Portsmouth City Coaches begins operating

Portsmouth City Coaches, headed by Mike Elkin, has started services.

Mike is running the operation using staff, vehicles and the site of Emsworth and District Bus and Coach Services. Mike took over this operation on 1 August 2018 after the operator had its licence revoked and Transport Manager resign.

Mike previously worked for Moseley in the South as Area Sales Executive, but before that was Operations Controller at Lucketts Travel after running his own operation, Elkin Travel. Explaining how Portsmouth City Coaches came about, he said: “Emsworth and District was one of my customers when I was at Moseley and I visited them and we had discussions. One thing went to another and things fell into place.”

Earlier this week, Portsmouth City Coaches launched a bus service linking Hayling Island with Hayling Ferry. Its coach fleet includes seven Van Hools and a Mercedes-Benz-based Unvi, inherited from the Emsworth and District operation. Mike is about to launch two Bova Futuras into its fleet at the upcoming Showbus event at Donington Park on 30 September. They will be presented in the operation’s new livery featuring a white background.

Mike is also updating the systems used by the operation, putting in place Distinctive Systems’ coach management software package. He has also been implementing a fresh staff image, investing in new uniforms with Pride and Joy.

The operation employs 12 full time staff, supported by part time employees and casual workers. They are all former-Emsworth and District staff.

Mike said: “My main goal with this is to get the standards right, then I can build from there. I will constantly look at the way the business is running and adapt as needed. I think everyone onboard is excited. It is about making it clear that the better we do as a business, the more benefit we can get out of it.”