Stories

Houston’s Coaches saves Dumfries to Edinburgh route with new Volvos

2023-12-15

Houston’s, a luxury coach and bus operator based in Lockerbie, Scotland, has begun taking delivery of four new Volvo B8RLE-MCV eVoRas, which they will use on the once at risk 240-mile round-trip between Dumfries and Edinburgh.

Houstons Volvo — One of Houston’s eVoRas seen working the 101a route, photo credit: Richard Walter

The new order consists of three 10.8m Volvo B8RLE-MCV eVoRas and one larger 12.1m model. They are part of an expansion to Houston’s current fleet to accommodate its new 101/2 Dumfries to Edinburgh service. After funding cuts and increased running costs put pressure on the route to close in Summer 2022, the operator has ensured the rural communities along the A702 will continue to have access to shops and vital services via public transport.

William Houston, Owner of Houston’s Coaches, says: “The important thing for us when choosing our new buses is reliability. When you consider the length of the route we’re operating, and the varied terrain it covers, the last thing we want to be managing is unexpected downtime. We selected the Volvo specifically because it has a great reputation for reliability.

“The comfort of our customers is also of paramount importance, as some will be completing the full three-hour trip in each direction. Our drivers have been really impressed as well; the climate-controlled cabs were a big bonus for them.”

The buses run from Dumfries to Edinburgh and back daily, covering approximately 240 miles, and taking in multiple stops through rural areas of Scotland.

William continued: “Passenger feedback has been really very good; the customers have mentioned that these are much more comfortable than the buses that previously completed the routes. Everyone has been really impressed.”

The Volvo B8RLE-MCV eVoRa delivers excellent fuel efficiency thanks to Volvo’s proven D8K Euro VI engine, specified for Houston’s with a ZF automatic gearbox, making these fleet additions an ultra-efficient choice for a business eager to minimise its environmental footprint.

Providing generous accommodation, the three 10.8m variants can comfortably carry 39 seated passengers, whilst the larger 12.1m model has passenger seating for 47.

The family-run business initially started as a small taxi company in 1975, but has evolved into a thriving, multi-depot operation with a comprehensive fleet of 40 service buses, minibuses, and coaches operating for a variety of clients. The company seeks to ensure all who travel with them have a safe and enjoyable journey, from the first call for quotation through to the final stop on the return journey.

Warwick

15 December 2023

For more press information, contact: Olivia Nilsson, Sales and Marketing Support, Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, on phone: +44 (0)7543 311403, or email: olivia.nilsson@volvo.com. Alternatively, Charlotte Baker, Garnett Keeler PR, on phone: +44 (0)7599 653949, or email: charlotte.baker@garnettkeeler.com.

Volvo Buses is one of the world’s leading providers of sustainable people transport solutions. The offer includes premium city- and intercity buses, coaches, and bus chassis as well as services for increased productivity, uptime and safety. Volvo Buses has sales in 85 countries and a global service network with more than 1,500 dealerships and workshops. Volvo Buses is part of Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment as well as drive systems for marine and industrial applications. Volvo Group also provides complete financing solutions. For more information visit http://www.volvobuses.com