20 Sprinter-based minibuses will follow existing examples into Greenock fleet after excellent evaluation
McGill’s Buses has returned to Mellor Coachcraft for 20 examples of the coachbuilt Strata LF low-entry minibus, which is built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis.
The Greenock operator was an early adopter of the Strata LF and MD Ralph Roberts says that the performance of a handful of Strata LFs already in McGill’s fleet drove the order, which was announced at CBUK.
“We have been evaluating two Strata LFs since the model’s launch last year and we found that they tick all of the right boxes for us in terms of fuel economy, durability, build quality and the level of support that we receive.
“In addition to the operational parameters, passengers like the look and the interior facilities, particularly the 2+2 seating, which gives a traditional feel to a small bus. We had no hesitation in turning to Mellor for more small buses,” adds Mr Roberts.
“We have now taken over 50 orders for the Strata LF but we believe that there is potential to sell 100 per year,” says Mellor MD John Randerson.
“Those already with McGill’s Buses have been used on urban work and they have returned up to 20mpg, which we believe is an excellent figure. The next 20 will be to our standard specification, with air-conditioning and 21 seats, along with space for one standee and one wheelchair user.”