Technology used in Formula 1 racing drives new buses in Sheffield

The latest new buses from FIRST have been unveiled in Sheffield this week built with the latest energy saving features including a braking power system similar to that used on motor racing cars in the Formula 1 World Championship.

First celebrated the introduction of 27 of the Wright Streetlite MicroHybrids into Sheffield at an event on Fargate this week as part of Catch the Bus Week (28 April – 4 May 2014)*

The new buses, each costing £160,000, feature motor generators as part of the braking system (similar to Formula 1) which reuse energy to power other parts of the bus including the engine cooling system and air compressors. The MicroHybrid buses are also lighter than a conventional single deck bus and, together with advanced engine technology, are 30% more fuel efficient. These new buses help support the objectives of the Sheffield City Region Transport Strategy to reduce vehicle emissions.

First celebrated the introduction of 27 of the Wright Streetlite MicroHybrids into Sheffield at an event on Fargate this week as part of Catch the Bus Week

The new buses will serve customers on the Woodhouse – Nether Edge service 22 and the Hemsworth – Hillsborough service 20/20A. Customers will also be able to travel in comfort on new leather seats as part of the latest high quality interior design as well as surf the internet on their mobile phones and tablets using the free wi-fi facility.

On Fargate yesterday (Monday 28 April), First showcased one of the new buses under the banner ‘Evolution of Buses’. Customers took the opportunity to try the wi-fi capability and gave their positive feedback on the new interiors.

Over the last 12 months First has introduced a range of service improvements as part of the ground-breaking Sheffield Bus Partnership which has driven up customer satisfaction by 7% from last year to 88% and attracted more than 8% more customers on First buses compared to last year.

The latest move follows the introduction of 41 new single deck buses in Autumn 2013 bringing the total spend by First on new buses to over £10m in the last 6 months. The new buses have been welcomed by Councillor Leigh Bramall, Sheffield Cabinet Member for Business, Skills & Development.

Councillor Bramall added, “This latest investment by First is welcome news for the people of Sheffield and will add to the improving quality of the bus experience for customers that the Sheffield Bus Partnership is delivering.”

Jon Eardley, Business Manager for First in Sheffield, said: “These new buses deliver the latest energy saving benefits as well as a great travelling experience for our customers. Through the great work by the Sheffield Bus Partnership I’m sure this latest boost for customers will make travelling by bus even more attractive.”