The Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) was quoted as forecasting growth of 2.1% in 2016, then downgraded to 1.4% in 2017, with 1.7% growth in 2018, 2.1% for 2019 and 2020 and 2% in 2021. Debt is to rise from 84.2% of GDP last year to 87.3% this year, peaking at 90.2% in 2017-18. In […]
Government’s Transport Select Committee has stated the Bus Services Bill is a major opportunity to transform passengers’ experiences of bus services. According to the body, the Bill goes some way in helping overcome the challenges of lack of competition, high fares and cuts in services. It claims local authorities and operators face a number of […]
After previous wins in 2004, 2012 and 2014, Nottingham City Transport scooped the prestigous UK Bus Operator of the Year title for the fourth time at the 21st annual UK Bus Awards presentation held at The Ballroom on London’s Southbank. In front of an industry audience around 650 strong, the company received the award from […]
Mellor Coachcraft is launching a high floor version of its Strata bus with up to 19 seats. The Strata HF is aimed primarily at the local authority and community transport sectors. Based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis cab, the new model is fully accessible with a passenger lift at the rear. It has all […]
In Transport Focus’s latest research into the area, it was found around nine in ten passengers in the West Midlands reported that they remain happy with their bus services overall. The study showed improved satisfaction with waiting times and a reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents. However, satisfaction with actual journey time continued its downward […]
Kinchbus, part of the Wellglade Group, is trialling the UK’s first cloud based contactless payment system. The operator is recruiting customers to join the December trial which, if successful, could lead to contactless payments implemented across its fleet. Volunteers will be able to use their Visa and MasterCard debit or credit cards to make […]
In 2004, First introduced its X30 coach service across Essex linking Southend with Stansted Airport in partnership with the airport and Essex County Council. Initially operated with Plaxton Cheetah Midicoaches, full size coaches were soon required and wheelchair lift equipped Volvo B9R Plaxton Panthers took over. The same partners added the X10 route that runs […]
