Bus Ambassador

Alright, let’s rewind. Back in 2010, when I first launched the Merseyside Bus Blog, I was all about the nitty-gritty—the bus routes, timetables and the little details that make our transport system tick. Over the years, though, the blog’s evolved. My focus has broadened, but today, I’m taking it back to where it all began—to those small but meaningful details that make my local transport system work.

Picture this: a slice of Britain’s most innovative electric bus parked smack dab in the London Transport Museum. Fancy a spin? Well, almost. The museum’s latest addition lets you step aboard a Transport UK London branded Wrightbus Electroliner, complete with an interactive driver’s cab and passenger space. No fumbling for your Oyster card needed.

The Go-Ahead Group has agreed a deal to acquire Swanbrook Transport, a bus and coach operator based in Cheltenham. Swanbrook operates local bus, home to school services and private hire and will become part of Pulhams Coaches, which sits in Go-Ahead's Oxford division.

Since its debut in 1997, the iconic Mercedes-Benz Citaro has hit a remarkable milestone, with 70,000 buses now gracing streets around the world. During Daimler Buses’ eMobility Days 2.0 in Berlin, the 70,000th Citaro—a fully electric eCitaro—was handed over in style. 

Those familiar with the blog will know the author is proudly based in Birkenhead, so it's always a delight to see further investment in a local bus operator. Al’s Coaches – or Happy Al’s to many – has been a family-run fixture in the North West since 1972, earning its place as one of the region’s top bus and coach providers.

London’s iconic red buses are going electric and the latest addition to the fleet is turning heads. From today, the Wednesday 20th of November, stylish, tram-like electric buses are running on the 358 route between Crystal Palace and Orpington. These futuristic vehicles aren’t just a step forward—they’re a leap into a cleaner, greener and safer future for the capital’s public transport. Transport for London What sets these buses apart isn’t just their sleek, modern design. They’re powered by pantograph technology, a charging system that’s being rolled out on a London bus route for the very first time. The word “pantograph” might sound a bit technical, but the idea is simple. Picture a robotic arm extending from the bus roof to connect with an overhead charger. In just six minutes, the bus is ready to roll again. This rapid charging happens at either end of the 15-mile route, cutting out the need for buses to head back to the depot. This system doesn’t just save time—it’s efficient. Few...

CitySightseeing York is turning up the festive cheer with its Christmas-themed open-top tour bus – a jolly red ride perfect for soaking in the seasonal sights of England’s most Christmassy city. And this time, locals can enjoy discounted tickets, too!

Transdev’s latest move is set to transform public transport in Yorkshire. The Harrogate Bus Company, one of Transdev’s key brands, has officially launched the first of 20 fully electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaro single-deckers. These new buses are now in service on the busy route 1, connecting Harrogate and Knaresborough with buses running as frequently as every eight minutes.

Transdev has bagged a major national accolade for its multi-million pound investment in electric buses and a brand-new green depot. The company scooped the Environment Award at the Routeone Awards, which have been celebrating the best in the UK bus industry since 2005.

Here's some big news for Lancashire’s bus passengers– the county’s just bagged a whopping £27 million to boost its bus services. This cash injection is part of a £1 billion pot the government revealed on Sunday to keep crucial bus routes alive and kicking nationwide.

Karsan is charging into the UK market with its electric e-JEST, the latest step in its global push for greener public transport. Following success in Europe, North America and Japan, the UK is the latest destination for Karsan’s pioneering zero-emission minibuses.

Big news from Euro Bus Expo 2024! Falcon Buses has confirmed their order for the brand-new Alexander Dennis electric Enviro200EV single-deckers, making them the first independent operator to do so. These zero-emission buses are set to hit the roads in 2026, connecting key routes like Woking to Weybridge and Chertsey to Kingston. Talk about a clean, green revolution!

FlixBus has joined forces with Derbyshire-based operator trentbarton. Announced at Euro Bus Expo in Birmingham, this partnership is being hailed as a game-changer for both companies. If you’re into coach travel (or just want more affordable options), things are heating up.

The Liverpool City Region is gearing up for a major transport shake-up, and here’s a key stop along the way: an eagerly awaited express bus service is making its comeback on 16th December, albeit on a trial basis. Say goodbye to those winding old routes—this one’s set to whisk you from Runcorn to Liverpool in just 50 minutes. Since the X1 route was scrapped in 2022, commuters have been calling for its return, and Mayor Steve Rotheram has delivered.

From the 11th of November, getting around the Fylde Coast will be a breeze. The AnyBus smartcard is launching, giving you one ticket to use across most bus services in the area. Whether you’re hopping between Blackpool and Fleetwood or cruising down to Lytham St Annes, you’re covered. No more juggling different tickets or fretting about which bus company you’re with—just tap and go.

First Bus is stepping up its game in York as the city gears up for Christmas. From the 10th of November to the 24th of December, the transport provider will add extra buses on the Park and Ride network. This will help shoppers, commuters and tourists navigate the festive crowds with more ease. And the best part? These buses are all-electric. First Bus uses 12 dedicated Optare Versa EV single-deck and 20 Optare MetroDecker EV double-deck electric buses on these routes, a key part of their strategy to offer greener, cleaner transport options for the historic city of York.

Arriva’s turning up the voltage in London, celebrating the electrification of its third bus depot as part of a bold march towards zero emissions. The Thornton Heath site in south London is the latest to join the green revolution, set to power up 109 electric buses by spring 2025. That’s thanks to a shiny new electricity substation and some seriously advanced charging tech.

Big changes are rolling into Aberdeen as First Bus invests £12.7 million to bring 36 electric buses to the city. This is part of the company’s massive £100m green commitment across the UK for 2024/25. The aim? Cleaner air, quieter streets and a bold step towards a zero-emission future.

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 .