Multiple bus operators have stepped in to provide alternatives after Arriva closed its depots in Aylesbury and High Wycombe following service on Saturday 27 July.
Carousel introduced 14 routes in Buckinghamshire from the following day, while sister Go-Ahead subsidiary Oxford Bus Company had already debuted a 280 between its home city and Thame earlier in the month.
Independent Redline Buses also made changes from the end of July to take up some work dropped by Arriva. That includes a new 300 service between Aylesbury and High Wycombe to complement ‘express’ provision by Redline between those towns, and a frequency uplift on its X20 between Aylesbury and Oxford.
Redline has also joined the Wycombe Smartzone multi-operator ticketing scheme that already includes Carousel Buses. Meanwhile, Reading Buses introduced route 28 between Henley and Reading following Arriva’s withdrawal. Arriva continues to operate a small number of services into Buckinghamshire from other depots.
Carousel Buses says it has invested £2.5 million in infrastructure and resources to take up the former Arriva work. It undertook a major recruitment exercise and secured an additional 35 vehicles and increased depot space prior to the change.
Among those fleet additions are Alexander Dennis Enviro200s recently returned off-lease by First Bus, Enviro400s formerly with National Express West Midlands, and Volvo B7RLE single-deckers that last operated for Xplore Dundee.
Carousel Managing Director Luke Marion has thanked Buckinghamshire Council and other stakeholders for supporting the transition since Arriva announced its proposed closure of Aylesbury and High Wycombe depots. He says that such collaboration has led to “a positive outcome” for bus passengers.
Adds Mr Marion: “It is fantastic to see the new services go live, ensuring that South Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas continue to have the public transport network people need to get around sustainably.
“We have worked hard and quickly following the sad news of Arriva’s depot closures to reassure people and undertake the extensive investment and operational preparations required to deliver the new services.
“This has included the creation of a large number of new jobs and a major investment in our fleet and depots to provide better vehicles and increase services for our customers. I hope people feel reassured that we are committed to making the new network a success.”
In announcing the proposed closure of both depots, Arriva said that despite extensive efforts, both remained lossmaking.
