Kent-based commuter operator Centaur has gone for five wheelchair-accessible i6 coaches to the DDA commuter specification – four 12.9-metre, Integral i6s with 55 seats, and one 14-metre i6 Integral.
The 12.9-metre i6s take DAF’s MX11 271, 369bhp Euro 6 engine driving through the ZF Ecolife automatic gearbox as revised for high-powered engines. The 14-metre i6 wa specified with the MX11 320 435bhp Euro 6 engine, again coupled with Ecolife gearbox.
All Centaur’s are to scheduled service specification, with Hanover destination blinds at front, rear and side, wood-effect flooring, centre sunken toilet, Actia/Bosch media system, USB charging points and WiFi.
“We have long admired the i6 Integral so it was only logical for us to speak with Irizar UK regarding our fleet renewal plans for 2017,” comments Centaur transport manager Patrick Sims, who says the coaches will be working on London commuter work and private hire.
Meanwhile, Hertfordshire-based Golden Boy Coaches has ordered a further four Irizar Integral coaches, including its first i8, as it continues to upgrade its 40-strong coach fleet to Euro 6.
They comprise two i6 Integrals – a 38-seat 10.8-metre midicoach and a 12.9-metre two-axle – a 70-seat i4 Integral and the 53-seat, 13.2-metre tri-axle i8 Integral.
“All the vehicles are part of our accelerated fleet replacement programme, which will be concluded in the next four to five years,” states joint managing director, Geraldine McIntyre.
The i8 and i6 Integrals were specified with DAF’s MX series engine and ZF AS-Tronic gearbox. Meanwhile, the i4 Integral has the MX engine and ZF Ecolife fully automatic gearbox.
Finally, Middlesex-based City Circle confirmed an order for a further 16 Irizar and Scania vehicles at Euro Bus Expo event this week (1—3 November 2016, NEC, Birmingham)
The latest order follows on from the delivery of 20 Scania Irizar i6 coaches to City Circle UK earlier this year.
Scheduled for delivery in Spring 2017, all the vehicles are 53-seat, high-spec 13.22-metre overall length Irizar i6 models, based on Scania’s K 410 EB6x2*4 tri-axle, rear steer chassis.
“The complete service we receive from Scania and Irizar is second-to-none and I am highly delighted to further increase the number of product within our fleet,” comments City Circle UK managing director Neil Pegg (pictured).