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operator

Driver retention is a major problem throughout fleet includes the original
much of the country but seven coach-specification
Bluebirds from 1998 and
Staffordshire Education's Fleet Manager, a further eight updated
Jayne Stimpson, was pleased with the county's Bluebirds delivered in
experience to date: 'There has been no problem 2000. Having purchased
with our recruitment, drivers want to work for all the stock held by Coach
us,' she said, acknowledging that this could pose Europe at the time of their
problems elsewhere. Following appropriate demise, a significant parts
checks, drivers are employed on annualised hours inventory is held for the
contracts with little in the way of anti-social hours Bluebirds but this remains a
included. difficult area. The

In addition to the 15 ScolaBuses, the current

The rear styling of the Irisbus ScolaBus with digital display panel
beneath the window. Note the sectional bumper.

Inside the Tollgate facility, a Bluebird on the Tecalemit hoists Bluebirds have an impressed stock facility is under considera-
undergoes routine maintenance. performed very reliably tion. Staffordshire plan for a 12-year life from the
in service but sourcing ScolaBuses although Irisbus expect them to be
of spare parts from the capable of several years beyond this.
US is costly and time
consuming. A rela- With 450 school contracts let in Staffordshire,
tionship has however there is scope for further expansion using the
been established with facilities now available. Any progress in this
International Fleet direction will however depend on the contract
Sales in the US which prices (and vehicles) local operators can offer in
has improved the comparison with the County fleet's own cost of
reliability of supply. operation.
For the ScolaBuses
By David Cole

Visit our web site

www.irisbus.co.uk

Safety & comfort driven by design

Irisbus (UK) Limited
Iveco House, Station Road,

Watford, Herts WD17 1SR
Tel: 01923 259660

Email: info@irisbus-sl.com

Reprinted from Bus & Coach Buyer Issue 763