Bus passengers are set to see their journeys take a turn for the better when new bendi-buses arrive in the district this month.

Officially launched at the city's Cedar Court Hotel yesterday, the 18-metre state-of-the-art vehicles were on display for the first time yesterday, offering guests including the Lady Mayoress of Bradford, Councillor Christine Mason, a short tour of the city.

The bendi-buses - so called because they are flexible in the middle - make up a fleet of five new vehicles owned by First Bradford as part of a customer service initiative called Sovereign.

The articulated vehicles, made by Volvo, will have room for 144 passengers, including 56 seats, and will offer low-floor access. Fitted with security cameras for passenger safety, the interior is also approved by the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee.

Managing director of First Bradford Andy Campbell said: "We are delighted to be the first bus operator to launch this impressive new vehicle which displays exciting and innovative features. These new vehicles, which will join the successful Sovereign initiative, will provide our customers with the highest standards of bus travel."

The buses will operate on the Allerton/Holme Wood route via Bradford Royal Infirmary by the end of April, after drivers have familiarised themselves with the vehicles.

Bradford Council executive member for transportation and planning and chairman of the Passenger Transport Consult-ative Committee, Councillor Latif Darr, welcomed the new arrivals.

He said: "They have more or less the same capacity as a double-decker bus, but save people from having to go upstairs. And obviously, as they are new, they are more comfortable.

"They are better for people with push chairs and the elderly as they are easier to get on and off."

e-mail: suzy.poole@.bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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