my15 service to be expanded, gaining eight vehicles and creating eight new jobs
Trent Barton has launched a new my15 bus link, connecting Ilkeston, Stapleford and Sandiacre residents to East Midlands Airport.
An extension to the existing my15 service, the new link offers direct access to the thousands of new jobs being created in and around the airport.
East Midlands Airport and the businesses in the East Midlands Enterprise Gateway (EMEG) area currently employ 10,000 people, with 20,000 potential new jobs to be created in the next two decades.
Beginning on March 25, the service runs every hour, seven days a week; the existing my15 route is seeing an increase in frequency, too, now running every 15 minutes.
Completing the list of the firm’s announcements is the introduction of eight newly-refurbished buses to bolster the fleet – as well as the creation of eight new jobs.
The renovated my15 vehicles include USB charging points.
Jeff Counsell, Managing Director at Trent Barton, said: “my15 has, in one form or another, been a staple of the Erewash community for more than 50 years. By creating this direct link, we aim to help local people to be part of the jobs bonanza at and around East Midlands Airport in the coming decade.
“Working in partnership with East Midlands Airport over the last 10 years, we’ve created a quality, high-frequency network to connect workers and jet setters to this growing region.
“There is so much economic development around the Airport, with new jobs being created, that providing workers and air travellers alike with direct, affordable and convenient transport is key to helping people make the most of the opportunities.”
Erewash MP, Maggie Throup, added: “It’s really good that the people of Ilkeston and other communities along the route are going to get such a frequent service to access the increasing number of work opportunities at and around the airport.
“Many of the new and existing jobs will not necessarily be Monday to Friday nine-to-five roles, so having seven days a week early morning to late at night access to a comfortable and convenient commute is a real positive for the people of Erewash.”
Geoff Moss, East Midlands Airport’s Asset Director, commented: “We’re delighted that Trent Barton is increasing both its fleet of buses and the frequency of the service to the airport. We have ambitious plans for the airport which will increase the number of jobs across the site.
“Work has now started on the new UPS facility which will create 1,000 more jobs here, but people need to be able to easily access them, not only by car, but on public transport too. Expanding the bus service to Ilkeston, Stapleford and Sandiacre is timely for passengers too as we enter the summer season.
“Last summer was our busiest since 2008 and we’re hoping to do even better this year. Therefore, it’s critical that a wider population can get to and from the airport by public transport.”
The new my15 timetable can be accessed at: trentbarton.co.uk/my15
