Five 29-seater Euro 5 Solo SRs join the rural service for its second vehicle update since 2010
Go North East has invested more than £500,000 in a fleet of five single-decker buses for its rural Tynedale Links services in Hexham and West Northumberland.
The Optare Solo SRs feature leather seats with seatbelts and offer free WiFi for all customers. The 29-seater buses are able to accommodate a wheelchair and children’s buggies. The vehicles are powered by Low Carbon Certified Euro 5 engines.
Kevin Carr, Managing Director of Go North East, said: “Since 2010, we’ve replaced Hexham’s fleet of buses on our ‘Ten’ service along the Tyne Valley not once, but twice.
“New single deck buses proved so popular that they were replaced with new double deckers. Now our local ‘Tynedale Links’ buses have been replaced with new low carbon emission buses that provide a better customer experience and are good for the environment. Hexham’s bus fleet is now one of the cleanest in the country.”
Local MP Guy Opperman visited Hexham to see the new buses for himself. He said: “It’s great to see a local bus company investing not just in its city and urban services but in its country buses too.
“Tynedale Links provides an important service, joining together communities in Allendale, Haltwhistle, Bellingham and Stamfordham and providing essential connections and buses onwards towards the rest of the region.”
Tynedale Links services provide buses six days a week from early morning until early evening. A late-night Saturday bus on service 74, in partnership with Northumberland County Council and parish councils, provides residents of Ponteland, Stamfordham and Matfen with an opportunity to enjoy a night out in Newcastle.
