Treka CitySprint minis join Liverpool City Region Metro Network
Seven Treka CitySprint low-entry minibuses have been delivered to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) for use on large contracts under the franchised Metro Network.
Three of the minibuses have been allocated to Stagecoach Merseyside at St Helens depot and are already in service. The other four are for the Wirral contract that will be handled by Go North West from Laird Street depot in Birkenhead, commencing on 25 October.
All are finished in Metro Network yellow livery. Inside, seats are high-backed and trimmed in the franchised operation’s standard scheme. Wood-effect flooring is also fitted.
Treka has converted the vehicles at its plant in Brighouse. The builder’s engineers have worked with LCRCA to tailor the CitySprint product to local requirements. It is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter underframe.
The manufacturer adds that CitySprint – which also suits demand-responsive and community transport applications – has been developed around the needs of modern passenger transport, coupling compact dimensions and efficient operation with the accessibility, technology and comfort that customers expect.
Further elements of the specification are saloon air-conditioning, audio-visual next-stop announcements and an induction loop, and a wheelchair user bay with two tip-up seats. Treka notes that building the vehicles in the UK has allowed easy access to the factory for LCRCA staff to offer feedback in real-time during the production phase.
Adds National Sales Director Richard Matthews: “Seeing these British-built buses entering service in the Liverpool City Region is something the whole Treka team can be proud of.
“It has been a genuinely collaborative project, with LCRCA working directly with our team throughout the build.
“It is also a great example of the value of British bus manufacturing, combining UK skills and engineering with the parts, technical support and aftercare operators need through the life of the vehicle.”
Each CitySprint comes with a seven-year conversion warranty and UK-based parts availability, technical expertise and aftercare.
That gives what Treka says is “direct access to the people behind the product throughout the vehicle’s working life.”
LCRCA Fleet Lead (Franchising) James Rowlands notes how the CitySprints will be used where larger buses are unsuitable and are helping the shift in operating landscape to bring modern and accessible buses to more communities.
“Working directly with Treka throughout the build has meant we could see the vehicles taking shape, involve the people who will be operating them, and make sure that the final product works for drivers, operators, and most importantly, passengers.”
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