First Manchester has unveiled images of the new double-deck buses to be introduced on the Leigh-Salford-Manchester Busway next year.
The busway interiors have been designed following feedback earlier this year when over 1,000 people had their say via an online survey, community meetings, public events and on-street surveys in Tyldesley, Atherton, Leigh and Salford.
First Manchester will be introducing 20 double-deckers with luxury interiors and environmentally-sourced leather seating. As well as interior and exterior CCTV cameras and free WiFi, the vehicles will feature next stop audio-visual announcements and USB charging points for the first time in the fleet of over 650 buses. The top deck features deluxe coach-back seating and table areas.
The colour of the vehicle interior has been designed following feedback from the consultation. In particular the importance of colour contrast has been used with colour variations between the aisle, the floor under the seating, hand-poles and the seat unit, with visually impaired customers in mind.
The first vehicles are expected to be delivered in January for full guideway and route testing, as well as driver and route familiarisation before the Busway is fully open.
Ian Humphreys, Head of Commercial for First Manchester, said: “We’re delighted to be able to unveil these stunning images in advance of the delivery of these new vehicles next year.
“I’d like to thank members of the local communities, our customers and our partners at TfGM who together have helped to shape the future of bus services.
“The Busway will bring faster and more reliable links for customers and we’re very excited to be part of such an important, premium service in Greater Manchester.”
