National Galleries of Scotland welcomes electric shuttle bus

The National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) has deployed a Mellor Orion E bus to provide a shuttle service between its three sites in Edinburgh.

The electric, low floor bus provides a daily service, seven days a week, linking the Scottish National Gallery, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

It is the first time the Orion E electric bus has entered service in the UK.

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.”