Bath Bus Company’s Bath to Bristol Air Decker service has received further investment in new vehicles ahead of proposed clean air zones in its operating area
Two further brand-new Air Deckers have joined the fleet at RATP-owned Bath Bus Company and were launched at Bristol Airport on Thursday 28 January.
Costing almost half a million pounds, the MCV eVoSeti-bodied Volvo B5TLs feature the latest low emission Euro VI technology in readiness for new proposed restrictions in several West of England and Somerset locations.
When introduced into service, they will bring with them upgraded ticket machines with the ability to accept contactless card payments and scan QR codes present on all online tickets purchased through www.airdecker.com.
They also have specially designed luggage racks for secure storage, table seating on the upper deck, automatic and live announcements providing bus stop information and journey updates, and a revised version of the familiar Air Decker livery and paintwork.
The A4 service provides an alternative to using a car or taxi as well as offering frequent daily links between Bath Spa train station and Bristol Airport.
Passenger growth on this service has been strong from its launch back in 2013 and has increased by approximately 20% year on year. In 2019, over 414,000 people used the A4 for both airport travel and local journeys. The route has assisted commuters who reside in South Bristol to work in both Bath and at the airport. The recently introduced 0100hrs departure from Bristol Airport is already proving popular with travellers, cabin crew and airport staff.
Martin Curtis, MD said: “This investment and further update to the Air Decker fleet, which has grown to meet the demand now offers a range of vehicles with reduced emissions on this Bristol Airport service. Passenger numbers have increased with more opting to pre-book airport travel online than previously. Internet ticket sales are up by 30% on 2018.”
Paul Baker, Surface Access Strategy Manager, Bristol Airport said: “We are delighted to see the additional new buses added to the A4 fleet, continuing to enhance our sustainable methods of transport between Bath and the Airport. It is great to see the growth on this route for customers and staff and the addition of these new Euro VI low emission vehicles will contribute to reducing our carbon emissions.”
