For the second time in five years Stagecoach is introducing new buses on its flagship 555 service from Lancaster to Keswick via the heart of the Lake District.
The new double-deck fleet of twelve vehicles, some of which will be allocated to Lancaster depot, will be easily distinguishable by what the company calls a "striking brand-new livery" and will be equipped with comfortable Italian leather-style seats. The buses will offer free WiFi to all passengers as well as USB charging points on board and will be powered by diesel engines that meet the latest "Euro 6" emissions regulations and are some of the "greenest" diesel-powered buses on the road.
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| The new look on the 555 |
Stagecoach are obviously proud of their new fleet and naturally want to show them off to the travelling public in advance of them entering service on 4th July. They will be on show in Kendal Market Square on Thursday 30th June; and in Ambleside and Keswick on Friday, 1st July.
But if you live in Lancaster you'll have to travel if you want a preview - the company's plans to show them off in the city centre have been scuppered by the City Council, which has refused permission for them to be exhibited in the Market Square.
Stagecoach hasn't explicitly said so, but the arrival of twelve new double-deck buses in the fleet willbe a big step towards eliminating the last few step-entrance buses that cause so many problems for people who need accessible buses on routes such as the 42 to Blackpool.
