New amphibious coach could service London Olympics

A British company has taken orders for its new amphibious 50-seater coach, a new design that can travel at 70mph on land and 10mph on water and might provide a useful way of getting competitors to the 2012 Olympics.

The £280,000 AmphiCoach is almost indistinguishable from a conventional vehicle, but as it enters the water its wheels retract and a powerful water jet takes over propulsion.

Each of the vehicles costs £280,000 and Amphicoach say they can build 12 every year.

Amphibious vehicles on the Thames

Many companies use converted duck boats (DUKW), a type of military amphibious dating back to WWII, to provide city and harbour tours but the makers of the Amphicoach believe their vehicle is safer and more luxurious than anything on the market.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Although the Amphicoach is intended for work as a tourist vehicle one can imagine it could be put to good use in congested cities – perhaps even as a means of moving competitors and officials during the 2012 London Olympics without the need to close roads.”

What is the ETA?

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance, travel insurance, breakdown cover and home insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.