Arriva UK Bus celebrates £3m investment with Sunshine Events

Three high profile bus services in Kent have been given a major boost following a £3m investment by Arriva Southern Counties.

Arriva Southern Counties is a subsidiary of Arriva Plc, a leading pan-European public transport operator that runs a range of transport services including buses, trains, coaches, waterbuses and airport-related transport services.

The business recently celebrated the launch of 21 brand new buses for its Fastrack A and B services by bringing the seaside to Dartford with the help of corporate events equipment hire company, Sunshine Events.

The event invited members of the public to ”test drive” the new Fastrack buses as well as find out more about improvements to Sapphire 480/490 service that has just gone 24/7.

Thousands of people attended the event held in Dartford town centre, including representatives from Arriva and its partners including Kent County Council.

Brian Drury, service quality director, Arriva Southern Counties, said: “The launch of our new buses and improved Sapphire service was a real success. It’s nice to have a launch event that’s not only attended by our partners, but also by the people who use our services – our customers.

"We have had some really positive feedback from people who attended the event and members of the public have posted some very positive comments about the day on our Facebook page. Thanks to the fun experts from Sunshine Events the day went without a hitch and we will certainly be organising this type of event again in the future.”

Lancashire-based Sunshine Events supplied a comprehensive range of beach-themed equipment hire that was enjoyed by all including deckchairs for seating, Traditional Side Stalls, Popcorn Cart, and a Seaside Photo Peep Board which made excellent photo opportunities.

Both adults and children alike had fun galore trying to climb up and sit in the Giant Deckchair and prizes were given for everyone that stepped up to play the Hook a Duck Stall.

Sunny Sandwell, director of fun at Sunshine Events, added: “We were delighted when Arriva came to us to help them organise such a large scale event. Public transport lies at the core of the community and we share many of the firm’s values; to deliver a high quality of service nationwide. It’s great to hear that so many people had a fun day, you can always count on the Fun Experts for an entertaining ride!”

As the UK’s leading national supplier and owner of corporate family fun days, Sunshine Events have worked with many big-named UK brands such as eBay, Google, BBC and Tesco. This latest event follows a successful 12 months for Sunshine Events who were “Tourism and Leisure Business of the Year” Finalists at Lancashire Business View’s Red Rose Awards 2015.