Investments for Ashington and Heckmondwike depots showcase new Arriva liveries
Arriva North East has launched a new fleet of Sapphire-branded buses for its X21/X22 Newcastle-Newbiggin route.
The 12 buses are all ADL Enviro400 MMC double-deckers. They carry the refreshed livery of the ‘Sapphire’ luxury brand, and have e-leather seats, USB charging points, free wi-fi, and audio/visual next-stop announcements.
Representing a £2.9m investment, they will run from the operator’s Ashington depot.
Nick Knox, Area Managing Director, says: “We’re delighted to be bringing the new and improved Sapphire brand to Newcastle and Ashington, which we have now invested a further £2.9m in.
“These brand new buses will offer customers a new and improved experience, and we’re confident that customers will be delighted with the new enhancements.”
At the same time, Arriva Yorkshire has launched 13 new ADL Enviro400 MMCs in Heckmondwike for the Halifax-Leeds 254/255 route, carrying Arriva’s new standard livery.
They are part of a £8m investment in Arriva Yorkshire and also have free wi-fi, USB charging points and e-leather seats.
The Heckmondwike buses were launched at Whitcliffe Mount School, with a bird-of-prey demonstration and free goody bags for every pupil.
Year 8 pupil Cameron McLaughlin, a keen bus enthusiast, recited a poem to his fellow classmates about his experience on the 254/255 at the launch. He was presented with a certificate and gift vouchers as a thank you, and his poem is on all of the Arriva 254/255 buses.
