Halton Borough Council has taken delivery of a brand-new Mellor Orion, adding to their existing fleet and continuing our long-standing partnership with this valued customer.

The latest addition to Halton Borough Council’s fleet is a versatile Fiat Orion that perfectly balances flexibility with accessibility. With capacity for either 14 seated passengers or 5 seated passengers plus 4 wheelchairs, this vehicle can be specifically configured to meet the diverse needs of the communities it serves.

When you’re transporting passengers daily, every detail matters. That’s why this Orion has been carefully specified to handle the demanding requirements of adult social care and special education transport.

The low floor design paired with a sliding front entrance door ensures quick boarding for all passengers, whilst manual fold-out ramps to both nearside and rear provides dignified flexibility for wheelchair access at any location. Storage boxes on both sides at the rear mean essential equipment can travel safely alongside passengers, and the winch wiring provision future-proofs the vehicle for evolving accessibility needs.

Passenger comfort hasn’t been overlooked either. The seating configuration includes 11 standard seats plus 3 tip and turn seats, giving drivers the flexibility to accommodate different passenger mixes throughout the day. Heating and air-conditioning ensure year-round comfort, whilst tinted film on saloon side windows and the roof vent provides privacy and reduces glare for passengers who may be sensitive to bright light.

Safety and driver confidence are paramount when transporting vulnerable passengers. CCTV provides comprehensive monitoring, whilst front and rear parking sensors support drivers when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Halton Borough Council operates an impressive fleet of 24 vehicles, with 15 dedicated to accessible transport. It’s a testament to our relationship that 60% of their fleet consists of Mellor vehicles, a vote of confidence we’re incredibly proud of.

Jeff Briggs, Service Manager for Transport, shared his thoughts on the delivery: “We’re very happy with the vehicle design. The vehicle works well for our purposes, and Halton Borough Council has worked well with Mellor over the years. We’re also interested in other product designs Mellor is developing.”

We’re grateful for the continued trust Halton Borough Council places in Mellor, and we’re excited to see this new Orion serving the local community for years to come.