Two Irizar i6 integrals take total to 16 already, with remainder of 33-strong Swindon fleet to follow
Swindon-based Barnes Coaches is on track to have an entirely Euro 6 fleet by 2019, the operator has revealed.
As of early March, 16 of its coaches were Euro 6 models, with a further example to arrive next week, taking fleet strength to 33. The most recent deliveries are two Irizar i6 integrals.
Contrary to some expectations of operators having to bring forward investment in light of the London Ultra Low Emission Zone, Barnes’ move to Euro 6 is part of planned fleet replacement “and would have happened anyway,” says Director Luke Barnes.
“We try to keep the fleet as modern as possible. At the moment the average age is 3.4 years and our oldest coach dates from 2011,” says Mr Barnes.
“Five or six years is the normal age at which we replace coaches, although we may sometimes keep higher-capacity vehicles for a little longer.”
The two i6 integrals join a pair bought previously. Of the new coaches, one is a 12.2m 49-seater and the other is a 14-metre 61-seater. “We love the way that the i6 looks and our drivers and customers also love them,” says fellow Director Matt Barnes.
Both of the new i6 integrals come with twin-screen DVD systems and a raft of safety aids, while the operator has specified a built-in vacuum cleaner in each. They will be used on work from school contracts to continental tours.
