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News Category: Bus

Go-Ahead Group launches UK-first contactless season ticket

09 March 2026

Go-Ahead Group launches UK-first contactless season ticket

The Go-Ahead Group, has announced a groundbreaking enhancement to its contactless fare system: customers can now purchase a season ticket onto their payment card in Google Wallet, without the need for a separate barcode, smartcard or paper ticket.

This innovation, developed in collaboration with Google and Littlepay, builds on the success of Go-Ahead’s earlier collaboration to integrate real-time fare capping and ride history into Google Wallet.

The feature is being piloted on Brighton & Hove Buses, where half of all bus travel is paid for by contactless payment. Now, for the first time in the UK, customers with season tickets can enjoy the same seamless contactless experience as pay as you go users on Google Wallet.

This technology allows season ticket holders to replace barcodes and physical tickets using their Google Wallet, bringing together the flexibility of contactless travel with the value and convenience of season tickets.

Go-Ahead will be rolling out this software across its regional bus operation.

Kanwar Brar, Go-Ahead’s Chief Digital and Information Officer, said: “This development reflects Go-Ahead’s ongoing commitment to innovation, accessibility, and customer-centric transport solutions, making public transport smarter, simpler, and more inclusive for everyone.”

Jonathan Hill, Head of Transit Partnerships, Google Pay added: “Enabling users to buy monthly tickets adds a further layer of convenience to the ability to track pay as you go spending and progress towards daily and weekly travel caps within Google Wallet. Now users can make quick, easy and secure payments with a Google Pay tap, and keep informed of their spending for both pay as you go and season tickets in Google Wallet.”

Sheryll Ricketts, Head of Solutions, Littlepay said: “It is fitting that the operator launching Littlepay and Google’s latest innovation is part of the Go-Ahead Group. Brighton & Hove Bus passengers once again lead the way as the first to access prepaid Tap On/Tap Off ticketing directly from their Google Wallet. Thanks to the collaboration, shared ambition and commitment from all the teams, we continue to deliver greater convenience to passengers through their digital wallets.”

Go-Ahead launches national ‘Better By Bus’ campaign

25 February 2026

Go-Ahead launches national ‘Better By Bus’ campaign

The Go-Ahead Group has launched a new national advertising campaign, Better by Bus, encouraging more people to choose bus travel and highlighting the benefits this brings to customers, communities and the environment.

The new campaign will run over the next 12 months across England, from the Isle of Wight up to Yorkshire.

Better by Bus will be delivered through a targeted, multi-channel advertising and communications campaign, running across radio, digital audio, billboards and on-bus branding. Radio activity will generate around 16.5 million impressions delivered through four four-week bursts, alongside 24 million digital audio impressions across the 12-month campaign. As part of the campaign, 58 of Go-Ahead’s buses will be out on the roads with vibrant artwork reminding people of the wide-ranging benefits of travelling by bus.

In England, buses are already the most popular from of public transport with 11 million people already using them each day. This campaign aims to grow that by reminding people of the affordability, ease, environmental impact and the accessibility of bus travel.

Some of the benefits of travelling by bus include:

  • A petrol car journey emits up to 3.5 times more CO₂ emissions per passenger than the equivalent bus journey
  • A fully loaded double decker bus removes up to 75 cars from the road per journey
  • No single bus fare on routes included in the scheme will exceed £3
  • On average, bus passengers spend £32 per return journey in local shops, cafés and restaurants, underlining the important role buses play in supporting high streets and local businesses.

The Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said: “We know that buses are absolutely crucial for people to get to work, school, or just to see family and friends. It’s great to see Go-Ahead encouraging more people to choose the bus. With the Bus Services Act now in force and the government recently investing £3 billion to support both local authorities and bus operators, there has never been a better time to get on board. We are giving local leaders and operators the tools to shape services, so they are more reliable, more affordable, and greener for everyone”.

Dan Lewis, Chief Commercial Officer, Go-Ahead Group commented: “This campaign isn’t just about promoting Go-Ahead, it’s about encouraging even more people to leave their cars and use the brilliant bus services on offer across the country. We are confident that once people learn about the wider benefits of bus travel, from providing value for money to reducing congestion and environmental impact, they will join the 11 million people who already take the bus every day in England.”

Go-Ahead celebrates 1,000 zero-emission buses in London

20 February 2026

Go-Ahead celebrates 1,000 zero-emission buses in London

Go-Ahead, the operator of the largest zero-emission bus fleet in the UK, has reached 1,000 zero-emission buses at Go-Ahead London.

The 1,000th bus was charged yesterday by Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor, Transport and Mete Coban, MBE, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy.

The zero-emission buses at Go-Ahead London will cut carbon emissions by around 60,000 tonnes each year – equivalent to removing approximately 37,500 cars from London’s roads annually. They have capacity for over 80,000 people.

Go-Ahead London is the largest bus operator in London, running over 2,500 buses across 170 routes, serving more than one million passengers daily. This milestone means that almost half of Go-Ahead London’s routes are now served purely on zero-emission buses.

Go-Ahead London first introduced zero-emission buses into operations over 12 years ago and operates from a number of electric depots, including one of Europe’s largest in Northumberland Park. Across London, 13 of Go-Ahead London’s depots now have charging points and electric buses, with plans underway to electrify Sydenham, Thamesmead and Stockwell this year.

Last year, Go-Ahead invested in a new Operating Control Centre for Go-Ahead London to boost reliability of services. The new control centre also supports zero-emission transport by providing live information on the battery range and state of charge for all electric buses.

Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “London is leading the charge on zero emission buses, with Go-Ahead’s 1,000th electric bus joining our 2,800 strong zero emission fleet. Since the Mayor took office, London’s bus network has gone from strength to strength, with the number of zero emission buses rising from just 30 in 2016 to nearly 3,000 – a third of the fleet. This progress is helping to clean up our toxic air, tackle the climate crisis, and protect the health of Londoners as we continue to build a greener London for everyone.”

Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and helps those travelling in London do so in a way that is sustainable and eco-friendly. Working with operators like Go-Ahead London, we’re on a mission to transition to a fully zero-emission bus fleet in the capital and decarbonise the public transport network.”

Andy Edwards, Managing Director, Go-Ahead London, said: “Reaching 1,000 zero-emission buses is a landmark moment for Go-Ahead London and we’re proud to continue our leadership in zero-emission. We’re looking forward to building on this success and helping improve air quality across London.”

Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus, added: “This milestone reflects years of investment, innovation, and partnership with Transport for London. It’s a key step towards our commitment to a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035 and adds to the new zero-emission buses we’re delivering this year, right across the UK.”

Managing Director changes at Go-Ahead

26 January 2026

Managing Director changes at Go-Ahead

With Go North West securing the contract to operate services across the Wirral Peninsula, on behalf of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Go-Ahead has made some leadership changes for its Operating Companies.

Nigel Featham will continue to be Managing Director of Go North West but given this role has expanded to cover operations in both Greater Manchester and now Liverpool, he will no longer continue his role at Go North East.

Ben Gilligan, Managing Director of East Yorkshire Buses will become Managing Director of Go North East. Ben has been at East Yorkshire Buses since 2018 and has been Managing Director since 2022.

A new Managing Director for East Yorkshire Buses will be appointed in due course with Matt Ashton, Operations Director at Go North West covering the role on an interim basis.

Nigel, Ben and Matt will start their new roles from Monday 2nd February.

Martin Dean, Managing Director, UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead, commented: “Nigel has been a fantastic leader for Go North East and Go North West but with the new contract in Wirral he will now dedicate his time solely to Go North West. Ben will be an excellent Managing Director at Go North East and we’re very grateful for Matt’s help whilst we search for a new Managing Director for East Yorkshire Buses. These changes are a positive result of us growing our business and serving even more customers with our award winning  bus services.”

Full details of Go-Ahead’s Operating Company Leadership can be found https://www.go-ahead.com/who-we-are/people/leadership/.

 

Go-Ahead wins contract in Liverpool City Region

23 January 2026

Go-Ahead wins contract in Liverpool City Region

Go-Ahead will expand into Liverpool City Region after securing one of the first contracts under the city’s new franchised bus network, awarded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA).

Go North West begin running services across the Wirral, which sits within the Liverpool City Region from October, with a fleet of 117 buses operating on 45 routes.

This expansion builds on Go-Ahead’s strong track record of delivering essential, high-quality bus services across the UK, in locations from Cornwall to London to Newcastle – as well as in Greater Manchester, where it is already a key operator within that region’s franchised bus network.

This contract underscores Go-Ahead’s role as a trusted partner in shaping the future of public transport by delivering reliable, punctual and safe services. It reflects our commitment to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. Through this contract, Go-Ahead will introduce a range of initiatives to support the Wirral, including its award-winning apprenticeships, improving accessibility and bringing people together with Chatty Bus.

Nigel Featham, Managing Director, Go North West, said: “We’re incredibly proud to work closely with LCRCA to offer excellent bus services to customers in the Wirral. Building on our success in Greater Manchester we’re looking forward to supporting the community with safe, reliable and punctual services, and giving a warm welcome to our new colleagues.”

Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus added: “Securing this contract is an exciting step for Go-Ahead and a clear demonstration of our commitment to deliver world-class public transport. We’re really grateful to the LCRCA for entrusting us with this privilege and we look forward to making a positive impact on the community.”

 

Go-Ahead Ireland wins major new contract 

02 December 2025

Go-Ahead Ireland wins major new contract

Go-Ahead Ireland has been awarded a new contract from the National Transport Authority (NTA) to more than double the number of routes it will operate within the Greater Dublin Area.   

A new five-year agreement, extendable for a further two years, will see Go-Ahead Ireland expand to provide services on 65 routes across the Outer Dublin Metropolitan Area (ODMA) and progress its net-zero ambitions.   

Go-Ahead Ireland has been working in partnership with the National Transport Authority since 2018 to provide reliable, punctual and accessible services to their customers in the Greater Dublin Area.  

Last year, Go-Ahead Ireland served 22.5 million customers, a 20% increase on the previous year, and achieved the highest customer satisfaction within public transport in Dublin. Go-Ahead Ireland has also supported its community with initiatives including apprenticeship programmes, partnerships with national and local charities such as Down Syndrome Ireland, and five years of sponsorship of Dublin GAA. 

Under the new contract, Go-Ahead Ireland will:  

  • Expand its network to 72 routes, including 65 ODMA routes aligned with the NTA’s BusConnects Network Redesign programme. 
  • Add over 150 buses to its fleet, with plans to electrify its Ballymount depot in the future. 
  • Open new depots, including in Ballycoolin, Dublin and Kilpedder, North County Wicklow. 
  • Recruit for new team members including a focus on female bus drivers   

Speaking on the contract announcement, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “This agreement represents a significant investment in the future of public transport in Dublin and delivers on commitments set out in the Programme for Government. Expanding services and improving connectivity are central to our climate and mobility goals, ensuring that more people have access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable transport options.” 

Adding to this, newly appointed NTA CEO Anne Shaw said: “This contract is a key milestone in our BusConnects programme and in our broader vision for public transport in Dublin. By partnering with Go-Ahead Ireland, we are ensuring that passengers benefit from modern, efficient, and customer-focused services. Our goal is to make public transport the first choice for more people, reducing congestion and emissions while improving quality of life.” 

Dervla McKay, Managing Director, Go-Ahead Ireland, added: “We have a long-term commitment to our customers in the Greater Dublin Area, and we’re delighted to be able to serve even more members of our growing community. Our continued partnership with the NTA means we’ll create more jobs, advance our journey to net-zero, and continue offering reliable, punctual and accessible services. 

Go South West keeps communities connected in Cornwall

21 November 2025

Go South West keeps communities connected in Cornwall

Go Cornwall Bus, part of Go South West, will be expanding its services across Cornwall following First South West’s decision to withdraw all bus operations from the county after 14 February 2026.

Recognising the importance of maintaining essential bus connections, Go Cornwall Bus is working in close collaboration with Cornwall Council to design a revised but comprehensive network. The intention is to ensure that people across Cornwall can continue to access bus services for work, education, healthcare, leisure and visiting friends and family.

This builds on Go Cornwall Bus’s long-standing commitment to the communities it serves, and its focus on reliable, accessible and trusted public transport across the county.

Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Go South West, said: “Cornwall is our home, and we are committed to protecting the bus services that so many people rely on. We will be introducing a revised but comprehensive network that keeps every community connected. Our priority is to ensure that any area currently served by First South West continues to have access to bus services.”

Martin Dean, Managing Director, UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead, added:“We’re dedicated to keeping communities connected, whether that means introducing new routes, stepping in when other operators withdraw, or strengthening existing networks. We fully support the team at Go South West as they prepare for this important transition in Cornwall and are proud of the leadership and care they show for their communities.”

Go-Ahead has a strong track record of stepping in to support communities when other operators end services. Recent examples include the introduction of the ‘Kent Country’ network following Arriva’s withdrawal of Route 477, the expansion of Carousel Buses’ operations in High Wycombe after Arriva depot closures, and earlier interventions by Morebus and Bluestar in Bournemouth, Poole and Southampton. This experience means the Group is well placed to support Go South West through the transition in Cornwall.

Go-Ahead expands in Singapore with major new contract

19 September 2025

Go-Ahead expands in Singapore with major new contract

The Go-Ahead Group has been awarded a significant new contract by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA), almost doubling its operations in the country.

From summer 2026, Go-Ahead Singapore will begin operating bus services in Tampines on a five-year contract, extendable for a period of up to five years. The contract covers 27 routes operating from the new five-storey East Coast Bus Depot. Services will run on a fleet of around 400 buses, which includes over 250 zero-emission buses – one of the largest electric bus operations in Asia.

This builds on Go-Ahead’s established role as a leader in sustainable transport. The company previously introduced Singapore’s first zero-emission bus on behalf of LTA and continues to pioneer innovation with initiatives such as ultra-thin solar panels on buses and the Helping Hands customer service programme.

Go-Ahead Singapore has operated in the country since 2016 from Loyang Bus Depot and was recently recognised by The Straits Times as one of Singapore’s Best Employers. With the award of the Tampines contract, Go-Ahead Singapore will expand to over 2,000 colleagues and operate a total fleet of over 800 buses, including more than 270 zero-emission vehicles – with scope to introduce further electric buses during the contract period.

Leveraging its global expertise, Go-Ahead Singapore will bring in international best practices in electric bus operations to enhance service reliability, operational efficiency, and sustainability. Drawing from its experience across multiple markets, the company will setup a Satellite Centre of Excellence in Singapore to build expertise in electric bus operations and maintenance for the industry. It will integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into operations and maintenance to improve overall safety, energy efficiency, and operational excellence.

Recognising the importance of its workforce, Go-Ahead Singapore is committed to enhancing employee welfare through comprehensive programmes focusing on health, safety, and professional development.

Beyond quality service, commuters can look forward to more inclusivity and community engagement initiatives that will improve their public transport journeys. The company will create community spaces at bus interchanges to foster a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages social interaction and accessibility and introduce initiatives such as “baby on board” badges for pregnant commuters.

Matt Carney, CEO – Go-Ahead, Bus, said: “Next year marks 10 years since Go-Ahead began operating in Singapore, and we’re delighted to celebrate this milestone by growing our business. As a leader in sustainable transport, we’re proud to support the Land Transport Authority’s transition to zero-emission transport and to provide reliable, punctual and sustainable bus services to more customers.”

Leonard Lee, Managing Director, Go-Ahead Singapore, added: “This is an exciting step forward for Go-Ahead Singapore. We are grateful to the Land Transport Authority for placing their confidence in us and are honoured to be awarded the Tampines Bus Package. We look forward to serving commuters in Tampines with greener journeys, while working closely with the NTWU to ensure a seamless transition for affected employees.”

Go-Ahead steps in to serve communities after Arriva announces the closure of key cross-county route

10 September 2025

Go-Ahead steps in to serve communities after Arriva announces the closure of key cross-county route

Following Arriva’s recent decision to withdraw Route 477, an essential transport link between Orpington and Dartford, Go-Ahead Group will step in to serve local communities under the new brand name ‘Kent Country’, ensuring that no one along the route is left without access to vital bus services.

The closure, announced in early September, would have left residents without access to important destinations, including schools and places of work. Kent Country will ensure that the local community continues to have reliable connections to these key locations along the route.

Kent Country will operate from the Fastrack depot, providing continuity for customers. Services under the new operator will begin on 26 October 2025.

Isobel Hedley-Jones, Head of Fastrack, said: “We recognise the vital role this route plays in connecting people to essential destinations, and we are committed to supporting the community through this transition. The introduction of Kent Country will provide a seamless handover and a dependable service for passengers who rely on this route every day.”

Laura Trott MBE, MP for Sevenoaks, Swanley and the Dartford Villages, said: “I am delighted that, subsequent to my campaign, Go-Ahead will be taking over the Arriva 477 bus route in full from the end of October. This is brilliant news for residents – especially in Crockenhill – who were facing the prospect of being left without any public transport at all. I am extremely grateful to Go-Ahead for stepping in, and I look forward to working closely with them going forward.”

Go-Ahead’s Victoria Garcia appointed as Government Disability and Access Ambassador

03 September 2025

Go-Ahead’s Victoria Garcia appointed as Government Disability and Access Ambassador

Victoria Garcia MBE, Accessibility and Communities Manager for Brighton & Hove Buses, part of Go-Ahead, has been appointed as one of the Government’s Disability and Access Ambassador, representing the bus industry.

Victoria will join other ambassadors to drive improvements in the accessibility and quality of services and facilities for disabled people, helping to ensure businesses are doing all they can to support disabled customers.

Victoria is recognised as the go-to professional for accessibility in the industry. Her work has truly been industry-leading and her dedication to improving bus services for disabled users saw her awarded an MBE in 2019, going on to then receive the UK Bus Awards ‘Impact on the Industry by an Individual’ award in 2021 and the Route One ‘Special Award’ in 2024.

Under Victoria’s guidance Brighton & Hove Buses works with organisations including the Alzheimer’s Society, Guide Dogs, Age UK, Speak Out, and many more to make bus services accessible to everyone. This work saw Go-Ahead achieve the highest status in the UK Department for Transport’s Inclusive Transport Leaders scheme for bus and rail operations.

Martin Dean, Managing Director, UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead, said: “We’re exceptionally proud of Victoria’s dedication to making bus services more accessible. Victoria works with organisations, communities and customers to understand how we empower thousands of people to travel independently and with dignity. I’m delighted that with this appointment; she will be able to help even more people and drive real change across our industry.”

Victoria Garcia, MBE, Accessibility and Communities Manager for Brighton & Hove Buses, commented: “I’m delighted to become the Disability and Access Ambassador for Bus and Coach. Bus services help connect us all to work, education, healthcare and provide vital social interactions that can help combat isolation and loneliness. By listening and learning and working in partnership we can all work to ensure a more accessible, inclusive service for all.”

The Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms, MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability said: “I am very pleased to be working with this impressive group of senior leaders, whose expertise and enthusiasm engenders positive changes in accessibility for disabled people. They are really supporting the government in this important work. They are generous with their time and support. The Disability and Access Ambassadors help us to improve all disabled people’s lives, by using their experience and insight throughout their sectors, and supporting the changes in accessibility we want to see across a wide range of private sector industries.”