Go South Coast operation Salisbury Reds has debuted the first of nine Mellor Strata Ultra minibuses for Wiltshire Council-funded rural routes in Wiltshire and Dorset.
The buses carry Little Reds branding and represent an investment of more than £1.5 million. They will work five services during daytimes and three others in the evening.
Two of those run between Shaftesbury and Salisbury. Go South Coast Managing Director Ben Murray notes how minibuses such as the Mellor Strata Ultra are well-suited to all the routes in question thanks to their rural nature.
“Salisbury Reds has made a significant financial investment, and we are excited to welcome our customers on board these smart new vehicles – which are also designed to offer comfort and convenience to those travelling with us,” he says.
Each supports contactless tap on, tap off ticketing. On-board next stop audio and visual announcements are included as part of PSV Accessible Information Regulations compliance.
The first of the new fleet was taken to Shaftesbury where representatives from Go-Ahead, Dorset Council, Shaftesbury Town Council and Wiltshire Council gathered. That saw more explained to the public about the new buses, goody bags with half-price travel vouchers handed out, and information shared about bus services.
Says Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Highways Cllr Martin Smith: “The arrival of Little Reds marks a real step forward in connecting rural communities in both Wiltshire and Dorset.
“These new modern, efficient buses help to meet the needs of residents living in areas where traditional transport options are limited, ensuring people can access work, education, healthcare and leisure more easily.”
