TfL Sculptures to Benefit African Charity

You do not need a PCV licence to handle one of the new buses being made available through Transport for London’s (TfL) Year of the Bus 2014 campaign. You see, the buses are not actually big enough to drive. Rather, these are sculptures that will be painted and displayed throughout London in the coming months. Money raised through an auction of the sculptures at the end of the campaign will be donated to an African Charity and two others.

The African charity, known as Transaid, trains HGV drivers in Africa. It also provides a variety free vehicles, including bicycle ambulances. The money it receives as part of the TfL campaign will go toward funding its 2015 needs. The other two charities to receive funding are the London Transport Museum and Kids Company.

As for TfL, it has already commissioned some 60 artists to paint and otherwise decorate the sculptures before these are placed in strategic locations throughout the capital. TfL chose the new Routemaster as the basis of the sculptures, in part, because 2014 marks the 60^th anniversary of this particular bus. It has been 100 years since Routemaster’s B-Type passenger bus carried soldiers to the front lines of World War I.

One of the more unique aspects of the Year of the Bus 2014 campaign is how the sculptures will be displayed. Rather than placing a single sculpture at one location, the buses will be laid out in five unique routes that will encourage pedestrians to follow them. The intention is to invite people to experience the sights and sounds that make London the city it is. It should be a great opportunity for both tourists and locals alike.

Making a Difference

Transport for London will be making a real difference in the lives of many people through the Year of the Bus 2014 campaign. Here at the HGV Training Centre, we are making a difference as well by providing top-notch driver training for individuals looking to earn their PCV licence. The PCV licence is necessary in order to professionally drive a public bus or coach. The training we provide prepares students to take their tests, and pass them the first time.

Our students have gone on to work for PCV operators of all sizes. Some operate city buses, others transport children to and from school, and still others drive coaches throughout Europe. Regardless of what they drive, all have one thing in common: they received some of the best training in the industry at one of our 45+ facilities.

To train for your PCV licence you must already have a full car licence that is currently valid. You also need to be able to pass a routine medical exam that looks at your overall health. With those two conditions met, you can apply for your provisional entitlement and begin preparing for the PCV theory test. Passing the theory test allows you to undergo practical skills training in preparation for your final test and subsequent licencing.

Sources:

Handy Shipping Guide – http://www.handyshippingguide.com/shipping-news/unique-london-sculptures-decorated-by-artists-will-benefit-hgv-training-transport-charity_5687