First Bus is to become a real Living Wage (RLW) employer from 1 April 2024. The move means that 1,300 colleagues across the UK will benefit from a rise in wages in line with the new commitment, bringing every employee to at least £12 per hour in pay rates. These colleagues are spread across the […]
From 1 February 2024 all Norfolk residents who hold a disabled concessionary travel pass will be eligible for free bus travel 24 hours a day, seven days a week when travelling within the county. The decision was made by Norfolk County Council. Previously concessionary pass holders with a disability were only able to travel for […]
Vehicle repower specialist Equipmake has doubled its fleet repowering agreement with Big Bus Tours. The development follows on from an initial contract with the sightseeing company that was announced in September 2023 to repower ten Ankai double-deck, open-top buses to electric power. The agreement has now been extended to a fleet of 20 vehicles. The […]
Berrys Coaches is the latest operator to join the Guild of British Coach Operators. The Taunton-based business has met the high standards needed in an audit to gain membership in the prestigious organisation. The Guild’s quality standards are wide-ranging and include the safe operation of coach hires and environmental awareness. “We’re thrilled to be part […]
Peter Carol Coaches, based in Bamfield, near Bristol, has ceased operations. The founders, Peter and Carol Collis, have decided to take late retirement. The business has been running for 60 years and had an operator’s licence for six vehicles. A statement on the operator’s website said: “We would like to extend sincere gratitude to all […]
A ‘last bus promise’ has been made for the first time in the West Midlands Bus Passenger Charter. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and bus operators have made a commitment to deliver a minimum standard of service under the Charter. It includes a ‘last bus promise’ under which passengers whose final bus of the day […]
Drivers taking passengers into Europe can be provided with a new Border Force checklist, which helps document their routine checks on their return. Migrants have been known to climb into crawl spaces under coaches and gain entry to lockers in order to get into the UK. The Border Force checklist HERE provides a handy list […]
Making its return this year is the IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge. Back for its 12th anniversary, the event is taking ‘Challenging the Status Quo’ as its theme this year, which IRTE says embodies its commitment to driving innovation, workforce excellence, and empowering the next generation of bus and coach technicians. The Skills Challenge […]