Regional bus and coach operator, Coastal Coaches of Warton near Preston, has taken delivery of two new Mellor Strata Ultra 29-passenger buses as part of the firm’s ongoing vehicle replacement programme.

The flexibility and cost-appropriate advantages of the Mellor Strata Ultra make it ideally suited to the rural bus routes that Coastal Coaches operates between Blackpool and Preston. When not in use as a service bus, both vehicles will be utilised as a PSVAR-compliant private hire and school coach.

“As a small, family-run operator, we needed a dual-purpose vehicle to serve both the service bus and private hire markets,” said Bill Holder, Partner at Coastal Coaches. “Our new Stratas are more efficient, accessible and sustainable than the older Euro 5 vehicles they’re replacing, and are much better equipped. Their size and low total cost of ownership really stood out for us, as did the Mercedes powertrain that brings them in line with the rest of our fleet.”

Designed with accessibility in mind, the Mellor Strata range features an innovative low floor section to provide easy access for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility. The two Coastal Coaches Mellor Strata Ultras feature Kiel Ligero seating and Mobitech destination equipment. Motormax CCTV is fitted throughout, while each vehicle is finished in the company’s signature two-tone white and blue livery.

“We’d certainly consider another Mellor in the future,” added Bill. “The drivers enjoy taking it out because it feels more refined than a standard bus. We have all noticed how much quieter they are compared to the outgoing vehicles and are certainly more comfortable to be behind the wheel of throughout the day.”

As is standard for a vehicle joining the Coastal Coaches fleet, each Mellor Strata Ultra has been named after a family member or friend associated with the business. The buses proudly wear the names of Master Bobby and Master Xander, both of whom are grandsons of a family friend.