Editor’s Blog

With today’s announcement (http://www.transportengineer.org.uk/transport-engineer-news/alexander-dennis-and-chinese-bus-maker-in-19m-collaboration/88030/) of a joint venture between Alexander Dennis and Chinese manufacturer BYD, the prospect of a mainstream fully electric bus seems to have taken a major step forward. Most commentators within the industry have for a long time felt that the market was heading in this direction and that the various incarnations […]

Cummins Darlington plant celebrated its 50th anniversary in July with an event attended by over 4,000 staff, retirees and families.  The family theme had something for everyone; from fun-fairs to pony rides and stunt bikes to factory tours and Cummins powered vehicles, old and new.  Backed up by features in the regional newspaper and displays […]

Recently, I was in north east Germany and experienced the transport systems of a number of cities. It is quite normal for drivers not to sell tickets, allowing them to concentrate on the safe carriage of their passengers. Those not already holding tickets and boarding where there is not a pavement ticket machine are directed […]

Jonathan Joplin’s surprise offer of a ticket to last Saturday’s Championship clash between Norwich City and Derby County saw me arrive at his Tittleshall yard at 12.20, by which time the first green and yellow scarves were already boarding one of Peelings’ Van Hool Alizee T9 Volvo B12Ms. Setting off we called at a succession […]

I’ve been travelling a lot this week, twice requiring three flights in one day, the prospect of which didn’t inspire me. The excitement I once felt at flying has evaporated over the years and, with the advent of mega security and budget airlines, it is now usually a chore. Sat here waiting for plane number […]

…and what have you done? Quite a bit actually, looking back over the year. Our Rob Orchard has recently cast his eye over the past 12 months to put together our usual annual review. To see what stood out the most for Rob in 2014 check out your latest issue of B&CB (issue 1308, 26 […]

I’m just back from Madrid where the FIAA show, completely dedicated to bus and coach, is always a worthwhile one. I had thought that with the problems the Spanish economy is facing, the big impact this has had on new registrations as well as losses from the ranks of the manufacturers, notably Tata Hispano, it […]

It is just a matter of days now till the industry descends on the NEC, Birmingham, to see for itself what Euro Bus Expo holds. As ever, the show is a great opportunity to see the latest vehicles and technology all in one place. By the way, if you want to know what is to […]