Southern Transit, a
unique transport business based in West Sussex and famed for its
diverse mix of iconic and new-generation vehicles, has taken a giant step
into the future with the introduction of two state-of-the-art
Enviro400 City buses from Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL).
Ten years
after acquiring the business Neil Bird describes the new double decks
as “the start of the next chapter”, as he bids to create and
exploit a niche market for high capacity excursion vehicles that
offer luxury and all mod cons.
He commented: “We have spent 10
grueling years steering the business in the right direction and
progressively establishing a reputation for exceptional customer
service, whether it be for private hires, school contracts, corporate
events, rail replacement work or operating public service routes
across West and East Sussex. “Part of our modus operandi is that we
offer affordable, high performance buses and coaches alongside a
range of iconic, historic vehicles, and that approach is endorsed
today with the introduction of our new Enviro400s. “They represent
the start of the next chapter for our business, as we grow and
exploit what I am convinced is a niche sector with huge potential.
There is a definite gap in the market for modern, yet stylish
eco-friendly buses that offer luxury, high capacity and are ahead of
their time.” Neil added: “To exploit this opportunity to the full
we are also launching a new marketing initiative today under the
banner of ‘Splendid Trips’ which will promote our new focus on
private hires to London and across the southern counties. As part of
this effort we will also be branding our new double decks as
‘Citymaster’ vehicles, again combining traditional and modern.”
In terms of promoting “the new”, the 10.8m Enviro400 City is
bristling with design and technology features and does exactly that.
Southern Transit’s new additions incorporate:
Martin Brailey,
ADL’s Sales Director for London and the South, commented: “We are
delighted to be working with Southern Transit on this breakthrough
project. Passengers today are unquestionably more demanding. They
want luxury, innovative design, the very latest in technology, and a
passenger experience that is second to none. “Southern Transit has
raised the bar with the specification they have determined for their
new Enviro400 City vehicles. They are bristling with design
innovation and forefront technology and, put simply, are among the
most advanced, low emission, two-axle double decks in the world.”
He added: “There is growing evidence of real business opportunities
for those prepared to invest in class-leading, high capacity buses
that set the pace in terms of passenger numbers, comfort and vehicle
performance, and I’m sure Southern Transit will reap the rewards.
“This is a very significant investment by Neil Bird and his team,
however it is also the ideal vehicle upon which to launch their
exciting ‘Splendid Trips’ business venture. We wish them well.”
Mark Lyons has kindly provided a further set of pictures to illustrate the vehicles both outside and in. Note the nod to earlier bus production in the registration marks.
Mark Lyons has kindly provided a further set of pictures to illustrate the vehicles both outside and in. Note the nod to earlier bus production in the registration marks.
