Featured Post

LCR to Secure Bus Depots in Major Franchising Move

By on
Image
Bus services across the Liverpool City Region are set for a major transformation, with plans for a fully publicly-run bus network moving forward at pace. The introduction of a franchised system will see services brought under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years, promising more frequent buses, better connections and improved infrastructure. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Franchising is Coming Sooner Than Planned You’ve probably heard about the move to bus franchising—where routes, fares and timetables will be planned by the public sector rather than private companies—but here’s what’s happening next. The first phase kicks off in St Helens and Wirral, with the new system up and running by September 2026. The whole region should be fully franchised by the end of 2027, a year ahead of schedule. Mayor Steve Rotheram, said: “Reliable, regular, and affordable buses are the backbone of a great public transport system. They connect people to work, education, and each ...
Post a Comment

FirstGroup to acquire Ensign Bus Company

By on
FirstGroup plc has just announced their acquisition of Ensign Bus Company Limited, the well-performing Essex-based public transport, vehicle refurbishment and re-sale business. The deal is expected to be finalised over the coming months after regulatory review.

Ensignbus

Ensignbus’ commercial bus operations comprise a local bus route network complementary to First Bus’ operations in Essex and two B2B segments that include rail replacement and private hire contract operations.

This transaction offers up an impressive young vehicle fleet of 55 buses, as well as providing potential for growth in B2B and bus dealership markets. The Ensignbus specialist heritage fleet is excluded from the transaction.

The acquisition of the Ensignbus business will both enhance FirstGroup’s existing local commercial bus operations in Essex as well as providing a number of growth opportunities in the B2B and bus vehicle dealership markets.

Graham Sutherland, FirstGroup Chief Executive Officer, said:
“The acquisition of Ensignbus, a long-established, high-performing business, will allow us to not only grow our B2B offering, but to also enhance our operational footprint in Essex, and we look forward to welcoming Ensignbus employees to the Group. This is a strategically and financially accretive growth opportunity for us, and one that is fully aligned to our balanced capital allocation policy.”
Peter Newman, Ensignbus Chairman, said:
“I want to thank all of our employees at Ensignbus for their ongoing hard work to deliver great service for our passengers across all of our communities in Essex, and we will be supporting them fully as they move to their new employer.

“We’re pleased that First Bus, with their reputation for customer service, innovation and sustainability, will take the Ensignbus business forward as a going concern and we wish them a successful future. We will continue to serve our communities and operate our network as usual until the completion date.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Arriva Invests £14 Million in 46 New Buses for Liverpool City Region

By on
Image
The Liverpool City Region is gearing up for a transport transformation, with Arriva investing £14 million in 46 Alexander Dennis Enviro200 buses. These state-of-the-art single-deck, low-emission vehicles are now hitting the roads across the region, bringing passengers a smoother, greener and more comfortable travel experience. Arriva Bus UK This isn’t just about adding buses to the network; it’s a strategic step in creating a London-style, integrated public transport system. The buses, decked out in the Liverpool City Region’s bold yellow, black and grey livery, represent a shift towards a unified, accessible network. For passengers, it means a journey that’s as modern and efficient as the big-city systems they’ve long envied. Let’s unpack why this fleet is making waves and how it’s set to redefine public transport in Merseyside. A Closer Look: The Alexander Dennis Enviro200 The Alexander Dennis Enviro200 is a well-regarded choice for operators, and it’s easy to see why Arriva picked i...
More

LCR to Secure Bus Depots in Major Franchising Move

By on
Image
Bus services across the Liverpool City Region are set for a major transformation, with plans for a fully publicly-run bus network moving forward at pace. The introduction of a franchised system will see services brought under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years, promising more frequent buses, better connections and improved infrastructure. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Franchising is Coming Sooner Than Planned You’ve probably heard about the move to bus franchising—where routes, fares and timetables will be planned by the public sector rather than private companies—but here’s what’s happening next. The first phase kicks off in St Helens and Wirral, with the new system up and running by September 2026. The whole region should be fully franchised by the end of 2027, a year ahead of schedule. Mayor Steve Rotheram, said: “Reliable, regular, and affordable buses are the backbone of a great public transport system. They connect people to work, education, and each ...
More