Smart partnership delivers sustainable transport first for Manchester

Two West Midlands companies, Birmingham-based CHH CoNeX and Dudley-based Eurocraft Enclosures, are playing a key role in delivering a new “smart” transport scheme which aims to drastically reducing carbon emissions across the country by providing them with a sustainable, end-to-end transport solution.

Brompton Dock, an innovative partnership between Brompton Dock Ltd and Virgin Trains, will soon see residents and visitors benefit from a new, fully-automated, secure cycle hire service in Manchester.

The scheme makes it possible to hire the iconic British hand-made Brompton folding bike via their mobile phone and use it as part of their everyday routine on either a short or long-term hire basis from Tuesday 3^rd April 2012.

Owing to its compact and lightweight design, the Brompton bike can be used on trains, buses and trams across the city without any restrictions, thereby providing environmentally conscious public transport users with a seamless, easy-to-use alternative to their cars.

Commenting on the launch, Mark Antwis, Managing Director of Brompton Dock, said: “We wanted a scheme that would integrate seamlessly with your everyday habits whether travelling to work, meeting up with friends, attending Further or Higher Education or going to the gym.

“First piloted in Guildford, this scheme enables local authorities, universities and other public and private sector organisations to house up to 40 Brompton bikes in a single car parking space, making it not only affordable to accommodate within new development or refurbishment plans, but also aims to provide the user with the highest possible level of convenience.

“We are extremely proud that every part of this project is ‘Made in Britain’ and we are delighted to continue working alongside CHH CoNeX and Eurocraft Enclosures as we expand the scheme nationally.”

Tim Hughes, Managing Director at Birmingham-based electronics integrator and logistics solutions provider, CHH CoNeX, which is responsible for the manufacture of the Dock, added: “The demand for cost-effective, robust and sustainable transport solutions has grown exponentially in recent years.

“By working closely with Brompton Dock, we have been able to deliver a fully integrated, standalone solution which is both cost effective to deliver and maintain. We are delighted that commuters in Manchester, and eventually across the UK, will have access to an affordable, attractive transport solution which is not only designed, but manufactured in Britain.”

To use the service, you simply register online and then choose your preferred tariff. Once registered, the user will be sent a personal four-digit pin number. To take out a Brompton bike, the user simply needs to send a text with the dock number and their pin to 07800 008 078. The user then gets a reply by text with the bay number and access code. Users are also able to hire the bike for as long as they want, whether an hour, a week or even a year.”

For more info see www.bromptondock.co.uk.