FIRST Buses has invested more than £3.5 million on 19 new vehicles for its Chelmsford fleet to improve reliability.
Fifteen shiny "Chelmsford City" buses mean many of First's older vehicles, which are prone to breaking down, will be scrapped.
The Chronicle has been overwhelmed with complaints from passengers over the past six months with long delays at the centre of the most grievances.
But bosses at First say the new buses, which cost £120,000 each and will operate on various routes including 45, 54 and 56, will "eliminate" issues of reliability.
Regional managing director Nigel Barrett said: "These new vehicles represent a significant investment in our Chelmsford services.
"Chelmsford is a growing city that demands a regular and reliable bus service, and by introducing these brand new vehicles we are able to meet and exceed our customers' expectations."
The new buses all have CCTV, E-Leather seats, low floor access, low emissions, and "Chelmsford City" liveries, plus "Euro 5" engines to help reduce their impact on the environment.
First has also introduced four new ADL Enviro 350 hybrid vehicles, which run on both diesel and electricity, which bus company bosses say not only reduce emissions, but also give a smoother and less noisy ride.
The four hybrids will be seen along route 42, which serves Chelmsford, Galleywood and Broomfield Hospital.
General manager Charlotte Whitfield will launch the new buses at a special event at Broomfield Hospital at 11am on April 2, where bus users will have the chance to quiz her over First's local services.
She said: "We are hugely excited about the arrival of the hybrid vehicles into Chelmsford.
"By bringing in new, environmentally friendly buses, we are able to provide greener, cleaner, quieter and smoother journeys to our customers in Essex, while ensuring our carbon footprint remains low.
"I'm also very interested to personally introduce the buses to the local people, and answer any questions they may have."
Essex County Councillor Derrick Louis, Cabinet member for Highways and Transportation said: "Bus services are very important to local communities and I welcome the investment into this service, particularly with the introduction of more environmentally friendly hybrid buses."
