Arriva Southern Counties

Arriva Southern Counties is a bus operator providing services in Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, and Surrey, with its headquarters in Maidstone. The company is a subsidiary of Arriva, a leading European transport operator, which also owns Arriva London, Arriva Midlands, and Arriva North East. Arriva Southern Counties operates a network of bus services, connecting major towns and cities, including Tunbridge Wells, Brighton and Hove, Crawley, and Guildford. The company's services also extend to nearby cities, such as London, Canterbury, and Chichester.

● History

The history of Arriva Southern Counties dates back to the 1980s, when the company was formed as a result of the Transport Act 1985, which deregulated the bus industry in the United Kingdom. The company was initially known as Maidstone & District, and was later acquired by Cowies, a transport group that also owned British Bus. In 1997, Cowies was acquired by Arriva, which led to the formation of Arriva Southern Counties. The company has since undergone significant changes, including the acquisition of Southdown Motor Services and County Bus & Coach. Arriva Southern Counties has also worked with other transport operators, such as Stagecoach South East and Go Ahead London, to provide integrated transport services in the region.

● Operations

Arriva Southern Counties operates a range of bus services, including local and regional routes, as well as National Express coach services to destinations such as London Victoria Coach Station, Heathrow Airport, and Gatwick Airport. The company's services are designed to connect major towns and cities, as well as smaller communities, with key destinations such as Bluewater Shopping Centre, Lewisham, and Croydon. Arriva Southern Counties also operates park and ride services in partnership with local authorities, such as Kent County Council and East Sussex County Council. The company works closely with other transport operators, including Southeastern, Southern, and Thameslink, to provide seamless travel options for passengers.

● Fleet

The fleet of Arriva Southern Counties consists of a range of buses, including Alexander Dennis Enviro400, Wright StreetLite, and Volkswagen Crafter. The company has invested heavily in new vehicles, with many of its buses featuring Euro 6 engines and Wi-Fi connectivity. Arriva Southern Counties has also introduced hybrid buses and electric buses to its fleet, as part of its commitment to reducing its environmental impact. The company's buses are maintained at its depots, which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including pits and vehicle lifts. Arriva Southern Counties has also partnered with Bus & Coach Buyer and Route One to stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments.

● Services

Arriva Southern Counties operates a range of services, including the 101 and 102 routes, which connect Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells with London. The company also operates the 197 and 198 routes, which connect Crawley and Horsham with Gatwick Airport. Other key services include the 23 and 24 routes, which connect Brighton and Hove with Worthing and Littlehampton. Arriva Southern Counties has also introduced night bus services, including the N1 and N2 routes, which connect Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells with London during the evening and early morning hours. The company's services are designed to meet the needs of local communities, with many routes operating frequently throughout the day.

● Depots

Arriva Southern Counties operates a number of depots, including its main depot in Maidstone, as well as smaller depots in Tunbridge Wells, Crawley, and Horsham. The company's depots are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including fuel pumps, vehicle washes, and maintenance bays. Arriva Southern Counties has also invested in training facilities at its depots, where drivers can receive training on new vehicles and technologies. The company's depots are strategically located to enable efficient operation of its services, with many depots located near key transport hubs, such as Maidstone East railway station and Gatwick Airport. Arriva Southern Counties has also partnered with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police to provide emergency response services from its depots. Category:Bus operators in the United Kingdom