Mellor, a leading specialist bus manufacturer based in the North West, has announced an important win with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), through orders from First Bus and Stagecoach. This partnership is set to transform Greater Manchester’s public transport landscape with a fleet of low-emission buses, contributing to the region’s sustainable transport goals.

Twenty-one low-emission Strata buses have been ordered, 17 of which are destined for First Bus and 4 for Stagecoach. Stagecoach has opted for the Strata Ultra, a 30-passenger cutting-edge model renowned for its exceptional performance and low emissions. First Bus, on the other hand, has chosen the 26-passenger Strata Plus, a bus that combines passenger comfort and efficiency seamlessly. The Mellor Strata is proven for reliability, and champion accessibility, with an innovative low floor design and two wheelchair spaces. Both sets of buses are expected to be in operation by mid-March 2024.

This substantial order underscores the importance of investing in the local region. By selecting a North West-based manufacturer like Mellor, First Bus and Stagecoach are making a resounding commitment to supporting and reinvesting in the community. This decision not only bolsters the local economy but also reinforces Greater Manchester’s position as a hub for sustainable transport solutions.
These orders are a crucial part of the Bee Network pledge and Greater Manchester’s Bus Strategy, which aims to provide more reliable, accessible, and sustainable bus services for residents, businesses, and visitors. The Bee Network, a comprehensive transport system designed to promote sustainable travel, is at the heart of this strategy. TfGM’s ambitious goal to increase bus patronage by 30% by 2030 and achieve a zero-emission bus fleet by 2032 aligns perfectly with the innovative low-emission vehicles supplied by Mellor.

Richard Matthews, Sales Director for Mellor, commented on this milestone, stating: “Mellor’s unwavering commitment to engineering excellence, sustainability, and accessibility positions us as a perfect fit for driving forward Greater Manchester’s Bus Strategy. Not only are we proud to be serving our local community with our reliable, low-emission buses, but we are delighted to see investment from our own city region back into the local area.
We do believe that the North West, with its manufacturing heritage and tech innovation sectors, has the potential to be a hub for sustainable transport and specialist vehicle technology.”

Stagecoach and First Bus have also expressed their excitement about this partnership and its potential to enhance Greater Manchester’s public transport network.
Rob Jones, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with local bus manufacturer Mellor, we are committed to supporting local Manchester businesses as much as possible and look forward to operating the Strata’s on the Bee Network next year.
“Mellor is an established vehicle manufacturer, they offer a versatile range of passenger transport solutions which utilise the latest vehicle technology to ensure efficient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly travel for residents of Manchester.”

Mike Watson, the First Bus Manchester Director leading the mobilisation of its plans for Rochdale, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with local manufacturer Mellor and look forward to seeing the first vehicles coming off the production line. This also supports high-skilled jobs locally and regionally. As we begin to invest in the Rochdale area First Bus Manchester is determined to help build the economy and link key communities.”

With this order, Mellor reinforces its position as a leading player in the public transport sector, driving progress towards greener and more accessible transportation options for the Greater Manchester region.
As an integral part of the WN VTech group, Mellor merges zero-emission technology with size-appropriate design, reshaping bus routes to offer inclusive and sustainable transport solutions for urban and regional environments worldwide. Mellor’s Sigma range, comprising fully electric, emission-free low-floor buses, undergoes rigorous durability testing at a world-class facility in the UK – UTAC Millbrook, ensuring confidence in product durability and integrity.