Having visited Coach & Bus UK, I was aware of the Caetano Levante 90-seat 3+2 conversion that John Hill Coach Sales has supplied to Barnett’s Coaches [routeone, news, 11 October].
For any company this is a considerable financial investment and I can perfectly understand the financial reasons behind all of this.
There is no doubt that the conversion will have been carried out to a very high standard and it will have passed all the DVSA notifiable alterations regulations.
However, I pose what is a very difficult question for both operators and suppliers: Is this the route the PCV industry should be taking when it comes to school transport?
The biggest concern is how do you evacuate the coach in a timely manner in the event of a major accident or the nightmare scenario an engine fire?
The prospect of 90 schoolchildren trying to get out is a major concern.
For example, if the coach is on a home-to-school contract with no adult escort and the driver is incapacitated following an accident or worse, a tragedy will unfold that will haunt the industry for years.
Ian Ashman
Proprietor A&J Coaches (retired)
Washington
Tyne & Wear
