Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire, and South Lancashire has upgraded its fleet, investing over £4 million in brand new buses.



The company, which operates over 400 buses across the three regions, will boost its fleet by 18 new vehicles.

In a first for the business, the company is launching 11 next-generation buses which will feature deluxe e-leather seats, seat tables, and LED reading lights, among other features on the X2 route from Preston to Liverpool via Southport.

The investment will also see seven new Gold buses arriving on the 471 and 472 routes from Heswall to Liverpool. These luxury buses feature hand stitched Italian-designed leather seats; friendly, uniformed drivers; Euro 6 standard engines complete with stop/start technology to help cut exhaust gas emissions; free Wi-Fi; and new interior design which includes noise-reducing moquette fabric.

Rob Jones, managing director of Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire, said: “Stagecoach is committed to continually investing in our fleet – ensuring we deliver sustainable, comfortable, high-specification vehicles to our customers; providing them with a first-class experience.

“The new buses being introduced on the X2 route are a first for the business and we’re delighted to be launching them. We have worked closely with the design and engineering teams to incorporate a range of new features, which will make the passenger experience even more enjoyable.

“The new features will also enable people to use their time on the bus more productively, should they choose to do so. We have installed LED reading lights and seat tables as well as free on-board Wi-Fi so passengers can go online and connect with friends during the journey.

“We are also delighted to be increasing the number of Gold buses on our routes. These buses offer passengers ultimate comfort, with Wi-Fi, spacious legroom, e-leather seats and CCTV as standard. They are also highly-sustainable and are powered by low emission engines – giving our customers a luxurious, eco-friendly travel experience.”

Stagecoach Bus is one of the UK’s major employers, supporting around 24,000 jobs across the UK and 1,209 jobs in Merseyside and South Lancashire. Over 200 people have completed apprenticeships with Stagecoach since 2004 and the company currently employs around 150 apprentices.

All Stagecoach vehicles are fitted with eco-driving systems which lower emissions and the company has shown the biggest commitment to using 100 per cent biofuel of any UK bus operator.

Sounds good. I wonder if those who continue to put their feet on seats will have more respect for the ultimate cumfort provided, I have had to remind some youths to remove their feet on a few occasions this year. One wonders what sort of homes they live in and the poor parenting provided.