John Wales is in sparkling form, bristling with enthusiasm as the new(ish) Chair of the Coach Tourism Association. He’s familiar not only with the CTA but with just about every operator member, so although he intimates there’s a hint of trepidation I’m pretty sure he’s on home turf. He follows in the footsteps of Albatross […]
Gleaming in the November afternoon light, the glassy façade of the Palestra building where TfL’s offices are housed is, fittingly, in the centre of London’s transport network. Entering the impressive site, going through the security gates and taking the lift up, Claire Mann was waiting in a board room, away from the bustle of the […]
The last of EVM’s order for ArrivaClick demand-responsive vehicles has been delivered, and with it, the foundation of one of the most innovative developments in the modern history of the bus industry. I’m riding aboard that final ArrivaClick vehicle now, and pondering over much more than just the remarkable vehicle I’m aboard. And this Irish-built, […]
Peter confirmed the desire for change came from the ‘Big Five’; National Express, First, Go-Ahead, Arriva and Stagecoach. A proposed change in the restructure that Martin wanted to emphasise is the formulation of an External Relations unit. Four members of CPT staff are planned to work in this department. Martin said: “The idea with this […]
The coach ‘Stig’ – our anonymous test driver – summed up Temsa’s Safari HD12 coach at the end of the test: “I can just see drivers saying ‘At last. A proper coach.’ This is a driver’s machine.” Positioned at the budget end of the touring coach spectrum with a retail ticket of £215,000, that’s quite […]
On the eve of Euro Bus Expo 2018, Volvo’s new Bus & Coach Sales Centre in Coventry has opened for business. The £1.4 million investment, which has created a facility four times bigger, features a glass-fronted vehicle showroom, a dedicated handover area and upgraded meeting and presentation facilities. Just 20 minutes from Volvo Bus’ UK […]
Hunter’s Coaches’ lion-liveried vehicles have operated out of its home town of Daventry for 21 years now. Sitting down with its director, Ray Hunter, it is clear he is immensely proud of reaching this milestone year of operation. “It is quite a landmark,” he said. “What’s nice is the business hasn’t been handed down to […]
Next year Empress of Hastings will celebrate its 90th anniversary and during that time its familiar carmine and ivory vehicles have become as much a familiar sight in Hastings as the famous fishing net sheds on the beach. But, how has it survived so long? The word that sums it up is ‘adaptability’ – never […]