I have watched several episodes of BBC TV drama, Don’t Forget the Driver, but I am disappointed that it is a stereotypical view of the coach industry. It may make good comedy, but sets us back years. Enough said! To ensure we don’t forget the driver, I have been reviewing several school contracts coming up […]
Having established the basic headings of direct costs and overheads, it is now time to determine the amounts applicable to each, to build up a complete costing picture. Firstly, establish the core information Mileage (garage to garage) 55 miles per day Driver pay hours (right through) 07.30 to 16.30 (including sign on and sign off […]
It is important to break down the types of private hire and decide the best strategy to maximise profitability. I look at private hire, like this. Special occasion Individuals wanting occasional hire are not likely to be repeat customers, and they will have no idea how much it costs to hire a coach; therefore, they […]
With the direct costs calculated for the school contract example (B&CB 21 June), there now comes the thorny issue of the ‘overhead.’ This can mean different things to different people, and how much of the overhead should be charged to each individual job is not an exact science. You may recall, I regard overhead as […]
Click the image above to access our gallery of photos Dublin-based Harris Commercials is tilting for the midicoach sector, with a new vehicle, development of its Isuzu AOS Visigo and a re-engineered Higer Super 9. A dominant player in the Irish truck market for many years, Harris has moved into a new development sporting a […]
When it comes to transport, particularly mass public transport, the industry’s long-term vision should be shaped by embracing and supporting new, sustainable energy sources, says Luxfer Gas Cylinders. While diesel buses still have their place – if they meet Euro VI standards – other technologies have to be explored and considered. The Government’s ‘net zero […]
When Irish mini and midicoach builder Brian Noone announced at the back end of 2018 that they were intending to offer the 900S midicoach on a DAF chassis, I was keen to get my hands on one. Now, thanks to Steve Peck at UK distributors Midlands Bus and Coach Sales, I have. I have always […]
Despite the sloshing rain, it was tourists that flooded Buckingham Gate in London. The iconic British treasure that is Buckingham Palace draws a considerable number of visitors and not a small amount are whisked there by coach. That’s an encouraging sign for all involved in tourism, but coaching in London is, as readers may well […]