Anita's Coaches takes delivery of a Yutong TC9 midi
Anita’s Coaches of Stansted Airport has taken delivery of a Yutong TC9, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
It is a 37-seater with half-red leather upholstery. PSVAR readiness has been specified to enable straightforward future conversion to full compliance, including an additional door ahead of the rear axle. The operator’s distinctive metallic orange livery was applied at the factory before shipping.
Power is from the Cummins B6.7 engine developing 320bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. A cherished registration mark and polished alloy wheels complete the midicoach.
Speaking about the further collaboration between the two parties, Pelican UK Coach Sales Manager Simon Collins says: “Anita’s Coaches is a third-generation family firm, and ideally suited to Pelican’s fourth-generation family firm way of doing business.
“We are very grateful for the support and faith from Anita’s. It is what we do at Pelican Bus and Coach, and we hope that this vehicle will be a great servant for many years to come.”
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Meet the Brand: Mosaiq by Snapper Services
We catch up with Emma Meggs from Mosaiq by Snapper Services to find out more about their brand and exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo, on stand 198
Tell us a bit about your company?
At Snapper Services, we believe that positive experiences for passengers and operators stem from exceptional digital design, which enhances usability, simplicity, and reliable data insights. Our unique blend of artistry and data-science inspired the creation of the Mosaiq Transit Intelligence Suite.
The Mosaiq Transit Intelligence Suite empowers public transit operators and authorities to pinpoint inefficiencies across their routes, enhance operational capabilities, and gain comprehensive visibility into their services.
By transforming public transit data into actionable insights, we help operators and authorities to continuously drive network improvements. With almost 20 years of experience in the public transit sector, originating from our ticketing solutions in New Zealand, Snapper Services proudly serves clients worldwide, including those in the UK, Europe, APAC, and North America.
Tell us about your latest product(s), service(s), promotions or launches visitors can hope to see on your stand?
We are excited to announce the recent launch of the Mosaiq Global Public Transit Index, which tracks On-Time Performance in eight global locations across six different scenarios.
Using publicly available data, the Mosaiq Global Public Transit Index provides valuable insights and benchmarks for public transit authorities and operators. It aims to become a trusted reference for enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of public transit.
In this inaugural edition, we analyse data from eight locations, mapping performance to six scenarios that define early, on-time, and late arrivals. Our findings reveal notable differences in On-Time Performance and highlight the varying definitions of "on-time" worldwide-insights that will interest both commuters and transit operators alike.
We plan to provide quarterly updates and expand our dataset with additional locations and insights over time.
Why is exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo 2024 an unmissable opportunity for you?
Exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo 2024 presents an invaluable opportunity to connect with prospects, peers, and partners who share our commitment to transforming public transit. We look forward to sharing insights from our Global Public Transit Index and engaging in meaningful conversations about innovative solutions that drive sustainability in our industry.
This event is not just about showcasing our work; it's a platform for collaboration. We believe that by working together with other industry leaders, we can co-create new innovations and services that contribute to a more sustainable future. Sharing knowledge and exploring partnerships will enable us to tackle common challenges and unlock new opportunities for enhancing efficiency and service quality.
Together, we can drive the evolution of public transit, ensuring it meets the needs of communities while minimising environmental impact. We're excited to explore these possibilities and foster collaborations that pave the way for a greener, more efficient public transit landscape."
Parrys' Van Hool T pair to be finished as Tourliners also ordered
A pair of part-built Van Hool T17 Astron coaches for Parrys International that have been marooned at the manufacturer's former plant in Belgium are shortly to move to the VDL Van Hool factory in North Macedonia for completion.
Those vehicles have been in limbo for around seven months. They have stood untouched since bankruptcy of Van Hool and the subsequent purchase of some of its coach and bus undertakings by VDL. Parrys Managing Director Dave Parry has now agreed with VDL that the Van Hool pair will move to North Macedonia for assembly to restart.
They are expected to be transported during week commencing 28 October and Mr Parry is hopeful that they will be delivered to the UK in early 2025. Some fittings will be installed by AD Coach Systems after arrival here.
Resolution for the matter follows VDL confirming that it will continue to manufacture some members of the Van Hool T range in North Macedonia. Further part-completed Van Hool coaches for one other UK operator are understood to also be in Belgium.
In addition, Mr Parry has ordered at least four more T17 Astrons for 2025 delivery. Parrys has also confirmed two Neoplan Tourliners in a return to that brand for the Cheslyn Hay operator after over a decade away. The Tourliners will be to a bespoke specification for Parrys “with the option for more,” says Mr Parry.
Arriving at a solution for the unfinished coaches has “been a bit more difficult than we thought with complications, but we got there in the end,” he adds.
Work on those vehicles in North Macedonia will see them completed on an assembly line rather than the individual basis previously utilised by Van Hool in Koningshooikt. “There are exciting times ahead,” continues Mr Parry.
Separately, VDL has underlined to customers that it will continue the Van Hool T15 Acron, T16 Astron and T17 Astron models in right-hand drive, along with the TDX21 Altano overdecker and the TDX27 Astromega double-decker.
In a letter to those parties, VDL Van Hool CEO Marc van Doorn says that the business is “proudly and passionately producing Van Hool coaches,” with approximately 250 former Van Hool employees on hand in Koningshookt – where an aftersales service point will be launched this year – and around 1,300 staff in North Macedonia.
A decision on the Van Hool models that will continue under VDL ownership came after “a careful evaluation of the coach range,” says Mr van Doorn. He adds that coaches that were in build in North Macedonia before the Van Hool bankruptcy will be finished in agreement with customers.