Coastal Coaches has added two 29-passenger Strata Ultra minibuses to its fleet as part of an ongoing fleet replacement programme, manufactured and supplied by Mellor.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based vehicles will be occupied on rural bus routes and work on private hire and school services around that as required. Such a multipurpose application was key to the Warton, Lancashire-based operator, says Partner Bill Holder (pictured, right). He adds that the low total cost of ownership also appealed.
Each Mellor Strata Ultra has Kiel Ligero seats, Mobitech destination equipment and Motormax CCTV. As is standard with vehicles joining the Coastal Coaches fleet, they have each been named after a family member or friend associated with the business. One is called Master Bobby and the other Master Xander in recognition of a family friend’s grandsons.
“We’d certainly consider another Mellor in the future,” says Mr Holder. “Drivers enjoy them because they feel more refined than a standard bus. We have noticed how much quieter they are compared to the outgoing vehicles, and they are certainly more comfortable to be behind the wheel of throughout the day.”
