Stagecoach’s Volvo 9700 ‘deckers are a UK first
In a first for the UK, 16 Volvo 9700 double-deck coaches have been delivered into service in Scotland, to operate Megabus and Scottish Citylink services.
Over the next few months, 27 more of the new models will be delivered into operation in the country. The new vehicles are the first of an order for 43 Volvo B13R 9700 double-decks on order for Stagecoach, part-owner of Scottish Citylink Coaches. Seven of these will join Scottish Citylink’s Megabus fleet in Cumbernauld, carrying passengers on the M11 and M20 route between Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London. Nine more have been delivered to depots in Cumbernauld and Perth, carrying passengers between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness.
Launched across Europe in 2020, the Volvo B13R 9700 double-deck is 14.8m long and features an integral body, built by Finnish coachbuilder Carrus Delta. Equipped with the Volvo D13K engine, delivering up to 500hp, the coach has EBS, CMS Camera system, Collision Warning with Emergency Brake, Brake Blending, Acceleration Slip Regulation and Electronic Stability Control.
The new double-decks joining Megabus can carry up to 81 passengers on Volvo’s coach line seats and one wheelchair user. The internal luggage racks have a capacity of up to 3m3 and the separate luggage compartment can carry up to 8m3. It includes a Bosch audio/video system with separate radio and DVD. Drivers can expect a spacious work area with a USB port, monitor and microphones, alongside safety features including Knee Impact Protection, Lane Keeping Support and Driver Alert System.
Scottish Citylink Managing Director, Simone Walsh, said: “The introduction of these new Volvo B13R 9700 double-deck coaches into Scotland is a significant investment in our fleet. We are operating services covering thousands of miles across varied terrain and in unpredictable weather conditions every day; this increased capacity will improve efficiencies across the business while improving our passenger experience.
“This order is another testament to the strong relationship we continue to build with Volvo Buses. It’s no coincidence that we’re seeing improved feedback from drivers and passengers. Easily being able to communicate with the Volvo Buses team and its dealerships when required will also be important.”
Scottish Citylink is operated as a joint venture between ComfortDelGro and Stagecoach. Its major network of coach services across Scotland carries six million passengers a year and serve key locations including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Oban, Inverness and Skye.