Blackpool Council has strengthened its community transport services with the addition of four new Mellor Orion accessible vehicles. The new arrivals will support adult social care, college transport, and children’s services across the borough, helping more residents travel safely and comfortably every day.

A long-standing Mellor customer, Blackpool Council selected the Orion model through a competitive tender process to meet its specific accessibility and operational needs. The vehicles join an already extensive fleet of 59, including 42 accessible vehicles and 18 factory-built minibuses.

Each Orion offers flexible seating options, with capacity for up to 15 seated passengers or a mix of 3 seated passengers and 5 wheelchair users. This versatility allows the council to adapt each vehicle to daily transport demands across its social care and education services.

Built on a Fiat chassis with manual transmission, the Orion combines safety, comfort, and accessibility in one compact package. Its low-floor design ensures smooth, dignified boarding for all passengers, a feature the council highlighted as essential for its service users.

A key factor in the purchase decision was the vehicle’s engine fire suppression system, designed to increase passenger safety. This feature gives the council added peace of mind when transporting passengers.

Inside, every Orion is equipped for comfort and efficiency all year round. Saloon heating and air conditioning maintain the right temperature in any weather, while detachable seating offers easy reconfiguration for different passenger needs. Blinds provide privacy and shade, and a full CCTV system enhances safety and reassurance for both passengers and drivers.

These new vehicles will play an important role across Blackpool’s transport network, supporting three vital areas: adult social care, college transport, and children’s services. Their adaptable design ensures the council can continue delivering safe, inclusive, and efficient transport for residents across the area.

The delivery of these four new Orions reflects Mellor’s strong and ongoing partnership with local authorities across the UK, working together to design and supply vehicles that meet the complex, day to day requirements of social care and education transport.