by Hayley Longster
A fleet of new “techno” buses were welcomed into Leeds yesterday by a futuristic friend.
Seventeen state of the art ‘Arriva MAX’ buses will run on the 202/203 route serving Huddersfield, Mirfield, Dewsbury, White Rose Shopping Centre and Leeds.
The buses will include leather seats, free wifi and an app which will allow passengers to live track their journey. Users will also be able to pinpoint the precise location of their bus, so they can avoid missing it.
8 foot tall Titan – who has appeared on stage with Rihanna and JLS and also at the Commonwealth Games – sang songs, cracked jokes, and even plucked a rose from his metal heart to give to an onlooker at the launch at White Rose Shopping Centre yesterday.
When he approached, children from the nearby Westerton Primary and Bywell Church of England Junior schools responded with squeals of delight.
Jon Croxford, 30, General Manager of Arriva’s Dewsbury Depot, said: “Titan has been our representative now at several of our launch events. He’s a great draw for people, and even has groupies who follow him around the country.”
Titan is not actually a robot. He is a very sophisticated mechanical costume worn by an actor, though it is hard to tell even at close range. His legs are completely human powered.
However it is the futurism and technological advancement he represents that Arriva are keen to associate with their new fleet.
Nigel Featham, regional managing director for Arriva Yorkshire said: “The Arriva MAX concept will lift the quality of the 202/203 service even further and enhance the journey experience for all customers. With departures every 15 minutes, and with some weekly tickets working out at less than £2 per day, this service is a great way to get around.”