John Hill Coach Sales co-ordinates work to turn tri-axle Scania Caetano into accessible crowd-shifter
John Hill Coach Sales has supplied Hertfordshire operator Barnett’s Coaches with the first 90-seat, 3+2 conversion of a tri-axle Caetano Levante – and MD John Hill says that it can offer Euro 6 compliance as part of the package.
Seats are from Prime Passenger Seating, and wheelchair access is retained via two removable pairs and the original step-mounted lift.
Although Barnett’s coach is not retrofitted to Euro 6, Director Richard Barnett says that the necessary work will take place early next year.
Saving use of a coach
“At the moment we have lots of hires that require two coaches. With the Levante, we will generally be able to save a vehicle and a driver.
“But it’s not just a school coach. We also cover festivals and weddings. 90 seats on one level is an attractive offering and I don’t rule out adding more in the future.”
Upgrades to Euro 6 compliance will be undertaken by RWT Commercial Services, and Mr Barnett adds that a coach seating 90 passengers potentially reduces the number that will require expensive retrofit equipment.
The Levante dates from 2007. It is based on a Scania chassis and conversion work has been undertaken by Duoflex, including removal of the toilet. Mechanical attention was handled by Paul S Winson Coaches.
Scania or Volvo available
Mr Hill says that further Levantes are available on both Scania and Volvo chassis that can be converted to 90-seaters. Turnaround time is around five weeks.
“It was important that we got everything right first time on this project, but we didn’t want to over-complicate it,” he adds. Without an upgrade to Euro 6 compliance, the retail price for a converted and certified 90-seater starts at £89,950.
“90 seats was key for us as we have lots of bookings for more than 80 passengers – but costs are the same if it carries only 50 people,” says Mr Barnett.
