Heathrow operator CCH has taken delivery of four Volvo B8Rs with MCV Evotor bodywork. They are for use on a dedicated contract carrying airline crew between the airport and nearby hotels.
The coaches are 55-seaters and the largest vehicles in the Transdev subsidiary’s 65-strong fleet. They will be utilised up to 365 days per year on the transfer work.
No toilet is present as part of work to maximise luggage capacity, which is 11 cubic metres in the underfloor area. Seats are trimmed in a one-colour moquette and with synthetic leather side flairs and headrests. USB charging points are fitted along with a Bosch audio-visual system and twin 19-inch LED monitors.
Hanover white LED destination displays are provided as part of a PSVAR ready configuration. Wheelchair user access is not currently required, but a lift can be added later to achieve compliance and maximise residual value.
Delivery of the B8R Evotor coaches to CCH follows purchase of 64 B8RLE-based Evora buses by Transdev at Heathrow. Head of Fleet for Transdev Airport Services and CCH Kevin King says that such prior business meant that Volvo “was the clear choice for us” when coaches were required.
“We have a great relationship with the team at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South and East London’s Heathrow depot; for certain aspects of our maintenance programme, it will send one of its technicians directly to our site, which helps us in reducing the amount of time a vehicle is out of service,” continues Mr King.
Power in the four B8R Evotors is from the D8K engine developing 350bhp driving through a 12-speed I-Shift automated manual gearbox with push-button selection.
