New bus fleet hits the roads

3:57pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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THERE'S a blaze of colour hitting the roads of Redditch this week as the Diamond bus company launches six brand new Red Diamond buses.

The vehicles, which cost around £20,000 each, will service the 57 and 58 routes, and are decorated with a brand new livery. They also boast CCTV inside and out and disabled ramps to help with passenger access.

Austin Birks, commercial manager for Red Diamond said: "For me, one of the most important things for Redditch is investment.

"This is a graphic example of real partnership working between Worcestershire County Council, Redditch Council and other key stakeholders to elevate the quality of public transport for the people of Redditch."

In addition to the six buses, which went into service on July 20, a further six will go into commission at the end of August covering new services to the west of the town.

Matt Cooper, the new manager of Diamond in Redditch, added: "There's a higher capacity than the buses we're using at the moment and we've invested a lot of time and money in training the drivers to use the equipment.

"The livery looks good as well, it's brought back hints of the old Midland Red buses."

The new vehicles, which are all Volvos, have the most modern and environmentally clean engines in Europe.

Mr Birks added: "We are particularly grateful that we have had such strong public support recently and we believe we can help the borough achieve the common desire to attract people away from the car and onto the bus."

More information on Diamond bus times and the new services can be found at www.birmingham-coach.co.uk.