News - Stagecoach in South Wales invests £750,000 in a new fleet of "greener and cleaner" buses

14th June 2011

Travelling between Blackwood and Cardiff became even greener and cleaner today Monday 13 June as Stagecoach in South Wales launched 7 brand new low-floor single-deck "Enviro20" buses to operate on Service 26

To coincide with the introduction of the new buses, Stagecoach have also enhanced the frequency of Service 26. The service, which previously ran every 60 minutes, will now run up to every 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday (daytimes) between Blackwood, Ystrad Mynach, Llanbradach, Caerphilly, Nantgarw, Tongwynlais, Whitchurch, and Cardiff. The service also runs up to every two hours during the daytime on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

With larger and improved interiors, the buses provide step-free entrances, allowing customers to roll on wheelchairs, buggies or shopping trolleys and park them in dedicated areas on board. They represent the very latest in clean engine technology, meeting Euro V emissions standards, helping to cut carbon emissions and so reducing the environmental impact of the service.

Stagecoach’s investment of £750,000 in Service 26 is part of an ongoing Stagecoach campaign in South Wales to encourage more people to leave their cars at home and travel instead by bus. Last year Stagecoach invested £1.5million in 14 brand new ‘Enviro 300’ buses for its X24 service between Blaenavon and Newport, generating a 10% increase in passenger usage, with more than 1.5 million passengers a year now using that service.

John Gould, Managing Director of Stagecoach in South Wales, added: “The introduction of 7 brand new, low-floor buses is one of the biggest investments recently in public transport in the area. We believe that this enhancement will deliver a much-needed boost for bus provision in South Wales, and also play a vital role in sustaining the environment. Our message to residents along this route is simple – leave your car at home and “just go” by Stagecoach instead!”

Speaking at the launch, Regional Assembly Member for South Wales East, William Graham, said: “This investment to enhance the No 26 service from Blackwood to Cardiff clearly demonstrates Stagecoach’s commitment to extending public transport to all members of our communities and providing environmentally friendly travel.”
“The positive response from the public is reflected in the increased passenger numbers, notably on the recently enhanced X24 route; which has seen a 10% increase in passenger numbers.”

The Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Councillor Vera Jenkins said: “The introduction of this brand new fleet of buses is great news for local residents, especially for those who have mobility problems or parents with pushchairs, as the new lower floors make it so much easier to get on.”

She continued, “This investment will not only help to further improve transport links between our county borough and Cardiff, but will also play a key role in promoting sustainable development”.

The new timetable is available on bus and can be viewed on our website, www.stagecoachbus.com/southwales