Wrightbus aims for NewPower market
The Ballymena-based manufacturer has become the first OEM in the bus sector to launch a diesel to battery-electric repower solution for customers First Bus Streetdecks under conversion at the NewPower facility There’s no doubt the electric bus revolution is in full swing, but for some years many have tried (and more often than...
CBT sets its manifesto for next government
Rail reforms and a minimum service level for buses are key asks The Campaign for Better Transport has published its general election manifesto, outlining its transport asks for the next government. The manifesto calls for prioritising investment in public transport, walking, and cycling over road building. It also advocates for replacing short-term...
Begg – Edinburgh must future-proof its buses
Professor David Begg has warned his home city to respond to an increase in bus journey times by extending bus lane hours and vociferous campaigning David Begg (right) with Edinburgh Bus Users Group chair Harald Tobermann and his dog Buster It’s a warning that could be applied to cities across the United Kingdom,...
The good, the less good and the ugly
It’s that time of year, six months in, for my customary half-term report on how the public transport sector has been performing The good… Keeping it affordable and simple Let’s be honest, if we cannot get folk to travel by bus when the fares are only £2 then we might as well give...
Bus franchising: one size does not fit all
SYSTRA’s Richard Jeremy and Maqbool Alibhai explain how the future of the UK’s buses will be built on a variety of approaches There’s a buzz in the bus world about Greater Manchester’s Bee Network In the recent Westminster Hall debate on transport in the West Midlands, shadow public health minister Preet Kaur Gill...
Begg – transport policy has gone backwards
Former government advisor laments direction of travel over last 20 years and warns that Labour’s policies won’t deliver transformational change Professor David Begg urged Labour to build HS2 to Crewe Former government transport advisor Professor David Begg says the UK is lacking a vision for transforming transport in a way that will deliver...
What will July 4 mean for transport?
Rishi Sunak surprised everyone – including many in his own party – by calling an election which will most likely end his time in office Things can only get wetter: Rishi Sunak’s Downing Street announcement There have, Heinz-style, been 57 varieties of prime minister since the post was established with Sir Robert...
Sharp thinking to get bums on buses
Driven by its head of marketing, Laura Sharp, Go North East’s ‘Get your bum on board’ campaign aims to boost the bottom line Go North East’s ‘Get your bum on board’ campaign I’ll be honest, the bum has always fascinated me. It imbues trust, a reliable protective part of the body that...
Labour’s bus plans – no more tinkering?
Bus franchising looks set to be rolled out in new areas, but time and due process could yet prove to be the enemy of radical reform The election of Richard Parker (centre) as the new mayor of the West Midlands means that all the combined authorities in England’s conurbations are committed to bus...
BYD aiming to make inroads into UK market
BYD has launched the ‘viable’ BD11 double decker in a move that will see the Chinese manufacturer launch a full-scale assault on the UK market London is the first target market for the BYD BD11 BY Andrew Garnett Every now and then, a new vehicle will be introduced to the industry that ostensibly...
Metro mayors plan bus franchising revolution
If metro mayors deliver on their manifesto pledges, almost three-quarters of bus journeys in England will be on publicly-controlled bus networks From left: Pete Bond, TfWM director of integrated transport services, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Cllr Stephen Simpkins, leader of City of Wolverhampton Council and WMCA Board member This autumn it...
Renewed 36 is the perfect bus service