Someth1ng is happening in Heanor...

Heanor has, over the past six months or so become a key battleground town in the competition between Trent Barton and Yourbus. It’s hardly surprising, seeing as the town is home to the head office of both companies. And whilst all competitive routes are being well fought out, the H1/Y1 competition has resulted in a lot of changes, at the expense of the accounts of both companies, but undoubtedly to the benefit of passengers along the corridor.

Most of the current fleet has been in use for five years but this bus was added a few months ago to increase the frequency to four buses an hour

In December 2008, the four 2001 Optare Solos were taken off H1. Wearing their third variation of the livery for the direct Derby to Heanor service, they were no longer big enough for the amount of people using the service. The Scania Wrightbus Solars proudly proclaimed that the new additions to the H1 fleet boasted 30% more seats, to make sure everyone could have a comfortable journey.

This one's personal: a new fleet for Heanor's H1

And that’s what’s been provided ever since. The usual Trent Barton standard, complete with bright airy interiors and a friendly team of drivers (including one who has an uncanny resemblance to Mr Mango…)

"The H1 team are fantastic, they’re the number one reason when we ask our customers why they choose to travel on H1 compared to our competitors” Alex Hornby. The nostalgist in me particularly likes this rear ad, given the route's former nickname of "the happy 1"

However, at the start of August last year, the H1 gained some company, at least along the more frequent and popular Heanor to Derby stretch. As part of their network expansion, Yourbus introduced a brand new fleet of Mercedes Citaros on their new Y1 route, complete with free Wi-Fi and a matched 20 minute frequency. This was serious competition for the route, and I (with my limited knowledge on figures) wondered just how H1 would fare; would the low fares and new buses win over vast sums of customers? Or would people stick with what they knew?

"We do Derby direct...

In order to keep control of this busy corridor, Trent Barton had to offer something different and more attractive, and they’ve made every effort to do just that. Firstly, an extra bus was drafted in to create a better frequency. That means more flexibility and less waiting for customers which is very likely to appeal. Then came fare deals, such as half price travel after 7pm and on Sundays and £1 trips for students travelling between Derby and Broomfield College. These would have appealed to vital sections of the customer base and may well have encouraged those who would usually use alternative transport to try the bus, thus growing the market in general.

...but we'll also take you back to Heanor via the quick route"

But none of that is as significant as the £600,000 investment made into brand new, state of the art buses for the route. They went into service yesterday, having been on show in both Heanor and Derby over the course of the weekend.

A lot of thought has gone into the presentation of the interiors, from the coves to the rear wall

Whilst I admit I have had to watch from afar (mainly via flickr), the new buses do look fantastic. Clearly a lot of effort has gone into the passenger experience, and the five Optare Versas look very modern and stylish, thanks to the new(ish) Trent Barton brand. Customers will now also benefit from high speed Wi-Fi, "the fastest Wi-fi we can get," according to Alex Hornby. They’ll also never miss their stop, thanks to next-stop displays inside the buses, nor will they miss their bus coming thanks to a Trent Barton first; full colour LED destination displays.

The new sh1ny buses have "wow factor" according the MD Jeff

The introduction of the new buses will no doubt put the H1 back into a very strong position in the Heanor to Derby battle. They've given the route vast sums of publicity and provide a passenger experience unparalleled in the industry. Despite a recent increase in the frequency of the Y1, the introduction of the new buses to the H1 will no doubt keep the route as a firm favourite for the locals of Heanor.

All the photos are from Matt Burley. 

To see Matt's fantastic video about the launch, take a look on the Trent Barton play Youtube feed here.