Arriva Southern Counties’ latest investment in Tunbridge Wells’ bus network saw the launch of six new 8.8m wheel-forward Wrightbus StreetLite Micro Hybrid buses to upgrade the Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Bus Link that runs across the town from High Brooms to Rusthall.
The vehicles replace an equal number of 57-plate Enviro200s which are being cascaded to other duties in the town.
The buses are painted in Arriva’s lime green and dark blue livery used for hybrid, gas and electric buses. Inside they feature environmentally sourced leather Esteban seating and free on-board WiFi.
The £840,000 investment by Arriva brings the total invested in new buses at its depots in Kent and Medway since last July to over £6m.
The latest StreetLites bring the total number in the Arriva Southern Counties’ fleet to 46, with the other 40 being of the more conventional door forward type and representing three different lengths – 10.2m, 10.8m and 11.5m – based at its depots in Gillingham, Northfleet and Southend.
Arriva Marketing Manager Richard Lewis said: “We are delighted to once again invest in new buses for Tunbridge Wells and to have launched them at The Skinners’ Kent Academy which offers a bright, modern environment in which the students can study.
“Bus companies and academic establishments are important to each other and it was therefore appropriate to launch our buses at the academy.
“Like academic establishments, bus companies are embracing new technology and the new Arriva Bus App for smartphones and tablets puts a wide range of information at people’s fingertips.”
The Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Julian Stanyer, said: ““Not only do the new buses signify a huge vote of confidence in the town and its residents by Arriva, who have invested over £840,000 in the scheme, but also it will set a marker for other towns by introducing new technology with reduced carbon emissions and greater fuel economy.
Local MP Greg Clark commented: “This new fleet of buses is going to look great in Tunbridge Wells. The number 281 service is a very popular route and these smart new environmentally-friendly buses will encourage even more people to use it.
“I look forward to the day when these modern well-equipped buses can be found on all the Arriva routes in our local area.”
