Pulham’s Coaches has taken delivery of a pair of MCV Evora-bodied Volvo B8RLE fleet additions. They have been deployed on the Cotswolds operator’s flagship 801 bus service between Cheltenham and Moreton-in-Marsh and can carry a maximum of 95 passengers, 46 of which are seated.
Each of the new buses is expected to cover around 100,000km per annum. They will remain with Pulham’s for at least seven years. The Volvo marque has been chosen for the purchase owing to high mileage requirements and challenging operating conditions, says Managing Director Andy Pulham.
“With the vehicles regularly tasked with navigating the Cotswolds’ hilly terrain, capability is a huge factor for us,” he continues. “Experience has proved that these Volvos are more than capable of doing that, over a long period of time, while delivering exceptional uptime.”
Mr Pulham notes that the operator enjoys good support from its local Truck and Bus Wales and West dealership, with Pulham’s own engineers working closely with the manufacturer’s agent. Parts supply is a particular positive, he adds.
The two new buses carry cherished registration marks along with Pulham’s traditional red and cream livery. At 12.1m, they are to the longer of two lengths offered by Volvo Buses. Power is from the D8K engine paired to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
