Ashford has got 10 new single-deck buses in a new partnership to improve public transport.

Dedicated to run on The A Line route between Ashford town centre and Singleton and Stanhope, the county council has invested £900,000 on the new buses.

They are aimed at improving the frequency of a number of services on routes formerly numbered 3, 5, 508 and 528.

VIPs from borough and county councils and the region’s premier bus operator Stagecoach launched them in Elwick Square on Monday before moving into County Square to sign a Quality Bus Partnership designed to plan the future of transport in the area.

Regional managing director of Stagecoach east Kent, Phil Medlicott, said the investment made by the county council will attract more passengers to use the enhanced routes.

He said: “Comfortable seating, wheelchair and child buggy access combined with improved bus stops and shelters with raised kerbs are all key initiatives that help to boost passenger growth.”