Customer growth drives new bus investment by First

This latest investment of over £5.5m brings the total spend by First on new buses in Manchester in 2014 to over £12m

FIRST Manchester has today officially launched twenty-seven new buses for two cross-city services.

This latest investment of over £5.5m brings the total spend by First on new buses in Manchester in 2014 to over £12m

The new ADL Enviro 400 buses provide the latest in luxury interiors & low engine emissions and will operate on Cross Connect services 41 (Sale / West Didsbury – Eccles) & 42 (North Manchester General Hospital – East Didsbury).

These state-of-the-art double deck buses replace single deck buses, providing additional seating capacity to meet the growing demand generated by the new cross city routes and the £1 Didsbury – Manchester fare available on both the 41 & 42 routes.

This latest investment of over £5.5m brings the total spend by First on new buses in Manchester in 2014 to over £12m. All of these new buses are fitted with the latest EU approved Euro V engines that significantly reduce the level of carbon emissions helping meet the objectives of Greater Manchester’s Local Transport Plan in supporting lower carbon economic growth.

The vehicle interiors have been designed to make the bus journey as relaxing and convenient as possible with features such as increased legroom and leather seats. The new buses are user friendly too with low floor access for all passengers – in particular making it easier for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users and the elderly to get on and off the bus.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, attended the launch of the new vehicles at the First depot in Rusholme. He said: “I welcome First’s continued investment in cleaner, greener and more comfortable vehicles, offering an improved journey experience for passengers on these popular routes and encouraging more people to travel by bus.”

David Shurden, business manager for First Rusholme, added: “This is fantastic news for customers. The great value fares and new cross-city routes are proving really popular so these new double deck buses will help us serve the growing customer demand. We look forward to welcoming customers on board and enjoying the great service we offer.”