New buses will increase Rotherham visitor numbers, council hopes

First South Yorkshire launched 22 new vehicles at an event in Effingham Square.

The new buses — which are part of a £5 million scheme — feature leather seats and are also fitted with USB charging points for passengers use.

They will run on the X78 route between Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster. The route also serves Meadowhall Shopping Centre.

Kevin Belfield, managing director of First South Yorkshire, said: “Our investment of more than £5 million in 22 new vehicles is great news for our customers and underlines our continuing determination to provide ever better bus services as part of the Rotherham Bus Partnership work and encourage more people to travel by bus.”

Meanwhile, rival operator Stagecoach has announced it will bring ten new buses into service as part of a £1.4 million investment.

The Alexander Dennis Enviro200 MMC buses will operate on the 22X route between Barnsley, Wombwell, Wath, Manvers, Parkgate and Rotherham.

The company said the new generation Euro6 model could carry five more passengers than the original Enviro 200 and was 200kg lighter, making it more fuel efficient.

It also described as having an advanced electrical system and suspension for improved reliability and passenger comfort.