23/06/2017 - Epsom Coaches closes
Planned closure; bus and contract operations not affected
The Guild of British Coach Operators is very sorry to record the closure of one of our long established members, Epsom Coaches, at the end of June 2017. Following changes made by Epsom’s parent company, RATP Dev UK, it was decided to discontinue the coach and holiday business and the last tour will run on June 25th, being driven back into Epsom by the company’s long serving Managing Director, Steve Whiteway.
The bus operations of Epsom Coaches, run under the Quality Line brand, are not affected by this decision and all bus services and contracts will continue to run as normal.
Guild Administrative Director Richard Delahoy said: “the closure of Epsom Coaches, a company with a history stretching back over 97 years, is a sad event. It is very rare for a successful company to simply say it’s time to stop, but is a decision that reflects the changing marketplace. They have gone out on a high with a quality service delivered to customers right to the planned end of operations. We have greatly valued their membership of the Guild over the past 15 years and Steve Whiteway’s personal contribution, both as a Director of the Guild and as our Chairman from 2005 to 2007. His insight into the industry will be sorely missed at our meetings”.
Pictured right is Steve Whiteway in traditional coach driver garb from the 2015 95th anniversary celebrations, alongside a coach in the iconic Epsom livery.