Westway Coaches is first private owner of Yutong U11DD electric
Westway Coaches of West Molesey has taken delivery of the first privately-operated Yutong U11DD battery-electric double-decker to be supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
It continues an established relationship between the two businesses, with Westway having been the first purchaser of battery-electric coaches from Pelican in 2019 when it took the first of several Yutong TCe12 models. The U11DD made its debut in 2023.
The new arrival is a 72-seat model with each position trimmed in leather. It is finished in Westway’s distinctive understated livery and is PSVAR compliant.
422kWh of battery capacity is fitted, which is protected by the Yutong Electric Safety Standard.
The bus is air-conditioned throughout, has a camera monitoring system in lieu of rear-view mirrors, and comes with a cherished 74-plate registration mark.
Westway Coaches Managing Director David West says that being the first operator of a privately-owned Yutong U11DD “marks an important milestone” for the business.
“This investment highlights our commitment to reducing emissions and providing a superior, eco-friendly travel experience for our passengers,” Mr West continues.
Adds Pelican Bus and Coach Managing Director Richard Crump: “This delivery represents a significant step towards a cleaner, greener future and demonstrates our dedication to offering innovative electric vehicle solutions.”
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CPT Operator Forum to Launch at Euro Bus Expo 2024
Debuting on 13 November at Euro Bus Expo, the CPT Operator Forum will provide an interactive space for coach and bus operators to address key industry issues.
Euro Bus Expo organiser, Diversified Communications, today announce a new development within its longstanding partnership with the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT): the CPT Operator Forum.
Debuting on day two of the free to attend, three-day industry showcase, which takes place from 12-14 November 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, the Forum will introduce new perspectives in an interactive format.
As part of the Euro Bus Expo 2024 Masterclass Theatre programme, it will address a range of critical topics, including accessibility, recruitment, and the evolving future of the industry. Unlike traditional conferences, the Forum will prioritise practical, operator-focused discussions, with the goal of sharing knowledge and insights to address the industry's most pressing concerns.
CPT Operator Forum Programme
Advantage or Artificial?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives. While some are embracing the new opportunities, others remain cautious, unsure of the potential risks. Yet, with AI’s growing influence, it’s time to consider what benefits it can bring to business. This session will answer some of the questions operators have been unsure how to ask and offer a glimpse into how others may be gaining a competitive advantage.
The Accessibility Challenge
The last five years have brought significant changes to the coach and bus industry in terms of accessibility, with more on the horizon. Many operators have embraced the opportunity these changes present, while others may be missing the opportunity to grow their businesses and positively impact lives. This session will not only cover regulatory requirements but will also look beyond compliance, exploring how operators can attract new users and create more welcoming and enjoyable travel experiences for everyone.
Coach Tourism – Access all areas
From days out to historic centres and attractions, to grand tours across Europe, coach tourism provides a vast range of experiences. However, ensuring coaches are consistently welcomed and have access to all areas remains a problem. This session will explore practical initiatives that support operators, encouraging feedback and new ideas, while also providing updates on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), the EU Entry/Exit System, and changes to Package Travel Regulations.
All Aboard – A workforce for a new era
Recruitment has been a pressing issue in the coach and bus industry for the past few years, but has the driver shortage really been resolved, or is it still a challenge in a shifting labour market? This session will dive into these key questions, drawing on evidence and experience and looking at how the market is and should be changing.
The Future of Coach – Are we there yet?
As new research sheds light on the economic impact of the coach industry, perceptions of its broader contribution to society are gradually evolving. The panel will offer a glimpse into their visions of how the future may look for the market, from city-wide coach strategies to the sustainability agenda, the coach itself and life as an operator.
A Collaborative Platform for Industry Challenges
Celebrating its 50th year, the CPT Operator Forum will bring together operators, suppliers, and key decision-makers for meaningful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.Says Keith McNally, Operations Director at CPT:
“The CPT Operator Forum is an opportunity for coach and bus operators to come together, discuss their experiences, and find new ways to thrive in an increasingly complex landscape. We are proud to partner with Euro Bus Expo to launch this forum, and particularly to bring CPT’s wealth of insights and expertise to a wider audience, free of charge. It’s a fantastic opportunity for attendees to tackle key industry issues, hear of opportunities and gain practical knowledge. We’re looking forward to sharing the speaker details soon.”
Exploring the Full Seminar Line-up
The CPT Operator Forum is just one part of Euro Bus Expo’s extensive three-day programme, which is packed with sessions addressing the industry's biggest challenges.
From industry structure, net zero strategies and decarbonising coaches on day one, to charting the future of bus services, the operational considerations of zero-emission fleets, and driver wellbeing on day three, the programme offers a wide range of insights. Attendees can expect to leave armed with new knowledge to navigate the evolving coach and bus landscape.
Says Event Director Helen Conway:
“Euro Bus Expo has always been a platform for addressing the most significant challenges and opportunities within the industry. Our partnership to deliver the CPT Operator Forum on the second day takes this to a new level. The sessions on days one and three, curated from industry-submitted applications and reviewed by an independent panel, ensure we are tackling the most pressing topics. Coupled with CPT’s expertise when shaping day two, the combination delivers an exceptional programme that provides operators with the insights and space to engage deeply with the issues that matter most to them.”
In addition to the seminar programme, Euro Bus Expo will showcase the latest innovations from across the industry. With 25 vehicle exhibitors displaying the newest models and over 180 exhibitors presenting the latest products and services, the exhibition floor will be packed with opportunities for attendees. Day 2, featuring the CPT Operator Forum, will culminate in the ultimate celebration of coach and bus: the routeone Awards, where the sector's top achievements and innovations will be honoured in an evening of networking and recognition.
For further information and to register, visit eurobusxpo.com.
Those interested in booking the last remaining exhibition spaces should contact Martin Laverton on [email protected].
Hints of wider Van Hool coach range under VDL as deliveries restart
Delivery of new Van Hool coaches to UK buyers has restarted amid growing suggestions that VDL – which purchased parts of Van Hool’s coach and bus business out of bankruptcy in June – will continue production of more models from that range than had been expected.
Woods Coaches of Tillicoultry has received an EX trio, and Bibby’s of Ingleton a T15 Alicron. They are the first Van Hools to arrive in the UK since a T16 Astron for DJ Thomas Coaches during April.
It is understood that several further new Van Hools are due imminently. Meanwhile, sources close to the marque have said that more T range variants are set to be retained by VDL in the long-term than had previously been anticipated.
That is backed up by communication direct to operators, although in response to routeone, VDL says that it has “not yet made decisions on what Van Hool’s product range will look like,” noting that the Dutch OEM continues to take “time and space” to reach a conclusion.
During the summer, several buyers were advised that some or all members of the T range would be dropped by VDL, with a best-case scenario floated of only those that will not compete with its forthcoming Futura 3 being retained alongside the established Altano overdecker and Astromega double-decker. VDL did not comment on those reports.
However, it has now been indicated to multiple customers that other T variants – possibly including two-axle models – will remain in production at the former Van Hool plant in North Macedonia.
One source believes that VDL has taken onboard the versatility of the T range and its ability to suit many use cases. Preparation of the coaches under delivery is being undertaken at VDL Bus and Coach UK’s premises in Barnsley.
The seeming change of tack is also said to include the T16 Astron tri-axle. Another buyer was previously advised that it had been dropped, but that looks to no longer be the case and it is expected to continue. An operator awaiting delivery of Van Hool product says that recent developments have left them “a lot more confident” in the marque's future under VDL.
The vehicles supplied to Woods include the first EX15M and EX11H examples with Allison automatic gearboxes. One 49-seat EX15M and two EX11Hs have been delivered. All are highly specified with leather seats and much else, with the EX11H pair each coming with a small kitchen and four tables.
Bibby’s T15 Alicron is a 49/53-seater with a demountable toilet and a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. It also has a camera monitoring system in lieu of mirrors. All four coaches for Woods and Bibby’s are powered by the DAF MX-11 engine.
Meanwhile, two part-complete T coaches for Parrys International remain in limbo at the former Van Hool factory in Belgium. They did not form part of the VDL purchase.
Managing Director Dave Parry says that those vehicles are thus still the property of the court-appointed curators of Van Hool, but he will soon visit the Koningshooikt plant – which is used by VDL for some non-manufacturing purposes – in a bid to gain clarity on their future.
Separately, a First Gazette notice for Van Hool UK to be struck off the register of companies and dissolved was laid on 17 September. Those steps will progress unless cause to the contrary is shown. After completion, all property and rights vested in or held in trust for Van Hool UK will be deemed bona vacantia and belong to the Crown.
Three members of the Van Hool family remain directors of Van Hool UK. The curators previously said that those individuals were not cooperating with attempts to wind up the Wellingborough business. It remains the case that any deposits paid to Van Hool UK are lost.