The 16 new double deckers were launched by Go South Coast for its Bluestar operating unit at an event in Southampton, where the company now is the main operator after expanding its network in 2023. They will be used to upgrade routes 2 and 7.
Fitted with Alexander Dennis’s SmartPack efficiency technology combining engine stop/start with e-cooling and auxiliary load management, the new Enviro400 are certified as low-emission buses by the Zemo Partnership.
Andrew Wickham, managing director for Go South Coast, said: “The upper deck is laid out in a similar way to a coach, and there is a ‘stop’ button on the back of every other seat. These impressive new vehicles also sport on-board technology including USB charging points for smartphones and hand-held devices, and contactless ticketing facilities.”
Further new buses will follow for the morebus operating unit, bringing the total number of low-emission Enviro400 joining the Go South Coast fleet this year to 44. This follows a similar investment last year in 35 Enviro400 for morebus and Southern Vectis.
Mark Ballam, commercial manager for Alexander Dennis, said: “All the new buses have been tailored to Go South Coast’s specification, and we look forward to supporting them through long and profitable working lives with our comprehensive AD24 aftermarket support.”
