First Bus introduces new fuel-efficient buses equipped with latest technology on service U1 Lower Oldfield Park to University of Bath

Aberdeen, Scotland, 2016-Oct-13 — /Travel PR News/ — University of Bath students will soon be travelling to and from Uni in eight new fuel-efficient vehicles, equipped with the latest technology which allows them to charge their smartphone and connect to the internet at the same time.  First Bus is introducing the new vehicles on service U1 Lower Oldfield Park to University of Bath as of Monday 3 October.

The new 81-seater double deckers have USB charging at every seat, free WIFI and comfortable leather seats. The buses also have dual doorways to speed up boarding and unloading.  All eight new buses are fitted with the latest Euro VI engines, which produce 95% less oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions compared to buses with Euro V engines and as a result will help improve air quality across the route.

Andrew Sherrington, General Manager for Bath, Wells and Weston-super-Mare, said: “This is great news for the University of Bath.  We’re confident the students and staff will appreciate these new buses not just for the onboard technology, but also because they are much better for the environment.

Steve Egan, Vice-President (Implementation) at University of Bath, said: “As a major employer in the city we want to offer links between the City Centre and our Claverton Campus that are as efficient and environmentally friendly as possible so I am delighted to see these new buses come into service. This will be especially important as we open our new learning zone in Manvers Street early next year.”

Martyn Whalley, Director of Estates said: “These changes are good news for our staff and students. We applaud First for making this investment in transport to the University and our close neighbours, who we know support these improvements.  First has taken on board our requirements to develop this impressive new fleet, which will no doubt encourage even better use of public transport.”

First Bus has been proactively working with UK bus manufacturers to improve the fuel efficiency of new buses.  This has resulted in a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and a 30% reduction in vehicle carbon emissions over the past four years.  Earlier this month the bus company received recognition for its focus on fuel efficiency when it was crowned ‘Low Carbon Vehicle Operator of the Year 2016’ at the prestigious Low Carbon Champions Awards.

The new University of Bath buses form part of First West of England’s £22.5m investment this year in more than 100 new fuel-efficient buses, manufactured by UK-based ADL and Wrightbus.

A number of technological innovations have been made to achieving improvements in fuel efficiency and carbon emissions:  Engine and transmission configuration has been optimised, and vehicles can now capture energy that would otherwise be lost during braking to power vehicle electric and air systems.  A further improvement is stop/start technology – when stationary at bus stops the vehicle automatically switches off, saving fuel and emissions and then restarts once the driver closes the doors and is ready to accelerate.

During term time the new buses will be supplemented by some of the familiar bendibuses in the morning and evening to make sure there is enough capacity for everyone.

The U1 service operates 24/7 during term time, with buses running up to every 7 minutes throughout the day, every 20 mins until 3.09 am and then hourly till 6.44 am Monday to Friday.  On Saturday and Sunday buses will operate every 15 minutes throughout the day and every 20 minutes in the evening.  To cater for the new double decker buses the route has been slightly altered around Oldfield Park, and buses now travel in the opposite direction to avoid a low bridge.

A new U2 service started on the 4 September operating Monday to Friday during term time serving Combe Down, Odd Down, Oldfield Park and University of Bath.

Contact:

Tel: +44 (0)1224 650100
Fax: +44 (0)1224 650140

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First Bus introduces new fuel-efficient buses equipped with latest technology on service U1 Lower Oldfield Park to University of Bath

 

Source: First Bus

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