Bus Ambassador

First Bus and FlixBus have announced a five-year partnership that will see eight new or expanded coach routes launching across the UK from next year, strengthening long-distance travel options nationwide. The collaboration marks a major milestone for both companies, with First Bus furthering its reach into the intercity coach market and FlixBus doubling down on its UK expansion.

Stagecoach is bringing 64 shiny new electric buses to the streets of Coventry and Warwickshire, all part of a bold £140m project to make Coventry the UK’s first fully electric bus town or city. That’s right—this isn’t just about a few green buses here and there; it’s a major leap forward for the Coventry Electric Bus City scheme.

Good news for festive travellers! National Express is boosting its network just in time for the Christmas rush, adding a whopping 16,000 seats a week across popular intercity routes from the 4th of December. This festive season, they’re offering more options than ever to travel between cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester and even to major airports like Heathrow.

If you’re spotting giant poppies on First buses around Yorkshire, it’s not your eyes playing tricks – it’s First Bus proudly showing its support for Remembrance this November. With 300 buses decked out in the iconic Royal British Legion poppy, First Bus North & West Yorkshire are adding welcome tribute to their fleet, honouring veterans and their families. And they’ve backed it up with a generous £3,350 donation to this year’s Poppy Appeal .

Greater Manchester is swarming into action, assembling a fleet of shiny yellow Bee Network buses as it gears up for full control of the local bus network come January. With the buzz building, an impressive army of new vehicles is getting ready to hit the streets, bringing a fresh wave of improvements to public transport across the region.

Greater Manchester’s Bee Network has brought the buzz to Wigan, launching the brand-new 615 route and reconnecting the town with Middlebrook retail park – just in time for some festive shopping. Plus, the 132’s had a boost too, now running every half hour between Wigan and the Trafford Centre instead of just once an hour.

Ticketer, the leading supplier in real-time information, fleet management and smart ticketing for the UK’s bus and coach industry, has just hit a mega-milestone—its 8 billionth ticket sale. The lucky ticket? Sold on an Arriva Merseyside bus no less. This milestone not only marks Ticketer’s deep-rooted partnership with Arriva but also its ongoing impact on the entire industry since it launched in 2009.

In a significant move to transform public transport, the UK Government has pledged more than £1 billion to safeguard essential bus routes and ensure affordability with a capped fare of £3 for single journeys across England (excluding London). This long-term investment, which covers both metropolitan and rural areas, aims to prevent price hikes, protect crucial services and provide more reliable public transport options, particularly for communities where buses are often the primary travel option.

In light of recent media reports suggesting that the £2 bus fare cap in England may be scrapped in the upcoming Budget, Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), has voiced his concerns about the potential implications for bus passengers and the industry as a whole. Update at 12:07pm on 28/10/2024: The bus fares cap in England will be raised to £3 in the upcoming Budget, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced.

Following last year’s partnership , Hitachi and First Bus are charging ahead, with seven of First Bus' depots now powered by Hitachi’s ZeroCarbon battery and charging management technology. This is a significant step for the UK’s leading bus operator towards its ambitious 2035 net zero target.

Warrington’s Own Buses has officially rolled out the first wave of its all-electric fleet, a momentous stride toward greener urban transport backed by the town’s purpose-built electric bus depot. Marking a true milestone for public transport, the 105-vehicle order of Volvo BZL Electric buses is part of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) initiative, aiming to drastically cut emissions and noise pollution in towns across the UK.

Megabus has announced plans to downsize its coach network in England and Wales from the 4th of December due to low demand. The budget coach operator will pull the plug on various routes, though key services in Scotland and the South West will continue as normal.

FirstGroup plc has just added another name to its growing portfolio, snapping up the Shropshire-based Lakeside Group. This move comes hot on the heels of First Bus’s acquisition earlier in the week of Anderson Travel , a central London coach company.

Halloween is just around the corner, and up in the North East of England, Go North East's bus drivers have swapped their regular uniforms for something with a bit more… fright factor! In preparation for the spooky season, six brave bus drivers ventured to one of the area’s most haunted spots, Lumley Castle in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, for a bit of ghostly inspiration. Known for its spine-tingling tales of paranormal activity, Lumley Castle didn’t deter this fearless crew, who embraced their inner ghouls and went full-on haunted with eerie makeovers.

Big things are happening in St Helens. Designs for a brand-new transport interchange and shiny civic square are about to hit the spotlight and they’re aiming to transform the town centre. Fancy a peek? The plans are being shown off this week before the next big planning application gets the go-ahead – all part of a grand scheme to regenerate the area.

Transport UK London Bus has given its fleet a green boost, rolling out 12 shiny new GB Kite Electroliner BEVs from Wrightbus, all thanks to financing sorted through Asset Alliance Group.

Stagecoach West Scotland has just pulled the wraps off a world first – a fleet of 12 electric midibuses, unveiled this week and they're rolling out on Ayrshire’s all-electric bus routes this autumn. This snazzy £5 million investment adds a dozen Enviro100EV midibuses to the mix across East, South and North Ayrshire, boosting Stagecoach’s electric fleet in the area to a solid 60.

Stagecoach South West has splashed out over £1.5 million on 12 brand-new, Euro VI low-emission single deckers for North Devon. These snazzy Optare Solo M8570SR buses are stepping in to replace older ones, taking on routes from Barnstaple, including the newly nabbed Lynton, Lynmouth, and Woolacombe services.

FirstGroup has made a significant move by acquiring Anderson Travel, a highly experienced coach operator that offers contracted school services, private hire, mini coach operations and tours in and around London.

Rochdale-based Mellor is busy building new Bee Network buses for local community routes, as part of hundreds of vehicles being made in the UK for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network. These orders are not only keeping jobs secure but also creating new ones in Greater Manchester and across the UK.

Hold on to your wands, folks – Evan Evans Tours just made their fleet a little more magical. If you thought one Harry Potter-themed electric double-decker was cool, get ready to geek out, because they’ve just added their fourth fully bus to the squad! That’s right, this bad boy isn’t just stylish – it’s 100% electric and decked out in enough Harry Potter magic to make you feel like you’re heading straight to Hogwarts.

Uno has just rolled out the big guns—or rather, the big buses. The University of Hertfordshire’s own bus operator has welcomed five brand-spanking-new Volvo B8L-MCV eVoSeti double deckers to their fleet, and they’ve arrived just in time for Freshers. Picture it: five shiny new buses making their debut at the Freshers Fair on Friday 27th of September, like rock stars about to hit the stage—except, you know, with USB chargers and less noise.

Ready to ride? Warrington just took its electric bus game to new heights – literally! The very first Volvo BZL Electric double-decker has rolled into town, marking a major milestone in the switch to greener, cleaner travel. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a double decker?

Hold onto your bus tickets, folks! More than 40 million bus journeys were taken in Lancashire over the last year. That’s right, we’re seeing a bus resurgence like it’s the hottest comeback since, well, the bus itself. Passenger numbers have surged by a whopping 50% since the days of pre-pandemic normalcy, along with an impressive rise in the miles bus services in the county are clocking up. Talk about a triumphant return!

First Bus has just welcomed its latest crew of engineering apprentices to the training academy at Reaseheath College in Cheshire – the UK’s first dedicated bus and coach engineering facility.

Greater Manchester’s Bee Network is gearing up to unveil its first new bus route later this month. It’s been a year since the city region took control of its bus network, giving local communities a louder voice in how services are run. Since then, buses in Greater Manchester have become cheaper, cleaner and more reliable. Routes are being reviewed to ensure residents can easily access jobs and opportunities.

Alexander Dennis, part of the global bus manufacturing giant NFI Group Inc., has just delivered two shiny new Enviro400 double-decker buses to Selwyns Travel, one of the North West's top independent coach operators. And these aren’t just your average buses – they’re packed with 85 comfy, high-backed seats complete with 3-point seat belts.

Half a billion pounds. That’s the figure behind a game-changing investment poised to transform bus journeys across the UK, delivering 1,200 homegrown zero-emission buses. Say goodbye to fumes and hello to cleaner, quieter travel, courtesy of bus operator Go-Ahead. And the cherry on top? This green investment is not only about smooth rides; it’s about supporting hundreds of jobs and sparking economic growth nationwide.

Go-Ahead London, a Go-Ahead Group subsidiary, has ordered 32 Alexander Dennis Enviro100EV small electric buses. It’s the second deal with a London operator for these shiny new next-gen electric buses.

From March 2025, Greater Manchester is hopping on board with the future by bringing in contactless ticketing for buses and trams, just like in London.

Remember when the idea of electric vehicles seemed like something out of a sci-fi film? Well, fast forward to today, and Pelican Bus & Coach has just delivered the UK's first privately operated double-decker electric bus. And not just any bus—this is the Yutong U11DD, the stylish heavyweight champion of eco-friendly transport, rolled out to none other than Westway Coaches of Surrey, a company that knows a thing or two about making a statement on the road.

In its first year of operation, the Bee Network has reshaped the public transport landscape in Greater Manchester. Since its historic launch, over 58 million bus journeys have been made, with a clear shift towards cheaper, cleaner and more reliable services. The initiative has already surpassed expectations, with nearly seven million more bus journeys recorded compared to the previous year, marking a 5% increase.

In a landmark moment for sustainable transport in Liverpool, Mayor Steve Rotheram today revealed the new livery for the Liverpool City Region's publicly owned bus fleet. The announcement was accompanied by news of a major investment in electric buses, marking another significant milestone in the region's journey towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035.

As cities across the globe race towards greener transport, Nottingham is firmly on track with its ambitious plan to electrify its bus fleet. Nottingham City Transport (NCT), one of the UK’s leading bus operators, is rolling out 62 battery-electric buses, a significant step in its transition to zero-emission vehicles. This shift, however, has come with a host of challenges, logistical puzzles and unforeseen costs that highlight the complexities of going green in urban transport.

The final round of Bee Network contracts has been awarded for school services in Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and parts of Manchester and Salford from 5 January 2025.   Transport for Greater Manchester Greater Manchester is the first area to bring buses under local control following de-regulation in 1986 and currently around 50% of services are franchised under the Bee Network. Diamond Bus (North West) Limited has been awarded 7 contracts and Go North West Limited 2 contracts, covering a total of 37 schools to operate the final phase of school bus services. The final Bee Network school bus services will run from Monday 5 January 2025 – at which point all buses across Greater Manchester will be franchised and under local control, with other Bee Network bus services being run by Metroline, Stagecoach, First, Vision, Diamond and Go North West.    There will be no changes to the schools served or the numbers of buses used under the new contracts. As with other Bee Network services, ensur

A new chapter in Greater Manchester's night-time economy is about to unfold with the introduction of a 24/7 night bus service, launching this Sunday (1st September). The service, a year-long trial, aims to improve the region's connectivity, catering to the needs of those working and enjoying Greater Manchester's vibrant nightlife. This initiative is seen as a lifeline for the growing population of night-time workers and revellers who rely on public transport during late hours.

Starting from this Sunday the 1st of September 2024, passengers and employees travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport will benefit from significant enhancements to the 86A bus service. Operated by Arriva North West, this popular route, which links the airport with the city centre, will see its daytime frequency doubled, providing a huge boost to public transport connectivity across the region.

In a landmark development, residents and visitors in Lancashire are set to benefit from a host of new and improved bus services. These enhancements, which take effect in September, have been made possible by increased funding through HM Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Residents of the Liverpool City Region are getting their first look at a cutting-edge rapid transport 'Glider,' set to enhance journeys to Liverpool John Lennon Airport and the city's football stadia by 2028.

In a landmark announcement, Mayor Steve Rotheram has revealed plans to invest nearly £110 million in the Liverpool City Region bus network. This substantial funding aims to significantly enhance bus services across the area, reflecting a commitment to improving public transport for residents.

In a significant development for the future of London's public transportation, Alexander Dennis has confirmed its first order from a London operator for its next-generation electric buses. This move marks a major step forward in the capital's efforts to enhance its transport infrastructure with sustainable and efficient solutions.

Greater Manchester is undergoing a transportation revolution with the Bee Network, an ambitious initiative designed to create an integrated, reliable and affordable public transport system. With locally controlled buses outperforming commercial networks, cheaper fares on the horizon, and significant investments in active travel infrastructure, the Bee Network aims to connect the city-region like never before. We explore the latest developments and future plans for Greater Manchester's transport and active travel landscape. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) Locally Controlled Buses The Bee Network's bus services, launched in Wigan, Bolton and parts of Bury, Salford and Manchester, have shown improvements since coming under local control in September last year. Over the past six months, passenger numbers have increased by 5%, with over 849,000 journeys recorded in the week ending 18th May – the highest weekly patronage since franchising began. Service reliability has also seen a sign

A groundbreaking collaboration between data scientists in Liverpool and South Korea is set to revolutionise bus travel in the Liverpool City Region. Researchers are developing a 'digital twin' of the area's transport system, a sophisticated digital replica that will simulate various scenarios, such as route adjustments and fare reductions. This innovative approach aims to enhance service quality, shorten journey times, and encourage more residents to use buses. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) Enhancing Connectivity with Advanced Data Modelling Leveraging cutting-edge data modelling techniques and real-time vehicle location data, the digital twin will assist transport leaders in improving regional connectivity, ultimately benefiting the local community and addressing transport inequalities. Currently, about 82% of public transport journeys in the Liverpool City Region are made by bus, underscoring the importance of this network. Building on International Collaboration The init

First Bus has made a significant leap in their journey towards sustainability by placing the largest single order of Yutong Electric buses with Pelican Bus and Coach, the UK importer. This major order of 169 electric buses will be delivered to four depot sites: Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, Basildon and Hengrove in Bristol, within the next 16 months. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) Expansion of Zero-Emission Fleet This latest investment is part of First Bus's ambitious plan to operate more than 800 zero-emission vehicles across the UK, supported by EV charging infrastructure at 16 depot sites. The order includes a mix of single and double-decker buses from Yutong's E10, E12, and U11DD models, expanding the company’s current Yutong EV operations in Aberdeen, Leeds and in Wales. Investment and Funding First Bus's investment, valued at £89 million, covers 178 zero-emission buses and supporting infrastructure across four regions. Additional funding of £16 million has been secured t

Have you heard about Equipmake? They’re a pioneering engineering company focusing on electrification, working across industries like automotive, aerospace, buses and more. Recently, they announced an exciting new electric conversion for the Wrightbus Streetdeck double-decker bus. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) What’s the Wrightbus Streetdeck? The Wrightbus Streetdeck, launched in 2014, is has become one of the UK’s favorite double-decker buses. You’ve likely seen them around the likes of Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds. Now, Equipmake has unveiled the latest version of their Zero Emissions Drivetrain for the Streetdeck, promising a superb mix of range, battery life, performance and cost-effectiveness, all while maintaining passenger capacity. The Tech Behind the Transformation So, what’s inside this cutting-edge system? Let’s break it down: HTM 3500 Motor : Delivers 3,500Nm of torque and 400kW of peak power. Semikron SKAI Inverter : Ensures smooth, efficient power conversion. 436kWh Li

In a heartfelt tribute to the Armed Forces community, Stagecoach has announced free travel on its bus and tram services (excluding Megabus, TFL, and the Bee network) across the UK on Armed Forces Day. This initiative, scheduled for Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June, extends to serving personnel in uniform, individuals carrying a military ID card, and veterans proudly displaying a medal or veteran’s badge. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) Armed Forces Day Celebration Armed Forces Day, celebrated on Saturday 29th June, is a time for the public to show appreciation for the men and women of the Armed Forces community, including serving troops, Service families, veterans, and cadets. Details of Free Travel Stagecoach bus companies nationwide will offer free travel on both Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June to serving personnel in uniform, those carrying a military ID card, and veterans with a medal or veteran’s badge. Commitment on Remembrance Days Additionally, Sta

Stagecoach has taken another big step towards a greener future by placing a major order for 158 electric buses from Pelican Bus and Coach. This new order, on top of the recent delivery of 23 single-deckers to Sheffield, solidifies Stagecoach's position as the largest operator of Yutong electric vehicles in the UK. Pelican Bus & Coach The buses, set to be deployed across various depots in England, will be funded through a combination of Stagecoach, local authorities, and national government initiatives. This move underscores Stagecoach's dedication to sustainable transport and its ongoing efforts to connect communities in an eco-friendly way. Additional Orders for Single-Deckers Following the recent delivery of 23 single-deckers to Sheffield, Pelican has secured additional orders totalling 158 single-deck electric buses. This means Stagecoach is now the largest operator of Yutong electric vehicles in the UK, with over 200 orders. Deployment Across England

In a big step towards greener public transport, Stagecoach has placed a substantial order for 244 new zero-emission buses from Alexander Dennis. This order, the largest of its kind to date for the bus manufacturer, highlights Stagecoach's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and improving sustainable travel options across the UK. Alexander Dennis Support from Local Authorities Stagecoach collaborated with various local authorities across England to secure successful bids in the second round of the UK Government’s Zero-Emission Regional Bus Areas scheme (ZEBRA 2). With the funding awarded, Stagecoach has placed the largest single order of Alexander Dennis’ zero-emission buses to date. The Fleet: Enviro400EV Double Deckers Among the new buses, 180 will be Enviro400EV double deckers. These vehicles follow similar models previously purchased by Stagecoach with ZEBRA 1 funding, currently being delivered and commissioned. The Enviro400EV boasts an impress

Bus manufacturer Wrightbus has launched a new re-powering service, replacing older diesel engines in buses with new zero-emission electric powertrains. Wrightbus launches NewPower in Bicester - Wrightbus NewPower, operating from a high-tech factory in Bicester, Oxfordshire, aims to speed up the decarbonisation process by converting older buses to electric at a much lower cost than buying new ones. Wrightbus is the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to offer this service, using the skills of its 1,800-strong workforce. This service is being hailed as an affordable way to reduce emissions, especially for bus operators with mid-life fleets who can't afford new zero-emission buses. The conversion process is quick, taking as little as three weeks, with space to work on six buses at once, allowing for up to 500 conversions a year. Wrightbus has a history of innovation, including producing the world’s first hydrogen bus and the iconic London Routemaster. The company plans to expa

This weekend, we had the pleasure of attending the North West Vehicle Restoration Trust's (NWVRT) Running Day in Kirkby, a delightful event for vintage vehicle enthusiasts. I was invited to attend by Macauley and his Dennis Dart MPD 8.8M. The event was a nostalgic journey, offering a unique glimpse into the history and charm of these vintage buses. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) Our Experience Arriving at the event, we were greeted by a bustling scene filled with beautifully restored buses from various eras. Macauley's Dennis Dart MPD stood out with its striking Blackpool Transport livery. The atmosphere was electric, with enthusiasts and families alike exploring the buses, sharing stories and taking countless photographs. The highlight was, of course, riding Macauley's Dennis Dart MPD. The bus ran smoothly, a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining these vehicles. As we toured around Kirkby, the nostalgia was palpable. The combination of the bus

Stagecoach has ushered in a new era of sustainable transport in South Yorkshire with the introduction of their first fleet of electric buses. Partnering with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the Department for Transport, this initiative marks a significant step towards cleaner air and reduced congestion in the region. Pelican Bus & Coach ZEBRA Funding Success This initiative marks South Yorkshire’s successful bid for Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) funding from the Department for Transport, supporting efforts to improve local air quality and reduce congestion. State-of-the-Art Yutong Vehicles Supplied by Pelican Bus & Coach, the new electric buses feature distinctive “electro” branding and bespoke interiors. These buses represent Stagecoach’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2035, a significant milestone in their sustainability journey. “We are so proud to be introducing these state-of-the-art buses into

A bus service promising a "convenient and scenic journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District" has made a welcome comeback. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) The Stagecoach X8 bus service, which traverses between Lancashire and the Lakes, recommenced operations on Saturday 30th March, and will run until the 20th October 2024. Each Saturday, the X8 bus departs from Chorley, ferrying passengers through some of the most charming locales in the region, including Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick. According to a spokesperson for Stagecoach, the revival of the service heralds good tidings for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. "Good news for people who love walking and exploring!" the spokesperson exclaimed. "You'll be treated to breathtaking vistas and a seamless journey as you traverse these enchanting spots. "Whether you're an avid hiker seeking challenging trails, a nature aficionado yearning for tranquility, or simply

Hold onto your seats – Warrington’s streets are about to get a whole lot greener. At a special Zero Emissions Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) event, Warrington unveiled its shiny new yellow eBus, giving locals their first glimpse of the eco-friendly fleet set to take over.   Warrington’s Own Buses / Volvo Picture this: 105 brand-new electric buses, set to phase out diesel ones. Yep, Warrington’s saying goodbye to fossil fuels and hello to state-of-the-art Volvo BZL Electrics. It’s one of the largest orders of electric buses in the UK, and it’s kicking off this summer . This is more than just a fancy fleet – it’s Warrington’s leap towards a cleaner, quieter future. And the best part? The charging system for these buses will be powered entirely by green energy, thanks to EO Charging. No tailpipe emissions. Less noise. More breathe-easy moments for everyone. Warrington Borough Council Leader and Cabinet Member for highways and transport, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “These are exciting times for Wa

A brand-new fleet of Bee Network buses is being rolled out to passengers in Bolton and Wigan. Transport for Greater Manchester By bringing buses under local control, Greater Manchester can define the types of buses that should run on Bee Network services – and now the first of 67 state-of-the-art low-emission buses, operated by Diamond, are taking to the streets. It follows the introduction of 50 new Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) in September, with a further 50 due to be introduced over the coming months. With investment from Diamond, via its contracts to run locally controlled services, passengers will experience improvements, including frequent services and better, more modern buses operating across Wigan and Bolton. The new fleet is serving communities that were often not prioritised by operators before franchising, with companies tending to target busier, more profitable routes. The routes the new buses are running on are just as important as busier routes and often provide the only a