Stagecoach in South Wales has unveiled its brand new fleet of 16 Optare Solo buses to run on three key busy routes in South East Wales.   The £1.25 million investment by Stagecoach is part of an ongoing campaign to encourage more people to leave their cars at home and travel by bus instead.  The new low-floor buses will run on three services between Torfaen and Newport: 

Route 15 running from Newport to Trevethin via Malpas, Cwmbran, Pontnewydd, Pontypool and Penygarn Route 23 from Newport to Brynmawr via Croseyceiliog, Pontypool and Blaenavon Route 30 from Blaenavon to Newport. 

Last year 1.1 million passengers were carried on Stagecoach services 15/23/30, and it is hoped that this investment will boost numbers further as people are encouraged to travel to work, shop or during their leisure time on the new state of the art bus fleet.   To mark the investment, John Gould, Manager Director of Stagecoach in South Wales, Rt Hon Paul Murphy MP and Councillor John Cunningham from Torfaen County Borough Council officially launched the new fleet in Pontypool today. 

John Gould, Managing Director of Stagecoach in South Wales, said:  “We hope that with the introduction of 16 brand new, low-floor buses, people in Torfaen and Newport will be inspired to leave their cars at home and travel by bus instead. Today’s new buses are some of the most modern in our entire South Wales fleet and demonstrate our commitment to providing quality bus travel to residents here. “Over the past three years we have launched over 100 new low-floor buses in South Wales, with significant increases in the number of people using the services as a result. We believe that new and modern vehicles are key to encouraging people back on to the buses.” 

Speaking at the launch, Rt Hon Paul Murphy MP added: “I am always keen to see bus services improve in Torfaen, and am therefore delighted that Stagecoach has made this investment in our local bus service.  This is great news for local residents, especially for those people who have mobility problems or parents with pushchairs, as these new low floor buses are so much easier to get on.  This investment will help to revitalise these three key routes in South East Wales’s bus network.” 

The brand new fleet of 16 low-floor Optare Solo buses represents the latest in clean engine technology, meeting Euro IV emissions standards and helping to cut carbon emissions. The new buses all provide step-free entrances, allowing customers to roll on wheelchairs, buggies or shopping trolleys and park them in dedicated areas on board. The vehicles also have wider seats, greater legroom, climate control and brighter interiors.