Commuters using the X7 Severn Express service between Newport via Chepstow and Bristol city centre will soon be travelling in modern environmentally friendly buses after operator First West of England unveiled three brand new 'low-carbon' vehicles.
The buses are fitted with the latest Euro VI engines, which produce 95 per cent less nitrogen oxide emissions compared to buses with Euro V engines, and will help improve air quality along the 18-mile Severn Express route. Costing approximately £250,000 each, the buses also have start-stop technology so the engine cuts out when a bus is stationary.
First West of England managing director James Freeman said: "These new buses will make a significant contribution towards our environmental performance.
"Following an ambitious £25m investment programme which started two years ago, almost a quarter of our West of England fleet now consists of significantly cleaner buses - and the numbers are increasing steadily."
The buses have free wi-fi, so passengers can use their mobile smartphones. In the coming months USB charging points will also be fitted at every seat, allowing devices to be charged during the journey.
Mr Freeman added: "We decided to install USB charging points on the Severn Express because the distance covered is more than most of our other services and as a result, the journey takes longer.
"We hope our passengers appreciate this added convenience once the charging points are installed."
Monmouth MP David Davies said: "A fast bus service with state-of-the-art technology is important to provide an alternative to train and car travel, especially with the increasing levels of congestion on the major roads across south Wales."
The three buses will have an extra feature: Each bus has a different type of seat made of different materials, which provide slightly different experiences.
The bus company is trialling the new seats and will issue feedback questionnaires on set dates to find out what passengers think of each type.
Chepstow Mayor Cllr Paul Pavia said: "Driving into Bristol for work can be quite expensive. Once you add the cost of a day's parking, fuel consumption and tolls on the Severn Crossings, it could be as much as £22.
"By train, it's more than £10. On the Severn Express, you are looking at £5.40 for two single journeys, so 75 per cent cheaper than driving by car and around 50 per cent cheaper than a return train ticket."
Mile for mile, the 18-mile Severn Express journey has one of the cheapest fares across First Bristol's extensive bus network.