Volvo B13R 9700 double-deckers are a first for Ireland
Three new Volvo B13R 9700 double-deck coaches have been delivered to County Monaghan-based Matthews Coach Hire. They are the first of their kind to enter service in Ireland.
They form part of an order for five identical high-capacity double-deck coaches, with the first examples now operating across routes connecting towns including Dundalk and Drogheda with Dublin and University College Dublin. The vehicles each operate up to seven days per week and are expected to cover around 50,000 km per year.
Each 14.8m Volvo B13R 9700 double-deck coach is wheelchair-compliant and delivers a 34% increase in seating capacity versus the vehicles they replace, enabling Matthews Coach Hire to offer increased availability on its routes, without the need for more vehicles and drivers. They each come with 95 moquette-upholstered seats with fold-down seatback tables, wood-effect flooring and full USB-A/C connectivity, as well as onboard Wifi. They are powered by Volvo’s D13K engine, which can deliver up to 500hp and 2,500Nm of torque, matched to the I-Shift transmission.
“Every detail of the specification is designed to deliver a premium experience for everyone onboard” – Majella Lambe, Director at Matthews Coach Hire
Majella Lambe, Director at Matthews Coach Hire, says: “Reliability is the top priority for us, and Volvo Buses has continued to deliver that. These new 9700s not only look stunning, they offer increased capacity and comfort, and provide a first-class travelling experience for passengers. Our drivers can also be assured that their working environment reflects Volvo’s commitment to quality, safety, and advanced technology. Every detail of the specification is designed to deliver a premium experience for everyone onboard.”
As a sign of its commitment to quality, Matthews Coach Hire’s sign-off process included a visit to Finland to inspect and approve the vehicles at coachbuilder Carrus Delta, ahead of delivery. “Volvo’s transparency and engineering standards gave us full confidence,” adds Lambe.
With over 90 per cent of its 45-vehicle fleet already built on a Volvo chassis, the decision to become Ireland’s launch customer for the new model reflects a long-standing trust in the brand – supported by the high standards of aftersales support available from the Volvo Truck & Bus dealer network across Ireland. Growing the fleet with more Volvo models also streamlines maintenance and training for the customer, ensuring consistency in operations.
“It was a very proud moment to deliver the first vehicles into service” – Diarmaid Thompson, Regional Account Manager for Volvo Bus UK & Ireland
Diarmaid Thompson, Regional Account Manager for Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, said: “The team at Matthews Coach Hire immediately saw the potential this new model offered when we began discussing specifications following its launch. Now, seeing them on the road, I’m confident they will prove a real winner with passengers.
“It was a very proud moment to deliver the first vehicles into service; they look amazing and have been generating a huge buzz on social media.”
Drivers at Matthews Coach Hire have already praised the Volvo 9700 double-decks for their smooth handling, ride comfort, and enhanced visibility – with each featuring Synetics’ mirrorless camera systems, which offer clearer views when overtaking or navigating in urban environments.
Based in Inniskeen in County Monaghan, Matthews Coach Hire carries more than 4,500 passengers on 145 daily services. Founded in 1995 by Paddy and Mary Matthews, the company was acquired by FirstGroup in February 2025. Members of the Matthews management team remain with the business to lead day-to-day operations.