Stagecoach North East invests additional £4million in new bus fleet

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Malcolm Bell, Operations Manager at Slatyford depot for Stagecoach North East, with some of the new ADL Enviro200 MMCs

Stagecoach North East has delivered a further boost to its Newcastle fleet with an additional 18 brand new buses now in service across the city.

Following the launch of 24 new buses in early September for the region, the operator has unveiled the second fleet of buses, which are now running on routes 30 and 31.

The new single-decker fleet of Enviro200 MMCs feature Euro 6 engines, feature improved seating, free WiFi and USB charging points, and will benefit customers on services which link city centre locations with Fenham, Benwell, Gosforth, Fawdon and Montagu Estate.

The second bus fleet forms part of a wider programme of investment by the company. Following the launch of its smartphone app earlier this year, which provides real-time journey updates, Stagecoach North East continued to develop its technology with the introduction of smart, multi-operator ticketing and a new website.

Most recently, the bus firm unveiled its mobile ticketing technology with a series of app demonstrations across the north east, and has committed to delivering contactless payments in Tyne and Wear by the end of the year.

Over the past five years, Stagecoach North East has invested heavily in improvements for customers including introducing more than 240 new vehicles, worth £37m, for local communities.

Steve Walker, Managing Director at Stagecoach North East, commented: “We continually look towards enhancing our fleet and we hope the addition of 18 new buses in the region will significantly improve the travel experience we offer our customers in Newcastle.”