Archway Travel enters bus service work with nine-strong new fleet
Fylde operator Archway Travel has taken delivery of nine new Alexander Dennis Enviro200 single-decker buses and a single used example for its first venture into local service operation.
The new vehicles have been supplied on five-year rental arrangements by Asset Alliance Group, while the used bus has been funded by the same supplier on a hire-purchase agreement.
They have been put to work on Lancashire County Council contracted services 74 and 75 between Archway’s hometown of Fleetwood and Preston. Managing Director Sam Archer says that the venture “could be a real gamechanger for our business” and that Asset Alliance was “the first call I made” after notification of the tender win.
Seating 30 passengers, the new buses are each 8.9m long and have a Voith automatic gearbox along with Alexander Dennis SmartSeats. Fylde Villager branding is carried on a bespoke livery, while contactless payment is offered and an app for passengers has been developed.
Mr Archer adds that starting with new buses from the get-go was seen as important by Archway Travel. “Via the rental option, Asset Alliance Group was able to deliver the vehicles quickly,” he continues.
“We sourced one used vehicle from another operator, but we wanted the majority of the service fleet to be new as it gives you that reliability and peace of mind. The two routes are quite rural, going through lots of country lanes, so we needed buses we could rely on.”
Asset Alliance has worked with Archway for some time. National Sales Manager Scott Burke says that the supplier takes pride in assisting the family-owned Fleetwood operator in going from strength to strength.
“It was a pleasure to be able to work with it again on this latest deal, marking a significant moment in Archway’s history," adds Mr Burke.
The business engaged in a major recruitment process for the new services, with Mr Archer having recently commented how important a strong company culture has been in that exercise.
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Journeo CCTV equipment fitted at bus stops in BCP Council area
Over 150 bus shelters across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area have been upgraded with new CCTV cameras. 100 more locations will follow across coming months as part of a bus stop safety upgrade.
The equipment is supplied and maintained by Journeo. It is what BCP Council describes as “uniquely installed in existing real time information screens” in shelters. Such an approach provides a cost-effective solution and will reduce antisocial behaviour and make bus travel safer, the local authority adds.
The bus stops where the CCTV has been installed are the busiest in the council’s area. Poole bus station (pictured) has also benefitted from the equipment. There it has been integrated into 14 new electronic passenger information displays that provide accurate departure information.
High-definition footage from the new cameras is live streamed to the local authority’s CCTV control room, with continuous recording. An earlier consultation had identified a need for enhanced CCTV alongside a uniformed presence on buses from Transport Safety Officers. Bus Service Improvement Plan funding is going towards the work.
Those Transport Safety Officers were introduced earlier in 2024. They travel across key routes on the BCP bus and rail network, interacting with people and dealing with any incidents of antisocial behaviour as part of that wider scheme.
BCP Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy Cllr Andy Hadley says of the cameras: “We are working closely with our local bus operators to significantly improve bus services across the BCP area.
“This forms part of our commitment to transform travel by encouraging more people to take environmentally friendly options like the bus or train. Reducing antisocial behaviour at Poole bus station and at our bus shelters plays an important part in this.
“Our residents want to feel safe when they travel, and these new CCTV cameras will hopefully encourage more people to leave their cars at home and take a sustainable option instead, which has the added bonus of reducing congestion on our roads.”
As the dominant operator in the BCP area, Morebus has supported the security-related work. Managing Director Andrew Wickham adds: “We want those travelling with us to feel safe and comfortable while onboard, at bus shelters, and at Poole bus station.
“The bus stop cameras and state-of-the-art equipment installed at the bus station – with its dual purpose of providing live information and CCTV monitoring – will go a long way to achieving this.
“Our excellent partnership with BCP Council has gone a long way to facilitating these latest additions, and we will continue to work together to achieve our joint aim of easing congestion and improving air quality across the region.”
Landmark for Lochs Motor Transport as Enviro400 trio arrive
Lochs Motor Transport, based in Leurbost on the Isle of Lewis, has taken delivery of the first three of five Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double-deckers that are to join its fleet.
Handover of that initial trio was completed recently at the builder’s plant in Scarborough. They are the first double-deckers ever to operate on Lewis and Harris and each seats 85 with room for a wheelchair user. The deal represents further success for Alexander Dennis with smaller operators for the Enviro400 in high-specification form.
They have been purchased following the award to Lochs Motor Transport of a new contract to supply a shuttle service for cruise ship passengers visiting the Western Isles, linking Stornoway’s new deep-water terminal to the town centre. The buses’ capacity will also be used on busy school services.
Speaking about the purchase, Director Roddy MacDonald says: “The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 is great value for money for a high-capacity vehicle that is easy to maintain and operate.
“Visitors can appreciate the beauty of the Western Isles through panoramic windows from comfortable seats, and we are more easily able to accommodate large numbers of customers – which is why we have ordered a further two double-deckers for next year.”
Adds Alexander Dennis Regional Sales Manager Lee Gibson: “I am grateful for the trust placed in Alexander Dennis when Lochs Motor Transport chose us to supply its first ever double-deckers after buying Plaxton coaches for many years.
“We look forward to continuing to support Roddy and his team next year with another pair of Enviro400 double-deckers for cruise ship services, the port authority, schools, and private hire.”
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