Earlier this year, transport company Arriva announced its decision to axe the extended 477 service from Orpington to Darent Valley Hospital and Bluewater shopping centre.
The longer route was in operation until October 2022, when it was shortened so that it only went as far as Dartford.
Arriva said earlier this month that the last day of service will be on October 25, and that the decision came “following a sustained period of low passenger usage”.
Today (September 10), Go-Ahead Group announced that it would take over the route.
Kent Country, the new brand name, will ensure passengers continue to have access to schools, workplaces and other essential destinations.
Services under Kent Country will begin on October 26, operating from the Fastrack depot to provide continuity for passengers who rely on the route daily.
Isobel Hedley-Jones, Head of Fastrack, said: “We recognise the vital role this route plays in connecting people to essential destinations, and we are committed to supporting the community through this transition.
“The introduction of Kent Country will provide a seamless handover and a dependable service for passengers who rely on this route every day.”
Laura Trott, MP for Sevenoaks, Swanley, and the Dartford Villages, has been campaigning for the retention of the 477 routes.
She said: “I am delighted that, subsequent to my campaign, Go-Ahead will be taking over the Arriva 477 bus route in full at the end of October.
“This is brilliant news for residents – especially in Crockenhill – who were facing the prospect of being left without any public transport at all.
“I am extremely grateful to Go-Ahead for stepping in, and I look forward to working closely with them going forward.”
