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News Category: People

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.

From Kyiv to Brighton: Ukrainian evacuee drives buses for Go-Ahead

25 August 2023

From Kyiv to Brighton: Ukrainian evacuee drives buses for Go-Ahead

Former HGV driver is first to complete training under scheme to recruit Ukrainian refugees as bus drivers.

Initiative to hire Ukrainians has been developed in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions.

A Ukrainian evacuee has begun driving for Go-Ahead’s Brighton & Hove Buses under a government-backed initiative to recruit people displaced by the war.

Volodymyr Syrotiuk worked in a warehouse and drove heavy goods vehicles near Kyiv before the conflict in his home country broke out in 2022. He has since settled in Brighton and has joined the team at Brighton & Hove Buses.

Go-Ahead began taking steps to hire Ukrainians in November last year, when Brighton & Hove and Metrobus invited refugees to an open day in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions.

Ukrainians receive immediate settled status in Britain and have the right to work straight away. The Government has eased the process of exchanging their Ukrainian driving licenses for British ones, and Go-Ahead has introduced a new company policy and a special training programme to support refugees back into work.

Originally from Ukraine, Volodymyr has faced challenges of displacement and cultural adjustment since moving to the UK but has shown remarkable resilience since joined the team at Brighton & Hove Buses.

 

“”
We’re extremely happy to welcome Volodymyr to the team. As a company we can offer jobs to people from Ukraine who are looking to rebuild a more peaceful life. I hope this is the first of many to come, and that we continue to be able to help more refugees like Volodymyr find work and security in the UK.

Ed Wills

Managing Director of Brighton and Hove Buses

“”
I like it here in the UK, I have my family here and see them quite a lot, I have a daughter that finished university this summer as an architect, it’s made settling into the country easier. I’d encourage my friends from Ukraine to come here, and to seriously consider being a bus driver like me. I get to be in a position where I’m responsible for 80 people for every journey and it’s satisfying.

Volodymyr Syrotiuk

“”
We’re thrilled to hear about Volodymyr’s job start with Brighton & Hove Buses. We met Volodymyr at a Jobs Fair and his positive attitude shone through. We helped Volodymyr to access the Flexible Support Fund for help with the costs of converting his Ukrainian driving license to a British license. At the Jobcentre, we’re all about making a difference and removing barriers to work. By partnering with local businesses like Brighton & Hove buses, we’re able to build a stronger workforce and make a difference in our community.

Eloise Cornish

Employer Advisor Lead at Brighton and Hove Jobcentre

Go-Ahead is named the fifth top apprenticeship employer in the UK, securing its top position in the UK transport industry

30 June 2023

Go-Ahead is named the fifth top apprenticeship employer in the UK, securing its top position in the UK transport industry

Transport operator ranked 5th on the list of the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers

The group beats its previous ranking at 13, and secures its position as top apprenticeships employer in the UK transport industry

Go-Ahead is currently training 1,020 apprentices across bus operations, rail operations, and its head office functions

The Go-Ahead Group is proud to be listed the fifth top apprenticeships provider in the UK, in a ranking developed by the Department for Education. The group celebrates after beating its previous ranking by eight places and secures its lead position as top apprenticeship employer in the transport industry – ahead of Stagecoach Group, Southeastern, Cross Country Trains, Hays Travel and Transport UK Group.

The company takes on around 1,020 apprentices annually and its award-winning apprenticeships programme is the biggest in employing apprentices into roles such as bus drivers, train drivers and engineers in the public transport industry.

More than 700 apprentices are presently training to be London bus drivers at Go-Ahead London’s academy in Camberwell – the largest bus operator in London, and further 470 apprentices are in training at Govia Thameslink Railway – the UK’s largest railway network.

Go-Ahead is committed to employing apprentices from diverse backgrounds, currently 65% are from ethnic minority backgrounds, 20% are female apprentices – a number Go-Ahead will continuously aim to improve, and 15% are neurodiverse.

“”
Our Apprenticeships programme has gone from strength to strength. We’re so proud of the results in the rankings – to come in at number five means that we’re moving in the right direction. As we attract the new generation of drivers and engineers, it’s our priority to ensure the programme is forever expanding and will continue to reflect the diverse communities we serve. At Go-Ahead we believe apprenticeships are a great way to begin a career in transport. There are so many opportunities to develop and many of our apprentices have gone on to lead very successful careers.

Carolyn Ferguson

Group Chief People Officer, The Go-Ahead Group

The ‘Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2023’ list recognises England’s leading apprenticeship employers for their overall commitment to employing apprentices, their creation of new apprenticeships, the diversity of their new apprentices, and the progression of their apprentices onto further apprenticeships and employment.

From Swindon to Ukraine: Go-Ahead hospital bus presented to ambassador

22 May 2023

From Swindon to Ukraine: Go-Ahead hospital bus presented to ambassador

A bus donated by one of Go-Ahead’s local bus companies has been converted into a field hospital for use in treating casualties of the war in Ukraine.

The bus, which until recently carried passengers in Wiltshire as part of Swindon’s Bus Company, was today presented to His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom, in a ceremony outside the House of Lords.

The single-decker vehicle has been fitted with hospital beds and medical equipment for use as a mobile field hospital on the frontline as Ukraine defends its territory following Russia’s invasion.

Seats have been stripped out of the bus to make way for three beds, facilities for heart monitors and drips. The bus has a fresh water tank fitted, bathroom facilities and a portable generator.

The project has been overseen by Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership (SHAP), a local charity formed to help the war-torn country. Since Russia’s invasion, SHAP has donated 925 tonnes of aid to Ukraine.

“”
We’re all appalled by the ongoing situation on the ground following Russia’s invasion. I hope this bus will make a small contribution towards Ukraine’s war effort, and towards the treatment of those injured on the front line.

Christian Schreyer

Chief Executive of The Go-Ahead Group

Arrangements are being made for the bus to be transported to Ukraine.

“”
We are indebted to Go-Ahead, and to Swindon’s Bus Company, for the donation of a bus that allowed a group of committed local volunteers to convert a standard public service bus into a mobile medical facility for use in Ukraine. It is hard to comprehend what our Ukrainian friends are having to endure but in the best British tradition all we can do is support them with all our might.

Mike Bowden

Chair of The Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership

A number of parliamentarians took part in the handover including Robert Buckland MP (Con, South Swindon),  John Healey (Shadow Secretary of State for Defence), Iain Duncan Smith MP (Con, Chingford), Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour deputy leader in the House of Lords) and David Davis MP (Con, Haltemprice and Howden).

Go-Ahead Norway appoints new Managing Director with extensive railway experience

17 April 2023

Go-Ahead Norway appoints new Managing Director with extensive railway experience

The Go-Ahead Group has appointed Emil Eike as Managing Director of the group’s Norwegian rail business, which operates long-distance and commuter rail routes in the south of the country.

Emil has more than 30 years of experience as a manager from the Armed Forces, the public transport and mobility industry. His track record includes 12 years at NSB, the Norwegian state-owned railway company.

He has also worked as a consultant advising transport companies on strategy, and he is Chairman of Bybanen, the light rail network in Bergen.

“”
Emil combines extensive experience from the railway sector with a focus on innovation and clear leadership. We are in an exciting period where we are working actively to further develop our passenger rail services. In Emil, we have found a skilled leader who can take that development further.

Magnus Hedin

CEO of Go-Ahead Nordic

Go-Ahead employs 300 people in Norway and began operations in December 2019. The company’s operating contract with the Norwegian Rail Directorate runs to December 2027, with the option of a two-year extension to 2029.

 

“”
Trains are a key part of the overall mobility system in Norway and an important contributor to a sustainable society. Together with the skilled and dedicated employees at Go-Ahead, I am really looking forward to being part of this important social mission,” says Emil. “Go-Ahead was also the winner of the first traffic package in Norway, and I have a great appreciation of courageous and innovative organisations.

Emil Eike

Emil will take on the role on May 1st. Magnus Hedin has been filling the position of Managing Director on an interim basis, remains Chair of the Board of Go-Ahead Norwegian rail company.

Fit for a king: Go-Ahead’s coronation buses take to the road

17 April 2023

Fit for a king: Go-Ahead’s coronation buses take to the road

Go-Ahead has unveiled commemorative buses in London and in the south-west of England to mark the coronation of Their Majesties Kings Charles III and Queen Camilla.

In Devon, a red, white and blue Plymouth Citybus double-decker with festive bunting will take to the streets of Britain’s Ocean City to mark the historic royal event, operating on route 25 which runs around Plymouth Hoe and waterfront.

In the capital, a special Go-Ahead London bus is still in its iconic red colour but  boasts a new design and is decorated in the official emblem of the coronation. The LT511 Routemaster, delivered alongside Transport for London, is in service on Route 11 (Fulham Broadway to Waterloo), which passes Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square.

Go-Ahead’s transport companies are at the heart of the coronation and will be bringing millions of people to festive events over the weekend – including big screens in parks and city centres, community parties and volunteering events connected with Monday’s “Big Help Out” day.

Many of those travelling to central London will be using Go-Ahead services. Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express services, is the largest rail operator in the south-east. And Go-Ahead London runs a quarter of the capital’s buses on behalf of Transport for London.

“”
We’re proud to be involved in carrying so many people to celebratory events this weekend – be it the coronation in London itself or to community and street parties across the nation.

In common with the rest of the country, we congratulate the King and Queen on their coronation and we hope these buses add to the buzz across the country over the course of this historic weekend.

Mark Anderson

Go-Ahead Customer and Commercial Director