Volvo Bus is celebrating a significant order milestone with one of its best customers, GoBus.ie, after an order for 10 integral Volvo B11R 9700 coaches for 2017. This takes the total quantity ordered by the Irish operator to more than 50 since 2009.
Based in Galway, GoBus.ie has specified more than 100 Volvos over the past two decades, including this year’s deliveries, this takes the company’s current fleet to around 40 vehicles.
These new vehicles are all 13m, with 53/55 seats, plus alloy wheels and CCTV.
They are entering service with GoBus.ie’s intercity work between Dublin and Galway on the M6/M4 Motorways and between Dublin and Cork on the M8 Motorway.
Both routes serve Dublin City and Dublin Airport almost 24/7, as well as the new arrivals operating contract touring work for the ever-growing Irish tourist market.
Extra equipment fitted to the GoBus.ie vehicles are CCTV systems including reversing camera and sensors. 
Also included are invertors and sockets to all seats, WiFi, destination sign equipment, dark tinted windows that restrict sunlight glare without losing any natural daylight, I-Start, an ancillary battery starting system, and three-point seat belts.
All Volvo B11Rs are fitted with Volvo’s Driver support system (DSS) as standard.
Always keen to be involved with any new driver and passenger safety techniques, GoBus.ie was involved in the testing of the system when it was under development.
DSS includes AEBS (forward collision warning and advanced emergency braking systems), LKS (lane keeping support) and ACC (adaptive cruise control).
ACC will also be offered as an option on other Volvo B11R body types when specified with the I-Shift gearbox.
GoBus.ie Managing Director, Jim Burke, says: “We have found that the Volvo B11R 9700 not only meets, but exceeds our expectations due to the driving experience, passenger appeal and build quality that gives us excellent operational performance year after year.
“Of particular importance for us is the style and aesthetic appearance of the 9700, which is extremely eye catching and attracts huge passenger reaction. Our customers are always impressed when they see the 9700 coach they’ll be travelling in which they have become accustomed to over the past few years.
“Our experience of these vehicles has been excellent, so we had no hesitation for going for the 9700 yet again and it is great to be passing the 50+ milestone with our latest deliveries.”
David Porter, Retail Sales Manager for Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted to yet again be delivering Volvo B11R 9700s to GoBus.ie and the fact that we have passed the 50 landmark with them is testament to the quality and performance they’ve enjoyed from their previous purchases.
“As well as operational performance, a stylish coach with all the latest features and benefits are always high on the agenda and the 9700 undoubtedly delivers on this. We know that the drivers and passengers alike will continue to enjoy the ride comfort and experience of the 9700 with this new batch of vehicles and are confident that Jim and his team will continue to be pleased with the fuel efficiency and quality.”
