First Bus increases capacity on Sheffield-Maltby service

First Bus has announced from today (Monday 29 September) it is restoring the use of double-decker buses on its X1 Sheffield-Maltby service to increase customer capacity.

The bus operator has trialled the use of single deckers on the route since the summer to help reduce damage to its vehicles caused by overhanging trees, but passenger monitoring revealed that larger vehicles are needed to satisfy demand.

The return of double-deckers will mean a diversion to avoid Middle South Lane where the problem of overgrown trees remains.

Ste Brito-Coll, Commercial Development Manager of First Bus in South Yorkshire, said: “We’re confident customers will welcome the double-decker buses as this will not only ensure a better journey experience, but also help us to build back usage on the route and encourage new users.

“We appreciate that the diversion will mean some inconvenience for people travelling from the Middle South Lane area.

“Our team is working closely with partners in the Combined Authority to find a solution to the difficulties created by the trees in the hope that the full route of the X1 can be reinstated as quickly as possible. The patience and understanding of customers affected is appreciated while the diversion is in place.”   

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