Transport Partners Welcome Launch Of New Solo Fleet

A major commitment to provide quality bus services throughout the district was given another boost this week as key partners welcomed the launch of the new fleet of Solo Easy Access buses, providing fast, modern services straight into the heart of Dover. The high tech fleet of Solo buses was launched at Council offices in Whitfield, with key representatives of Stagecoach, Dover District Council and Kent County Council.

This represents another significant investment by Stagecoach and these vehicles will partly replace the existing mini-bus services. This is a further example of the important progress being made to improve bus services in the district through partnership working between Stagecoach, KCC and DDC. This follows the introduction of the Dover and Deal Diamond service this summer and comes as key partners continue to work on the development of a Quality Bus Partnership for the future of the area.

Paul Southgate, Managing Director of Stagecoach in East Kent said "We have an on-going plan to invest in new easy access vehicles for services in East Kent and the new low floor 'Heart' minibuses now operating on the Dover Town Network will complement the larger buses recently introduced on the Diamond routes linking Dover with Deal and Canterbury. Our investment this year in buses for Dover now exceeds £1.5 million. We are sure the modern features of the new Heart buses will quickly become popular with local residents."

Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC Cabinet Member for Access said "We welcome this news and are very pleased to see that partnership working is providing an improved bus service for the district. Dover District Council is committed to improve public transport in our community and to help provide a service that is a real alternative to car travel."

KCC Cabinet Member for Highways Keith Ferrin said "This is a real boost for the town. Modern buses will be very attractive for passengers and I would urge residents to use them. I am also pleased with the commitment Stagecoach has made local services."