Entering the “FLiP2Go” coach immerses you in a mobile world of experience. Dark colours combined with a sophisticated lighting concept provide the interior of the NEOPLAN Skyliner with a futuristic look. “However, it is definitely the state-of-the-art, multimedia game consoles with multi-touch displays in a wide range of sizes that are especially eye-catching,” says Heinz Kiess, Head of Sales & Marketing at the Bus Modification Center in Plauen.

　　The “FLiP2Go” educational coach was realised by the MAN bus modification experts at the Plauen plant. Based on the NEOPLAN Skyliner, it offers a fun approach to teaching children and young people throughout Austria about money matters. The Austrian savings bank, Erste Bank and the Erste Group are using the innovative learning facility to help young people find out about how to handle money and acquire skills on managing their financial affairs.

　　How does it work? Seven interactive multimedia game consoles await visitors to the “FLiP2Go”, which they can operate together or against each other. The “World Trip” station, for example, is a virtual voyage, enabling players to see what effects their consumer decisions can have in a globalised world. And the “Job-O-Mat” shows the connection between training and earnings opportunities.

　　The separate gaming cabins on the upper and lower decks are equipped with high-performing gaming PCs. Children and young people can play and solve various tasks on the multi-touch displays with 4K resolution that are embedded in stainless steel tables. High-quality hi-fi equipment ensures the right sound. “The challenge involved in the “FLiP2Go” was to integrate the extensive multimedia equipment of the individual stations as well as the higher-level media control, consisting of a central computer with Intel i7-7700 UMTS router and WiFi access point in the NEOPLAN Skyliner,” says Heinz Kiess. The server racks needed were installed in the luggage compartment, where a standby genset with an external cooling system is also located.

　　In addition to the gaming cabins, the lower deck of the premium coach also features a gaming station, which is accessible for wheelchair users, a coat rack and a check-in counter encased in safety glass. This is where visitors embark on a multimedia journey experience on wheels. Up to 32 players can simultaneously complete the 100-minute game round on two levels of the NEOPLAN Skyliner.

　　Game design, software and the interior design plans come from the Stuttgart-based Jangled Nerves agency. These were then implemented by the MAN experts for customised options in Plauen. The vehicle is operated by the coach operator Dr. Richard. “The MAN team in Plauen developed a unique vehicle within a very short time. It was solely due to the short construction time that we were able to complete the coach on time, despite the long planning phase,” says Johann Strasser, Technical Director at Dr. Richard Bus GmbH: “This NEOPLAN Skyliner is by far the most extraordinary coach in Dr. Richard's history to date.”