“Passengers flying from Edinburgh Airport can expect to enjoy the last word in luxury – before they even reach the terminal,” Errika Askeland, The Scotsman.
From WiFi and mood-enhancing lighting, the bus of the future has arrived. Travelling between Edinburgh city centre is soon to be a luxurious experience as Lothian Buses unveil a new £3 million state-of-the-art fleet of Airlink buses, which hit the Capital’s streets later this month.
By the end of March, fourteen brand new buses will take to the streets delivering holidaymakers and business travellers to and from Edinburgh Airport in style and comfort. With almost a third of travellers choosing the Lothian Buses ‘Airlink’ service as their method of transport to and from the airport, this launch marks a significant upgrade to a major route in the Capital. The £3million investment cements the position of Lothian Buses as a category leader in public transport and its commitment to both Edinburgh residents and visitors to the city.
Ian Craig, Managing Director of Lothian Buses, says: “With such a high number of passengers, Airlink is undoubtedly one of our most important services and this upgrade is just part of our response to the growing demand on the network. We wanted to provide passengers with an iconic bus - Wrightbus has recognised this and delivered something really special.
“The Airlink vehicles have been carefully designed and specified to make the whole journey experience for passengers travelling to and from the airport as safe, comfortable, and stress free as possible. We are incredibly proud of and definitely a strong start to the new decade for Lothian Buses.”
The fourteen specially adapted Airlink vehicles will completely replace the existing fleet. Specified with the Euro 5 Incentive compliant Volvo B9TL chassis, they combine functionality with exceptionally high levels of comfort and security. As part of Lothian Buses dedication to accessibility, all of the new Eclipse Gemini 2 buses are 11.4 metre low-floor easy-access vehicles and in compliance with the Company’s commitment to green initiatives are specified with Euro 5 Incentive 9.4 litre engines for low emission, coupled to a Voith gearbox.
Generous storage space, seating for forty-three on the upper deck and twenty-three in the lower saloon, environmentally-friendly E-leather upholstery, electrical sockets for charging mobiles and laptops, lap-top tables, free on-board WiFi, and mood-enhancing LED lighting now all come as standard. A PA system allows the driver to communicate with passengers and CCTV, featuring 13 separate camera units throughout each vehicle, some of which monitor the luggage area, assault doors and screens help to further improve safety and security. An electronic ramp to the front door ensures that each vehicle offers complete wheelchair access, in addition to the latest electronic destination equipment.
Cllr Gordon Mackenzie, Transport Convenor at the City of Edinburgh Council said; "Airlink is a hugely successful and popular service and this upgrade is a great investment from Lothian Buses for the city."
Gordon Dewar, Managing Director, Edinburgh Airport, adds: “The Airlink operation provides a superb service and is the main route into the Capital for many of our passengers. We welcome this investment in the product and look forward to the increase use that it will undoubtedly bring.”
