Added value from MAN and Plaxton does it for Mainline

UK and international tour operator, Mainline Coaches in South Wales, says ‘cracking value’ was behind its decision to purchase its first new MAN R33 Plaxton Panther.

The new luxury tourer joins recently-acquired MAN Noge and MAN Marcopolo combinations in a total fleet of 26 coaches operating from Mainline's Gilfach Goch depot near Bridgend.

Specification on the 12 metre chassis includes an MAN EGR 360bhp ‘Add Nothing’ engine and MAN TipMatic automatic transmission. Plaxton Panther body includes 53 to 57 seats, three-point seat belts, air-conditioning and Webasto.

The new fleet addition has been described by Mainline as an ‘excellent UK-based people-mover’ and will be assigned school contracts, London theatre trips and ‘cruise’ operations.

“Given its extensive specification, the coach was cracking value for money,” said Managing Director, Chris Mainwaring, “the build quality is superb, and our drivers all tell me it’s both smooth and powerful.”

“A critical factor for us,” he said, “is the need to exclude AdBlue from our running costs. MAN's EGR engine gives us that no-hassle freedom – fuel economy is very good, and there are no additional costs. We simply won't use AdBlue in our fleet,” he said. “Passenger feedback too, has been very positive, especially with respect to the wide entrance door.”

“We will continue to invest annually in new coaches. It's the only way to deliver an efficient, comfortable and reliable service to our customers – and this new MAN Plaxton,” he said, “goes a long way to achieving just that.”

Mainline Coaches is an independent, family-run coach and tour operator with a fleet of over 26 Executive and Standard coaches. Established in the late 60s, Mainline boasts an established national and international travel service, ranging from basic coach hire to tailor made European group holidays.

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