Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire, and South Lancashire has upgraded its fleet, investing over £4m in new buses.
The company has added 18 new Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL) Enviro400 MMCs. Of these, 11 will be used on the X2 from Preston to Liverool via Southport, featuring E-Leather seats, seat tables, and LED reading lights, among other features. They will replace older ADL Enviro400s registered in 2009 and be based at the operator’s Preston depot.
The remaining seven vehicles will be StagecoachGold-branded and used on the 471 and 472 routes from Heswall to Liverpool, and based at the Birkenhead depot. These buses feature leather seats, Euro 6 standard engines complete with stop/start technology, free WiFi and a new interior design which includes noise-reducing moquette fabric.
Rob Jones, Managing Director of Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire, said: “Stagecoach is committed to continually investing in our fleet – ensuring we deliver sustainable, comfortable, high-specification vehicles to our customers; providing them with a first-class experience.
“The new buses being introduced on the X2 route are a first for the business and we’re delighted to be launching them. We have worked closely with the design and engineering teams to incorporate a range of new features, which will make the passenger experience more pleasant and comfortable.
“The new features will also enable people to use their time on the bus more productively, should they choose to do so. We have installed LED reading lights and seat tables as well as free on-board WiFi so passengers can go online and connect with friends during the journey.
“We are also delighted to be increasing the number of Gold buses on our routes. These buses offer passengers ultimate comfort, with WiFi, spacious legroom, comfortable seats and CCTV as standard. They are also highly-sustainable and are powered by low emission engines – giving our customers a luxurious, eco-friendly travel experience.”