Campaign for Better Transport has warned of ‘transport deserts’ in some rural and suburban areas. New research from the group reveals supported bus services have been hit hard by funding cuts with over 500 routes completely withdrawn or reduced across England and Wales in 2016/17. The study suggests that almost £30m has been cut from […]
First Scotland East/First Borders has agreed in principle to sell its operations in the Scottish Borders to West Coast Motors. The sale is expected to conclude on 25 March. The Galashiels depot, Peebles, Hawick and Kelso outstations, as well as all employees, are to transfer to West Coast Motors. The new owners will operate the […]
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Phillip Hammond MP, has delivered the country’s final Spring Budget. Although there was nothing in the Spring Budget announcement directly relating to the bus and coach industry, there was still plenty of interest, including significant investment in roads with more money to help cut congestion. Underpinning the Budget are forecasts by […]
National Express West Midlands has launched what it says is the UK’s first on-bus infotainment system. The National Express VUER (View, Unwind, Enjoy, Relax) app allows passengers to view films, TV, news and magazines online free of charge, as well as allowing them to access free Wi-Fi. The service is available on the operator’s X1 […]
Arriva Buses Wales has opened a new £3m depot in Rhyl, Denbighshire. The opening ceremony was attended by Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates. Having been 12 months in construction, the site features a solar ‘PV’ system generating electricity whenever the sun shines, LED lighting throughout the building (expected to enable […]
A new Minibus of the Year award has been announced by European International Bus & Coach of the Year Awards. The new accolade was made possible by an agreement with IFEMA, the organisation running the International Bus and Coach Trade Fair (FIAA) to be held on 23 to 26 May at the Feria de Madrid. […]
Chambers Coaches (Stevenage) Ltd has been acquired by Cambridge based Varsity Transport Holdings (VTH), a new parent company for Eclipse Coaches of Cambridge (ECL) and sister company Eclipse Tours, Holidays and Excursions (ETHEL). The development follows the decision by Directors, Martin Chambers and Debra Tidey, son and daughter of the company’s founder, Cyril Chambers, to […]
‘Another strong performance’ was recorded by National Express in the 12 months ending 31 December 2016, according to its latest financial results. Group revenue was £2.10bn during the period (2015: £1.75bn) a 10.6% increase. Group normalised operating profit was £219m (2015: £191.8m), representing a 4.8% rise. Its UK Coach business grew in 2016, delivering a […]