Shoppers in Basildon, Chelmsford and Colchester joined space heroes Jeff Blastoff and Sally Shuttleride on an out of this world quest to help save the planet on Saturday, 23rd April.
As part of a series of activities organised by First Essex to help mark the launch of a new Shuttles bus networks in Basildon, Chelmsford and Colchester, young explorers were invited to join the search for clues in Colchester’s Lion Walk shopping centre, Chelmsford High Street and Basildon’s Eastgate shopping centre. There was also the chance to colour in a supersized rocket and chat with space characters in their intergalactic outfits.
The new Shuttles network is designed to provide more buses in the busiest parts of the town and in many cases offers services earlier in the morning and later into the night. The Shuttles will be clearly defined with a striking Red livery, making it easier than ever to identify the right bus for you, with the full fleet of Shuttles taking on their stylish new look over the summer.
Following the Shuttles theme, children and their families took part in the Space Rangers trail, collecting letter clues from local retailers to spell out the word Star Riders and collected prizes after completing the trail.
All the Shuttles will benefit from the new Tap&Cap system which guarantees passengers never pay more than the daily or weekly ticket price, something that has already been enjoyed by passengers on more than 338,000 trips so far.
Single fares are £2.50 for travel entirely within the Basildon and Chelmsford Shuttles zone, with a second journey at £1.50 (£1.10 within the Colchester Shuttles zone), the third and fourth journeys, in one day, at £1 each (£0.40 within the Colchester Shuttles zone) and all subsequent journeys being free that day.
Daily travel in the Basildon and Chelmsford Shuttles zone is capped at £6 for the first day, £5 for the day over the next three days and then £1 a day for days five to seven (following a seven-day period starting Mondays). This means passengers will never pay more than the daily price of £6 or weekly price of £24 a week.
Daily travel in the Colchester Shuttles zone is capped at £4.40 for the initial three days, £2.80 for the fourth day and then £1 a day for days five and six (following a seven-day period starting Mondays). Day seven is free to travel – capping the week expenditure at £18.
Return tickets are no longer available and only single and daily tickets are available from the driver with weekly and 4-weekly tickets only available via the Essex Bus app.
Garry Nicholass, Commercial Director at First Essex Buses Ltd, commented: “It was great to see so many families enjoying the chance to join in our Space Rangers trail on Saturday. It was great fun and the children loved meeting our space characters, Jeff Blastoff and Sally Shuttleride. The event also allowed us to share more details about the introduction of our Shuttles bus network and how these will help improve and simplify our services.”
