VICTORY Liner is deploying Volvo B8R luxury buses with features like automatic transmission and artificial intelligence (AI) for its Royal Class Sleeper service to Baguio and Cagayan.

Marivic del Pilar, president of Victory Liner, said the new service was launched in response to the needs of their customers.

“We thought about launching a Royal Class bus line and spring back from the pandemic with a bang. Travelers these days are more discerning. We asked them what they want and what their dream road trip is like. And we came up with this Royal class edition…in a class of its own,” she said.

Safety features

What sets the Volvo B8R buses apart are its technologies for both passengers and the driver. It has Volvo’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that proactively prevents skidding and loss of control by monitoring vehicle speed, steering angles, and wheel speeds. In case of instability, the ESP automatically applies brakes to specific wheels and adjusts engine power to ensure the driver maintains control, ensuring not only comfort but paramount safety for every journey.

It also has hill-start assist that minimizes jerking during gear shifts and contributes to a stable and comfortable ride for passengers.

For the driver, the Volvo B8R employs AI to detect the symptoms of fatigues of the driver, alerting the head office when the eyes of the driver show signs of sleepiness, is yawning too much, or behaving in an irregular manner.

And for ease of operation, the Volvo B8R buses deployed by Victory Liner for its Royal Class service are equipped with automatic transmission.

The Volvo B8R buses are powered by the Penta D8 engine. According to the Volvo Penta website (volvopenta.com), it has a displacement of 7.7 liters and has six cylinders, common-rail fuel injection, double overhead camshafts, a twin-entry turbo, and supercharger. It has a camshaft output of 40 hp.

More comfort for passengers

Each bus has 28 passenger suites and one crew bed. Passengers also have access to an amenity kit, individual air-condition vents, room lamps, and premium leather beds with footrests. Moreover, each suite has its own USB and type-C charging ports.

Raul Ecaldre, Marketing Head of Victory Liner, said Royal Class service offers customers a unique and desirable travel experience. “Victory Liner has redefined the commuter experience, setting a new standard in premium travel.”