In typical Optare fashion, the Solo had three launches. First of all, an artist’s impression with some details was announced in late Summer 1997. Then, in October, the actual vehicle had a soft launch inside Oulton Hall, after dinner, on the outskirts of Leeds. There we got the first glimpse of a vehicle that was […]
While the council had been presented with a ‘softer’ option of gradual introduction of higher emissions limits, it plumped for the most aggressive, essentially on the basis that Oxford has got away with it for years. Operators will, of course, cope with this but the losers will be bus passengers, who will at best see […]
The CYC Executive dismissed an option which allowed medium-frequency services to remain Euro IV or above until 2020 (see earlier story here) and, under the committee’s recommendation, only low-frequency bus services (five times a day or fewer) will be allowed into the CAZ. CYC says it is was skeptical about acceptance of its first option, […]
Cowdenheath-based Bay Travel has added a Yutong TC9 to its fleet. The coach has 32 half-leather seats, full air conditioning, an Actia audio system, a 19inch folding screen, power sockets and USB points. It is powered by a Cummins ISB6.7 280hp engine matched to a ZF six-speed gearbox. The vehicle has been used on private […]
A long-established coach tour operator based in the West Midlands has ceased trading, leaving hundreds of customers facing an anxious wait to see whether they will get their money back for pre-paid holidays and excursions. Stourbridge-based Group Travel – which holds a Standard International operating licence for two vehicles – has been established for over […]
In short notice, Stephensons of Easingwold announced it would not be operating its North Yorkshire County Council contracts. The company operated both school and local bus services under contract to the County Council as well as providing an unsubsidised commercial bus network. The Council’s transport team has been working to arrange alternative services, focusing initially […]
A woman whose family ran Express Motors which lost its license to operate bus services in Gwynedd appeared at a public inquiry, before Traffic Commissioner for Wales, Nick Jones, last week, seeking a new operator’s licence. Mrs Rhian Wyn Davies, a former Welsh Ambulance Service employee, is the daughter of former owners Eric and Jean […]
City of York Council met this week to consider approving plans for a Clean Air Zone which allows Euro III buses into the city centre. The progressive system proposed is for only high-frequency routes to become zero-emission – effectively, electric buses – with medium-frequency buses of Euro IV or above allowed access until 2021, and […]