On June 25, 2017, Arriva Yorkshire held a family event at its Castleford depot which saw over 600 people gather to celebrate the launch of 37 new buses.
The ‘Castleford Family Fun Day’ showcased Arriva’s new vehicles, which have gone live into service on its 163/166 and 189 routes. The vehicles are Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro400MMCs and are specified with free WiFi, USB charging points and E-Leather seats. The vehicles used on the 163/166 service will also have audio-visual next-stop announcements installed and feature the Arriva Sapphire livery.
The day included an unveiling by the top UK female bus driver, Karen Wilson, as voted for by the UK Bus Awards, as well as a free hog roast/BBQ for customers, a performance by Bruvvas Blue – a local Blues Brothers Tribute act – a face painter, balloon maker, magician, an illusionist, a bouncy castle, eight fun fair stalls, four local business stands, two charity raffles and two VIP bus tours around Castleford.
Jon Croxford, Area Managing Director for Arriva Yorkshire, said: “We are extremely proud to have hosted such a successful community event, which has seen some fantastic feedback from our customers.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped celebrate our £8m fleet investment into West Yorkshire. With the help of the local community, and prizes kindly donated from Crossgates Shopping Centre we have also raised around £1,000 for charity; including donations to the SSAFA (Soldier’s Sailors and Airmen and Families Association charity) as well as Cancer Research UK.”
Terry Fisher, Inspector at Arriva’s Castleford depot, said he was particularly impressed that Dewsbury Bus Museum bought a Layland Panther 1967 bus and a Layland PD2 bus to the event; which he passed his driving test in over 45 years ago.
