Belle Vue invests in four vehicles

Belle Vue Manchester has expanded its fleet with four vehicles with an investment of £383,000.

The Stockport-based operator has added two minibuses, a 61-seat coach and a 34-seat midicoach. The spending takes Belle Vue’s investment in its fleet to more than £700,000 over the past two years, with vehicle numbers having increased to 66. The midicoach is the first Yutong the manufacturer has bought. Features include reclining leather seats which can be moved sideways into the aisle to create more space for passengers. The vehicle also has air-conditioning, on-board wifi and a toilet. The minibuses are 20-seat Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, while the 61-seat coach is an Irizar i6, which has a toilet and washroom. The vehicles are being used for corporate, private and educational trips and tours and for contract work, including a shuttle bus service for staff at The Christie in Manchester. The vehicles were funded with a finance package from Santander Business Banking.

Belle Vue Director, Phil Hitchen, said: “Increased demand for vehicles which can accommodate larger groups has dictated the need to buy a bigger coach than the traditional 49-seater. The minibuses are equipped to a very high standard and perfectly meet the needs of our contract customers and touring groups. Our business is developing and expanding all the time. Continual investment is vital to ensure all of our clients are travelling on a modern fleet equipped with wifi, USB and electric sockets and more, ensuring an up-to-date passenger experience.”

Founded in 1996, Belle Vue Manchester employs 90 staff and carries one million passengers a year across its operations.