Courtney Buses Adopts Michelin Solutions’ EFFITIRES Package

Courtney Buses has switched to an all-Michelin policy on a price-per-vehicle (PPV) contract as it strives to increase the efficiency of its fleet and reduce fuel costs. The Bracknell, Berkshire-based operator has adopted the EFFITIRES™ solution across its 60-strong fleet of single- and double-decker buses, each of which covers an average 40,000 miles per year on urban routes.

Malcolm Venn, Engineering Manager at Courtney Buses, says: “I wanted a managed tyre policy because it caused a major headache having to do all the vehicle checks ourselves. The nature of running a busy urban bus fleet means we typically see lots of kerbing damage, plus we’re always working hard to ensure tyre tread depths don’t fall below our minimum standard.”

Venn continued; “Now we have a fleet-wide monthly inspection by Michelin solutions technicians who have the expertise to say whether a tyre will last till the next inspection or needs to be replaced immediately. As part of the contract, Michelin solutions will fit all new and remix tyres to our fleet.”

Describing the switchover to the Michelin solutions-managed deal as “seamless”, Venn revealed Courtney Buses’ three-year PPV deal is believed to be the “first of its kind” in the bus and coach industry for Michelin solutions – with most operators traditionally opting for price-per-kilometre/mile (PPK/PPM) agreements.

He adds: “The major benefit of PPV to us is that we know exactly what our tyre costs are going to be per month, per vehicle. That makes our financial planning much easier. Not to mention the fact we’re expecting to see savings on fuel, thanks to the lower rolling resistance of moving to a premium Michelin fitment.”