National Express: Van Hool Altano still of interest for high-capacity
National Express may well return to Van Hool under VDL ownership for the TDX21 Altano to meet future needs for high-capacity coaches on its scheduled network, the business has said.
25 of those coaches were ordered from Van Hool early in 2024 for operation by Edwards Coaches and Selwyns Travel on National Express services, but bankruptcy of the Belgian manufacturer saw the deal cancelled after only one was completed.
At that time, National Express said that the 66-seaters would partially be used to replace Caetano Boa Vista double-deckers that were coming to the end of their use on scheduled work. Significant effort had gone into identifying the TDX21 Altano as a suitable high-capacity successor to the Boa Vista, it added.
Speaking in early November, a National Express spokesperson says that the business “really liked the Altano” but notes that the bankruptcy of Van Hool left a significant operational risk in taking on the 25 coaches ordered before that “without clear manufacturer support.”
However, National Express retains a need for high-capacity coaches and the spokesperson adds that it will be interested in buying Altanos in the future, "once a proven manufacturing capability and support network is in place.”
VDL purchased parts of former Van Hool coach and bus undertakings out of bankruptcy and recently announced that the TDX21 Altano is among the Van Hool products that it will continue to manufacture at the factory in North Macedonia that was part of that deal.
National Express Network Director Ed Rickard said in March that the TDX21 Altano would be used on a targeted basis where passenger and luggage capacity was key. He suggested that further coaches in its class would follow the then-expected 25 for Edwards and Selwyns.
At the same time, it was confirmed that 120 Caetano Levante 3A coaches on both Scania and Volvo chassis would join the National Express vehicle pool in 2024.
Bennetts Coaches adds 10 Scania Caetanos with Lombard funding
Bennetts Coaches of Gloucester has added 10 new Caetano Levante 3A-bodied Scania K410 coaches to its fleet across recent months for National Express duties. £3.9 million of funding from Lombard has gone towards the procurement.
They include the customary National Express fitments of leather seats, charging points, and wheelchair user access. The new Scania Caetanos are claimed to be more fuel efficient than the eight-year-old coaches they have replaced, and thus they emit less CO2.
One of the vehicles comes with the cherished registration mark of NX24 LON and all seat 55 passengers.
Speaking about the vehicles’ arrival, Bennetts Coaches Managing Director Gavin Bennett says: “We are incredibly grateful to Lombard for the funding towards our new coaches and for helping us to fulfil our biggest contract with National Express.
“Making our fleet greener was a key deliverable for us, so to have Lombard’s support was essential. This marks a significant step forward for Bennetts Coaches, reinforcing our position as a leader in sustainable transport solutions in Gloucestershire while continuing to serve our wide-ranging customer base.”
Lombard Senior Relationship Manager Jason Holness adds: “It has been great to support Bennetts Coaches to become a greener business through the introduction of these new energy-efficient coaches.
“Lombard’s funding is helping the business to thrive as well as improving its sustainability. Who knows what big names the business will have on its brand-new coaches!”
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Transport Minister Simon Lightwood to speak at Euro Bus Expo
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport Simon Lightwood will speak on the final day of Euro Bus Expo on 12-14 November at the Birmingham NEC, the show's organiser has announced.
The minister with remit for coach and bus will address visitors at the beginning of the session (10.15am) in the Masterclass Theatre at the industry's flagship trade show.
Mr Lightwood will talk about the government’s ambitions for the coach and bus industry. He will also no doubt allude to the key role played by manufacturers and suppliers like those in attendance at the show in delivering this.
The Buses Bill is also sure to be promoted as the government's means of supporting local authorities in pursuit of franchising. He may also discuss the one-year extension of the bus fare cap in England which was announced last week.
The government has made no secret of its desire to reform bus services - as Mr Lightwood outlined during his address at the Confederation of Passenger Transport conference in January, when he also gave much of his attention to the coach sector.
Helen Conway, Event Director for the Expo's organiser, Diversified Communications, says: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Transport Minister Simon Lightwood to day three of Euro Bus Expo.
"His support highlights the importance of the coach and bus industry, and his presence underscores the vital role we all play in shaping sustainable and efficient public transport for the future. It will be honour to have him there showing his commitment to the issues that matter most to our sector."
Mr Lightwood's appearance in the Masterclass Theatre section of Euro Bus Expo forms part of what is a strong line-up of speakers this year.
A host of industry experts will deliver their insights over the three sessions of five hours-plus.
Among those on stage will be Bill Hiron, ALBUM Chair; Luke Marion, MD of Oxford Bus Company; and Ian Downie, Head of Yutong UK, Pelican Bus and Coach.
The inaugural CPT Operator Forum on day two, hosted by the body's President's Graham Vidler, will inspire thought-provoking discussions aimed at driving innovation and growth in the sector. Speakers include Martin Dean, Managing Director, UK regional bus, Go-Ahead; and Louise Cheeseman, founder and Chair of Women in Bus and Coach.
The Masterclass Theatre will end with the announcement of the winner of the Innovation Challenge Award 2024, as voted for by visitors to the show.
Register for free to join 8,000 attendees at the industry's premier trade show, where more than 190 exhibitors, including 21 vehicle dealers, manufacturers, and converters, will be on show.