Bus giant Arriva has invested more than £1.7 million in eco-friendly public transport for Medway.

The company has bought twelve single-decker buses, with increased fuel-efficiency and reduced emissions.

It is hoped the new fleet will help improve air quality in the area.

The buses, which cost £143,000 each, are said to boast ‘new standards of comfort’ and will feature free Wi-Fi, leather seats and LED lighting.

The new vehicles will be mainly used on the 136 route between Chatham and Gravesend, the 166 route between Chatham, Luton and Lords Wood and the 181 route between Chatham, Luton, Wayfield and Weeds Wood.

Arriva’s Regional Publicity Manager, Richard Lewis, said “We are delighted to once again be investing in Medway as part of our ongoing vehicle replacement policy.

“Last year we invested £1.8 million in fifteen new buses for our Gillingham depot and we will be making a further significant investment later this year in new high-quality double-deckers for the 101 service between Maidstone and Medway.

“Our fleet already meets stringent regulations on exhaust emissions that are helping to cut pollution in Medway and other places that we serve and these new buses for the services to Luton, Lords Wood and Weeds Wood service will go one step further to improving air quality in Medway”

Full details of Arriva’s services in the Medway area can be found online at arrivabus.co.uk/medway or by calling 0344 800 4411.