Volvo Buses

UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND

Volvo B8RLEs set for Shetland

Two Volvo Bus B8RLEs are entering operation in Shetland having been purchased by one of Scotland’s longest established transport firms, R Robertson & Son.

The two buses, which feature MCV bodywork, are destined for use on a variety of work, including service on routes 21 Hillswick, 23 Mossbank-Toft and 9 Walls, as well as for school and private hire in the region.

Sonia Robertson, General Manager and the third generation of the family owned and operated business, said: “We’ve always had good experience with Volvo and they’ve been our vehicle of choice over the years, which is why we looked to them again for our latest purchases. 

“Our main operational centre is here in Yell, where we have also have our own workshop facility where we carry out all of our own maintenance and repairs.  Our mechanical engineer is a particular fan of the Volvo product, which also had a major influence on our decision.”

Jim Newman, Retail Bus & Coach Sales Manager for Volvo Bus, said: “We have a great relationship with Robertsons and are pleased to be meeting their requirements once again with these two new vehicles. 

“Our B8RLE is going from strength to strength with many operators around the UK reporting good feedback on the quality of the operation, reliability and fuel consumption, as well as the advanced passenger experience.”

Sonia Robertson added: “We’ve known Jim for many years and it’s been good to work with him again on our latest purchase.  As always, he made the whole process a smooth and trouble free one, from the initial specification right through to delivery of our new buses.”

In 2017 Robertsons will be celebrating its 70th anniversary.  The company was started by Sonia’s grandfather, Robbie Robertson who worked with his son Tommy, who eventually took over the running of the businesses, which is now in the hands of Sonia.

ENDS

3 May 2016

Caption for image:

Robertsons1 – One of two Volvo Bus B8RLEs entering operation in Shetland having been purchased by one of Scotland’s longest established transport firms, R Robertson & Son

 

Editors’ notes

Model - Volvo B8RLE 2-axle low entry single deck citybus

Body specification - Wrightbus Eclipse 2, MCV Evolution. Body options are available with one door provincial specification or two door London specification.

Engine - Volvo D8K 280 6cyl 7.7 litre Euro 6 engine rated at 280hp @2100 rpm with maximum torque of 1050Nm at 950-1700rpm. Engine emission control uses SCR, EGR, DPF & DOC technology.

Transmission - ZF Ecolife 6AP1200 B 6 speed automatic gearbox with neutral bus stopping.

Rear axle - Volvo single reduction axle available with 5.63:1 axle ratio. Electronically limited max speed options of 60km/h, 70km/h, 80km/h and 90km/h are available.

Brakes - The EBS 5 brake system is an electronically controlled pneumatic system. The front and rear disc brakes incorporate integral automatic brake adjusters. The anti-lock braking system features traction control, door brake interlock, brake temperature warning and lining wear indicator.

Steering - ZF hydraulic power assisted steering. Steering pump is electrically driven. The steering wheel position is adjustable for height and rake.

Suspension - Electronically controlled air suspension. Beam front axle, with front axle kneeling and ferry lift. Full squat available as an option with two door variants.

Electrical - The chassis electrical system is of multiplex design (BEA 3) and is a 24 volt negative earth system with two 12 volt, 225 amp hour, and heavy duty lead acid batteries (maintenance free as standard) mounted in a swing out carrier. 2 x Bosch 100 amp alternators are fitted. Electronic monitoring of oil and coolant levels is available as an option.

Fuel system - 250 or 280 litre aluminium fuel tank fitted behind the O/S/R wheel. The fuel filler is located on the right hand side (offside) of the body; this can be offered with Posi lock or Identic fast filling systems as an option

Tyres and wheels - 10 stud 22.5” wheels with 275/70R22.5 tyres.