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News Category: People

Go-Ahead announces Board appointment to drive UK and international growth

13 June 2024

Go-Ahead announces Board appointment to drive UK and international growth

  • UK’s leading public transport operator announces new Non-Executive Director
  • Louise Cheeseman will join the Board of the Go-Ahead Group from July 1st
  • Her appointment will bring greater diversity in thinking and strengthen the Board with recognised industry expertise and experience to support Go Ahead’s strong growth strategy

Go-Ahead has announced the appointment of experienced transport leader Louise Cheeseman, who will join the board of the Go-Ahead Group as a Non-Executive Director, effective from July 1st.

The addition of Louise as a new Director will support the company’s strategic plan to grow its business within the UK and internationally, ensure greater diversity in thinking whilst also strengthening the Board with internationally recognised industry expertise and experience.

Since its acquisition by Kinetic and Globalvia over 18 months ago, Go-Ahead has acquired bus and coach companies across the UK, won major contracts to run franchised bus networks internationally, and built its market share overseas including the contract award for the renowned Stockholm Metro. It is the leader in the deployment of zero-emission buses in the UK with over 1,200 zero-emission buses, and is on track to achieve its plan of decarbonising its entire 7,000 strong bus fleet by 2035.

Louise brings a wealth of experience to Go-Ahead from her diverse career as an award-winning senior leader in public transport across the public and private sector. Louise began her career in rail operations working for Northern Rail and Arriva Rail. She led Hull Trains as Managing Director for over four years from 2017, overseeing a key part of the UK’s rail network. Her most recent role in the industry was as Director of Bus at Transport for London (TfL) from 2021 to 2024 where she oversaw the strategic direction of the capital’s bus services.

In 2023 Louise founded Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC), a national network created to encourage, represent, support, and retain women in the bus and coach profession. She remains Chair of the network continuing to advocate for greater diversity and inclusivity in the industry. Go-Ahead became a member of WiBC this year as it launched its highly regarded Go-Ahead Women campaign, aiming to achieve gender diversity by 2035, which commenced with a target of recruiting 1,500 women over the next 18 months and committing more than £16m investment for training women and investing in places of work.

Louise’s experience of delivering outstanding bus and rail services for customers, coupled with her knowledge of bus decarbonisation and commitment to gender equality will help Go-Ahead continue to be a leader in these areas.

Commenting on the appointment of Louise Cheeseman, Miguel Parras, Group CEO of Go-Ahead said “We are delighted to welcome Louise to her role on the Board of the Go-Ahead Group. Her knowledge and experience is unrivalled, and Louise will play a vital role in supporting our management team to deliver its strategic plan of growth, achieving our ambitious decarbonisation and equality targets, and most importantly, delivering on our mission of connecting people and communities across the globe, both today and tomorrow.”

Go-Ahead Group Announces Corporate Sponsorship for Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC)

09 May 2024

Go-Ahead Group Announces Corporate Sponsorship for Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC)

Go-Ahead Group is proud to announce its partnership with the Women in Bus in Coach (WiBC) as a corporate sponsor, further solidifying its commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the workplace.

WiBC is a leading organisation dedicated to creating a national network to encourage, represent, support, and retain women in the bus, coach, and community transport profession. As a corporate sponsor, Go-Ahead Group joins WiBC in alignment with a common goal to foster an industry that embraces gender equality and provides dignity, respect and fairness for all.

“At Go-Ahead, we believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation, creativity, and success,” said Carolyn Ferguson, Chief People Officer of Go-Ahead Group. “By partnering with WiBC, we are reaffirming our commitment to creating a workplace where all individuals have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.”

This partnership builds upon Go-Ahead’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, including the launch of the Go-Ahead Women campaign in March, which aims to increase the number of women bus drivers. Through initiatives like these, Go-Ahead Group strives to create a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to succeed.

“We are thrilled to welcome Go-Ahead Group as a corporate sponsor of WiBC,” Kerri Cheek, Director for WiBC. “Their commitment to diversity and inclusion reflects a shared vision of creating a more equitable future for women in business. Together, we will work towards breaking down barriers and empowering women to reach their full potential.”

As part of its sponsorship, Go-Ahead Group will actively participate in WiBC’s events, mentorship programs, and advocacy efforts, demonstrating its ongoing support for women’s leadership and advancement in the workplace.

For more information about Go-Ahead Women, please visit Go-Ahead Women – Supporting women in the bus industry.

Go-Ahead’s blue London buses to drive diversity with more women behind the wheel

28 March 2024

Go-Ahead’s blue London buses to drive diversity with more women behind the wheel

  • The ‘Go-Ahead Women’ buses are a part of a national recruitment campaign to encourage more women bus drivers
  • The blue double decker buses will be operating on Go-Ahead London route 132 from Bexleyheath to North Greenwich
  • The Group aims to attract 1,500 women drivers to its UK and Ireland bus operations in a major recruitment drive
  • The Group plans to invest £15.5 million to create inclusive environments and offer eight weeks of paid training for new recruits

This morning marked a significant milestone for Go-Ahead as two vibrant blue double-decker buses hit the London streets, with a bold message: “Go-Ahead Women”. These buses, now operating on Go-Ahead London’s Route 132 from Bexleyheath to North Greenwich, symbolise Go-Ahead’s commitment to promoting gender diversity within the transport industry.

As part of a national recruitment campaign, Go-Ahead is dedicated to encouraging more women to pursue careers as bus drivers. With the ambitious goal of attracting 1,500 women drivers to its UK and Ireland operations by 2025, Go-Ahead aims to challenge the status quo in a sector where women currently represent only 11.5% of driver roles.

Recognising the need for greater representation, Go-Ahead is also investing £8 million in upgrading bus depot facilities which includes work to create inclusive working environments where women colleagues have opportunities, feel supported and empowered to thrive.

The Go-Ahead Women initiative offers an inclusive platform for women, featuring an 8-week fully paid training program, on-the-job coaching, and mentoring schemes, which is an estimated investment of £7.5 million. The company seeks to achieve gender parity by 2035, a pioneering endeavour in an industry historically dominated by men.

The launch of these eye-catching buses today, proudly driven by Go-Ahead London women drivers signifies the need for a cultural shift within the transport industry.

Carmen Bell, one of the Go-Ahead London drivers, shared her journey: “My friends were surprised when I expressed my desire to become a bus driver, but now they see me behind the wheel, interacting with passengers, and they realise it’s a perfect fit for me.”

Sandra Fraser, another Go-Ahead London bus driver, expressed her enthusiasm for more women joining the profession: “I started driving a few years ago, and witnessing more women entering the industry is fantastic. The support, mentorship, and women-only recruitment days make it accessible for anyone considering a career in driving.”

Carolyn Ferguson, Chief People Officer for the Go-Ahead Group, emphasised the company’s commitment to empowering women: “With this new campaign we’re determined to break down barriers in the transport industry and create a workplace where women can thrive.

“I’m sure there are lots of women who have never thought about being a bus driver and so, this is a perfect way to explore the opportunities available.”

To learn more about the ‘Go-Ahead Women’ initiative and join the movement towards diversity and inclusion in transport, visit Go-Ahead Women – Supporting women in the bus industry.

Go-Ahead plans to recruit 1,500 women bus drivers, aiming for 50% gender equality by 2035

08 March 2024

Go-Ahead plans to recruit 1,500 women bus drivers, aiming for 50% gender equality by 2035

  • Go-Ahead sets an ambitious target to achieve 50% gender equality by 2035 in its bus divisions
  • The Group plans to invest £8 million to create inclusive environments and training opportunities
  • New recruits will receive eight weeks of fully paid training estimated to be an investment of £7.5 million in total

Today, the Go-Ahead Group announces the launch of an exciting new initiative to attract and recruit 1,500 new women drivers across its bus operations.

With the ‘Go-Ahead Women’ initiative, the company is embarking on a mission to achieve 50% gender equality by 2035, marking a significant step in the traditionally male dominated transport sector.

Recognising the need for greater representation, Go-Ahead is also investing £8 million in upgrading bus depot facilities which includes work to create inclusive working environments where women colleagues have opportunities, feel supported and empowered to thrive.

According to recent data from Women in Bus and Coach, women make up 10% of the workforce in the bus industry. At present, 11.5% of bus driver roles are occupied by women within Go-Ahead’s bus companies and the group is outlining its commitment on International Women’s Day to bridge this gender gap and to achieve true gender diversity by 2035.

In addition to the recruitment drive, new hires will benefit from a comprehensive 8-week fully paid training program, designed to equip them with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their roles. This initiative underscores Go-Ahead’s commitment to lead the industry in nurturing talent and providing equal opportunities for career advancement.

In Go-Ahead’s UK rail division, the number of women train drivers joining Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has steadily increased year-on-year, with 2023 seeing the highest split yet at 40%. Go-Ahead and GTR continue to focus on attracting more women in rail to ensure its workforce represents the communities it serves.

Matt Carney, Chief Executive – Go-Ahead Bus said: “Gender equality isn’t just a goal – it’s a commitment to building a better future for all. By setting an ambitious target to achieve 50% gender parity by 2035 and investing £8 million to support women drivers in their work environment, we are taking decisive steps to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.”

Carolyn Ferguson, Chief People Officer for the Go-Ahead Group said: “We firmly believe that diversity drives innovation and success. We’re investing in training and development opportunities for women drivers, and by doing this we’re not only enriching our workforce but also paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.”

A journey for every man, woman, and child in England: Go-Ahead sells 60 million bus tickets at £2

20 February 2024

A journey for every man, woman, and child in England: Go-Ahead sells 60 million bus tickets at £2

  • Go-Ahead has sold more £2 tickets than the population of England since national bus fare cap began
  • Big boosts in passenger numbers on longer routes in Sussex, Yorkshire, and Buckinghamshire
  • Government’s “Get Around for £2” scheme helps safeguard routes and support customers with the cost of living

Go-Ahead’s bus companies have sold a £2 bus ticket for every man, woman, and child in England since the country’s nationwide bus fare cap was introduced by the Government at the beginning of 2023.

Ticket sales have reached 60 million across the group’s eight regional bus networks – surpassing the English population, which is 56.5 million according to the Office for National Statistics.

The Department for Transport’s “Get Around for £2” scheme has made bus travel cheaper on all of Go-Ahead’s regional bus companies – which have networks stretching from Cornwall to Northumberland.

The biggest seller of discount tickets in Go-Ahead’s network is Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus, which has carried more than 15 million passengers at £2. All of Go-Ahead’s regional bus companies outside London and Manchester are participating in the scheme.

Longer routes have proven particularly popular under the scheme. Journeys showing big increases in passenger numbers include:

  • Metrobus routes 270-273 – Crawley and East Grinstead to Brighton – a 30% increase in passenger numbers
  • Carousel Buses route 102 – High Wycombe to Heathrow Airport – a 40% rise in customers
  • East Yorkshire Buses’ X46 service – Hull to York – a 43% increase in passengers
  • Salisbury Reds X3 – Salisbury to Bournemouth – a 25% jump in passengers
“”
In just over a year, we’ve sold a £2 bus ticket for every man, woman and child in England. That’s great news – it shows that the bus fare cap has encouraged our regular customers to get out and about more frequently, and it’s attracted new passengers onto our buses.

Longer bus services between towns and villages are proving particularly popular at £2. The success of this scheme is a reminder of just how important buses are in connecting communities and helping people to access vital local services.

Martin Dean, Go-Ahead’s Managing Director, Regional Bus

“”
The number of people who are saving money through our get around for £2 fare cap is continuing to grow and grow – with fares in England, outside of London, falling by over 6% and by nearly 11% in rural areas.

It is clear getting around for £2 has got people back on our buses, better connecting our communities, supporting the economy across the country and giving people the freedom to travel and save some cash while they do.

Guy Opperman, Roads Minister

Participating Go-Ahead bus companies include:

  • Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus
  • Go South Coast – Bluestar, Morebus, Southern Vectis, Salisbury Reds, and Swindon’s Bus Company
  • Go South West – Plymouth Citybus, Go Cornwall, Go Devon and Dartline
  • The Oxford Bus Company – including Carousel Buses, Thames Travel and Pulham & Sons
  • Go East Anglia – Konectbus, Hedingham and Chambers
  • East Yorkshire Buses

Go-Ahead Group unveils App-based bus fare discovery feature

15 February 2024

Go-Ahead Group unveils App-based bus fare discovery feature

Go-Ahead Group, in partnership with its digital technology provider, Passenger, has introduced real-time bus fare information within its mobile apps for bus companies. This feature will help to make the apps into convenient hubs for ticket purchases and travel planning, enhancing the overall customer experience.

For the first time, passengers can see at a glance their journey’s cost before boarding. Initially launched at Go-Ahead’s Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus, the feature will soon be integrated by Go-Ahead’s regional UK bus operators, extending its benefits to a wider audience nationwide.

A third of people seek information about bus fares before starting their journey, according to research by Transport Focus. This update directly addresses this demand by providing customers with details on tickets purchasable onboard from the driver or via mobile tickets accessible through smartphones. Mobile ticketing, known for its convenience, allows instant ticket acquisition for immediate travel.

Kanwar Brar, Chief Digital and Information Officer for Go-Ahead said: “This feature emphasises our commitment to enhance our customers’ journeys. We think it will get more people travelling by bus. After years of streamlining our data accessibility, it’s good to see our efforts pay off, especially for prospective customers. It is hugely positive that this feature uses the Bus Open Data fares feeds, demonstrating their accuracy and further alignment with the Department for Transport’s data strategy. We’re committed to working with our partners to promote bus travel further.”

This project marks the inaugural use of the NeTEx fares dataset, available through the national Bus Open Data Service (BODS). Initiated in response to the Bus Services Act of 2017, this service, managed by the Department for Transport (DfT), aims to simplify local bus service information, fostering innovation and enhancing passenger engagement.

Tom Quay, CEO of Passenger, praised Go-Ahead Group’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve the customer experience. He remarked, “The integration of fare information into Go-Ahead’s Passenger apps and operator websites is a significant achievement. We’ve seen first hand the dedication Go-Ahead has invested in advancing the BODS initiative, and we’re excited to deliver tangible benefits. This development has the potential to revolutionise the customer journey experience, making bus travel more accessible.”

In the future, the app updates have the potential to incorporate more ticketing products, including time-based capped fares, as the Bus Open Data Service evolves, offering increased flexibility and convenience to passengers.

The Go-Ahead Group sets out plans to recruit 850 bus and rail apprentices during 2024

05 February 2024

The Go-Ahead Group sets out plans to recruit 850 bus and rail apprentices during 2024

  • Recruitment target includes 500 trainee London bus drivers and 220 rail apprentices
  • Go-Ahead has trained more than 5,500 apprentices since 2019 – enough to fill the Royal Albert Hall
  • Apprentices ‘learn while they earn’ and are of all ages and backgrounds

The Go-Ahead Group, the UK’s largest employer of transport apprentices, aims to recruit 850 apprentices during 2024 to train as bus drivers, rail drivers, engineers and in a variety of administrative roles. The new recruits will all be taught functional skills, including English and maths, while working in Go-Ahead’s depots, stations, and offices.

This year’s intake will bring the total number of apprentices hired by Go-Ahead since 2019 to 6,000 – enough to fill London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Over the year ahead, Go-Ahead London, responsible for a quarter of London’s buses, plans to hire 500 apprentice bus drivers, most of whom will be on the road driving within six weeks of recruitment. Drivers are trained at Go-Ahead London’s Camberwell academy – the industry’s largest in-house apprenticeship centre.

Meanwhile, Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express trains, is set to welcome 220 apprentice engineers and train drivers. Go North West, the Manchester-based bus company known for launching Greater Manchester’s Bee Network public transport service, aims to add 100 apprentice bus drivers. Additional apprentices will be recruited across various roles at Go-Ahead’s regional bus companies and in head office positions in London and Newcastle.

Go-Ahead has recruited apprentices of all ages and backgrounds – the youngest hired by the group has been 16 (although 18 is the minimum age for bus and rail drivers). The oldest apprentice to join Go-Ahead was 65. Some join straight from school, while others are career switchers.

Carolyn Ferguson, Go-Ahead Group’s Chief People Officer, expressed pride in the new generation of apprentices. She said: “Our successful apprenticeship program and apprentices across the Go-Ahead Group play a vital role in shaping the future of the business and the broader transport industry. What they bring to the Go-Ahead Group is invaluable to our business and the transport sector, and we will continue to invest in talent and diversity.”

The Go-Ahead Group ranked 5th last year in the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer listings – a ranking developed by the Department for Education.

Apprentice case studies

Wioletta Kuszyk at Govia Thameslink Railway

Wioletta, a driver for Southern Railway, is a resilient professional with 15 years in hospitality. She navigated a career shift at 39 due to the pandemic’s challenges, leaving her role as a chef to pursue a new path in the rail industry. In her train driver apprenticeship, she consistently excels, holding an NVQ in English as a vital step towards her qualification, as a Polish native. Wioletta, who identifies as LGBTQ+, passionately encourages gender diversity in the traditionally male-dominated field. Her exceptional skills and proactive approach, demonstrated through top marks, assisting peers, and early exam requests, highlight her dedication. Beyond her work ethic, Wioletta fosters inclusivity, making her a valued member of Norwood Stations driver team. Her story exemplifies the possibilities through determination, a shining example during National Apprenticeship Week.

Zack Cross at Go East Anglia

Zack Cross is a dedicated apprentice pursuing a Bus & Coach apprenticeship at Go East Anglia (GEA). Focused on NVQ Level 3, Zack chose apprenticeship over university for its practical, hands-on learning, allowing him to earn while gaining valuable experience. Zack values real-world skills over theory, embracing the positive atmosphere and camaraderie at GEA. With ambitions to become an engineering manager, Zack envisions a future of continued development at GEA. Celebrating National Apprenticeships Week, Zack Cross exemplifies dedication, practical learning, and a promising journey in bus and coach engineering.

LeVaughn Kaisa at Go East Anglia

LeVaughn Kaisa, is enrolled on to the MechElec Bus & Coach apprenticeship at GEA, aiming for NVQ Level 3 certification. His journey showcases the profound impact of practical learning. Driven by the desire for hands-on knowledge, LeVaughn strategically chose GEA for his apprenticeship, an investment in both learning and earning. Confronting challenges head-on, LeVaughn employs a powerful strategy—asking questions and seeking guidance—transforming obstacles into stepping stones. Beyond the apprenticeship, he envisions a future climbing the management ladder. LeVaughn’s inspiring journey during National Apprenticeships Week highlights the transformative potential of merging knowledge with practical application.

Nikkita Gordon at Go-Ahead London

Nikkita Gordon is a standout London Bus Driver from Go-Ahead London’s Croydon Garage. Nikkita’s journey began with an impressive readiness, skills, and can-do attitude on electric Buses. Beyond her driving prowess, Nikkita champions gender diversity, recently representing apprentices at the House of Parliament. Nikkita aspires to be the first female Driving Examiner for Go-Ahead, aiming to inspire more women to lead in a traditionally male-dominated field. Recognised for outstanding work ethics, she sets high standards, earning praise from her mentor. Her qualifications and achievements include PCV theory test and safety courses, exemplify her commitment to excellence. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Nikkita Gordon’s story inspires the transport industry to embrace diversity and empower aspiring individuals to reach their goals.

Philip Hodgson at Go North East

In the spotlight for National Apprenticeship Week is Philip Hodgson, a third-year Mechanical Electrical Engineering Apprentice at Go North East. Philip, who sought a new challenge after a stint in the car industry, embraced the ethos of “bigger is better” and applied for an apprenticeship at GNE. Throughout his apprenticeship, he has acquired many skills that have set him up for life as an engineer. The practical learning environment provided by his apprenticeship is of immeasurable value to him, and Philip expresses his gratitude to Go North East and the supportive staff who have been instrumental in his journey.

Pay less to travel this winter: fares capped at £2 on Go-Ahead buses across Britain

19 December 2023

Pay less to travel this winter: fares capped at £2 on Go-Ahead buses across Britain

  • From 1st January to 31st March, Go-Ahead’s UK bus operating companies will offer adult bus fares capped at £2 per single journey.
  • The Government is providing up to £60 million for bus operators outside London to help people with cost of living.
  • How far can our £2 fare take you? On our longer routes, a single ticket on a Go-Ahead bus can take you 40 miles or even further

Go-Ahead bus companies will be offering millions of adults across England single fares capped at £2 on bus journeys outside London from January. The offer is funded through a £60 million scheme under the Government’s “Help for Households” program to help the public with cost-of-living pressures over the winter.

All single fares are covered by the scheme, with a handful of exceptions – such as sightseeing buses and long-distance coaches. Passengers can expect to make big savings from Go-Ahead’s longer bus routes, including:

  • Go North East’s X10 between Newcastle and Middlesborough, usually £8 (39 miles)
  • The Regency Route between Brighton and Tunbridge Wells, usually £6.20 (33 miles), run by Brighton & Hove Buses
  • Oxford Bus Company’s, River Rapid route from Oxford to Reading, usually £5 (26 miles)
  • Salisbury to Swindon, operated by Salisbury Reds – a journey of 40 miles, usually £7.20
  • East Yorkshire Buses’ X46, from Hull to York, usually £8.50 (37 miles)

The government has estimated that the average single fare for a 3-mile journey is £2.80, meaning the special fare will save passengers almost 30%. The initiative, which ends on March 31st, will help millions of Go-Ahead passengers with travel costs for work, education, and essential journeys.

“”
Many of our passengers are feeling the pinch this winter as household bills mount. So we’re proud that all our UK bus companies are supporting this Government initiative to help people with their travel costs.

Under this special fare, you’ll be able to go further than ever for £2. We hope it will encourage people to try some new routes, have some adventures and to explore the freedom of travelling by bus.

Martin Dean, Go-Ahead’s Managing Director, UK Regional Bus

“”
Bus travel remains the most popular form of public transport in England, making up around half of all journeys. That’s why we’re investing £60 million to cap single bus fares at £2 to support every passenger and help get people back on the bus. 

With the scheme set to take two million car journeys off the road, it’s fantastic to see so many bus operators signing up to the fare cap, helping people to ‘Get Around for £2’ between the 1st January and 31st March.

Richard Holden, Buses Minister

Happy birthday, electric buses: Go-Ahead celebrates a decade of emission-free buses in London

18 December 2023

Go-Ahead recognised as leading apprenticeship provider

  • Celebration in Camberwell marks the 10th anniversary of London’s first modern electric bus
  • Buses operated by Go-Ahead London have delivered carbon benefits equivalent to taking 24,000 cars off the road
  • Go-Ahead unveils ambitious plans for expansion of its zero emission fleet

London’s largest bus operator, Go-Ahead London, has delivered a saving of 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over ten years of operation of emission-free electric buses on behalf of Transport for London.

The reduction in emissions is equivalent to taking 24,000 cars off the road. The impact has delivered cleaner air for Londoners and setting a benchmark for decarbonisation of public transport for cities across the UK.

Go-Ahead London today hosted a celebration at its Camberwell depot to mark the 10th anniversary of the operation of London’s first modern day emission-free bus, which was trialled on December 18th 2013.

As part of the event, pictures were displayed of the ‘clean bus of the future’ drawn by pupils from local schools and guests were served with a zero emission bus themed birthday cake.

Go-Ahead London operates 520 zero emission buses on behalf of TfL and expects to increase this number to 1,000 by the end of 2026 – account for almost half the company’s fleet.

Across the UK as a whole, The Go-Ahead Group operates 670 zero emission buses and is shortly to deploy an additional 106 electric vehicles in Oxford, part funded by the Government’s ZEBRA scheme.

In 2022, a Zero Emission Centre for Excellence was opened in London by Go-Ahead to develop ways of optimising operation of zero emission buses – including maximising energy efficiency, standardising maintenance, bringing down the cost of charging infrastructure and extending the lifespan of batteries.

David Cutts, Managing Director, Go-Ahead London, said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since our first electric bus hit the road. The technology has developed at a rapid pace and electric buses are rapidly become the norm, rather than the exception, on London’s streets.

“We’re proud to work in partnership with Transport for London to deliver cleaner air and quieter journeys for Londoners. The Go-Ahead Group as a whole has been able to take experience from London and apply it to the roll-out of zero emission buses across the UK.”

Tom Cunnington, TfL’s Head of Buses Business Development said: “London’s red buses are iconic and are some of the greenest in the world, with the lower CO2 emissions per passenger kilometres compared to other global cities like New York, Paris and Vancouver. With more than 1,300 zero emission buses on our roads, our programme of decarbonising the fleet is playing a crucial role in the journey to net-zero. Zero emission buses help Londoners breathe cleaner air and reduce the impact of road transport on our environment.

“We’re really proud to be celebrating this milestone with Go-Ahead London who are marking 10 years of their emission-free electric bus services on our roads. We are working closely with capital’s bus operators to convert the whole fleet and remain on track to be a fully zero-emission fleet by 2034, which could be accelerated to 2030 with further Government funding.”

Go-Ahead Group and Google launch industry-first feature to help customers keep track of spending on bus journeys

05 December 2023

Go-Ahead Group and Google launch industry-first feature to help customers keep track of spending on bus journeys

The Go-Ahead Group, a leading public transport operator, is teaming up with Google to introduce a new feature aimed at enhancing the customer experience for bus travel.

In collaboration with Google and Littlepay, Go-Ahead’s Brighton & Hove Buses is unveiling an industry-first initiative which will simplify the way passengers manage their mobile payments for bus journeys. The new feature, integrated with Google Wallet, will provide customers with greater visibility into their ride history and savings accrued through time-based fare caps.

Up to 80% of Go-Ahead’s passengers pay digitally when they board Go-Ahead’s regional buses – with an increasing number ‘tapping on’ and ‘tapping off’ when they make a journey with the benefit of flexible capping in many areas. Instead of cash, customers are adopting smart cards, contactless and apps to pay for their journeys.

The groundwork for this new scheme was developed between teams at Google and at Go-Ahead’s payment provider Littlepay. Key benefits of this new feature include:

Real-Time Savings Information: Passengers tapping to pay for a bus journey will now quickly see how much they’ve saved through time-based fare caps, providing a clear understanding of the economic benefits of public transportation.

Ride History at Your Fingertips: Google Wallet will display comprehensive ride histories for passengers, allowing them to effortlessly keep track of their bus journeys and savings.

Enhanced Security and Convenience: The collaboration with Littlepay ensures secure and convenient payment transactions, reinforcing Go-Ahead’s commitment to delivering a frictionless travel experience.

The initial rollout of this feature is set to take place at Brighton & Hove Buses, serving as a pilot program to refine and optimise the functionality. Following this debut, Go-Ahead aims to expand the feature to more cities across the UK and beyond, offering passengers an unparalleled level of control and insight into their public transportation expenses.

“”
We are excited to join forces with Google to bring this groundbreaking feature to our passengers. This initiative reflects our commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience and make public transportation more accessible and user-friendly. We believe this collaboration will set a new standard for the industry, reinforcing our dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Kanwar Brar

Go-Ahead’s Chief Digital and Information Officer

Nick Hill, Commercial Director at Brighton & Hove Buses said: “Most of our passengers are already using digital or contactless payment methods, so it makes sense for us to trial new ways in which we can further enhance the customers’ journey. With 60 million passengers on our buses a year, the customer experience is a top priority”.

“Paying for transit using Google Pay is quick, easy and secure” said Jonathan Hill, Head of Transit Partnerships, Google Pay, “By teaming up with Littlepay and Brighton & Hove Buses we are enabling Google Wallet users to track their spending and progress towards daily, or weekly travel caps. We want to help people feel more in control of their spending and encourage use of sustainable transport”

Paul Griffin, Head of Commercial at Littlepay said: “Being able to communicate in real time with passengers as part of the pay-as-you-go experience is a huge leap forward. This project will benefit riders, giving them visibility of savings made through PAYG. It also gives operators a pathway to develop relationships with PAYG passengers and create a real sense of membership and valued loyalty. Littlepay is delighted to be first to market with Google on this important initiative.”

The Go-Ahead Group looks forward to pioneering this transformative solution, with the goal of making public transportation a more seamless and enjoyable experience for passengers.