The Mellor Strata Ultra is the latest addition to Stringers’ existing fleet of 12 vehicles and is set to be deployed on local routes between Castleford and Ferry Fryston, as well as for use with school contract work.
Mark Stringer, owner of Stringers Pontefract Motorways, said: “The Strata Ultra caught our attention when it was first launched at last year’s Euro Bus Expo, we liked what we saw and placed our order there and then. We needed a small bus, but with additional capacity to give us more flexibility during the busy daily rush hour. The Strata Ultra carries up to 30 passengers and as such, gives us the necessary capability we were looking for.
“Our purchasing decision was also based upon Mellor’s reputation for attention to detail and high level customer support. We’ve not been disappointed and have found the operational performance of our first Strata to be exceptional, in terms of fuel consumption savings and BSOG rebate, so have every confidence in what this additional vehicle will offer our business.
“We are also pleased to take delivery of the first Strata Ultra in the UK and to see it go into service in the Stringers’ livery. To support this landmark arrival, we arranged with Mellor to include the Strata Ultra wording and logo on the side of the vehicle and it does look really impressive.”
Launched in late 2018 alongside its sister vehicle the Strata Plus, the Strata Ultra continues the success of the range, which was developed by Mellor to be ‘the UK’s small bus of choice’.
The Strata Ultra is built upon the stringently tested Mellor coach-built body on the proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and drivetrain. It also features the Strata’s class-leading fuel economy and low cost of ownership. The innovative low-floor saloon area easily accommodates wheelchair or pushchair users, while creating accessible and spacious seating areas.
Jane Dransfield, Area Sales Manager for Mellor, said: “This latest delivery has closely followed Stringers’ order for a standard Strata which was delivered in 2018. They are familiar with the performance of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis were keen to add vehicles to their fleet featuring this technology.
With comprehensive three-year warranty support from Mellor, the Strata Ultra is 8.8m in length and offers accessible low floor single-step entry, being the same width as the original Strata model.
The bus accommodates up to 30 passengers and gives operators the opportunity of increased vehicle carrying capacity while still enjoying the efficiencies, economies and advantages delivered by a small bus.
An array of features are available to enhance the operator and passenger experience, including destination signage, interactive next stop audio-visual displays, climatic control, WiFi connectivity and USB charging points.
Stringers Pontefract Motorways is the longest established coach operator in Pontefract, Yorkshire and surrounding areas, originally serving as a taxi operation in 1946. The business has been run by three generations of the Stringer family and currently offers day excursions, private tours, contract and private hire.