Irizar UK has delivered a significant number of new vehicles from its DAF powered integral range to Prospect Coaches over the past year, with more in build as part of ongoing fleet investment by the West Midlands operator.
Of those supplied so far, 19 are i6S Efficient integrals for Prospect’s growing work on behalf of FlixBus. They are built to the scheduled service provider’s specification and are in its green livery. Seating capacity ranges from 53 to 59, with various lengths to accommodate differing luggage space requirements.
Each coach for FlixBus work has a Masats passenger lift and Hanover destination displays along with amenities including wi-fi, USB charging points, and a mix of centre or rear-mounted toilets. Investment in the green coaches sits alongside the opening of Prospect’s new Birmingham depot, which is dedicated to FlixBus work.
Two other coaches are part of the deliveries thus far. One is an i4 integral and the other is an i8 integral. The i4 is a 12.9m example that is PSVAR compliant via a lift at its centre door. It has 70 seats in a 3+2 layout and is used on local and regional school transport.
The i8 integral has taken its place as Prospect’s fleet flagship. It is to sports transport layout and carries the West Bromwich Albion FC team. At 14m, the i8 integral has 34 seats. AD Coach Systems carried out conversion work, transforming the coach into what Irizar UK says is “a mobile base for players and staff.”
Specification items include multiple tables and TVs, fridges, enhanced audio, charging facilities, and more. The i8 integral holds particular significance for Prospect Coaches as it is named Ros, in honour of the operator’s late Managing Director Ros Hadley.
Her vision played a pivotal role in the operator’s success, and the team coach stands as a lasting memory of that contribution. Irizar UK Area Sales Manager Stuart Smithson describes the i8 integral as “a remarkable vehicle and a fitting tribute to Ros.”
He continues: “It showcases what can be achieved when manufacturer, operator and conversion specialist work closely together to create something truly exceptional.”
The i4 and i6S Efficient integrals each have a DAF MX-11 engine coupled to the six-speed ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. The i8 integral has the MX-13 at 530bhp driving through the 12-speed Traxon automated manual.
The dealership adds that investment across multiple platforms depicts not only Prospect’s ambition, “but also the versatility of the Irizar product.” The fleet procurement programme is one of the most important such processes in the operator’s history and further strengthens its established collaboration with Irizar UK.
Adds Mr Smithson: “Prospect Coaches is a valued long-term partner for Irizar UK, and this multi-vehicle handover is a powerful demonstration of the trust it places in our products.
“From high capacity PSVAR compliant vehicles through to bespoke flagship coaches, this order reflects the breadth of the Irizar range and our ability to support operators at every level of their business.”
