Routes are acquired, but vehicles not included and theSusexBus depot is to be knocked down for a housing development
Compass Travel (Sussex) Limited has acquired the routes of fellow south east of England independent bus operator theSussexBus.
The sale will enable Compass to integrate their mid Sussex services with these routes and provide theSussexBus staff with continued job security. Passengers will also benefit from a more flexible travel option through the Compass network. The Sale and Purchase Agreement took effect on Saturday (October 1).
Chris Chatfield, Managing Director of Compass Travel said: “I am delighted to have reached a mutual agreement with theSussexBus to continue these routes as part of our expanding network. We look forward to serving new and existing passengers.”
The Heritage Group will continue with its core activities of coach hire, coach excursions and its commercial garage, with coach and bus sales adding to the group. Russell Stepe told CBW: “Having started overnight nearly four years ago following the demise of Countryliner, we have built the network up and thoroughly enjoyed doing so. Ultimately however, personal reasons dictated that it was perhaps the right time to move on and with the closure of our original depot for a housing development, the timing of Compass Travel’s enquiry as to the purchase of the routes and agreement to continue the employment of the associated staff was too good to turn down. We have enjoyed the rollercoaster ride, ups and downs, and no doubt in the future may yet re-visit the theme park.
“This sale allows us to develop our other business interests which will now include coach and bus sales, and developing our commercial garage facilities for outside customers alongside our existing coach and excursion operation.”
Asked by CBW about vehicle and staff provision, Joe Beckley, Operations Manager at Compass Travel replied: “We’ve hired in and bought some vehicles. Those we’ve acquired include some former GHA Wrightbus-bodied Volvo B7RLEs from Ensignbus (dealer), along with several ADL Envir200s. Staff are being TUPEd across.”
Joe also revealed that route 40X has been sub-contracted to two fellow operators – Seaford & District and Southdown PSV.
