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News Category: Bus

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.”

Go-Ahead invests in best-in-class Operations Control Centre to strengthen reliability at Go-Ahead London

21 August 2025

Go-Ahead invests in best-in-class Operations Control Centre to strengthen reliability at Go-Ahead London

The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan has opened the new world class Operations Control Centre (OCC) for Go-Ahead London, the capital’s largest bus operator. Equipped with the latest technology, the new OCC will improve the reliability and punctuality of services for over one million customers who use the service each day.

Consolidating Go-Ahead London’s six OCCs into one purpose-built facility, the new OCC will monitor and co-ordinate the operation of Go-Ahead London’s services 24 hours a day, seven days a week across the entire fleet of over 2,400 buses on 170 routes across London.

The new OCC will enable controllers to oversee the entire network, work more collaboratively, and better allocate resource to ensure safe and reliable journeys for our passengers and our drivers. They will achieve this through access to live operational data for the whole of Go-Ahead’s London network, including information on road congestion, roadworks, bus departures and vehicle availability and reliability. This data will help the controllers make faster, more informed decisions. The OCC will also manage Go-Ahead London’s growing fleet of over 800 zero-emission buses, the largest in the city, by providing live information on the battery range and state of charge for all electric buses.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “As the son of a bus driver, it was great to officially open Go-Ahead London’s fantastic new Operations Control Centre and meet the staff working to deliver safe and reliable journeys for bus drivers and more than one million Londoners. I’m proud we’ve taken London’s bus network from strength to strength since I became Mayor, delivering the Superloop network, the Hopper fare, improving safety, freezing bus fares for six years and ensuring there are now more than 2,000 zero emission buses in the capital. We’ll continue to ensure buses remain the most accessible, affordable and sustainable form of transport as we build a better London for everyone.”

 Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus said: “Putting the customer first goes to the heart of everything we do. Therefore investing in new technology and world class facilities to improve our teams’ workplaces whilst continuously improving the safety, reliability and punctuality of our services is an easy decision. We are proud to partner with TfL to keep London moving by delivering more than 1.8 billion bus journeys per year.”

Go-Ahead recognised as leading apprenticeship provider

14 July 2025

Go-Ahead recognised as leading apprenticeship provider

Go-Ahead’s investment in apprenticeships has been recognised by the Department for Education and by The Sunday Times in their Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list.

The recognition celebrates our on-going commitment to creating career opportunities for the next generation of transport professionals – and to build a workforce that truly reflects the communities we serve.

There are currently over 1,400 apprentices at Go-Ahead across rail and bus. The apprenticeship programmes cover customer services, engineering, management, and driving qualifications.

Go-Ahead recently announced a new bus engineering apprenticeship programme that focuses on attracting more people into the profession, including more women. The new programme will prepare apprentices for the future of sustainable, high-tech transport, and give them support from dedicated mentors every step of the way.

In rail, Govia Thameslink Railway offer 14 types of high-quality apprenticeships, including two new apprenticeship courses to support Women in leadership roles and a Career Returners programme.

Go-Ahead was ranked 12th in the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship employers 2025 and 28 in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2025

Sam Williams, Group People Director, Go-Ahead said: “We’re extremely proud of the high-quality apprenticeships we have on offer at Go-Ahead. These not only support people across our communities into the workforce but also set us up for future success.”

Go-Ahead makes multi-million-pound investment to excel in engineering

07 July 2025

Go-Ahead makes multi-million-pound investment to excel in engineering

Go-Ahead Group has made a multi-million-pound investment in engineering to create a clearer career pathway for emerging talent, increase the skills and knowledge of our engineering teams, and better prepare them for an accelerated rollout of zero-emission technology. The investment will create a new industry leading engineering apprenticeship programme and will develop the skills of Go-Ahead’s 900 engineers across the UK & Ireland.

Two new engineering academies in London and Greater Manchester will support the apprenticeship programme and host training for current engineers.

Go-Ahead’s engineers maintain over 6,000 buses and coaches for customers across the UK & Ireland, including the UK’s largest zero-emission fleet. The new training and apprenticeship programmes will set bold new standards in engineering by strengthening the skills of Go-Ahead’s talented engineers and by investing in future colleagues.

Go-Ahead’s existing engineers will receive training to enhance their skills and knowledge ready for the sustainable, high-tech future of public transport.

As an award-winning apprenticeship provider, Go-Ahead is committed to removing barriers to entry by funding driving lessons and exams for successful applicants, opening up engineering careers to people from all backgrounds.

Apprentices will initially learn about complex mechanical and electrical systems in classrooms and real-life settings before joining one of Go-Ahead’s operating companies to learn on the job, whilst gaining a qualification and earning a wage. The programme will be delivered in partnership with S&B Automotive Academy, one of the leading providers of apprenticeships to the automotive sector and will include placements with some of Go-Ahead’s other manufacturing partners. Dedicated mentors will help guide and support recruits throughout the programme.

With a rapidly growing zero-emission fleet, Go-Ahead is ensuring their existing and future engineers have the necessary skills to continue to operate and maintain these buses and ultimately play a vital role in the transition to zero-emission public transport.

Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus said: “Engineers are absolutely crucial to our industry. Our investment will help create a clear career pathway for anyone interested in becoming an engineer. This includes women who are underrepresented in engineering, and I am very pleased to see that 20% of our first apprentices are women. This is a great start towards gender diversity. Our engineering academies will also develop our existing team of engineers, upskilling them so that they’re set up for success and provide leadership training to our emerging leaders. This means that as we grow and evolve, we will continue to have the best engineers in the industry, which is great for our teams and for our customers.”

This investment forms part of Go-Ahead’s commitment to have a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035.

 

Go-Ahead becomes founding partner of Rebuilding Futures Alliance

18 June 2025

Go-Ahead becomes founding partner of Rebuilding Futures Alliance

Go-Ahead is proud to become a founding partner of Rebuilding Futures Alliance (RFA) to support people with low-level past convictions into meaningful employment. By equipping individuals with career opportunities, the partnership seeks to break the cycle of reoffending while contributing to economic growth.

RFA is a not-for-profit organisation that brings together charities that support former offenders join the rail, bus and other transport sectors, offering them a real second chance.

Go-Ahead provides a wide range of fulfilling career opportunities that help connect billions of customers and their communities through essential bus and rail services. By partnering with RFA, Go-Ahead will explore how to support people with low-level past convictions re-enter the workplace and build rewarding careers.

Go-Ahead’s involvement as a founding partner aligns with its commitment to creating social value and building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. This commitment drives its award-winning apprenticeship scheme, its Go-Ahead Women programme and its partnerships with organisations such as The King’s Trust.

Miguel Parras, Group Chief Executive, Go-Ahead Group said: “Everyone should have the chance to build a meaningful and rewarding career. By partnering with RFA we hope we can offer people who deserve a second chance the sense of purpose and satisfaction that working at Go-Ahead provides.”

Chris Leech MBE, Business Development Director, RFA said: “We’re delighted that Go-Ahead has joined the RFA to support us break the cycle of reoffending. The RFA’s mission is not just to place people into jobs but to rebuild their futures. Employment is the single most powerful factor in reducing reoffending. With the right support and the right role, people can transform their lives and contribute positively to their communities. The transport industry offers fantastic careers that can help change lives and positively impacting far beyond those engaged.”

 

 

Announcement on Andrew Wickham, MBE

25 May 2025

Announcement on Andrew Wickham, MBE

It is with great sadness that Go-Ahead confirms that Andrew Wickham MBE, Managing Director, Go South Coast has passed away.

Andrew was a much-loved colleague and valued member of Go-Ahead for over thirty years. He was an Operations Manager with London General before becoming Go-Ahead Group’s Development Manager under Chris Moyes. When Wilts & Dorset was acquired by Go-Ahead in 2003, he became Operations Director beginning a 20 year association with the area. He was Manging Director of Plymouth CityBus between 2009 and 2011 before returning to the south coast and remaining there as Managing Director ever since. Under Andrew’s leadership for the last 14 years, Go South Coast has gone from strength to strength, winning multiple awards including Route One and UK Bus Awards ‘Operator of the Year’ accolades on multiple occasions.

Andrew’s expertise and leadership skills were most evident in 2022 when Yellow Buses went into administration potentially leaving large areas of Bournemouth without a bus service. Andrew and his team took over 80 buses worth of work with only a gap of 24 hours – a feat which was applauded and recognised by the local community.

His contribution to the bus industry and the impact of his career was illustrated by his recognition in the 2025 King’s New Year’s Honours list, where he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

“”
On behalf of everyone at Go-Ahead and Go South Coast I want to pass on our deep condolences to Andrew’s family and loved ones. Andrew was a fantastic colleague, and he will be greatly missed. He made a big impression on our business and we will honour his legacy at the appropriate time.

Miguel Parras

Group Chief Executive

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I had the privilege of working with Andrew for 26 years. His enthusiasm and passion for serving his community was admirable and the loyalty of his team at Go South Coast is a testament to Andrew’s character. We will all miss him.

Martin Dean

Managing Director UK Regional Bus

Go-Ahead strengthens leadership in zero-emission transport

09 April 2025

Go-Ahead strengthens leadership in zero-emission transport

Go-Ahead, in partnership with the Department for Transport and local authorities, will invest in an additional 45 zero-emissions buses for its operating companies in Hull, Salisbury, Brighton & Hove, Isle of Wight and Plymouth.

Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood visited the team at East Yorkshire Buses yesterday to hear about their plans to decarbonise the bus network across the region.

Go-Ahead’s zero-emission bus fleet is the largest in the United Kingdom with 1,500 zero-emission buses in operation or on order, demonstrating its commitment and leadership in zero-emission transport. Go-Ahead has received government support for 246 zero-emission buses, with some being introduced into service in the next few months.

Customers of East Yorkshire Buses, Salisbury Reds, Brighton & Hove Buses, Southern Vectis (Isle of Wight) and Plymouth CityBus will enjoy quieter and smoother journeys with the added benefit of knowing their travel is environmentally friendly.

Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus commented: “Our leadership and commitment to zero-emission transport is something we’re extremely proud of at Go-Ahead. We’re very grateful to the Department for Transport and our local authorities for this partnership, which will give more customers access to cleaner, greener public transport across the country.”

Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, said: “Our investment will deliver new zero-emission buses to communities across England by 2027. This funding will not only make bus travel cleaner, greener, and more comfortable, but it will also create jobs, support local economies, and accelerate our journey towards a zero-emission future. From Hull to Hove, there’s an electrifying future on the way for our buses.”

New report highlights the importance of prioritising bus services in residential developments

26 March 2025

New report highlights the importance of prioritising bus services in residential developments

Go-Ahead Group and Stagecoach, two of the UK’s leading bus operators, have collaborated to launch a new report highlighting the crucial role of incorporating bus services in new residential developments, helping to integrate public transportation into emerging neighbourhoods for improved community convenience.

The report examines how strategic urban design can enhance bus provision and accessibility specifically in locations outside of metropolitan areas, while aligning with major policy shifts.

Including new case studies and reflecting significant evolution in other areas of policy and guidance including the National Model Design Code, the report updates the previous award-winning Stagecoach guidance published in 2017.

The launch was hosted online by the Bus Centre of Excellence (funded by the DfT) on Tuesday 25 March 2025 and featured key leadership figures from Go-Ahead Group and Stagecoach with the event being led by the author of the guide, Nick Small, Head of Built Environment & Infrastructure for Oxford Bus Company & Go South Coast, part of the Go-Ahead Group.

You can read the report by clicking here.

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We know how essential bus services are to communities across the country so it’s vital that they are considered in any urban design scheme. By working together, we can ensure that future residential developments are well connected to schools, work, and the wider community.

Martin Dean

Managing Director, UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead

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Integrating high-quality bus services into new residential developments is essential for creating sustainable and well-connected communities. This report will help designers and transport planners ensure public transport is prioritised in urban planning, supporting both environmental goals and the evolving needs of residents, making bus travel the most attractive choice for new communities.

James O’Neill

Commercial Director, Stagecoach South