Stagecoach has become the second operator to order the Mellor Strata coachbuilt minibus for use on regulated Bee Network services in Greater Manchester. It has signed for four Strata Ultra examples that will be delivered by mid-March 2024.
The four Stratas for Stagecoach follow an order placed by First Manchester for 17 that it will deploy on its two small local service contracts in Rochdale from around the same time. Those for Stagecoach are 30-passenger examples, whereas those for First are slightly smaller Strata Plus models that will carry 26 passengers.
Mellor says that the two deals represent “a resounding commitment to supporting and reinvesting in the community.” The Strata is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform and is manufactured by Mellor in Rochdale.
Speaking about the decision to order the Strata, Stagecoach Manchester Managing Director Rob Jones says: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with local bus manufacturer Mellor. We are committed to supporting local Greater Manchester businesses as much as possible, and look forward to operating the Stratas on the Bee Network next year.
“Mellor is an established vehicle manufacturer. It offers a versatile range of passenger transport solutions that utilise the latest vehicle technology to ensure efficient, comfortable and environmentally friendly travel for residents of Greater Manchester.”
Stagecoach will take up three large local service contracts through its success in the second round of franchising in Greater Manchester in March 2024, with depots in Middleton, Oldham, and Queen’s Road to the north of the city centre.
