Pohjolan Liikenne in Finland is first to take delivery of new 13.5m two-axle Futura coach
FINLAND VDL Bus & Coach has delivered the first FMD2-135/370 Futuras to Pohjolan Liikenne in Finland. The two coaches are being used on an intercity service between Helsinki and Turku. New to the two-axle Futura FMD2 is the length of 13.5 metres, which can provide seating for up to 63 or more legroom with fewer seats for premium passenger applications. The Pohjolan Liikenne coaches each seat 49 and have 230V power points at each seat as well as WiFi. There’s also an onboard snack and drinks machine.
Pohjolan Liikenne, one of the largest Finnish bus companies, has placed many orders with VDL Bus & Coach in the past, but this is the first for the Futura range. “The Finnish public transport market is extremely competitive, which means that as an operator we need to find new ways of increasing profitability and attracting passengers,” said Heikki Alanko, CEO Pohjolan Liikenne. “We believe that the new VDL Futura FMD2-135 will help us achieve these goals.”
VDL describes the FMD2 is a profitable all-rounder suited to both charter and intercity transport service. Floor height is 1,250mm and an optional wide centre door can be equipped with a wheelchair lift if required. “The owner/operator will find that the Futura FMD2 offers Profit of Ownership: the low net weight, reduced fuel consumption, high passenger capacity, generous luggage space and low running costs make the Futura FMD2 a highly profitable investment,” says VDL.
Pohjolan Liikenne has a fleet of 500 buses and coaches, the company providing local, regional and long-distance services mainly in southern Finland. Annual turnover is around €91 million, and 1,000 people are employed. Some 30 million passengers are carried annually a total of 30m kms are covered each year. Pohjolan Liikenne is a subsidiary of VR, the Finnish national railway company.
