National Express is expanding its fleet of ‘premium’ two-tone grey Platinum buses following their successful introduction to the West Midlands. They give passengers free Wi-Fi, extra legroom and high-backed seats.

It plans to buy 65 more in 2016 to serve every district of the Black Country, with the first to be on the road in the summer.

A fleet of 58 ADL Enviro400 Euro Platinum buses were
introduced in May 2015 on eight routes (900, 957, X51, 997, 934, 935, 936 and 937) across the West Midlands.

The Birmingham-Walsall X51 has seen 25% growth and there’s been 10% growth on services to Birmingham International.

A recent survey showed overall satisfaction across all the Platinum routes of 94%. 98% were satisfied with the comfort, 96% were happy with the standard of driving, and 81% rating the services good value for money.

Cllr Keith Linnecor, of the West Midland’s Integrated Transport Authority, says: “Bus travel is sometimes criticised as being dirty and uncomfortable, which is just not the case.”