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Friday, 30 August 2019

Coach and Bus Week

• Service changes announced in BristolFirst West of England has announced a raft of service changes in Bristol from Sunday 15 September. These are scheduled to coinicide with the start of the busiest period of the year in the city, and aim to provide extra capacity on peak hour journey, as well as making other changes in response to customer feedback.
• Leading the charge in WalesWith an ex-demonstrator Yutong E12 now a permanent fixture of the Newport Transport fleet and 14 more on the way, Newport Transport has put its zero emission ambitions on display for all. Scott Pearson from the operator, along with Ian Downie from Pelican Bus and Coach, speak
• Disappointing figures for Aberdeen Park & RideAberdeen’s Evening Express has reported that the recently-built Park & Ride facility at Craibstone is being used by just seven cars per day. Under a freedom of information request, the newspaper revealed that there has been a dramatic drop at the city’s other two park and ride sites, whilst the 996-space Craibstone site, which was opened in June 2017, has dropped from an initial daily average of 14. Originally served by both First and Stagecoach, Craibstone, situated near the city’s airport, is now served only by the half-hourly Stagecoach service 37.
• Stagecoach co-founder sells two bus businessesThe businesses invested a combined $63m in new vehicles during Souter’s ownership Stagecoach co-founder Sir Brian Souter’s private equity firm, Souter Investments, has announced it is to sell two bus businesses in New Zealand. The two companies, Howick and Eastern Buses and Mana Coach Services, will be sold to Transdev, the first with a fleet of 145 vehicles operating 23 routes, the second a fleet of 66.

Route One (Bus and Coach)

• Stringers Coaches takes first Mellor Strata UltraStringers Coaches of Pontefract has become the first operator to take delivery of the 30-passenger Mellor Strata Ultra, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter underframe.
• North east operators rebrand as NE BusThe North East’s bus operators – including Go North East, Stagecoach North East and Arriva North East – have relaunched their association as NE Bus.
• BYD denies Wrightbus takeover rumourChinese e-bus manufacturer is focused on furthering ‘robust’ relationship with ADL
• Victoria Coach Station’s future is secureTfL confirms historic site will continue and be renovated, and coach parking elsewhere will be improved
• Is range anxiety becoming a problem?Coach and bus companies are investing millions in new electric vehicles. But should you be investing in training drivers to drive them?
• Rotala targets £300m annual turnover within five yearsLikely further big group divestments will be the opportunity that drives growth, group says in its annual report

Other News Sources

• Coach and bus registrations continue to fall in second quarterMarket slump continues, with minibuses and double-deckers remaining the worst affected