National Express West Midlands (NXWM) has launched 18 new premium standard ADL Enviro400 MMCs for two of its high-profile services to the east of Birmingham.
Branded Platinum, the vehicles boast extra leg room, free WiFi, high backed leather seats and next stop announcements.
The first two routes to benefit from the firm’s new service standard are the 900 Coventry – Birmingham and 957 Birmingham – Solihull, via Sheldon and Old Lode Lane.
Drivers of the services will also wear suits and each route will have a dedicated manager who will be responsible for making sure that buses run on time and responding directly to passengers’ concerns.
The buses are part of a £34m investment in 171 new vehicles by NXWM during 2015 and form part of the firm’s Transforming Bus Travel pledge with public transport authority Centro to deliver 300 new buses over a two-year period.
Speaking about the investment, Paul Thomas, NXWM Operations Director said: “Our new Platinum buses will transform bus travel in the West Midlands giving passengers more leg room, free WiFi and crucially, thanks to our partnership with local councils, faster journeys. The buses, which are all built in Britain, will have more comfortable seats, better lighting and crystal clear CCTV.”
