Many thanks to IMTAC (Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee) and its members for taking part in our our #accessibility event last week.

We are currently sourcing coaches suitable for operating express services across Northern Ireland. We want whichever coaches we buy to represent best in class in terms of accessibility. So it was great to be able to bring a Panther low entry coach to the event – the Panther LE is one of the most accessible coaches operating anywhere in the UK.

Stagecoach Bus operates the vehicles in Scotland between Livingston and Glasgow – a journey of just under 35 miles.

IMTAC members were able to get first-hand experience of the unique accessibility of a Panther LE coach and to provide feedback on its accessibility features and what is important to them in terms of features on longer journeys by coach.

The Panther LE coach was kindly supplied by Alexander Dennis Limited and Volvo Buses and the event was supported by FPTNI (Federation of Passenger Transport Northern Ireland Ltd)

The Panther LE is a unique coach in terms of #accessibility and we believe it could be perfect for both express and regular stopping services right across Northern Ireland.

The Panther LE uses Volvo’s low-entry bus front module combined with a coach rear to try and deliver an optimised hybrid that delivers a coach vehicle, certified to Class 3 regulations, with the low entry of a low-floor bus.

The innovative Plaxton Panther LE is designed for stage carriage services that require both easy access and comfort, such as commuter routes or longer-distance connections doubling up as local services in rural areas. Stagecoach Bus operates the vehicles in Scotland between Livingston and Glasgow – a journey of just under 35 miles.

#fastercheaperbetter