Uno Buses officially launched

The social enterprise began operation of services in September with the introduction of nine Uno buses on routes 18 and 19 in a move to create an improved bus service for students, staff and the local community. One million passenger journeys per year are predicted to be undertaken on the two routes which link the University campuses with Northampton town centre, bus and train stations.

As part of the University of Northampton’s commitment to provide more sustainable travel options, the services have already seen improvements including the increase in buses from two per hour to five per hour on the number 19 service. Further improvements are planned for January including the introduction of a new rapid route which will link the University’s Park Campus with the town centre every 15 minutes.

University of Northampton Vice Chancellor, Professor Nick Petford said: “Since the introduction of the new Uno Northampton services at the beginning of September, the popularity of the services with students, staff and the general public has grown from strength to strength. Not only is the venture keeping entirely with the social enterprise mission of the University, but all the profits are re-invested back into the Universities, which hugely benefits the students.

“The new direct service, numbered route 21, will relieve pressure on route 19 and also meet the demands of students, staff and visitors for a more direct service into the town centre. With the establishment of our new University Technical Colleges in Silverstone and Daventry and the importance of working even more closely with our associated FE Colleges, Uno buses will continue to serve the community. I look forward to this new and exciting joint venture taking an even more prominent role in providing reliable transport via new additional routes across the county in 2013.”