In a £3m investment, Stagecoach South has put 20 new ADL Enviro200 MMC on its Havant-Portsmouth route 23, running every 10 minutes.
They have e-leather seating, free on board WiFi, next stop announcements and, in a first for Portsmouth, USB ports at every seat.
Their introduction also brings with it a new brand for the Portsmouth-Havant network, that includes routes 20/21 via QA Hospital and via Anchorage Park.
The route 23 which is approaching its 40th anniversary connects residents of Leigh Park, Havant and Portsmouth to Gunwarf Quays, Portsmouth city centre and Southsea.
The frequent 23 route, with buses every 10 minutes during the daytime, provides a convenient and affordable transport link between Havant Borough and Portsmouth City for commuters, students and shoppers.
Route 23 serves most retail centres across Havant & Portsmouth. It also provides good links to the Isle of Wight & Gosport Ferries using the new look Portsmouth Harbour transport interchange, and great access to the railway network at Portsmouth Harbour, City Centre, Cosham, Bedhampton & Havant Railway Stations.
Managing Director Edward Hodgson says: “I am delighted to be launching these new vehicles today with the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and Mayor of Havant Council. Investment in our network is vital, route 23 serves a dual purpose, not only providing local customers with day to day access to work, education, leisure and retail but also providing a vital public transport link for visitors to the city and surrounding area.”
“We want to continue to provide the latest technology to our customers whether this is with on board features such as USB charging points or the way in which passengers pay for their travel, it’s important to make access to public transport easy and convenient”.
The new buses were launched on Monday 9 October by Stagecoach South Managing Director Edward Hodgson, Peter Shelley from Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Ellcombe Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and Councillor Elaine Shimbart Mayor Havant.
Councillor Ken Ellcombe Lord Mayor of Portsmouth commented at the launch 'It's great to launch these new buses for route 23 and wonderful to see this fabulous investment by Stagecoach to the local community'
Councillor Elaine Shimbart, Mayor for Havant added: “I am very impressed with the technology on these new buses which will be welcomed by residents of Havant.”
