Following First Scotland East’s investment of £1.5m earlier this year in ten brand new buses operating Service X95, the company has confirmed that it has now fitted complementary Wi-Fi to a further six buses that operate on the route.
First Scotland East confirmed today that the additional investment means that each of the 16 buses that operate Service X95, which provides services from Edinburgh, to the Borders and Carlisle, are now fitted with Wi-Fi.
“This is great news for our customers,” said Operations Director of First Scotland East, John Gorman. “The Wi-Fi on board our buses works exceptionally well. Whether on a lap-top, mobile or tablet device our customers can connect on the move using our Wi-Fi free of charge.”
John explained that it was customers’ reaction to the Wi-Fi on the company’s brand new buses that encouraged the company to invest further. “The new buses have proved very popular with customers – the fresh new feel, extra room at the front of the bus and leather seats have all been welcomed. However, it is the complementary Wi-Fi that has undoubtedly been most popular. Therefore, it was an easy decision to equip our entire Service X95 fleet with Wi-Fi.”
He continued: “Our investment in new buses and the additional Wi-Fi reflects our determination to improve services for our customers and our commitment to encourage more people to use our buses and to use them more often.”
First invested £1.5m in 10 brand new buses, which entered service on Route x95 in January 2013. Each bus is fitted with complementary wi-fi and leather seats. Meanwhile, the interior of each vehicle has been modified to allow greater flexibility for both buggies and wheelchairs whilst providing additional grab rails for all passengers whether seated or standing.
The new vehicles introduced by First are Enviro 300s, built by Falkirk based manufacturer Alexander Dennis. They all come fitted with low floor access and have the latest Euro V engines.
Service X95 runs between Edinburgh and Carlisle via Eskbank, Newtongrange, Stow, Galashiels, Selkirk, Hawick and Langholm. Services operate every 30 minutes at peak times with 90 minute journey times between Edinburgh and Galashiels and 2hrs between Galashiels and Carlisle.