Beewise Travel of Sheffield adds a Yutong TC9 midicoach
Beewise Travel of Sheffield has taken delivery of a Yutong TC9 midi, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
It follows previous used examples of the type into the operator’s fleet, with the first joining in 2018. Good performance from those earlier vehicles has influenced the latest purchasing decision.
The new coach is accessible to wheelchair users. It comes with the standard TC9 fitments, including USB and 240-volt power sockets, wood-effect flooring, lateral adjustment on aisle positions, and much else.
Power is from the Cummins B6.7 engine developing 320bhp driving through a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. “Beewise Travel has been a loyal customer, and we are very pleased to hand over this superb example,” says Pelican UK Coach and Truck Sales Manager Simon Collins.
[adrotate banner="44"]
Bus Eireann to take 39 Wrightbus Contour coaches for school work
Wrightbus will supply 39 of its Contour coach model to Irish operator Bus Eireann for use as school vehicles in the first confirmed order for the type, which is built by King Long.
They have a bespoke specification to suit the application. Delivery will be completed in the first half of 2026. Each will have 55 seats with all-age belts to maximise capacity and safety. A Cummins X11 engine rated at 400bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox is used.
The first examples of the order are complete, and they will be to what in the UK would be considered PSVAR ready specification with an additional door already present. Wrightbus says that will protect residuals for potential second-life usage. Other fitments include a multi-camera CCTV system and a camera monitoring system in lieu of conventional mirrors.
Each coach will fully comply with General Safety Regulation 2 requirements. Wrightbus says the Contour has a lead time of six to eight months. Support will be under a full Wrightbus warranty alongside a service and maintenance package from AllServiceOne, its repair and maintenance arm.
Speaking about the deal, Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales says: “As the first new fleet of Wrightbus Contour coaches on the roads for more than three decades, this is an important milestone for us. We are particularly pleased to have received the order just months after launching the coach to market.
“The Contour was launched because at Wrightbus, we recognised the gaps in the market, alongside a growing demand for coaches. The Contour is an attractive option thanks to its affordability and high quality.
“Our fast lead time also matches the need to be responsive and agile in a market that has undergone drastic change in recent years, resulting in customers often experiencing extended delays in vehicle procurement. We are looking forward to working closely with Bus Eireann to deliver and launch the coaches onto the streets of Ireland next year.”
Besides the diesel Contour, Wrightbus has underlined its intent to debut a hydrogen fuel cell-electric coach. That vehicle is under development in Northern Ireland and will not involve King Long. At launch it will be a tri-axle with a claimed 1,000km range.
Hire purchase with Asset Alliance Group delivers for Teulu Travel
Hire purchase has proved its worth for Teulu Travel of Trealaw, which earlier in 2025 took delivery of a new Temsa HD13 coach on that basis via an agreement with Asset Alliance Group.
It is the first collaboration between the two businesses and the Temsa has worked across the summer season, the Rhondda Cynon Taf operator reports. The firm previously bought used vehicles outright, but director Dorian Chapman notes how work with Asset Alliance has allowed it to introduce its first factory-fresh coach.
“The new Temsa will require less maintenance than the older vehicles it replaces, deliver improved reliability, and if there is an issue, we have peace of mind that it is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty,” says Mr Chapman.
Asset Alliance observes that use of hire purchase allows operators to gain the benefits of ownership while spreading the costs over a fixed term.
VAT is either paid in full at the outset and reclaimed or can be deferred in line with the customer’s next VAT return, so it does not negatively affect cash flow. The supplier adds that hire purchase is also tax efficient and can be offset against an operator’s capital allowance.
Says National Sales Manager Scott Burke: “I had the pleasure of meeting Dorian at his premises to fully understand the business and its objectives, and we quickly built a rapport. I am delighted to have onboarded Teulu Travel as an Asset Alliance Group customer and wish it safe travels with the new vehicle.”
Alongside the Temsa, Asset Alliance has facilitated the arrival of a used Neoplan Tourliner. Teulu Travel is named after the Welsh word for family, and to that end, the Temsa and the Neoplan recently gained names added to their fronts by local firm Dab Hand Signs.
Those match the cherished registration marks, with the HD13 christened Jason after Mr Chapman’s son and the Tourliner named Lady Pauline in honour of his late mother.
The vehicles join a 20-strong fleet that is utilised across a wide variety of work from home-to-school to European tours.
Teulu Travel also has a connection to the showbiz world via one of Mr Chapman’s previous ventures. It supplied the vehicle that was used by Dave’s Coaches throughout the TV series Gavin and Stacey. The operator now runs guided tours of locations around Barry featured in the show in partnership with Brit Movie Tours.
[adrotate banner="44"]