Minsterley Motors has taken delivery of a Volvo B8RLE with MCV Evora bodywork, supplied on a two-year rental deal by Asset Alliance Group.
Such a procurement approach differs from the Shrewsbury operator’s more usual hire purchase method when working with Asset Alliance. The bus is being used on a new park-and-ride service in Ludlow that is delivered on behalf of Shropshire Council via a two-year contract.
Choosing rental under those circumstances removes a risk to the operator of having excess capacity in its fleet later, says Director Lee Jones. The bus is used six days per week and the Ludlow park-and-ride service has a fare capped at £1 to encourage use.
Of a total capacity of 84, the Volvo MCV can carry 38 seated passengers. Belts and USB charging points are fitted along with the necessary equipment to comply with the PSV Accessible Information Regulations.
The deal with Minsterley Motors was facilitated for Asset Alliance Group by Business Development Manager Paul Fairbanks.
Continues Mr Jones: “We have worked with Paul and Asset Alliance Group for a few years now. They are approachable, straightforward to deal with, and have good knowledge of the coach and bus world, including the practicalities of running a business within it.
“The option to rent, on top of the wide range of financing options that Asset Alliance Group offers, was ideal. It allowed us to take on this opportunity and meant that the council had a brand-new bus for its newly launched service.”
Delivery of a further Volvo continues an established relationship between Minsterley Motors and the Swedish manufacturer across both coach and bus products.