Press Release
Date: 25th November 2009
Embargoed until: 10th December 2009

STAGECOACH INVESTS £3.5M IN IMPROVING PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN FIFE

Stagecoach in Fife has invested over £3.5 million in a fleet of 29 new buses in a major boost for public transport in Fife.
The new vehicles, operating on routes 7, 32, 33, 34 and X1 incorporate the latest low level access design features for passengers benefiting wheelchair users, parents with young children and people with limited mobility.
The introduction of these new vehicles brings the total investment by Stagecoach in its fleet in Fife to £6 million in the past 6 months.
Charlie Mullen, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Scotland, said: “Stagecoach has been at the forefront in public transport development in Scotland.  This investment in Fife demonstrates our commitment to making public transport an easy to use alternative to the private car.
“We are committed to delivering high-quality services and making public transport easier to use.
“Our investment not only assures that the route is fully accessible to wheelchairs and buggies, but the state-of-the-art buses also have the latest “green” environmentally friendly engines which are fitted with Euro 5 engines that meet the current European directive standard and CCTV equipment to ensure maximum passenger and driver safety.”
“The introduction of these new vehicles has also allowed even more routes to benefit from low floor buses due to the movement of buses across our fleet, including services 6A, 6B, 30, 41, 41A, 64, 79, 79A and 95.”
Muriel MacGregor, Fife Independent Disability Network, said: “Stagecoach has been working closely with FIDN to meet the needs of disabled passengers and their commitment to constant improvements for disabled people is very encouraging.”

Notes to the editor:

The attached photography shows:
Photo 1 (l-r): Mike Williams, Chief Engineer, Stagecoach in Fife, Charlie Mullen, Managing Director. Stagecoach in Fife, Jack Carr, Treasurer, Fife Independent Disability Network, James Page, Transport Spokesperson, Fife Independent Disability Network trying out the new buses.
Photo 2 (l-r): Mike Williams, Chief Engineer, Stagecoach in Fife, Oliver Boyd, Fife Council Transportation Services, Councillor Jim Young, Jack Carr, Treasurer, Fife Independent Disability Network, James Page, Transport Spokesperson, Fife Independent Disability Network, Charlie Mullen, Managing Director, Stagecoach in Fife, Michael Tonks, Chairperson, Fife Independent Disability Network, Gillian Watson, Fife Council Transportation Services at the launch.
ENDS

For further media information please contact, Sarah Anderson, Marketing Manager, Stagecoach East Scotland on 01592 645672 or 07764 835821.