Hull City Council has acquired 12 new accessible buses to improve transportation for young people with disabilities.
The new buses, supplied by Mellor, are wheelchair accessible and have been designed to provide a comfortable and safe ride for up to 16 passengers per vehicle.
Their main use will be to provide transportation services for young people with disabilities who require assistance getting to and from school.
Jane Dransfield, Area Manager for Mellor, said: “At Mellor, we’re immensely proud to provide accessible and sustainable transport solutions that directly improve our communities. Hull City Council’s acquisition of 12 new accessible buses is a clear testament to our commitment in action.
“Our buses are designed for comfort and safety, ensuring a smooth ride for up to 16 passengers, especially young people with disabilities travelling to and from school.
“We’re here to make accessible travel a reality for all residents, and these vehicles are a tangible step towards that goal.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of Hull’s journey towards better, more inclusive transportation, and are passionate about connecting communities one accessible bus at a time.”
The council has invested in these new vehicles as part of its social care requirements and commitment to improving accessible travel for all residents.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Portfolio Holder for Transportation, Roads, and Highways, said: “These new buses will allow young people with disabilities to travel in more comfort.
“The buses can be configured inside to take more wheelchair users and there is also air conditioning, which will provide a much nicer environment.
“This shows that the council is committed to looking after our young people, particularly those who have disabilities, and making sure that their journeys to school are much more pleasant.”
Councillor Linda Tock, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “The Council are extremely committed to providing accessible transportation services for all residents across the city.
“Upwards of 1,300 children are transported to and from school each day in Hull, so easy access to transport is essential.
“As a local authority, we believe that investing in accessible transportation will remove barriers to education for young people with disabilities and enable them to reach their full potential.
“These new buses will help us achieve that goal and ensure that young children with disabilities have access to safe and reliable transport.”
The 12 Mercedes wheelchair-accessible vehicles have been funded by Kingstown Works Limited (KWL) ‘Fleet’, as part of its ongoing annual vehicle replacement program.
The vehicles are on a full contact hire arrangement inclusive of full maintenance.
