The problem of serving housing estate routes and difficulties negotiating parked cars, coupled with fuel efficiency, has led Arriva North West and Wales to order nine Strata minibuses from the Rochdale-based Mellor.
Due for delivery in June and to replace Optare Solos on local routes around Macclesfield and Winsford, Cheshire, they have a capacity of 22 passengers (including standees) plus space for one wheelchair.
The internal specification includes Esteban civic seating trimmed in e-Leather with USB charging points at each seat, free wi-fi an assault screen, CCTV and reversing camera.
Says Phil Cummins, Arriva Manchester MD and Engineering Director NW and Wales (pictured, left): “We’ve selected them specifically for their passenger capacity, which meets our local service requirements perfectly
“The fuel economy was another reason for us choosing the Strata, as keeping our fuel costs to a minimum is very important – as is the case for any national operator today.
“The bus is also very easy to maintain, which means much less time in the garage and more time out on the road.”
Adds Mark Wynne, Arriva (Winsford) GM, (pictured, right): “After a demonstration of the Strata, we received very positive feedback from our customers and it certainly meets the high standards we wanted in terms of passenger features and comfort.”
After the announcement at a signing ceremony with Jane Dransfield, Area Sales Manager for Mellor (pictured, centre) Mellor MD John Randerson, said: “There is no compromise to internal space with the majority of passengers seated. The array of on-board features are equal to those fitted on most large sized single deck buses, so despite the bus being smaller, our customer has not had to sacrifice any of the benefits today’s bus passengers expect.”
