Press releases
Arriva invests half a million pounds in new buses for Tunbridge Wells
8 October 2007
An image of one of the new vehicles at the launch in Tunbridge Wells
Arriva has invested over half a million pounds in six brand-new, state-of-the-art, buses for use in Tunbridge Wells.
The new buses carry a distinctive livery and the latest ‘Euro 4’ engines will minimise exhaust emissions to help cut pollution levels in Tunbridge Wells. A digital CCTV system inside and out will give an added feeling of security for drivers and passengers.
Low, pavement-level entrances and no steps in the front half inside make the buses easy to use for everyone, and they also have clear, high-visibility, electronic destination and service number displays.
The fully-accessible buses will run on Service 281 which is branded as the ‘town centre bus link’ and connects the main shopping areas, railway station, historic area and Sainsbury’s superstore and the Spa Valley Railway.
In addition, from 15th October, the frequency of the popular service will be increased to run every 12 minutes for much of the day, this improvement also benefiting those using the outer ends of the service to and from Rusthall and High Brooms.
An advance launch of the buses took place on Friday 5th October by Greg Clark MP and representatives of Arriva, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and local traders.
Arriva’s commercial director, Kevin Hawkins, said “We are delighted to make this significant investment in Tunbridge Wells and make the ‘town centre bus link’ service accessible to more people.
“By providing comfortable new buses and an increased frequency we hope that people will consider leaving the car at home and use the bus for some of their local journeys, in turn helping to reduce pollution and congestion on the town’s roads.”
At the launch Greg Clark MP, said: “I am thrilled by the investment of both time and money that Arriva have put into the bus fleet in Tunbridge Wells. These modern, eco-friendly vehicles are the first new buses in Tunbridge Wells for 10 years and are greatly welcome.
"I am particularly grateful for the way Arriva have responded to my call to promote bus services in the town centre to reduce congestion, first with new branding and now new buses with increased frequency. I hope everyone takes the opportunity to use these new buses and that the service goes from strength to strength.”
