The coach and bus sector relies on many different parts to keep it running smoothly.
During the pandemic, it has continued to rely on suppliers like Imperial Engineering to ensure that its networks are functioning as they should.
Even if the payload is not yet back at the same level as pre-pandemic, coaches and buses still need to be maintained to a high standard.
IRTE Skills Challenge sponsor Imperial Engineering knows that, for the industry to continue to provide a valuable service to the public, all elements must work in tandem. That means the parts that each of these complex vehicles requires must be available when needed and the technicians working on them must be trained to a high level.
Coach and bus industry parts supplier Imperial Engineering now conducts regular short training sessions to help its clients better understand certain components to cut their costs and improve productivity.
Gavin Takel, Technical Sales Manager, says: “There’s huge pressure on technicians to get vehicles back on the road quickly with the least amount of downtime. We give clients with high turnovers on certain products support with on-site training to help them use parts more effectively.
“The skills levels needed to work on these vehicles is intense, so mentally and physically you have to be very strong. The technicians are dealing with a wide range of vehicles and product ranges, and there are different mechanics and electronics on all these vehicles – technicians are expected to know everything about them to keep them on the road safely. The Skills Challenge shows what is required of a modern-day technician or apprentice.”
As operators gradually move towards more hydrogen and electric vehicles in their fleets, so the multitude of components that are needed changes too.
“More people are accepting that this industry is changing for the better. Public transport is a good thing and at Imperial we will adapt to the market switch to hydrogen and electric. We want to continue that high level support,” adds Mr Takel.
