Warning to operators over insecure overnight facility

A South Wales coach operator has warned that vandals in Bideford could jeopardise the town's future as a destination for tourist coaches.

Edwards Coaches, which has run regular package tours to the North Devon resort for more than 20 years, says it may not return due to what it called a "lack of security" at the coach park, to the rear of the Riverbank car park after one of its vehicles was vandalised.

To read this article in full please see this weeks CBW

Nine Citaros form part of Go North East's 2010 investment programme

Go North East has confirmed that it will push ahead with plans to invest in services as well as expand its business.

Signing off its plans for the coming year, managing director Peter Huntley has endorsed a multi-million pound investment budget which includes buying more new buses, the introduction of smartcard tickets and moving into a new operational area.

To read this article in full please see this weeks CBW

The new approach is designed to stimulate greater innovation

Transport minister Sadiq Khan announced the replacement of the Transport Innovation Fund with an Urban Challenge Fund last week, in a drive to stimulate greater innovation amongst local authorities and appeal to a broader range of cities.

To be eligible for funding, cities need to show that their plans will: improve journey choice, tackle congestion, improve safety; lower carbon emissions; and promote healthier lifestyles through better air quality and more walking and cycling.

To read this article in full please see this weeks CBW

Both new and pre-owned vehicles now with five-year cover

Blue Ribbon Coach Sales has extended its warranty cover for both new andpre-owned vehicles

The Autosan Eagle A1012T already comes with a full two-year bumper to bumper warranty. It has now been confirmed, on all new Euro 5 vehicles, a further three years warranty will be offered on the coach driveline, making five years in total. The cost of the warranty will be included in the purchase price of the vehicle.

To read this article in full please see this weeks CBW

Edwards turn back the clock 40+ years with bus routes

Edwards Coaches of Llantwit Fardre, is set to turn back the clock more than 40 years with a return to local bus service work.

Starting in April, Edwards is to hit the road with two bus routes that pass in front of its garage. Service 400 links Beddau with Cardiff via Tonteg and the A470, whilst route 100 connects Beddau to Pontypridd, serving all stops.

To read this article in full please see this weeks CBW

CPT president Steve Whiteway and West Midlands Traffic Commissioner Nick Jones were guests of hour

The Confederation of Passenger Transport in West Midlands Region celebrated its annual dinner, on Saturday (February 27) at Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club.

The evening saw the award of the CPT's ‘Coach Friendly City Award' to Lichfield District Council Leader Councillor David Smith, as reported in CBW (922 February 17).

To read this article in full please see this weeks CBW

Scottish Government increases BSOG but cuts concessionary fares reimbursement rate

Bus operators are to be given extra money to help fund the network and keep fares "affordable", Scottish Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson has announced.

The Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) will increase by £5.8 million to £66.5 million in 2010-11. The scheme is also intended to provide incentives to operate low-carbon vehicles.

To read this article in full please see this weeks CBW

After representing bus and coach passengers in shadow form since April 2008, Passenger Focus are now formally approved

Passenger Focus is now the formal representative of bus and coach passengers in England outside London, earlier than scheduled, since secondary legislation came into force last Thursday (25 February). Transport minister Sadiq Khan, passed the legislation to extend the statutory remit of Passenger Focus to bus, scheduled domestic coach and tram issues last Thursday using powers in the Local Transport Act 2008.

The rail watchdog first staked its claim to represent bus and coach passengers in February 2008 after the Department for Transport issued a consultation, ‘Options for Strengthening Bus Passenger Representation'.

To read this article in full please see this weeks CBW