First of the smart new buses came into service yesterday

The first seven new buses of the EMT (Municipal Transport Company) entered into service yesterday morning. Two will cover Linea 15, which goes from Plaza de la Reina to Playa de Palma and Arenal; two Linea 3, from the Plaza España to Illetas and one each for Línea 5 (Plaza España to Son Dureta), Linea 7 (Son Vida) and Línea 8 (Son Roca). Most of the passengers were caught unawares when they saw the new buses arrive. Not only are they quieter and more comfortable but they are also different colours - the EMT has decided to change its corporate image and logo at the same time, so the new buses are blue and grey. Three or four new buses are due to come into service this week, and a further 20 buses will arrive on the island within a fortnight. The city council wants the new buses used on all the EMT routes, and will gradually withdraw its oldest buses, a process which has already started. The old buses will be sent to Third World countries. The new fleet of buses includes two electric vehicles which will be used in the historical centre. But the route of these buses, which are nine metres long, will be affected by the road works which are being carried out in the Plaza España.