Thames Travel has completed the refurbishment of its depot in Didcot to accommodate Pearces Coaches, which was bought by parent company Go-Ahead earlier this year.
The upgrade has increased the size of the yard via new surfacing, and improved office and rest facilities for staff. It also includes improved technology in the control room.
Wantage MP Olly Glover was present to officially mark the completion of work as Pearces becomes part of Oxford Bus Group.
The move also coincides with Thames Travel increasing its services in the area.
Mr Glover was given a tour of the facilities by Luke Marion, Thames Travel Managing Director, and Martin Dean, Go-Ahead Group Managing Director, UK Regional Bus.
Mr Marion says: “We’re pleased to have introduced extensive improvements to our depot, thanks to a significant investment by our parent company, The Go-Ahead Group.
“The changes have improved our working environment and enabled us to successfully complete the integration of our Pearces colleagues into our group and welcome them to Didcot.
“Several of the improvements followed valued feedback from colleagues which we listened to and acted on.
“It looks fantastic, and the changes have been well-received. The increase in the size of our yard will also enable us to expand our fleet and continue to improve our network where possible.”
Mr Glover adds: “It was a pleasure to open the fantastic new facilities for staff at the Didcot depot.
“Access to convenient, frequent and affordable buses is vital for employment and quality of life, particularly in rural areas which, of course, cannot happen without bus drivers.
“Nationally, the Liberal Democrats are campaigning to replace multiple funding streams with one integrated fund for local authorities to expand bus services, but in the meantime, I am pleased to see Oxfordshire County Council using funds from the temporary congestion charge to work with bus operators to improve routes like the X2 and X32 and trial free park-and-ride services.”
