Despite the severe recession, Compass is managing to expand its operation, and on Friday 27 March 2009 took delivery of five brand new buses at a cost of half a million pounds.

These will go into service in early April on route 100/101, which is one of their busiest routes, carrying over 180,000 passengers 300,000 miles each year!

These are Alexander Dennis Enviros - the same as already operating on service 8 in Worthing, which has proved extremely popular with passengers. This investment follows the awarding of the contract to continue operating the 100/101 route for the next 4 years.

The Enviro200 is based on the tried and trusted principles of its predecessor, the Dennis Dart, which is probably Britain's most popular and sucessful midibus. With a modern, attractive look and improved interior, these vehicles offer enhanced comfort. Better access leads the way to the brighter interior including modern colours, textures and shapes. The latest "Euro4" engines give better and smoother performance with lower fuel consumption and lower emissions.

Wheelchairs are easily catered for with the kneeling facility and ramp. The wide gangway and step-free entrance makes wheelchair access easy, and the wheelchair area features a powered wheelchair arm.

This investment will also benefit other routes operated by Compass, as the existing Low Floor Dennis Darts are cascaded down. Route 99, the flexible Petworth - Chichester service has been upgraded to a bigger vehicle, and the minibus that previously operated this route has now been transferred to the 150 West Itchenor - Selsey service.

The 16 service in Worthing will also be operated by Low Floor vehicles from mid April, and the Holmbush Express services previously operated by Brighton & Hove will also be upgraded to Low Floor vehicles. Three of the older buses on the fleet will be sold on.

This investment now means that virtually all the main routes operated by Compass are now fully accessible.