Arriva Bus Launch Comes To Queens Square

Queens Square was turned into a rather large bus stop today as Arriva officially launched their new ‘Sapphire’ bus which will operate on their Wrexham to Chester route.

One of the new buses on show today.

The new buses were officially unveiled by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham, Councillor Ian Roberts and Mrs Hilary Roberts, and Arriva Buses Wales’ Area Managing Director, Michael Morton, before guests were invited to step on board to take a look at the ‘luxury’ features offered, including high back, leather seats, additional leg room, free WiFi and power points to allow people to charge their devices while visiting Wrexham.com , audio visual facilities and CCTV for added security.

As well as wifi there are charge points by several seats

Ice sculptors entertained the crowds by creating a fantastic glacial work of art of a giant Sapphire and Arriva Angels were on hand to talk to passers-by about the additional benefits the buses will offer, including a commitment to deliver a punctual, reliable and direct service every 15 minutes and a ‘no-quibble, money back guarantee’.

The impressive ice sculpture on show.

Michael Morton, Area Managing Director for Arriva Buses Wales, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing the Sapphire brand to Wrexham, and Route 1 is the first of our services across the whole of the UK to benefit from the new buses. It will certainly offer our customers something different and we hope will tempt more people to try the bus as a result.”

“We’ve deliberately selected this route between Wrexham and Chester as it offers a longer journey time, so customers have more opportunity to take advantage of the free WiFi, or to simply enjoy sitting on comfy leather seats!”

“The investment is significant at a time when there are plenty of economic challenges out there, although we firmly believe in continuing to try and improve our service offering whenever and wherever we can.”

“We certainly hope the upgraded route will be a success and we’ll be working with our customers to gauge their feedback throughout the coming weeks and months.”

Nine Sapphire buses, representing a £650,000 investment, will go into service on Route 1 from 29th April 2013.