Arriva to sell Colchester bus operation to First Bus before Christmas
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 11:29 · Archive
Arriva has announced a potential deal to sell its Colchester operation to First Bus, subject to approval. Arriva would run its last Colchester services on Saturday, 19 December, before First Bus takes over on Sunday, 20 December.
An Arriva spokesperson said: 'This was not an easy decision, and it is not a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our colleagues in Colchester.' The company added that it is confident the sale 'gives customers continuity of service and gives colleagues better job security, as well as offering the best long-term future for bus services in the area'.
Arriva says passengers will see no immediate changes to services. First Bus will continue running routes 1, 2, 3 and 8 from the Colchester depot, with Arriva maintaining services until the handover takes place.
The sale follows wider concerns about bus services in the area. In 2025, Colchester's MP convened Arriva, First Bus and local authorities to address long-standing reliability and passenger-experience issues affecting local bus services in the region.
How it is being reported
- Bus company planning major takeover of rival before ChristmasOne bus company plans to take over a rival, including its staff and depot.Colchester Gazette · 13 Oct, 11:00
- Bus company planning major takeover of rival before ChristmasOne bus company plans to take over a rival, including its staff and depot.Echo (Basildon) · 13 Oct, 11:00
- Bus company planning major takeover of rival before ChristmasOne bus company plans to take over a rival, including its staff and depot.Brentwood Guardian · 13 Oct, 11:00
In this story: Arriva · First Bus · Colchester
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem
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