First Bus has promoted Paul Townley to the newly created role of General Manager of its Rochdale business. The appointment comes as the bus operator continues preparations to begin running services in Greater Manchester’s franchised Bee Network from March next year. Paul takes up his new position from the beginning of November and will report […]
A survey has found 95% of demand responsive transport (DRT) services are running at a loss. Councils are warning that demand responsive transport (DRT) services are not a substitute for government investment in traditional bus services. A survey by the County Councils Network (CCN) says three in four local authorities are introducing DRT to fill […]
As a public consultation opens on the future of bus services in West Yorkshire, bus operators from across the region have revealed a dynamic new plan for bus reform. And they are confident it meets the ambitions of the local Mayor, Tracy Brabin. The move comes as WYCA began a public consultation on franchising the […]
Volvo Buses has signed an agreement with Sunsundegui to manufacture its Volvo 9700 and Volvo 9900 bodies under license. Production is expected to commence in 2024, with the first buses hitting the European market in 2025. The agreement, which was signed at Sunsundegui’s headquarters in Navarre, Spain, follows Volvo’s announcement earlier this year that it […]
REL Capital has bought a 100% shareholding of Rainham Coach Company. The investment business has also agreed a new £4m facility for further acquisitions. Rainham Coach Company has been established for over 25 years and operates a number of contracts alongside its private hire and tour work. It operates a modern fleet of Mercedes-Benz vehicles […]
A report has concluded that Glasgow should be the first Scottish city to enact bus franchising. Entitled ‘Miles better: Improving public transport in the Glasgow city region’, the report was published by Centre for Cities, an independent research organisation aiming to improving the economies of the UK’s largest cities and towns. It was released in […]
A disagreement has erupted between the owners of McGill’s Buses and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, over franchising. The owner of Scotland’s biggest private bus company has criticised the Mayor’s offer to advise the Scottish Government on bus privatisation. However, the Mayor’s office hit back by claiming there are benefits to franchising that […]
Views from operators and other organisations involved in zero-emissions coaches are being sought by the DfT. The government body’s call for evidence is aimed at supporting the development of a zero-emission coach and HGV infrastructure strategy for the UK, as well as to inform future decision-making about zero emission HGVs and coaches. It also sets […]