Bus manufacturer Mellor has supplied three custom-configured Orions to a demand responsive transport operator in Cheshire.
Middlewich firm Transport Service Solutions (TSS) has acquired the 16-passenger vehicles to serve rural villages to the south west of Nantwich as part of a pilot rural demand-responsive transport (DRT) service.
The buses, finished in the brand’s silver and green livery, have a front passenger side service door, Phoenix Blenheim seating, an accessible wheelchair space, Eberspacher Climate Control and bell pushes, and Mobitech destination displays to the front, side and rear.
Customers can book a ride between two locations anywhere within the operation zone via the Go-too app or by calling the booking line.
Ian Mottershead, Fleet and Compliance Manager at TSS, said accessibility was a critical factor for choosing the vehicle, with the Orion’s low floor design and front-access wheelchair space ideally suited to its operations.
“Our go-too service, delivered by our new Mellor Orion fleet, is connecting these rural communities together and improving access to the major services in nearby Nantwich,” he said.
“Our rural operating area also provides a challenge when it comes to driving a larger vehicle, so the size-appropriate design, great visibility, automatic gearbox and easy to use controls allow our drivers to focus on our passengers and on the road.
“I’ve been especially impressed by the level of customer service. We had a minor operational incident soon after taking delivery and they sent us replacement parts within 24 hours.”
