VIP guests from Yorkshire’s business and tourism communities joined the team from CitySightseeing York to officially launch the firm’s revamped fleet of high specification, low-emission buses featuring new interiors and mobile device charging at every seat.
Wednesday 12 August’s open-air launch event was held just four days after parent company Transdev doubled the frequency of its CitySightseeing York bus tours to run every 15 minutes, seven days a week.
After a blessing for the buses given by The Revd. Canon Maggie McLean, Canon in Residence at York Minster, Transdev CEO Alex Hornby told guests: “This is a very proud moment for the whole team at Transdev and our CitySightseeing York operations, as we welcome everyone to discover this historic, diverse and friendly city from our four new open top buses.
“As we celebrate our 20th year of touring York, we wanted to do something special and this investment proves our long-term commitment to CitySightseeing and tourism in York during what has been a successful, yet delayed, start to the usual season. We have increased our timetable to run every 15 minutes so guests can hop-on and hop-off and make the most of our city.
“We believe these high-spec, low-emission buses – boasting free WiFi, USB power, a 10-language speaker system and Clean Air Zone-ready – will bring comfort and enjoyment to our guests, whilst our revitalised team of local bus drivers and live, on-board tour guides will entertain and inform the thousands we welcome every week.”
Welcome to Yorkshire CEO James Mason said: “The increasing numbers of people enjoying these tours is in line with everything we’re hearing from tourism attractions here in York and across Yorkshire – visitors are choosing Yorkshire in increasing numbers for a holiday or short break, and no wonder as we have so much to discover and enjoy.
“The CitySightseeing open-top buses give a unique vantage point to enjoy the best views of all the unmissable sights of York, including Clifford’s Tower, the City Walls and of course the magnificent York Minster – and the guides certainly bring the experience to life with lots of stories of the city’s past and present.
“York stands at the heart of Yorkshire’s visitor economy and makes an ideal base to discover Yorkshire, including the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and our coastline. After a challenging period for everyone in tourism it’s very encouraging to see many people enjoying all that York has to offer in a safe and comfortable way on these impressive red open-top tour buses.”
