Ricky's Travel takes delivery of an EVM X-Clusive minicoach
Ricky’s Travel of Millom has welcomed a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with an X-Clusive minicoach conversion to its fleet, supplied by EVM UK.
It is a 16-seater, with those positions including aisle-side armrests, three-point belts, and diamond stitching. A glazed roof and wood-effect flooring have also been specified as part of a high-end configuration.
Twin tables are fitted at the rear, with luggage space in a large drop boot. Entry is via a powered plug door. Other amenities include USB charging points, a fridge beneath the dash, Webasto saloon air-conditioning, and panoramic side glazing.
The customary EVM body kit and chrome trim items are included on the minicoach, which will be used on a variety of work by Ricky's Travel as part of its luxury fleet. Handover was by Area Sales Manager Matt Thompson (pictured, left) to the Cumbria operator's team.
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Golden Green Travel among first to take next-gen Yutong TC9 midi
Golden Green Travel of the Staffordshire Moorlands is among the first customers to receive a new-generation Yutong TC9 midi, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
It showcases the upgrades to the new model, which has succeeded the longstanding and highly successful original TC9 in the UK market. That includes what the dealership says is “a radical makeover,” with significantly different external styling.
Beyond that, a new interior has been developed that includes an ergonomic, driver-focused cab area. Mood lighting, seating of a style shared with larger GT-range coaches from Yutong and increased luggage space are all part of the changes.
In addition, the dash binnacle is now digital and the driver’s seat comes with heating and cooling functionality along with a massage setting.
The new variant "is built to continue [the TC9’s] success as market leader and more with its looks, performance, and high specification,” says Pelican UK and Ireland Coach and Truck Sales Manager Simon Collins.
He has thanked Golden Green Travel for its business, which represents a continuation of the Longnor operator’s favour of the Yutong TC9. The new vehicle comes with a cherished registration mark. It is powered by a Cummins B6.7 engine driving through a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
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United Minibuses and Coaches uses CenCount passenger counter
United Minibuses and Coaches has adopted the CenCount automatic passenger counter camera (APCC) from Centrad on one of its busiest services to lift operational efficiency, gain more accurate passenger data, and reduce the burden of manual counting on drivers.
The Surrey operator has worked with Centrad for a long time. CenCount has been retrofitted to one of its buses that runs for long hours on a high-demand route, with adoption following the launch of CenCount by the supplier last year.
Previously, United Minibuses and Coaches relied on manual counting and ticket sales data to estimate patronage. The new product uses a high-definition camera with intelligent image processing software to automatically carry out the same task with no manual input.
A discreet unit is fitted above the door and linked to a smart counting unit powered by advanced algorithms. That gives what Centrad says is “precise, real-time visibility of passenger movements across the route, regardless of how tickets are purchased or presented.”
Centrad adds how it is continuing to develop the CenCount system’s artificial intelligence capabilities to deliver a richer insight into how customers use services over time. Rather than identifying individuals, it analyses anonymous passenger flow patterns, such as where they board and alight, to help operators to better understand demand.
United Minibuses and Coaches Managing Director Mumtaz Rasool says that the company has long looked to adopt emerging technologies where it benefits operations, safety, or the overall passenger experience.
“We are already deploying AI in other areas of the business, so when we saw the potential of the APCC system, we were keen to pilot it,” he explains.
“We invested time in explaining to our drivers how the system works and, importantly, why it is being installed. As with any new technology, clear communication is key – but once they could see that it helps rather than hinders their role, the feedback from the team has been positive.
“Our approach with any new piece of technology is to pilot it, assess its efficiency and compatibility, and then explore how it can deliver long-term, tangible benefits across the business. With the APCC, the initial signs are extremely encouraging.”
The operator is now exploring opportunities to roll out CenCount across more of its high-demand routes as it continues to invest in technology that supports safer, smarter and more sustainable operations.