More Sapphire for Arriva NE

Arriva is to launch its latest Sapphire premium branded service on Arriva North East’s 5/5a and X3/X4 between Teesside and Redcar in Cleveland. A total of 24 new Wrightbus StreetLites will be introduced to these services, providing an investment of over £4.5m. All vehicles are equipped with free wi-fi, power points to charge phones and lap-tops, audio visual stop annunciation and E-leather seating for customers. Service 5/5a operates up to every 15 minutes during Monday to Saturday daytimes and hourly on evenings and Sundays. The X3/X4 also operates up to every 15 minutes during Monday to Saturday daytimes and hourly on Sunday daytimes.

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. These bus services 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!’