First introduces multi-million pound Solent Ranger fleet

Operator First Solent has launched its new £2.75 million Solent Ranger fleet connecting Fareham, Gosport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

The 17 new buses will operate on First’s Solent Ranger X4 and X5 routes which link Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth with Southampton. The fleet, built by WrightBus, is of the Max Micro-Hybrid type incorporating a bespoke modern design to reflect the coastal route that they serve. Each bus is fitted with a Euro 6 engine making them among the most environmentally-friendly buses on the road.

Each bus comes equipped with leather seats, CCTV and Wi-Fi, providing customers with free internet access during their journey.  In addition to the dedicated space for wheelchair users, there is also extra space on board for pushchairs.

All of the buses are also fitted with next stop displays and audio announcements that help people with audio or visual impairments to know when to get off.

The new buses are also fitted with Real Time Information, which means that customers can track when the service will arrive, either from a stop fitted with a real time screen, using their Smart Phone by downloading the First Bus app or via First’s website. 

“Our £2.75m investment in 17 brand new buses in the Solent Rangers’ fleet is great news for our customers”

The X4 and X5 services provide half hourly journeys from Portsmouth and Gosport via Fareham to Southampton, calling at intermediary towns and villages such as Warsash, Park Gate, Locks Heath, Titchfield, Stubbington, Lee-on-the-Solent and Portchester.

Dervla McKay, General Manager, First Solent, with Cllr Seán Woodward, Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council and Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, and Marc Reddy, Managing Director of First Hampshire, Dorset and Berkshire.

Dervla McKay, General Manager of First Solent, says: “Our £2.75m investment in 17 brand new buses in the Solent Rangers’ fleet is great news for our customers and underlines our continuing commitment to offer ever better bus services throughout south Hampshire.

“Our Services X4 and X5 provide a vital link between the major conurbations along the M27 corridor. They are especially popular with people living in the towns and villages along the route who use them to travel to work or to go shopping in the major towns and cities.”

Dervla McKay adds: “These new vehicles are among the best and most eco-friendly in Hampshire, which emphasises our continuing support for our local authority partners to improve air quality for all.”