Amble Coaches welcomes a Yutong GT14 diesel tri-axle to its fleet
Amble Coaches of Haydon Bridge in Northumberland has taken delivery of a Yutong GT14 diesel tri-axle, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
It has 61 seats in a grey scheme with burnt orange inserts. Each position comes with a USB-A and USB-C charging point, while 240-volt sockets are also included. Mood lighting and wi-fi add to what the dealer has described as a top-line travel experience.
Power is from the DAF MX-13 engine developing 483bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. Safety programmes include a camera monitoring system and a 360-degree ‘bird’s eye’ setup as standard.
Pelican UK and Ireland Coach and Truck Sales Manager Simon Collins has thanked Amble Coaches Transport Manager Stuart Tilley for the continued business.
“The result is a vehicle that delivers both mechanical excellence and a first-class passenger experience,” adds Mr Collins. “Keeping the surprise of a new coach arrival from the team at Amble was a very pleasant surprise for the driver for his trip home.”
[adrotate banner="44"]
The Coach Travel Group begins Freeway Fleet Systems rollout
The Coach Travel Group is set to introduce the Freeway Fleet Systems fleet management platform across its constituent operations over the coming months, with Johnsons Coaches having already seen deployment of the product.
Introduction of Freeway is part of what the business describes as an ongoing wider digital transformation programme. The platform will create “a more unified and streamlined approach to fleet management,” The Coach Travel Group adds.
By using a single product, it will benefit from improved data insights, greater operational consistency, and enhanced reporting capabilities. Those advancements will support what the group says is more informed decision-making, and help to ensure the delivery of high standards of service across its portfolio.
Freeway Fleet Systems is designed specifically for the transport sector and already has significant reach in coach and bus. It gives a comprehensive solution for management of fleet operations by enhancing visibility across vehicles and assets, the strengthening of compliance process, and by supporting more efficient planning and cost control.
The opening deployment at Johnsons Coaches represents a key milestone by providing a strong foundation for the next phase of implementation, according to the operator.
“As the rollout progresses, The Coach Travel Group remains focused on investing in technology that supports long-term growth, operational efficiency, and the evolving needs of the coach travel industry,” a spokesperson says.
Pelican is named Headline Sponsor of 2026 IRTE Skills Challenge
Pelican Engineering Group has been named Headline Sponsor of the IRTE Skills Challenge for 2026.
Its support will back the advancement of skills development across the UK coach and bus and HGV engineering sectors. The skills testing week for PSV will run from 1-4 June, and that for HGV on 20/21 August. A joint awards ceremony will be held in September.
Pelican is active in both areas, including through its Pelican Bus and Coach arm that supplies Yutong coaches and buses. It additionally has a dedicated training division that supports operators and technicians to develop the knowledge and skills needed to safely maintain and run electric vehicles.
Speaking about the decision to work with the Skills Challenge, Pelican Engineering Group Managing Director Richard Crump says it is part of the family-owned business’s commitment to skills development and futureproofing the sector.
“As the industry moves through one of the most significant technological shifts in history, the need to invest in skills has never been greater. The IRTE Skills Challenge represents the very best of our industry, technical ability, professionalism, and pride in the role, so to support it felt like a natural and important step for us,” adds Mr Crump.
Pelican EV Automotive Training Manager Matt Cumming says that the business “wants to bring a real-world perspective” to the Skills Challenge, “particularly reflecting the environments that technicians and engineers are working in today.”
He continues: “Road transport is irrevocably moving to a zero-emission future, and in almost all cases this will mean electrically powered vehicles. Maintaining these vehicles and keeping them on the road are the secure, well-paid jobs of the future that cannot be replicated by AI or any other machine technology.
“We have looked to reflect this in the challenges, moving beyond purely mechanical tasks to include diagnostics and system-based thinking. A focus on EV-specific challenges for coach and bus, particularly around high voltage safety and EV diagnostics.
“The intention is to ensure that it reflects the skills that technicians genuinely need, both now and in the future.”
IRTE is a sector of the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE). The Skills Challenge is open to engineers to benchmark their skills, gain professional recognition, and demonstrate commitment to continuous learning. The deadline for operators to register for participation in the coach and bus element is 4 May.
SOE Chief Executive Emma Thompson has thanked Pelican for its commitment to this year’s Skills Challenge. “Its support strengthens an initiative that plays a vital role in developing technical excellence, inspiring the next generation, and ensuring that the UK’s PSV and HGV engineering sectors are equipped for the future," she says.
“We look forward to working closely with the team to help shape and evolve the Challenge this year, ensuring that we continue to grow and deliver an even greater impact in skills development.”
For enquiries about the 2026 IRTE Skills Challenge or to register interest, contact SOE by email.