeze business unit director Janice McPherson. “The ability to proactively address failed reliefs is key: OnBoard enables the traffic office to check a driver’s status while en route to a relief point, so staff can identify reliefs which may experience problems. This offers a window of opportunity in which to deploy spare drivers to avert a failed relief and the many associated consequences.” www.trapezegroup.co.uk

November 2017

BrakeCheck Portable Brake Tester Trade-in given on a Tapley or Bowmonk mechanical decelerometer when you purchase a BrakeCheck • Portable & easy to use • No connections to vehicle required • DVSA approved for all classes of vehicle • Records braking efficiency and percentage of braking imbalance • Print results to optional portable wireless printer • Download results to PC (optional software required) • Approved for 6-weekly checks • Approved for quarterly brake test requirements Bowmonk Ltd, Diamond Road, Norwich, NR6 6AW T: +44 (0)1603 485 153 E: [email protected] www.bowmonk.com

Bus and Coach Professional is the only industry magazine to deliver professionally written and presented features about industry products and services.

t it covered o g ve er the v ’ e e t a w subject – Wh

busandcoach.com offers 24 hour access to the industry’s leading news, jobs and vehicles sales. We also have an unrivalled search facility and a substantial archive of the best news and features from back issues. It’s simple – just log-on to www.busandcoach.com November 2017

 

35

focus on Workshop

Bowmonk points to benefits of more frequent voluntary brake tests In addition to the annual MOT test, traffic commissioners are now requesting an extra three voluntary brake tests per year, reports Bowmonk, pointing out that although this goes beyond the legislative requirements, it should help operators monitor the braking efficiency performance in the interim periods. “I wonder how many of us are actually performing these tests with the six-weekly safety inspections, as the DVSA would prefer,” says Chris Bailey, UK technical executive, Bowmonk Tapley. “Three months is a long enough time for components to deteriorate. “To closely monitor the performance of a vehicle’s braking system, a brake test using a DVSAapproved decelerometer can be performed on your own premises as part of your six-weekly inspection, taking only a few minutes to complete. This frequency of testing will very quickly flag up any areas requiring attention, affording the operator time to carry out any necessary repairs.” Bowmonk-Tapley can help operators to detect

any minor irregularities before they become a troublesome and costly repair. Its DVSA-approved BrakeCheck provides a printed brake test result, recording the overall efficiency and the percentage of braking imbalance. The ABS system, an important application connected to the braking system, is another component BrakeCheck from Bowmonk. which, if left unchecked, can be potentially dangerous and fall foul of the law if found to be ineffective, adds Bailey. “Most ABS related faults will be caused by a faulty sensor, exciter ring or a broken lead. All three of these faults can be detected quickly and easily without the need to remove the road wheel, using Bowmonk Tapley’s ABS Sensor tester, the SensorCheck.” www.bowmonk.com

VL Test Systems waives the quality flag VL Test Systems, supplier of vehicle testing equipment, which was established in the Netherlands in 1958, says that some of the earliest commercial brake testers which it installed in DVSA testing sites soon after setting up its UK operation in 1989 are still being used today. VLT supplies roller brake testers for the commercial vehicle market, with its range enabling the testing of buses, coaches, HGV’s, light goods vehicles, cars and motorcycles. It boasts a brake tester for every scenario. Its roller brake testers are bi-directional and come complete with the DVSA Database and all updates. The sub-frames and brakes casings are all hot-dip galvanised for increased durability and VLT offers a lifetime warranty on the rollers as well

36 

as providing a five-year warranty on the motor and gearbox. The company designs and manufactures its equipment at a purpose-built factory to ensure that the quality is always to the highest standard and that the equipment is developed in line with advances in technology. VLT also supplies headlight testers, diesel smoke meters, wheel play detectors, load simulators, pit jacks, turning plates and all other tools required by an Authorised Test Facility. And it can also assist with the planning and installation of an ATF, including the necessary approvals. As well as the long standing relationship with DVSA, key customers include Arriva, Scania, Volvo, Stagecoach, Ford and the MOD in the UK and overseas. www.vltestuk.com

November 2017

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focus on Coach & Bus UK highlights

Irizar launches 10.8m full-electric bus With the Busworld Kortrijk taking place just a fortnight later, this year’s NEC show was fairly lightweight on new products. One exception was Irizar which used the Birmingham event to unveil its new ie bus, a 1.85m single-deck full-electric with a demonstration vehicle offering visitors a short taster ride outside the halls. The ie has a bolted aluminium body structure with a total capacity of 60 passengers, including 28 seated and one wheelchair space. It is powered by what Irizar points out is an ‘all-European driveline developed at the company’s own technology centre in Spain’, a description which appears to be aimed at its opponent for the London market in particular, BYD ebuses, with which it is allegedly struggling to compete on price. “Going electric with Irizar does not mean taking a step into the unknown with component suppliers,” says an Irizar spokesperson. The Irizar ie is powered by a Siemens Elfa-2 DB2016 180kW motor which produces 1,500Nm of torque, driving through a ZF AV 132 II/80 drive axle. The Sodium Nickel batteries have a capacity of 329kW/h, and charging time is around seven hours using Irizar’s own energy storage management and depot smart-charging system. The NEC model was in TfL specification and included Masats electric doors and wheelchair ramp, separate Hispacold heating systems for the driver and passengers with pre-

heating during battery charging, McKenna Bros destination equipment to front, side and rear, and pre-installed CCTV and reversing cameras. Isri Civic V2 passenger seats are fitted, and the driver seat is a Chapman 57075/PB/922510/80004. Irizar points out that it has been running its i2e electric buses in London since 2015, and for longer in continental Europe. Inside the hall, Irizar displayed its i4H hybrid coach which combines an HVO bio-fuel capable Cummins ISBe 6.7-litre Euro 6 diesel engine with an Eaton PHP hybrid transmission, incorporating an electric inverter and traction motor-generator, and a conventional six-speed automated manual gearbox. At low speeds, the Irizar i4H is propelled by electricity only, although the diesel engine still idles to power auxiliary systems such as air-conditioning. If the coach is accelerating or cruising, then the diesel engine combines with the electric motor to provide the optimum level of power. An automated stop-start system also operates when the parking brake is applied. On a 13m length coach, the Irizar i4H can seat 57 people, or 53 with additional spaces for a wheelchair user and luggage. Irizar says that the i4H has been developed specifically for commuter and inter-urban work where a mixture of unrestricted and congested roads are encountered, and the show vehicle is now undergoing trials with selected UK operators. www.irizar.co.uk

New Irizar ie bus.

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focus on Coach & Bus UK highlights

Caetano uses Coach & Bus UK to promote electric bus chassis

Electric bus chassis from Caetano.

Caetano is best known in the UK market for its coaches, having enjoyed a successful relationship with National Express for some time. At this year’s Coach & Bus UK however, it presented an electric bus chassis. Seeing a chassis at the NEC is a rarity these days, but Caetano made a virtue out of not having a fully-built electric bus available by presenting the bare frame to enable visitors to get a more detailed look at the technology. Powered by a Siemens 160kW electric motor which produces 2,100Nm of torque, the chassis will be integrated with Caetano’s own bodies as well as offered to other bodybuilders as a fullelectric chassis.

40 

Caetano plans to build around 50 electric buses based on the chassis for Portugal next year. It predicts a daily range on a full charge of around 200km, and is adapting the vehicle to use either overnight charging or opportunity charging, depending on customer preference. Caetano’s initial specification sheet shows variants of the electric bus chassis from 9.5m to 12.7m in length. Caetano points out that it has been exporting buses to the UK since 1967 and, alongside the electric bus chassis, was a new Levante III for National Express. The 14.9m vehicle has capacity for 59 passengers, or 57 seats plus a wheelchair space with luggage capcity of 11.5 cu m. www.caetanobus.com

November 2017

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focus on Coach & Bus UK highlights

McGill’s orders 20 Mellor Strata lowfloor buses at Coach & Bus UK Rochdale-based Mellor used the Coach & Bus UK highlights to announce an order for 20 of its Strata low-floor minibuses for Scottish operator McGill’s. The Stratas will operate on a range of routes throughout Inverclyde and Renfrewshire, and the first deliveries are being made in December and will continue through and into January 2018. McGill’s Strata low-floor vehicles will be built on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis and are a standard specification and configuration with Keil seats and an Eberspacher heating system. “We have been evaluating two Mellor Stratas of the same specification since the vehi-

cle’s launch last year and found it ‘ticks all the right boxes’ for us in terms of its fuel economy, durability, build quality and the level of door-todoor support we receive – they don’t just sell it and then forget about it,” says Ralph Roberts, managing director, McGill’s. “In addition to the operational parameters, the passengers like the look and interior facilities, particularly the 2+2 seating, which gives a traditional feel to a small bus, along with the smooth ride provided by the Sprinter chassis. When we were looking for a larger quantity of small buses, we had no hesitation in turning to Mellor for more Stratas to add to our fleet.” www.mellor-coachcraft.co.uk

John Randerson, Mellor; Ralph Roberts and Sandy Easdale, McGill’s; and Lorna Miller, Mellor

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November 2017

focus on Coach & Bus UK highlights

Eminox and Amminex working together on NOx emissions Amminex and Eminox have developed a new partnership for NOx aftermarket treatment systems for the UK market. The deal was announced at Coach & Bus UK and involves the two companies offering UK customers access to a combination of the Eminox SCRT retrofit platform and the Amminex Ammonia Storage & Delivery System. The two companies claim that the ASDS and SCRT retrofit technology can reduce NOx by 99 per cent and particulate matter by 95 per cent, resulting in emissions equivalent to Euro 6. Eminox has already retrofitted more than 4,000 vehicles across the UK, and the SCRT system with ASDS has already delivered NOx reduction in several projects, including the retrofit of 300 buses in Copenhagen, also to Euro 6 equivalent. ASDS is designed to work at a wider temperature range than an AdBlue-based system, because it releases gaseous, rather than liquid-based ammonia into the system. This extends the operating range of the combined ASDS/SCRT solution to offer NOx reduction for a wider variety of vehicles and duty cycles including slow, congested driving. As part of the collaboration, Eminox will become distributor of ASDS for the UK and Ireland. “Amminex and Eminox already have a success-

Eminox SCRT.

ful track record of working together on retrofit projects in Scandinavia,” says Annika Isaksson, CEO, Amminex. “Our UK venture represents the next step of cooperation and will offer UK customers a revolutionary way of reducing NOx.” Andy Meakin, managing director, Eminox, adds: “Our co-operation with Amminex is an excellent strategic fit because it allows us to leverage our existing SCRT technology leadership. Amminex’s ASDS unlocks the wider NOx-reduction potential of our SCRT technology.” The development and fitting of Eminox SCRT and Amminex ASDS will be carried out by Eminox’s product development and applications engineering teams. www.amminex.com www.eminox.com

New CPC module launched by ROSCO The Road Operators’ Safety Council used Coach & Bus UK to announce the introduction of a new Driver CPC module on PCV Driver Safety Awareness. The seven-hour course has been devised in conjunction with ROSCO member Johnson Coach and Bus and covers safe driving and accident prevention, alongside issues such as stress and impairments through diet, exercise and lifestyle. The course has been registered with the regulatory body JAUPT and will be available from 1 November 2017. ROSCO members and nonmembers who are not registered with JAUPT

November 2017

themselves, can deliver the course through the Association of Trainers Consortium. The cost of the course material is free of charge to ROSCO members, and available to other companies for £150 plus VAT. “Driving a PCV as a profession is no easy task and requires 100 per cent concentration,” says ROSCO vice chairman Darren Brown, who represents Unite on the board. “This course is aimed to inspire and educate drivers to help themselves to drive safely and achieve their safe driving awards by avoiding blameworthy accidents with other road users.” www.rosco-uk.org

 

43

Technology

Using technology to increase safety New smart systems are helping operators to improve operations with real-time monitoring of driving standards and hazard avoidance. Steve Banner reports

D

rive a brightly-coloured hop-on hop-off tour bus plastered with the operator's name and contact details around a city centre and you become a target. Every cheat in the vicinity eager to earn an illicit few bob is going to home in on you and swear that you did everything from dent their parked car to run over their feet. Refuting such spurious allegations can be a challenge, but technology can provide the solution. The 68 buses Big Bus Tours operates in London

under the Big Bus Company banner have all recently been fitted with SmartDrive Systems' video-based driver risk management package. The firm has opted for SmartDrive Assurance which combines forward-facing cameras and interior cameras trained on drivers with a fully-managed analysis service and the self-explanatory Extended Recording option. "We've got a big name on a big bus so we attract people who make unrealistic or inaccurate claims," says Big Bus Tours executive vice-president of operations Gerry Price. "With the kind of objective insights the SmartDrive programme provides we can instantly disprove many of them. "It's likely that we'll break even on our investment simply by being exonerated so far as two or three minor insurance claims are concerned," he adds.

continued page 46

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Technology Such savings are well worth having, and Big Bus Tours expects to be able to reduce its insurance costs through SmartDrive. Not that this is the sole reason for opting for SmartDrive, says Price. Working in a busy urban environment, Big Bus Tours drivers are surrounded by genuinely-vulnerable road users and need to ensure that none of them are injured. That means drivers have to be encouraged to drive their open-toppers safely. SmartDrive's technology captures so-called 'triggered' events such as harsh braking or sudden

21st Century Technology shows new Smart-Vision system.

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course corrections which typically cause 20 seconds of video – typically 10 seconds either side of the event – to be captured. The footage is uploaded automatically via the cellular network along with GPS positioning and base telematics data to SmartDrive, where it is reviewed by the safety team. They analyse it and give it a risk score in line with the customer's corporate policy. It is then fed back to the company by means of a dedicated, secure online portal and can be used for driver coaching. A heavy impact will prompt an immediate alert to all relevant parties. Drivers can trigger the camera manually and capture footage themselves if necessary. The inward-facing camera gives a clear view of the driver's actions. In particular, it can spot if he or she is using a hand-held mobile phone. "We've always been safety-conscious," Price says. "We've got a useful existing telematics feed and we score our drivers against our internal benchmark. "Using this technology we've already driven our baseline scores from approximately 50 down to an average of ten across all our city locations," Price says. "Twenty-five per cent of our drivers maintain scores below four, which is very good. "SmartDrive Assurance gives us another layer to our driver safety programme." Those city locations referred to include Rome, Paris, New York and Las Vegas as well as London. Big Bus Tours has been using what SmartDrive has to offer in the USA for the past three years. How did the company's London drivers react towards the prospect of having cameras trained on them? There have been objections, Price admits, but he expects them to fade away quite quickly. "Drivers protest at every new intervention, including telematics, but when they realise that what has been installed will benefit and protect them they see it differently," he says. SmartDrive runs driver briefing sessions to explain how its equipment works and the advantages it brings. Big Bus is by no means the only operator in London fitting telematics-backed video cameras to capture highway incidents and the driver's response to them. London Sovereign has signed a five-year contract with Lytx to fit the US-based company's DriveCam package to its vehicles. A 90-day trial helped the operator reduce collisions by 43 per cent, Lytx says. London Sovereign had already got telematics fitted to its vehicles and has used it to monitor driver continued page 48

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behaviour, but it was only telling part of the story, says garage manager Amanda Massingham. "We knew that a driving event had happened but we didn't know why it had happened or what to do to prevent it from happening again," she says. London Sovereign found the results of the trial surprising, which is itself something of a surprise. "We sought to better understand the behaviour of our drivers but wound up learning that the unpredictable behaviour of pedestrians is a frequent cause of collisions," she says. "We were pleasantly surprised to see how many drivers were doing everything right and taking appropriate action to avoid a more serious collision." Another surprise was how quickly drivers improved their performance once they were made aware of poor driving practices. "Now that we can see first-hand the challenges our drivers face daily we've been able to create suitable coaching programmes," she says. "Furthermore, the DriveCam data has helped us pinpoint locations that often cause problems, allowing us to better prepare drivers who will be on those routes." Drivers engaged in the trial ended up driving more safely and smoothly. Passenger complaints decreased by over one-third, says London Sovereign. Always eager to improve driving standards and safety, Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has now equipped over 300 vehicles with telematicsbased onboard monitoring from MiX Telematics. It

48 

includes an in-cab RIBAS driver feedback display and MyMiX, an online portal which drivers can use to monitor their performance and compare it to that of their colleagues. The display discourages bad practices such as harsh braking and excessive idling. "It's being used to improve driving style to give a smoother journey and an enhanced customer experience while reducing claims and improving fuel consumption," says NCT engineering director Gary Mason. "It's still early days for the project but we're already seeing better fuel economy and we're confident that the longer-term objectives will be achieved." MiX Telematics also markets MiX Vision, its dual road-facing and driver-facing video recording package. Technology featured heavily at the recent Coach and Bus UK show, with one exhibitor demonstrating a rather different application for onboard cameras. On the 21st Century Technology stand, VisionSystems was displaying Smart-Vision, designed to replace traditional glass exterior rear-view mirrors with high-definition digital cameras and interior displays in line with possible legislative changes. Eliminating glare and blind spots, it gives clear continued page 50

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November 2017

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Technology vision in all lighting conditions. Discreet exterior cameras are likely to suffer less accidental damage and cause less aerodynamic turbulence than bulky mirror casings, Vision-Systems contends. A host of companies provide onboard equipment capable of sucking up data which can then be reported for analysis. In-CarPC, the in-vehicle computing division of Bowmonk Tapley, offers T5. It can collect information on everything from the driver's behaviour at the wheel and the vehicle's whereabouts to any maintenance alerts that may have arisen and send it to Intelligo, InCarPC's web-based reporting portal. Bus and coach fleet managers can log in to view live or historic data on all their vehicles along with any customised reports that may have been required. Properly managing the outcomes generated by onboard technology is vitally important, says telematics specialist Quartix. "Many customers find that rewarding good driver performance rather than penalising poor performance is a great motivator towards improvement," says a company spokesman. "Remember though that in the case of reckless or illegal behaviour recorded via tracking, it is imperative that appropriate action is taken to avoid liability." Operators could find themselves in difficulties if a driver has a serious accident and telematics data reveals that he had a record of driving dangerously; yet nothing was done about it. Quartix offers a programme called Driving Style which is designed to help clients identify which drivers are performing well, and which need attention. It makes the sensible recommendation that anybody considering purchasing or renting a tracking package should have it demonstrated to them first. Customers should also take advantage of any training available for employees who may be monitoring or utilising the tracking data. Meanwhile Timespace Technology has been producing mobile digital video recorders for vehicle CCTV since 1997 and develops and manufactures its systems in the UK. Its X300 and V400 DVRs are used in thousands of vehicles worldwide. The latest V500 hybrid DVR recorder offers 24 channels of video, including up to 8 IP camera inputs, enabling operators to introduce high-definition IP cameras. The company’s DVRs are configured through its Timespace Reviewer, which also provides live camera images and footage review and a new Timespace Reviewer App enables users to access all of the features via iOS or Android mobile phone or tablet. Timespace’s proprietary PCLink and LANLink software is compatible with all its DVRs and gives operators comprehensive CCTV and Technology

50 

information. Vehicle CAN data can also be included via Timespace’s CANLink unit, allowing CAN data to be viewed in sequence with video footage. Coach operators may wish to download tachograph data remotely, a facility offered by TruLocation from TruTac. Launched a few months ago, it can also track a vehicle and record incidences of speeding and harsh braking. Complete with new graphics, the TruChecks app, which can be used by drivers for their daily walkaround checks, is now available on Android, Apple and Windows platforms. Checking a vehicle before it goes out on the highway is of course vitally important; and that includes the state of its tyres. Unfortunately underor over-inflated tyres are easy to miss on walkaround inspections, points out WheelRight, as inner tyres are not easily visible. The incorrect inflation of any tyre is not always obvious without a time-consuming manual pressure check. WheelRight has for some time been offering a monitoring system which calculates tyre pressures when a vehicle drives over its in-ground sensors. Any problem tyres are quickly identified and reported to workshop staff for attention. At the end of each day a full report is provided, says WheelRight, showing all drive-overs and the pressure of each tyre measured; enabling tyre performance and fuel economy to be optimised.

Contact 21st Century 0844 871 7990 www.21stplc.com In-Car PC 01603 485 153 www.in-carpc.co.uk Mobile Mark Europe 01543 459555 www.mobilemark.com Quartix 0870 013 6663 www.quartix.net Timespace Technology 01480 414147 www.tspace.co.uk Trutac 024 7669 0000 www.trutac.co.uk WheelRight 01865 854 848 www.wheelright.co.uk November 2017

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“ When passengers phoned up to ask where their transport was, we wanted to be able to tell them without phoning the driver. The Quartix system does everything we want and is very straightforward.” Ian Jenkinson Sheffield Community Transport Terms and conditions apply. See our website for details. Offer valid until December 20th with purchases of InfoPlus on 12 month contract.

Visit www.quartix.net or call 01686 806 663

who buys what

The latest bus and coach deliveries

Barnes Coaches takes two new Volvos Swindon operator Barnes Coaches has returned to Volvo for the purchase of two new coaches, a Volvo integral B11R 9700 and a B8R with Sunsundegui bodywork. The family-owned business took the B11R 9700 executive coach for its private hire and touring fleet. The fully integrated B11R 9700 is a repeat purchase a year after it took its first one. This is also the company’s first B8R Sunsundegui SB3 which has been selected and liveried specifically for its school contracts. “We have had extremely positive feedback from our customers and the operational performance experienced by our drivers regarding the B11R 9700 over the past year, meaning we had no hesitation in making a repeat purchase, when we needed

52 

to expand,”says director Matt Barnes. “We also had the opportunity of agreeing the interior specifications of the vehicles during a trip to Poland with Volvo earlier this year. “The B8R SB3 was a recommendation by our Volvo retail bus & coach sales manager Sam Prothero. We required a large capacity vehicle we could use for our school contracts and the 72-seater was a great fit.” Prothero, adds: “We are confident they will benefit from the fuel economy and that their passengers will enjoy all the comforts associated with these state-of-the-art coaches.” Barnes Coaches has a range of coaches from eight – to 100-seaters. www.volvobus.com

November 2017

who buys what

The latest bus and coach deliveries

Further investment for LandFlight

Solihull-based executive coach, bus and chauffeur car company LandFlight has invested more than £330,000 in new vehicles for its f leet. Cementing a growing relationship with Mercedes-Benz, LandFlight has purchased a new 49-seat Mercedes Tourismo coach, and added a Mercedes V-Class to its MPV range in addition to two more E-Class saloons for its chauffeur and airport transfer services. It represents a move towards an all-Mercedes f leet for the company, which has many global airlines among its customers and extended its working relationships with Lufthansa and Air India earlier this year. LandFlight also has

November 2017

the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), Jaguar Land Rover, Emirates and Qatar Airways among its clients. “We’re growing our f leet to dea l with increased demand and we expect we will have to grow it even further over the next few months, based on further business opportunities,” says LandFlight director Danny Matthews. “It’s a very positive sign for us to be able to make this commitment off the back of a very busy year and a number of key contract extensions.” The addition of the new vehicles represents a total investment of around £336,000 and takes LandFlight’s f leet up to 33. www.landflight.co.uk

 

53

who buys what

The latest bus and coach deliveries

Heading Nine Volvo B11R Jonckheeres for Travellers Choice Lancashire-based Travellers Choice has taken delivery of nine new Volvo B11R Jonckheere coaches adding to an existing f leet of almost 150, of which nearly 90 per cent are built on the Volvo chassis. “W hen considering the addition of new vehicles to our extensive f leet, we looked no further than Volvo,” says John Shaw, managing director, Travellers Choice. “We bought our first Volvo coach in 1977 and have had a very strong association with the manufacturer ever since. “We took deliver y of the f irst new B11R JHV2, when it made its debut at Euro Bus Expo last year. We wou ld happily recom-

54 

mend Volvo to anyone looking to buy a new coach. “Our vehicles will be used for tours across the UK and Europe, so we needed a coach that would offer excellent fuel economy and exceptional levels of comfort for our passengers. “While we’ve selected all nine vehicles on the Volvo B11R chassis, they are specified with different body work, features and benefits, so that we have a varied and f lexible offering for our customers.” Travellers Choice’s origins date back to 1872, and today the family-run business provides coach hire, excursions and holidays. www.volvobus.com

November 2017

who buys what

The latest bus and coach deliveries

Sunsundegui-B8R repeat order for Hills Coaches Heading

Wolverhampton-based Hills Coaches has returned to Volvo to expand its fleet with a repeat order for a 72-seat Sunsundegui-bodied B8R. “Our latest order of the Volvo B8R SB3 followed a positive experience of a previous vehicle of the exact same specification,” says director Darran Hill. “The coach is reliable and fuel-efficient. We value practicality, especially when it comes to our school and private hire contracts. “Our school contracts require a larger seating capacity that, at the same time, does not compro-

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mise when it comes to quality or comfort. We felt that the Volvo B8R ticks all of our boxes and allows us to offer a great service to our customers. “Out of our fleet of 21 coaches, ten are based on a Volvo chassis and as such, we had no hesitation when it came to choosing our new coach.” Operating in the Midlands, for more than 50 years, Hills Coaches provides a range of services including private hire, excursions and long term contracts. www.volvobus.com

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57

Events

British Tourism & Travel Show opens registration for 2018

F

ree visitor registration for British Tourism & Travel Show 2018, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham on 21-22 March, is now open. The British Tourism & Travel Show features attractions, venues, destinations, hotels, transport providers, associations and direct marketing organisations in the UK and Ireland. “Major trade shows are the lifeblood of the tourism industry and the British Tourism & Travel Show is the flagship event in the annual calendar,” says Chris Wales, chief executive of Coach Tourism Association. The 2017 event welcomed 2,606 attendees, including some of the UK and Ireland’s biggest domestic tour operators, coach operators, travel organisers and agents from Acorne, Albatross Travel Group, British Airways Holidays, Daily Mail Travel, David Urquhart Travel, Great Rail Journeys, Heritage Railway Industry, JAC Travel, Johnsons Coach Travel, Kuoni Group Travel Experts, London Tourist Coach Operators Association, Marchants Coaches, National Holidays, Newmarket Holidays, Rondo Travel, Saga Holidays, Shearings Holidays, Titan Travel, Travelzoo, Virgin Trains, and Woods Travel. The latest exhibitors for the 2018 show include

Royal Botanic Gardens – Kew, Belvoir Castle, Jurys Inn, Cairn Hotel Group, Bodleian Libraries, Llangollen Railway, and Abbot Travel, who will be joining returners including Albatross Travel Group, Visit Cornwall, Hilton Worldwide, Warner Leisure Hotels, Visit Lincoln, Greatdays Travel Group, and Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. “Meeting both existing customers and forging new relationships, the show is the most important platform for us,” says Martin Slater, national sales manager, Greatdays Travel Group. “It’s also an opportunity to gather intelligence from both clients and suppliers as to how the industry as a whole is performing, and face to face time continues to be important in this industry." The show has also launched a new Destination Europe area for 2018, aimed at key decision makers who plan and book itineraries for international and domestic tourists. It will feature diverse attractions, destinations and hotels across Europe, and will provide ideas and inspiration for a variety of British travel trade buyers who attend the show. Latest exhibitors to join the area include Dutch Cruise Lines, Lovers Canal Cruises, and Choice Hotels Europe. www.tourismshow.co.uk

Lucrative sector deal being negotiated by tourism industry

T

he UK tourism industry’s bid for a potential sector deal under the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy is believed to be closer following agreement at the Tourism Industry Council, a group set up to collaborate between government and the tourism industry. The industry side is led by BTA chairman and former chief executive of Virgin Atlantic Airways Steve Ridgway. “We believe there is potential to more than double the value of this industry to £268billion within a decade, increase employment and boost productivity,” says Ridgway.

58  coachtourismprofessional.co.uk

“Britain is outspent by key competitors and losing global market share. With a tourism sector deal this gap could be closed." Employing more than three million people across the UK and made-up of 200,000 businesses, the tourism sector deal focuses on four priorities: a 10-year tourism and hospitality skills campaign; boosting productivity by extending the tourism season; improving connections to increase inbound visits from more markets by 2030; and creating ‘tourism zones’ to build quality tourism products that meet visitors needs and expectations. www.visitbritain.org/industrial-strategy-tourism

November 2017

Attractions

South East wins funding for cultural tourism project

A

£1.3million project to create a new cultural tourist trail and arts treasure hunt along the south east England coast has been approved. ‘Culture Coasting’ will bring together organisations across the south east to increase the visitor economy for the region, targeting key international markets with a new approach to a traditional tourist trail which will combine original artworks created by internationally renowned artists, geocaching technology and bookable itineraries along the coastline. Visit Kent and Turner Contemporary have been awarded funding from VisitEngland’s coveted Discover England Fund and Arts Council England respectively to launch the project, in partnership with several leading arts venues in the region. Visit Kent has been awarded £350,000 from DEF for the three-year project, bringing the total value to just over £1.3million including partner cash and in-kind contributions. “We’re delighted to have secured Culture Destinations funding to deliver Culture Coasting,” says Turner Contemporary director Victoria Pomery. “By truly putting arts and culture at the core of the project, we aim to create a unique, cohesive visitor offer which celebrates our distinctive coastline and significantly grows the visitor economy for the region. “This ambitious project will create an experiential trail, relevant to key markets, through digital technologies and partnerships across the South East.” Turner Contemporary will lead the delivery of the project’s arts content, including the new artwork, while Visit Kent will lead on building and marketing the tourism aspect. Other funders include East Sussex County Council, Kent County Council, Southeastern Railway, Visit Essex, Medway Council, Visit Herts, The Historic Dockyard Chatham and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership. Project partners include De La Warr Pavilion, Whitstable Biennial, Creative Foundation, Jerwood Gallery, Towner Art Gallery and Metal. Sandra Matthews-Marsh , chief executive, Visit Kent, adds: “We are thrilled that our bid has been

November 2017

Botany Bay. Photo: Visit Kent.

successful, and that we have the chance to work with our partners at Turner Contemporary to bring this exciting cultural project to life. “Culture Coasting brings together cultural leaders and tourism professionals to create a unique new visitor product. “Our goal is to inspire international visitors who are interested in cultural adventures to go out and explore our coastline, and discover new art installations, stunning galleries and incredible characters and communities on the way.” Targeted at French and Dutch visitors, the project will create a new digitally-marketed tourist foot and cycle trail through Essex, Kent and East Sussex, with bookable itineraries taking in worldclass art galleries and venues along the coastline of the South East of England. Along the route, visitors will be able to find geocaches of original artworks created by international artists, and book experiences in each of the destinations such as tours and artists' talks. The project will also trial a new ‘Artbnb’ accommodation offer, allowing visitors to visit and stay in artists’ homes and studios. The trail route will include Southend-On-Sea, Whitstable, Margate, Folkestone, Hastings, Bexhill and Eastbourne. www.visitkent.co.uk coachtourismprofessional.co.uk   59

Survey

Survey data tracks growth in Blackpool visitors

B

lackpool’s tourism economy is performing well according to two surveys which showed significant growth in visitor numbers over the past 18 months. The annual STEAM survey for 2016 has revealed that the overall number of tourism visits to the resort grew to 18 million, an increase of around one million compared to the previous year. That survey valued Blackpool’s visitor economy at £1.5billion, supporting more than 25,000 jobs. The 2016 data shows that visitor numbers in Blackpool grew by 6 per cent and represented almost 30 per cent of all visits to Lancashire. There was year-on-year growth in staying visitors (+3.3 per cent) and day visitors (+6.4 per cent). In addition, the latest Omnibus survey carried out in summer 2017 shows an increase in adult visits between May and August compared to the same period in 2016. There were 3.2 million adult visits over the four months, compared to 2.75 million in 2016, with increases in staying and day visitors. The highest figures were recorded in August when there were 1.2 million adult visits compared to 0.9 million in 2016. Satisfaction ratings for the four months were at 88 per cent compared to 89 per cent in the previous year, and the quality and range of visitor attractions was cited as the main

reason for visiting by more than 40 per cent of visitors. During the May to August period, the resort was heavily promoted through the Blackpool Has It All destination marketing campaign which featured extensive TV advertising, PR and digital campaigns. That activity was supported by a major events programme in August that included a twoday air show which attracted more than 100,000 visitors each day and the new three-day Livewire Festival which culminated in an outdoor concert featuring Will Smith. The Blackpool Has It All campaign is a partnership between VisitBlackpool, Merlin Entertainments and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, with additional contributions from the Winter Gardens, Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool Transport Services and other private sector operators within the tourism economy. “We are delighted that the investment that is being made in destination marketing is paying off,” says Gillian Campbell, deputy leader, Blackpool Council. “The annual Steam survey for 2016 illustrates the importance of tourism in Blackpool. Tourism is a billion pound economy supporting more than 25,000 full-time jobs in the resort.” www.visitblackpool.com

Strong growth for Blackpool tourism.

60  coachtourismprofessional.co.uk

November 2017

Ferries

Irish Ferries names forthcoming cruise ferry WB Yeats

New cruise ferry on the way for Irish Ferries.

I

rish Ferries has named its forthcoming €144million cruise ferry after Irish poet WB Yeats. The name won strong support from the public in a competition that attracted nearly 100,000 entries from both sides of the Irish Sea. “It was clear from the poll that there is widespread public affection for WB Yeats due to his extraordinary writing, his contribution to Irish theatre, and to Irish society,” says an Irish Ferries spokesperson. Acclaimed as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century and one of Ireland’s foremost literary figures, William Butler Yeats was born in Dublin and educated in Ireland and London. Recipient of a nobel prize for literature, he helped to found Dublin’s Abbey Theatre. Amongst the poems for which he is most remembered is ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’, a composition inspired by his many holiday visits to Sligo, where, in a churchyard beneath Ben Bulben, his remains now rest. The decision by Irish Ferries to name their new vessel WB Yeats continues the tradition adopted

November 2017

by the company of selecting names drawn from the world of Irish literature. “In choosing WB Yeats from the many whose works are revered by Irish people and students of literature the world over, we have selected one that will give the new vessel its own distinct identity and stir memories of a poet who is held in high esteem by so many, in Ireland and abroad,” says Irish Ferries’ head of passenger sales Dermot Merrigan. The WB Yeats will have space for 1,885 passengers and crew, 1,200 cars and 440 cabins including luxury suites with private balconies. Other facilities will include a Club Class lounge with direct passenger access from the car decks, á la carte and self-service restaurants, cinema, shopping mall, choice of bars and lounges and dedicated facilities for pets. The new vessel is expected to sail on Dublin/ Holyhead and Ireland/France routes from midsummer 2018. www.irishferries.com

coachtourismprofessional.co.uk   61

Attractions

Tourist boards claim £872 million boost for national tourism

N

ational tourism agency VisitBritain/ VisitEngland claims that its activities generated an extra £872million in visitor spending across the UK in the last year. The figures, announced at its 2016-17 annual review, follow strong growth from inbound tourism. From January to July this year there were a record 23.1 million overseas visits to the UK, up 8 per cent on the same period last year with visitors spending £13.3billion, up 9 per cent. VisitBritain is forecasting that overseas visits to the UK will increase 6 per cent to 39.7 million in 2017, with spending up 14 per cent to £25.7billion by the end of this calendar year. And from January to June this year, domestic overnight holidays in England rose 7 per cent to a record 20.4 million with visitors spending £4.6billion, up 17 per cent and also a record. “Tourism contributes billions to the UK economy,

supports millions of jobs and is the lifeblood for many communities across the country,” says UK minister for tourism John Glen. "Internationally we are performing strongly in a hugely competitive market and I will continue to work closely with the sector to maintain growth, get the best possible deal as we exit the EU and retain the UK's position as the must-visit destination." British Tourist Authority chairman Steve Ridgway adds: “Tourism is an economic powerhouse, worth £127billion annually to the economy and a job creator right across Britain. Two and a half times bigger than the automotive industry, employing three million, tourism is one of our most successful exports and needs no trade deals to compete globally. “We must continue to invest in developing worldclass tourism products, getting Britain on the wishlist of international and domestic travellers. And we must make it easy for visitors to make that trip.” www.visitbritain.org

VisitEngland targets young people with social media campaign

V

isitEngland is investing £2.5million in a social media campaign targeted at young people. Aiming to promote short breaks in the UK, the campaign features films by so-called social media influencers, Canadian ‘Hey Nadine’ and Alex ‘FrenchGuyCooking’, covering inspirational trips in Bristol and Northern Ireland. The films are running on social media as well as being promoted by the influencers themselves and will be hosted on VisitEngland’s bespoke online hub at www. visitbritain.com/jointheworld. The organisation says that 16-to-34 year olds took almost 1.4 million fewer holidays at home last year compared to a decade ago. The campaign targets the ‘lost generation’ using overseas media influencers and travellers to showcase to their peers the experiences that can only be had on a holiday at home in the UK. It aims to encourage

62  coachtourismprofessional.co.uk

that younger audience to develop the habit of holidaying at home. “These influencer films showcase some of the places and activities that millennials enjoy in the UK,” says VisitBritain/VisitEngland marketing director Clare Mullin. “We hope they will set young people off on a voyage of discovery, uncovering the diversity and quality of activities on offer across the country. The aim is to inspire them to book a shortbreak, boosting seasonal tourism and spreading the economic benefits across the UK.” The campaign and hub also feature experiences in London and Yorkshire in England, Belfast and other locations in Northern Ireland, Glasgow in Scotland and Elan Valley in Wales through the eyes of international travellers. The content is being promoted across digital and social media channels Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. www.visitbritain.org

November 2017

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Helping to make a difference. If need, hardship or distress should arise, TBF is here to support its members, helping them to keep the wheels of the public transport industry turning. A wide range of financial, health and welfare benefits for those working in the public transport industry, helping to improve members’ work-life balance and reduce staff turnover for the employer.

It costs just £1 a week Covering the member, their partner and dependent children.

0300 333 2000 www.tbf.org.uk Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, known as TBF, is a registered charity in England and Wales, 1160901, and Scotland, SC047016.