Delivery of an order by Stagecoach for 43 Volvo 9700 DD double-deck coaches will be completed over the next few months, the vehicle supplier has confirmed.
So far seven have been supplied to Cumbernauld depot for Megabus work on routes between Edinburgh and Glasgow and London. Nine others are at Cumbernauld and Perth for use on Scottish Citylink services.
Each coach is 14.8m long and carries a Carrus Delta body on B13R running units. The D13K engine develops 500bhp. Up to 81 passengers can be carried, with space for one wheelchair user. The rear luggage area has a volume of eight cubic metres and Volvo claims that the internal racks add a further three cubic metres to that capacity.
Of the outstanding 27 examples, four are for use on Megabus services by Stagecoach North East from its Walkergate depot in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the remainder will be deployed in Scotland.
Scottish Citylink Managing Director Simone Walsh has described the order as “a significant investment” in Stagecoach’s coach fleet.
She adds: “We are operating services covering thousands of miles across varied terrain and in unpredictable weather conditions every day; this increased capacity will improve efficiencies across the business while [also] improving our passenger experience.”
Camera monitoring systems in lieu of rear-view mirrors are fitted to those 9700 DD coaches already in use with Stagecoach, along with multiple other safety product from Volvo including a driver alert system.
Continues Ms Smith: “This order is another testament to the strong relationship we continue to build with Volvo Buses. It is no coincidence that we’re seeing improved feedback from drivers and passengers. Easily being able to communicate with the Volvo Buses team and its dealerships when required will also be important.”
