The fleet expansion will enable the local authority to meet the ‘diverse transport needs’ of the community, with the vehicles operating across both fixed routes and essential services such as adult social care, while also providing transport solutions for those with special educational needs (SEN).

The design elements of the Mellor Orion vehicles include wide front entrances and fully flat doors, ensuring ‘effortless access’ for passengers and reduced kerbside time.

Based on the council’s specifications, the vehicles are complete with low-floor chassis, automatic transmission and rear air suspension, enhancing the comfort of journeys.

To support accessibility needs, each vehicle is equipped with a fold-out wheelchair ramp, sliding doors and ‘flexible seating’ to allow for the transport of 14 passengers or 5 wheelchairs and 2 further seated passengers.

Alongside the fixed and tip-and-turn seating setup, the vehicles are installed with internal safety features such as bell push and camera systems, as well as external branding of green, blue, and white colours, consistent with Nottinghamshire’s livery.

Andy Frogg, Fleet Operations Manager at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: ‘The Mellor Orion full low floor bus is making a positive difference to local transport here in Nottinghamshire. The design is flexible, so it can run on day services and local routes without us ever having to remove a seat or interrupt service.’

According to Mellor, its partnership with the council is one ‘built on reliability, quality, and exceptional service’, supporting Nottinghamshire’s adoption of ‘modern, fully accessible transport that better serves their community’.

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