History
Arriva Derby inherited a fleet of Mercedes-Benz minibuses, Volvo Citybuses, Leyland Fleetlines and some Scania single deckers, of which have now all been either scrapped or sold on.
In early 2008, an order was announced for 59 new buses to completely update the ageing fleet. Three Scania Omnilinks and 15 Scania Omnicities arrived for the Chaddesden and Oakwood routes (20/22/24/26) by the end of October 2008. Eight Optare Solos SRs arrived at the same time, these were used on routes 28/29 to Mackworth.
Early 2009 saw the introduction of 17 new Volvo / Wright Gemini double deckers. These are used on route 44/45 to Alvaston and the 38 to Sinfin. A further 11 variation of Scania Omnicities arrived for the Chellaston services (60/61) some of which venture to Melbourne and Swadlincote (South Derbyshire). These have more seats fitted towards the front, for the less mobile, and removed fittings after complaints from pressure groups on the disability access and ergonomics of the new buses for wheelchair users. The final buses to arrive were ten more Optare Solo SRs, which have made the front line service fleet entirely low floor, by replacing the last of the step entrance Darts. These also have a minor variation of seating fitted.
Older vehicles left in the fleet include Alexander bodied Dennis Darts (routes 37, 40/41) and Plaxton Mini Pointer Darts (spares), of which have been refurbished into the new Arriva inter-urban livery and interior moquette. The last Derby Fleetline (Fleet Number; 301, Registration; GTO 301V) retired late in 2008 from school services and has now been preserved, this Fleetline did a final tour of Derby in June 2009.
Withdrawals from the Derby fleet include a range of Volvo Citybuses, Alexander bodied Dennis Darts, 3 Scania Omnilinks, Plaxton Mini Pointer Darts, Mercedes-Benz minibuses, Alexander Sprint minibuses, DAF East Lancs Lowlanders, Volvo Palatine Olympians, two Alexander bodied B6LEs and two Optare Excels. The fleet has now been made completely low floor, with more buses yet to arrive due to increased demand for services.
In 2011, new routes to the Royal Derby hospital was created, (33A & 36A), to rival Trent Barton's 'Royal Derby' and Mickleover route.
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