Mellor is delivering 33 Strata Plus low-floor buses as part of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s £6.5m replacement of its AccessBus fleet, following the award of the order earlier this year. Deliveries of the new accessible, ultra-low emission vehicles are now under way, with the new Mellor buses being introduced progressively across West Yorkshire.

AccessBus provides door-to-door transport for people who may find it difficult to use conventional public transport, including older passengers and people with additional mobility needs.

The Strata Plus vehicles have been specified around the requirements of the service, with low-floor access, flexible passenger layouts and additional provision for wheelchairs and mobility equipment. Designed and manufactured in Britain and based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform, Strata Plus combines a low-floor passenger saloon with the manoeuvrability and operating characteristics of a smaller bus. The latest-generation model features an extended low-floor area, flexible seating configurations and provision for up to two wheelchair positions, alongside the latest driver assistance and safety systems.

Richard Matthews, Sales Director at Mellor, said:

“Being a Yorkshireman myself, there’s something particularly special about seeing 33 Mellor buses being delivered to communities across West Yorkshire. AccessBus performs an important role for passengers who rely on accessible transport, and the Strata Plus is perfectly suited to the operation. It provides genuine low-floor access, flexibility for wheelchairs and mobility equipment and a modern passenger environment, while retaining the manoeuvrability and efficiency that come with a smaller vehicle. It’s also a significant order for our team and a great example of British-built buses being designed around the specific needs of the services and communities they will support.”

The new vehicles replace an AccessBus fleet which West Yorkshire Combined Authority said was between 11 and 18 years old when the replacement programme was announced.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:

“AccessBus is a vital service for people across West Yorkshire who might otherwise struggle to get where they need to go. These new buses will provide a more modern, comfortable and accessible journey for passengers, and I’m delighted to see the new fleet starting to roll out across the region as we continue building a better-connected West Yorkshire.”

The delivery comes as West Yorkshire prepares for the introduction of bus franchising and the wider Weaver Network. The Combined Authority has said franchising will be introduced in phases across the region, beginning in 2027 and completing in 2028.

For Mellor, the 33-vehicle deployment represents one of the largest orders to date for the latest-generation Strata Plus and demonstrates the role of smaller, low-floor buses in accessible and community transport operations.