The UK’s new bus and coach market fell in every quarter of 2017, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Following a period of strong growth in 2015 and 2016, last year saw registrations decline by 12.7% to 7,666. Double-deck demand saw the biggest fall across the year, […]
The Department for Transport has begun its consultation over Section 19 permits – but has raised hackles of PSV operating licence holders The promised consultation on Section 19 and 22 has begun but has already come under fire from the Bus and Coach Association’s Martin Allen. The DfT promised a consultation process shortly after issuing […]
The UK’s new Clean Air Zones could be the biggest boost to buses for decades… or another example of politics which ignores the evidence. Delegates at the UK Bus Summit heard the arguments from both sides but everyone including new Transport Minister for buses, Nusrat Ghani MP, was in broad agreement that buses are the […]
In a forthcoming issue, Bus & Coach Buyer will be reporting on test stations – are they overloaded, or under-resourced? Having had a number of reports that operators are suffering delays in booking tests – some so lengthy, vehicles are laid up – we want to get a better picture of the situation, both nationally […]
“Official guidance on the implementation of Clean Air Zones directs local councils to target older, diesel buses as the top priority, followed by HGVs, then vans, with private cars only to be targeted as a last resort. “But with 41% of emissions from road transport coming from diesel cars and 30% from diesel vans – […]
Rotala has acquired Birmingham-based Central Buses. The company has taken the business’s entire bus business, bus brand and 31-strong fleet for a total cash consideration of £1.95m from CEN Group, the operation’s parent company. There will be no changes to the services or fleet. The current MD of Central Buses is Geoff Cross, who will […]
Eurolines (UK) has been wound up, and NatEx has forged new European links with French and Spanish companies National Express has wound up Eurolines (UK), ended its relationship with Eurolines Organisation and begun offering its European services through France’s OUIBUS and NatEx-owned ALSA of Spain. The change comes on the back of Eurolines (UK) Ltd […]
Martin Dean, Managing Director of Bus Development at the Go-Ahead Group, has been appointed CPT President for 2018. Martin began his career in the transport sector as a graduate trainee with London Transport and before joining Go Ahead as MD Bus Development, held roles with FirstGroup and with National Express rail. “I am honoured to […]