ARRIVA Buses Wales is appointing the bus testers following the introduction of 10 brand new buses – an investment of almost £1.3m.

Michael Morton, managing director for Arriva Buses Wales, said: “All the new buses will run on the 1 service between Wrexham and Chester and we’re appealing for bus users old and new to test out our new fleet.

“Whether you’re a long-standing bus user who wants to compare the buses to what you’re used to, or someone who hasn’t stepped on a bus for years, we want to hear from you.

“The bus testers will act like our own team of ‘mystery shoppers’ by scoring each journey for factors such as cleanliness, seat comfort and luggage space. In return for giving us their opinions they will receive free travel on Arriva buses for one week.”

Arriva has introduced 10 new buses, representing an investment of £1.3m into services in Wrexham.

Michael added: “The appeal for bus testers is part of our ongoing campaign to promote bus travel. We have made a significant investment to bring clean, modern vehicles that make taking the bus easier for everyone. However, things can always be improved and appointing bus testers seemed like the perfect way of listening to our customers’ views.

“Hopefully the feedback will help us to continually improve our services and demonstrate the number of situations in which taking the bus can be value for money, as well as a convenient choice over the car. Hopefully, at the end of the trial, some of the long standing car drivers will be converted to catching the bus!”

All 10 new buses will run on the 1 service between Wrexham and Chester, which operates every 10 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime and every half hour during the evening and on Sundays.

Residents interested in becoming a bus tester should email bustester@arriva.co.uk for more information.