Fylde operator Archway Travel has taken delivery of nine new Alexander Dennis Enviro200 single-decker buses and a single used example for its first venture into local service operation.
The new vehicles have been supplied on five-year rental arrangements by Asset Alliance Group, while the used bus has been funded by the same supplier on a hire-purchase agreement.
They have been put to work on Lancashire County Council contracted services 74 and 75 between Archway’s hometown of Fleetwood and Preston. Managing Director Sam Archer says that the venture “could be a real gamechanger for our business” and that Asset Alliance was “the first call I made” after notification of the tender win.
Seating 30 passengers, the new buses are each 8.9m long and have a Voith automatic gearbox along with Alexander Dennis SmartSeats. Fylde Villager branding is carried on a bespoke livery, while contactless payment is offered and an app for passengers has been developed.
Mr Archer adds that starting with new buses from the get-go was seen as important by Archway Travel. “Via the rental option, Asset Alliance Group was able to deliver the vehicles quickly,” he continues.
“We sourced one used vehicle from another operator, but we wanted the majority of the service fleet to be new as it gives you that reliability and peace of mind. The two routes are quite rural, going through lots of country lanes, so we needed buses we could rely on.”
Asset Alliance has worked with Archway for some time. National Sales Manager Scott Burke says that the supplier takes pride in assisting the family-owned Fleetwood operator in going from strength to strength.
“It was a pleasure to be able to work with it again on this latest deal, marking a significant moment in Archway’s history,” adds Mr Burke.
The business engaged in a major recruitment process for the new services, with Mr Archer having recently commented how important a strong company culture has been in that exercise.
