Hitchin, Hertfordshire-based Britannia Coaches has become the UK’s first operator to take delivery of two used Scania Irizar i6 coaches retrofitted with PSVAR equipment by Irizar at its factory in Ormaiztegi, Spain.
There are currently approximately a further 20 used two- and three-axle Scania Irizar i6’s being retrofitted as part of a major initiative by Scania and Irizar to enable operators to source high quality PSVAR-compliant coaches at this challenging time for the industry.
“The coronavirus pandemic has effectively put the industry back a year and we decided to act pro-actively to help operators upgrade to OEM-specification PSVAR vehicles right away,” says James Morgan, Used Bus and Coach Sales Executive for Scania (Great Britain) Limited.
“Building up a stock of used PSVAR coaches means our customers are able to see, touch and feel what they will be buying before committing, which is obviously a really important factor. Also, customers can select a PSVAR used coach from us secure in the knowledge that it has been retrofitted to the highest possible standard.”
The process includes full compliance with the requirements of EC 2001/85 Annex 7 / R107 Annex 8 Bus Directive with the installation of a Masats wheelchair lift, wheelchair tracking and restraint system.
The fitment of Hanover destination ensures compliance to UK PSVAR requirements. All work is carried out by Irizar’s technicians, with all equipment supplied fully warranted.
“We are delighted to become the first coach operator to benefit from this service,” comments Richard Howells, Managing Director of Britannia Coaches.
“The quality of the work is exceptional and to the high standard you would expect of Scania and Irizar. Operationally speaking, the industry certainly needs all the assistance it can get at this time.
“These vehicles will make a real difference to us as we will be able to use them on our rail replacement services, a condition of which is that we use PSVAR-compliant coaches.”
