Swans Travel has concluded a successful summer of sport after building on its existing experience of team transport. That work was headlined by a 28-coach operation for the UEFA Women’s Euro tournament in July.
The Chadderton business also provided team transfers for The Hundred cricket competition that followed the Euros, and it will soon undertake player transport for the Rugby League World Cup, which during October and November is again to be held in England.
For the Euros, 28 Irizar i6S integral and Mercedes-Benz Tourismo coaches received a dedicated wrap and individual team name. For The Hundred, 18 vehicles were treated similarly.
Knowledge of tournament transport ‘paid off’
The Euros ran immediately into The Hundred, “which in itself was quite challenging,” says Chief Operating Officer Reno Peers (pictured). “Knowledge built over many years, though, has provided an effective blueprint for such high-profile events,” he adds.
In previous years, Swans has provided team travel for the Cricket World Cup, the Rugby League World Cup and the Rugby Union World Cup.
It also has contracts with several Premier League clubs for team transport.
Mr Peers was responsible for the overall management of the transport programmes for each of those tournaments. He has paid tribute to the drivers involved, who he describes as exceptional throughout. “I set aside a significant amount of time to ensure I plan meticulously, but without having a great set of drivers, it would be much harder to deliver a quality service.”
Women’s Euros organisers feedback on Swans Travel ‘excellent’
Reflecting on this year’s successes, Swans Managing Director Kieran Swindells describes Mr Peers as having “an exceptional skillset.” He adds: “Our experience of such events undoubtedly helped us to secure this year’s contracts.”
Swans’ fleet grew to 55 in August 2019 when it purchased Carrington operator Travel Master. In the Women’s Euros, each team was allocated a regular driver for its time within the tournament, with back-ups provided when mandatory rest periods were in play.
A batch of new Irizar i6S integrals were delivered in time for the Women’s Euros. Mr Peers says that feedback from Euros organisers has been “excellent.” Swans gained the contract to provide team, VIP and sponsors transport in mid-2021. It began planning the operation three months before the first players arrived in England.
