WELWYN HATFIELD bus passengers travelling towards Heathrow Airport or Harlow will benefit from a £1.3million boost spent on upgrading buses on the 724 route.

A partnership formed by BAA Heathrow, Hertfordshire County Council and Arriva buses has funded the purchase of nine new single-decker buses which have started operating this month.

Passengers will now be able to enjoy air conditioning, tinted windows and the security of CCTV.

The buses also have environmentally friendly engines and have now been made wheelchair and buggy accessible so all passengers including commuters, shoppers and students have easy access.

Arriva Hertfordshire's managing director Keith Spicer said: "Whether you're using the service to visit one of the many major local towns en route or want to take advantage of the cost effective access to Heathrow Airport Green Line 724 provides, the improvements will make an already excellent service better and more comfortable to use."

As well as the new buses there will also be a revised timetable offering faster journey times, new bus stop signs and clearer passenger information at bus stops.