Herbert Richmond founded Epsom Coaches in 1920. The Company was originally based in the town centre of Epsom itself and built up very quickly, operating not only open coaches known as "Char-a-bancs" but horse transport for the famous local racing industry. Those early days of business flourished, with what was a pioneering new form of transport, the “horseless carriage” and day trips to Brighton were particularly popular, despite the fact that they cost £1.00 (a fortune in those days) and that it took over 4 hours to drive to Brighton.

Drivers in those days were very hardy they were expected to be expert mechanics and to be able to repair punctures,which were common. The vehicles were supplied by a variety of manufacturers, including Ford (Model T), Lancia and Reo (an American manufacturer).Mr Richmond himself, was a skilled engineer and undertook repairs on motorcars and provided the services of an all round garage.

The 1930's and World War 2

The 1930's saw the business going from strength to strength, with covered saloon coaches replacing the rudimentary char-a-banc. Day trips and services to racecourses were common and increasingly, the private hire of coaches was day-to-day business, in addition to conveying local school children and workers, a tradition that has continued to this day.

His eldest son, Jack and younger son, Roy, aided Mr Richmond in the business. Vehicles were developing all the time and were becoming much more comfortable, although very crude by today’s standards.

In 1933, the Company moved from the High Street to South Street Epsom, this as a result of the widening of the High Street, due to increasing traffic congestion in the Town Centre (some things never change!). Thereafter, over the years expansion took place to accommodate more vehicles.

In 1939, at the outbreak of the 2nd world war, both Mr Richmond’s sons, Jack and Roy were enlisted and left their father to run the business during the wartime years. The war years were difficult for the Company as of the 6 coaches and 6 horseboxes operated at the outbreak of war, all but one coach were requisitioned for the war effort. However, this remaining coach was used to transport local school children and enterprisingly, prisoners of war.

The War took its toll on the family, as elder son Jack was killed in action and it was not until 1947 that Roy was demobbed and able to join his father to help rebuild the business. Roy continues his service with the Company as the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

After the War, the original fleet requisitioned for the war effort, was no longer available and there was little opportunity to buy replacement vehicles. Rationing was still enforced until the early 1950s and it was a difficult time. However, with Roy at the helm, the business prospered and the new vehicles started to come on stream, although for many years after the War, pre-war vehicles were still in service.

After the War

New developments in vehicles were slow, but as the Fifties dawned, a new era was about to begin.

The ‘50s was the heyday of the “day trip”. Epsom Coaches has operated day trips for many years and in the 1950s most people went on holiday to South Coast resorts, for which Epsom Coaches provided express services on a daily basis through the summer months.

In 1953, following a period of some expansion and the ability to buy new vehicles with the release of rationing, the Company sold the horsebox division to local trainers, although it is still in business today as Richmond’s International Horse Transport, retaining much the same livery and the family name. Day trips and coastal services were expanded throughout the 1950s and the vehicles were becoming increasingly sophisticated. The maximum size being 41 seats and this was considered to be state of the art in those days.

The Swinging Sixties

The ‘60s were a time for expansion into other services and for the first time, tours and holidays were offered, as an extension of the day trip programme. This included places such as the Cotswolds and Edinburgh, although the right to operate these tours had to be acquired through licences, a system which was not finally abolished until 1981.

Epsom Coaches can take pride in its pioneering spirit, fighting in the traffic courts against the nationalised Companies for the right to operate such tours, which has set the precedence today, allowing freedom and competition in the market and consequently, a great deal of choice.

The early ‘60s also saw the relaxation of the rules on the length of coaches to the equivalent of 11 metres, or 36 feet. This introduced the predecessor to today’s modern coach, and although the concept and shape of a coach has changed little since then, the comfort and safety has vastly improved.

Third Generation of a Family Business

In 1969, the founder of the Company, Herbert Richmond died, aged 77, but he lived long enough to see the considerable expansion of the Company under the direction of his son, Roy. As a generation passed on, another joined the family business. Roy’s younger son, Andrew became Managing Director and his daughter, Rosemary is also a Board Director.

The Company was still based in central Epsom, but expansion and the continuing demand for its services saw the Company moving to its present purpose built site on the outskirts of Epsom and conveniently located for central London and its major airports. At this state of the art headquarters building the Company have complete facilities for the repair and maintenance of a fleet that now stands at nearly 90 strong.

During the late 1960's the Company’s activities continued to extend to include corporate charter and to cater for the rapidly growing tourism industry. Today, around 50% of the company’s coach charter business is based in London and this has resulted in Epsom Coaches fleet being developed to a very high standard, with features far ahead of their time, even in the early ‘70s. The Company remains one of the major players in the UK tourism market, setting the standards.

During the 1970s, lightweight coach chassis were replaced with

heavyweights from Leyland (Leopard), AEC (Reliance) and Bristol (LHS). These vehicles proved to be far more durable, comfortable and for the first time, features such as reclining seats and carpeting were introduced. This together with more power made for a comfortable ride and more predictable journey times. The Leyland Leopard in particular featured heavily in the Epsom Coaches fleet through the ‘70s and the early ‘80s, with over 45 examples purchased. It is interesting to note that the present day cost of a new coach is over £240,000.

Expansion

In 1980, Epsom Coaches took over the road service licences of long established Surrey Motors of Sutton. The catchment area was further expanded in 1981 with the takeover of Duval’s Coach Services.

In 1983 vehicle design took a huge leap forward with the introduction of the first Volvo B10M, with Plaxton Highline coachwork. This was revolutionary as the B10M had air-suspension and for the first time air-conditioning was introduced into the fleet (now a standard feature).

In 1986, Epsom Buses was formed, to take advantage of the deregulation of the bus industry. It was decided that there was a need for bus services to service routes, other than the main arterial roads. This concept, now known as “Hopper” buses was piloted by Epsom Buses and in particular Roy Richmond. Today, our bus operation, Quality Line operates 60 buses in the Surrey and south London area.

Innovation and development

Coaches have not been left behind in technological development, with double-glazing a standard feature, Air-suspension and vastly improved safety, with a steel roll cage. All the Epsom Coaches fleet complies with the latest regulations, ensuring that our safety record is second to none. Our bus fleet also sets the highest standards and is fully accessible.

Epsom Coaches have won many prestigious awards including on four occasions the UK Coach Operator of the Year Award both overall and for its fleet sector. In addition, the Company’s pioneering work for coach and bus safety, the environment, management, its livery and its Day Trip brochure have all been recognised for the high standard’s maintained over many years.

Looking ahead

Now celebrating almost 90 years in business, the company encompasses the full range of passenger transport services under the title of Epsom Coaches Group and employs over 240 people.



A Driving Force Since 1920

The title of the definitive history of Epsom Coaches Group by Roy and Andrew Richmond, published in 2002. This fascinating book details the history of one of Europe’s longest established and respected bus and coach operators. Fully illustrated, it includes a complete list of all the Vehices the Company has operated and has many photographs not previously published.

The book is available from local book shops or direct from Epsom Coaches Group at £11.95 inc UK post and packing.