A NEW bus promises to give passengers on a busy Royston a route a much smoother ride. The Optare Solo bus will be used on the number 16 Royston town route. It was officially unveiled by Cllr Paul Grimes, the mayor of Royston. Rick Ellis, manager of Rich

A NEW bus promises to give passengers on a busy Royston a route a much smoother ride.

The Optare Solo bus will be used on the number 16 Royston town route. It was officially unveiled by Cllr Paul Grimes, the mayor of Royston.

Rick Ellis, manager of Richmond Coaches, who purchased the bus, said: "We've been running the number 16 since it was introduced in 1989, and usage figures are constantly on the rise."

The low-floored bus features full air suspension which gives a smoother ride, and meets DDA requirements for wheelchair and disabled access.

Terry Hutt, from the Royston Pensioners Action group, is pleased to see a "lovely new bus" on the route.

He added: "It's accessible for young mums and the elderly. This is a modern bus and modern technology.

"Richmond Coaches should be congratulated," he said.