A LOCAL bus firm is introducing all mod cons for passengers in the Borders.

Borders Buses are currently trialling the latest high-spec vehicles across a number of popular routes.

As well as introducing airline executive-style seating, USB charging stations, dimmable LED lighting and fold down tables, several of the vehicles have sky roof ceilings and wireless bell pushes.

Feedback from passengers will determine what the future fleet will look like.

Nicola Morrison, director for West Coast Motors, said: “We continuously strive to offer an affordable and comfortable travel option and have been overwhelmed by the level of feedback we have received from our loyal customers.

“Our bus routes are shaped around customer demand, and the next obvious step is to ensure the vehicle types and facilities both on and off-bus also meet with our customers travel requirements and expectations.

“From customer research we recognise comfort, luggage space and the use of technologies such as WiFi and USB charging stations is important, especially on longer distance journeys.

“With this in mind, we are trialling several bus and coach types on key lines of route to establish if those vehicles provide our customers with a compelling alternative to car or rail.”

During the summer Borders Buses - which is owned by West Coast Motors - carried out a series of drop-in sessions and also issued feedback surveys to better understand customers’ travel requirements and make improvements.

Over the past couple of weeks they have trialled a number of their high-spec vehicles, including an Enviro400 City double decker and an Irizar i6 coach.

A full review of all routes is being conducted by Border Buses with more vehicles expected to be tested over the coming weeks and months.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, transport spokesman for Scottish Borders Council, told us: “I’m delighted to hear Borders Buses continues to invest in its fleet, and look forward to seeing these high-spec vehicles in operation across the region.

“This announcement is further proof of West Coast Motors’ commitment to providing an improved bus service for the Borders, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them to achieve this aim.”

The Enviro400 City vehicle was tested for two weeks on service X62 - Melrose to Edinburgh via Peebles - and X70 - Peebles to Edinburgh - as a demonstrator vehicle on loan from bus manufacturer, Alexander Dennis.

The Enviro400 has airline-style seating, seat backs fitted with wireless bell pushes, USB stations, dimmable LED lights and fold down tables. The spacious upper deck has fixed tables and a sky roof ceiling.

The Irizar i6 is a high-end coach, now owned by Border Buses, which has been operating service X70 - Peebles to Edinburgh - and the Carlisle to Galashiels section of service X95.

It is a low emission coach offering free WiFi and designed for customer comfort .

Border Buses will also be launching a mobile app this month allowing users to access bus times, buy tickets and track their bus using a live tracking system.

To provide feedback on the trial vehicles contact Borders Buses at info@bordersbuses.co.uk