Edwards Coaches has updated its bus fleet with the arrival of seven new Alexander Dennis Enviro200 models in an investment of £1.7 million that continues extensive celebrations of the operator’s centenary in 2025.
They are the first buses to carry the trademark shade of metallic blue that characterises Edwards’ large coach fleet. Its configuration has been designed by Jump-On Marketing and application was by D&S Signs of Pontypridd.
Each Enviro200 represents the communities served by Edwards Coaches via the inclusion of a unique welcome message by the entrance that features colloquial greetings from those areas. For example, one of the buses hails customers with ‘hiya Butt’, a familiar and friendly phrase from Rhondda Cynon Taff.
Use will be on local routes and over longer distances into Cardiff. Three each of the buses are 10.8m, 40-seaters and 9.7m models with 34 positions, while the seventh is the smallest 8.9m variant seating 30.
A high-backed layout with seatbelts has been specified, while passengers also benefit from USB charging. All seven buses have audio-visual next-stop information and induction hearing loops, while Coachtek Systems has installed comprehensive CCTV.
New buses complement coach arrivals in the fleet during 2025, including a dual branded Caetano Levante 3A that carries both Edwards Coaches and National Express livery.
“These latest additions highlight Edwards’ continued investment in quality, safety and passenger experience and are a fitting reflection of the company’s evolution and dedication as it celebrates 100 years of service to the community,” the operator says.
Commercial Manager Simon Ingham adds: “We are delighted to round off the Edwards Coaches centenary year with this investment in the local bus fleet, bringing latest accessibility standards to our routes and enhancing the experience for our passengers.
“Alexander Dennis has been great in preparing the buses for us and finishing them to our requirements.” The builder has included SmartPack fuel saving technology on the vehicles. That uses engine stop/start, electric cooling fans and auxiliary load management to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.
The manufacturer’s Regional Sales Manager Simon Wood has thanked Edwards for its business and notes how the buses represent the first Alexander Dennis products delivered to the Llantrisant customer since 2018.
“We are proud to support Edwards Coaches in its centenary year with a tailored fleet of Enviro200 buses that combine efficiency, accessibility and reliability,” Mr Wood continues.
“These vehicles are a great example of how our low-emission technology and flexible design help operators to meet the needs of their communities while reducing their environmental impact.”
