Snowy day when 43 buses arrived at once

They were put on show yesterday at a snowy Temple Newsam House, Leeds, with the help of pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Dewsbury and Sherburn Hungate Community Primary School, Sherburn. Arriva described the new buses – all but two of them double deckers – as “state-of-the-art”.

The company said: “This investment will have a huge impact on the bus service across the county. The state-of-the-art vehicles, many with leather seats, offer greater comfort, a smoother journey and an all round improved passenger experience. The buses also benefit from having the latest ‘ultra-clean’ low emission engines, brand new ticket machines and onboard CCTV for safety.”

Nigel Featham, managing director for Arriva Yorkshire, said: “The scale of this investment demonstrates our commitment to providing the best possible bus services for Yorkshire.

“We’re really proud to be able to offer our customers a newer, improved level of service through our investment in the fleet. The new vehicles can accommodate buggies, helping busy families get around easier and we are putting a lot of effort into ensuring everyone’s journey experience is enhanced.”

Immediately after the launch, the buses were then driven straight into service across Wakefield, Dewsbury and Leeds.

Some of the routes that will see new vehicles include the 229 Huddersfield - Heckmondwike - Leeds, 126 127 Dewsbury - Wakefield and the 110 Wakefield -Leeds. Passengers on other routes will also benefit, as newer vehicles are put on to them.

The buses were purchased from Northern Island-based manufacturer Wrightbus, a family owned business.

A further delivery of 40 single-decker buses is due to arrive in August.