University makes £1.2m investment in fleet following feedback from students
The University of Wolverhampton has taken delivery of five new double-deck buses to improve travel between campuses for students.
The Wright Eclipse third-generation Gemini 3 vehicles have been built by Ballymena-based Wrightbus and are fitted with Volvo B5TL chassis. The vehicles can carry 98 people (45 seated top deck and 29 bottom deck) with room for 24 standing. The buses officially went into service on Monday (November 27).
The £1.2m investment in improved transport is a result of feedback from students who travel between the University campuses in Telford, Wolverhampton and Walsall. The buses, which have been leased for five years, are easy access with space for two wheelchairs on each vehicle and are fitted with USB ports, free WiFi and CCTV.
John Hartley, National Account Manager at Wrightbus, said: “It has been an honour to work in conjunction with representatives from the University of Wolverhampton. These vehicles have been delivered in-line with Wolverhampton’s high specification requirement. We look forward to working with the University of Wolverhampton again.”
Phil Hudson, Retail Bus and Coach Sales Manager for Volvo Bus, said: “We are delighted that the University of Wolverhampton has specified the Volvo B5TL following a recommendation from another operator in the industry. They have selected the Volvo Gold Contract for preventative maintenance and repairs which offer peace of mind when vehicles are on a busy route where reliability is key. We are looking forward to working with the University again in the future.”
Jennifer Wood, Director of Estates and Facilities at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We have listened to student feedback and our new double-deck buses will replace the current fleet of single decks (Optare Tempos and a Solo), offering improved capacity for students and staff travelling between sites.
“As an organisation, we’re committed to creating an environment of sustainability in a number of areas including energy, recycling and carbon management and we are currently working with an external company on reviewing and updating our travel plan.”
Issic Romel, Union Affairs Officer for the University of Wolverhampton’s Students’ Union, said: “We are proud to introduce these enhanced transport facilities for students. Over the years the University and Students’ Union have been working in collaboration to consider what we can do to facilitate a better student journey. Based on student feedback and to increase capacity, as well as to meet other requirements of our students, the University is introducing double-deck buses fitted with USB charging points.
“Students will be able to work whilst on the move without having to worry about low battery on their devices or even simply benefit from replenishing their gadget battery while travelling. We can’t wait for students to experience the improvements for themselves.”
