Hull City Council (HCC) has acquired a further three new accessible buses to improve transport for young people with disabilities. After acquiring 12 new Mercedes-Benz-based wheelchair accessible buses in September, the council has added three more to its fleet.
The latest three new vehicles are Fiat-based ultra-low floor Mellor Orion accessible buses which have been designed to provide a comfortable and safe ride for up to 16 passengers per vehicle. Their main use will be to provide transport for young people with disabilities who require assistance getting to and from school.
Area Manager for Mellor Jane Dransfield said: “Mellor takes great pride in offering accessible and sustainable transportation solutions that make a direct and positive impact on our local communities. The recent acquisition of three ultra-low floor Orion accessible buses by Hull City Council exemplifies our dedication in action.
“Our buses are meticulously crafted with comfort and inclusivity in mind. Our mission is to transform accessible travel into a reality for all residents, and the delivery of the first low-floor vehicles to HCC, represents a concrete step toward achieving that objective. We are delighted to play a role in Hull City Council’s journey towards enhancing transportation inclusivity.”
The council has invested in the new vehicles as part of its social care requirements and commitment to improving accessible travel for all residents. Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Roads, and Highways, said: “I am pleased that the council has added three more accessible buses to the fleet, which will be used to transport young disabled people to and from school.
“They are designed to accommodate students with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs, and will be staffed by trained drivers and attendants who are experienced in working with young people with disabilities. Our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, and reliable transport service that meets the needs of all our students.”
Councillor Linda Tock, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “I am thrilled that three more accessible buses have been added to the fleet. This will further enhance the quality of transportation services provided to our students. Upwards of 1,300 children are transported to and from school each day in Hull, so easy access to transport is essential.
“I strongly believe that this investment in accessible transportation will help to remove barriers to education for young disabled people and enable them to reach their full potential. I would like to thank all those involved in this initiative for their hard work and dedication in making this happen.”
The three vehicles have been funded by Kingstown Works Limited (KWL) as part of its ongoing annual vehicle replacement programme. The vehicles are on a full contact hire arrangement inclusive of maintenance.
