They’re gold, they’re green and they go through Ellesmere Port.

Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire has rolled out its ‘next-generation’ brand of luxury buses, Stagecoach gold, across Liverpool, Wirral and West Cheshire following a £3m investment in its Merseyside fleet.

The 18 buses are said to feature spacious legroom, hand stitched Italian-designed leather seats and CCTV as standard and offer free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports meaning passengers will be able to stay connected while on the move.

The highly-sustainable fleet also runs off bio diesel and their Euro 5 standard engines have been designed to help cut exhaust gas emissions.

Managing director for Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire, Elisabeth Tasker, said: “This is an exciting time for the business and we’re delighted to be introducing the first Stagecoach gold buses to the region.

“Our new fleet of gold standard buses are top of the range and will deliver a new level of quality for passengers.”

'Next-generation'

She added: “We continue to significantly invest in our fleet to improve our service and passenger experience without passing on any additional cost to our customers.

“These ‘next generation’ buses will enhance connectivity, comfort and sustainability for passengers signifying our solid commitment to delivering an unbeatable, eco-friendly travel experience.”

Stagecoach gold buses will operate on the 1 and 2 service which run between Liverpool and Chester taking in popular tourist attractions including Chester Zoo, Blue Planet Aquarium and Cheshire Oaks.

Weekly tickets on gold routes will cost £13.50 for adults and just £6.80 for young people, the same as on normal Stagecoach buses.

The number 1 runs seven days a week, with up to three buses every hour during the daytime and buses up to every 30 minutes in the evening.

Combined with service 2, there is a Stagecoach bus up to every 10 minutes running through the town between Liverpool and Chester.

There is also the fast X8 using the M53.

For more information about Stagecoach buses visit www.stagecoachbus.com.

Have you travelled on one of the new gold Stagecoach buses? Let us know in the comments below.