Arriva closing Guildford depot

Arriva is to close its Guildford depot.

Arriva reports it is working with trade unions and employees at the depot on options available, as it aims to safeguard jobs and re-deploy as many people as possible.

“Arriva Guildford has unfortunately experienced ongoing decline in passenger numbers over recent years” – Arriva spokesperson

A statement from the operator said: “Decisions like this are extremely difficult and are not taken lightly, however Arriva Guildford has unfortunately experienced ongoing decline in passenger numbers over recent years, even prior to Covid-19, and despite every effort to achieve efficiencies, our Guildford operation is no longer sustainable.

“Arriva will be offering every support to our Guildford employees and we continue to work closely with Surrey County Council to explore alternative options, which could safeguard services for the local community.”

The facility in Leas Road in the town is a former base of London Country Bus Services.

When London Transport (LPTB) was formed in 1933, Guildford was a frontier town served by green LT country area buses as well as BET-owned Aldershot and District and several independents. LT’s green buses passed to the NBC in 1970 as London Country Bus Services (LCBS), which was divided into four in preparation for deregulation and privatisation in 1986. After privatisation, most of the LCBS operation was reunited under Arriva although subject to significant retrenchment. In Guildford, Arriva has faced competition mainly from Stagecoach (as successor to Aldershot and District) and Safeguard.