Rabbie's Tours takes last of 26 EVM Elegance minicoaches
Rabbie’s Tours has completed procurement of 26 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with Elegance minicoach conversions for the 2024 season, supplied by EVM.
Each has 15 seats trimmed in synthetic leather and with aisle-side folding arm rests. A courier position is also fitted, while the driver’s seat is finished in real leather.
The OEM hinged passenger door is retained, which opens to a three-stage step, grab rails, and modesty panels behind the driver and ahead of the front nearside passenger seat. Original doors are also at the rear, behind which is a drop boot.
Amenities include Webasto roof-mounted air-conditioning, luggage racks with passenger service units, USB charging points, and LED night lights.
The driver benefits from a reversing camera and a PA system with microphone, along with the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic gearbox.
External finish is in Arctic White and trim includes side skirts and chrome wheel and grille covers. Three high level amber side marker lights on each side have also been specified by Rabbie's Tours.
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Irizar i6 integral coach joins Woods Travel of Bognor Regis fleet
Woods Travel of Bognor Regis has added an Irizar i6 integral to its fleet, supplied by Irizar UK and Dawsongroup Bus and Coach under a new arrangement between those two businesses.
It is a 12.9m example and among the first i6 integrals built with revamped styling at the front and rear to bring the model into line with other coaches in the Irizar rage.
The 49 seats are fitted with three-point belts, magazine nets, and drop-down tables. USB charging is also provided, along with a centre toilet, a drinks machine, and entertainment via a Bosch Smart Series system and an Actia DVD player along with twin monitors.
PSVAR readiness has been specified by Woods Travel to allow straightforward full conversion later in life and the protection of residual values. That preparation includes installation of an additional door behind the front axle.
Commenting on the arrival, Woods Travel Director Kirsty Elsmere says: “Since we took delivery of our new Irizar, it has been on back-to-back tours, and the feedback from both drivers and passengers has been excellent.”
Power is from the DAF MX-11 engine developing 367bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
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Zeelo passes milestone of 10 million passenger trips delivered
Zeelo has reached the milestone of delivering over 10 million passenger journeys by coach and bus since formation. The supplier now provides over 500,000 passenger trips per month across multiple countries, supporting corporate, education and shift-based clients.
Such is the technology-based shared ride platform’s scale of growth, it notes that while four-and-a-half years were required from founding in 2017 to deliver the first million rides, more than 3.2 million passenger trips having been completed already in 2024.
“This exponential growth reflects the effectiveness of and demand for Zeelo’s innovative transit services, addressing essential transport needs for corporate and education sector clients,” the business says.
Acquisition of Kura earlier in 2024 has bolstered the position of Zeelo in the UK, where it is the largest virtual bus operation. The business has been ranked 118 on the Financial Times FT 1000 list, “showcasing its impressive growth trajectory as one of the fastest growing companies in Europe," the business continues.
Zeelo claims that since it commenced operation, 27,600,000 kg of CO2 equivalent has been saved by transitioning riders away from single-occupancy journeys.
It adds that 74% of users have reported that they would be unable to get to work without Zeelo’s services and that 94% have reported “significant financial savings” from using those routes.
Speaking about the milestone, CEO Sam Ryan says: “Reaching and exceeding 10 million rides is a remarkable achievement for Zeelo and a clear indicator of the impact we are having within the industry.
“This milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of the entire team and our commitment to providing equitable transportation solutions that are urgently needed by our clients and riders. We are only just getting started!”
In the UK, Zeelo and Kura now serve over 220 customers and work with 480 operator partners to deliver 40,000 daily passenger journeys. It also has active operations in Ireland and the United States.