BUS operator First is unveiling its fleet of revamped buses next Monday (8 September), which will serve Plymouth’s Park & Ride sites and will provide two additional evening trips from Royal Parade.

Five newly refurbished, rebranded double decker buses operating on PR1 will be officially launched into service at The George Park & Ride site, their drivers all wearing new-look uniforms.

Joining First Devon staff at the buses’ launch will be Cllr Mark Coker, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and members of the Plymouth City Council Public Transport team.

As a thank you for their continued support, First will also be handing out breakfast bags to customers using the new-look buses at The George and Milehouse sites on Monday.

To further enhance the Park & Ride fleet, three rebranded single decker buses will be introduced onto PR2 at the end of September. As part of First’s service changes from Monday (8 September), there will be two new evening trips from Royal Parade at 18.45 and 19.00 on both PR1 and PR2.

Commenting on their launch, Robbie Lamerton, General Manager, First South West, said: “This is a huge milestone as we continue to improve our services to Park & Ride customers in Plymouth. It comes ahead of the changes at Derriford Hospital which will result in more of its staff using the Park & Ride sites to get to and from work. We will be extending a warm welcome to them as well as our regular customers.”

Councillor Mark Coker said: “We are pleased to see this much needed investment in Plymouth’s Park and Ride services, which play an important role in maintaining a strong city centre economy and reducing congestion on busy routes. Extra services, improved passenger comfort and a distinctive livery are positive steps that should encourage more users and hopefully lead to further investment by the operator.”