South Coast operator to benefit from 26 new coaches
Fareham-based Lucketts Group is making a record-breaking £7.5m investment this year with 26 new coaches due to join the well-known operator in the coming months.
The respected South Coast of England operator told CBW that the coaches form part of its vehicle replacement programme. A dozen of the new vehicles will head into service for Lucketts’ three core brands: Coliseum Coaches in Southampton; Worthing Coaches in Sussex and Lucketts Travel in Fareham.
Paul Barringer, Group Sales & Marketing Director, told CBW: “The investment includes 14 Caetano Levante-bodied Scanias for our National Express work and half a dozen Scania Interlinks for our own operations. We’ve long been a supporter of the Scania brand and we’re delighted to continue that relationship.”
Other full-size coaches will include a pair of Mercedes-Benz Tourismos. Two 19-seater EVM Mercedes-Benz Sprinters are also set to enter the fleet for private hire.
Paul added: “We’re acquiring a pair of Ford Torneos too, in order to serve the door to door element of our own tours. We currently operate eight minibuses, but such is the demand for our holiday programme that we need to expand the fleet.”
Asked when the first new vehicles are due to arrive, Paul replied: “They are due in early March, with the remainder gradually entering service between then and the main peak season.”
Tony Lawman, who was appointed Managing Director late last year, said: “The significant value of this investment reflects our confidence and ambition for the future. Lucketts has grown to become one of the region’s largest independent coach travel providers and we intend to build on that success in coming years.
“Ensuring we have the most up-to-date vehicles in our fleet will allow us to do that and give customers the very best experience.”
