Bluestar welcomes 16 Enviro400s
Go-Ahead-owned Bluestar is welcoming 16 Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC buses into its fleet. The new buses represent an investment of £5m by the operator.
The new double-deckers feature onboard technology – offering USB charging points for smartphones and hand-held devices, and contactless ‘tap on tap off’ ticketing facilities. In addition to the new buses, Bluestar is making further improvements, with 18 almost new single-deckers and 11 refurbished double-deckers, to be used elsewhere across its network.
Bluestar has also announced timetable improvements on four of its routes.
“At Bluestar, we are also committed to helping improve air quality here – so we have invested heavily to bring these 16 new Alexander Dennis E400 MMC buses to the region” – Bluestar managing director, Andrew Wickham
Bluestar managing director, Andrew Wickham, said: “We’re proud to be Southampton’s bus operator, having expanded our network of routes here in 2023, and this new investment is designed to make travelling by bus even more attractive.
“We know how important it is for those living and working in Southampton to have access to a comprehensive bus network – both for convenience and to help reduce congestion across the city, That is why we have made improvements to our timetables.
“This includes an increase in frequency for our popular Bluestar 1 route – which has been made possible by funding from the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan. We have worked closely with Hampshire County Council on enhancements for this service – which links Southampton with Winchester.
“At Bluestar, we are also committed to helping improve air quality here – so we have invested heavily to bring these 16 new Alexander Dennis E400 MMC buses to the region. Each boasts a low emissions Euro VI engine, which is cleaner than the latest generation of diesel cars.
“These impressive new vehicles also sport on-board technology – including USB charging points for smartphones and hand-held devices, and contactless ticketing facilities
“Our new buses have a striking new look onboard – with a more comfortable and spacious seating layout, and lighter flooring. The upper deck is laid out in a similar way to a coach, and there is a ‘stop’ button on the back of every other seat.
“I’m very much looking forward to seeing these new vehicles out-and-about, and welcoming even more people onboard – whether they’re travelling with us for work or play.”