10 more Plaxton Panther-bodied Volvos B8Rs join fleet as Reading operator prepares for ULEZ’s arrival
Reading operator Horseman Coaches has completed a five-year, £10m business investment programme with the introduction of a further 10 Plaxton Panther-bodied Volvo B8Rs.
The new coaches mean that Horseman’s 60-strong fleet is now evenly split between Euro 5 and Euro 6 models, putting it in a good place to satisfy London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which comes into force on 8 April.
Nevertheless, the operator points out that it will have to balance its vehicle utilisation carefully after the ULEZ is introduced, keeping Euro 5 models outside the M25 and ensuring that journeys into the affected area are undertaken with Euro 6 coaches.
“Being based in Berkshire and doing a lot of business inside the M25, such as corporate work and airport transfers, we have to stay ahead of legislative change, which is something that we are striving to do,” says Director James Horseman.
“However, we also have to be realistic and acknowledge that we cannot replace all 60 of our coaches overnight.”
New vehicles are part of an ongoing programme of investment in the fleet, employee training, welfare facilities and consistent technology advancement. The new Panthers are 128.8m models that seat 53; Horseman’s fleet also includes Cheetah, Elite and Leopard models from Plaxton.
Adds Mr Horseman: “In parallel with this, we work relentlessly on our ever-evolving business model. It has to anticipate how the next round of green initiatives from the government and regional authorities will impact us. It is a constant challenge, with one eye on today and another on the future.”
