Our SPY Reporter has fresh photos of the new Greyhound Prevost X3-45 coaches being added to the First Group fleet. The exterior is a deep sky blue metallic tone with a chrome 3D greyhound logo in the center, and chrome 3D lettering toward the front.

All coaches offer wireless internet access, 110V outlets at every seatback, more legroom (coaches have 50 seats as opposed to the standard 54 on Prevost), leather upholstery, easy recliner handles, nylon strap cup-holders, ADA Lift equipment, PowerVue GPS data monitors for fleet and driver information, SmartWheel technology with jake brake and cruise control, 6-speed allison transmission, a sturdy plexiglass driver protection compartment, tag axle lift for tight turns and snow traction.

In addition, responding to national safety advocates all passenger seats have retractable safety belts making Greyhound Lines the first major intercity carrier to offer standard seatbelts on their new coaches in the United States . Also, emergency windows are staggered throughout the Prevost cabin, alternating with stationary windows. These emergency escape windows are smaller than previous styles which should help reduce ejections in catastrophic events.

The only negatives include: sturdy passenger seats are too rigid, chrome wheels are missing center caps, the ADA Lift takes up too much luggage space in the rear luggage compartment, and flatscreen monitors have been removed.

After decades of constant change in ownership, it seems First Group is making some welcome changes to the intercity bus landscape with this new design.

Click attachments below for photos.