Press releases

Jonathan Ross visited Arriva Yorkshire’s Wakefield bus depot on Saturday 24 November with his BBC Radio 2 morning show. The show was broadcast live from the bus depot. Jonathan's guests included, Alan Carr, Tricia Penrose and the band Athlete.

Jonathan agreed to visit Arriva’s depot earlier this year when Chloe Leach, Arriva Yorkshire’s Marketing and Communications Manager, entered an on air competition. Ross said he would come to launch his namesake bus if all female bus drivers at the depot dressed in traditional Victorian attire – Jonathan’s preferred uniform for bus drivers! And of course, the ladies obliged!

Some 150 employees and invited guests watched as Jonathan Ross unveiled ‘The Jonathan Ross’ bus which will operate on Arriva’s new luxury 110 Wakefield to Leeds route.  The vehicle is one of 16 new luxury vehicles being introduced by Arriva Yorkshire marking an investment of £2.8 million.  The luxurious buses feature Volvo B9TL double-deck chassis with Darwen Group “Olympus” body work, full leather seating and Euro 4 compliant engines. 

The day out at the depot also formed part of BBC Children in Need’s Radio 2 charity auction, a Radio 2 listener won the chance to spend the day on location with Jonathan Ross at the Wakefield depot as well as having their very own ‘bus moquette’ chair hand made for them.

Paul Adcock, operations director for Arriva Yorkshire, said: “We were absolutely delighted to have the Jonathan Ross BBC Radio 2 show at the depot. It was a great day for everybody involved especially the employees who had a fantastic time. We would welcome them back any day…. and remember to watch out for the Jonathan Ross bus travelling throughout Wakefield and Leeds!”

As Jonathan Ross unveiled the vehicle live on air he said: “The Jonathan Ross Bus 110 from Wakefield to Leeds – I now declare in active duty!”

Image caption: Jonathan Ross launching his namesake bus at  Arriva's Wakefield bus depot