Bus Ambassador

A bus service promising a "convenient and scenic journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District" has made a welcome comeback. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) The Stagecoach X8 bus service, which traverses between Lancashire and the Lakes, recommenced operations on Saturday 30th March, and will run until the 20th October 2024. Each Saturday, the X8 bus departs from Chorley, ferrying passengers through some of the most charming locales in the region, including Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick. According to a spokesperson for Stagecoach, the revival of the service heralds good tidings for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. "Good news for people who love walking and exploring!" the spokesperson exclaimed. "You'll be treated to breathtaking vistas and a seamless journey as you traverse these enchanting spots. "Whether you're an avid hiker seeking challenging trails, a nature aficionado yearning for tranquility, or simply

A brand-new fleet of Bee Network buses is being rolled out to passengers in Bolton and Wigan. Transport for Greater Manchester By bringing buses under local control, Greater Manchester can define the types of buses that should run on Bee Network services – and now the first of 67 state-of-the-art low-emission buses, operated by Diamond, are taking to the streets. It follows the introduction of 50 new Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) in September, with a further 50 due to be introduced over the coming months. With investment from Diamond, via its contracts to run locally controlled services, passengers will experience improvements, including frequent services and better, more modern buses operating across Wigan and Bolton. The new fleet is serving communities that were often not prioritised by operators before franchising, with companies tending to target busier, more profitable routes. The routes the new buses are running on are just as important as busier routes and often provide the only a

People of Liverpool and the Wirral, rejoice! Mayor Steve Rotheram has just unwrapped an early Christmas present for late-night commuters and shift workers alike: the revival of a cross river night bus service. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) In a move aimed at enhancing convenience for the Liverpool City Region, this nocturnal journey is set to re-enter the scene from the 8th December 2023, providing a lifeline for those working or enjoying the city's nightlife during the early hours. Operated by Stagecoach, the N1 will roll into action just before midnight every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, traversing the Mersey Tunnel until approximately 5am. Mayor Rotheram, in collaboration with local campaigners, students, and the hospitality industry, has championed the return of this vital service, which faced suspension during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said, “We’re about to enter the busiest time of the year for our visit

Strap yourselves in folks because we’re about to embark on a whirlwind adventure! Don’t go splashing out on any exotic holidays just yet - save your money for an epic ride of a lifetime! No, not Disney World - the bus journey through the Mersey Tunnel to Liverpool. What could be more thrilling than diving into the underwater realm right in your own backyard?! The Cross River bus that goes "Under the River" (Bus Ambassador) The Number One Reason You Should Do It? The Suspense. There's a bone-chilling thrill to gliding beneath the surface of the River Mersey in a state-of-the-art subaquatic carriage (AKA the bus), much like the impending excitement of bungee jumping, or your first date. Anything could happen! You wrestle your way on board one of these wondrous aluminium beasts and be prepared to have your heart racing faster than your average post-Christmas-sale rush! Your bus ticket won’t just be your fare, but a golden ticket to a magical subterranean world that even Alic

Wrightbus, the pioneering manufacturer behind the world's most efficient battery electric double deck bus, is gearing up to expand its green footprint in London. Wrightbus The company has recently clinched a substantial order to deliver 34 additional StreetDeck Electroliner buses to Arriva in the capital. These new additions to London's electric fleet will undoubtedly help to revolutionise public transport, bringing an additional wave of sustainable and eco-friendly commuting to the city. The StreetDeck Electroliner: A Game Changer in Electric Transport Wrightbus's StreetDeck Electroliner has quickly become a trailblazer in the realm of electric buses. Combining cutting-edge technology with efficiency, these buses boast an impressive range and ultra-fast recharge times. Official assessments conducted by UTAC using the ZEMO-accredited Ultra Low Emission Bus (ULEB) test have revealed outstanding results. The Electroliner achieved a remarkable energy consumption rate of just 0

A significant development has been announced by Transdev today. The Keighley Bus Company have made a substantial £7.5 million investment in 15 new electric buses, aimed at transforming one of their most popular routes, The Shuttle, which connects Keighley and Bradford in West Yorkshire, into a zero-emission operation. Alex Hornby With support of £3.1 million from the Government's Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) fund, secured through a successful bid by their partner, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, this initiative is set to make a real impact. The 15 electric buses are all Mercedes-Benz E-Citaro models. This comes on the heels of another order for 20 similar vehicles that will be deployed in the Leeds, Wetherby and Harrogate areas. These new buses are designed to meet the requirements of Bradford's Clean Air Zone, which was launched in September 2022 and covers all vehicles except private cars and motorcycles. Notably, one year on, Bradford has reported its lowest r

The Liverpool City Region is taking a significant step towards enhancing its bus services throughout the region. Mayor Steve Rotheram has announced plans to introduce franchising, a move that will allow the region to have more control over bus routes and fares. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) A New Era for Public Transport in Liverpool Mayor Rotheram believes that this decision marks the beginning of a new era for public transport in Liverpool. He stated,  “Today marks the start of a new era for public transport in our area – we’re taking back control of our buses! “Hundreds of thousands of people in our area rely on buses to get about every day, with 82% of all public transport journeys taken by bus. Yet, for far too long, our residents have been forced to contend with a second-class service that places profit before passengers and leaves behind the very people who need it most. “Today we have chosen a completely new course for the future of our buses. Under franchising, we will have gr

Lothian Buses has today, 20th September 2023, announced an order for 50 new Volvo BZL Electric double deck buses, each with MCV bodywork, for Scotland’s capital city. Volvo Buses At an investment of over £24 million, Lothian will introduce these new vehicles in two batches across 2024, with the first vehicles appearing on Edinburgh’s streets in early spring. This investment cements the company’s commitment to reduce emissions and improve air quality in its operating environment. Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Lothian, said: “We are delighted to be working with Volvo Buses to introduce a fleet of 50 zero emission double decks to our fleet. Lothian continues to support the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council’s strategies to improve local air quality, and this level of investment ensures that we as a business are playing our part in improving air quality across the city. “These buses are not only fitted with the latest zero tailpipe emission drivelines; they also offer an

London, the bustling capital, has reached a momentous milestone as it proudly welcomes its 1,000th zero emission bus to its iconic red bus fleet. These green buses, including the one running on route 204, account for more than one in nine of the city's distinctive red buses. It's like watching a magic trick as these buses have gone green, leaving a trail of cleaner air and a greener future for all Londoners. Transport for London Driving Towards a Greener London Since 2021, Transport for London (TfL) has shown its commitment to environmental sustainability by ensuring that all new vehicles joining the fleet are zero emission. This move has made TfL the green heartbeat of London, setting an example for others to follow. In addition to the zero emission buses, all other buses in the TfL fleet are low emission and meet or even exceed Euro VI emission standards, making them comparable to the Ultra Low Emission Zone. TfL has ambitious plans to transition to a fully zero emission bus

Warrington Borough Council is moving ahead with the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme and has now signed an agreement with Volvo Buses. The order has officially been placed for 105 Volvo BZL Electric vehicles. Warrington Borough Council The council has also awarded the contract for the bus chargers to power the new electric buses. EO Charging, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for fleets – will supply the chargers, which will be installed at Warrington’s brand new bus depot. All energy will be supplied directly by one of the council’s own solar farms. It means the countdown can now begin to the arrival of Warrington’s all electric bus fleet – replacing Warrington’s Own Buses’ entire fleet of diesel buses – in 2024. The state-of-the-art Volvo BZL Electric, which will soon be making Warrington its home, provides clean, near-silent, comfortable and efficient public transport. It is built to a high safety standard and complies with the toughest re

The future of sustainable transportation is here, and it starts with The Go-Ahead Group's newest addition to their fleet of buses. The transportation company has recently introduced a fleet of 20 GB Kite Hydroliner buses from Wrightbus, set to be deployed on Fastway BRT services in the Crawley, Horley and Gatwick Airport area. But that's not all – an additional 34 vehicles will be joining the fleet over the next 18 months to create one of Britain's largest hydrogen bus fleets. Wrightbus This is a significant move towards greener and more environmentally-friendly public transportation. The hydrogen-powered buses emit only water vapour, which means that they have zero harmful emissions that are damaging to our planet and our health. The introduction of this new fleet is expected to make a substantial contribution towards reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality, in line with the UK's goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. But, what is hydrogen,

Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire has today, Tuesday 20th June 2023, announced that it will be acquiring the bus services, contracts, the majority of vehicles and employees of Liverpool independent bus operator Peoplesbus on Sunday 9th July 2023. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) Twenty-one Peoplesbus employees and twenty-three vehicles will relocate from Peoplesbus Aintree depot to Stagecoach’s nearby Gillmoss site along with all tendered local and school bus services and a network of commercial school and football services. The acquired operations will operate as Stagecoach and the vehicles will initially be rebranded and gradually repainted. Peoplesbus was founded by Andrew Cawley in June 2001, with one Leyland National bus, operating a number of weekend only services. In April 2002, the first Merseytravel school service was secured. The operation grew to a peak of thirty-two vehicles, with school contracts forming the core of the operation, supported in later years by tendered

Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire have just taken their customer experience to a whole new level with the launch of their brand new fleet of nine diesel-powered Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double decker buses. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) The stunning new buses represent an investment of a whopping £3 million and are set to revolutionise travel for visitors and locals alike on the high-profile route 555 in the stunning Lake District. Each of the new buses boasts Lazzerini high-backed seats, which provide maximum comfort for passengers on longer journeys. In addition to USB charging, the buses have been fitted with tables with wireless charging pads, so passengers can stay connected on the go and keep their devices charged at all times. Furthermore, these new double deckers come equipped with handy bins and next stop information provision, making travel easier and more convenient for passengers. On the upper deck, there's also an added bonus of extra legroom that surpasses the

The Liverpool City Region has embarked on a ground-breaking green initiative by introducing innovative hydrogen-powered buses. These state-of-the-art vehicles are designed to provide an enhanced level of service and comfort to all passengers, while drastically reducing harmful emissions. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) The City Region Combined Authority has purchased 20 Alexander Dennis Enviro400FCEV hydrogen-powered double decker buses as part of its environmental efforts. The first of these buses started its public service last week (12th May) and has been making its maiden journeys, leaving from St Helens bus station bound for Liverpool ONE bus station. Drivers have undergone extensive training to ensure a smooth transition and the buses have been seen regularly on test across the region. These cutting-edge vehicles have been introduced to align with the recent introduction of brand new class 777 trains across several lines on the Merseyrail network. Additionally, the city region is p

TfGM is constantly exploring ways to provide customers with more efficient and helpful services, and recently we are proud to announce the development of digital passenger information displays. Transport for Greater Manchester These new electronic departure boards, if implemented correctly, have the potential to revolutionise travel experiences across the Greater Manchester bus network, offering customers more real-time information and the convenience of having their journey planned before they leave their homes. The long-term plan is for electronic departure boards to be installed at key locations across the Greater Manchester bus network to assist customers in making their journeys. TfGM has already started with a pilot in two locations within Manchester City Centre, with a six-month evaluation planned for further test sites to determine customer requirements. Alongside their partnership with industry-leading suppliers of digital technology, TfGM has reached out to customers and acce

Stagecoach, the UK's biggest coach and bus operator, is investing big in its largest electric bus order yet: a total of 170 fully electric vehicles for Stockport. The fleet consists of 150 double decker and 20 single decker buses which are expected to be delivered in summer 2024. Stagecoach Group This exciting purchase comes from a £37.2m investment by Stagecoach and an additional £35.7m from Greater Manchester's successful Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) bid and £12.5m from TFGM/GMCA. We’re pleased to say that all the buses will be fully accessible and loaded with a variety of features, including wheelchair bays, hearing induction loops, audio and visual announcement systems, and anti-slip flooring. As well as this, Stagecoach is investing in an additional 122 new fully electric buses to be implemented across the UK within the next year. We've also already seen some success in introducing electric bus fleets in Perth, Aberdeen, Inverness and Dunfermline in Scotlan

It’s only 6 months until Greater Manchester's transport network is changed forever - buses are set to come under local control and get the amazing Bee Network yellow branding! Today, the first co-branded bus was unveiled and it’ll enter service in Bolton today on the number 8 route to Manchester city centre. Diamond Bus North West Diamond along with Go North West will be leading the change in Wigan and Bolton and parts of Salford and Bury. Both operators will transform their buses into the iconic yellow colour, with more and more appearing on the roads as we get closer to the 24th September, when full franchising begins. In preparation for the big change, 50 brand new electric Bee Network buses will enter service on the first day, as well as new Euro VI buses. Come March 2024, 50 more electric buses will join the network when the second part of the franchising scheme starts. The reveal of the new yellow co-branded bus comes as an order is placed for a further 170 electric buses tha

It’s an exciting day for public transport in Wales with the unveiling of brand new electric buses for the TrawsCymru T1 route between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth. Transport for Wales Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters had the honour of unveiling these state-of-the-art buses, which will start operating from 26th March 2023 and will be based out of a new charging depot in Carmarthen. Speaking at the event the Deputy Minister, with responsibility for transport, Lee Waters said: “Buses play a vital role in keeping our communities connected and offer people a sustainable transport alternative to the car. “The introduction of brand-new electric buses will provide a great boost to the TrawsCymru service and is another important step forward in achieving our ambition for a high-quality, multimodal, integrated and low-carbon network of public transport across Wales.” Lee Waters MS was joined by officials from Transport for Wales (TfW), Carmarthenshire County Council, route operator Fi

We are pleased to announce that FlixBus is teaming up with bus and coach operator Belle Vue Manchester to launch a daily service connecting major cities in the north of England. Flixbus The partnership marks the expansion of Belle Vue into express coach services and brings a new cross-country corridor to the FlixBus network, adding new locations and better connectivity. The Manchester hub for the route is Shudehill Interchange and FlixBus currently serves a number of cities in the North West, including Manchester, Liverpool, Preston and Lancaster. Services to and from Manchester will also include routes to London, Paris, Glasgow, Cambridge and Birmingham. This exciting development sees Belle Vue taking delivery of a new FlixBus-branded MAN Neoplan Tourliner coach, equipped with the latest driver technology and safety features, as well as Euro 6 emission standards, free Wi-Fi, USB charging points, toilets and wheelchair accessibility. We look forward to the service launching at the end