Sapphire launched in Ashington

Arriva North East has launched its latest Sapphire route: Service X21/X22 between Newbiggin, Ashington and Newcastle via Stakeford, Wansbeck Estate, Guidepost and Beddlington. The new ADL Enviro400s used on the route were unveiled at the Newbiggin Maritime Centre by lookalikes of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and baby George. The buses represent a spend of over £1.6m, which is part of a bigger £6m investment for Northumberland. All vehicles are equipped with power points to charge phones and lap-tops, free wi-fi, audio-visual next stop announcement systems and E-leather trimmed seats.

Area MD for Arriva North East, Nick Knox, said, ‘We’re delighted to be bringing the Sapphire brand to the area; we’re so excited to be announcing this investment. The bus service will offer our customers a new and improved experience, we’re confident that they will be delighted with the enhancements and we hope to encourage more people to join us on board. They really do add a bit of sparkle to people’s every day journey!’