In the latest UK Coach Operators Association (previously LTCOA) member interview, Peter Bradley converses with Kevin Mayne of Maynes Coaches of Buckie
There cannot be many people in the coach industry who have not heard of Maynes of Buckie.
A trusted, quality coach operator, established by James Mayne in 1947, it is well known in Scotland and beyond.
Initially, Maynes concentrated on private hire, serving the local fishing communities and church groups, and in the 1960s established a series of workers’ express services. Its first new coach was purchased in 1972 and gradually Maynes moved more and more into tourism, establishing a programme of excursions. This is now the mainstay of the operation.
When I spoke to Kevin, he was full of optimism and his enthusiasm for the industry was hugely infectious. Maynes has recently restarted its own tour programme after a period of providing coaches for other tour operators and bookings are already rolling in.
“Just before the current lockdown,” Kevin says, “we had coaches at our regular pick-up points handing out brochures to a captive audience. Over the years we have developed a good relationship with our customers and they are keen to start travelling again once it is safe to do so.”
One of the secrets of Maynes’ success is the ability to have a varied and wide-ranging programme (including tours to the distilleries of some of the famous names in whisky), but still maintaining the attention to detail. “We ensure that bespoke holidays include everything within the cost, as that is what our customers want,” Kevin reflects. “We also ensure that the quality is the best it can possibly be, too. People are prepared to pay a bit more for good accommodation and we respect that. That is why our customers come back.”
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence training is taught in–house, and Kevin mentions the additional training given to drivers to ensure that they become experts on the subject matter of the tour: “They are our ambassadors, and we give them what they need to take on this important role.”
We spoke about the challenges facing all coach operators during this pandemic, including grants, and dealing with politicians. We also reflected on the difference between the coach and bus industry, something that is not always appreciated by those in power. “The coach industry is a way of life,” Kevin states. “It is 24 hours a day, and we are part of the local community. My mobile phone never leaves my pocket.”
Kevin says his father (Gordon Mayne), who sadly passed away last year, was passionate about working with other people. Maynes is a member of the Coach Tourism Association, Guild of British Coach Operators, Coach Marque and the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) and has most recently joined the UK Coach Operators Association (UKCOA) on the recommendation of Graham Cooper of Coopers Tours in Sheffield.
We are all following the same path… it is critical that we work together for the common good
“We are all following the same path,” Kevin says, “but sometimes we need to come from different directions. However, it is critical that we work together for the common good.” He singled out CPT Scotland, saying “it does a fantastic job” and is confident that it will continue to do so. Kevin also set up a Facebook page for coach operators in his locality at the start of the pandemic, allowing them to be upfront and honest with each other. “It is good to be able to ask a question,” he muses.
I enjoyed my conversation with Kevin and couldn’t help feeling so much better at the end of it than I did at the start. His positiveness about the industry and his commitment to working in partnership were especially uplifting during these challenging times.
