The 22-seater vehicle will be used on a route between Harlow and Epping, six days a week.
As well as delivering up to 22mpg fuel performance, the bus is certified to the Low Emission Bus (LEB) scheme, so provides environmental benefits to the council as well as qualifying for a financial incentive from the Department for Transport.
The vehicle’s flexible interior means it can cater for passengers with limited mobility, accommodating two wheelchairs in its low-floor area.
“The size, layout and specification requirements were exactly what we were after and I am confident that the vehicle will lend well to our transport services in the region,” says Paul Blackwell, manager of Ugobus, the council’s community transport business.
“We operate a fleet of more than 70 vehicles and the Strata is the perfect addition,” he adds.
“It is a small bus that provides all the features of a large vehicle, with excellent passenger comfort and a variety of benefits including Wi-Fi and USB charging points. The vehicle has been liveried out perfectly and it has been well received by passengers and drivers alike.”