Infringements cut by 50% after Alfa Travel works with TruTac
Alfa Travel's coach operating division, Alfa Coaches, has cut driver infringements by more than 50% after choosing TruTac in its quest to achieve Earned Recognition (ER) status.
Alfa Coaches began using TruTac for compliance procedures around five years ago, using its Tacho Analysis and Daily Checks products, which have been developed in partnership with the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
According to Alfa Travel, the cloud-based system has improved driver debriefing processes and driver education, and reduced infringements to an average of 1.1% per duty, down from 2.5% in 2018. The operator gets access to compliance data such as manager and driver dashboards with KPI reporting, which helped it achieve ER status in November last year.
In addition, the Tacho Analysis package includes web-based digital and analogue tachograph analysis. It supports both EU and GB domestic drivers' hours rules, specifically for PSV drivers, and includes Working Time Directive regulations.
Alfa Coaches has also added the CPT Fleet Management system for vehicle and workshop control. That has helped the operator with maintenance monitoring and schedules, safety inspections, maintenance document control and audit checks.
The ER-approved CPT Fleet Management integrates with Daily Checks, allowing for cross-reference to mobile-based defect reports and maintenance calendars with a full audit trail. The system provides real-time visibility of information on each vehicle's DVLA Data and O-Licence information.
"We have always strived to be the best at what we do,” says Alfa Travel Operations Director Paul Bull. "and key to our success is an ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving a high standard of safety and service for our customers.
"We have instant access to clear and concise compliance data, including manager and driver dashboards with KPI reporting – all of which have ticked the requisite boxes on our way to achieving ER status in November 2021.
"I’ve said it before: TruTac’s systems are paperless, tamper-proof and secure. We would have struggled to gain ER accreditation without them and going forward, there’s no question we have the right partner to help ensure the highest operational standards and guaranteed compliance control."
All TruTac products are approved by CPT and members of the trade body are eligible for discounts.
Martin West named ADL Group Commercial Director
Martin West (pictured, left) has been named Group Commercial Director by Alexander Dennis (ADL). He joins after a long career in coach and bus with Scania (Great Britain) and will add “substantial experience” to ADL’s sales, commercial, business development and marketing functions, the NFI Group subsidiary says.
Mr West’s appointment will allow ADL Group Operations Director John Clougherty to dedicate his time to areas of business improvement, operation and quality. Mr Clougherty had been covering additional responsibilities for sales and commercial functions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr West says: “Having enjoyed working in partnership with ADL for many years, I am very happy to now be part of the global NFI team as we enhance and grow our offerings to the loyal customer base, as well as continuing to establish ADL as a trusted supplier and partner for many more operators, suppliers and authorities.
“The coming years are going to be the most intense and dynamic we have ever seen as our industry accelerates towards a net-zero carbon future for public transport. We are determined and well prepared to be leaders on that transformational journey.”
Adds ADL President and Managing Director Paul Davies (pictured, right): “Our world is changing rapidly and we need to ensure that the structure and responsibilities of the team are aligned to the evolving market demands and business needs.
“Martin’s deep knowledge of all aspects of the coach and bus sector, gained with another world class company, will give ADL the additional bench strength needed to drive our business growth agenda domestically and across all our international markets.”