Don's of Dunmow welcomes a new Van Hool TDX27 Astromega
Don’s of Dunmow has taken delivery of a Van Hool TDX27 Astromega double-deck, supplied by VDL Bus and Coach UK.
It is 14.2m long and that has 91 Kiel 1020 seats with three-point belts and USB charging points. A toilet is fitted on the lower deck and the vehicle also comes with a boiler, a fridge, an entertainment system including a DVD player and twin monitors, and a 3kW inverter with plug sockets at the stairs and in a cupboard.
Additional starter batteries are also included, along with a crew sleeping cabin in the luggage bay with a foldable wall. At the rear are ski box fitting points and a connector for associated electrics.
A camera monitoring system in lieu of mirrors is utilised, with the vehicle having been to AD Coach Systems for fitment of a 360-degree bird's eye system to complement it.
PSVAR compliance is specified, with a removable pedestal to permit carriage of a wheelchair user. Extra side marker and pavement lights are part of the package, along with tail swing cameras at the rear that are activated when the turn signals are applied.
Power is from a DAF MX-13 engine developing 530bhp driving through an Allison T525R six-speed automatic gearbox. The coach was handed over to Don’s of Dunmow Director Steve Harvey (pictured, right) by sales representative Robert White (pictured, left). A cherished registration mark and the Essex operator's distinctive livery complete the visual effect.
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Amble Coaches welcomes a Yutong GT14 diesel tri-axle to its fleet
Amble Coaches of Haydon Bridge in Northumberland has taken delivery of a Yutong GT14 diesel tri-axle, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
It has 61 seats in a grey scheme with burnt orange inserts. Each position comes with a USB-A and USB-C charging point, while 240-volt sockets are also included. Mood lighting and wi-fi add to what the dealer has described as a top-line travel experience.
Power is from the DAF MX-13 engine developing 483bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. Safety programmes include a camera monitoring system and a 360-degree ‘bird’s eye’ setup as standard.
Pelican UK and Ireland Coach and Truck Sales Manager Simon Collins has thanked Amble Coaches Transport Manager Stuart Tilley for the continued business.
“The result is a vehicle that delivers both mechanical excellence and a first-class passenger experience,” adds Mr Collins. “Keeping the surprise of a new coach arrival from the team at Amble was a very pleasant surprise for the driver for his trip home.”
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The Coach Travel Group begins Freeway Fleet Systems rollout
The Coach Travel Group is set to introduce the Freeway Fleet Systems fleet management platform across its constituent operations over the coming months, with Johnsons Coaches having already seen deployment of the product.
Introduction of Freeway is part of what the business describes as an ongoing wider digital transformation programme. The platform will create “a more unified and streamlined approach to fleet management,” The Coach Travel Group adds.
By using a single product, it will benefit from improved data insights, greater operational consistency, and enhanced reporting capabilities. Those advancements will support what the group says is more informed decision-making, and help to ensure the delivery of high standards of service across its portfolio.
Freeway Fleet Systems is designed specifically for the transport sector and already has significant reach in coach and bus. It gives a comprehensive solution for management of fleet operations by enhancing visibility across vehicles and assets, the strengthening of compliance process, and by supporting more efficient planning and cost control.
The opening deployment at Johnsons Coaches represents a key milestone by providing a strong foundation for the next phase of implementation, according to the operator.
“As the rollout progresses, The Coach Travel Group remains focused on investing in technology that supports long-term growth, operational efficiency, and the evolving needs of the coach travel industry,” a spokesperson says.