Sky Class

Sky Class is an amazing customer experience, inspired by in-depth research and driving modal shift from cars and trains – aims were high when Transdev set out to create its premium luxury Sky Class product on two flagship branded motorway express routes: Witchway between Burnley, Rawtenstall and Manchester, and Cityzap between Leeds and York.

Turning this bold vision into reality required a £5.2 million investment, underpinned by Transdev’s dedication to raising standards above its previous best, even through the pandemic.

 

The Sky Class success story began in February 2019, with trials of an enhanced-specification Alexander Dennis (ADL) E400 bus, followed by a Mercedes Tourismo coach. Customers were encouraged to share their views on both – and crucially, on features which matter most to them – in surveys onboard and online. This all built on our experience of previous incarnations on each route, as well the industry pioneer 36 between Ripon, Harrogate and Leeds.

Sky Class interior

The main features of the Sky Class buses are as follows: 

 

  • Understanding the differing requirements and behaviours of customers and their journey types, luxury seating was set in duo and individual lounge layouts, with group and twin tables, and leather head rests in the signature colours of each route brand – red and silver for Cityzap, orange for Witchway
  • Full colour next stop displays showing live bus, Metrolink tram and train connections, as well as live arrival times at terminals
  • A brand new seating type in the UK devised in conjunction with KIEL – tall enough to be comfortable, yet short enough to maintain forward vision with enhanced legroom and unpopular backward-facing seats replaced by workstations
  • Double glazing with tinted glass for relaxing travel, plus a glazed ceiling
  • Wireless and USB mobile device charging at every seat, with fast and free Wi-Fi
  • Low emission Euro VI engines and removal of 50mph speed limiters to enable fast motorway running and improved timekeeping
  • A free onboard Book Club to swap and read titles
  • Contactless payments – including a first in the North, ‘tap and travel’ fare capping
  • Familiar voices of Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine on Witchway and BBC weatherman Paul Hudson on Cityzap, announcing next stops and customer information