Mellor has announced its Orion E electric bus has entered service in the UK for the first time this week in Edinburgh.

This is the first Orion E to be deployed anywhere in the UK and the vehicle is being operated by the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) on a shuttle service between its three sites in the Scottish capital.

The all electric, fully low floor bus was officially commissioned on 28 May 2018 and the popular daily service for gallery goers links the three sites, operating on a circular route throughout the day, seven days a week.

John Randerson, Managing Director for Mellor, said:

“It is really exciting for the whole team at Mellor to see our Orion E entering service for the first time and we are confident that the NGS, the drivers and passengers alike will all be blown away by its performance, comfortable ride and quiet, emissions free operation.
“A great deal of hard work went into the conception, development and launch of this bus which involved our technicians and engineers as well as the sales and marketing team. With its impressive green credentials, I am certain that this will be the first in a long line of Orion Es to be deployed in towns and cities around the UK and, of course, in Europe.”

The National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) launches first of its kind, electric shuttle bus

Launched last year the Orion E is described by Mellor as the world’s first fully low floor all electric bus. Taking two years to develop and with a 16 seat capacity, the bus has single step entry and a completely flat, low floor saloon, which offers a flexible seating configuration and space for up to four wheelchairs. Passenger access is through either a rapid sliding side entry door or the double doors at the rear.

Brian Troddyn, NGS Sustainability Officer, said:

“We’re delighted and proud to have the first bus of this kind in Scotland, specially designed with a low floor for wheelchair access. NGS is very committed to promoting green tourism and reducing our carbon emissions is an important part of achieving our goals. We look forward to welcoming visitors on board and being accessible to all.”

Brian Troddyn, NGS Sustainability Officer and Lorna Miller, National Sales Manager for Mellor

The NGS comprises the Scottish National Gallery, in the heart of Edinburgh’s world heritage site, the nearby Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, which is located in Edinburgh’s leafy west-end.