Wigan-based firm marks milestone with its ‘most luxurious coach to date’ in a 14m, 57-seat Tourismo L
Grayway Coaches of Wigan is marking its 50th anniversary in 2019 and to help it celebrate, it has taken delivery of a one-off special edition Mercedes-Benz Tourismo L, supplied by EvoBus (UK).
Christened the Grand Edition, the 14m tri-axle joins a number of other Tourismos in Grayway’s 31-strong fleet.
It comes with the manufacturer’s full suite of safety systems, including Active Brake Assist 4 and Predictive Powertrain Control. It also has a media router that allows passengers to stream music and movies to their own devices.
The Grand Edition is a far cry from the operator’s first vehicle, a 12-seat Commer minibus purchased in 1969 by current Managing Director Michael Gray’s father. Grayway moved into 20-seaters in 1971 before taking on its first full-sized coaches in 1972. Mr Gray Sr retired in 1993.
“We have had very good service from the other Tourismos in our fleet. Passengers like them and they are particularly convenient for older customers with the wide entrance door,” says Mr Gray Jr.
“The new coach will have a regular driver except for during rest periods or leave. It is primarily for our day trip and holiday programme, which includes a small amount of continental work.”
As the most luxurious coach in Grayway’s fleet, the Tourismo L has 57 seats that are finished in Luxline upholstery and with synthetic leather inserts. It is powered by the OM 470 engine developing 430bhp coupled to an eight-speed Powershift 3 automated manual gearbox.
