Stagecoach East is planning a significant increase in service frequencies on the Cambridgeshire Busway as part of a complete revamp of operations.
The proposals, which are still being finalised, could be introduced from February and are being made possible through a £5million investment in 18 new Volvos. Twelve tri-axle B8Ls with 98-seat Alexander Dennis Enviro400XLB double-deck bodies are already being delivered and will be joined by six B8RLEs with MCV EvoRa single-deck bodywork.
The dual-door Enviro400XLBs are certified to carry 36 standing passengers and are the first buses in the Stagecoach East fleet with SmartVision cameras in place of driving mirrors; they have two fewer seats than the similar buses built for Lothian. They have been delivered in a pale green livery, which will form the basis of an updated Busway branding to be applied before they enter service.
The single-deckers and most of the doubledeckers will be additional to the Busway fleet, rather than replacements for older vehicles. Their entry into service will allow peak hour frequencies to be increased to every 5min on some sections of the route, which links Cambridge and St Ives over former railway trackbed. There will also be im…
