Arriva is consulting with trade unions as it explores options for the closure of its depot in the Surrey town due to declining passenger numbers
Arriva has announced to employees at its Guildford depot that it is proposing to close it by the end of this year. The depot forms part of Arriva Kent and Surrey and is part of the Arriva UK Bus South division.
A spokesperson for Arriva UK Bus told CBW: “We can confirm Arriva is proposing closure of our depot in Guildford. We are now working with our trade unions partners and our Guildford employees on options available, as we look to safeguard jobs and re-deploy as many people as possible.
“Decisions like this are extremely difficult and are not taken lightly, however Arriva Guildford has unfortunately experienced an ongoing decline in passenger numbers over recent years, even prior to Covid-19, and despite every effort to achieve efficiencies, our Guildford operation is no longer sustainable.
“Arriva will be offering every support to our Guildford employees and we continue to work closely with Surrey County Council to explore alternative options, which could safeguard services for the local community.”
The move follows on from the closure of Arriva Kent and Surrey’s Sheerness depot in June of this year. The closure of Guildford depot would leave the company with three remaining depots in Gillingham, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.
