Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., a leader in bus and coach mobility solutions, today announced that it has delivered a further five Enviro200 single-deckers to English operator Stephensons of Essex.
The purchase comes just a few months after the successful implementation of nine similar Enviro200 buses into the Stephensons fleet, as well as five Enviro400 double-deckers bought at the beginning of 2025.
Four of the five new Enviro200 buses, each 9.7m long, are for commercial service 90 between the Essex towns of Witham and Maldon, which are linked by the Blackwater River. The fifth bus is for Stephensons’ other routes.
The buses, which all have 34 seats, wood-effect flooring and USB charging points, are in Stephensons’ smart green-and-white livery, with ‘The Blackwater Link’ route branding applied to four of them.
Stephensons made the repeat order for five Enviro200 thanks to the high performance of last year’s deliveries, as well as stock availability needed to meet Essex County Council’s contract deadline.
Bill Hiron, Chairman of Stephensons of Essex, said: “We’re very happy to take another five buses from Alexander Dennis, who have been exceptionally quick to respond to our needs, offer an excellent service, and who we can trust to provide full aftermarket support.
“These buses are efficient, low-emission and very attractive to passengers, so they’re perfect for the Blackwater Link. We’re incredibly proud to keep investing in our services, our network, our business and the communities that rely on us every day.”
In October 2024 Stephensons of Essex became an employee-owned trust, when Bill Hiron sold the business to its employees.
Established in 1972, and headquartered at Rochford near Southend-on-Sea, it operates a fleet of around 140 buses and coaches from seven depots, on bus routes and school services in Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. It also owns NIBSbuses, based in Wickford near Basildon.
It recently took home the Small/Medium Bus Operator of the Year trophy at the 2025 routeone Awards. It is a member of the ALBUM association of independent bus operators as well as the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
Martin Dunleavy, Regional Sales Manager for Alexander Dennis, said: “It’s our pleasure to once again supply vehicles to Stephensons of Essex, a fantastic employee-owned, award-winning operator.
“It’s been wonderful seeing the 14 buses we delivered last year out and about in beautiful Essex. Many thanks to Bill Hiron and the team for their investment in Alexander Dennis.”
