THE wheels of a brand new bus service for University of Southampton students and local residents have been officially set in motion.

The first two custom-built buses in the new uni-link bus fleet have been running between the city centre and the university's campuses for the past two weeks.

A total of nine new models, all single-decker, are being phased in over the coming two months which will replace the buses currently running on uni-link routes.

The new fleet is one of a number of improvements to the uni-link service agreed with bus operator Accord, which runs uni-link in partnership with the university. Uni-link buses run on routes linking the university's campuses in the city and carry members of the public as well as university staff and students.

University of Southampton transport manager, John Waugh, says he is delighted with the new buses.

He said: "Although they've been designed and constructed specifically for the university, these buses are not just for staff and students of the university, but anyone who wants to travel on the routes they use. We've tried to incorporate as many state-of-the-art features as possible to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for passengers."

The new buses have room to seat 70 passengers and all have low-floor easy access and room for two wheelchairs, buggies or luggage. CCTV systems are also included for safety and security.

Electronic destination systems feature on the front, side and rear, and full route maps and electronic boards will be on display.

The buses have public address systems on board and are even double-glazed.