A change of name and relaunch has brought a new look and upmarket feel to Warrington.
The municipal, now called Warrington’s Own Buses, has launched 13 high-specification 11.5m ADL Enviro200 for its South Warrington routes, rebranded the Cheshire Cat. They are the first new buses for five years and fares have been frozen for the third year running
They were launched with an Alice in Wonderland-themed Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.
With Best Impressions interiors, the high- back seats have couture-inspired houndstooth pattern moquette, with seatback USB ports, mobile phone holder and bell pushes.
There is also a large u-shaped social-seating area at the back of the bus, plus increased legroom, free wi-fi, wood-effect flooring and sunroof windows.
In addition to Warrington Interchange, which provides access to Warrington Central railway station, all journeys now serve Warrington Bank Quay railway station. A flat £1 fare applies for journeys between the two stations.
MD Ben Wakerley says: “The Cheshire Cat follows improvements in the north of the town, where ‘The Pops’ and hospital high frequency services have been introduced.
“Bus stops, shelters and service information is being improved and Warrington Borough Council is being supportive in speeding up journey times too.”
The Cheshire Cat brand brings a 10-minute frequency service to Centre Park hotels and businesses, Priestley College and Stockton Heath, beyond which the routes split to serve different Cheshire destinations including Lymm, Altrincham and Northwich.
