Stalybridge-based Eco Travel has purchased a Tucana from leading small bus manufacturer, Mellor, as part of its mission to support Transport for Greater Manchester as it transforms local travel in and around Saddleworth.

Being used on the 356 service – known as the Saddleworth Rambler – the new 16-seater vehicle will connect the Saddleworth villages of Denshaw, Delph, Dobcross, Diggle and Uppermill.

Saddleworth’s Transport Survey conducted recently revealed a real need and appetite from the residents in the area for a frequent bus service to connect the local villages. Mellor’s Tucana was chosen for the Saddleworth Rambler as it has a proven reputation for being an elegant, comfortable and inclusive method of transportation that is ideal to navigate through narrow streets and country lanes and a perfect fit for the requirements of the service.

Jason Deakin from Eco Travel, said: “The introduction of the Saddleworth Rambler has changed the way locals in Saddleworth travel for work, shopping or days out. We chose the Tucana as it has gained considerable popularity for being an economical, robust vehicle that offers a best-in-class passenger environment unlike any other. I am confident that this vehicle will contribute to improving access to evening leisure opportunities in Manchester and Saddleworth, and to the region’s commuters.”

Jane Dransfield, Mellor’s Area Sales Manager – Central, said: “It’s great to see that the Tucana will be a part of a transport route that is set to transform the way locals travel. I am confident that the vehicle will lend perfectly to the needs of the passengers who use the service while providing low cost of ownership for Eco Travel.”

As its name suggests, Eco Travel is an eco-conscious business which will significantly benefit from the Tucana as its Euro VI engine suports its efforts to protect clean air. This is a topical issue growing in importance in towns and cities around the world today, including London, where the Tucana meets TfL’s stringent Ultra Low Emission Zone environmental standards.

Offering low cost of ownership, the Tucana is a low floor small bus boasting a number of convenient features, including an adaptable interior catering for passengers with limited mobility. It carries up to four wheelchairs without the need for a passenger lift thanks to its single step, fully flat low floor. It also offers rear access doors, a side ramp and the option of either a solid back or rear ramp coach back and side ramp. The large windows and glass roof hatch give the passenger saloon a spacious, airy feel, while the Ventura sliding doors bring the added advantage of almost no kerb gap.

The Saddleworth Rambler is a new Monday to Saturday, daytime and evening route that provides a circular route from Denshaw to Greenfield and all areas in between. The timetable has also been scheduled to coincide with rail services at Greenfield station into Manchester, connecting with the last train in from the city centre making this service perfect for daily usage