Asia Bus Response

The Asia Bus Response is a voluntary, co-ordinating group of UK bus professionals that aims to help the UK bus industry respond appropriately and meaningfully to the tsunami disaster.

In partnership with the development organisation, Islamic Relief, Asia Bus Response intends to send buses from UK bus fleets to help rebuild the infrastructure of Sri Lanka and Indonesia, these are the countries that have been the worst affected by the results of the tsunami.

Asia Bus Response has undertaken to:- ensure that buses dispatched fit the needs of the destination countries- arrange for buses to convene at a UK location for assembly/shipping- have all vehicles mechanically checked pre dispatch to ensure worthiness- liase with operators, local authorities and industry suppliers concerning parts, training and other opportunities- encourage the filling of buses with supplies required by destination countries at the time of dispatch.

Divisional Corporate Affairs Director, Phil Bateman said "We are very pleased to be able to announce that Travel West Midlands, part of the National Express Group Bus Division and Travel Dundee's sister company, is to release 6 Metrobuses from their regular duties in the West Midlands, to provide help and support to the communities that have suffered so badly from the tsunami and require help in re-building lives business and their own local economy. Our American Bus Division is also donating 10 of its vehicles to the same fund."

Published 17th February 2005