The service will utilise sat-nav, allowing drivers some flexibility in their routes to help avoid congestions
Transdev is preparing to launch its new Cityzap service, an intercity service which goes live on Easter Sunday.
The new service will travel between York and Leeds every 30 minutes, stopping at Leeds bus station and Stonebow, Rougier Street and the railway station in York. On Friday and Saturday nights, the service will run hourly up to 0300hrs from Leeds (and 0200hrs from York). Additional stops will be added in Leeds during the night to cover more of the city’s bars, while passengers can ask the driver to stop in Tadcaster after midnight.
Transdev is also pioneering the use of sat-nav equipment by a dedicated team of drivers, ensuring that they always choose the quickest route possible and avoid congested areas.
The buses on the Cityzap are refurbished Wrightbus Gemini-bodied Volvo B7 double-deckers. The vehicles were previously used on Transdev’s 36 service, after the operator invested in new Wrightbus Gemini 3-bodied Volvo B5TLs for the service.
The five refurbished buses include leather seating with enhanced legroom, USB power points for every customer and free 4G WiFi. All of them feature personalised number plates ending with ‘ZAP.’
In its first week, Cityzap will roll out a range of offers, including any ride for £1 to all customers until April 2.
The service is also looking to attract rail commuters, with an offer of free travel through April for all those who hold a valid rail ticket between the two cities.
Students are also able to take advantage of a £1 fare until the end of April by presenting their NUS card when they board.
Once the introductory offers are over, the service will cost £8.00 for a return, £6.50 for an adult one-way and £4.00 for an under-16 one way. A £9.00 ticket offers unlimited travel on Cityzap and Coastliner services between York and Leeds, along with an any other Trandev bus in the north of England. Passengers can purchase a week’s unlimited travel for £33.50, or a month’s unlimited travel for £100.00.
Alex Hornby, CEO at Transdev Blazefield, said: “We listened to what people told us would convince them to use the bus more – a faster journey, personal space, on-board comfort and WiFi connections – as well as a friendly driver. “Essentially, often what they expect from their car, except we are giving them more.
“In Cityzap we believe we have met and exceeded their aims, with a very powerful alternative for the motorist, given the use of sat-nav and empowering our drivers to decide the quickest route every time.
“Rail users are also likely to see the benefits of more personal space and fares at better than half the price of a peak rail journey.
“It is this pioneering overall service design, wrapped in an energetic and vibrant brand, that will enable us to really challenge the way people perceive bus travel.
“The forthcoming Cityzap app is also a big part of the concept, as it further enhances the journey by tracking exactly where our buses are, giving customers the knowledge they need.”
