Route 800

South West Buses has once again secured the contract to operate Route 800, a vital council-managed bus service connecting several towns and villages across the region. This marks the second consecutive year that South West Buses has been awarded the route, having previously won the contract in the last tendering process. The renewal process, which began in January, saw Route 800 put out to bid, with operators given the opportunity to present their service proposals.

Historically, Route 800 has been operated by multiple companies. Prior to South West Buses' initial win last year, the service was primarily run by Yapton Country Bus, a long-established local operator known for its traditional approach to bus services. Additionally, IRVING Coaches had also been a key provider on this route, sharing operations until their withdrawal from the service in late 2024. IRVING Coaches cited declining passenger numbers as the primary reason for their decision to step away, stating that despite efforts to boost ridership, the financial viability of their operation on this corridor had become unsustainable.

South West Buses' retention of the contract is largely attributed to their commitment to enhancing passenger experience and modernising local public transport. Unlike its predecessor, the company has introduced a number of service improvements aimed at making travel more accessible and convenient. One of the standout features of their operation is the deployment of a fleet equipped with Next Stop Announcement (NSA) technology, ensuring that passengers—particularly those with visual impairments—receive clear and timely updates regarding upcoming stops. Furthermore, the introduction of on-board information screens has been well received, providing real-time journey updates, local service information, and passenger notices.

The fleet allocated to Route 800 includes a selection of modern, low-floor, accessible vehicles designed for improved comfort and efficiency. This includes a mix of Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 MMC and MCV Evora buses, both of which are fully compliant with the latest accessibility and environmental standards. These vehicles have been branded in the distinctive Yapton Comet livery, reinforcing the strong identity of the service while maintaining consistency with other routes operated by South West Buses.

Despite a competitive bidding process, South West Buses ultimately outperformed its main competitor, Yapton Country Bus, which had also submitted a proposal to reclaim the route. However, their bid fell short in comparison to South West Buses' investment in fleet technology and passenger amenities. Notably, IRVING Coaches opted not to participate in the bidding process, following their previous decision to exit the route, meaning the contest was largely between South West Buses and Yapton Country Bus.

The council’s decision to award the contract to South West Buses for another term reflects their confidence in the company’s ability to deliver a reliable and passenger-focused service. A spokesperson for South West Buses expressed enthusiasm about retaining the contract, stating:

"We are delighted to continue operating Route 800 and to build upon the success we’ve achieved over the past year. Our commitment to providing a high-quality service remains at the forefront of our operations, and we are always looking for ways to innovate and enhance the passenger experience. With our investment in Next Stop Announcements, real-time information screens, and a modern fleet, we aim to ensure that Route 800 continues to serve the local community effectively."

Passengers who rely on Route 800 can expect a seamless transition into the renewed contract period, with continued enhancements aimed at making bus travel more attractive and convenient. South West Buses has also hinted at potential future service developments, including further timetable refinements and additional passenger engagement initiatives to encourage greater ridership.

For now, the award of the Route 800 contract marks another milestone for South West Buses as they solidify their presence in the region, continuing their mission to provide high-quality, accessible, and reliable bus services for the communities they serve. This contract is now next due to expire in January 2026.