Whilst I am pleased that Gardiners will be continuing the tradition I am surprised by the group to use the quote to focus on our core bus operations as this was a successful, award winning brand. It is also incredible they make no reference to operating another coach company, Selwyns, so if they support one why not both?
If they needed space at their Epsom base then an option could have been with either busses and/or coaches relocated to the Horton Lane area of Epsom where there is a lot more land available or to move either buses or coaches to a second site allowing more space to support their expansion whilst still utilising their current excellent facilities.
My concerns is operating under the RATP London banner will this result in a reduction or withdrawal from their non TfL routes? If so which company will fill the gap and will they insist on a modern fleet or like one operator in East Surrey, which I use, that operates some old and very drafty busses.
I grew up in Epsom and regularly used Epsom Coaches and Epsom Busses both with high standards, modern vehicles and I fear this move will see the standards lowered generally in the area as the benchmark maker they have to compete with withdraws for the market.
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