StreetLite hybrids for Solent Ranger

First Solent has unveiled a £2.75m fleet of 17 new WrightBus StreetLite Max Micro-Hybrids for its two Solent Ranger X4 and X5 routes. The services connect Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth with Southampton at a half-hourly frequency. Each bus has leather seats, CCTV and Wi-Fi, as well as next stop displays and audio announcements. In addition, each is fitted with Real Time Information, which means that customers can track when the service will arrive, either from a stop fitted with a real time screen, using their Smart Phone by downloading the First Bus app or via First’s website. The new buses bring First Solent’s total investment in its fleet to more than £15m over the past three years.

General Manager of First Solent, Dervla McKay, said, ‘Our £2.75m investment in 17 brand new buses in the Solent Rangers’ fleet is great news for our customers and underlines our continuing commitment to offer ever better bus services throughout south Hampshire. Our Services X4 and X5 provide a vital link between the major conurbations along the M27 corridor. They are especially popular with people living in the towns and villages along the route who use them to travel to work or to go shopping in the major towns and cities. These new vehicles are among the best and most eco-friendly in Hampshire, which emphasises our continuing support for our local authority partners to improve air quality for all.’