Bosses at Arriva Midlands have splashed out £2 million on a state-of-the-art fleet of buses serving passengers in Shropshire.

The 14 new buses will be used on the number 44 route which takes in Leegomery, Princess Royal Hospital, Wellington, Ketley, Oakengates, Telford town centre and Madeley.

Some of the fleet was sent out last week and the rest will be deployed after an official launch by Arriva at the International Centre in Telford on Thursday.

The buses will have both interior and exterior CCTV cameras installed for the safety and comfort of passengers and staff.

Arriva bosses say the buses also have more room than previous models, with more space in between seats and special designated areas for luggage as well as buggies and wheelchairs.

The new fleet is also one of the most environmentally friendly around – all 14 buses will be fitted with a “eco manager” system to minimise emissions and maximise fuel efficiency.

Other improvements have been made including the installation of LED lighting inside the buses to further reduce emissions and help the environment.

Arriva communications manager Keith Myatt said the new buses were state-of-the-art and a significant investment in improving the public transport experience for passengers in Shropshire.

He said: “The route 44 service is very popular and the connection of this brand new fleet will make travelling by bus a more viable alternative to travelling by car.

“They have been phased in and some are now operational. They have been running for about five days so people may have already seen them out and about and the rest will follow after the official launch.

“Initial early feedback suggests the customers like them and like to travel on them and the staff like driving them, so its a case of so far so good.”

Mr Myatt said fares would not go up despite the investment in new services and said Arriva would continue to offer a myriad of different ticketing options for customers.

By Wayne Beese