driving towards a greener future retro˜t ive for olvo 9r · integral order for kmb in hong kong....
TRANSCRIPT
driving towards a greener future
Issue 38925 January 2019
Retrofit live for Volvo B9R
Live
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[email protected] or 00353 872 42 62 [email protected] or 00353 857 41 43 13
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DVSA/VOSA COMPLIANT
comment
3January 2019
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THIS MONTH, we introduce a new Greenbusandcoach section to the print magazine, and at the same time, our website busandcoach.com has become greenbusandcoach.com. Both of these developments are an explicit statement of our intention to focus heavily on environmental fac-tors in our reporting of the sector.
For as long as I can remember, the bus and coach industry has tried to assert its environmental credentials as a key component of the public transport sector. Historically it relied principally on carrying capacity to make the case - one bus (if full) takes 70 odd cars off the road. The bus industry has also been a leader compared to some automotive sectors, particularly in hybrid vehicles, with support from successive Green Bus Funds in England, Wales and Scotland.
But the world has moved on and we are now in a much more challeng-ing time with growing pressure for businesses to demonstrate they are addressing the problems of climate change and air pollution.
I don’t underestimate the scale or the cost that is involved in trans-forming businesses to a low-carbon low-pollution future. Indeed, we have covered the challenge of achieving Euro 6-level emissions in recent months, and that is just the very start of the journey. But the future health and prosperity of bus and coach operators may to a large degree depend on how well they can manage this transition.
There are of course still some who doubt that we can or should take note of the mass of scientific evidence on climate change: What’s the problem with a couple of degrees extra warming? they say.
Well, just for them, a simple fact: the difference between average global temperatures today and the last ice age was around 5 degrees Celsius; so when the vast majority of scientific opinion is urging us to keep to 1.5 or 2 degrees warming by 2100, we should act, quickly.
Uncovering the industry’s green shoots
Bus and Coach Professional is published by Plum Publishing Ltd
EditorialSteve [email protected] [email protected]
Production Nigel Greenaway
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4 January 2019
contents
05-12 newsManchester operators propose £100million investment to stave off franchising plans.
05-12 newsPlaxton becomes first to offer approved Euro 6 retrofit solution.
13-15 internationalWrightbus wins first integral order for KMB in Hong Kong.
13-15 internationalFlixBus trials e-paper bus stops in Heidelberg.
16-22 greenbusEnvironmental award for Scottish Leather.
16-22 greenbusVolvo backs initiative to re-use electric bus batteries in housing project.
23-24 peopleCoach tour sector mourns loss of CTA CEO Chris Wales.
25-26 diaryMemorial stone restored at former Yelloway Coaches base.
27-28 productAllison promotes switch to xFE transmission.
30-34 tyres & wheelsEnvironmental managementis becoming a key priority indeciding on tyre partners.
35-38 who buys whatFour new Volvo coaches forTranslink.
42-46 tourismKent sees increase of visitor numbers to 65 million.
news
5January 2019
Looking to lease a coach or bus?For good advice and a great deal call:
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Manchester operators propose £100million investment to stave off franchising plansGR EATER Manchester’s bus operators have made a pre-emp-tive strike in the battle for hearts and minds as the region’s mayor Andy Burnham considers bus franchising plans. Under the OneBus umbrella, the consortium of 18 operators have proposed a partnership which they value at £100million involving 450 new buses over the next three years with a third delivered in 2020.
The operators’ plans also calls a two-year price freeze on multi-operator bus fares, and an action plan for Transport for Greater Manchester and other agencies to tackle congestion hotspots, speed up journeys and cut gridlock. The operators have also conceded one of Burnham’s possible demands, the idea of a single unified brand identity for all bus services, albeit with individual operator buses identifiable as part of the partnership.
On congestion, the operators claim that it is already negatively impacting on bus punctuality, costs and fares, while also dam-aging public confidence in buses, and they point out that more than
Gary Nolan, OneBus.
a third of the vehi-cles are diesel cars, contributing to the growing air quality crisis.
“Buses are cen-tral to the future of Greater Manches-ter and this positive package of proposals can make a real dif-ference to tackling the biggest cha l-lenges facing our communities: road congestion and air quality,” says Gary Nolan, chief execu-tive, OneBus. “Build-ing on the significant investment already made by operators, there is a window of opportunity for everyone to work together to deliver a revolution in the region’s bus network that puts customers first and offers excel-lent value for both passengers and public investment.
“Franchising is being presented as a zero cost guaranteed route to better bus services, but this is
a myth. The major investments we are proposing can be delivered far quicker through a partnership approach and without the risk and extra cost under any alterna-tive model.”
www.one-bus.co.uk
news
January 20196
Combined authority backs Bus Alliance in West YorkshireTHE West Yorkshire Com-bined Authority transport committee has backed a new West Yorkshire Bus Alliance with bus compa-nies including Arriva, First and Transdev. WYCA says that the deal, which is tar-geting passenger growth of 25 per cent, will enable quicker journeys, easy-to-understand and affordable fares for people of all ages, more free wi-fi, better travel advice and journey plan-ning, and progress towards carbon-free services.
Running until 2021, the Alli-ance will be based on legal provisions recently introduced by the government for Volun-tary Partnership Agreements.
“Our overal l a im is to increase the number of people in West Yorkshire using local bus services, which helps reduce the environmental and economic costs of conges-tion,” says Kim Groves, chair of the West Yorkshire Com-bined Authority transpor t committee.
“This two-year Alliance will be an opportunity to imple-
ment measures that ensure stable, affordable, reliable and punctual services that people can rely on.”
Dwayne Wells, Arr iva head of commercial, adds: “As an alliance we have a huge target, which is to increase patronage by 25 per cent and our commit-ment, alongside other oper-ators and West Yorkshire Combined Authority will see both an increase in invest-ment in bus services and resources.
www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk
Jamie MacIntosh, ADL and James Thorpe, Eminox
Plaxton becomes first to offer approved Euro 6 retrofit solutionPLAXTON is now offering a retrofit solution for Volvo B9R Euro 5 coaches fol-lowing successful tr ials and formal approval of the Euro 6-standard aftertreat-ment system developed by Eminox.
“We’ve been working closely with Eminox, cur-rently the only approved supplier of a Clean Vehi-cle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme certified at Euro 6 for coaches, and we now have a bespoke solution,” says Jamie MacIntosh, used vehicle sales manager, Plax-ton. “While this project has been specifically about a bespoke system for the ADL Plaxton Elite body, Eminox’s approved B9R system has been developed to upgrade
other bodies such as the Leopard and Panther.”
Martin Dunleavy, general manager of used bus and coach sales, ADL, adds: “These trials have been an overwhelming success and we look forward to taking the product further. The outcome also represents a real boost for the second-hand coach mar-ket as many operators have been caught in a quandary about writing-off perfectly good coaches or investing in full-price new models. Now they have a meaningful, cost-efficient option.”
James Thorpe, UK sales manager, Eminox, says: “Our commitment to developing systems for the coach indus-try continues in 2019. We understand the demands from
the market and can provide a cost-efficient solution for operators to meet Euro6 emissions standards with ADL Plaxton.”
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news
January 20198
Yorkshire operator John Smith & Sons collapsesLONG-ESTABLISHED coach operator John Smith & Sons has ceased trading and the directors have appointed Mike Jenkins and David Broadbent of Begbies Traynor to assist with the wind-ing-up process. Founded in 1935 and based in Dalton near Thirsk, the 20-vehicle company oper-ated local and school bus services and coach hire around North Yorkshire.
The directors point to a “fiercely
competitive market, together with growing regulatory pressures,” as the reason for the company’s fail-ure. All 25 staff have been made redundant and a creditors meet-ing is scheduled for 13 February to formally begin the liquidation process.
“The decision to shut down John Smith & Sons has been very hard to make, the business is all we have known all our lives, as boys and men,” says director John
Smith. “I would like to thank all of the team, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of drivers and maintenance staff.
“The day we had to tell every-one was soul-destroying and the hardest thing any of us have had to do. The reception we received from the team was amazing and touched us all to the core, show-ing how highly they thought of us. I would like to wish them all the best in the future.”
Operator blames competition and growing regulation.
Watchdog raises alarm about falling London bus speedsDECLINING London bus speeds have been highlighted by Travel-Watch, London’s transport watch-dog following TfL’s admission in its latest business plan that bus speeds will decline further than they had previously anticipated.
“TfL’s latest business plan makes really depressing reading for Lon-don’s beleaguered bus passengers,” says London TravelWatch chair Arthur Leathley. “The previous business plan suggested that bus journey times would not recover
from their recent decline. This plan shows bus journey times getting even longer.
“Combine this with the cuts to services that are being consulted on and it is easy to see why bus passen-gers are abandoning their services. However, for many passengers there is not a choice and they will have to continue to use slow ser-vices and suffer the inconvenience.
“London TravelWatch has previ-ously demanded that TfL prioritise bus services on all the roads they
use. We are told that measures are being taken, but too little is happen-ing. We will be raising this issue at our board meeting in January with TfL managing director of surface transport Gareth Powell.”
The rolling average of bus speeds across London, as measured using TfL’s I-bus system, has declined from more than 9.6mph in 2013-14 to 9.2mph in 2018 and TfL’s latest business plan projects it will fall to around 9.0mph in 2022-23.
www.londontravelwatch.org.uk
9January 2019
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news
January 201910
Entries welcome for Bus Driver of the Year 2019ENTRIES will shortly be invited from operators for this year’s UK Bus Driver of the Year competition which will be held in Blackpool on 1 September.
The 2019 National Final will be the 53rd annual competition which was first run in 1967 as a local con-test in Coventry and subsequently grew into a national event.
Last year’s overall winner, and Bus Driver of the Year 2018, was Ian Field from Stagecoach East Scotland who headed 90 other drivers from major bus groups,
Joe Mackie, chairman, UK Bus Driver of the Year Association
m u n i c i p a l s a n d smaller operators.
“We are particu-larly keen to have more entries from all sectors of the indus-try as the National Final is a fantastic place for operators of all sizes to showcase their drivers’ skills and especially their commitment to excellent customer service,” says Joe Mackie, chairman, UK Bus Driver of the Year Association.
A poster for operators to encour-
age their drivers to enter will soon be available for download from the website.
www.bdoy.co.uk
Deadline approaching for £8million Scottish retrofit fundingTHE deadline for operators to bid for a share of the £7.89mil-lion Bus Emissions Abatement Retrofit (BEAR) phase 2 fund is fast-approaching. The first phase saw funding for 47 bus upgrades, and operators have until 1 March to submit their bids for the second tranche.
Eminox points out that its SCRT systems meet the require-ments stipulated by BEAR to upgrade buses and coaches to Euro 6 emissions standards, and was one of the first to be approved by the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS).
The funding will cover up to 60 per cent of the costs including equipment and installation, main-tenance and AdBlue, warranty for retrofitted equipment, telematics, and training and pre-installation work.
Eminox’s SCRT technology has already been used in upgrades of
ogy can be used to upgrade your vehicles and bring them up to the Euro 6 standards that will be required to enter many major cit-ies adopting clean air zones.”
www.eminox.com
more than 4,500 vehicles and it was part of the £86million Trans-port for London programme to upgrade 5,000 buses.
“This funding is a great oppor-tunity for operators to obtain financial assistance to future-proof their f leets,” says Carlos Vicente, retrofit sales director, Eminox. “Retrofit SCRT technol-
Eminox SCRT.
news
11January 2019
UTG promotes ‘transit oriented development’NEW housing developments should be planned with transport in mind to prevent car-based urban sprawl, according to a new report from the Urban Transport Group.
The report describes ‘tran-sit oriented development’ as a principle of putting public transport front and centre in new residential and commer-cial developments, with the aim of maximising access by public transport, encourag-ing walking and cycling, and minimising the need to own and use private cars.
The report, ‘The place to be: How transit oriented development can support good growth in the city regions’ says that if the UK is to avoid car-based urban sprawl and traffic conges-tion, then housing must be built close to quality public transport links. It points out that between 2015 and 2017 more than half (53 per cent) of the planning permissions for the 220,000 new homes within twelve of England’s city regions were more than 2km from a railway station, and only 20 per cent were within 800m.
UTG says that new schemes should be located near existing stations or transport hubs, on brown-field former industrial sites (many of which are often located on rail corridors or are indeed former rail indus-try sites), or at suburban locations with good access to rail stations.
The report also identifies associated benefits for local economies, air quality and car-bon emissions, social inclu-sion, employment and skills; health, and public transport patronage.
“Transit oriented develop-ments are an idea whose time has truly come,” says Tobyn Hughes, managing director, Nexus and chair, Urban Trans-port Group.
“This is because they have the potential to help meet the UK’s housing demand and reduce car-dependency and
urban sprawl, whilst con-tributing to a host of wider public policy goals for city regions.
“But if we are to embark on a new era of transit ori-ented developments, and realise the benefits they can bring, we must overcome a series of obstacles and barriers around the plan-ning and funding of these developments.”
www.urbantransportgroup.org/resources/types/reports/place-be-how-transit-oriented-development-
can-support-good-growth-city
Tobyn Hughes, Urban Transport Group chair.
newsnews
January 201912
INDUSTRY DATAMarket pricesOperator Price High Low
FirstGroup 91 120 76
Go-Ahead 1686 2004 1310
National Exp. 380 427 337Rotala 50 60 44
Stagecoach 150 185 124Closing prices on 15/01/19 plus 12 months high and low.
UK diesel price update pence per litreNorthern Ireland 129.4
Scotland 131.3
Wales 130.5
North 130.4
North West 131.0
Yorks & Humbs 130.5
West Midlands 130.6
East Midlands 130.9
East Anglia 131.7
South East 131.8
South West 131.3Average weekly fuel prices for the UK by region, December 2018. Source: AA
European diesel price update pence per litre equivalentAustria 109.6
Belgium 130.7
Czech Rep 113.9Denmark 120.5
Estonia 117.8Finland 132.1
France 128.1
Germany 116.8
Greece 123.0
Netherlands 116.7
Hungary 109.6
Ireland 118.5
Italy 131.3
Luxembourg 97.4
Malta 110.6
Norway 145.0
Poland 106.9
Portugal 117.8
Spain 104.6
Sweden 134.6
Switzerland 140.0European diesel pump price sample December 2018 Source: AA
Go-Ahead promotes active commutingGO-AHEAD Group is promoting an initiative to encourage com-muters to consider taking exercise for the first or last mile of their journeys to help many hit the rec-ommended healthy minimum of 10,000 steps per day.
In partnership with active travel specialists RunFriendly and the University of Leeds, Go-Ahead has published a study promoting the health benefits of active travel combined with public transport as an alternative to driving for all or part of daily commutes.
The promoters say that the ini-tiative could help both air quality as well as adult and child obesity and points out World Health Organisation advice that all adults either spend 30 minutes on a brisk walk or cycle, five days per week. A third of UK adults don’t meet this.
Of those who don’t, 38% of men, and 37% of women, say they don’t have enough leisure time.
“It’s a challenge, in a busy life, to find the time for exercise,” says Katy Taylor, Go-Ahead com-
mercial and customer experience director. “The first and last mile of a daily commute are an often overlooked opportunity.
“Heart disease and obesity are public health crises in this country.
“So, too, is air quality, which is worsened by traffic congestion. A small change in behaviour every day can deliver very substantial benefits over the course of a year.”
RunFriendly chief executive Scott Cain adds: “Many of us begin the new year full of good intentions, including to find time to get fit and live well. Yet such resolutions often don’t last. By contrast, our research with Go-Ahead gives evidence of what works, in ways that fit with busy lives. Being active in how we begin and end our daily commute - for example running or cycling to or from the station or from the sta-tion to work – can often save time rather than eating into it.”
www.go-ahead.comwww.futureoftravel.co.uk
www.runfriendly.com
Pelican wins approval for public sector purchasing frameworkYUTONG importer Pelican Engi-neering Group has been named as a supplier on the Crown Com-mercial Service’s RM6060 Vehi-cle Purchase framework which will enable public sector custom-ers to use the framework for the purchase of Yutong buses and coaches.
The framework agreement with CCS is for four years.
Yutong’s Ian Downie says: “The framework agreement was awarded after passing stringent
criteria from CCS, and we are absolutely delighted to be named as a supplier.”
www.pelicanyutong.co.uk
Bus and coach news from around the world international
13January 2019
First Wrightbus integral order for KMB
WRIGHTBUS International has won its first orders for inte-gral StreetDecks from Kowloon Motor Bus in Hong Kong with a batch of 50 alongside an order for 50 double-deck bodies buses on Volvo chassis.
The latest order, which will be delivered in autumn 2019, follows the earlier announce-ment in October for 150 Volvo/Wright double-decks.
All of the buses will be twin door and 10.65m long models with the twin-axle StreetDecks powered by a Euro VI six-cylin-der Daimler engine and Voith D854.6 gearbox with inte-gral retarder, while the Volvo/
Wrights batch will be three-axle and repeat the specification from the October order.
Wrights says this latest order brings the total number of units sold by the Ballymena manufac-turer to Hong Kong in the last two years to 584.
“The Asia Pacific market, in particular Hong Kong, is cur-rently proving to be extremely buoyant for us,” says John McLeister, group business and product development director. “These latest orders follow busi-ness concluded with KMB’s sister company, LongWin Bus, as well as, City Bus and Japanese tour bus operator, Hatobus.
“In recent years we’ve worked hard to establish the Wright-bus name and vehicles in the region and it is exciting to see this bearing fruit and our buses going into service in places like Hong Kong and Tokyo.
“We’re confident that opera-tors, drivers and passengers alike will be enjoying the many benefits these buses bring in terms of operational efficiency, reduced emissions and com-fort.”
As with the previous order, the latest units will be manufac-tured at Wrightbus’ new facility in Gracehill, Ballymena. www.wrightsgroup.com
Hong Kong
Wrightbus International wins two further orders from KMB in Hong Kong.
international Bus and coach news from around the world
14 January 2019
Belgium
Busworld Europe bigger than ever in BrusselsAFTER 24 shows in Kortrijk, Busworld is moving to Brus-sels in 2019 and the organisers say the October event will be its biggest yet with easier access for visitors and more hotel rooms available.
The exhibition, which takes
place at Brussels Expo from 18 to 23 October 2019, has expanded by around 50 per cent in net exhibi-tion space, compared to 2017, going from 40,000sq m to 60,000sq m.
A bigger surface, more exhibi-tors, more vehicles to look at, to touch, to sit in, to testdrive... visi-tors should prepare themselves for a significantly longer ride in Brus-sels Expo from 18 to 23 October 2019.
In conjunction with the Bus-
world exhibition, the Interna-tional Bus Conference will take place on site as a collaboration between UITP and Busworld Academy from 21 to 23 October.
Busworld started in 1971 and now has worldwide cover-age with satellite exhibitions in Russia, India, China, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Colombia and Tur-key. www.busworldeurope.orgwww.busconference.com
Germany
New e-paper trial for FlixBus.
FlixBus trials e-paper bus stops in Heidelberg
FLIXBUS is trialling solar powered e-paper bus stop technology in Heidelberg in partnership with special-ist supplier Papercast.
“We want to improve the overall experience at the bus stop and give customers accurate service informa-tion with live arrival times and updates on delays,” says Martin Mangiapia, FlixBus, DACH region. “We are looking for a solution that aligns with our mission to digitize mobility with smart, green technologies and we are very impressed with Papercast so far.
FlixBus has installed the Papercast 32” wireless interactive e-paper display in Heidelberg, as part of the trial.
“Papercast’s web-based management system is very easy to use, offering flexible display layouts that can show a lot of information in a simple format,” adds Mangiapia. “The high-resolution e-paper screen pro-vides crystal clear content and the interactive function lets the user choose their preferred language, essential for long-distance bus services in Europe”.
Papercast says that its e-paper, first launched in 2016, offers screen visibility even in direct sunlight in addition to wireless connectivity and low power consumption.www.papercast.com
Bus and coach news from around the world international
15January 2019
Sweden
VDL Bus & Coach is to deliver 59 Citeas LLE-127 to Transdev Sverige AB which will go into
Innovation Prize for Lion’s City G
MAN’S new gas-powered Lion’s City G has been awarded an innovation prize by the Ger-man gas industry backed by fed-eral minister of education and research Anja Karliczek.
The gas version of the new MAN city bus generation, which was premiered at the 2018 IAA Commercial Vehicle trade show in Hanover, features the new E18 engine series. Compared to its predecessor, the gas engine offers higher torque with lower displacement, making it more powerful and more compact, according to MAN.
“In order to be able to offer our customers state-of-the-art
technology in the future, we have applied our 75 years of exper-tise in gas drives to the develop-ment of a new engine,” says Rudi Kuchta, head of product & sales bus at MAN Truck & Bus. “MAN has been the market and technol-ogy leader in natural gas buses in Europe for many years. I am
therefore particularly pleased that it has been able to convince the jury tasked with choosing the winner of the German gas industry’s Innovation Prize with its outstanding economic efficiency and extremely low exhaust emissions.”
www.mantruckandbus.com
MAN wins recognition for new gas-powered bus.
Germany
Citeas ordered by Transdev Sverige
VDL Citeas LLE for Stockholm.
operation in June 2019 in north-ern sectors of Stockholm. And in June, VDL will also deliver
25 electric articulated Citeas for urban traffic in Umeå, in northern Sweden which will be operated by Umeå Kommun and Transdev Sverige with Västerbottens Iän.
“We are familiar with VDL’s high-quality public transport product range,” says Niclas Flo-din, technical and operational management director, Trans-dev Sverige. “The good experi-ences with the VDL Citea LLE in the Umeå concession, espe-cially regarding its low ‘Total Cost of Ownership’, also made us decide to choose VDL Bus & Coach again as our partner.”
The order is one of the larg-est that VDL Bus & Coach has received in Sweden. www.vdlbuscoach.se
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
16 January 2019
green
Luxembourg order for Irizar electric buses
LU X EMBOURG operator Voyages Simon has ordered six full-electric 12m Irizar ie buses, along with charging infrastruc-ture and including a mainte-nance and repair contract.
The Irizar ie buses have two doors and 40 seats, plus two folding seats and a wheelchair space with total capacity for 72 passengers. The vehicles have an operating range of 220km, according to Irizar, and are charged overnight with six chargers fitted with Combo – CCS2 connectors manufac-tured by the Irizar Group.
The vehicles will go into ser-vice on different routes in Lux-embourg and will be delivered in June 2019. With the latest order, Irizar claims it is becom-ing a leader in Luxembourg, with a total of 27 Irizar electric buses.
Voyages Emilie Weber pre-viously purchased 21 Irizar electric buses, seven of which are already fully in operation throughout Luxembourg.
www.irizar-emobility.com
BYD latest order to take its Luxembourg electric bus fleet to 27
Scottish Leather Group recognised at awards for commitment to sustainability
Warren Bowden, Scottish Leather Group.
SCOTTISH Leather Group was one ten businesses which received awards for demonstrating how they had challenged everyday working practices to embrace the environmental, economic and cultural benefits of increased sustainability.
The judges noted a number of the company’s initiatives and working practices, including a thermal energy plant which includes an oil recov-ery system, a reduction in carbon footprint by 90 per cent since 2003, and re-use of 40 per cent of waste water saving more than £140,000 per annum.
“We are proud to take our place amongst many excellent companies working hard to deliver a sustainable future,” says Warren Bowden, group sustainability director, Scottish Leather Group. “The awards are a fantastic way to find out about what other businesses are doing and share best practice amongst a like-minded community that too want to improve their operations while benefitting the environment and it is hoped that others are inspired to follow suit.”
Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the judging panel, adds: “The most successful businesses in the future will be those that are not just compliant, but which are also low carbon, low material use, low water use and low waste, and which see environmental excellence as an oppor-tunity. This is at the core of SEPA’s One Planet Prosperity regulatory strategy.”
www.scottishleathergroup.com
greenOUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
17January 2019
Electric VDL Citeas for Amsterdam operator GVB
AMSTERDAM public trans-port company GVB has agreed a deal with VDL Bus & Coach for delivery of 31 electric Cit-eas, with the option for 69 addi-tional electric buses. VDL Bus & Coach will also be responsible for implementation of the charging infrastructure. The 31 vehicles will be used for urban transport in Amsterdam, and is backed by Transport Region Amsterdam, and the municipality of Amster-dam.
“This is the first step towards making our bus f leet more sus-tainable,” says Alexandra van Huffelen, managing director, GVB. “I am proud that our first 31 electric buses from VDL will now be arriving. As an urban transport operator, taking this step means we are contributing to cleaner air in Amsterdam and
VDL to supply 31 electric buses to its home capital city.
the reduction of our own CO2 emissions. In the coming years we will replace our entire bus fleet, some 200 vehicles, with zero emission buses that we can use to transport our passengers comfort-ably and cleanly.”
VDL Groep president and chair-man Willem van der Leegte, adds: “We are very proud that through the delivery of our electric public transport buses we will contribute to further CO2 reduction in the city and thus a cleaner Amster-dam. GVB’s ambitions to pro-vide electric service are perfectly aligned with those of VDL to make a significant contribution to the electrification of bus transport in the Netherlands.
“It is, of course, especially pleas-ing to be supplying electric buses to our capital city. This renewed cooperation with GVB symbolises
the mutual trust between our organisations.”
From 2020 the electric Citeas will be in service on lines 15, 22 and 36, all starting and ending at Sloterdijk station. They will replace part of the current die-sel f leet. The 31 electric buses include nine Citeas SLF-120 Electric and 22 articulated Citeas SLFA-180 Electric.
The electric Citeas for GVB are equipped with a roof panto-graph and the articulated vehi-cles, the Citeas SLFA-180, will be equipped with a 288kWh battery system, and the Citeas SLF-120 will have a 216kWh battery pack. The buses will use seven rapid chargers at Sloterdijk station and during the night the batteries will be fully recharged with 31 slow chargers.
www.vdlbuscoach.com
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
18 January 2019
green
First BYD/ADL electrics delivered to StagecoachTHE BYD ADL partnership has delivered a further batch of electric buses with nine 10.8m vehicles to Stagecoach South for its Guildford park-and-ride services. The Enviro e200s for Guildford are built to the BYD ADL provincial spec, as shown at Euro Bus Expo in November, and are single-door 36-seat models.
The order represents the first BYD/ADL buses for Stagecoach Group.
In Guildford the nine electric buses will operate between three car parks and a leisure centre and the town centre, operating six days a week at frequencies of between 10 and 15 minutes.
“We are delighted to support Stagecoach South and Surrey County Council in their introduc-tion of clean, zero emission buses,” says Arthur Whiteside, ADL man-
aging director for UK sales. “With passenger-centric interiors and excellent onboard amenities, they will further enhance the attractive-ness of Guildford as a destination and place of employment in the regional economy.”
BYD UK country manager, Frank Thorpe, adds: “The entry into ser-vice of these vehicles means that our joint enterprise has now sup-
plied advanced electric buses to the majority of the major bus operat-ing groups in the UK and, as with all of our customers, we have been able to provide much more than the bus. Our knowhow has assisted in the provision of the necessary infrastructure, including BYD-built chargers.”
www.byd.comwww.alexander-dennis.com
BYD ADL delivers 9 electric buses to Stagecoach in Guildford.
First order for low-floor VDL Citea SLE ElectricVDL Bus & Coach has expanded its electric Citea range with Low Entry variants and Finnish public transport company Tammelundin Liikenne Oy was the first customer to place an order, taking two VDL Citeas SLE-129 Electric.
The vehicles will be delivered in August 2019 for service on lines 90 and 96 in the Vuosaari region of Helsinki, replacing diesel buses.
“As a public transport company we believe it is important that we do our part to make Helsinki a sustainable city,” says Launo Elers, managing director, Tammelundin Liikenne Oy. “It makes us proud to be the first public transport com-pany in Finland to purchase electric buses on a commercial basis and to do so in collaboration with VDL Bus & Coach.”
The Citea Electric Low Entry vehicle has a length of 12.9m, and has a 40+3 seating configu-ration with passenger capacity of approximately 80 passengers. The Citeas SLE-129 Electric for Tam-melundin Liikenne are equipped with the latest 216kWh battery pack. During the day the buses will be used for short distances of 2km and 5km and recharged at the metro station in Vuosaari. In the evening, the buses run on different routes over distances of 17km and 19km and are recharged at Hel-sinki central station. The buses are topped up during operation with a roof-mounted pantograph with a power transfer capacity of 300kW. When out of service, the vehicles are slow-charged with 50kW depot chargers using a CCS plug at the Tammelundin Liikenne depot.
www.vdlbuscoach.com Citeas SLE-129 Electric for Tammelundin Liikenne Oy.
greenOUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
19January 2019
BYD contract wins in Latin AmericaBYD has won a series of key orders in Latin America with electric buses for Brazil, Columbia and Chile.
Brazil’s largest city of São Paulo has received its first delivery of electric BYD buses as part of a zero emissions pilot project. The project involves generating clean energy at a solar farm that uses BYD’s locally-produced solar panels. The first 15 D9W buses have been delivered and promise a range of 250km with passenger capacity of 80 including a wheel-chair space.
In Columbia, BYD won a bid to provide the city of Medellín with 64 electric buses, which will be the largest fleet of electric buses in the country, and the second-largest electric f leet in Latin America.
BYD competed with three other electric bus manufacturers for the tender with local BRT opera-tor Metroplús. BYD’s 12.5m K9G electric buses will be delivered in the second-half of 2019.
“We will turn Medellín into the capital of electric mobility in Latin America,” says mayor Fed-erico Gutiérrez. “We are working together with the rest of the C40 cities to battle climate change.”
And the Chilean government held a ceremony last month to mark the arrival of 100 BYD K9FE electric buses in capital city San-tiago.
The fleet of 100 K9FE buses are equipped with BYD’s latest battery technology, with a single charge offering more than 250km operat-ing range.
Sebastián Piñera, president of Chile, describes the move as “Third Millennium Transport” which will improve the quality of life for all Chileans.
“We are the first generation to feel the effects of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it,” says Piñera.
BYD country manager, Chile, Tamara Berríos, adds, “BYD is proud of being part of this histori-cal moment for Chile.
“This positions Santiago as a leader in sustainable cities in Latin America.”
BYD electric buses have been operating elsewhere in Chile since 2016 and two vehicles delivered in November 2017 have now covered more than 100,000 km.
www.byd.com
Leading transport industry lawyersADVISING ON LEGAL ISSUES RELATING TO:
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
20 January 2019
green
New report to claim significant potential for biogas
THE World Biogas Association claims that biogas “has enor-mous growth potential and can reduce global emissions by 20 per cent”.
A new report on the global market potential of biogas will be launched by the group at the inaugural World Biogas Summit 2019 in July.
The report will set out the potential for growth in biogas markets in different regions across the world and on a global scale, and will build on a series of existing WBA reports, some focused on biogas markets in particular countries and others on the contribution that biogas can make to meeting specific policy goals such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Develop-ment Goals, improving urban air quality, mitigating climate change, and tackling food waste.
“If rolled out on a large scale,
WBA presents report to mayor of Rotterdam.
biogas technologies can reduce global emissions by a staggering 20 per cent,” says WBA president David Newman, “a huge contribu-tion to tackling the urgent chal-lenge of climate change. There is enormous growth potential for these technologies right around the world, particularly in coun-tries with poor existing facilities for managing wastes such as ined-ible food, sewage, and manures.
“This exciting new report will be the first to offer a global overview of the growth poten-tial for biogas markets, as well as focusing on specific regions. We want this to be the go-to guide for investors, governments, and policymakers looking to reap the many economic and environmen-tal benefits of biogas around the world.”
The World Biogas Summit 2019 takes place on 3-4 July at the NEC in Birmingham, and is co-
organised by WBA and the UK Anaerobic Digestion & Biore-sources Association and will be co-located with UK AD & World Biogas Expo 2019.
ADBA chief executive Char-lotte Morton, adds: “We’re hugely excited about both the Summit and the Expo, which will offer those working in the UK AD industry the perfect opportunity to network with and learn from others from around the world to discover the latest products, services, and expertise that can help to drive the growth of AD in the UK.”
The WBA is also hosting a reception at the House of Com-mons in London on 18 February bringing together WBA mem-bers, ambassadors, and trade officials to attract global interest in the benefits of AD and biogas.
www.worldbiogasassociation.org
greenOUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
21January 2019
BYD delivers first ever electric bus to HungaryBYD has delivered its first electric bus to the Hungar-ian market with a 12m ebus for northern city Salgótarján. The first Hungarian order fol-lows ebus orders in two other new European markets, Por-tugal and Denmark. BYD says it has confirmed sales of more than 600 ebuses in 12 European countries and claims to be the number one supplier of electric buses in Europe.
The bus for Salgótarján was built in BYD’s electric bus plant in Komarom, Hungary, which has been running since April 2017 and has already delivered bus f leets to the Netherlands and Sweden, and is now pro-ducing buses for Brussels Air-port Company and has also started production of electric bus chassis for UK deliveries.
“One of the key objectives of the ministry’s new bus strategy - which is now on the table of the government - is to achieve a newer vehicle fleet, to provide lower air pollution, which is most easily achieved with new, state-of-the-art vehicles,” says Gyula Pomázi, deputy state secretary, Hungary.
www.byd.com
Salgótarján takes its first electric bus
Electric bus batteries to store solar energy in Swedish project
VOLVO is backing a research project for what is claimed to be Europe’s first energy warehouse using electric bus batteries from its demonstra-tion electric bus route 55 in Gothenburg, Sweden, The project involves Volvo Buses, Göteborg Energi, Riksbyggen and Johanneberg Science Park working together to examine electricity storage in apartment blocks that have their own electricity production via solar panels.
The reuse and recycling of batteries is a key issue, according to the group, as increasing numbers of cities transition to electrically powered transport. Volvo Buses is supplying its used electric bus batteries for a second life as solar energy storage units. The research is taking place in Riksbyggen’s Viva new housing cooperative in Gothenburg, an apart-ment complex that aims to be Sweden’s most innovative and sustainable housing project – Positive Footprint Housing.
The energy warehouse is used to cut the property’s power consump-tion peaks, and to store or sell surplus solar energy. It can also be used to buy and store electricity from the national grid when it is cheap and green, for later use.
“We know that electric bus batteries have good potential for other applications such as energy storage after the end of their life in public transport,” says Ylva Olofsson, project coordinator, Volvo. “What we are examining here is exactly how good that potential is. Use of the batter-ies in an energy warehouse gives them an extended service life which in turn means better resource utilisation and less environmental impact.
“Here at Volvo we are examining various possibilities for the reuse of bus batteries for energy storage, and Viva is one such example.”
The battery warehouse consists of 14 used lithium-ion electric bus batteries which are installed in a battery chamber and linked together to create a 200kWh storage pack.
www.volvobuses.com
Ylva Olofsson, Volvo.
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
22 January 2019
green
Mercedes-Benz eCitaros delivered ready for operation in Heidelberg and Mannheim
THREE full-electric eCitaros are to go into service this month with Heidelberg and Mannheim oper-ator Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr (rnv). The first eCitaro bus service in Heidelberg runs from the main rail station via Seegarten to the Karlsplatz and then to Altstadt commuter rail station, while one of Mannheim’s electric bus routes runs from Käfertal train station via Wasserwerkstraße to the Franklin district, a new district where members of the US armed forces used to live, and the second from the Platz der Freundschaft to the new Taylor industrial estate, which also once belonged to the US armed forces. One eCitaro will be in operation on each route.
“The eCitaro is redefining con-ventionally driven bus transpor-tation and is for us the symbol for future-oriented local public transport. A holistic approach
is very important to us,” says Till Oberwörder, head of Daimler Buses. “That is why we have put together a comprehensive package comprising the vehicle, charging management and consultation with which we are supporting the com-pany in its endeavour to electrify its buses.”
The target range for the eCitaros is more than 200km, according to Daimler, with the buses utilising top-up charging during breaks in operation, which necessitates an additional eCitaro to cover the operation in Heidelberg and Man-nheim. The eCitaros are fitted with the new ISO 15118 standard combi-2 charging plug and the charging unit has an output of up to 150kW.
Martin in der Beek, rnv techni-cal managing director, adds: “For us electromobility is the quintes-sence in modern, environmentally-
friendly and sustainable drive system technology.
“Our city trains have been serv-ing the local public transportation system electrically for more than 100 years. Now, we must do the same for buses. The eCitaro will give our buses a completely new face and will literally provide for better air in the area serviced by rnv.”
And Heidelberg mayor Eckart Würzner, says: “We are delighted that the eCitaro buses have arrived.
“At the end of January the first electric bus service in the region – our historic city service – can go into operation. This is an impor-tant step towards emission-free local transport and a climate-smart city. We hope that produc-tion of these buses will now really take off.”
www.daimler.com
New eCitaros delivered to rnv.
For all the latest vacancies visit – www.busandcoach.com people
23January 2019
Paul Sainthouse.
Sainthouse appointed as CILT(UK) presidentTHE Chartered Inst itute of Logistics and Transport in the UK has elected Paul Sainthouse, managing director, Dawson-group bus and coach, as its presi-dent for 2019, the centenary year for CILT.
“Our sectors face numerous challenges as well as opportuni-ties in this very rapidly evolving world,” says Sainthouse, “and I hope that CILT(UK), in its cen-tenary year, will continue to be recognised as an increasingly relevant organisation with an important part to play in uphold-ing professionalism, delivering thought leadership and support-ing its individual members per-sonal development.”
Sainthouse has spent more than 30 years with Dawson-group, joining as a management trainee in 1987, and since 2002 in his current role as managing director of the group’s bus and coach business.
Kev i n R icha rd son, ch ief executive, CILT(UK), adds: “At CILT, we recognise the need to raise standards and attract and develop the talent that will enable us to support the sectors that we represent. Paul’s parliamentary connections and active involve-ment in the profession make
him the right man to represent the Institute during our cente-nary year and positively promote CILT(UK) and the critical role of our sectors during what will be a challenging year for us all.”www.ciltuk.org.uk
Chris Gent appointed engineering director at First South Yorkshire
FIRST South Yorkshire has appointed Chris Gent as its new engineering director. Gent has joined the business from outside the bus industry after working for a global parcel distribution company for over 15 years where was responsible for more than 4,500 vehicles and ground sup-port equipment in the UK, Ire-land and Nordic countries.
Garry Birmingham, managing director, First South Yorkshire and former engineering direc-tor, says: “I’m delighted to have Chris join the team here in South Yorkshire. He brings with him a wealth of engineering experi-ence and a proven track record of leading strong and successful teams which consistently deliver a f leet that is safe, good looking, reliable and cost effective.”
Gent adds: “I’m really excited about joining First to embark on evolving the engineering talent and customer solution in South
Yorkshire. I originally applied for a position as an apprentice with South Yorkshire Travel when I was 16 and have since had a successful career within the truck industry and so you could say I’ve come full-circle.”www.firstgroup.com
New operations manager for First’s Bath depotROBERT Sanderson has been appointed operations manager at First West of England’s Bath depot. He has been promoted following two years as staff and operations manager at depots in Slough and Reading.
Sanderson originally joined First in September 2014 as a management trainee working in Glasgow, Portsmouth and South-ampton as well as Great Western Railway.
The Bath depot in the centre of the city at Bath Bus Station, is the base for 160 vehicles and 300 driv-ers that service the Bath network, including three park-and-ride ser-vices.
“This is a busy depot that covers both city centre and rural routes,” says Sanderson. “Combined with the city being a Unesco World Heritage site we have some inter-esting and, at times, unique chal-lenges in moving our customers around.”www.firstgroup.com
Robert Sanderson.
Chris Gent.
people For all the latest vacancies visit – www.busandcoach.com
24 January 2019
Obituary: Chris Wales
THE coach tour sector was shocked by the death of Chris Wales in December following a recurrence of a previous illness. Chris Wales had been chief execu-tive of the Coach Tourism Associa-tion since 2003, having been one of the original founding members of the then Coach Tourism Council 30 years previously. He spent most of his career in the ferry and cross-channel sector, including spells at Townsend Thoresen, Sealink/Stena Line, Wightlink and also Eurotunnel.
One of the great characters in coach tourism, Chris was known as a great host and presenter at countless CTA events.
There was standing room only at his funeral in Peterborough on 19 December as his many friends and colleagues joined his family to pay their respects to someone
Chris Wales.
Engineering manager Alan Richardson steps down at South Shields
ALAN Richardson, engineering manager, Stagecoach North East has retired from his role at the South Shields depot.
Richardson began his career in the bus industry in 1972, when he joined the Tyne and Wear PTE in Byker as an apprentice at the age of 16.
After completing a four-year apprenticeship, he started with the bus company as a fitter at the depot in South Shields in 1976.
He later joined the merchant navy as an engineer, and in 1982, moved overseas to work for a US company based in Siberia, before returning to the Byker depot, before transferring back to South Shields.www.stagecoachbus.co.uk
Distinctive Systems has been established for more than 35 years and is the world’s leading supplier of management software for coach, bus and tour operators. From our head office in the UK and national offices in the USA and Australia, we support our clients in the daily use of over 1,750 of our latest Microsoft SQL Server based systems.
Due to the continued rapid expansion of our business we have a vacancy for an installation, training and support specialist based at our UK head office in York.
The role will involve extensive travel throughout our entire home market area providing in-depth training in the use of our software. Additional duties will include leading classroom based training courses and assisting our support department in providing day-to-day support to our clients.
The successful applicant will have several years of experience in the coaching industry gained in an operational capacity. An in-depth knowledge of one or more of our software products would be highly advantageous. A strong general IT background in Microsoft Windows is essential, as are good communication skills and the ability to work on your own initiative.
We are offering a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Additional benefits will include a company car and private health care.
Installation, Training and Support Specialist
To apply please send a covering email and full CV to
Closing Date Friday 1st February 2019Closing Date: Friday 1st February 2019
for whom the term ‘unique’ was invented. Chris was a one-off who charmed and befriended all those he met. The funeral service and the gathering afterwards at his favourite local included some charming reminiscenses of his life with many ref lecting on the way that Chris had helped them along the way in their careers, as well as sometimes steering them astray!
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Alexander Pemberton’s Diary diary
25January 2019
Memorial to Yelloway Motor Services founder restored at original siteA memorial stone, originally placed in the wall of Yelloway Motor Services travel centre in 1969 is now back on permanent display at Rochdale borough coun-cil’s Number One Riverside, close to its original location.
To generations of Rochdale resi-dents, Yelloway Motor Services was synonymous with day trips, seaside excursions and summer holidays by coach. For decades the travel company ran a thriv-ing coach business from its town centre base in Weir Street, where Number One Riverside and the borough’s central library now stand.
The memorial stone was origi-nally laid in memory of the Yel-loway Motor Services founder Herbert Allen, by his son Hubert
The restored memorial stone in Rochdale.
who succeeded him as managing director in 1956. It was rescued by John Whitworth, a former Yello-way driver, during demolition of the site in the 1980s. After being in storage for several years it has now been restored and was officially unveiled by Joy Parker (nee Allen), daughter of Hubert Allen along with other members of his family and council leader Allen Brett.
“It is lovely to see the stone back on display and the family are very proud to see this piece of history live on,” says Parker. “I would like to thank the council for produc-ing the plinth and displaying the stone, and congratulations to Steve Buckley, Paul Blackburn and John Whitworth for helping to save and restore it.”
Council leader Allen Brett adds:
“Yelloway is a well-loved name in our local history, running thou-sands of trips to popular seaside resorts through their heyday in the 50s, 60s and 70s. I was very pleased to meet the family, remi-nisce about the old days and I am pleased this memorial stone is restored and back on display.”
www.rochdale.gov.uk
Stagecoach West celebrates 25 years of silver serviceSTAGECOACH West is celebrat-ing 25 years of providing bus services in the region with two silver-liveried double decks which will operate in Gloucester and Swindon.
Over the past 25 years, Stage-coach West has grown to 300 buses
covering Gloucestershire, Wilt-shire, south Herefordshire, south Gloucestershire and north Bristol.
“It has been an exciting 25 years for our company and during that time we have seen Stagecoach West grow and the level of service we provide our customers continue
to rise,” says Stage-coach West manag-ing director Rupert Cox. “We now oper-ate buses that are much more environ-mentally friendly. We have invested heavily in our latest f leet of Stagecoach Gold buses which cost £250,000 each and have the latest engine technology
which means a reduction in nitro-gen oxide emissions and other par-ticulates by 90 per cent compared to the buses they are replacing.
“We have introduced many other features on our buses for the comfort and convenience of our customers. These include low-f loor bus access for wheelchairs and buggies, smart card and con-tactless ticketing and real-time bus information.
“And we have added Wi-Fi and USB charging points to many of our buses because we recognise how important it is for our cus-tomers to keep in touch whilst they are on the go. Our company has been on an incredible jour-ney over the last 25 years but we eagerly look forward to the future.”
www.stagecoachbus.co.ukStagecoach West’s special livery to mark 25 years.
diary Alexander Pemberton’s Diary
26 January 2019
Nottingham City Transport supports Lost Words for Notts campaignNOTTINGHAM City Transport joined 115 other supporters in the “Lost Words for Notts” Campaign, designed to improve literacy in the city by providing an inspiring book to every school in Notting-ham and Nottinghamshire.
‘The Lost Words’ by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris aims to address the demise of com-mon countryside words in chil-dren’s dictionaries, such as adder, conker and dandelion.
By bringing these words back and using illustrations, children not only improve their literacy skills, but can be inspired by the wonderful wildlife and surround-ings around them, particularly at a time when there is so much focus on the environment.
Children from Heathfield Pri-
mary and Nursery School are the latest to receive their edition of “The Lost Words”, delivered to the school on one of NCT’s Bio-Gas buses.
Anthony Carver-Smith, NCT marketing manager says: “With the environment being such a topical issue at the moment, it is important to ensure children appreciate its importance and The Lost Words book is a fantastic way to achieve that, as well as improv-ing literacy in our city.”
Sandeep Mahal from Notting-ham UNESCO City of Literature adds: “We are immensely proud to be part of the Lost Words for Notts campaign, and delighted to see how the books are having such a wonderful effect on children. A love of nature, a love of words and
greater empathy towards the world are all important gifts to pass to our younger generations. The Lost Words for Nottingham has, with help from many people across the county, helped to do just that”.
www.nctx.co.uk
Children from Heathfield Primary School.
Go North East backs Bus Buddies schemeYOUNG people with special edu-cational needs and disabilities are being helped to live more inde-pendently thanks to the charity, Children North East with support from Go North East. Bus Buddies is a project pioneered by Children North East in the Gateshead area that has enabled 27 young people to use public transport in order
to get to school, college, work or access leisure activities.
Go North East has backed the initiative by donating free bus passes to some of those taking part and their support workers.
Kieran Lowery is a graduate of the Bus Buddies scheme. He was partnered with a Children North East support worker or
‘bus buddy’, who helped Kieran feel confident about travelling the 12-mile round trip from his home in Sunniside to Hill Top Specialist Arts College.
Kieran’s father, Wayne Lowery, said the free bus pass had saved the family around £100 a month in fares: “I’ve been really impressed with the Bus Buddies scheme. I thought Kieran might struggle to travel by himself, but he’s fine and that’s all down to his bus buddy, Rachel Wright, who worked with him over three months.”
Stephen King, commercial director at Go North East adds: “We want all our passengers to have a happy and safe experience, so we’re really pleased to hear how partnering with Children North East’s Bus Buddies scheme has allowed people like Kieran, to real-ise their independence.”
www.gonortheast.co.ukJeremy Cripps, Wayne Lowery, Stephen King and Kieran Lowery.
The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector product
27January 2019
GREYS of Ely says it has ‘raised the compliance bar’ since switching to TruTac for tachograph analysis and compliance-control software.
Greys operates a f leet of more than 30 modern coaches on a range of services and contract work, including excursions and day trips from the Witchford, Ely and Newmarket areas to destina-tions across the UK.
“Our family started the business in 1946,” explains managing direc-tor Richard Grey, “and from that time until this, we have constantly strived to bring our customers the very best in travel comfort and services. These days, it involves more than just providing the best in coach equipment; we also need to apply the latest vehicle manage-ment technology to ensure 100 per cent passenger well-being, f leet efficiency and compliance.”
Greys of Ely enhances compliance with TruTac software
TruTac analysis for Greys of Ely.
TruTac provides Greys of Ely with CPT TachoAnalysis, Tru-Time and TruLinks API for compliance management. The combined systems help manage digital and analogue tachograph analysis, driver monitoring and debriefing, infringements and working time, online compliance reporting, document storage and web-based, fully automated tools to ensure tight control across the operation.
“All of these come with online access and full visibility,” adds Grey, “which allows us immedi-ate access to real-time informa-tion concerning all aspects of the f leet. In turn, the system enables us to set our own KPIs and to benchmark ourselves against the nationally-recognised Earned Rec-ognition scheme - which we regard as the new, minimum standard.”
TruTime also keeps a close eye on Working Time Directive rules, including monitoring and recording clocking-in and start times to make sure that the per-mitted 15-minute interlude is not exceeded.
“Around 40 per cent of the busi-ness is focused on home-to-school work, so we have a complex mix of EU and domestic rules to man-age and adhere too, plus we use a mixture of analogue and digital tachographs across the fleet,” says Grey. “To keep the compliance bar raised as high as possible, we apply the most stringent checks and controls across every aspect of the operation and TruTac’s software makes this possible. We find them an easy company to work with and their high standards match those of our own.”www.trutac.co.uk
product The latest products and services for the bus and coach sector
28 January 2019
Upgrade options for fleets running Allison transmissions
ALLISON Transmission says that bus operators using its xFE-transmission with Fuel Sense 2.0 software are reporting significant fuel savings in real-life operation. It is urging operators of its fully automatic transmissions to switch and in the UK, is offering upgrade opportunity for any bus with an
Optare offers Allison’s xFE technology in its single-deck range
existing Allison T2100 Series transmission from ADL, Optare or Wrightbus.
In September 2018, Optare announced all its single-deck buses would be fitted with Alli-son’s xFE fuel saving technology. This followed the launch of the Optare Metrocity xFE midibus in
2016, which is Low Emission Bus (LEB) accredited.
Allison’s xFE transmissions incorporate optimised gear ratios, which, coupled with the FuelSense Max package, deliver more lock-up operation and operate at lower engine speeds in higher ranges for further fuel economy improve-ments.
Through a set of propri-etary software enhancements, FuelSense 2.0 uses DynActive Shifting to provide the bus with an infinitely variable combina-tion of shift points. Rather than relying on fixed points on a shift table, FuelSense 2.0 uses a learning algorithm to continuously find the ideal balance of fuel economy and performance for the duty cycle, helping bus fleets to operate more efficiently.
Advanced FuelSense 2.0 pack-ages include an improved Neu-tral at Stop feature and enhanced Acceleration Rate Management. www.allisontransmission.com
Cap choices for summer wear from ResultCLOTHING and workwear spe-cialist Result is offering a range of ‘Classic’ caps that provide protec-tion combined with style for the sunnier months ahead.
The RC025X Pro Style Heavy Brushed Cotton Cap and RC025P Pro Style Heavy Brushed Cotton Cap with Sandwich Peak offer robust protection from the sum-mer sun. Both caps are made from 350g heavy brushed cotton drill and feature six panels, a full pro-file, pre-curved peak, laminated cotton support backing to front panels, pre-curved peak with 8 stitch lines, stitched eyelets and fabric size adjuster with antique brass buckle. The RC025P features
a contrasting colour sandwich peak.
Also in its corporate wear range is the RC091X Memphis Brushed Cotton Low Profile with Sandwich Peak Cap. This classic looking six-panel cotton cap features a low profile, stitched eyelets, supported
front panels, removable card upstand, tear release size adjuster and a pre-curved peak. It is suit-able for embroidery and is avail-able in black/red, navy/white and royal/white.www.resultheadwear.com
RC025X Pro Style Heavy Brushed
Cotton Cap.
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Tyres & Wheels
January 201930
Environmental management is becoming a key priority for operators in deciding on tyre partners.Steve Banner reports
Green tyre contracting
WINNING a major contract with one of the UK's largest bus fleets is not necessarily all about price; although price clearly matters.
Other factors enter into the equation, not the least
of them being the environmental credentials of the supplier concerned. No responsible, high-profile, operator will want to forge links with a business that has a cavalier attitude towards waste disposal;
especially if the business' conduct is likely to result in a prosecution, a conviction and a hefty fine.
There is such a thing as guilt by association.Instead, the operator is more likely to want to
know how a prospective supplier will help it burnish its own green credentials and reduce its impact on the environment.
Michelin's green policies have clearly met with Go-Ahead's approval, and that is a key reason why
continued page 31 ➜
Tyres & Wheels
31January 2019
continued page 32 ➜
it has just extended its 21-year relationship with the global tyre giant.
The tyre maker is highly-placed in Go-Ahead's latest sustainability ratings. They grade over 20 of its largest suppliers in terms of how they are helping the group shrink its carbon footprint, energy consumption and particulate emissions and increase its levels of recycling.
Where tyre manufacturers are concerned that means ensuring their products can be successfully retreaded and re-grooved and that the casings they use last as long as possible; and that they can be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner once they have reached the end of their working lives.
The price-per-mile agreement between Michelin and Go-Ahead covers some 95 per cent of the latter's 4,800 vehicles operating out of more than 50 depots. The former is managing the deal under the Effitires banner.
The Michelin X InCity tyres being fitted feature reinforced sidewalls to help protect them against kerbing and accidental damage.
The package is a financially-attractive one for Go-Ahead says group chief engineer (bus) Jim Collins.
"We regularly test the market to see if we are getting the best deal possible for our business," he observes. "Michelin continues to prove it is competitive on price and we have never had any doubts about the quality of its tyres."
They are certainly durable according to Salsburgh, North Lanarkshire-based Bruce's Coaches.
It trialled 315/80 R22.5 X MultiWay 3D XZE drive-axle tyres on Caetano Levante coaches on its 14-strong National Express fleet and they lasted for 380,000km. That is 130,000km ahead of the average 250,000km achieved by a competitor brand's premium product that was previously fitted.
Bruce's entire National Express fleet is now shod with Michelins.
Not that Michelin is having things all its own way. Last year saw Goodyear win a three-year
contract to supply Warrington's Own Buses with tyres. Formerly operating as Network Warrington, the 90-vehicle-plus Cheshire-based fleet is owned and run by Warrington Borough Council.
On the product development side, Goodyear has come up with Marathon Coach. It features an asymmetric tread design which should help address uneven wear and make high mileages more likely, says the company.
Bridgestone secured a five-year contract with Stagecoach that covers its 9,500 UK vehicles. They will increasingly be running on UAP-001 tyres supported by Bridgestone's Total Tyre Care management package.
"It's our biggest European fleet contract ever," says Bridgestone commercial sales director Greg Ward.
The package focuses among other things on ensuring tyre pressures are maintained at the correct levels and that tyres are not removed prematurely. Bridgestone's Bandag operation has a role to play, retreading casings to help Stagecoach achieve a lower cost per kilometre over the life of each tyre.
Bridgestone has set up a tyre technician training and accreditation centre at the sprawling Horiba Motor Industry Research Association complex just outside Nuneaton in Warwickshire.
Working with commercial vehicle wheel distributor MWheels, it has recently launched a wheel safety education programme for employees, customers and other interested parties using both classroom learning and hands-on experience on a
Tyres & Wheels
32 January 2019
custom-built rig. The course covers wheel design, construction, fitting and general maintenance as well as an understanding of the role of axles, nuts and threads.
MWheels has produced a white paper entitled Evaluating commercial vehicle wheel safety - how to keep safe and stay compliant which can be downloaded from its website (www.mwheels.co.uk). The firm reports that it is working with the Department for Transport on ways in which official inspection manuals can be enhanced to improve wheel safety.
The MWheels product portfolio includes Xlite and Xbrite forged aluminium wheels, for which it has exclusive European distribution rights.
The danger that a wheel will come off while a bus or coach is in motion and the calamity that could ensue is an area of concern for all responsible operators.
The risk can be mitigated by paying more attention to wheel maintenance - dirty or corroded mating surfaces mean that wheel nuts can soon work loose after being tightened - and the level of torque that is applied to the nuts.
Too high, and the studs can be fractured. Too low, and the nuts will loosen.
Recognising these dangers, Bridgestone has launched an app which gives the correct torque settings for a variety of vehicles, including buses and coaches.
While they are no substitute for proper maintenance and getting the torque values right - or for replacing wheels that are so bashed and battered that they should no longer be in service -
various devices are available that make wheel loss less likely.
Among them is Wheely-Safe, which can detect whether a wheel is working loose. A UK invention, it was about to become available at the time of writing and is being marketed worldwide through Michelin.
Straddling two nuts on a wheel, it is kept in place by a corrosion-resistant zinc-nickel-coated mild steel bracket. If the nuts begin to loosen then a switch opens and a radio signal is transmitted to a display in the cab to alert the driver to the danger. The batteries that power the signal should last for from three to five years before they need replacing.
Wheely-Safe can also monitor tyre pressures and signal an alert if a wheel hub or a brake's friction materials are starting to overheat. It can be integrated into an onboard telematics system so that a fleet manager can be alerted to any problem that has arisen; and take appropriate action.
Onboard TPMS - Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems - are attracting increasing attention, not just on safety grounds but because tyres that are either over- or under-inflated are liable to wear out prematurely.
Continental has launched a ContiConnect Live app which warns operators if there is a tyre pressure or temperature problem on any of their vehicles. It is also rolling out a depot-based monitoring package with a reader station which automatically checks tyre pressures and temperatures as buses and coaches enter and leave the premises.
The data gleaned is sent to the ContiConnect
continued page 34 ➜
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Tyres & Wheels
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web portal. Any make of tyre can be fitted with a ContiPressureCheck sensor.
Continental makes the point that under-inflating a tyre by 20 per cent can reduce its in-service life by around 18 per cent. Furthermore, the internal damage done by persistent under-inflation can render the casing unsuitable for retreading.
Automatically checking pressures as vehicles go in and out of a depot is not a new idea. Some time ago WheelRight developed a system that monitors pressure levels as a bus or coach drives over sensors, identifies any problem tyres and reports the information to the workshop.
Other leading tyre manufacturers offering onboard TPMS include Bridgestone, which has come up with FleetPulse. As well as a TPMS it includes a mobile Android app and a centralised cloud-based web site.
The app can be used for daily walk-around checks allowing information on any defects spotted plus tyre pressure data to be relayed to the site so that prompt action can be taken by management.
The bus and coach tyre market is not lacking in competition, with Michelin-owned BF Goodrich recently launching a range of tyres for 17.5in, 19.5in, and 22.5in fitments.
Hankook has developed the SmartTouring DL22. Intended for drive axles, it is said to provide useful additional traction in snow and carries M+S (Mud and Snow) and 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake) ratings.
One source of competition has been choked off however; the European Union has decided to slap tariffs on imports of low-cost heavy commercial
vehicle tyres from China amid accusations of dumping.
Operators who have selected some of the cheaper Chinese tyres that have been marketed bearing unfamiliar brands and made in obscure factories in the country's hinterland may have had cause to regret their decision. They do not last anywhere near as long as premium products and their casings are invariably rejected by retreaders.
Turning to tyre distributors and dealers, one of the most significant recent developments is ATS Euromaster's decision to merge its bus, coach, heavy truck and trailer operation with that of Eastleigh, Hants-based Tructyre. The Euromaster Group bought Tructyre in October 2017.
The merger creates the biggest British service provider specialising in the supply of tyres and related management services to heavy vehicle operators, says ATS Euromaster. Comments Tructyre founder and chief executive officer Glenn Sherwood: "We will also be in the unique position of having the only truly consistent national offering for local, regional and national heavy fleet customers."
The latest bus and coach deliveries who buys what
35January 2019
Lochs Motors takes new Panther for Isle of Lewis
Nine slimline Optare Solos for First Bath
FIRST West of England has taken delivery of nine new slimline Optare Solos for operations in Bath.
The 8.5m, slimline Optare Solos, which have 23 seats and feature seat-back USB charging points, will operate on city services, where their size and layout helps negotiate many narrow and difficult streets.
“Slimline Solos have operated on these routes for many years and capacity and compact nature make it ideal for navigating routes around Bath,” says James Freeman, manag-ing director, First West of England. “These new-look vehicles feature the latest Euro 6 clean diesel engine as part of our commitment to improve air quality around Bath and the new branding, design and features such as USB charging are designed to encourage people out of their cars and onto the bus, reducing conges-tion and improving air quality in Bath.”
Robert Drewery, Optare commercial director, adds: “The compact but high capacity nature of the slimline Solo make it perfect for navigating busy and narrow streets and we are delighted that First Bath have chosen this proven Optare bus once again.”www.optare.com
LOCHS Motor Transport, based on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, has introduced a new Plaxton Panther to its growing fleet. The 12.6m 53-seat coach has gone into service on its NL1 route in the north of the island.
The Panther has wood-effect f looring, auto-matic dimming lights in the saloon, gangway LED lighting, recliner seats with three-point belts, radio and DVD, PA system, eight-camera CCTV, GPS tracking, alloy wheels and a PLS lift at the front entrance.
“The new Panther will operate on service routes, school contracts, tours and private hires,” says director Roddy MacDonald, who runs the business with his sister Ann Smith. “It will also augment the sightseeing excursions we provide for cruise ship passengers arriving in Stornoway, who are keen to tour the Western Isles and the North of Scotland.
“Our relationship with Plaxton goes back many years and their vehicles
dominate our fleet. The great thing about the Pan-ther is its f lexibility. It has an outstanding track record and exemplifies everything we are trying to achieve in terms of providing stylish, quality vehicles that consistently perform well, and have both driver and passenger appeal.” www.alexander-dennis.com
who buys what The latest bus and coach deliveries
36 January 2019
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Four new Volvo coaches for Translink
NORTHERN Ireland operator Translink has taken delivery of two new integral Volvo B11R 9700s and two B11R JHV2 coaches as the latest additions to its 1,400 strong f leet.
The company is a long-established Volvo customer and these coaches follow the pur-chase of 23 B5TL double-deck buses in 2017 and 45 B5TLs in 2014.
“We are pleased to once again work in part-nership with Volvo for the supply of these new state-of-the-art coaches, which provide the latest standards in comfort and quality,” says Kay Sharkey, Translink travel centre manager. “The new Volvo 9700 coaches will be used for
international touring work to Europe while the B11R Jonckheere coaches will primarily be used for private hire; local tours and sports fixtures.
“As we already operate a sizeable number of Volvos in our f leet, we were already famil-iar with the build quality, dependability and impressive fuel economy. We also rely on the excellent service provided by our dealer, Den-nisons, thoughout Northern Ireland.”
The B11R 9700s are tri-axle 13m coaches and the B11R JHV2s are 12.57m two-axle vehicles. All have 53 seats and toilets.www.volvobus.co.uk
The latest bus and coach deliveries who buys what
37January 2019
New Plaxton Leopards for Gibson Direct
RENFREW based Gibson Direct, has added to its 50-strong fleet with the introduction of four new Plaxton Leopards.
Located near to the M8 motorway and with direct access to Scotland’s major cities, Gibson Direct provides transport for major events, con-ferences, corporate hire, contract services, airport transfers, tours and local authority work.
All four of the new Leopards are 12.2m 70-seat models on Volvo B8R chassis with I-Shift trans-mission. They have LED running lights, air-conditioning, audio and PA system, CCTV and reversing camera, three-point belts, driver sup-port systems and alloy wheels.
“We have a busy operation covering territo-ries across Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Helensburgh, Johnstone, Hamilton, Airdrie, Coatbridge, Cum-bernauld, East Kilbride, Livingstone and Dundee, so our drivers regularly encounter some of the busiest and most congested routes in the country,” says owner Robert Gibson. “That means we need vehicles that perform well, while also being pas-senger friendly and stylish, all of which projects a positive image of our company. The new Leopards meet that criteria and are a welcome addition to our fleet.” www.alexander-dennis.com
who buys what The latest bus and coach deliveries
38 January 2019
Swans VIP transport with top-of-the-range Plaxtons
SWANS Travel has introduced two new Plaxton Elite i coaches in time for the company’s 40th anniversary.
“As a family-run business we have come a long way in 40 years and continue to have one of the most modern f leets in the UK,” says managing director Kieran Swindells. “These latest vehicles are 13.8m B11R Euro6 models, converted to VIP Team specification by AD Coach Systems.
“They have a superb, ergonomically-designed interior with 42 passenger seats, 24 of which are positioned around a total of six tables, encourag-ing interaction between players and coaches on route to and from events. Both vehicles also have an eight-seat lounge and galley kitchen located
centrally.” The new coaches will operate from the com-
pany’s headquarters at Broadway Business Park, Manchester, and will be used on high profile team transfers and VIP events, including sporting occa-sions. Swans was recently awarded the team trans-port contract for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
“These are truly top-of-the-range coaches and are targeted at very specific, niche sectors, par-ticularly in the world of sport, where we already have an enviable reputation and aim to reinforce our credentials,” adds Swindlells. “The Elite i is the perfect vehicle with which to make a statement of intent.” www.alexander-dennis.com
ALSO AVAILABLE:• 2012 ADL E400 x 12 65/ 68 seats • 2010 Transit 15 seats • 2011 Streetlites TFL spec dual door• 2009 Scania Omnidekka 64 seats • 2008 Transit 17 seats • 2007 MAN Plaxton Centro 37 seats
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Tourism
York to share tourism best practice with Copenhagen
Visit York’s annual tourism conference, which takes place on 24 January at York Racecourse, is themed ‘Only in York’, reflecting the city’s tourism marketing campaign for 2019, and
one of its key speakers will outline a similar initiative in Copenhagen.
Headlining at the event is Wonderful Copenhagen director of development Signe Jungersted, who will share her city’s tourism strategy and how we’ve reached the “end of tourism as we know it”. Jungersted will focus on the theme of ‘localhood’ and her belief that today’s travellers want to connect with local people, local businesses and to discover more local stories.
“Our cities have much in common; a vibrant cultural scene, world-class museums and a strong local pride for what’s on our doorstep,” says Jungerstad. “The travel industry is entering an era of change and it’s time to welcome the new traveller. What people want more and more is to connect with a place, get to know the locals and their personal recommendations.”
Also speaking will be head of Visit York Paul Whiting who will reveal the latest local tourism data and reveal plans for marketing York in 2019.
“ We ’r e d e l i g h t e d Signe has agreed to share the success story of Copenhagen,” adds Whiting. “ In such a competitive marketplace York has to pull out all the stops to stand out from other destinations. Our aim is to inspire new audiences to visit York through innovative storytelling across all our communications channels.
“We need to inspire our visitors to do more, stay longer and crucially keep coming back. We’ll be making sure we maximise the potential to reach our ambition of creating a £1billion tourism sector by 2024.”
VisitBritain head of global PR and influencer marketing Emma Mead, is also speaking at the conference and will outline research which shows that more consumers make travel or buying decisions based on online recommendations by people with shared interests.
www.makeityork.com
Signe Jungersted, Wonderful Copenhagen
Visits from Japan to the UK expected to grow in 2019
Japanese tourism to the UK is expected to grow this year to its highest level since 2007, as the two countries continue to strengthen economic and cultural ties with VisitBritain predicting an increase of 9 per
cent on 2017 to a total of 270,000 visitors. And spending by Japanese visitors in the UK is
expected to reach £285million this year, up from £250million in 2017.
Japanese nationals will be able to use ePassport gates to enter the UK from summer 2019 as part of the government's plans for a new immigration system. ePassport gates, which are currently
available for British and EU nationals, are designed to provide a faster route through the border and allow eligible passengers to be processed quickly and securely.
Michael Ellis, UK tourism minister, says: “The UK and Japan have strong cultural, artistic and sporting ties and this is translating into increased visitor numbers to our shores. With thousands of Brits expected to travel to Japan for the Rugby World Cup this year and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, our continued close relationship will benefit both nations.”
www.visitbritain.org
January 2019 coachtourismprofessional.co.uk 43
Visitor economy
Kent’s tourism visitor numbers rise to 65 million
Kent’s visitor economy has increased by 7 per cent and topped £3.8billion for the first time, after welcoming a
record 65 million visitors in 2017. Research commissioned by
Visit Kent shows that there were 64,970,000 visitors to the county which is the third most-visited destination outside of London for foreign visitors.
Overnight visits from overseas to the county increased by 4 per cent with an 8 per cent increase in the number of nights stayed, and a 10 per cent increase in the spend.
Tourism jobs have also increased by 6.8 per cent to 76,828, and now account for 11 per cent of total employment across the county, according to Visit Kent.
“Tourism is the UK’s fastest growing service sector and these figures demonstrate the contribution which our vital industry makes to the economy of Kent,” says Visit Kent chief executive Deirdre Wells. “With our stunning countryside, world-class heritage, and delicious locally sourced food and drink, it is no surprise that visitors’ numbers are increasing. The collective efforts of tourism businesses across the county have paid dividends and this partnership will be critical in ensuring that this growth continues during a challenging year ahead.”
Using the Cambridge Economic Impact Model, the research measured the volume and value of tourism in the county in 2017, and the impact of visits and visitor expenditure on the local economy. Canterbury had the highest number of trips (7.8 million) and the highest visitor spend (£392million) in the county. Canterbury’s tourism employment now accounts for 16 per cent of the district’s total employment.
Thanet saw the highest increase in day visitor numbers in the county, rising by 9.9 per cent to 3.7
million. Over £319million was spent in the area as a result of tourism, an increase of 9.2 per cent on 2015. Thanet’s tourism employment now accounts for 19 per cent of the district’s total employment.
Other districts with strong increases included Tonbridge and Malling which saw a 10.1 per cent increase in the value of day trips, and Sevenoaks which had a 9 per cent rise in day trips.
Since 2006, the value of Kent’s tourism industry has risen by 33 per cent.
Kent county council leader Paul Carter adds: “The results from the 2017 survey commissioned by Visit Kent clearly show that the visitor economy is increasingly important to the county’s future prosperity”.
www.visitkent.co.uk
Kent county council leader Paul Carter and Visit Kent’s Deirdre Wells.
January 201944 coachtourismprofessional.co.uk
Tourism
New London coach group packages from Albatross
lbatross Travel is promoting new tours and attractions for coach groups visiting
London including a concert celebrating ABBA, the Mandela Exhibition and a tour of the Globe Theatre, all
packaged with overnight stays.ABBAPHONIC celebrates the music of ABBA
in a special concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Albert Hall on 29 May 2019, with West End stars Abbie Osman and Emma Kershaw providing vocals. The concert includes an overnight stay at a Holiday Inn hotel near to the venue.
Mandela – The Official Exhibition opens in London’s Leake Street from February until June 2019. Albatross Travel has organised a visit including entry tickets and an overnight stay at a central London hotel.
For Shakespeare fans there is A Midsummer Night’s Dream afternoon tea and guided tour of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on London’s
South Bank, including a stay at a nearby hotel.And for garden lovers there are itineraries
incorporating the Camellia Show at Chiswick House in February, Chelsea Flower Show in May and Hampton Court Flower Show in July, all with overnight stays at four-star London hotels.
Other new themed itineraries for groups include Eltham Palace and Gardens – childhood home of Henry VIII, now owned by English Heritage – featuring the Art Deco home and gardens, and Royal Ascot Day in June including entry to the race meeting and an overnight stay at a hotel nearby.
“London continues to be an important destination for us and we are pleased to be able to highlight new shows and attractions which are scheduled for 2019 and 2020 with these exciting itineraries,” says Denise Bridges, managing director, Albatross Travel.
www.albatrosstravel.com
Royal Ascot among new coach group offerings from Albatross Travel.
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January 2019 coachtourismprofessional.co.uk 45
Tours/Attractions
Edwards Coaches rebrands school tours operation
Edwards Coaches has rebranded its school tours operation from École School Tours to Edwards Education and Youth Tours and aims to widen its product portfolio with bespoke tours for
schools, youth organisations and sports teams. A new website will be launched in March.
The rebrand follows market research which showed that the Edwards brand had a stronger resonance with customers.
“We’re very excited to introduce our new brand to customers along with our wider range of products,” says Liz Lewis, education and youth tours manager. “The Edwards name has long held a large amount of gravitas in south Wales and
combined with the company’s commitment to youth education it only seems fitting to integrate into the wider brand.”
Jason Edwards, managing director, adds: “École has done excellent work over the past thirteen years with local schools and youth organisations and I very much look forward to seeing them grow with the rebrand. This is an opportunity to put them at the forefront of the industry and provide eye opening trips for kids all across south and south west Wales.”
www.edwardscoaches.co.uk
Emma Willis, Liz Lewis and Janet Welch-King, Edwards Education and Youth Tours.
January 201946 coachtourismprofessional.co.uk
Attractions
Tulip celebrations at Hever Castle & Gardens
Over 20,000 more tulip bulbs have been planted at Hever Castle in preparation for its third Tulip Celebrations event from 24 to 30 April 2019. Bulb master and
holder of 25 Chelsea gold medals, Johnny Walkers has helped to select the tulip varieties at Hever for 2019, with the aim of extending the flowering season from early April through to mid May. Twenty two different varieties of tulips have been planted.
Free daily tours with the gardeners are available during the week as well as tulip floral arrangements in the castle.
“To me tulips are one of my favourite bulbs, I like bright in-your-face colours and where do you find a bulb that has all the colours of the rainbow?,” says head gardener Neil Miller. “My favourite tulip is Queen of the Night, it is a deep, deep purple, the closest you would get to black. A fab new tulip we
have this year in the Italian Garden is called Inferno. It is an intense deep red with spring green coloured leaves and it flowers in April/May to a wonderful height of 45cm. We are planting it amongst deep blue pansies.”
In addition to the tulips, visitors to Hever Castle will also see a new development for 2019 as the attraction has opened up Park Wood which boasts a carpet of bluebells. This area of the grounds is usually closed to visitors but as soon as the bluebells bloom, the gates will be opened for visitors to take a magical walk through the woodland.
Other garden events planned for 2019 include Hever in Bloom, 25-30 June, and Autumn Colour from 1 October.
www.hevercastle.co.uk/groups
Photo: Hever Castle & Gardens.
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RRD02103-31 HoWC Coach Tourism Handbook 2019 170mm(w) x 245(h) V1.indd 1 08/01/2019 17:12
