Edwards Coaches has welcomed to its fleet a new, dual-branded Caetano Levante 3A for National Express work in a special livery to mark its 100th anniversary.
In what is believed to be the first time National Express has co-branded a coach, the two familiar liveries have been merged for the Llantrisant-based operator’s newest delivery.
Registered “NX25 BUS”, the vehicle will be used to expand Edwards’ relationship with the country’s leading scheduled operator.
Edwards is already National Express’s biggest partner operator, covering 22 routes and more than 100 daily services.
Established in 1925, the Welsh giant now has 78 Caetano examples in its 250-strong fleet at its depots in Llantrisant, Llansamlet and Avonmouth. The latest represents the 201st from the manufacturer that it has used over the years.
Edwards Coaches Operations Manager Richard Thomas, after picking up the coach from Caetano’s Coalville base yesterday, says: “We’re really pleased with the livery, it’s the first time that a dual-branded livery has been applied, which shows the strength in our ongoing partnership.
“The registration NX25 BUS adds an extra element of specialness. It has had an amazing response on social media when we shared pictures. It’s gone down with our drivers, too.
“The scheduled coach market is booming at the moment and the purchase of the vehicle is for ongoing expansion on our part of the network.”
Ed Rickard, National Express Network Director, adds: “We’re really excited to see this eye-catching new coach hit the road with Edwards, featuring a distinctive livery that celebrates both our enduring partnership and a century of service excellence.
“The striking new livery says it all – bold, proud, and built on years of working together to deliver great journeys for millions of customers.”