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News Category: Bus

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

“”
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

“”
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

Go-Ahead trials new approach to accelerate the transition to greener buses

17 March 2025

Go-Ahead trials new approach to accelerate the transition to greener buses

Go-Ahead, a leading zero emission bus operator, has launched a new trial to convert diesel buses to electric vehicles.

In partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, Go North West has worked with WrightBus to retrofit a diesel bus, speeding up the decarbonisation process and extending the longevity of the bus.

The converted bus is part of Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, the UK’s first franchised bus operation outside London where Go-Ahead is already operating 69 zero emission buses from its Bolton depot.

This forms part of Go-Ahead’s commitment for a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. As well as almost 1,000 zero emission buses, Go-Ahead operates electric depots across the country, including the award-winning fully electric garage in Waterloo and the largest electric bus depot in the UK, in Northumberland Park. Go-Ahead also operates buses that use alternative fuel, such as hydrogen buses.

“”
Last year we made an investment of half-a-billion pounds to deliver more than 1,000 additional zero emission buses with WrightBus. Additionally, in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, we’re seeing how we can decarbonise our existing buses using NewPower. Our partners WrightBus and Transport for Greater Manchester have been excellent to work with and we’re excited about the potential this technology provides. We’re committed to working with Transport for Greater Manchester to achieve net zero across their Bee Network.

Martin Dean

Managing Director, UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead

Go-Ahead expands coach services

03 March 2025

Go-Ahead expands coach services


Go-Ahead has acquired Pearces Coaches, expanding its established coach operations in the UK and adding to its rapidly growing Oxford network.

Pearces Coaches provides its loyal customers with high-quality coach services, including for Oxford University and home to school routes for local independent schools.

Pearces Coaches will join Go-Ahead as part of the Oxford Bus Company and follows acquisitions in the Oxford and Gloucestershire region including Pulhams and Swanbrook coaches.

Go-Ahead has grown its coach services and is now one of the largest coach operators in the UK with over 400 coaches from the South West to the North East, serving customers such as schools, universities, local businesses and local authorities. Go-Ahead’s coach services include East Yorkshire Coaches, Excelsior and Dartline Coaches.

Miguel Parras, Group Chief Executive, Go-Ahead, said: “Pearces Coaches is a fantastic operator, with an excellent reputation and we’re delighted to welcome them to Go-Ahead. Our Oxford Bus Company has gone from strength to strength, connecting customers from a wider area with a wider range of services. We’ve grown our coach and bus services significantly in the last few years to provide additional high-quality services  for schools, local businesses and local authorities.”

Martin Pearce, Director of Pearces Coaches “We’re delighted to join Go-Ahead who share our approach in offering high-quality, reliable and punctual services to the local community. As a leading public transport business with a such a strong local presence, we know our loyal customers will continue to experience excellent service when we become part of Go-Ahead.”

Go-Ahead expands in Sweden

28 February 2025

Go-Ahead expands in Sweden

Go-Ahead has continued its growth in Sweden through the acquisition of Trossö Buss.

Trossö Buss is a high-quality operator with strong connections to the local community in southern Sweden and a focus on delivering the best possible customer service. They offer local school bus services, rail replacement services and private coach hire.

Trossö Buss will join Go-Ahead Sweden, previously known as Flexbuss, which has grown significantly by winning several new contracts recently.

As well as bus services in Sweden, Go-Ahead will also start operating Stockholm’s Metro network later this year, as part of the largest public transport contract in continental Europe, serving 350 million passengers annually.

Miguel Parras, Group Chief Executive at the Go-Ahead Group, said: “Since we started operating in Sweden just over two years ago, we have grown our business significantly, expanding our bus network and establishing ourselves as the future operators of Stockholm Metro. We’re delighted to welcome Trossö Buss to our business, they share our focus on delivering excellent customer service and help us continue the growth of our business to serve even more customers in Sweden.”

Magnus and Elisabeth Petersson, Trossö Buss added: “We have operated Trossö Buss for 19 years and developed it to what it is today, from 4 to about 30 buses. It is now time to hand over the baton to Go-Ahead Sweden, who will be able to continue driving Trossö Buss to the next level.”

From graduate to leading Go-Ahead’s Fastrack operations

19 December 2024

From Graduate to leading Go-Ahead’s Fastrack operations

Go-Ahead has appointed Isobel Hedley-Jones as its new Head of Fastrack Operations, effective from 1 January 2025.

Isobel first joined Go-Ahead London in 2021 as a graduate and has since worked in operations and business development working on Go-Ahead’s bid for Fastrack, before time in Australia as part of the bus mobilisation team for U-Go Mobility.

She has since managed the company partnership with Kent County Council for Fastrack before joining the mobilisation team in January 2024.

Commenting on her appointment to the role, Isobel Hedley-Jones said: “I’m proud to be taking on this role for Go-Ahead and to continue to build on our positive relationship with Kent County Council, our client for the Fastrack network. I’m looking forward to leading our brilliant team to ensure we deliver the highest standard of service possible for the communities we serve across Kent”.

Martin Dean, Managing Director of UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead Group said: “We’re extremely pleased to appoint Isobel to this role, her knowledge and experience has developed rapidly since she first joined Go-Ahead as a graduate in 2021 – this appointment is also a testament to her hard work”.
He added: “We are determined to build an inclusive working environment and Isobel’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to supporting and developing the growth of more women leaders in our business”.

Go-Ahead started operating the Fastrack contract in November, which will run for 15 years and is worth £110 million, and is part of the company’s UK regional bus portfolio.