New length Elite-i for Coastrider

Stagecoach has invested over £2.4m in a fleet of eight Plaxton Elite-i coaches for its Coastrider X7 route. They are the first 13.8m examples to be built. Mounted on the Volvo B11R chassis with 10.8-litre, 460hp, Euro6 engines, they seat 63 passengers and have a revised lower deck entry area providing a raised ceiling height for ease of communication with the driver.
They will begin operating on 24 November and from the same date the route into Perth will be extended to serve three hospital sites as well as providing additional stopping points in Dundee. The service currently operates along the coast between Aberdeen and Dundee, serving Stonehaven, Montrose and Arbroath and runs hourly every day. The new coaches will offer additional capacity as well as a range of modern features. They have bike racks within the luggage hold area, allowing five bikes to be secured.

MD, Stagecoach East Scotland, Andrew Jarvis, said, ‘Our new vehicles are the latest in luxury coach travel and feature leather reclining seats, air conditioning, free wi-fi, onboard charge points, an on-board toilet and bike racks with space for five bikes. The Coastrider X7 route has been very popular since its launch in 2011 and we’ve added extra journeys as the route has grown over the years. The extension of the route will provide great new links for so many people travelling to college and university, city centres, hospitals sites and will of course continue to provide relaxing journeys along our beautiful coastline.’

Stagecoach already operate significant numbers of the 15m Plaxton Elite-i.