Belle Vue Manchester has taken delivery of a new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo coach as it continues its progress toward a record year for them.
The Stockport-based coach and bus operator, which began partnership with FlixBus in April, says June was its best ever month and is preparing to add yet more vehicles to its fleet.
Belle Vue took two new Neoplan Tourliners in April, will add a third due for arrival in September and has six more on order for delivery next March. It will also take on two new double-decker school buses in September.
In the past 12 months, it has added a 34-seater Yutong TC9 midi-coach, a 19-seater Mercedes-Benz Sprinter executive minibus and a 1966 London Routemaster vintage double-decker with 77 seats, which is used for weddings and other celebratory events and corporate hospitality trips.
The tri-axle Neoplan Tourliners are equipped with MAN’s OptiView digital system, which uses cameras instead of driver’s mirrors, a toilet, drinks machine, USB charging stations, and buttons enabling passengers to contact the driver. All of the operator’s new vehicles comply with PSVAR regulations.
Last month the company benefited from Manchester United and Manchester City contesting an FA Cup Final in Wembley which was hit by rail strikes, while strong growth in corporate travel, day trips and airport transfers was also cited.
Managing Director Phil Hitchen says the firm’s annual turnover is due to exceed £5 million for the first time and he has plans to double the size of the operation over the next couple of years.
“The additions to our modern fleet feature the latest technology for enhanced driver and passenger comfort, and they have strong green credentials with lower emissions meeting Euro VI standards and an improved miles-per-gallon performance,” he adds.
“They represent a significant investment which reflects the strong growth we are seeing across the business.
“This results from a number of new contracts, including educational and corporate ones, as well as several new Manchester City supporters’ clubs wishing to utilise our varied fleet for travel to and from matches.
“Demand has also grown considerably for corporate outings to race meetings and other events, day trips throughout the UK and airport transfers, as overseas travel has recovered from the pandemic and the private hire and hospitality markets have rebounded.
“The investment in our fleet alongside driver training to enhance the customer experience enables us to meet this surge in demand for our services, and we are looking forward to further growth in the coming months and years amid a buoyant market for coach and bus travel.”
