Thumbs up as John McGinley Coach Travel shows off its new fleet

John McGinley Coach Travel have rolled out their new fleet.

The Magheroarty-based company placed a major order for 10 new state-of-the-art coaches from Volvo last November. This new deal, worth over €4 million, saw the family-run company add the new custom-built Volvo coaches.

It was one of the largest individual custom orders Volvo undertook in 2023, and is seen as a major commitment by the Donegal firm to improving the standards of independent local and national transport services.

“D day has arrived - delivery day,” John McGinley Coach Travel posted. “For months we waited in anticipation as we watched progress from the factory of our new Volvo 9700 coaches.

“We followed the build process and saw the chassis being put together before bodywork was added. The vehicles finally arrived at Volvo's Irish commercials depot in Naas last month and have been undergoing final tests for the last number of weeks.

“This morning after a handover from Volvo we finally got our hands on our new motors. We will shortly be on our way to the hills of Donegal so keep your eye out for our Convoy as we head north via the M1, N2, and A5. towards home. We expect to arrive in Letterkenny at 3pm and at our depot in Magheroarty around 4pm, if you're in the area feel free to call in, we will have the kettle on.”

The additions will also help McGinley’s expand their daily services to and from Dublin. Offering the latest in style, safety and comfort, these new vehicles will also be a greener way to travel with significantly less emissions thanks to the modern technology used.

Built on Volvo’s new B13R chassis to add fuel savings of up to 9 per cent, the order comprises seven 13.1m 4x2 and three 14m 6x2 models, with 55 and 61 passenger seats respectively. The 9700s are powered by the fuel-efficient Euro-6 D13K engine, producing up to 500 hp and a peak torque of 1,585 Nm, reducing running costs and CO2 emissions. The 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission combines smooth and precise gearshifts with high average speeds and outstanding driveability.

The family-run enterprise was founded in 1968. It now provides travel for corporate, holiday and tour groups of all sizes and daily coach services between Donegal and Dublin City and Airport.