Hopes are high of a strong 2024 for the coach industry, with multiple operators reporting good interest from existing and new clients alike.
Such a position follows what one business has described as “a significant rise in bookings” during 2023. That has influenced its decision to order multiple new coaches for the coming months. Meanwhile, another has said that the traditionally quiet January period also looks like being busier than the norm.
Eavesway Travel of Ashton-on-Makerfield expects a further uptick in demand across multiple sectors next year, with Managing Director Mike Eaves (pictured, above) having ordered five new coaches for delivery in March and April 2024.
“2023 has seen significant increases in bookings, for Cruiselink, private hire, and the corporate sector. This seems set to continue into 2024 as new clients come aboard,” says Mr Eaves.
Because of both that positivity and ongoing fleet replacement needs, Eavesway has three examples of the new Van Hool T range and a pair of Yutong GT12s on order.
Of the former, two are 12.5m, two-axle T15 Acron models. The other is a 14.3m T17 Astron tri-axle. It will be to corporate specification with 40 seats, and will be used by an as yet unnamed client. The T17 Astron will carry the operator’s graphite grey Exclusive livery, says Mr Eaves.
The T15 twins, while to Eavesway’s usual Cruiselink specification, will also be downseated, to 44. “They will move upmarket in terms of specification,” he continues, noting that the coaches will each include a rear servery and catering area.
The 44-seaters will follow a pair of Van Hool EX11H coaches delivered in 2023 that were also downseated for additional legroom. “While predominantly for our cruise-related operations, [the T15 Acrons] will also have an important role to play in moving our private hire business into new areas,” Mr Eaves continues.
A strong diary and a need to move towards an all-Euro VI fleet as soon as possible by Eavesway also influenced the order for two Yutong GT12 coaches. The business already runs a pair of smaller TC9 models from the Chinese marque and the success of those meant that Eavesway “had no hesitation” in approaching Pelican Bus and Coach for the GT12s.
“Again, those coaches will have a reduced capacity of 48 to enhance passenger comfort, and both will be factory painted in our metallic silver Cruiselink livery,” Mr Eaves continues. The Yutongs will be PSVAR compliant, and like the T15 Acron pair, will be utilised on private hire around their cruise commitments.
He adds that the GT12s were ordered at short notice, with strong used coach values having led to receipt of an offer on two existing members of the Eavesway fleet “that was too good to refuse.”
