Ridleys Coaches has added two more Volvo 9900s to its fleet as it prepares for expansion into “a new era” of European operations in 2020.
The two flagship coaches join an earlier 9900. A fourth 9900 is on order for 2020. That makes Ridleys the UK’s largest operator of the type.
Work for the 9900s will be incoming tours and long-distance private hires. Volvo’s I-See topography learning function on the I-Shift gearbox has already helped to deliver good fuel economy, says MD Jordan Ridley.
I-See optimises acceleration, braking and gearshift points when using cruise control. Mr Ridley adds that the 9900’s functionality and safety aspects have both contributed to the repeat business.
“The styling of the 9900 is different to any other product on the market. Its sophisticated design and functionality have encouraged us to buy again. Having operated the 9900’s predecessor the 9700, we knew we were purchasing a top-end product.”