Coach operators show off their first 19-plate vehicles

With the 19-plate becoming available on 1 March, the UK’s coach operators took to social media to share their newly-registered vehicles

*Jonckheere JHV2-bodied Volvo B11R BV19 LLW is seen two days before entering service on 1 March. RIDLEYS*

Ridleys Coaches

Ridleys Coaches has become a widely-respected operator in the midlands and beyond since it was formed in 2009, and has now released details of a new look and its 2019 vehicle order.

Carrying on the tradition of having a mainly Volvo-based fleet, the Warwick firm’s 2019 intake of new vehicles are all based on – and powered – by the Swedish manufacturer.

The interior of the Jonckheere JHV2 features 53 seats and is also fitted with WiFi and CCTV. RIDLEYS

The first of the eight new vehicles hit the road last Friday, on the first day of the 19-plate being introduced.

BV19LLW is the first of three Jonckheere JHV2-bodied Volvo B11Rs to arrive at the new depot. The rest of the batch is due in mid-March.

Also due for delivery during March are four MCV 523-bodied Volvo B11Rs, Ridleys being the second operator to order this new coach to the UK market.

All six of these vehicles are 53-seat executives, with CCTV and WiFi also specified.

Part of the eight-vehicle order also includes two Volvo 9900s, which are due to be delivered during September this year.

The pair of 9900s, with their distinctive window line, will be some of the first to enter service in the UK. The specification will include 57 seats and CCTV and WiFi.

Commenting on the vehicle order, Office Manager Luke Lewis said: “We have invested £2.4m this year, purchasing 14 new vehicles, nine of which are brand-new and the other five are nearly new.

“We have a refreshed new livery together with the new vehicles and new premises to mark our 10 year anniversary.”

Stagecoach Western
Stagecoach Western Buses has taken delivery of two Volvo B11RT-powered Plaxton Panthers for the X77 Ayr to Prestwick and Glasgow service. The two 19-plate coaches, 54364 and 54365, will release megabus.com Volvo B11RT/Plaxton Elite is 54601/3 that have been on loan from Stagecoach Midlands’ Rugby depot since new.

Stagecoach Western 54365, a Plaxton Panther-bodied Volvo B11RT. *Scott Hutchison*

Barnes Coaches
Barnes Coaches of Swindon placed two 19-plate Irizar i6 Integrals on the road on Friday 1 March. One vehicle is fitted with 61 seats and the other 53 seats, and both are fitted with washroom facilities. A further two are due for May delivery.

YT19KUP and YT19KUS, Barnes’ two new Irizar i6 Integrals

Leons Travel
Leons Travel Group of Stafford placed two 19-plate Scania K410 EB-powered Irizar i6S on the road on 1 March.

Both vehicles are to executive specification and have 53 seats. They will be used on Leons own tour programme, cruise work and private hire. Two new DAF-powered VDL Futuras are also due.