Members of the European Parliament from across the UK welcomed to Brussels, Plaxton’s easy access coach built for National Express services, as part of the COST 349 (Committee of Senior Officials for Scientific and Technical Research) exhibition.

The newly designed Plaxton Panther coach, built on a Volvo B12B chassis, has been driven by the mandatory legislative requirements and National Express’ specifications.  Parks of Hamilton will take delivery of the coach to operate on the newly awarded 538 Inverness – Coventry service later in 2006, following driver training and the launch of National Express’ new booking systems.

Bill Cahill, Operations Director, National Express said, “Several British MEP’s and other dignitaries at the exhibition in Brussels were very impressed.  This solution meets our requirements to ensure the best results for our disabled customers..”

Graham Watson, Leader of the Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament, has welcomed the new coach he said, "This coach continues the welcome trend towards full accessibility in all services throughout Europe. It will be of great benefit to the disabled and the elderly and ensure them equal access and will give some the freedom to travel by coach for the first time.  With the total cost of a disabled access platform and hoist only adding 3.5% to the cost of the vehicle, it is high time that all those providing a service take their lead from National Express and implement easy and equal access."

Kevin Wood, Sales Director, Plaxton said, “Plaxton has been closely involved in supplying vehicles to National Express for almost 20 years.  The development of the easy access coach involved maximising the benefits of the existing design and incorporating the needs of accessibility to produce a vehicle which we believe ranks as the best possible current practice.”

Details of the Plaxton Panther easy access vehicle include:

• The single leaf entrance door is significantly wider than a standard entrance, which allows for greater space for passengers boarding the vehicle

• Passenger Lift Services has fitted the NX Magic Floor lift packaged into the front entrance steps

• NMI’s wheelchair restraint system is in place with the Fainsa Gala seat system

April 2006

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Warrender,
Plaxton Limited
E-mail andrew.warrender@plaxtonlimited.co.uk