Ilkeston is to get a more luxurious and frequent ilkeston flyer service thanks to a £150,000 investment by trentbarton in extra buses that will run earlier in the morning and later at night.

The ilkeston flyer, which flies from Ilkeston and Cotmanhay to Derby, is seeing its fleet boosted by 50 per cent from four to six buses.

From 26 March, the Ilkeston flyer will have a first class new look and run up to every 15 minutes instead of the current 20 minute frequency. The boost to the ilkeston flyer has created six new driver jobs, taking the driving team to 15-strong.

The fleet will have superfast free WiFi and USB power, comfy seats and air con for a premium passenger experience.

trentbarton took some of the revamped buses to Ilkeston’s Market Place to show local people what they have to look forward to.

Erewash MP Maggie Throup and Mayor of Erewash Councillor Abey Stevenson were welcomed to the party by trentbarton managing director Jeff Counsell.

Jeff said: “ilkeston flyer has been an important link for local people for many years, whether travelling to work or play in Derby and beyond. By increasing its frequency to every 15 minutes and packing the buses with hi-tech creature comforts we’re giving customers a new level of experience.

“The first weekday service will now pick up in Cotmanhay before 6am and the last buses on Friday and Saturday nights will now leave Derby after 3am. That means even more local people will find ilkeston flyer the ideal way to get to work or home.”

Maggie Throup said: “It’s really good that we are going to have a more frequent ilkeston flyer. The buses look really good, and inside with the USB and WiFi for connectivity they are providing what customers want.

“The additional journeys in the morning, evening and weekends will help to boost the local economy, opening up access to more jobs throughout the region.”