Go North East’s (GNE’s) X10 express route, which connects Middlesbrough, Stockton, Norton, Billingham, Peterlee, Dalton Park, Heworth, Gateshead and Newcastle via the A19, has been upgraded with a fleet of four Plaxton Elite-i bodied Volvo B11Rs, as part of the company’s X-lines brand.
Seven interdecks have already been acquired and will eventually run the X9 and X10 express routes, with capacity currently reduced due to the pandemic. All seven vehicles were previously in service with GNE’s sister company, Oxford Bus Company (OBC), where they were used on the X90 service between Oxford and London before its withdrawal.
Each coach is built with step-free access and wheelchair seating area, along with space for bikes. They also have onboard wi-fi, contactless payment facilities, USB charging, next-stop announcements, reclining seats and an onboard toilet. Upseating undertaken by Hants and Dorset Trim prior to acquisition by GNE means there are 66 seats on-board each coach, including two priority seats downstairs intended for passengers with mobility issues.
The coaches can also be tracked in real-time on its website or mobile app, which the company says allows for better journey planning.
Stephen King, Commercial Director at Go North East, says: “We’re delighted to be upgrading our X10 service into our X-lines regional bus network with the introduction of these luxury coaches on our Middlesbrough-Newcastle express route.
“These coaches provide extra comfort and a first-class travel experience, running fast and direct along the A19.
“They will also play an important part in delivering congestion-busting low-carbon travel to help support the economic recovery of the region.”
