Press releases

Arriva plc, one of the UK’s leading bus operators, today confirmed it has placed orders for its UK bus business which will see more than 500 new buses come into service during 2009. The orders represent a second year of significant fleet renewal and growth by the group with investment totalling more than £130m over 2008 and 2009.

The buses for delivery in 2009, ordered from a number of manufacturers, represent an investment of some £70 million. They are being deployed across the group’s UK businesses in North East and North West England, Yorkshire, the Midlands, South East and Southern England, Scotland, Wales and London.

Arriva’s group technical services director Mark Bowd said: “This is a further major investment by Arriva which demonstrates the company’s commitment to further improving the reliability and standards of our bus services. We are continuing our work with a range of suppliers to ensure our businesses have the flexibility to provide even better services for customers, with buses which cater to their needs.

“Buses offer great value for people travelling in and out of towns and cities and we hope this investment will contribute towards attracting more people to the bus when they see the comfort, convenience and environmental benefits that bus travel can offer.”

The range of new vehicles being brought into service next year will also include features such as the latest Euro 5 compliant engines, CCTV as standard and easy-access low floor entry.