1.- Who makes up Amics del Bus and what are your main objectives?
We are a group of young people who love buses, and the world of transport in general. The entity’s objectives are very diverse, although they all have buses in common. Our website is: https://www.amicsdelbus.com
We investigate the history and past of transport, especially buses, to see the enormous technological change from the first trolleybuses to current electric or hybrid buses.
Together with the entire sector (administrations, operators, entities…), we promote the use of sustainable and quality public transport. We also try to share the latest news and improvements related to buses on our blog, “Amics del Bus Magazín”.
2.- How can companies in the sector be more attractive to young people? How can they attract new passengers among younger people?
Companies in the sector must adapt to current times and the needs demanded by young users, especially those related to new technologies. We are talking about demands such as paying for tickets via mobile phone or installing on-board internet connection systems, to name a few, or simply providing charging points for mobile devices.
We have a good relationship with various bus companies, and we try to convey our opinion from the perspective of young people; in this regard, these companies listen to our comments, and that is something that gratifies us.
3.- Are there ties between your association and others located in the rest of Spain or Europe?
Our association actively collaborates with ACEMA (Associació de Col·leccionistes Empleats de Metro i Autobús; www.acemabcn.org) and with ARCA (Associació per a la Restauració i Conservació d’Autobusos; www.arca-bus.org), with joint activities and projects.
For example, we are currently building a bus driving simulator together with ARCA and Empresa Sagalés. Based on a computer game, we are starting to assemble a cockpit with a real steering wheel and dashboard, which we want to launch at the next classic bus rally in June 2017.
4.- In your opinion, what are the pending challenges for the passenger transport sector by road in our country?
In urban routes, promoting bus use by encouraging traffic light priority measures and the acquisition of sustainable vehicles, and adapting the network to customer needs.
On long-distance routes, the bus has a very difficult time competing with other means (train, plane, …) in terms of travel time, but it can still offer more comfort for the traveler by providing on-board services as if it were an airplane.
5.- How do you assess the trajectory of Grupo Castrosua in the bodywork sector?
Both Castrosua and Carsa are very present companies in the bus sector. Many cities have buses with the Group’s stamp since its creation 60 years ago, whose bodyworks have always stood out for their innovation and design.
Grupo Castrosua was one of the first to incorporate bus bodyworks with a futuristic design, moving away from straight lines and opting for curves. For this reason, the CS-40 bodywork was a revolution in this aspect; in fact, it is one of the longest-lasting in the group, being manufactured until very recently and being very present throughout Spain.
Furthermore, the alliance with Pegaso allowed the group to achieve great production of buses and coaches. Innovation continues today, with the creation of Vectia in partnership with CAF, and the launch of the hybrid and electric buses Teris and Veris.
From here we want to thank Amics del Bus for agreeing to collaborate with our blog and congratulate them on the work they do! It has been a pleasure to deal with you!
