MM Band Services takes delivery of a Van Hool TDX27 Astromega
MM Band Services of Burstwick in the East Riding of Yorkshire has taken delivery of a Van Hool TDX27 Astromega double-deck coach in left-hand drive, supplied by VDL Bus UK.
To suit the bespoke application, it was handed over to the operator with little in the way of interior fitments ahead of conversion to ‘band bus’ specification by the customer.
Power comes from the DAF MX-13 engine rated at 530bhp driving through an Allison T525R six-speed automatic gearbox. The buyer has specified a camera monitoring system in place of conventional mirrors.
The coach is finished in MM Band Services’ customary metallic blue. It joins other Van Hool Astromegas with the business. Handover was to director Mike Moulds (pictured, right) by VDL Bus UK Sales Representative Robert White (pictured, left).
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Ferdia sees rapids expansion after first year in the UK
Coach-sector technology provider Ferdia has reported triple-digit growth following its first full year in the UK market.
The Norway-based business says take-up among operators of its cloud-based coach management platform has been rapid after taking a stand at Euro Bus Expo in 2024.
After the appointment in 2025 of UK Country Manager Daniel Morton, Ferdia is expecting further expansion as part of its mission to modernise the coach sector.
Among the operators to have begun using its platform are Centurion Travel, Country Lion, Hearn's Coaches, Wattsway Travel, Southgate and Finchley Coaches, and Walters Coaches.
The platform is designed to help coach operators work more efficiently across pricing, planning and operations. It is aimed at helping coach hire customers manage bookings and "crowdfund" trips.
"We came into the UK with a clear goal: to help coach operators run more efficient, resilient businesses through smarter ways of working,” says Håkon Sæther, CEO of Ferdia.
“We work alongside operators as a partner — listening, educating and co-creating solutions that make a real difference.
"The growth we’ve seen in the UK during 2025 shows that operators are ready to lead, not just keep up.”
He says the business will continue investing in the UK, seeing great potential in the market.
“By combining technology, industry insight and a network-based approach, we believe operators can not only protect margins, but also create new opportunities for growth," he says. "The progress we’ve made in 2025 is just the beginning.”
Bright Yutong GT12 is the first new coach for Ellie Rose Travel
Ellie Rose Travel of Hull has welcomed its first new coach with the arrival of a Yutong GT12, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
It is in the operator’s all-over yellow livery and has the standard 53 seats along with wi-fi, USB and 240-volt charging points, mood lighting, and much else.
Power is from the DAF MX-11 engine developing 450bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. The deal was handled for Pelican by Area Sales Manager Amelia Crump.
Speaking about the delivery, UK Coach and Truck Sales Manager Simon Collins says: “We are always pleased when a new vehicle goes out, but when this is the first Yutong and the first new coach purchased, it has an extra special meaning.
“The coach will be easy to spot. The colour looks superb and sets off the GT12 styling superbly.”
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