Greys grows Irizar integral coach fleet with restyled i6 arrival
Ely operator Greys has taken delivery of an Irizar i6 integral, supplied via a new partnership between Irizar UK and Dawsongroup Bus and Coach.
It is a 12.9m example and among the first i6 integrals delivered with overhauled front and rear styling to bring the model into line with other coaches in the Irizar range.
Provision for PSVAR compliance has been included along with Hanover destination displays to protect residual values. 57 passengers can be carried, with seat specification capturing USB charging points, drop-down tables, and three-point belts.
Also part of the coach configuration is a centre sunken toilet and a drinks machine. Entertainment is via a Bosch Smart Series audio-visual system and an Actia DVD player along with two monitors.
Speaking about the i6 integral arrival, Greys Managing Director Richard Grey says: “We have had the pleasure of working with Irizar since 2013. The vehicles perfectly match our brand and customer requirements with a high-quality kerb appeal not easily surpassed.
“For 2024 we looking to continue this partnership with the delivery of our latest i6 57-seat coach. We find that the ease of specifying a new vehicle, coupled to the post-delivery product support, makes for a great customer experience, and the coach itself has had a great reception from our clients.”
Power is from the DAF MX-11 engine developing 367bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
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OMC Global adds an AOS Grand Toro midicoach to its fleet
OMC Global of Eynsham in Oxfordshire has added an AOS Grand Toro midicoach to its fleet, supplied by EVM.
It is a 37-seater. Each position is finished in leather and comes with recline, USB charging and a three-point belt. Folding armrests on the aisle side are also fitted, while wood-effect flooring is part of the specification including carpet on the steps and in the aisle.
A multimedia entertainment system includes a radio along with various inputs. The Grand Toro also comes with a PA system. A reversing camera is additionally part of the package.
Other amenities include passenger service units and blue LED night lights affixed to the full-length overhead luggage racks, while windows have decorative pleated draw curtains. Saloon air-conditioning is complemented by full-length convector radiators and a Webasto 16kW coolant pre-heater.
The Cummins B4.5 engine’s location behind the front axle gives a large rear boot along with side lockers for luggage storage. Drive is taken via an Allison six-speed automatic gearbox.
Side windows are double-glazed and tinted, while the windscreen and signalling windows each come with a powered blind. Externally the vehicle for OMC Global is finished in metallic black and has chrome wheel trims. EVM provides a 200,000km or two-year warranty conversion.
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First Irizar ie tram for Kent Fastrack BRT network is delivered
The first Irizar ie tram battery-electric bus for Fastrack bus rapid transit services in Kent Thameside has been delivered ahead of the contract for that network being taken up by Go-Ahead London.
28 of those buses are on order, with Go-Ahead to commence a 15-year contract to operate the Thameside Fastrack services in November. All are set for deployment by April 2025 and five more battery-electric buses are to be procured for a new Fastrack route in Dover.
VEV will provide 450kW inverted pantograph-based opportunity chargers for the Thameside fleet at two locations. Work on that infrastructure will commence at the end of August and the chargers will be at Gravesend bus station and Acacia Hall in Dartford.
Kent County Council (KCC) Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Neil Baker has welcomed the arrival of the first Irizar ie tram. “This marks a significant milestone and an exciting time for users of our Kent Thameside Fastrack service as we upgrade our fleet to new electric models,” says Cllr Baker.
“The investment is an indication of our commitment to Fastrack and better air quality for Kent’s residents. I am looking forward to seeing them in operation.”
KCC Fastrack Development Manager Shane Hymers adds that specification of the ie tram buses has been “completely led by our customers and driving staff.”
He continues: “We listened carefully to what would improve their Fastrack experience, which led to some very bespoke design elements. The buses include wireless charging docks for smartphones, ambient lighting, and even railway-style tables complete with coffee cup holders.
“We have also added an additional wheelchair user bay to make sure that the buses are fully accessible for all residents.”
Go-Ahead London Fastrack Project Manager Isobel Hedley-Jones adds that the ie tram buses “are part of Go-Ahead’s wider plan to improve the Fastrack network for the communities we will serve, and signal commitment to high-quality, reliable and punctual services.”
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