Australian long-distance coach operator Greyhound has announced that it has added five new coach models to its fleet as it continues to expand.
The order of five new coaches by Greyhound Australia continues its 10-year partnership with manufacturers Volvo and Irizar while offering customers the best safety, latest technology and improved comfort.
Passengers travelling on what Greyhound says is Australia’s largest long-distance coach network will soon step foot on the Volvo B13R Euro 6 chassis fitted with an Irizar 3900 13.5m body on top.
The model features steerable tag and driver safety aids and is the only model in Australia meeting European roll-over regulations.
Greyhound Australia CEO Dan Smith says the order of five coaches marks the first step of the company’s larger five-year procurement plan.
“Coming off the back of Covid we can now take the first step in the strategic procurement of new fleet to help with increased passenger load volumes experienced during our previous peak season and are continuing to see even now during the traditionally slower winter months,” Smith says.
“Our current fleet of Greyhounds have proven themselves reliable, however they are nevertheless aging, so we’re aiming to minimise service issues and disruptions to the network with these newer vehicles.”
The latest order follows the previous 13 Volvo/Irizar Euro 5s purchased for regional Queensland government contracted services early last year, with Greyhound’s customer experience program driving seat upgrades and additional comfort features in the new vehicles.
“Delighting our customers is at the core of everything we do, and these new additions will enable us to continue delivering safe, reliable and comfortable journeys for our passengers to feel the heart of Australia,” Smith says.
Volvo Bus Australia and New Zealand general manager Mitch Peden says the order continues a partnership that’s been going strong since 2013.
“We are thrilled to partner with Greyhound Australia on this fleet expansion, cementing our relationship as long-term business partners,” Peden says.
“Our shared values of quality, safety and sustainability make this partnership a perfect match.”
Smith says as the infrastructure and longevity of electric vehicle batteries doesn’t yet exist for long-distance travel in Australia, the new low emission diesel coaches are the best option available on the market to decrease environmental footprint.
The new vehicles will be delivered to Greyhound Australia from March 2024 and will begin to roll out along the East Coast between Melbourne and Cairns.
They will be branded in new livery with a brand-new colourful dog design to be unleashed.
Features of the Irizar i6S 3900 body include 50 Sege recliner leather seats with extra padding, USB chargers, map pockets, trays, footrests and arm rests, roof and floor heating, an eight camera CCTV system, a Dhollandia wheelchair lifter and WiFi onboard.
At 3.9m high, 2.5m wide and 13.7m long with a bull bar fitted, the new model is set to transport more passengers around Australia in the coming years.