Transdev has announced new services set to launch in Lancashire, operated by a fleet of 23 Mellor Strata Ultra minibuses.
The first network is branded Ribble Country and will begin serving Burnley, Pendle and the Ribble Valley on 2 May. Transdev says 50 jobs will be created when 18 minibuses enter service next month.
A second route will launch the same day serving Preston, Higher Walton, Bamber Bridge and Leyland. Both services will be operated with Lancashire County Council.
The vehicles are the result of a £2.4m investment. Transdev says it chose the Strata Ultra range for its ideal blend of fuel economy and capacity, the vehicles’ ability to navigate rural routes, and for Mellor’s rigorously tested coach-built bodywork. Each minibus carries 30 passengers and is Euro VI compliant.
“As part of our new multi-year partnership with Lancashire County Council, we are thrilled to unveil the Ribble Country brand in tribute to the transport heritage of the area we are so proud to serve,” says Transdev CEO Alex Hornby. “A new look and expanded network needs the right bus for the job – and we’re delighted to have chosen Mellor, a proudly local North West company, with our order for its class-leading Strata Ultra product which offers us the quality, reliability and flexible performance we need.
“It’s an environmentally friendly, customer friendly design which will help us deliver on our mission to create buses people are proud to be seen on – and we can’t wait to welcome our Lancashire customers on board these amazing new buses next month.
Adds Mark Clissett, Woodall Nicholson Bus Division Managing Director: “This is a significant fleet delivery for us and an important new service for the people of East Lancashire.
“Our Strata Ultra bus offers the ideal solution for regional transport operations where larger buses are simply not viable. Transdev’s new Mellor fleet will provide essential public transport across dozens of local towns and villages, linking communities and performing a vital daily service for thousands of people, while still delivering consistent productivity for Transdev.”
