GO UP IN THE WORLD
at the launch of the new
Oxford Tube
In true launch fashion, '90s style, the
new coach was revealed
to everyone present, complete with pretty girls.
A near £6 million investment in a fleet
of 27 of the new coaches
has been made by Stagecoach and the well known image is to be
retained but with a subtle addition of the corporate strips added.
The new Oxford Tube livery, designed by
Devon-based artist,
Graham Griffiths, depicts flowing ribbons in the Stagecoach colours
of blue, red and orange. This eye-catching scheme represents
celebration, not only of the start of a new millennium but also of
the Stagecoach commitment to taking the Oxford Tube forward.
The untangling effect of the design as it approaches the rear of the coach
associates the livery with one of the key objectives of the Oxford Tube:
to simplify travel and thus help every customer 'unwind' and relax !
The chassis of these coaches is a new
MAN 24-350 HOCLN-NL
powered by a MAN D 2866 LOH26 Euro 2 Rating 350hp engine.
The bodywork is by Jonckheere to Monaco styling carrying 68.
A special feature of 8 of these coaches
is the ability to remove
the first 4 nearside seats, fitted on a platform, giving place for a
wheelchair, it is believed that this is the first time that such a facility
has been available on a "standard" express coach service in the UK.
This is coupled with kneeling suspension, full air conditioning,
toilet and washroom facilities plus GPS radio system.
Further details will be published in the coming weeks.
One of the current fleet overtakes the
latest addition.
Entry into service dates for the new fleet have yet to be confirmed.
An impressive list of facilities on the new coach.
The entrance leads into a flat floor, low height saloon.
The lower deck with seats for 15 plus a
toilet/washroom at the rear offside.
The severy can be seen in the left foreground.
53 reclining seats on the upper deck, looking
aft.
and below the forward view.
Big and little "MEN" !!
The fleet is to be 34 - 60. Registrations are
not finally confirmed but 36 is T36DFC.
It is expected that 40,44,50,55 and 60 will be T XX UBE (TUBE) !!
Keep visiting the Oxford Bus Page where
you will get the latest
on this impressive fleet.
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