Arriva Shires & Southern Counties

[Mal]

Can someone please tell me which of the above the following garages belong to as I am confused by who runs where.
Colchester, Gillingham, Maidstone, Northfleet, Southend and Ware.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Lynford1976]

Can someone please tell me which of the above the following garages belong to as I am confused by who runs where.
Colchester, Gillingham, Maidstone, Northfleet, Southend and Ware.

Many thanks in advance.

All nominally under "Southern Counties" these days, although how much is managed from Maidstone and/or Leicester is debatable.

Only Luton and Milton Keynes are on the Shires o-licence.

D.

 

[Simon75]

All nominally under "Southern Counties" these days, although how much is managed from Maidstone and/or Leicester is debatable.

Only Luton and Milton Keynes are on the Shires o-licence.

What about Stevenage and Hemel Hempstead ?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

What about Stevenage and Hemel Hempstead ?

Only Luton and Milton Keynes are on the Shires O license. The rest are ASC - see DVSA operator search.

Operating centre	Vehicles	Trailers
SHORT STREET, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, SS2 5BY, GB	85	0
ARRIVA, FOURTH AVENUE, HARLOW, CM20 1DU, GB	57	0
UNIT 4, HEATH BUSINESS PARK, GRANGE WAY, COLCHESTER, CO2 8GU, GB	37	0
ARRIVA , HYATT TRADING ESTATE, BABBAGE ROAD, STEVENAGE, SG1 2EQ, GB	21	0
ARRIVA, MARSH LANE, WARE, SG12 9QQ, GB	44	0
WHITELEAF ROAD, TWO WATERS, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HP3 9PH, GB	69	0
ARRIVA, UNIT 11, HYATT TRADING ESTATE, BABBAGE ROAD, STEVENAGE, SG1 2EQ, GB	29	0

Operating centre	Vehicles	Trailers
ARMSTRONG ROAD, MAIDSTONE, ME15 6TX, GB	88	0
NELSON ROAD, GILLINGHAM, ME7 4LN, GB	124	0
UNIT 10-11 KINGSTANDING WAY, KINGSTANDING BUSINESS PARK, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, TN2 3UP, GB	60	0

 

[Man of Kent]

Only Luton and Milton Keynes are on the Shires O license. The rest are ASC - see DVSA operator search.

Operating centre	Vehicles	Trailers
SHORT STREET, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, SS2 5BY, GB	85	0
ARRIVA, FOURTH AVENUE, HARLOW, CM20 1DU, GB	57	0
UNIT 4, HEATH BUSINESS PARK, GRANGE WAY, COLCHESTER, CO2 8GU, GB	37	0
ARRIVA , HYATT TRADING ESTATE, BABBAGE ROAD, STEVENAGE, SG1 2EQ, GB	21	0
ARRIVA, MARSH LANE, WARE, SG12 9QQ, GB	44	0
WHITELEAF ROAD, TWO WATERS, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HP3 9PH, GB	69	0
ARRIVA, UNIT 11, HYATT TRADING ESTATE, BABBAGE ROAD, STEVENAGE, SG1 2EQ, GB	29	0

Operating centre	Vehicles	Trailers
ARMSTRONG ROAD, MAIDSTONE, ME15 6TX, GB	88	0
NELSON ROAD, GILLINGHAM, ME7 4LN, GB	124	0
UNIT 10-11 KINGSTANDING WAY, KINGSTANDING BUSINESS PARK, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, TN2 3UP, GB	60	0

Plus the AKT depot at Northfleet (different O Licence to the above).

 

[ScotGG]

Northfleet now run so few routes it wouldn't be a surprise if it closed. The lastest to stop is the 477 isn't it? Do they have space to shift the remaining buses to Gillingham depot?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Plus the AKT depot at Northfleet (different O Licence to the above).

Of course - missed that one.

Northfleet now run so few routes it wouldn't be a surprise if it closed. The lastest to stop is the 477 isn't it? Do they have space to shift the remaining buses to Gillingham depot?

It would be logistically much more difficult to run them from Gillingham than from Dartford (but appreciate Dartford is geared to TfL work)

 

[Man of Kent]

Northfleet now run so few routes it wouldn't be a surprise if it closed. The lastest to stop is the 477 isn't it? Do they have space to shift the remaining buses to Gillingham depot?

As I understand it, the terms and conditions of employment at each depot are significantly different, reflecting that one is ex-London Country and the other ex-Maidstone & District. That's why it has never been merged into a single legal identity.

 

[Jim James]

Arriva Colchester muse at risk. As I understand it the Rapid Transport system in Colchester will be run by first bus and that could finish Arriva off

 

[Simon75]

Are the former Sheerness and Guildford garages still empty since closure ? I know Stagecoach used Guildford for a while

 

[LG10]

Northfleet now run so few routes it wouldn't be a surprise if it closed. The lastest to stop is the 477 isn't it? Do they have space to shift the remaining buses to Gillingham depot?

Northfleet is closing as what ive heard

 

[duncombec]

Northfleet is closing as what ive heard

There have been rumours over the future of Northfleet for more than a year, pretty much ever since Arriva chose not to bid for the latest Fastrack contract. More recently, the speculation has changed to include moving work from other depots into it (with vastly increased dead running) to prop the depot up.

Have you actually heard something specific, or are you merely repeating unsubstantiated rumour?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Oct 2025 ==

Are the former Sheerness and Guildford garages still empty since closure ? I know Stagecoach used Guildford for a while

Neither are in use as bus depots.

Google Streetview helpfully shows Guildford as empty in 2024, and Sheerness in use as a van/HGV rental/repair facility in 2022.

 

[Jim James]

What happened to these proposed changes ?

Major changes being made to buses in Essex including new services

New services during the week and on weekends are planned across Essex in an effort to boost health, employment and education in the county

www.essexlive.news

 

[ScotGG]

Arriva's operation of the 477 ends tomorrow.

Requires two buses and I wonder if once it's ended they'll scrap a couple of their oldest darts from 2004?

Once it's gone Dartford will only have the 480 and 414 from Arriva. If anyone (eg go-ahead now they will operate a 477 replacement and Fast Track) started a competing route with the 480 Arriva could well withdraw from the town completely.

 

[alex397]

Arriva's operation of the 477 ends tomorrow.

Requires two buses and I wonder if once it's ended they'll scrap a couple of their oldest darts from 2004?

Once it's gone Dartford will only have the 480 and 414 from Arriva. If anyone (eg go-ahead now they will operate a 477 replacement and Fast Track) started a competing route with the 480 Arriva could well withdraw from the town completely.

And to say goodbye to their loyal passengers, they’ve cancelled some afternoon journeys, including the final ever journey operated by Arriva.
This is similar to Stagecoach South East’s final journey of the 54 from Uckfield to Eastbourne - they cancelled that too!

In regards to the 480, I don’t think any company would directly compete with them on that. Especially as the Fastrack B is already quite similar to it - they do share passengers for Gravesend - Bluewater - Dartford - Temple Hill, but they are different routes between those places.

 

[stadler]

Arriva's operation of the 477 ends tomorrow.

Requires two buses and I wonder if once it's ended they'll scrap a couple of their oldest darts from 2004?

Once it's gone Dartford will only have the 480 and 414 from Arriva. If anyone (eg go-ahead now they will operate a 477 replacement and Fast Track) started a competing route with the 480 Arriva could well withdraw from the town completely.

I would imagine that all four of these buses are likely to be withdrawn next now that the 477 is gone:

• GN04 UDG (1613) - Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer MK2 MPD

• GN06 EEB (1633) - Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer MK2 MPD

• GN06 EEF (1634) - Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer MK2 MPD

• RX07 KPJ (1563) - Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus

These are the last four Dennis Dart buses in all of Kent and also among the oldest buses in their fleet.

 

[Man of Kent]

I would imagine that all four of these buses are likely to be withdrawn next now that the 477 is gone:

• GN04 UDG (1613) - Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer MK2 MPD

• GN06 EEB (1633) - Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer MK2 MPD

• GN06 EEF (1634) - Dennis Dart SLF Plaxton Pointer MK2 MPD

• RX07 KPJ (1563) - Dennis Dart SLF Caetano Nimbus

These are the last four Dennis Dart buses in all of Kent and also among the oldest buses in their fleet.

The MPDs are needed for a specific route with size restrictions, so the withdrawal of the 477 will have no impact. Three other Northfleet MPDs were displaced by Wright Streetlite WFs moved from elsewhere in Arriva, but that was over a year ago, and the supply seems to have dried up.

1563 was out in service yesterday.

 

[Kaliwax]

Some more 2nd hand buses sold to Arriva
E200MMC YX70 OKB: Sold to Arriva Kent and Surrey
E200MMC YX72 OMF: Sold to Arriva Kent and Surrey
E200MMC YX72 OME: Sold to Arriva Kent and Surrey
E200MMC YX20 OCW: Sold to Arriva Kent and Surrey

YX70 OKB - The Bus Shop

This former Mistral Bus & Coach rental fleet vehicle has been sold to Arriva UK Bus and will enter service upon completion of full repaint and livery application. If your looking for great quality fleet additions, The Bus Shop can help you source them – search our available stock online, or tell...

the-bus-shop.co.uk

YX72 OMF - The Bus Shop

This former Mistral Bus & Coach rental fleet vehicle has been sold to Arriva UK Bus and will enter service upon completion of full repaint and livery application. If your looking for great quality fleet additions, The Bus Shop can help you source them – search our available stock online, or tell...

the-bus-shop.co.uk

YX72 OME - The Bus Shop

This former Mistral Bus & Coach rental fleet vehicle has been sold to Arriva UK Bus and will enter service upon completion of full repaint and livery application. If your looking for great quality fleet additions, The Bus Shop can help you source them – search our available stock online, or tell...

the-bus-shop.co.uk

YX20 OCW - The Bus Shop

2020 ADL E200 8.9m (YX20 OCW) – Single‑Deck Service Bus This 2020 ADL E200 8.9m combines modern reliability with unbeatable value. A smart, efficient alternative to renting a new coach, perfect for both urban stage‑carriage work and inter‑urban routes. Finished in white, this low‑floor vehicle...

the-bus-shop.co.uk

 

[Javelin700]

Some more 2nd hand buses sold to Arriva
E200MMC YX70 OKB: Sold to Arriva Kent and Surrey
E200MMC YX72 OMF: Sold to Arriva Kent and Surrey
E200MMC YX72 OME: Sold to Arriva Kent and Surrey
E200MMC YX20 OCW: Sold to Arriva Kent and Surrey

YX70 OKB - The Bus Shop

This former Mistral Bus & Coach rental fleet vehicle has been sold to Arriva UK Bus and will enter service upon completion of full repaint and livery application. If your looking for great quality fleet additions, The Bus Shop can help you source them – search our available stock online, or tell...

the-bus-shop.co.uk

YX72 OMF - The Bus Shop

This former Mistral Bus & Coach rental fleet vehicle has been sold to Arriva UK Bus and will enter service upon completion of full repaint and livery application. If your looking for great quality fleet additions, The Bus Shop can help you source them – search our available stock online, or tell...

the-bus-shop.co.uk

YX72 OME - The Bus Shop

This former Mistral Bus & Coach rental fleet vehicle has been sold to Arriva UK Bus and will enter service upon completion of full repaint and livery application. If your looking for great quality fleet additions, The Bus Shop can help you source them – search our available stock online, or tell...

the-bus-shop.co.uk

[URL

Interesting, maybe these are to replace Gillingham's knackered 57reg mini E200's?

 

[SEGalaxy375]

Interesting, maybe these are to replace Gillingham's knackered 57reg mini E200's?

For the Herts & Essex fleet, 2 of those listed above are already in service there.

 

[Kaliwax]

Facebook

www.facebook.com

Looks like the 724/725 are to due to be upgraded with brand new evoras, with luggage racks, luxury seats, phone charging and more features.

 

[Transport101]

I’m guessing all the surplus mmcs will go Southend?

 

[Kaliwax]

YX20 OCV - The Bus Shop

Your Content Goes Here

the-bus-shop.co.uk

Arriva have bought another e200mmc 8.9m for Kent and Surrey, wonder where this will go to

 

[duncombec]

YX20 OCV - The Bus Shop

Your Content Goes Here

the-bus-shop.co.uk

Arriva have bought another e200mmc 8.9m for Kent and Surrey, wonder where this will go to

I'd be a little cautious: the last four they bought for "Kent and Surrey" ended up in service with Kent Thameside, in Hertfordshire!

 

[duncombec]

A number of brand new E400 MMC's have entered service at Luton, currently being used on the 321. 4440-4/6-8 are currently tracking on bustimes.

Not sure how many more are coming - presumably at least a 4445, but per bustimes (in case of ticket machine swaps) today's service is made up of 8 new MMCs (4440-4/6-8), two older MMCs (4562/69), two Olympuses (4106/4111) and 5 Volvo/Wright single decks (3893/3943/3944/3958/3964) for a total of 17.

My post into Arriva UK Bus was originally intended for this thread, being operator specific!

 

[alex397]

While visiting the CAMRA beer festival at the Kent & East Sussex Railway yesterday (Saturday 6th June) from Canterbury (via Headcorn Station), I realised that Arriva’s 12 has a very large gap for evening buses back to Maidstone. There is one at 1725, then the next one isn’t until 2220! Which is exceptionally late for Tenterden where most buses finish around 1730.
I stupidly didn’t research the 12’s timetable properly before my visit, I just assumed there wouldn’t be such a large gap. Thankfully Stagecoach’s 2A came to my rescue - they have evening departures back to Ashford at 1705, 1805 and 1905, which contrasts to the usual 2-hourly timetable during the day.

 

[duncombec]

4440-4/6-8 are currently tracking on bustimes.

4445 has also now entered service at Luton and is tracking along with counterparts.

A second batch of E400 MMCs is also now known to be arriving for Ware, with first examples delivered to Maidstone for post-delivery inspections. These are generally being held to be a batch initially slated for Maidstone, and then for Hemel Hempstead, but are now allocated to Ware. That is expected to see older E400 MMCs cascaded elsewhere, although the exact destination and subsequent moves is, at present, as open to change as the new deliveries!

Fleetnumbers continue from 6572 (the previous -74- reg vehicles for Gillingham go up to 6571), but there is quite a gap in registrations to the Luton batch (and indeed, later vehicle(s) may be from a different registration batch entirely).

 

[aswilliamsuk]

4445 has also now entered service at Luton and is tracking along with counterparts.

A second batch of E400 MMCs is also now known to be arriving for Ware, with first examples delivered to Maidstone for post-delivery inspections. These are generally being held to be a batch initially slated for Maidstone, and then for Hemel Hempstead, but are now allocated to Ware. That is expected to see older E400 MMCs cascaded elsewhere, although the exact destination and subsequent moves is, at present, as open to change as the new deliveries!

Fleetnumbers continue from 6572 (the previous -74- reg vehicles for Gillingham go up to 6571), but there is quite a gap in registrations to the Luton batch (and indeed, later vehicle(s) may be from a different registration batch entirely).

Presumably these are for the 310 and possibly the 66, depending on how many arrive...