The 12.5m coach will be used to take physically disabled students on day trips
BASE Coach Sales of Leyland, Lancashire, has supplied a disabled school with a custom-built MOBIpeople Explorer – designed to accommodate 11 wheelchairs.
Treloar College – based in Alton, Hampshire – was founded in 1907, and aims to prepare physically-disabled youngsters to make the most of adult life. 98% of the school’s 180 students are wheelchair users, while 80% have little to no speech.
BASE has worked with the college for almost two years, modifying the 12.5m Explorer extensively in the process; a specially-designed central double door enables wheelchair users to board safely and easily, with 400kg-capable lift.
The interior of the coach has been specified to be as flexible as possible, with 11 fixed seats, 10 removable seats and 11 wheelchair spaces.
Based on a MAN RR8 chassis, the coach is powered by a Euro VI diesel – with drive being taken care of by ZF’s popular EcoLife automatic transmission.
A six-rail Unwin system has been specified, with sensory LED lights being installed to make the cabin that bit more relaxing for the students.
For added safety, the engine bay is equipped with a fire suppression system; automatic safety barriers are fitted on top of the centre steps; internal CCTV has been fitted to monitor wheelchair passengers; and extra rails have been installed above and below the windows for additional anchorage.
A registered charity with an annual turnover of around £19m, Treloar managed to raise £277,500 to pay for the vehicle – with students contributing £4,000 through sponsored activities during their Heroes Week last year.
The Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors donated £115,000 towards the coach.
William Hill, Past Master of the company said: “The donation is entirely consistent with our focus on education and helping young people in need to better themselves.
“It would be a donation that would truly make a difference to the lives of some young people who are battling with issues that make our day to day travails incidental.”
Previously, as many as three minibuses were needed to transport six students in their wheelchairs for day trips; enthusiastic about the new coach, one student at the school said: “I’m so excited we’ll be able to go on the bus all together – I’ll be able to travel with my friends.”
Teacher Katherine Paddington added: “Our students need to be out and about in the community and the community needs to see them too.
“The students really do need to experience what other young people do as they don’t often get that opportunity.
“The bus will have music, a DVD player and enable us to go further afield altogether. This will provide many enriching experiences for our young people.”
Mick Boniface, BASE’s Aftermarket Manager, told CBW: “BASE was very proud to be trusted to build a wheelchair specialist vehicle for Treloar College.
“The vehicle was supplied with 21 full poli-leather seats for carers, of which 10 were individuals on quick release legs.
“BASE and MOBIpeople were very pleased with the finished specialist vehicle; it was a very demanding build but all of the customer requirements were met or exceeded.”
