A FLEET of state-of-the-art buses will transport athletes to and from Commonwealth Games venues in Bolton and Manchester.
The 95 vehicles were unveiled at a grand ceremony by Mark Lewis-Francis, the world's fastest teenager and England's 100-metre medal prospect.
He was the first athlete to board one of the brand new vehicles, unveiled by transport operator First as part of an £11 million investment.
Bus drivers from the firm's 27 bus companies across the UK have been asked to volunteer for the Games.
More than 140 drivers from Greater Manchester will be joined by 130 others from as far away as Penzance, Aberdeen and Swansea.
Francis Done, chief executive of Manchester 2002, added: "This is a superb fleet of buses that will ensure the athletes have a first class experience."
During the Games the 95 specially liveried buses will operate over more than 50 different routes, carry more than 9,000 athletes, officials and media workers and serve 24 destinations.
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