NEW single-deckers are set to hit the streets for one of Blackburn’s best-used bus routes.

Bosses at Transdev say 12 new buses are on order for the number one service, which runs between Blackburn, Darwen and Bolton.

Scarborough-based Alexander Dennis are providing the additions to the Blackburn Bus Company’s fleet, as part of a wider £3.5m investment programme by the northern operator.

Alex Hornby, Transdev’s chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to be buying British again with our exciting new buses in 2019, as we continue in our mission to provide an amazing travel experience across the north.

“Our vision is to create a desire to travel, with customers feeling proud to be seen on our buses, and these impressive new buses will help us to surpass even the most demanding customer expectations.

“At Transdev, we place our customers at the heart of everything we do, and each of our new buses now on order will offer several new and never seen before features for them to enjoy.”

Colin Robertson, Alexander Dennis’ chief executive, added: “When an award-winning operator like Transdev Blazefield chooses our single-deck buses, it’s a resounding endorsement of our continual investment in product and technology development.

“It has been a pleasure to develop their amazing specification with the Transdev team. We will build these buses in the North of England at our Scarborough factory and Transdev will benefit from our best-in-class after-market support.”

The company has also placed an order with Northern Ireland bus manufacturer Wright for five of their Streetdeck double-deckers, which will be deployed on the Cityzap service, running between Leeds and York. That route has already been used by 250,000 people in its first year alone.

One of the firm’s last major investments in East Lancashire’s bus network was last August, when 16 single-deckers were confirmed.

The £3million deal was announced for Rosso, shortly after the Haslingden-based company was acquired by Transdev, for the 464 service, operating between Accrington, Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Bacup and Rochdale.

On that occasion, Leeds-based Optare built the vehicles, which offered fast wifi, wireless charging and USB power points for travellers.

Earlier in the year Optare had also provided Transev with 30 buses for the Mainline services, which link Burnley with Pendle, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley.