National Express Van Hool Altano TDX21 Coaches Unveiled
The first National Express Van Hool Altano TDX21 coach was unveiled on March 15 at Van Hool’s UK facility in Wellingborough.
This coach has been transferred to Bristol to join Edwards Coaches’ National Express fleet.
As part of the company’s fleet expansion initiative, 25 Van Hool Altano TDX21 tri-axle coaches are set to enter service across the UK this year.
Edwards Coaches will receive ten units of these coaches in the coming months, while Selwyns Travel in the North West is set to acquire an additional 15 models later in the year.
These coaches will serve on various National Express routes, including the 040 between London and Bristol and the 540 between London and Manchester via Milton Keynes.
Ed Rickard, Network Director for National Express UK and Ireland, said “The National Express Van Hool Altano TDX21 Coaches are a welcome addition to the National Express fleet as we look to meet the increased demand for our services.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the first of the coaches out of the road in the coming months, with the remainder in service by the end of this year.”
Van Hool Altano TDX21 Coach
The Van Hool Altano TDX21 coach boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 14.4 meters long, 2.55 meters wide, and 3.73 meters tall, accommodating 66 seats along with wheelchair space.
Equipped with modern amenities such as LED mood lighting, complimentary Wi-Fi, plush leather reclining seats, efficient air conditioning, and convenient onboard charging, it ensures a comfortable travel experience for passengers.
The Altano model incorporates a sizable 752-liter fuel tank, minimizing the frequency of refueling stops, and offers a generous luggage capacity of 16.5 cubic meters.
Moreover, prioritizing accessibility, the coach features a lower entry point and ramp for easier wheelchair access, complemented by three dedicated seats on the lower floor behind the driver to enhance overall accessibility.
The National Express Van Hool Altano TDX21 coaches will also feature National Express’s advanced onboard safety and security technology.
This includes Guardian’s Seeing Machines fatigue monitoring system, ensuring constant vigilance over the driver’s focus.
Additionally, the coach integrates the Lytx DriveCam to uphold driver performance standards and Alcolock, a system preventing the coach engine from starting until the driver successfully passes an alcohol breathalyzer test.
“Van Hool is pleased to be working with National Express and its partner operators to introduce 25 new Van Hool TDX21 Altano’s on their UK coach network this year.”
“The overdecker model is ideal for long-distance journeys, providing great comfort and ample luggage capacity for customers, alongside excellent fuel efficiency and reliability for coach operators,” said Erik Olijslagers, Van Hool Area Sales Manager RHD and Northern Europe.
Source: National Express.
