Mellor’s specially adapted ‘size appropriate’ accessible bus, the Mellor Tucana, received an enthusiastic thumbs-up from young wheelchair user, Owen Thompson, 14, from Hornsea, when he became the first passenger to board the first of three new Mellor Tucana acquired by East Riding of Yorkshire council for home-to-school services.

Mellor Tucana is a DDA-compliant low-floor accessible bus enabling passengers using large electric wheelchairs to access the vehicle independently. Its highly configurable design can accommodate up to four wheelchair passengers or a capacity of 14 seated passengers (15 if a rear ramp is not required).

Designed and engineered to a class-leading specification, Mellor Tucana is supplied with a full, manufacturer-backed, three-year warranty. Mellor Tucana is one of a number of size appropriate bus models from the Rochdale-based manufacturer, which meet the demands of a wide range of public and community transport operators – making unviable routes viable again, especially while concerns over travelling remain during COVID-19 restrictions.

Having first been introduced to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council fleet in September 2019, and with deliveries completed earlier this year, the Mellor Tucana offers wheelchair passengers greater independence and control on home-to-school services. Safely is enhanced courtesy of a flat floor, sliding kerb-side door, single-step entry and access ramps.

Helping to demonstrate Tucana’s ease of use for wheelchair passengers by accessing the Mellor Tucana himself, Owen gave it the thumbs-up, saying,

“It’s a cool bus! I feel safe getting on and off the bus on my own.”

Mellor’s size appropriate Tucana is the first of its kind in the council’s fleet and is now being used to transport children with disabilities and special needs to local schools.
Councillor Gary McMaster, the portfolio holder for enhancing communities at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:

“We’re excited to see the Mellor Tucana enhancing safety and delivering a comfortable, relaxed journey for our passengers. It’s always hugely rewarding to see innovations like this helping to keep local people mobile and making a real difference to their lives.”