Easy Access to Europe15 August 2006 A new National Express coach service opening up European travel to people in a wheelchair will be launched by Roger Helmer, Member of the European Parliament for the East Midlands in Nottingham today at 1pm (15 August). The 767 Nottingham and Leicester to Luton and Stansted airports is the first route in the UK to offer accessible travel on an exclusive National Express coach offering benefits including leather seats and air conditioning. The service operates directly to both airports six times a day from Nottingham Broadmarsh Bus Station and additionally serves Leicester, Luton and Hertford. Five new generation easy access coaches, representing an investment of £2million, are the result of three years research and development by National Express and feature a wheelchair lift incorporated into the passenger entrance. Mike Lambden, Head of Corporate Affairs at National Express said, "Today represents a significant milestone in National Express’ history. After a sustained process of developing a service that suits the needs of our customers, we are delighted to be able to provide accessible transport to the airport for not only people in a wheelchair but also for people with mobility impairments and the elderly." Roger Helmer, Member of the European Parliament for the East Midlands said, "This is a wonderful breakthrough to ease the lives of disabled people and that will help make European travel both more accessible and more enjoyable. I am delighted that one of the first routes will be from Nottingham and Leicester in the East Midlands." The new generation easy access coach features a wider entrance and a completely flat floor throughout the coach to aid mobility for all. Other features include reclining leather seats, air conditioning and a large toilet. A program of other coach routes around the UK is being put in place which will see the entire UK-wide National Express network being fully accessible for the time of the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics. -ENDS- For more information please contact Joy Williams on 0121 423 8716 or 07795 267 453. Back to top Please use the browser 'close' button (top right) to close this window. |