Five state-of-the-art buses made their way past the iconic Lion statues of Nottingham’s Council House on Saturday 22 February – parking safely in their final destination on the Old Market Square.
These brand new double decks form part of a 40 vehicle investment by Nottingham City Transport this year, and were officially presented to NCT by representatives from bus manufacturing giants Scania and Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), before all five were opened to the public as part of a special launch event.
With luxurious E-Leather seating – the unique material manufactured using leather fibres and water – accessible low flooring, ample space for wheelchairs and buggies and free Wi-Fi to name but a few of their features, NCT, Scania and ADL have ensured these 21st century ADL Enviro 400s were designed with customer comfort in mind.
“We always aim to provide the best possible journey experience for our passengers and we recognise that a huge part is ensuring our buses are modern, stylish and equipped with everything today’s traveller needs – from real-time technology and free Wi-Fi, to low-emission engines and extra-padded seating!” says Gary Mason, NCT’s Engineering Director.
Nottingham City Transport has selected E-Leather for the seating upholstery material on all 40 of their new double decker buses.
“E-Leather is hard-wearing and easy to maintain, making it perfect for the public transport environment,” says Carl Watkins, E-Leather Business Development Manager. “The distinctive colour combination of green and grey creates a very upmarket and professional appearance, as well as providing a hygienic and comfortable vehicle interior that will continue looking as good as new for many years to come.”
As a long-standing supplier to NCT, Scania is also proud of its latest joint project with the company.
“The model NCT selected delivers a quiet, clean ride and has a proven record of performance and reliability,” says Scania Sales Director for Bus, Coach and Engines, Tony Tomsett. “We’re confident that Nottingham’s new Scania fleet will deliver many years of dependable, high-quality and customer-friendly service.”
Frank McGhee, Senior Account Manager with ADL adds, “These low-emission buses are among the most advanced in Britain, maximising fuel-efficiency, passenger comfort and ease of access. They also, quite literally, reach new heights in terms of bus technology, providing more head room in the upper-deck than any other double deck.”
Thousands of existing and potential passengers hopped on board to experience this additional head room and the buses’ other impressive features at Saturday’s successful launch – eager to see first-hand just how comfortable their journeys will be.
“Our close work with Scania, ADL and E-Leather, has enabled us to bring a very up-to-date, new-look bus to Nottingham and feedback from those who came along to the launch event was hugely positive,” adds Gary Mason. “Our loyal customers were really excited about their brand new buses and most people at the event agreed that once on the road, they’ll be the best way to travel in and around the city.”
The new buses will operate on Orange Line 36 to QMC, Beeston and Chilwell; Red Line 43 to Sneinton Dale and Bakersfield; Lime Line 58 to Arnold and Turquoise Line 77 to Aspley and Strelley. 5 spare vehicles within the batch can also operate on any double deck route.
Article source: Nottingham City Transport
