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from the group reveals supported bus services have been hit hard by funding cuts with over 500 routes completely withdrawn or reduced across England and Wales in 2016/17.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 […]
The majority of sighted people are unlikely to contemplate, let alone understand, the difficulties that face blind and partially sighted people on a daily basis. Public transport can be a particular challenge and the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) has been working closely with operators to develop a Bus Charter in support of […]
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 […]
One-coach operators buying brand new full sized coaches are few and far between. An exception is the Bewdley, Worcestershire, based company, Phillips International Travel, which operates its own tour and excursion programmes using a high specification vehicle that is replaced on a five year cycle. The latest acquisition stays true to the company’s traditions as […]
With a 10% larger footprint than last year’s edition, the Commercial Vehicle Show 2017 is set to be even bigger, attracting over 450 exhibitors. The free to attend trade event takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 25 to 27 April. A press event featuring some of the exhibitors was held recently, giving a preview […]
Last November, at the prestigious UK Bus Awards ceremony at The Ballroom on London’s South Bank, Stephanie Maher was crowned Young Manager of the Year. Steph, as she prefers to be called, is Operations Manager for National Express UK Bus and is mostly based at their Wolverhampton depot but has recently relocated back to their […]
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 […]