Efforts to reduce the backlog of people waiting for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance have been called for by trade union GMB. DBS clearance is required for anyone working with children and vulnerable adults, including PCV drivers working on school contracts. GMB says that allowing this backlog to develop is ‘inexcusable’ on the part […]

Stagecoach in Cumbria is to convert its X4/X5 service to its premium ‘Stagecoach Gold’ standard. The route runs between Workington, Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith. The operator has invested in five Scania Enviro400s and two Scania Enviro300s (both Euro5) for the service, which are to go into service on 4 October. Each bus has Italian designed […]

Extra buses were put on in Birmingham by Centro, the West Midlands’ transport authority, during the recent ‘Big Weekend’. The two days saw a number of events that were expected to draw unusually high amounts of public transport usage, including the first weekend of trading for the Grand Central shopping centre and John Lewis department […]

First Glasgow is making passengers aware of a number of diversions it is to make during the Great Scottish Run in the city on 3 to 4 October. It is keeping customers informed through its website and Twitter feed (@firstinglasgow). MD of First Glasgow, Fiona Kerr, said, ‘First Glasgow buses will follow route diversions with […]

Scotland’s Minister for Transport, Derek Mackay, has launched what has been described as the ‘best buses in Scotland’ at the University of Stirling. The new ADL Enviro400 Euro6 hybrid double deckers for First Midland Bluebird’s university fleet feature Flywheel hybrid technology for reduced emissions. They also have the Gyrodrive system, which harvests energy from braking […]

First Midland Bluebird’s launch of the ‘Stirling City Pass’ has been hailed a success by organisers. It was launched this summer in support of tourism body, Destination Stirling, in partnership with the city’s top attractions. Using technology pioneered in York, where 11,000 similar passes are sold each year, the Stirling City Pass has been described […]

Zara Larsson, a top Swedish singer, has performed onboard one of the Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid buses used on the ElectriCity route in Gothenburg. Zara’s performance was part of the Silent Bus Sessions, a promotion of ElectriCity, the city’s new electric bus route. The service has been open since 15 June and has three completely […]

Chalkwell has given Trudy Christian and Lola, her Akita-Husky, a free travel pass. Trudy’s hound is a registered Canine Concern dog, which offers sick and elderly people the chance to have their spirits lifted. Chalkwell’s Karen Lockyer said, ‘Whenever Trudy wants to travel with Lola on our buses, she can do so free of charge. […]