Whippet selects Mellor to provide zero emission buses for Cambridge’s Universal contract

Whippet to place order for nine Sigma 12 battery electric buses for its new University of Cambridge bus contract, launching July 2023.

Having operated the Universal bus service since 2016, the 103-year-old transport operator has recently secured a new eight-year contract with the University of Cambridge to provide a fully electric bus service.

Whippet’s parent company, Ascendal Group, specialises in the operation and maintenance of battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, with its leadership team having pioneered such solutions in London and Hong Kong. Ascendal will be supporting Whippet’s local team to ensure best-in-class deployment of the University of Cambridge’s first zero-emission buses.

Through its partnership with Mellor, Whippet will be introducing a fleet of nine Sigma 12 buses to serve the city, the first such vehicles to enter the UK market. To signify this launch, Whippet hosted a public event at the West Hub in Cambridge on Tuesday, with significant attendance from members of the University of Cambridge. The event consisted of various management presentations relating to the new service and features of the electric vehicles, followed by the opportunity to experience a ride in a zero emission Sigma bus.

Jonathan Ziebart, Group Business Development Director at Ascendal, states: “We remain incredibly excited to be the University of Cambridge’s partner of choice to introduce its first zero-emission bus network, operating along the world’s longest Guided Busway.”

Mark Clissett, Sales Director – Bus Division at Mellor, adds: “We look forward to working with Whippet to introduce a high-quality, innovative electric bus product that seeks to provide an increased level of passenger comfort and satisfaction.

For media inquiries or further information regarding this story, please contact Nicoletta Gennaro, Group Head of Marketing, at: nicoletta.gennaro@ascendalgroup.com