BUS users on First Leeds services can now benefit from accessible services across the network following an announcement made by the operator May 18.
With the last “step-entrance” Volvo Olympian bus donated to Keighley Bus Museum, First Leeds’ network of 400 buses now all provide low-floor, accessible service. The move has been welcomed by Bus Users UK who joined the celebration in Leeds today.
The move also means that every First Leeds bus service provides wheelchair accessibility with kneeling suspension, a ramp facility and wheelchair area. The accessible buses provide a more spacious area and allows bus users to get on and off the bus more easily. This makes it easier for all customers including parents with pushchairs.
The improvement for customers has been possible through significant vehicle investment, the most recent buses introduced on route 49 in late 2014 with 18 double deck buses at a cost of £3.5m. The new buses feature luxury interiors designed to make the bus journey as relaxing as possible with features such as increased legroom and leather seats as well as low emission engines.
Bob Dorr, business manager for First in Leeds said, "We're delighted to announce that our customers can now enjoy low-floor, accessible services on every First Leeds bus across our network.
"With great value fares and an extensive network, the donation of our last step entrance bus in Leeds now guarantees low-floor services providing better accessibility for all our customers across every First Leeds route. I'm sure this will help attract even more customers to use bus services in Leeds by providing a real alternative to the car."
Claire Walters, chief executive of bus users said, "We welcome First's achievement in making their buses more accessible, particularly to wheelchair and pushchair users. We look forward to seeing all buses being this accessible to all their passengers.”
Iain Simpson, company secretary of the Keighley Bus Museum Trust said, "I'm very grateful to First for donating the last step-entrance First Leeds bus to the Museum. Due to the investment in new buses by First, customers in Leeds can take advantage of the accessible bus network and also visit our Museum to see a range of buses that have made up the history of services across West Yorkshire."
