New drivers’ hours and rest time rules for European driving have been agreed by the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN). The amendments to the rules mean that coach tourism drivers can, in addition to the current rules, split their 45-minute break into two breaks of at least 15 minutes. On journeys that are […]
A report from UK economy think-tank Centre for Cities has suggested buses should be exempt from Wales’ recently introduced 20mph zone. The ‘Fare outcomes: understanding transport in Wales’ cities’ report also suggests better understanding what role bus franchising can play in different parts of Wales. The report from the Centre for Cities sets out the […]
A buyer is currently being sought for WN VTech Group, the parent company of Mellor and Treka Bus. The business is now formally in administration. Teneo has been appointed as the Group’s administrator and will continue to trade the businesses while it finds a solution. “…live discussions are currently underway with a number of interested […]
VDL Groep owner, Wim van der Leegte, has passed away. He died of natural causes at home in his hometown of Duizel on the night between 18 to 19 November 2023. He was 76 years old. A statement from the van der Leegte family said: “We are deeply saddened by this sudden loss. First of […]
Britain’s new bus, coach and minibus market grew by 130.6% in the third quarter of 2023 with 1,739 vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Operator demand more than doubled compared with the same quarter last year. The July to September period saw the greatest demand […]
Hitachi ZeroCarbon has entered a battery provision partnership with FirstGroup. The arrangement sees Hitachi provide batteries for First Bus’s expanding electric bus fleet. The partnership will see up to £10m cash investment each from Hitachi and FirstGroup, supporting the acquisition of 1,000 batteries. In addition, under the agreement, Hitachi ZeroCarbon will provide its world-leading Battery […]
Abellio has placed new orders for 80 electric buses with Wrightbus. The orders consist of 24 single-deck GB Kite Electroliners and 56 StreetDeck Electroliners for use in London. The buses are due to be rolled out across the capital in 2024. The new-look 2024 Kites come with a number of safety features to make them […]
Volvo Buses and bus body manufacturer Castrosua have formalised a strategic collaboration for the development, manufacture and commercialisation of urban buses in Spain. The final project will be the union of the Volvo BZL Electric chassis and the Nelec body designed by Castrosua. This agreement is intended to allow Volvo to continue the transformation of […]