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News Category: Bus

The green shift: zero emission buses could lure millions onto public transport

08 December 2022

The green shift: zero emission buses could lure millions onto public transport

  • A majority (55%) of people are likely to travel by bus more often if buses are powered by zero-emission electric or hydrogen batteries
  • Only a quarter of the public think bus travel in general is ‘green’. But eight out of ten view zero emission buses as ‘green’.
  • Younger people are particularly likely to be swayed in their travel habits by a switch towards low emission technology
  • Independent research carried out for Go-Ahead Group’s new Zero Emission Centre of Excellence

Buses powered by electric or hydrogen batteries could lure millions of additional passengers onto public transport according to new research into public attitudes towards travel.

Research by ComRes for Go-Ahead’s Zero Emission Centre of Excellence has found that only 26% of the public view bus travel as a ‘green’ form of transport – on a par with rail travel, but well below the number who view cycling or walking as ‘green’.

However, if they are specifically told that a bus they are catching is powered by an electric or hydrogen fuel cell battery, the proportion who view it as a green form of transport rockets to 81%.

Contrary to received wisdom in the public transport industry that ‘green’ buses don’t sell any more tickets, 55% of respondents said that they would be more likely to travel by bus if they knew that a zero emission bus was available. This raises the prospect of a significant increase in bus travel as the UK’s 30,000-strong bus fleet transitions from diesel fuel to electric or hydrogen power.

The polling was carried out on behalf of The Go-Ahead Group’s Zero Emission Centre of Excellence, which officially opens today. The centre, based in London, brings together expertise from Go-Ahead’s bus companies across the UK, Ireland, Sweden and Singapore and will develop best practice in buying, running and maintaining zero emission buses.

“”
It is surprising that so few people view buses as green, given that they account for just 2% of greenhouse gas emissions from transport, compared to 52% from cars. Public transport is a fundamentally sustainable way to get around.

Nevertheless, these findings show that zero emission buses are a game changer. If we can demonstrate to the public that buses are green, we can persuade millions of people to leave their cars at home in favour of public transport.

And this reinforces the value of public sector support for investment in zero emission buses – including the Government’s ZEBRA funding scheme for electric and hydrogen buses

The Go-Ahead Group operates more than 6,000 buses across the UK, and has committed to an entirely zero emission UK fleet by 2035. The company is the largest operator of buses in London and has eight regional bus companies including networks in Devon and Cornwall, Dorset and Hampshire, Brighton, Oxford, East Anglia, East Yorkshire, Manchester and the north-east.

“”
Go-Ahead is already the UK’s largest operator of electric buses and we’re determined to deliver a zero emission fleet by 2035.

Our new centre of excellence will develop solutions to the challenges such as equipping depots, buying buses, managing battery life and training drivers. We will also be looking at ways to open up our depots to third parties who may wish to use our charging points for their own vehicles.

Richard Harrington, Engineering Director at Go-Ahead London and head of the group’s Zero Emission Centre of Excellence

Polling findings in detail include:

  • 26% of the public think bus travel is a ‘green’ form of transport. This compares to 3% for flying, 4% for taxis, 9% for car travel, 26% for rail travel, 73% cycling and 83% for walking.
  • If a bus was ‘zero emission’ and powered through an electric battery or hydrogen fuel cell, would you consider it to be green? 81% agree, 6% disagree.
  • 55% of respondents would be more likely to travel by bus if they knew it was a zero emission bus. For those aged under 35, the figure was 66%
  • Asked what would encourage them to travel by bus more often, 56% chose cheaper tickets, 41% increased frequency, 34% cleaner buses, 34% speedier journeys, 30% zero emission buses, 23% clearer bus information and 20% improved security

The poll of 1,000 respondents was carried out by ComRes over the weekend of December 3rd to 4th.

Go-Ahead expands in south-west England through acquisition of Dartline

14 November 2022

Go-Ahead expands in south-west England through acquisition of Dartline

  • Exeter-based bus and coach operator to join Go South West
  • Acquisition adds 118 employees and 84 buses
  • Complementary geographical fit alongside Plymouth Citybus, Go Devon Bus, and Go Cornwall Bus

The Go-Ahead Group has agreed to buy Dartline, a bus and coach operator based in Exeter, which will build on the group’s position as a leading local transport operator in Devon and Cornwall.

A well-established business with 30 years’ experience in the region, Dartline operates a fleet of 84 buses, coaches and special education needs taxis, and employs 118 people.

Dartline provides essential services for commuters, schools, day trippers local communities across East Devon. Its bus routes are a mixture of commercial routes and services operated under contract for Devon County Council.

Dartline’s coach division provides tours and private hire services. The company operates the team coach for Exeter Chiefs rugby union team.

Go-Ahead has grown rapidly in the West Country. From its origins as Plymouth Citybus, the group expanded into East Cornwall in 2014, and again in 2020 through an eight-year contract to deliver rural bus routes from Lands End to the Tamar for the county council, creating Go Cornwall Bus. The combined operation was given a new corporate identity as Go South West.

Following the acquisition of Dartline, Go South West, an Investors in People Platinum accredited company, will comprise of four customer facing brands operating 380 buses and coaches, employing a workforce of 900 people.

“”
We’ve been admirers of Dartline for a long time – it’s a family focused, well run bus company with a strong reputation and a competitive fleet. This acquisition will take us into wider Devon, and will mean that Go South West bus services stretch from the western tip of Cornwall to the Devon, Dorset and Somerset border.

Operating as a standalone business, we will maintain Dartline’s strong focus on delivering for local communities, and we will invest in growing and adding services in mid and east Devon.

Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Go South West

“”
I reached the grand age of 70 this year and decided its time to hand the reins to a progressive company like Go Ahead, the brand will continue as Dartline and all the staff will be maintained. Having started Dartline on 4th January 1987 with 8 Vehicles and building it to its size today I feel proud that it will continue under the new Management.

Dave Hounslow, Managing Director of Dartline

“”
We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues at Dartline into the group. This acquisition underlines Go-Ahead’s commitment to expand in the regional bus market in the UK, as set out in our group strategy, The Next Billion Journeys.

Christian Schreyer, Group Chief Executive, The Go-Ahead Group

Go-Ahead hosts bus driver recruitment open days for Ukrainian refugees

07 November 2022

Go-Ahead hosts bus driver recruitment open days for Ukrainian refugees

A Go-Ahead Group bus company is working in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions to help Ukrainian refugees to become bus drivers. A change in government legislation has resulted in Ukrainian refugees receiving immediate settlement status and the opportunity to work in the UK straight away.

The UK has suffered a shortage of drivers across the entire transport industry and the bus sector is no exception – the Confederation of Passenger Transport estimates that 9% of bus driver roles are vacant across the country.

In Sussex, Go-Ahead’s Brighton & Hove and Metrobus have been campaigning non-stop for new drivers to join their team since the country came out of lockdown to support passenger demand. Even though the company has seen an increase in candidates coming forward and new drivers appointed, it still isn’t enough.

Ukrainian bus drivers can exchange their bus driving licence for a UK licence under a current standard EU agreement. Previously bus drivers from countries other than the UK had to wait a year before they could apply for jobs at Brighton & Hove and Metrobus. However, with a new company policy and a special training programme in place the company can support Ukrainian refugees back into work.

On Thursday 10 November 2022, Brighton & Hove and Metrobus will invite Ukrainian refugees to its recruitment open day. Those who attend have been assessed by the Department for Work and Pensions on the basis of having a driver’s licence and a good understanding of English written and verbal communication skills that are essential for the positions offered.

Anita Pain Employer Advisor for Brighton and Hove Jobcentre, said:” It’s terrific how businesses have come together to support the Ukrainian community. We are delighted to have been a part of this innovative and fast paced approach to fill vacancies in our city”.

At the open day the Ukrainian refugees will find out what jobs are available at the company including driving, engineering and customer services. They will learn more about the training processes involved and career progression.

Ed Wills, Managing Director of Brighton & Hove and Metrobus said: “We provide a first class bus service for our community. We want to help local people live their lives to the full whether that’s driving them to work, school or to meet up with friends and family. As a company we also have the ability to offer jobs to people from the Ukraine who are here to start a new and more peaceful life. I look forward to having more recruitment events like this in the future.”

Bus driver salaries in Brighton have increased by more than 10% this year. Drivers can now expect to earn a basic salary of £31,000 plus overtime after training.

David Cutts to become Managing Director of Go-Ahead London

22 September 2022

David Cutts to become Managing Director of Go-Ahead London

  • David Cutts, presently Operations Director, to become Managing Director in January
  • After 16 years in the role, John Trayner steps back from day-to-day operations
  • Go-Ahead London operates a quarter of London’s buses on behalf of Transport for London

The Go-Ahead Group announces that David Cutts is to become Managing Director of Go-Ahead London in the new year, replacing John Trayner who is retiring from day-to-day leadership of the capital’s biggest bus company.

David has been Operations Director of Go-Ahead London since 2006. He began his career as a London Buses management trainee prior to the bus network’s privatisation and he was Operations Manager of London Central’s Peckham depot when Go-Ahead bought the business in 1994. He has held senior positions for The Go-Ahead Group in Manchester and Singapore as well as in London.

He will take on the top job at Go-Ahead London on January 1st 2023, overseeing 7,750 colleagues, 2,300 buses and 17 depots, accounting for a quarter of London’s bus network.

John Trayner, who has been Go-Ahead London’s Managing Director for 16 years, will remain on The Go-Ahead Group’s Executive Committee with responsibility for strategic oversight of the group’s bus businesses in London, Ireland, Singapore and Sweden.

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David Cutts is an exceptional leader with huge experience of running successful bus networks. He takes on leadership of Go-Ahead London at an exciting time as the business pioneers zero-emission technology and works closely with Transport for London to encourage more Londoners onto public transport.

John Trayner has made a huge contribution to keeping Londoners moving over the last two decades. Under his tenure, Go-Ahead London has doubled in size and introduced electric buses and depots. He has been a champion of Londoners from diverse backgrounds through the company’s award-winning bus driver recruitment, training and apprenticeship programs.

Christian Schreyer, Group Chief Executive, The Go-Ahead Group

Virtual bus stops: Go-Ahead to launch on-demand bus service in Buckinghamshire

21 September 2022

Virtual bus stops: Go-Ahead to launch on-demand bus service in Buckinghamshire

  • PickMeUp service in High Wycombe to be operated by Carousel Buses, with support from Buckinghamshire Council
  • Customers will be able to summon a bus using an app
  • Initiative aims to get people out of their cars and onto shared minibuses

The Go-Ahead Group is to operate a demand responsive bus service from Tuesday 27 September in the town of High Wycombe, allowing customers to request a pick-up at a ‘virtual bus stop’.

The group’s Carousel Buses brand is teaming up with Buckinghamshire Council to run the ride-sharing service which is aimed at encouraging shoppers, commuters, students and leisure travellers to leave their cars at home.

A recruitment campaign has begun to hire minibus drivers and customer service controllers for the PickMeUp service, which will begin operating later this year.

PickMeUp operates on the concept of ‘virtual bus stops’, with services picking up and dropping off customers near where they want to start and end their journeys, without being constrained by physical infrastructure.

Funded by the local authority with support from the Government’s Rural Mobility Fund, the service will be run by Carousel, which operates around 45 buses in High Wycombe and the wider Buckinghamshire area. Carousel also serves locations including Slough in Berkshire, Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire and Uxbridge.

A previous version of PickMeUp was run by Go-Ahead’s Oxford Bus Company between 2018 and 2020, as part of a two-year pilot. It was the UK’s largest demand responsive bus service; however, it lacked any local authority funding to operate beyond the two-year period.

Luke Marion, Interim Managing Director, Carousel Buses, said: “The idea of PickMeUp is to provide a new way to get people around swiftly, efficiently and on demand. I hope this will further encourage people to leave their cars at home, help reduce pollution and further improve connectivity in High Wycombe.”

Martin Dean, Go-Ahead’s Managing Director, UK Regional Bus, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to get people onto buses. This is an innovative idea which uses technology to bring buses to people when and where they want them. We’re delighted to be working on the initiative with Buckinghamshire Council.”

Go-Ahead supports Catch the Bus Month by encouraging more people to adopt bus travel

01 September 2022

Go-Ahead supports Catch the Bus Month by encouraging more people to adopt bus travel

  • Go-Ahead supports Bus Users UK, Catch the Bus Month, a charity that campaigns for inclusive and accessible transport
  • Regional bus companies undertake community initiatives to mark Catch the Bus Month
  • Go-Ahead sees significant growth in passenger numbers post COVID-19

Go-Ahead is showing its support for the Bus Users UK’s, ‘Catch the Bus Month’ campaign throughout September. The campaign aims to encourage people to take the bus and promotes the benefits such as accessibility, affordability, and sustainability.

The ‘Catch the Bus Month’ campaign is in line with Go-Ahead’s targets set out in ‘The Next Billion Journey’s’ business strategy to attract more people to bus travel post Covid-19 and the Group’s commitment for more sustainable travel.

During Catch the Bus Month 2022, Go-Ahead bus companies are specifically highlighting the benefits of bus travel.

  • In East Anglia, in person events in Norwich, Sudbury, Clacton and Colchester will promote car free days with local MPs in attendance to show their support. Go East Anglia, Konectbus, will also offer free travel across Norwich on 25 September (coinciding with World Car Free Day) to encourage people to travel by bus.
  • Brighton and Hove Buses will be promoting its digital campaign ‘My bus is driving change’ to showcase all the different people who catch the bus including messaging around accessibility, zero emission benefits and targeting loneliness.
  • Meanwhile, Go South West, Plymouth City Bus and Go Cornwall, is encouraging bus travel amongst families and older people by offering them concessions.  People at the Devon Business Show will receive a free bus ticket to encourage them to try the bus.

Go-Ahead has seen a significant recovery in passenger numbers post COVID-19. Go North West is the first in The Go-Ahead Group’s UK-wide network to hit pre-pandemic levels of passenger recovery. Across the UK, bus usage is at about 85% of pre-pandemic levels.

Mark Anderson, Go-Ahead’s Customer and Commercial Director, said: “Catch the Bus Month is a great campaign to be involved in. We’ve been working hard to bring passengers back to our buses – including data analysis to understand new travel patterns and to tailor routes, schedules, and ticketing to match passenger needs, plus marketing initiatives to rebuild confidence in public transport.

“The Group is working closely with clients and local authorities to stimulate further modal shift from private cars to public transport, supporting the achievement of local and national climate change targets.”

Buses also reduce social isolation and improve health and well being. Claire Walters, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK the charity behind Catch the Bus Month said: “Buses make a huge contribution to all our lives socially, economically, and environmentally. They are also a lifeline for communities providing access to education, work, healthcare, shops, and leisure. We want to see more people get on board this September to protect these vital services for future generations.”

Go-Ahead sends shock waves with the launch of new Voltra electric buses in the North East

01 September 2022

Go-Ahead sends shock waves with the launch of new Voltra electric buses in the North East

  • Go North East launch nine new Voltra electric buses in Newcastle and Gateshead
  • Go-Ahead is the largest operator of electric buses in the UK and accelerates towards target of operating a ‘net zero’ bus fleet by 2035
  • Government’s Ultra-Low Emission Fund helps to fund £2m scheme bringing more electric buses to Newcastle and Gateshead

Go-Ahead’s largest electric bus operator today celebrates the addition of nine Voltra electric buses to expand its fully electric bus fleet in the North East region. The buses are the result of a £2 million investment with top-up funding from the Government’s Ultra-Low Emission Bus Fund.

Go-North East’s zero-emission buses will help to improve air quality in the region as it backs the Government’s ‘net zero’ commitment. The new striking futuristic buses will be serving the Q3 route which runs from Great Park to Wallsend via Newcastle City. Go-Ahead’s investment reflects the company’s commitment to a ‘net zero’ bus fleet by 2035.

The Voltra buses boast a range of onboard features to deliver a bus of the future experience, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, wireless and USB charging phone holders and ‘tap-on tap-off’ contactless is available for passengers to pay for their travel through Google Pay or Apple Pay. The Voltra buses will be charged overnight at the state-of-the-art Riverside depot in Gateshead.

Go North East, Managing Director, Nigel Featham said: “Our Voltra buses run on electricity sourced with green credentials, but Voltra is far more than just an electric bus fleet.  We’ve looked at every detail, working with Pelican Yutong and other suppliers, to maximise the use of technology and innovation. We’re providing high standards in bus travel including customer comfort, information, and ticketing.

“We hope that by adding to our zero-emission bus fleet, we can help flip the switch on people’s behaviour and see more people across our region leave the car behind to help reduce congestion on our roads and improve air quality for us all.”

Transport Minister Baroness Vere said: “Buses are at the heart of our public transport network which is why we are determined to drive down bus emissions even further, providing an extra £200 million for zero-emission buses.

“Our Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme has given operators such as Go-Ahead the opportunity to provide greener connections, reduce congestion and improve air quality across the country and it’s brilliant to see even more hit the road.”

Christian Schreyer, Go-Ahead Group CEO said: “The importance of sustainable travel is growing, reflecting trends in climate change, digitalisation, urbanisation, and demographics. There are increasing funding opportunities for bus lanes, traffic management and improvements to bus stops, helping to reduce journey times and improve the reliability of services. Go-Ahead see opportunities to grow by encouraging people to leave their cars at home and improving our services to make bus travel more attractive for our customers.

“We’ve set ambitious, but deliverable, targets in our ‘Next Billion Journey’s business strategy, and there is an exciting future for Go-Ahead.”

In November 2020, Go-Ahead launched the first fully electric bus fleet in the North East of England, taking Go North East’s total of electric buses to 18 with this latest development. Long established in the area, Go North East employs over 2,000 people, facilitating 175,000 journeys every day on a fleet of nearly 600 buses and coaches across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and into the Tees Valley.

Ministerial launch for money-saving bus ticket scheme in Cornwall

26 July 2022

Ministerial launch for money-saving bus ticket scheme in Cornwall

The Go-Ahead Group was pleased to welcome Baroness Vere of Norbiton, the Minister for Buses, to launch a county-wide ‘Tap & Cap’ scheme today that will save money for bus customers in Cornwall.

The scheme implements a cap on daily and weekly fares. Passengers tap their card when they get on the bus, and tap again when they alight, and are charged the correct fare automatically. Regardless of the number of journeys taken in a day customers will not pay more than £5 and no more than £20 for a week.

Go-Ahead’s Go Cornwall Bus is the largest bus operator in the county in terms of passenger numbers. The company is working closely with other bus companies, and with Transport for Cornwall, to deliver an integrated ticketing and travel network across the county.

The ‘Tap & Cap’ scheme builds on support that is already in place for customers across Cornwall and builds on Go-Ahead’s investment in rural transport services in the county, which totals £25 million since 2020.

From April 2022, ticket prices on buses operating in Cornwall were cut by up to 40% under a Government-backed pilot scheme, “Make Big Savings By Bus”. There is also an “any ticket, any bus” programme which made tickets interchangeable between Cornwall’s bus companies.

These initiatives are consistent with goals under the Government’s National Bus Strategy to encourage partnership working between operators and local authorities, and to promote the social, economic, and environmental benefits of bus usage.

Baroness Vere, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, said: “At a time when many people are feeling the pinch, every potential saving matters. That is why we have provided more than £23 million to help look at ways to make local bus services more affordable.

“The brilliant “Tap & Cap” pilot will not only help reduce travel costs for people across Cornwall but will also help encourage greater use of more sustainable ways of transport, while helping create a truly integrated local bus network.”

Richard Stevens, Managing Director, Go South West, said: “As the county’s largest bus operator, operating over 100 routes and carrying 90,000 passengers per week – we’re proud to be part of the latest initiative to save customers money and encourage people to switch from their cars to the bus – increasing the use of public transport. Together, as part of Transport for Cornwall we must continue to invest in change to make sure customers get the service they deserve.

Trading update for the year ended 2nd July 2022

11 July 2022

Trading update for the year ended 2nd July 2022

Go-Ahead today provides a trading update for the year ended 2 July 2022 (FY22).

“”
Passenger numbers on public transport have continued to recover from the pandemic and in certain parts of the UK, such as Manchester, our buses are as busy as they were before COVID-19. We are encouraged to see so many people using buses and trains and we expect a busy summer ahead, particularly in tourist areas.

Christian Schreyer, Group Chief Executive, The Go-Ahead Group

Our markets

Regional Bus

In our Regional Bus division, we have continued to see a steady recovery in passenger demand, with commercial volumes across the business now over 85 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. In some areas, we have seen particularly encouraging volumes in recent weeks, with pre-pandemic volumes being recorded on some days. These trends give us confidence in the continuation of passenger recovery in the coming months.

The Board now expects Regional Bus to deliver operating profit before exceptional items ahead of that of the prior two years.

London & International Bus

Our London & International Bus division will benefit from performance that is ahead of plan in London and Singapore, including better than anticipated Quality Incentive Contract (QICs) payments in London In Sweden, Flexbuss, which we acquired in April 2022, is trading positively and in line with our expectations.

The Board now expects the division to deliver operating profit before exceptional items at least in line with pre-pandemic underlying profitability levels (2019: £51.2m).

UK Rail

Following the successful commencement of GTR’s new National Rail Contract on 1 April 2022, the Board expects UK Rail to deliver operating profit before exceptional items within the range set out in the Group’s interim results of £25m – £30m.

International Rail

In Germany, we continue to progress our improvement plans in Baden-Württemberg, although financial penalties relating to operational performance have been slightly higher than anticipated in the period. Following discussions with our client in Baden-Württemberg, we are pleased to have reached a memorandum of understanding which will result in a modest improvement to the financial performance of the contract over its life. Further negotiations remain underway.

The first of two contracts in Bavaria started on 12 December 2021 and the second will commence in December 2022. Following the successful mobilisation of the first contract, performance has been in line with our expectations.

Mobilisation of the second contract in Bavaria remains underway ahead of its commencement in December 2022. As previously indicated, there are inherent uncertainties and risks associated with the mobilisation of this contract and in estimating the impact of key success factors including driver recruitment. As part of our year end procedures, we will be carefully reviewing the projections for the second contract in Bavaria and assessing the requirement for any potential further provision.

As announced on 28 June 2022, a new agreement was reached between the Norwegian Railway Directorate and Go-Ahead Norway A/S, regarding the structure of its rail contract. Under the original contract, which began in December 2019, the revenue risk associated with changes in passenger demand rested with Go-Ahead. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Norwegian Government provided financial support to rail operators, preventing material losses.

The amended contract takes effect from 1 July 2022 and runs for the duration of the original contract, until December 2027 (plus a two-year extension option until December 2029). The contract provides a revenue support scheme until the end of the contract. The amended contract also includes an incentive scheme linked to revenue growth. As a result of these improved contractual arrangements, the Group expects to significantly reduce the £66.2m onerous contract provision relating to its rail operation in Norway in its full year results for the year ending 2 July 2022.

The Board expects International Rail to deliver an operating loss before exceptional items within the range set out in the Group’s interim results of £15m – £20m.

Balance sheet and liquidity

The Group has a strong balance sheet and maintains good liquidity. The Board continues to expect FY22 adjusted net debt/EBITDA to be at the lower end of the 1.5 to 2.5 times range, significantly below the 3.5 times bank covenant.

Overall performance

Overall, the Group expects to report a good performance for the year ended 2 July 2022.

Certain statements in this announcement constitute profit estimates for the purposes of Rule 28 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers. Further details on the basis of preparation of the profit estimates and certain confirmations from the directors of Go-Ahead in relation to the profit estimates can be found in the scheme document published by Go-Ahead dated 11 July 2022 which is available at https://www.go-ahead.com/investors/offer.

Manchester is bouncing back – buses reach pre-pandemic passenger levels

05 July 2022

Manchester is bouncing back – buses reach pre-pandemic passenger levels

  • Go North West’s buses are as busy as they were prior to COVID-19
  • Manchester operator is the first Go-Ahead company in the UK to reach pre-pandemic levels
  • Recovery boosted by high reliability, sufficient drivers and strong local economy
  • Plans in place to lay on more buses as demand grows further

Mancunians are leaving the pandemic behind and re-embracing public transport. Go North West’s buses are as busy as they were before COVID-19 – and plans are in place to boost the number of buses on the network.

The company is now operating 9 out of every 10 buses that ran pre-Covid, and over the last few months it has seen a surge in customers getting on board; with passenger levels per bus now equalling 2019 figures.

Go North West is the first in The Go-Ahead Group’s UK-wide network to hit this level of passenger recovery. Across the UK as a whole, bus usage is at about 85% of pre-pandemic levels. Across Go-Ahead’s 11 regional bus companies, patronage varies between 80% and 100%, depending on demographics, the length and type of journeys and the strength of local economies.

The recovery has been supported by Bus Recovery Grant funding from the Department for Transport. Marketing initiatives to encourage customers back have included a £1 fare promotion for passengers travelling in the evenings, and the company has stepped up efforts to recruit more bus drivers to keep up with demand.

“”
We’re delighted to see Manchester bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. The combination of a young population, a thriving local economy and a lively nightlife scene have all contributed to this recovery in customer levels. We are now looking to the future with plans to add additional resource to our network to ensure we meet the demand.

Nigel Featham, Managing Director, Go North West

A recovery in public transport usage has accelerated over recent months as the rising cost of petrol has discouraged people from using their cars. Across Britain, the proportion of people taking a bus journey at least once a week has risen from 12% to 15% since March, as the cost of a tank of petrol has reached £100 in some parts of the country.

Summer weather, open air concerts, student events and eating out promotions have added to the steadily rebuilding commuter market to attract people back to Go North West’s buses, which are based at the Queen’s Road depot in north Manchester. Furthermore, Go North West has maintained high reliability, sufficient driver numbers and near full mileage through the pandemic.

Looking forward, Go-Ahead anticipates modal shift from car to bus across the UK as the Government’s decarbonisation agenda, together with investment under the National Bus Strategy, takes effect.

The recovery has been supported by Bus Recovery Grant funding from the Department for Transport. Marketing initiatives to encourage customers back have included a £1 fare promotion for passengers travelling in the evenings, and the company has stepped up efforts to recruit more bus drivers to keep up with demand.

“”
We’re grateful to the Government for Bus Recovery Grant funding which has been essential in enabling us to keep a comprehensive service running throughout COVID-19.

The cost of living crisis has focused peoples’ minds on the price of transport – and catching a bus is a far better value way of travelling than driving a car. With passengers coming back, demand is in good shape for the introduction of Transport for Greater Manchester’s franchised model.

Nigel Featham