A new bus partnership agreement between Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Arriva, and Kent County Council has been signed.

The agreement commits the partners to work together to improve bus services in Tunbridge Wells and Southborough.

The agreement will last for five years and its purpose is to improve the infrastructure, quality and reliability of local buses.

The agreement is also intended to improve interchange between different types of public transport.

Roy Bullock, leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council was very pleased to have signed the agreement, ' This agreement signifies a joint commitment between the three organisations to work closely together in acheiving a shift towards far greater use of public transport.'

Kevin Hawkins the commercial director at Arriva was also very pleased to have reached the agreement, 'We can put a bus on the road, but we need the support of our local authority partners to help get that bus through the congestion in Tunbridge Wells and also to provide the bus stops needed by our passengers.'

Mr Hawkins went on to say that the company has introduced some easy access buses to the town over the last year and without the support of the council the bus stops would not be able to allow access to those buses.

The agreement has already produced results, with Arriva ordering three more easy access buses for the Sherwood route because of the confidence engendered by this agreement.

Keith Ferrin, KCC Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste was also pleased to see the agreement signed, 'This is the fourth quality bus partnership agreement in Kent, the agreement here in Tunbridge Wells will mean that the bus service will improve. There shold be better vehicles and more frequent services.'