Brand new buses for Dover and Deal

Residents in Dover and Deal will benefit from a £1.6 million investment in new buses.

Stagecoach South East will introduce nine brand new single-deck buses to their Dover fleet from this week.

The new Switch Mobility ‘Solo’ buses will replace older vehicles and operate on various routes around the town as well as local services in Deal and Walmer.

The bus operator showcased the new minibuses at a special launch event held at Eurotunnel’s Samphire Hoe nature reserve last week. The nine ultra-low emission buses have a sleek design and accessible low-floor entrance with USB charging sockets on every seat back.

Speaking at the launch event, Dover District Council Leader, Kevin Mills said “It’s great to see a significant investment of £1.6 million in new buses to service the Dover District. This will improve passenger experience for those reliant on the routes.”

Stagecoach says the buses will offer a more comfortable travel experience; fitted with high-specification modern interiors, noise-cancelling insulation, and innovative shock absorption technology. They will also feature next-stop audio and visual announcements to inform passengers as they approach each bus stop.

Eurotunnel’s Samphire Hoe nature reserve provided the stunning back-drop for the launch event attended by (left to right) Dover District Council Leader Kevin Mills, Stagecoach South East managing director Joel Mitchell, Kent County Council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport, Neil Baker, KCC deputy cabinet member David Robey, and Stagecoach South East commercial director Matthew Arnold.

Stagecoach South East managing director, Joel Mitchell said “We’re thrilled to be adding these new ultra-low emission buses to our Dover fleet. It’s a major investment in the area and we hope people will feel excited about getting out on these buses, taking advantage of the government £2 single fare cap that will continue until at least the end of the year.”

“Our thanks go to Eurotunnel for allowing us to host the launch of these new buses at the stunning Samphire Hoe nature reserve.”

All the new buses have been built in the UK, supporting hundreds of British manufacturing jobs and helping small businesses in the supply chain.

Kent County Council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport, Neil Baker, who also attended the launch, said “These new ultra-low emission buses will allow Dover and Deal to continue to be well connected, supporting the growth of the coastal towns in a sustainable way.

“Not only are they better for the planet but they are comfortable too and have charging ports for your phone. My thanks go to Stagecoach for the significant investment in these new buses which will support our work towards our ambition to be a Net Zero county by 2050.”

This latest investment by the bus operator follows a £2.6 million delivery of eleven new double-deckers last year for the popular 16 route between Folkestone and Canterbury, also operated out of Stagecoach’s Dover depot.

The bus operator says these investments will contribute to the region’s low-carbon future and offer a more attractive alternative to travelling by car.