Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
The B8RLE - MCV eVoRas, comprised of four 10.8m variants and 16 at the longer length of 12.9m, are operating from Stagecoach Highlands’ Inverness depot. The reliable new models replaced older vehicles of up to 15 years old and are now operating commuter and school services in the North of Scotland.
Stephen Morris, Technical Engineering Manager at Stagecoach Group, says: “We have already deployed the eVoRa in locations across the Highlands and Islands, including the Isle of Skye and Orkney, so we’ve already witnessed the power and reliability first-hand.
“Stagecoach has a strong relationship with Volvo, dating back more than three decades, which means we have a really good understanding of the product. If there’s ever anything we need we have the local Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland dealer less than a mile away from us in Inverness, and their technicians are always happy to help and deliver parts within 24 hours.”
David Beaton, Managing Director for Stagecoach North Scotland, explains: "It has been a challenging couple of years for the public transport sector, with lower passenger numbers post-pandemic, as well as increased operating costs and a UK-wide driver shortage.
"However, these vehicles, which are part of a £40m total investment in our North Scotland fleet, demonstrate our commitment to the continued improvement of public transport across the Highlands. We're proud to be a part of the local community, and we're here to stay."
The Volvo B8RLE - MCV eVoRa seats up to 38 passengers in the 10.8m model, and up to 50 passenger in the larger 12.9m model. The specification for both includes handy USB charging ports for passengers, LED interior lights, and three-point seatbelts. Powered by Volvo’s proven D8K Euro VI diesel engine and driven through a six-speed ZF automatic gearbox, they deliver great fuel efficiency, low emissions, and a comfortable ride.
Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans accepted an invitation to pay a visit to the Stagecoach depot in Inverness to see the new vehicles. He says: “It’s great to see that the Highlands is set to benefit from having these new buses on routes in and around the city, and beyond.
“When it comes to bus travel, our residents and the many visitors we have year-round are looking for comfort and reliability. These new buses are a huge asset and will play an important role in encouraging people out of their cars and onto public transport.”
Stagecoach Highlands covers the Scottish Highlands and Islands and is a division of Stagecoach North Scotland, whose services cover Aberdeen city and shire, Buchan, Moray, Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey, Caithness, Easter Ross, Sutherland, Orkney and Skye. In a typical year the operator makes more than 14 million passenger journeys, covering more than 19 million miles across North Scotland.
Warwick
09 February 2024
For more press information, contact: Olivia Nilsson, Sales and Marketing Support at Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, on phone: +44 (0)7543 311 403, or email: olivia.nilsson@volvo.com. Alternatively, Charlotte Baker, Garnett Keeler PR, on phone: +44 (0)7599 653949, or email: charlotte.baker@garnettkeeler.com.