Thamesdown Transport unveils newest fleet 

New fleet of buses to enhance services for passengers

 

Thamesdown Transport has launched a new fleet of buses, which will enhance the service passengers receive as well as reducing the carbon footprint of journeys across Swindon.

 

The eight Optare Versa buses will operate on the 20 and 24 services, which run to the Great Western Hospital, and feature improved legroom and space for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

 

 

They also include the ‘talking bus’ audio-visual announcement system, which tells passengers which stop is coming up and, if they ring the bell, when the bus has arrived there.

 

The launch of these new buses has been applauded by the Guide Dogs for the Blind.

 

“We are delighted to hear that Thamesdown Transport is introducing eight Optare Versa “talking buses” making them more accessible to blind and partially sighted people and we encourage other bus operators to do the same,” said David Cowdrey, Guide Dogs’ Campaigns Manager.

 

The vehicles are also more environmentally friendly as they produce lower emissions and offer a lower carbon footprint thanks to being lighter and more fuel efficient.

 

All eight vehicles are named after locomotives which were built at the old Swindon railway works, with names from the ‘King’ and ‘Star’ classes.

 

“We take great pride in our fleet of buses and regularly invest in them so that we can be sure we are offering the people of Swindon the best possible quality of service," commented Paul Jenkins, managing director of Thamesdown Transport.

 

“These eight stylish new buses will not only improve the comfort of our passengers and be more environmentally friendly, but will also reduce ongoing maintenance and fuel costs as a result of being more efficient.

 

We’ve looked at the smaller details, such as seat weight, to make sure that we are looking after Swindon’s bus users as well as the planet. We look forward to welcoming everyone onto these buses.”

 

For more information on Thamesdown Transport and the routes it runs across Swindon, please visit their website via the link below

or call 01793 428428.