Former municipal bus companies of the United Kingdom
Encyclopedia
This is a list of former municipal bus companies
of the United Kingdom and a brief description of their fate, with the exception of the several municipals which disappeared in 1968 and 1974 with the formation of the PTE bus operations
.
Of the remaining municipals, post-1986 many were sold off or collapsed in the process of bus deregulation
, which required their separation into stand-alone arms length companies.
Only a handful of municipal operators remain, with some securing their futures with equity partnership deals with private operators. Of the remaining operators, Cardiff Bus
, Lothian Buses
and Nottingham City Transport
are the largest.
Municipal bus companies
A municipal bus company is an operator of bus services owned by the local government authority. This article lists all current municipal bus companies in the United Kingdom....
of the United Kingdom and a brief description of their fate, with the exception of the several municipals which disappeared in 1968 and 1974 with the formation of the PTE bus operations
History of the PTE bus operations
The PTE bus operations were the bus operating divisions of the passenger transport executives in the United Kingdom. In 1986 they underwent a process of deregulation and privatisation, forming some of the largest private bus companies in the UK outside of London, with all being sold to their...
.
Of the remaining municipals, post-1986 many were sold off or collapsed in the process of bus deregulation
Bus deregulation
Bus deregulation in Great Britain came into force on 26 October 1986, as part of the Transport Act 1985.The 'Buses' White Paper was the basis of the Transport Act 1985, which provided for the deregulation of local bus services in the whole of the United Kingdom except for Northern Ireland and...
, which required their separation into stand-alone arms length companies.
Only a handful of municipal operators remain, with some securing their futures with equity partnership deals with private operators. Of the remaining operators, Cardiff Bus
Cardiff Bus
Cardiff Bus is the dominant operator of bus services in Cardiff, Wales and the surrounding area, including Barry and Penarth. Its hub is Cardiff central bus station...
, Lothian Buses
Lothian Buses
Lothian Buses Plc is the only municipal bus company in Scotland and the largest provider of bus services in Edinburgh, Scotland. City of Edinburgh Council own 91.01% of the company with the remainder being owned by East Lothian and Midlothian councils. As well as serving Edinburgh, Lothian Buses...
and Nottingham City Transport
Nottingham City Transport
Nottingham City Transport is the major bus operator of the English city of Nottingham, running a comprehensive network of services in the Greater Nottingham area, with some services continuing to Southwell, Loughborough, and East Midlands Airport. There are over 80 routes across the City, giving...
are the largest.
Former UK local authority-owned bus companies
The companies listed here were sold or ceased operating after 1986.- Barrow Borough Transport Following the operation's failure in May 1989, services were replaced by StagecoachStagecoach GroupStagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
.
- Blackburn TransportBlackburn TransportBlackburn Transport was a British bus company that operated bus services within the Borough of Blackburn and Darwen and surrounding areas in Lancashire.-History:...
On 22 January 2007, TransdevTransdevTransdev was a major international public transport group based in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris, France and operating in several countries. Originally created as Société centrale pour l'équipement du territoire in 1955 and developing transportation activities since 1973, Transdev was a subsidiary...
acquired the business of Blackburn Transport from Blackburn with DarwenBlackburn with DarwenBlackburn with Darwen is a unitary authority area in Lancashire, North West England. It consists of Blackburn, the small town of Darwen to the south of it, and the surrounding countryside.-Formation:...
Borough Council and integrated it with its Lancashire UnitedLancashire UnitedTransdev Lancashire United is an English bus operator, running mainly in and around the boroughs of Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley. The company was founded in April 2001 following the buyout of Stagecoach Ribble by Blazefield Holdings and has since overcome other operators...
subsidiary. Transdev became part of Veolia TransdevVeolia TransdevVeolia Transdev is a French-based international public transport operator. It claims to be the world's leading such business. Its operations are spread across all the inhabited continents....
on 3rd March 2011.
- Yellow BusesTransdev Yellow BusesYellow Buses is a bus operator based in Bournemouth, on the south coast of England, owned by the RATP Group, a company owned by the government of France. Although most routes are restricted to the Bournemouth local authority area, an increasing number are expanding into the adjacent areas of...
, Bournemouth BournemouthBournemouthBournemouth is a large coastal resort town in the ceremonial county of Dorset, England. According to the 2001 Census the town has a population of 163,444, making it the largest settlement in Dorset. It is also the largest settlement between Southampton and Plymouth...
's Yellow Buses was sold first to TransdevTransdevTransdev was a major international public transport group based in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris, France and operating in several countries. Originally created as Société centrale pour l'équipement du territoire in 1955 and developing transportation activities since 1973, Transdev was a subsidiary...
on December 17, 2005 for £15m, after the Liberal Democrat-controlled borough council decided that it could not satisfactorily invest in the company itself. Transdev returned 10% of the equity to the council. The undertaking had been under municipal control or ownership for over 100 years. On 3rd March 2011 the company became part of RATP Group as a consequence of that group's exit from its part ownership of Transdev.
- Brighton Borough Transport The municipal operator was sold by the then BrightonBrightonBrighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...
Borough Council to its employees in December 1993, using the operating name Brighton Blue Bus. Go-Ahead GroupGo-Ahead GroupThe Go-Ahead Group plc is a rail and bus operating company that was created following the privatisation of the UK's train and bus industries. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.-Early history:...
purchased the company in May 1997 and subsequently integrated it into its existing Brighton & HoveBrighton & Hove Bus and Coach CompanyBrighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company operates almost all bus services in the city of Brighton and Hove in southern England. The company was established in 1884 as Brighton, Hove and Preston United Omnibus Company and has been part of the Go-Ahead Group since 1993.The company currently operates a...
operations.
- Burnley & Pendle TransportBurnley & PendleTransdev Burnley & Pendle is a bus operator running within the boroughs of Burnley and Pendle, and into the surrounding areas including Accrington, Keighley and the high profile express service to Manchester...
Burnley & Pendle was jointly owned by BurnleyBurnley (borough)Burnley is a local government district of Lancashire, England, with the status of a non-metropolitan district and borough. It has an area of and a population of , and is named for its largest town, Burnley. The borough is bounded by Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Pendle, Rossendale — all in Lancashire...
and PendlePendlePendle is a local government district and borough of Lancashire, England. It adjoins the Lancashire boroughs of Burnley and Ribble Valley, the North Yorkshire district of Craven and the West Yorkshire districts of Calderdale and the City of Bradford...
borough councils. Liberal Democrat-controlled Pendle Borough Council's 50% share was sold to StagecoachStagecoach GroupStagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
in February 1996. At the time, Labour-controlled Burnley Borough Council stated that it had no intention of selling its share in the company, but it was not able to invest sufficient funds in the company and voted in October 1996 to sell its share to Stagecoach. Stagecoach was to sell the former Burnley & Pendle garage and operations to Blazefield GroupBlazefield GroupTransdev Blazefield is one of the main bus groups in England. Owner of several bus companies around the Yorkshire and Lancashire regions, since 2006 it has been part of the international transport company Transdev.-History:...
in 2001. The Blazefield Group was bought by TransdevTransdevTransdev was a major international public transport group based in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris, France and operating in several countries. Originally created as Société centrale pour l'équipement du territoire in 1955 and developing transportation activities since 1973, Transdev was a subsidiary...
in 2006 and Transdev became part of Veolia TransdevVeolia TransdevVeolia Transdev is a French-based international public transport operator. It claims to be the world's leading such business. Its operations are spread across all the inhabited continents....
on 3rd March 2011.
- ChesterBus In June 2007 ChesterBus was sold to FirstGroup by the then Chester City Council. The sale process was longer than anticipated due to a court case against ArrivaArrivaArriva plc is a multinational public transport company owned by Deutsche Bahn and headquartered in Sunderland, United Kingdom. It has bus, coach, train, tram and waterbus operations in 12 countries across Europe, employs more than 47,500 people and services over 1.5 billion passenger journeys each...
, which the council lost. Only the operations were sold, and as of July 2007, the fleet and depot remained in Council ownership, on temporary loan to the new owner.
- Chesterfield Transport Sold to its managers in April 1990, the operation is now part of Stagecoach East MidlandsStagecoach East MidlandsStagecoach East Midlands is a bus company, part of the Stagecoach Group.Its headquarters are in Lincoln, England, and it operates services under the following brand names:*Stagecoach in Bassetlaw*Stagecoach in Mansfield*Stagecoach Grimsby-Cleethorpes...
. It was acquired by the Stagecoach group in 1995 and merged with their East Midland Motor Services operations. Although most of the Chesterfield rolling stock was disposed of in the first year the former Chesterfield Transport Stonegravels depot is still in use today. There are still many Stagecoach buses in the Chesterfield area billed as "Stagecoach in Chesterfield" still carrying Chesterfield transport legal lettering although the legal lettering now has a registered address further afield at Stagecoach Yorkshire's Barnsley area office (previously Yorkshire Traction). As at April 2009 the Chesterfield area is part of both of the East Midlands and Yorkshire area according to Stagecoach's own publicity but is effectively run from Barnsley.
- Cleveland Transit Brought out by the Management and Employees in May 1991. Sold to StagecoachStagecoach GroupStagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
in November 1994.
- Colchester Borough Transport Acquired by British Bus in November 1993, which was subsequently sold to the Cowie Group, the bus operations of ColchesterColchester (borough)Colchester is a local government district and borough in Essex, England, the district is named after its main town, Colchester. The borough covers an area of and stretches from Dedham Vale on the Suffolk border in the north to Mersea Island on the Colne Estuary in the south.The borough was formed...
were rebranded as Arriva Colchester when Cowie renamed itself ArrivaArrivaArriva plc is a multinational public transport company owned by Deutsche Bahn and headquartered in Sunderland, United Kingdom. It has bus, coach, train, tram and waterbus operations in 12 countries across Europe, employs more than 47,500 people and services over 1.5 billion passenger journeys each...
in 1997. The company was sold to Tellings-Golden MillerTellings-Golden MillerTellings-Golden Miller , a subsidiary of Arriva, is a bus service and coach operator in the United Kingdom.-Golden Miller:Reputedly, Fred Varney began the Golden Miller company with the winnings from a bet made on the horse Golden Miller, which won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National in...
in August 2004, since when it has gone under the name Network ColchesterNetwork ColchesterNetwork Colchester is a Tellings-Golden Miller bus operating company. TGM have upgraded the fleet, and it is no longer the second from bottom bus company, profit wise...
. Tellings-Golden MillerTellings-Golden MillerTellings-Golden Miller , a subsidiary of Arriva, is a bus service and coach operator in the United Kingdom.-Golden Miller:Reputedly, Fred Varney began the Golden Miller company with the winnings from a bet made on the horse Golden Miller, which won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National in...
was bought by Arriva in January 2008, bringing Colchester operations back under Arriva control.
- Cynon Valley Transport Taken over in August 1992 by Red & White. Red & White was a subsidiary of Western Travel, which was itself taken over by StagecoachStagecoach GroupStagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
in December 1993.
- Darlington Transport Amid widely-reported events, the bus operations of DarlingtonDarlington (borough)Darlington is a local government district and borough in North East England. In 2008 it had a resident population of 100,500 It borders County Durham to the north and west, North Yorkshire to the south along the line of the River Tees, and Stockton-on-Tees to the east.-Council:Traditionally part of...
Borough Council went into administration in November 1994 during an attempted sale, due to historical financial difficulties and the effects of the Darlington Bus WarDarlington Bus WarThe Darlington Bus War refers to a series of events between 1986 and 1995 in the UK bus industry in the town of Darlington, northern England, culminating in the wholesale entry of Stagecoach Group onto the Darlington bus scene, and the collapse of Darlington Corporation Transport.In November 1994,...
.
- Derby City Transport Sold in July 1989 to a consortium of its managers and employees and Luton & District. These sold out to British Bus, which was taken over by Cowie, now ArrivaArrivaArriva plc is a multinational public transport company owned by Deutsche Bahn and headquartered in Sunderland, United Kingdom. It has bus, coach, train, tram and waterbus operations in 12 countries across Europe, employs more than 47,500 people and services over 1.5 billion passenger journeys each...
.
- East Staffordshire District Council formerly Burton upon Trent Corporation Transport Department. Formed 1903 by Burton upon Trent Tramways Order, being authorised to construct and operate electric Tramway. Was the first Municipal Operator to create an arms length company. Merged with Stevensons Of Uttoxeter Limited just before the implementation of the 1985 Transport Act. Stevensons was taken over in 1994 by British Bus, who in turn became Arriva. Town Services provided by Arriva Midlands Limited, still using the Stevensons of Uttoxeter operators Licence.
- Eastbourne BusesEastbourne BusesEastbourne Buses was a bus operator running within the Borough of Eastbourne and into the surrounding area, including Pevensey, Hailsham, Tunbridge Wells, Uckfield and East Grinstead, with a fleet of around 50 vehicles...
Sold to Stagecoach GroupStagecoach GroupStagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
in January 2009.
- Fylde Sold by Fylde Borough Council to its management in December 1993, the company was bought by Blackpool TransportBlackpool TransportBlackpool Transport Services is a bus and tram operator running within the boroughs of Blackpool and Fylde and into the surrounding area, including Fleetwood, Lytham St Annes, Poulton le Fylde and Kirkham, Preston...
, itself a municipal operator, in summer 1994.
- Grampian Regional Transport Sold by the then Grampian Regional Council to its employees in January 1989, the company expanded into the GRT GroupGRT GroupGRT Group plc was a bus operating company in the United Kingdom. Created in 1989 as a holding company to effect the buyout of Grampian Regional Transport , it grew by acquisition and in 1995 merged with Badgerline to create FirstBus plc, forerunner to worldwide transport company FirstGroup...
, predecessor to FirstGroup.
- Great Yarmouth Transport Great YarmouthGreat Yarmouth (borough)The Borough of Great Yarmouth is a local government district with borough status in Norfolk, England. It is named after its main town, Great Yarmouth.-History:...
's 49-vehicle fleet and operations were acquired by FirstBus, precursor of FirstGroup, in September 1996 for £1.1 million. The services - along with Great Yarmouth routes of sister company Eastern Counties - were initially operated under the Blue Bus (f) moniker.
- Grimsby-Cleethorpes Transport The 111 vehicle bus operation of the then boroughs of Great GrimsbyGrimsbyGrimsby is a seaport on the Humber Estuary in Lincolnshire, England. It has been the administrative centre of the unitary authority area of North East Lincolnshire since 1996...
and CleethorpesCleethorpesCleethorpes is a town and unparished area in North East Lincolnshire, England, situated on the estuary of the Humber. It has a population of 31,853 and is a seaside resort.- History :...
was sold to StagecoachStagecoach GroupStagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
in November 1993.
- Hartlepool Transport Sold by Hartlepool Borough Council to its employees in June 1993, the company was acquired by StagecoachStagecoach GroupStagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
in January 1995.
- Hyndburn Transport HyndburnHyndburnHyndburn is a local government district with borough status in Lancashire, England. Its council is based in Accrington. The district is named after the River Hyndburn....
Borough Council, based in AccringtonAccringtonAccrington is a town in Lancashire, within the borough of Hyndburn. It lies about east of Blackburn, west of Burnley, north of Manchester city centre and is situated on the mostly culverted River Hyndburn...
, sold its bus operations to StagecoachStagecoach GroupStagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
in September 1996. The operation was soon merged into sister company Stagecoach Ribble, with the garage in Accrington closed and services operated from the Ribble garage in neighbouring Blackburn. In 2001 Stagecoach sold its Blackburn garage and operations to Blazefield Group, which operates the services under the fleetname Lancashire United. The Blazefield Group was acquired by TransdevTransdevTransdev was a major international public transport group based in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris, France and operating in several countries. Originally created as Société centrale pour l'équipement du territoire in 1955 and developing transportation activities since 1973, Transdev was a subsidiary...
in 2006 and Transdev became part of Veolia TransdevVeolia TransdevVeolia Transdev is a French-based international public transport operator. It claims to be the world's leading such business. Its operations are spread across all the inhabited continents....
on 3rd March 2011.
- Inter-Valley Link Was sold in February 1989 by the then Rhymney Valley District Council to National Welsh, which in early 1992 was placed in receivership.
- Islwyn Borough TransportIslwyn Borough TransportIslwyn Borough Transport was the provider of bus services around Blackwood and surrounding towns in the former borough of Islwyn, United Kingdom. It was formed in April 1974 when the Borough of Islwyn was created, and took over the operations of the West Monmouthshire Omnibus Board which had...
Was sold in January 2010 by Caerphilly County Borough Council to Stagecoach GroupStagecoach GroupStagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
.
- Kingston-upon-Hull City Transport Former municipal Cleveland Transport bought Kingston upon HullKingston upon HullKingston upon Hull , usually referred to as Hull, is a city and unitary authority area in the ceremonial county of the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It stands on the River Hull at its junction with the Humber estuary, 25 miles inland from the North Sea. Hull has a resident population of...
's municipal bus operations in December 1993, offering a 49% stake in the company back to the employees. The operation passed into the hands of StagecoachStagecoach GroupStagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
in November 1994.
- Lancaster City Transport The company was placed on the market by Lancaster City Council on December 16, 1992. Interest was expressed in buying the company as a going concern by Blackpool Transport Services and MTL, owners of Merseybus. However, following increased competition by Stagecoach, it was decided to wind the company up. On August 22, 1993 the company ceased trading, having sold the depot and its twelve newest buses to Stagecoach (North West).
- Leicester CityBus Leicester City CouncilLeicester City CouncilLeicester City Council is a unitary authority responsible for local government in the city of Leicester, England. It consists of 54 councillors, representing 22 wards in the city, overseen by a directly elected mayor. It is currently controlled by the Labour Party and has been led by Mayor Sir...
sold its bus operations to GRT GroupGRT GroupGRT Group plc was a bus operating company in the United Kingdom. Created in 1989 as a holding company to effect the buyout of Grampian Regional Transport , it grew by acquisition and in 1995 merged with Badgerline to create FirstBus plc, forerunner to worldwide transport company FirstGroup...
(the former AberdeenAberdeenAberdeen is Scotland's third most populous city, one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas and the United Kingdom's 25th most populous city, with an official population estimate of ....
bus operator) in November 1993. Trading now as First LeicesterFirst LeicesterFirst in Leicester is the trading name of Leicester Citybus Ltd., a bus company owned by the First Group. It runs buses in the city of Leicester, England...
.
- Lincoln City Transport Sold by Lincoln City Council to a consortium of Derby City Transport (40%) and the company's employees and management in November 1991. The company was bought in 1993 by Yorkshire TractionYorkshire TractionYorkshire Traction was a bus operator in South Yorkshire. Between 1986 and 2005 it was a key part of the Traction Group. In December 2005 it was sold to the Stagecoach Group.-History:...
group, which had owned Lincolnshire Road Car since January 1988. Yorkshire TractionYorkshire TractionYorkshire Traction was a bus operator in South Yorkshire. Between 1986 and 2005 it was a key part of the Traction Group. In December 2005 it was sold to the Stagecoach Group.-History:...
was itself purchased by StagecoachStagecoach GroupStagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
in December 2005.
- Boro'line MaidstoneBoro'line MaidstoneBoro'line Maidstone, previously Maidstone Borough Council Transport was the municipal bus operator in Maidstone and the surrounding villages. Maidstone Borough Council Transport was formed in 1974 from Maidstone Corporation Transport following local government reorganisation...
Boro'line Maidstone was formed in 1986 as an arms length company of MaidstoneMaidstoneMaidstone is the county town of Kent, England, south-east of London. The River Medway runs through the centre of the town linking Maidstone to Rochester and the Thames Estuary. Historically, the river was a source and route for much of the town's trade. Maidstone was the centre of the agricultural...
Borough Council from their historical transport arm. After brief expansion into London tendered routes, financial difficulties saw the council attempt to sell the company. The london operationsBoro'line (London)Boro'line describes the London operations of the former municipal bus company Boro'line Maidstone. Boro'line Maidstone was the arms length bus company of Maidstone Borough Council...
were sold to Kentish Bus, and after a period of operation in administrationAdministration (insolvency)As a legal concept, administration is a procedure under the insolvency laws of a number of common law jurisdictions. It functions as a rescue mechanism for insolvent entities and allows them to carry on running their business. The process – an alternative to liquidation – is often known as going...
, the Maidstone operations were sold to Maidstone & DistrictMaidstone & District Motor Services LtdMaidstone & District Motor Services Ltd was a bus company based in Maidstone, Kent. The company operated bus and coach services in Mid and West Kent and East Sussex from 1911 until 1998. The company's surviving operations were absorbed into Arriva Southern Counties.-Early years:In 1908 a hired...
, ending the Boro'line identity.
- Merthyr Tydfil Transport Ceased to operate in 1989.
- Northampton Transport The municipal operations of NorthamptonNorthamptonNorthampton is a large market town and local government district in the East Midlands region of England. Situated about north-west of London and around south-east of Birmingham, Northampton lies on the River Nene and is the county town of Northamptonshire. The demonym of Northampton is...
were sold to GRT GroupGRT GroupGRT Group plc was a bus operating company in the United Kingdom. Created in 1989 as a holding company to effect the buyout of Grampian Regional Transport , it grew by acquisition and in 1995 merged with Badgerline to create FirstBus plc, forerunner to worldwide transport company FirstGroup...
, precursor to FirstGroup, in October 1993 and today operate under the name First NorthamptonFirst NorthamptonFirst in Northampton is a bus company which serves the towns of Northampton and Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, England. The legal name of the company is Northampton Transport Limited...
.
- Plymouth CitybusPlymouth CitybusPlymouth Citybus is one of the principal bus operators serving the City of Plymouth, England, and the surrounding area. Plymouth Citybus's route network serves almost exclusively the boroughs and inner-city areas of Plymouth, with the majority of rural services handled by First Devon and...
Plymouth City Council sold its 100% shareholding in the company to Go-AheadGo-AheadGo-Ahead may refer to:*Go-Ahead Group, British transport operator*Go Ahead Eagles, Dutch football club*"Go Ahead", a single from Rilo Kiley's album Take-Offs and Landings...
in December 2009, after a long council meeting.
- Portsmouth City Transport Sold to its management and employees in June 1988, it was taken over by StagecoachStagecoach GroupStagecoach Group plc is an international transport group operating buses, trains, trams, express coaches and ferries. The group was founded in 1980 by the current chairman, Sir Brian Souter, his sister, Ann Gloag, and her former husband Robin...
in October 1989. Most of the business was sold on to Transit Holdings in January 1991, and to FirstBus - now FirstGroup - in April 1996 and is now part of First Hampshire & DorsetFirst Hampshire & DorsetFirst Hampshire & Dorset is a subsidiary bus company within FirstGroup, which operates buses and trains throughout Great Britain.First Hampshire & Dorset has its head office in Empress Road, Southampton and operates bus services in the Weymouth and Bridport areas in Dorset; and services in...
.
- Preston BusPreston BusPreston Bus is a bus operator running within the city of Preston, England and into the surrounding area. In 2009, it was acquired by the Stagecoach Group and was rebranded Stagecoach in Preston, before they were subsequently ordered to sell the company as a result of competition concerns...
Sold to its employees in March 1993. Remained in business until employees voted to sell out to Stagecoach North WestStagecoach North WestStagecoach North West is a major operator of bus services in North West England. It is a subsidiary of the Stagecoach Group, and has its origins in the purchase of Cumberland in 1987 and Ribble in 1988 from the National Bus Company. The head office of Stagecoach North West is in Carlisle...
in January 2009. This followed eighteen months of fierce competition in the town between the two companies. Because of the reduced competition, Stagecoach were ordered to sell Preston Bus in November 2009.
- Southampton CitybusSouthampton CitybusSouthampton Citybus was a bus operator which operated local services throughout the city of Southampton, United Kingdom. It was formed in 1898 as Southampton Corporation Transport...
SouthamptonSouthamptonSouthampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated south-west of London and north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest...
Citybus was sold to its employees in December 1993. First Group bought the company in 1997, initially renamed as First Southampton, which was to merge with the former People's Provincial operations in PortsmouthPortsmouthPortsmouth is the second largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Portsmouth is notable for being the United Kingdom's only island city; it is located mainly on Portsea Island...
in 1999, and is now part of First Hampshire & DorsetFirst Hampshire & DorsetFirst Hampshire & Dorset is a subsidiary bus company within FirstGroup, which operates buses and trains throughout Great Britain.First Hampshire & Dorset has its head office in Empress Road, Southampton and operates bus services in the Weymouth and Bridport areas in Dorset; and services in...
.
- Southend Transport The company was sold by Southend Borough Council to British Bus group in June 1993. In 1997 it became part of the rebranded ArrivaArrivaArriva plc is a multinational public transport company owned by Deutsche Bahn and headquartered in Sunderland, United Kingdom. It has bus, coach, train, tram and waterbus operations in 12 countries across Europe, employs more than 47,500 people and services over 1.5 billion passenger journeys each...
group.
- Taff Ely Transport Taken over in September 1988 by National Welsh, which in early 1992 was placed in receivership.
- Tayside Transport Bought by its employees in June 1991 from the then Tayside Regional Council, it was taken over by National ExpressNational ExpressNational Express Coaches, more commonly known as National Express, is a brand and company, owned by the National Express Group, under which the majority of long distance bus and coach services in Great Britain are operated,...
in February 1997 and is now known as Travel Dundee.