Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
The company, which operates out of Bridgwater, took advantage of the opportunity created with the end of an existing vehicle supply contract by investing in the Volvo Bus B7RLE.
“We needed more passenger capacity across some of our key routes,” explained WebberBus Managing Director Tim Gardner. “Although we run Volvo coaches, we didn’t actually run any of their buses, but the team at Volvo Bus and MCV were extremely thorough and ensured all of our key requirements were met.”
The new vehicles, which were delivered to WebberBus during the first months of 2014, are expected to be used on the company’s popular commercial service running between Wellington and Weston-super-Mare.
“It’s a route that we’ve run since 2007,” continued Tim Gardner. It operates six days a week and sees a high passenger footfall. The increased seating capacity afforded by the Volvo B7RLE will allow 44 seated passengers and a further 46 standing.
“The feedback that we’ve had from passengers and drivers has been extremely positive in terms of performance and comfort. Added to this, we know that with Volvo we have the reassurance and back-up support provided by Volvo Truck and Bus Wales and West. The way the whole process has gone so far, we certainly wouldn’t have any hesistation in specifying Volvo Bus again.”
Volvo’s B7RLE chassis layout combines the Volvo standard bus front suspection station and driver’s compartment with a conventional “T Drive” engine and automatic transmission for a simple layout, ideally matched to a single door bus.
The 7.1 litre D7E engine is rated at 290hp and advanced electronics easily integrate with body systems to assist the driver and service personnel. The overall result is an economic and reliable vehicle that has proven to be a top selling chassis for Volvo Bus.
“This is a particularly pleasing vehicle delivery for us,” explained Volvo Bus Regional Sales Manager, Phil Fletcher. “WebberBus is a new customer in terms of our bus operations and we’re delighted to meet their requirements. Undoubtedly our reputation on the coach side of the business has played a part in their purchasing decision, but equally we have built a strong rapport with Tim Gardner and his team.”
ENDS
13 February 2013
Caption for image:
Five new B7RLE single deck buses with MCV bodywork are the first modern day Volvo buses to join the fleet of Somerset operator WebberBus Ltd