In an interim management statement on trading for the three months ended 31 December 2013, FirstGroup reports its overall performance has been in line with management’s expectations, with good developments made in four divisions offset by slower progress in First Student. In its UK Bus division, like-for-like passenger revenue increased 2% during the period, underpinned […]
According to a recent Passenger Focus study, bus passengers are tolerant of some lateness, ‘within reason’, but feel their complaints will be ignored when there is a problem. The research, entitled ‘Bus Punctuality and Timetables’, suggests passengers are generally prepared to turn up early or catch an earlier service when their journey is time critical. […]
Stagecoach has been presented with an award in recognition of its involvement in the Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Sheffield. The operator provided free transport to athletes during the Games held across the city in August last year. MD at Stagecoach Yorkshire, Paul Lynch, said, ‘The Games were a fantastic way to celebrate and […]
Chalkwell’s trial of a new route 11 serving people on both the north and south sides of Sittingbourne has gained ‘positive results’. The service runs three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting just after 09.30. It is currently undergoing a six month trial, with positive feedback from both sides of the route […]
trentbarton has invested £600,000 in five new Optare Versas for its H1 service between Alfreton, Heanor and Derby. They feature high speed, free on board Wi-fi, next stop audio visual passenger information screens, leather trimmed seats, double glazed windows and plenty of space for shopping and buggies. Their green livery promotes the ongoing investment message […]
A new zero emission engine has been developed in the UK that potentially could save operators thousands of pounds in fuel costs and the environment millions of tonnes in emissions. The Dearman engine runs on liquid air (liquid nitrogen) and is on track to undertake full on-vehicle testing by summer this year. ‘Liquid air’ as […]
Following the news that Arriva is to pull out of operating bus services in Malta and Gozo, it has been announced that Greenock based McGill’s is ‘seriously considering’ a bid to run the network. As yet, there has been no expression of interest issued by the Maltese government to define the shape of the tender […]
FirstGroup’s UK bus division has ordered 425 new vehicles worth £70m for delivery in the 2014/15 financial year, including six Optare electric buses. The order brings the company’s total investment over the past four years to around £310m on 2,000 new buses ad coaches. All but six of First’s new buses will be manufactured in […]