Rochdale bus manufacturer Mellor has won an order from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) for 21 of its low emission Strata vehicles that will operate in the city’s new Bee Network.
Stagecoach has opted for four Strata Ultra buses – a 30-passenger model that is renowned for its performance and low emissions.
Meanwhile, First Group has ordered 17 of the Strata Plus model, a 26-passenger bus that features a low floor design and includes two wheelchair spaces.
The Strata Plus features include audio visual next stop technology, USB charging points and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Both sets of buses are expected to be in operation by mid-March 2024 and the order represents a total investment of over £2.3m through the TfGM franchising process.
These orders are a crucial part of the Bee Network pledge and Greater Manchester’s Bus Strategy, which aims to provide more reliable, accessible and sustainable bus services for residents, businesses, and visitors.
TfGM’s goal is to increase bus patronage by 30% by 2030 and achieve a zero-emission bus fleet by 2032.
Richard Matthews, UK Sales Director for Mellor, said: “Mellor’s unwavering commitment to engineering excellence, sustainability, and accessibility positions us as a perfect fit for driving forward Greater Manchester’s Bus Strategy.
“Not only are we proud to be serving our local community with our reliable, low-emission buses, but we are delighted to see investment from our own city region back into the local area.
“We do believe that the North West, with its manufacturing heritage and tech innovation sectors, has the potential to be a hub for sustainable transport and specialist vehicle technology.”
