Bus users set to benefit from £6m investment in new fleet

Bus operator trentbarton is investing £6 million in a fleet of new buses that will serve routes across Derbyshire.

More than 25 new buses are due to join its fleet this summer, operating on its ilkeston flyer, the villager, H1 and the mickleover services.

The investment will see the low-emission buses improve the journeys of customers on the Derby routes, including from towns such as Alfreton, Heanor and Ilkeston, plus dozens of villages.

It follows 2023’s £4 million spend on 20 new buses for the threes connecting Nottingham, Hucknall, Kirkby, Sutton and Mansfield.

Tom Morgan, managing director at trentbarton, said: “In the last two years we will have invested more than £10 million in more than 45 new low-emission buses, each of which emits less nitrogen dioxide than a new car.

“This will take the number of low-emission buses in our fleet to more than 200.

“We’re replacing buses that are more than 10 years old in some places, so this will make a significant improvement to the quality of the service we deliver.”

The cleaner, greener Enviro200 buses are built by Alexander Dennis, with the multi-million-pound order also including new spare vehicles to join the fleet.

Each Enviro200 will feature three large skylights to create a light space inside and super bright LED destination screens, under seat lighting and an illuminated front logo.

They’re equipped with USB power at every seat and wireless charging docks.

In addition, and for the first time, forward facing next stop displays will ensure that live next stop information is available for all customers on board, including those making use of the areas which can facilitate customers using pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility aids.

The first batch of new buses will arrive in the summer, with six destined for ilkeston flyer, five for the villager and six each for H1 and the mickleover.

Tom said: “We invite car drivers to try travelling on these smart new buses, because the more cars left at home means less congestion, quicker bus journeys and a virtuous circle that means we can invest even more in new buses in the future.

“This ongoing investment reaffirms our commitment to the East Midlands region and follows a proven track record of investment over decades of service.

“I’m sure this is recognised by our future Mayor who we hope will support committed, locally owned operators like ourselves and work in partnership with us to deliver further improvement to public transport across the region.”