Volvo Buses

UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND

Volvo B7RLEs enter service with Stagecoach Cambridge

Ten new Volvo B7RLEs with Wrightbus Eclipse 2 bodywork have entered service with Stagecoach Cambridge following a handover on 10th June. The new vehicles, which are currently operating on existing routes around Cambridge, are destined for the new Cambridgeshire Guided Busway due to launch in early autumn.
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Specified with Volvo’s D7E 7.1 litre common rail diesel engine rated at 290hp, coupled to a ZF six speed automatic gearbox, the 12.15 metre low floor, easy access buses are perfect for commuter travel. Featuring Wrightbus Eclipse 2 bodywork, the vehicles have 41 leather seats with capacity for 31 standing passengers; full saloon air conditioning throughout, which is a first for Stagecoach Cambridge; Real Time Passenger Information; an eight camera CCTV system; and free Wi-Fi connection along with power points for laptops.

“Given our commitment to BRT, we were looking for a high quality product and, following our own tests, we felt that the B7RLE with Wrightbus bodywork was the best single deck vehicle on the market,” commented Andy Campbell, Managing Director of Stagecoach Cambridge.

“And the early feedback indicates that we’ve been proved right. All the new buses are running on 100 percent biodiesel – a fact which has been very well received in Cambridge where there is significant interest in this area.

“Our passengers have also commented on the quality of the ride and the comfort of the seats – and the Wi-Fi connection is proving particularly popular,” he continued.

All of the new vehicles have guide arms fitted in readiness for use on the new guided busway which will be the longest in the world. Running from Huntington Railway Station to Trumpington Park and Ride, taking in Huntingdon, St Ives, Cambridge, Cambridge Railway Station and Addenbrookes Hospital, the 25km route features departures every 10 minutes.

Volvo Bus Regional Commercial Manager, Arthur Argyle commented, “Although Stagecoach operate many Volvo products across the Group, these are the first Volvo buses with Wrightbus bodywork to enter service in Cambridge. We are delighted to be part of the innovative and environmentally friendly guided busway scheme.” 

ENDS

29th June 2009

Caption for photograph:
Image 1: Ten new Volvo B7RLEs enter service with Stagecoach, Cambridge, destined for the new Cambridgeshire Guided Busway, due to launch in early Autumn.