TWM Launch New 67

THE FOLLOWING IS A SPEECH MADE BY: BRIAN JACKSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE , TRAVEL WEST MIDLANDS AT THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW SCANIA ARTICULATED VEHICLES FOR THE 67 ROUTE.Ladies and Gentlemen - Welcome to Aston VillaGenerally these launch events are attended exclusively by representatives from both local and trade press, by local authority members and officers and by industry people. Today I am particularly pleased to be able to also extend a warm welcome to some of our customers that have joined us for this exciting event. It really is an important day for Travel West Midlands, as we can now unveil the product of all the work that we have been involved in with our partners at Scania to bring £2 million of investment to one of our inner city bus routes. It is moments like these that I cherish; because I know that just for a short while; people will have to listen to a humble busman proud of his company, proud of his staff, and proud of what both have achieved! I know how dedicated we are to providing service. I know the challenges that my staff face each and every day of the year in order to get our extensive network of services out to our customers.I also know that our Industry Colleagues recognise what a professional and progressive company we are. On the subject of Industry Colleagues, I am pleased that Brian Nimmick the Director General of the Confederation of Passenger Transport is here today to help formally launch these new buses into service. I am sure we will hear a few words from him shortly.It’s a great day today because we are showing, for the first time, 11 brand new state of the art articulated buses, here on location at Premier League Aston Villa.This is a premier league site for a Premier League bus Company to display their continued commitment to moving public transport forward in the West Midlands.These eye-catching buses, aren’t they impressive, will operate on the 67 bus route between Birmingham and Castle Vale. They are able to carry up to 148 people apiece. Each bus has seating for up to 58. There is ample standing room and the low floor design enables easy wheelchair and buggy access. This latest investment by TWM, brings to 166 the number of new low floor buses we are delivering into the West Midlands during this year alone.We believe that these Scania buses, all fitted - as part of Operation Safer Travel with the new CrystalEyes CCTV systems. that Watch. Detect and Deter crimes - will, helped by their stunning appearance and the appointment of dedicated route manager Paul Edkins, to make a real difference in boosting patronage along this important corridor. We are well aware of the significant environmental issues that arise from ’greenhouse gases’ and other atmospheric pollutants. We as a company support initiatives to improve local air quality. A low emission euro three engine powers these buses. Persuading private motorists to use them instead of their car will contribute to a greener sweeter and less congested Birmingham!These buses are a central part of an overall investment package that I hope will ultimately see local government partners Birmingham City Council and Centro, joining with us and together. signing up to a new Statutory Quality Bus Partnership for this route!We all know that the local economy, especially the Industry, Commerce and Leisure sectors, constantly argue that accessibility is key to performance and regeneration. TWM believes that this commitment, which sees these buses start running in service from 5th September. will give great accessibility to this corridor.We believe that we are playing our part in the economic regeneration and social development of the City. There is a tremendous pool of enthusiasm in this company. But, we are at times frustrated by our friends in Local GovernmentWhen we speak with stakeholders in this City and when we come to agreements with them, we expect them to deliver to plan and to time. Our frustration with our local authorities is that they often fail to meet deadlines and are quite often swayed by a vocal minority. We want braveheart politicians and visionary officers to join with us and focus on moving into the next gear. We say to our local government partners, lets put the past where it belongs, behind us, lets spend less time debating issues of regulation and control and more time on delivering agreed partnerships for the benefit of the million customers a day that use our buses in the West Midlands!Our fleet of Scania Omni City buses will carry a striking new bus livery, with a catchy phrase ’ the 67, everyone’s favourite number, prominently placed on the front of the vehicle. Why ’everyone’s favourite number you ask ? well that’s what we aim to make it for the folks living or working along the line of route. Think travel, Think of a number, Think 67. The sheer presence of these buses on the road will be a feature, and their awesome capacity will deal with peak flows and off peak passenger growth exceedingly well. We have very high hopes for improving bus services for our customers on the 67 route and we look forward to the City Council joining ourselves and Centro in signing the Statutory Quality Bus Partnership for the corridor as soon as they are ready to do so.

Published 3rd September 2004