Turas 900s PSVAR 'to set new accessible midi standard'
The new Turas 900s in DAF LF-based, PSVAR compliant form will "set a new benchmark in the industry for wheelchair accessible midicoaches" at Euro Bus Expo, importer Brian Noone has said. It will be exhibited on a joint stand occupied by Noone and Jones Coach and Bus Sales.
Visitors will be able to compare 33-seat and 37-seat variants of the Turas 900s. Brian Noone says that the model has class leading luggage capacity of 5.5 cubic metres and 6.5 cubic metres respectively. To PSVAR compliant specification, complete with lift, the 900s will offer more luggage space than before, adds Director Mark Noone.
Joining the Turas 900s on the stand will be examples of the Turas 700s, Turas 500s and the low-floor Rosero Connect. The new model 16-seat, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Turas 500s is making its show debut in a high specification for Acklams Coaches, including natural leather upholstery and two tables.
Brian Noone says the Turas 500s boasts best in class design, leg room, comfort and luggage space. The 29-seat Turas 700s on an Iveco Daily underframe will also be fitted out to a high specification, including natural leather seats and an integrated dash fridge.
The fourth vehicle on display will be a 29-seat, accessible low-floor Rosero Connect, with a modern interior finish and including upgraded passenger seats with three-point belts, USB charging points and a rear boot.
Euro Bus Expo 2022 will host Jones Coach and Bus Sales for the first time. Managing Director Steve Jones says that the Llanrwst-based dealership is "super excited" to see the new Turas 900s in PSVAR compliant form.
"We are delighted to be exhibiting for the first time at Euro Bus Expo and sharing the stand with Brian Noone. As the England and Wales approved dealer, we are really excited about our plans and the future," adds Mr Jones.
"I would say to any interested operators to come and see us on stand J60. We look forward to speaking to them, finding out about their needs and seeing how Jones Coach and Bus Sales can help them build for the future."
Euro Bus Expo will be held between 1-3 November at the NEC Birmingham. Register for free tickets here. Brian Noone and Jones Coach and Bus Sales will be on stand J60.
Plaxton and Volvo launch 60-unit stock coach build
Continued recovery in the demand for new coaches has seen Alexander Dennis and Volvo commit to an initial 60-strong stock batch of Plaxton Leopard and Plaxton Panther models. They will be available for delivery from Q1 2023 and all will be mounted on B8R chassis.
Further stock builds may follow later in 2023, the businesses involved say. Interest in versatile coaches that suit a variety of operations is particularly high, according to Alexander Dennis, and all those that form part of the initial build programme will be completed to PSVAR compliant specification.
A choice of I-Shift automated manual or ZF EcoLife automatic gearboxes will be offered in the Volvo B8R chassis, while all 2023 Plaxton stock will have upgraded interiors with next-generation Brusa seats as standard.
Stock Panthers will be available with either 53 or 57 seats and a centre sunken toilet, or 61 seats with no toilet. Leopards that form part of the initial build will come with either 59 seats in a 2+2 layout or 72 to 3+2 configuration.
Alexander Dennis General Manager New and Used Coach Sales Simon Wood adds that demand is also strong for used vehicles, and particularly for the Leopard. What he describes as attractive trade-ins on late-model coaches are thus available.
Adds Mr Wood: We are delighted to confirm our initial stock programme for next year, with no fewer than 60 Plaxton Panther and Plaxton Leopard coaches that will give operators a wide range of options to best suit their requirements. These will be fantastic additions to any fleet that will be prepared for long working lives while also offering great residual values if operating requirements change.
Volvo Bus UK Sales Director Phil Owen has underlined Mr Woods comments, noting that the B8R is a tried and tested platform that is safe and fuel efficient. Bodied by Plaxton, it provides the industry with a vehicle that offers a great level of versatility and value for money.
Translink progressing with full-fleet Wheely-Safe rollout
Northern Ireland operator Translink says it is in the process of completing a full-fleet rollout of Wheely-Safe technology across its 1,400 coaches and buses.
The product, which received an Innovation Challenge Gold Award at Euro Bus Expo in early November, is an in-motion wheel loss detection system that combines brake and hub temperature monitoring with an intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
As installed by Translink, the Wheely-Safe product has external TPMS sensors replacing the conventional valve cap. They auto pair with an in-cab receiver and work alongside a pair of wheel loss sensors on each wheel. Diagnostic software built into the receiver confirms that all sensors are working and paired correctly.
Translink signed a contract with Wheely-Safe in 2021. The operator's General Manager Engineering David Barnett says rollout of the technology is "another important part of our ongoing process to install industry-leading health and safety standards across our fleet."
Mr Barnett adds that a trial was completed before completing the order. It "confirmed all the positive reports we had previously heard about the product. Having one system in place that alerts our drivers to a drop in tyre pressure, brake or hub overheating or a wheel nut loosening gives us real peace of mind."
Comments Wheely-Safe Group Managing Director Gary Broadfield: "This is a significant contract, one of the largest since we first brought the technology to market. It is great to know our latest generation technology is now protecting Translink's entire bus fleet, and all its customers in Northern Ireland."