Press release

The UK’s first Volvo 9700 double-deck coaches delivered to Scotland

2024-06-07

In a first for the UK, 16 Volvo 9700 double-deck coaches have been delivered into service in Scotland, to operate Megabus and Scottish Citylink services. Over the next few months, 27 more of the new models will be delivered into operation in the country.

Volvo 9700 double-deck coach joining the Megabus fleet for safe and comfortable travel, photo credit: Richard Walter

The new vehicles are the first of an order for 43 Volvo B13R 9700 double-decks on order for Stagecoach, part-owner of Scottish Citylink Coaches. Seven of these will join Scottish Citylink's Megabus fleet in Cumbernauld, carrying passengers on the M11 and M20 route between Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London. Nine more have been delivered to depots in Cumbernauld and Perth, carrying passengers between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness.

Scottish Citylink Managing Director, Simone Walsh says: “The introduction of these new Volvo B13R 9700 double-deck coaches into Scotland is a significant investment in our fleet. We are operating services covering thousands of miles across varied terrain and in unpredictable weather conditions every day; this increased capacity will improve efficiencies across the business while improving our passenger experience.”

First launched in Europe 2020, each of the Volvo B13R 9700 double-deck coaches is 14.8m long and features an integral body, built by Finnish coachbuilder Carrus Delta. Equipped with the fuel-efficient Euro 6 Volvo D13K engine, delivering up to 500hp, the coach effortlessly tackles steep climbs while minimising its environmental impact for passengers and the local areas it operates in. The well-balanced chassis benefits from a range of intelligent features to offer unmatched safety and efficiency, including the Electronic Braking System (EBS), CMS Camera system, Collision Warning with Emergency Brake, Brake Blending, Acceleration Slip Regulation, and Electronic Stability Control.

Simone Walsh continues: “This order is another testament to the strong relationship we continue to build with Volvo Buses. It’s no coincidence that we’re seeing improved feedback from drivers and passengers. Easily being able to communicate with the Volvo Buses team and its dealerships when required will also be important.”

The new double-decks joining Megabus can carry up to 81 passengers on Volvo’s coach line seats and 1 wheelchair user, providing maximum passenger comfort. The internal luggage racks have a capacity of up to 3m³ and the separate luggage compartment can carry up to 8m³. For convenience and entertainment, it includes a Bosch audio/video system with separate radio and DVD. Drivers can expect a spacious work area with a USB port, monitor and microphones, alongside safety features including Knee Impact Protection, Lane Keeping Support and Driver Alert System.

Scottish Citylink is operated as a joint venture between ComfortDelGro and Stagecoach. Its major network of coach services across Scotland carries 6 million passengers a year and serve key locations including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Oban, Inverness and Skye.

Volvo Bus UK & Ireland is part of Volvo Group, which employs approximately 3,000 people across the UK. This includes the manufacturer-owned Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland dealer group, which operates 10 dealerships across this region, from Inverness and Aberdeen, down to Carlisle and Teesside.

Warwick

7 June 2024

For more press information, contact: Olivia Nilsson, Marketing Coordinator 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.