We’re all floor this!

The new ‘lo-floor’ bus from Herberts Travel came into service last Friday (April 1) and includes an air pressure system which can lower the bus and also produce a ramp on demand.

The Dennis Dart vehicle is being used for the 185 and 187 services, which travel around Biggleswade.

Dave Dougall, director at Herberts Travel, which is based in Shefford, said: “The Mini Pointer Dennis Dart bus is a bit smaller than most of the others as it has seats for around 27 passengers rather than the usual 41.

“Its air compression system means that parents with pushchairs and buggies will not have to lift them up as at the push of a button the bus’s floor can be lowered so it is closer to the ground.

“If a ramp is required for a wheelchair user there is also a function that will produce one at the door for the person to use.”

The new service has proved a hit with passengers so far and has seen plenty of use, Dave said.

He added: “The 185 and 187 are hourly services and we have buses operating on the routes from 9.10am to 4.50pm. They travel through a large part of Biggleswade and go to the town centre so they are always popular services.”

The smaller size of the bus makes it easier for it to access Biggleswade bus station in the market square.

Dave said: “It can get quite busy at the station with so many buses coming and going, so a smaller bus does make it a bit easier.

“We would encourage passengers to use the new service as much as possible, as we no longer receive subsidies from Central Bedfordshire Council after the budget cuts.”