The popular rainbow 4 bus service between Nottingham and Derby will soon be given a fresh new look with the introduction of state-of-the art, designer buses and distinctive new branding.
What’s more our customers were the centre of attention at the launch of the new i4 buses that replace the rainbow 4 from the end of May.
The new look buses feature photographs of regular users of the service, and many of them joined us and Gillian Merron, Chair of Bus Users UK, at a special event in Nottingham to mark the launch of i4.
Gillian Merron, Chair of Bus Users UK joins Alex Hornby (left), Commercial Director and Managing Director Jeff Counsell at the launch.
Alex Hornby, Commercial Director, explained: “A few weeks ago we invited customers along to a photoshoot to be the faces of the new bus for Nottingham and Derby.
“We’re passionate about our customers; and the i4 is a product built around them. So, who else better to promote our services than the customers who live along the route?
“The response was great and we welcomed those who took part in the photoshoot to our launch in Nottingham, including Matilda Cole and Lowri Billing who got to see their over-sized replicas on the back of the new i4 buses.”
Four year-old Matilda from Sandiacre said: “It’s great, I’ve got my own bus called Matilda.” Her Mum, Kay Cole, added: “We are so proud, the whole family have been to see Matilda’s bus, this was a great idea. Matilda certainly makes the back end of a bus look good.”
Lowri (21) from Stapleford was equally thrilled. “It’s so exciting, my friends won’t believe I’m on the back of a bus,” she said. I live in Stapleford and will travel on the i4 bus route every day, even the mayor of Stapleford wanted his photo taken with me. It’s been a really fun experience.”
First seen at Coach & Bus Live – the bus industry’s equivalent of the motor show – the 12-metre buses, designed by us in conjunction with UK bus manufacturer Optare, have seating for 41 people, on seats trimmed in a specially designed fabric with leather headrests. There’s also space for a further 44 standing passengers.
As well as enjoying a comfortable ride with generous knee-room, customers can now enjoy a quieter journey thanks to double-glazed windows. Meanwhile security and safety is boosted by an on-board, six-camera CCTV system.
Alex continued: “With their eye-catching design and distinctive branding, i4 buses look set to become a familiar sight on our local roads.
“We’re proud that this pioneering bus design sees its debut in Nottingham and Derby and we hope it will encourage more people to travel by bus - and be proud to do so - on a vehicle with real street presence.”