Epsom Coaches Group has given preferred bidder status to Optare for the supply of seven new buses for operation of Transport for London route 470, between Epsom and Colliers Wood.
The firm’s Quality Line bus operating division has run the route since its inception as the S7 in 2002. Starting in November 2012, the new five-year contract will also bring with it an enhanced timetable, extending the evening services until 2030hrs, along with a brand new fleet of buses.
Steve Appleby, fleetcare services manager, said the process for selection of the new buses was exacting, with the views of drivers, engineers and passengers being taken into consideration.
Steve added: “We’ve chosen Optare as our supplier on this occasion and will be introducing for the first time on London routes, the Optare Solo SR, an upgraded version of the long established Solo range. These new buses will provide larger and more accessible vehicles on this popular service and join our existing bus fleet which majors on Optare products. We have worked closely with Optare to research the requirements of this route. Subject to a route test and some specification changes, we look forward to taking delivery of the buses in early November.”
