Arrival of Van Hool T range coaches for UK operators has continued, with the latest to land here including a T15 Acron for Eavesway Travel of Ashton-in-Makerfield.
The long-anticipated coach went first to VDL Bus and Coach UK in Barnsley for pre-delivery work. It follows other T coaches that have arrived in recent weeks, including examples for Bibby’s of Ingleton, Stephen Offord Coaches, and what is understood to be several other operators.
Eavesway placed an order for two T15 Acrons alongside a T17 Astron tri-axle. All were agreed in late 2023. The 14.3m T17 Astron is to be to VIP specification with 40 seats.
Managing Director Mike Eaves says that having seen the operator’s first T15 Acron, “the quality of the Van Hool product stands out.”
The coach has a floor-level rear toilet and an adjacent servery (see below), along with a continental door behind the rear axle. Seats are in the Lancashire operator’s customary cream leather, with three-point belts and the Van Hool logo within the upright part. The driver and courier positions are in a matching scheme.
A camera monitoring system in lieu of conventional mirrors is fitted and the coach comes with a 24-plate cherished registration. While it is eligible for a 74-plate, Mr Eaves says that the mark as carried was purchased in anticipation of earlier delivery and it has been decided to retain it.
PSVAR readiness has been specified on the T15 Acron pair by Eavesway. Mr Eaves adds that on the cruise ship transfer work and private hire that they will mainly undertake, luggage space is key. Full PSVAR compliance is within the fleet on other coaches.
Arrival of the first T15 Acron with Eavesway maintains a long association with the Van Hool marque. Delivery of it and other members of the T range to UK customers follows an almost six-month hiatus while purchase by VDL of parts of the Van Hool coach and bus operations progressed.
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