Alexander Dennis (ADL) has supplied eight new 49-seat Plaxton Leopard coaches to Lothian Country for use on its express routes into Edinburgh.
Uniquely, the batch of vehicles have been built to a newly-developed interurban specification, tailored specifically to Lothian’s needs. Developed in close collaboration with the operator, the new
Leopard variant will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the UK Coach Rally in Blackpool, held on 6 and 7 April.
The basis for the Lothian-spec Leopard is the 12.8m model. A double-door in the centre of the vehicle should reduce dwell times at stops, and has an integrated full wheelchair lift.
Once onboard, wheelchair users can enjoy travelling in a designated bay opposite the centre doors, secured in a forward-facing position using a restraint system.
Ensuring compliance with PSV accessibility regulations is a full set of destination displays.
Underpinning the Leopard is Volvo’s B8R 4×2 chassis, which houses an eight-litre D8K Euro VI engine and a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
To complete the specification, ADL has fitted the Leopards with a suite of safety features, including an Advanced Emergency Braking System and Lane Departure Warning. Richard Hall, Managing Director of Lothian, said: “Public Transport is changing rapidly and as operators we need to adapt to our customers’ demands and expectations.
“Creating modal shift from the car ensures we will reduce congestion and environmental impacts across our society. To give commuters a credible alternative coupled with high levels of customer service means that our investment in these new 49-seat coaches with improved accessibility features has been designed with the customer’s comfort and convenience in mind.
“We look forward to seeing these vehicles on service across our networks soon.”
Philip Owen, Bus Sales Director at Volvo Bus UK, commented: “Volvo Bus is very pleased to have supplied the B8R coach chassis to Lothian for the new Leopard interurban coach which represents another forward thinking and innovative design approach from Lothian that is totally focused on meeting its customers’ needs and exceeding expectations.”
Colin Robertson, Alexander Dennis Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to once again work in partnership with Lothian to develop another new and exciting product. The new Plaxton Leopard interurban coach has been tailored to meet Lothian’s exacting specification and the demands of a busy interurban operation.”
Mark Ballam, Coach Commercial Manager at Alexander Dennis Limited, added: “Interurban services are a growth market across the country when provided with the right vehicles for this type of operation. In addition to Alexander Dennis’s wide range of specification options for our Enviro buses, the Plaxton range offers purpose-designed models including the new 49-seat Leopard interurban coach.”
