Go-Coach hire has started a new route from Sevenoaks to Orpington.
The 431 connects Dunton Green, Knockholt, Halstead and Badgers Mount with Orpington High Street complementing TfL services in the area.
A refurbished Optare Versa is used in Go-Coach familiar yellow and purple livery. Aesys multi-colour displays have been fitted.
The service was launched at Polhill Garden Centre using one of the Go-coach Routemasters. Previously unserved by buses, a partnership between both companies has led to the garden centre paying for a new bus shelter by the entrance.
Go-Coach MD Austin Blackburn says: “Following the locally controversial decision for Arriva to withdraw its 402 north of Dunton Green, we were are more than happy to help replace it. The bus will certainly turn heads in a red-bus TfL dominated Orpington and hopefully this will lead to growth.”
Go-Coach-hire is an independent bus operator based in Sevenoaks, Kent operating 40 buses on 46 routes in North Kent.