At a pre-launch photoshoot last Friday (18 May), routeone got a first look at Uno Buses’ newest rebranded route, Dragonfly.
The £1m investment comes as part of the operator’s “general transformational and route strategy plan,” says Managing Director Jim Thorpe.
Previously the 610 route, Dragonfly welcomes six new Volvo B8RLE MCV Evoras, which go into service on 29 May.
“We went towards the heavier weight chassis and higher capacity buses,” says Mr Thorpe.
“We can’t really use double-deckers as it goes under a low bridge so we looked at all the products available on the market, and after a fairly stringent tendering and procurement process we decided on these – and it’s a combination of two great manufacturers – we’re really pleased with the product.”
The ultra-low emission vehicles feature on-board 4G wi-fi, USB charging points at all seats, audio and visual bus stop announcements, as well as comfy seats and a ‘sofa’ located at the front of the bus.
“The 610 route as it was, is a really important route for us, it’s a really busy corridor between Luton, Harpenden, Wheathampstead, Hatfield, Potters Bar and Cockfosters from Greater London into Hatfield, and we felt it justified a major investment in these fantastic new buses,” Mr Thorpe adds.
Inside the buses are four different stories and facts that relate to the different locations the buses travel through, an element that Ray Stenning, Design Director at Best Impressions says, “creates character and personality while engaging with passengers.”
One that is featured tells the history of the de Havilland Dragonfly Rapide, which made an appearance for the special photo call.
