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| One of the new buses in Grasmere at the launch event. |
Passengers travelling on Stagecoach service 555 between Lancaster, Kendal and Keswick, will have noticed some new buses that started entering service on the route this weekend.
The fleet of nine new buses that Stagecoach says represents an investment of £3m, were built by British bus builder Alexander Dennis, which has factories in Falkirk and Scarborough. They are powered by the latest low-emission diesel engines meeting the European Union "Euro VI" standards for pollution control.
Passenger comfort is enhanced by superior coach-style seating, with a small number of bays of four around a table on the top deck.
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| The top deck, showing the comfy seats and a corner of a table! |
USB Charging points are fitted throughout the bus, whilst the tables incorporate wireless charging points for mobile phones.
As is expected to be the case with all new buses from now on, a "Next Stop" audio and visual announcement system is fitted. Unlike the basic system fitted to the existing 555 buses, this shows the stop names on a display as well as announcing them.
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| The destination and the name of the next stop is displayed on both decks. |
A similar system has been fitted to the buses introduced on services 2X and 100 in Lancaster a few years ago, although this seems to have fallen into disuse in recent times. With the requirement that all new buses be fitted with such systems from now on it is hoped that the new 555 system will be properly maintained and that the system on the 2X and 100 can be reactivated.
Externally, the vehicles are painted in the familiar "Lakes Connection" blue and green livery and carry the names of the most important places served by the 555. Although this is merely a continuation of the existing colour scheme it actually represents a significant victory for local management as Stagecoach Group now requires all other buses used on "long distance" services to be painted in a dreadful dirty yellow livery.
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| New Stagecoach Standard |
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| Our local version! |
Which do you prefer?
Launch at Low Wood
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| Free Gingerbread all round! |
The new fleet was launched at an event held at the prestigious Low Wood Bay hotel, where following an introduction by Rob Jones, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancs Managing Director, guests were treated to a ride on one of the new buses to Grasmere, where they were presented with souvenir tins of the famous Grasmere Gingerbread, before returning to Low Wood for a buffet lunch.
The guests included local politicians (including Tim Farron MP) and businesspeople and real bus passengers weren't forgotten, being represented by the Bus Users' Group in the form of our Chair, Jim and Treasurer, Steve.
It was good to see our local bus company making an effort to promote the new fleet and, of course, the 555 service itself. The service is renowned for being one of the most scenic bus rides in the country and until 30 June can be enjoyed for just £2 a ticket. We can't promise you gingerbread, but we are sure you'll be able to enjoy the ride.
