Ensignbus marks 50 years

Purfleet-based dealer and operator Ensignbus has given one of its fleet a special livery to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Originally founded in February 1972, it has operated in many guises over the years. Its dealership came to prominence when it purchased nearly 2,000 DMS-class vehicles from London Transport on a rolling programme. It would refurbish and sell these globally, from Hong Kong to NBC subsidiaries. The DMS also became a stalwart of the sightseeing market and Ensignbus developed London Pride Sightseeing from a one-bus operation to over 100 by the late 1990s. Ensign remained in sightseeing after its sale of London Pride and founded the City Sightseeing franchise model.

The dealership continues to be a core of the business, selling up to 700 buses a year and undertaking all refurbishment work in-house.

Peter Newman, founder and Chairman, said: “It’s a great milestone to have reached and we are incredibly proud of what we as a family business have achieved.”