Local bus company Arriva North East has recently invested in a fleet of new buses for the X18 route along the Northumberland coast. The X18 connects Newcastle and Morpeth with Alnwick and Berwick passing through some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the country.
The bus company and the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership are asking photographers to capture shots of the new buses against the stunning backdrop of the Northumberland coast and will be offering prizes for the best photographs.
The AONB Partnership has worked with Arriva to encourage visitors to the area to use the bus instead of their car as part of their ‘car-free coast’ campaign. They think images of the new buses passing the ancient castles, fishing villages and the beautiful beaches of the Northumberland coast will encourage more visitors to use the bus.
Nick Knox, area managing director for Arriva North East said: “The X18 route is one of the most beautiful journeys in the country. The bus passes Warkworth and Bamburgh Castles, visits Craster harbour and skirts the beautiful Budle Bay on its way to Berwick. The buses are easy to spot with their new MAX liveries, we are really looking forward to seeing some great shots!”
Iain Robson from the AONB Partnership said “Getting visitors to use their cars less by walking, cycling or using the bus is one of our main aims. Using stunning images is one of the ways we can encourage more people to use the bus. Most of the major attractions now offer 20% discount to bus passengers and great-value ticket deals make bus-travel affordable”
The new buses have the MAX livery, comfortable e-leather seats, free wi-fi and are all low-floor, making them easily accessible. Most of the buses on the route are double-deckers, giving passengers fantastic views across of the coastline.
Photographers should submit their best photos by email to [email protected] by the 31st October 2015. Arriva have offered £150 prize for the winner as well as weekly bus passes for runners-up. Full details and terms and conditions can be found at www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org