The announcement was made following a recent visit by Lothian Buses Managing Director Ian Craig to Wrightbus. Speaking during the visit, Ian Craig commented, “This new order marks an unprecedented five year supply agreement, during which time we’ve developed a close working relationship with both Volvo and Wrightbus, resulting in buses which we believe are first class, both in terms of performance and passenger comfort.”
He added, “We are committed to the continued upgrade of our fleet, and during the last five years Volvo and Wrightbus have together supplied nearly 370 low floor, low emission vehicles to Lothian Buses. When these new double decks are delivered, we will have achieved our ambition to operate a completely low floor accessible fleet serving the City of Edinburgh and the near Lothian’s.
All of the new vehicles will feature the Wrightbus Gemini 2 exterior styling, with the entire contract of 11.4 metre low-floor, easy access vehicles built on Volvo’s B9TL chassis with Euro 5 Incentive 9.4 litre engines coupled to a Voith gearbox. These latest Double Deck buses will join the four Volvo B7RLE/new generation Eclipse 2 single decks that were delivered last year to Lothian and are already a familiar sight on the streets of Edinburgh.
The comprehensive interior specification will feature 80 Lazzerini Practico seats (48 on the upper deck and 32 in the lower saloon), wheelchair access via a powered ramp, the latest electronic destination equipment, an 11 camera CCTV system and a night door fitted at the base of the staircase for added security.
Volvo Bus Sales Director Phil Owen commented, “The new B9TL Eclipse Gemini 2 Double Deck represents a class beating beating proposition, combining the latest chassis and body technology, low emissions, style and high quality, all backed up by the respective aftermarket support organisations of both Volvo and Wrightbus.”
Wright Group Sales Director Sam McLaren added, “We are delighted to receive confirmation of this further significant order from Lothian Buses, one of the UK’s most prestigious bus operators.”
ENDS
6th March 2009
Caption for photograph:
Lothian Buses Managing Director Ian Craig announces an order for 75 Volvo B9TL Wrightbus Gemini 2 Double Deck buses during his visit to Wrightbus’ Headquarters at Ballymena.
From left to Right – Sam McLaren, Ian Craig, Bill Delvin, Jim Armstrong and Robert Mason.
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