Matthews Coaches of County Monaghan, Ireland, is the first operator in the country’s borders region to add a Plaxton Panorama double-decker coach to its fleet.
Founded in 1995 by husband and wife team Paddy and Mary Matthews, the operator now has 10 first, second and third generation family members involved in the company – securing its future for years to come.
Matthews’ new coach joins a 50-vehicle fleet. The specification includes 90 extended seats, air-conditioning throughout, all-age safety belts, USB charging points, WiFi, advanced audio and PA systems, driver support systems, alloy wheels, CCTV and reversing cameras.
Pushing the 14.5m Volvo B11RLE-based coach down the road is the Swedish manufacturer’s 10.8-litre, 400hp Euro VI engine mated to an I-Shift transmission.
Transport Manager Noel Matthews said: “We handle 6,000 passenger journeys a day, representing over two million per year, so capacity is an important factor in terms of maximising vehicle performance and commercial efficiency.
“With 67 and 23 seats on the upper and lower decks, respectively, our new Panorama is almost the equivalent of running two vehicles, so it is fairly obvious that there are real business advantages.
“We are delighted with our high-capacity luxury coach and it has gone straight into service on the route we operate daily between Dundalk and Dublin.”
In addition, Matthews has also taken delivery of two 12.8m 61-seat Plaxton Panthers.
Continued Noel: “Over the past 10 years we have introduced around six Plaxton coaches per year.
“They are stylish, deliver exactly what they promise and are well supported. What more can you ask for? These latest Panthers will join our tour operations.”
You can read more coach news here: cbwmagazine.com/category/news/coaches
