Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
The family run firm began life in 1922 and have specified Volvo on a number of occasions in the past, however this will be their first B7RLE. The new bus will be one of a small number of vehicles operating on the Black Cat Service between Ilkeston and Derby – a route which the company has operated for 88 years.
With the new Derby bus station having opened on Saturday 27th March, passengers have the luxury of a new bus and the comfort of a new facility, but on a well known route with a timetable they know.
Specified with Volvo’s 6-cylinder 7 litre diesel engine and meeting Euro 4 incentive emission standards the new bus incorporates Plaxton Centro bodywork with an aesthetically pleasing maroon interior offset by a standard grey floor.
The vehicle has a seating capacity of 45 with a designated wheelchair area.
“We liked the Volvo anyway, but the deciding factor was the Centro’s fixed track thermo heating system,” explained Felix Bus Services Limited Operations Manager Ian Middup. “It provides better overall heat coverage especially to the floor area than the blown air option”.
“It will be interesting to see how the Volvo B7RLE performs in comparison to some of our other vehicles – it certainly looks nice so that’s a good start,” he continued. “For us, passenger comfort and safety are top priorities and the new vehicle, together with the new Derby bus station, provides passengers with the service and standards they deserve”.
Emblazoned with the traditional red and white Black Cat Service livery the new vehicle is expected to be in operation immediately.
“Felix is a company we have dealt with for many years providing them with B10M’s and B10B’s, but we were delighted that they have taken their first B7RLE,” explained Volvo Bus Regional Commercial Manager, Arthur Argyle.
“The B7RLE meets all of their individual requirements and hopefully that is testament to the breadth and quality available within the Volvo range”.
Caption for photograph: Felix Bus Services Limited have taken delivery of a brand new Volvo B7RLE with Plaxton Centro bodywork