Stagecoach West began operating Cheltenham's Arle Court Park and Ride Service today, providing a fleet of brand new buses with luxury and style.

A £1 million investment from Stagecoach West sees four new Stagecoach Gold buses run the route, providing quick and frequent services into Cheltenham up to every 12 minutes.

The brand new MMC E400 double deckers are not only luxurious but more environmentally friendly as well.

The new Stagecoach Gold buses will feature:

• Hand-stitched Italian designed leather seats with high backs.

• Extra leg room for greater comfort.

• Free Wi-Fi and USB charging points so customers can stay connected whilst they travel.

• Cleaner, quieter Euro 6 engines designed to cut emissions.

• New rear destination boards with extra information.

• Drivers who have undergone extra customer care training.

Return tickets to Cheltenham Town Centre will cost £3.70 for an adult, whilst two under 16s will be able to travel for free alongside a fare paying adult.

A weekly ticket will cost £13.50 when bought online or through the Stagecoach Bus App (£14 on the bus) and the 4-week ticket will cost £52 (available on bus and online).

Stagecoach West has also introduced the convenient option of contactless payment on all of its buses.

Stagecoach West Managing Director Rupert Cox said: "We are delighted to be operating the Arle Court Park and Ride and are determined to provide the best service we possibly can for our customers.

"With parking charges continuing to rise in Cheltenham, the Park and Ride offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative to driving into the centre. It also helps to ease the congestion on our busy urban roads.

"We have made a significant investment in the new buses to ensure they are fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. The latest engine technology will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 90% compared to older buses.

"We hope that by providing more luxurious travel, it will encourage even more people to take the hassle out of driving into the town centre by using the quick and convenient Park and Ride service."

Pictured left to right: Philip Williams, Gloucestershire County Council lead commissioner; Kevan Blackadder, Cheltenham Business Improvement District; Cheltenham Borough Council leader Cllr Steve Jordan; Rupert Cox, MD of Stagecoach West; Gloucestershire County Councillor Nigel Moor and Tom Main, county council transport operations manager.