Rochdale-based Mellor secures win to build 21 Bee Network buses
Mellor, a leading specialist bus manufacturer based in the North West, has secured an order to build 21 low emission buses for the Greater Manchester Bee Network.
Of the order, 17 of which are destined for franchiser holder First Bus and 4 for Stagecoach.
Stagecoach has opted for the Strata Ultra, a 30-passenger model with low-emissions. First Bus has chosen the 26-passenger Strata Plus. The Mellor Strata also has a low floor design and two wheelchair spaces. Both sets of buses are expected to be in operation by mid-March 2024.
The Bee Network is TfGM’s ambitious goal to increase bus patronage by 30% by 2030 and achieve a zero-emission bus fleet by 2032.
Richard Matthews from 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.”
Rob Jones, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with local bus manufacturer Mellor, we are committed to supporting local Manchester businesses as much as possible and look forward to operating the Strata’s on the Bee Network next year.
“Mellor is an established vehicle manufacturer, they offer a versatile range of passenger transport solutions which utilise the latest vehicle technology to ensure efficient, comfortable and environmentally friendly travel for residents of Manchester.”
Mike Watson, a First Bus Manchester Director said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with local manufacturer Mellor and look forward to seeing the first vehicles coming off the production line.
“This also supports high-skilled jobs locally and regionally. As we begin to invest in the Rochdale area First Bus Manchester is determined to help build the economy and link key communities.”
Part of the WN VTech group, Mellor is a bus designer and manufacturer based in Rochdale, specialising in zero-emission emission technology.
The WN VTech group of companies also comprises Coleman Milne, VCS Ambulance, VCS
Police, Treka Bus, Binz International, Promech Technologies and JM Engineering.
