Stephensons of Essex has welcomed the arrival of five new Alexander Dennis Enviro200 single-decker buses, four of which are for use on its service 90 from Witham to Maldon.
Presenting two of the vehicles at a special launch at the Museum of Power in Maldon, the operator says the investment of £1 million shows a strong commitment to the rural community.
The additions to the fleet follow the introduction of nine new Enviro200 buses, three of which were put into operation on the 23a service in the Southend area last year.
Stephensons Operations Manager Ryan Scott says the business is pleased with last year’s new acquisitions and adds that the latest examples, which are 9.6m in length and include 33 seats, are ideal for the twisty roads between the two Essex towns.
“Last year we invested in vehicles from Alexander Dennis and we were very impressed with the product,” he says. “In total we have invested £2 million in the Essex area in the past two years, which shows our commitment to the community and raises the age profile of our fleet.”
Speaking of a “well-loved and well-used” service 90, he adds: “Being a rural route, you need the buses to be as reliable as possible. The 33-seaters are a perfect size for the route.”
“I think the new buses will go down very well with the public. We saw a great uptake on our 23a service when we put the new buses in and I don’t see it being any different here.”
The increase in the size of the fleet to 129 buses coincides with Stephensons announcing an increase in frequency to its 38a service, which links with the 90.
Thanks to Bus Service Improvement Plan funding via Essex County Council’s “Thrive” project, buses on that route will run every 20 minutes rather than 30 minutes Monday to Friday, from 12 April.
Stephensons is proud to serve a rural county and, in the words of Mr Scott, “run a lot of places that most operators wouldn’t go”.
“The people in between Maldon and Witham deserve a service and we’re often a lifeline, especially for older people to get them to the local town or the station,” he says.
“The Alexander Dennis buses we got last year are very reliable, and drivers and passengers love them. I’m hoping this investment we’ve made in the last two years of close to £2 million shows that we are committed to our passengers.”
