Marriage of competence
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DEVON PASTIES and cider helped launch the first doubledeck Neoplan coaches to enter service with a British operator, and one of the most surprising joint coach services since the 1980 Transport Act became law, reports NOEL IVIILLIER.
Junior Transport Minister Kenneth Clarke inaugurated Trathen of Yelverton's non-stop upgraded Plymouth-London service which now is to be marketed as a Rapide service by both Trathens and National Express.
A similar service, also with a hostess service, refreshments, and video films, is to be launched from Exeter.
In welcoming the service at its launch at London's Gloucester Road terminal, National Bus Company chairman Lord Shepherd described it as a "marriage of competence," harnessing Trathen's initiative and skill in running luxury coach services with NBC's strength in marketing volume coach travel. He said that NBC welcomes the cooperation with Trathen.
It is the fourth marriage be tween NBC and a private operator since the 1980 Act deregulated coach services, and NBC, he said, is willing and keen to talk to anyone.
The Plymouth service coaches include Trathen's two £120,000 Neoplan Skyliner 7 0-seat double-deckers. These threeaxle air-spring vehicles are powered by a 360 bhp V10 Daimler-Benz engine which drives through a ZF manual gearbox, and will be backed-up by Trathen's Van Hool Alizee high-floor Volvo B10Ms and MAN SR280s. All vehicles have video and refreshment equipment and toilets.
Pending delivery of suitable National coaches, the four-times daily Exeter service will be operated by Trathen's coaches, some of which will be crewed by National drivers.