Registered charity, Ryedale Community Transport, has taken delivery of a new Mellor Tucana ‘size-appropriate’ low-floor bus. The purchase – which was 75% funded by the North Yorkshire County Council – will facilitate the ‘hassle-free transportation’ of disadvantaged people in the local community.

Ryedale Community Transport staff with their new Mellor Tucana. From left to right: Ian Wilkinson, Fleet Co-ordinator; Ken Gill, Chief Officer; Lynne Hodgson, Finance Manager

Ryedale provides transport solutions for local people who are disadvantaged because of physical or mental disability, geographical isolation or deprivation and poverty. The diverse nature of these customers’ requirements calls for a bespoke transport solution with ease of access, ample space and a high build-quality.

Ryedale’s new low-floor Mellor Tucana features near-side and rear-side ramps, and affords flexible capacity for 14-passengers or three passengers plus four wheelchairs. The bespoke and configurable nature of the Tucana makes it ideally suited to the requirements of the registered charity, providing all the versatility, practicality and peace of mind it needs.

The Mellor Tucana is built on the proven VW Transporter chassis and driveline. Mellor has engineered the finished bus to include a rapid slide-door, Eberspächer heater, Phoenix Blenheim seating, Sentinel camera system, saloon window blinds and a COVID-19 screen for the driver.

Ken Gill, Chief Officer at Ryedale Community Transport, said,

“We’re delighted that our new Mellor Tucana bus will deliver hassle-free transport for our passengers. The acquisition is the result of much consultation and planning – and no small amount of fundraising and generous donations – so it was important that we made the right choice. I’m pleased to say that in the Mellor Tucana we have a high-quality bus that is perfectly tailored to the needs of our customers.

“I look forward to seeing the Tucana in use for group trips to the garden centre, seaside and other local attractions once such excursions are Covid-secure. It’s amazing what difference a bespoke vehicle like the Tucana can make to the travel experience of disadvantaged and disabled members of the community”.