Volvo Buses
Australia
Early 2014, the WA Government decided to invest millions into the Transwa fleet by acquiring 23 new coaches. The investment was made in order to replace the existing, decade old, Transwa fleet and improve road coach services for people living, working and travelling in regional communities.
Regional Development Minister, Terry Redman, said "This Government is committed to supporting the people of our regions and connecting towns through public transport. Connecting communities through public transport will help build a stronger economy and better quality of life in the State's regions."
Transwa operate regional road coach services to more than 240 towns across the state, from Kalbarri in the north, inland to places such as Meekatharra and Kalgoorlie-Boulder and south to Esperance and Albany.
Most journeys on the Transwa coaches are up to 6 hours long which meant that the purchase decision not only had to consider performance, but also the comfort and entertainment of passengers travelling on long journeys.
Transwa’s -Project Manager, Lindsey Organ said, “Volvo Bus Australia in partnership with Irizar Asia Pacific were selected by Transwa as the preferred proponents because they had the extensive expertise required to deliver the project, and provided the best value for money”.
The coaches are Volvo B11R’s bodied by a modern Irizar i6 body. The body has features that are yet to be seen in the Australian coach market – including, “aeroplane like” armrest-mounted audio controls which, allows passengers to listen to the radio or to a program featured on one of two screens built into the vehicle. It addition, they feature unique reclining seats for added comfort, USB ports and a spacious toilet – receiving much praise and appreciation from passengers.
The coach seats 56 passengers and is equipped with a wheelchair lift which complies with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, making the coaches accessible to all passengers. The vehicles are also air conditioned and have additional CCTV Camera’s for passenger safety and security.
Lindsey Organ says, “Drivers are providing positive feedback - saying the coaches are a pleasure to drive. This seems to be the general consensus once drivers have had a new coach in service. While some have said the steerable tag takes some getting used to, after a couple of turns behind the wheel, they actually feel it makes manoeuvring the 14.5 metre coach a lot easier. Many are also very impressed with the different on-board functionality, such as the driver communication system, which features built-in GPS and satellite/mobile, allowing drivers to communicate directly with Transwa operations staff - whether they have mobile phone coverage or not”.
Volvo Bus Australia General Manager, Sean Copeland says, “We are very proud to have partnered with Transwa to help service the local community in regional Western Australia. We truly believe that our B11R product will not only withstand the high intensity trips, but will; save fuel, operation costs and can offer superior functionality, passenger comfort and lifecycle productivity”.
Ends
20th July 2016
For further information, please contact:
Christina Cortese,
Marketing & Sales Coordinator,
Volvo Bus Australia
Phone: +61 2 8713 8266