Featured Post

AI Powered Timetables Promise a Smoother Ride for Greater Glasgow

By on
Image
Punctuality on Glasgow’s buses has improved by 8.5 per cent since First Bus started handing the timetable over to artificial intelligence. That figure covers more than 60 routes tweaked using AI-powered scheduling software, which analyses live traffic data and historical patterns to build timetables that reflect how the city actually moves — or crawls — during the day. It is an approach that appears to be working, and First is betting on it again.
Post a Comment

FirstGroup Strengthens Portfolio with Acquisition of London’s Anderson Travel

By on

FirstGroup has made a significant move by acquiring Anderson Travel, a highly experienced coach operator that offers contracted school services, private hire, mini coach operations and tours in and around London.

Two white coaches parked side by side in a lot, each proudly displaying the Anderson Travel logo on the front. Both boast the registration plate YJ24 AXY. Behind them, a green fence and trees whisper in the background, standing as silent witnesses to their premier coach services.
First Group

With a fleet of around 40 coaches operating from depots near Tower Bridge and Heathrow Airport, Anderson Travel is well-equipped to serve a variety of transport needs.

Their services include everything from school contracts to mini coach operations around Heathrow, daily excursions for international visitors, and bespoke private group tours. For the year ending 30 June 2023, Anderson Travel reported revenues of £7.3 million and an EBIT of £1 million, showcasing its strong position in the competitive London market.

Mark Anderson, the founder and majority owner, will continue to oversee day-to-day operations as Anderson Travel integrates into First Bus.

Graham Sutherland, FirstGroup’s CEO, commented on the acquisition,

"The acquisition of Anderson Travel, an experienced and profitable coach company, builds on our recent strategic acquisitions in the B2B and B2C coach market. We will continue to identify and assess opportunities to diversify and grow as we increase our share of the adjacent services market in the UK, where we see considerable opportunity for stable, long-term and value accretive growth."

Looking ahead, FirstGroup is set to release its interim financial results on the 14th November 2024, covering the 26-week period ending 28 September.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

AI Powered Timetables Promise a Smoother Ride for Greater Glasgow

By on
Image
Punctuality on Glasgow’s buses has improved by 8.5 per cent since First Bus started handing the timetable over to artificial intelligence. That figure covers more than 60 routes tweaked using AI-powered scheduling software, which analyses live traffic data and historical patterns to build timetables that reflect how the city actually moves — or crawls — during the day. It is an approach that appears to be working, and First is betting on it again.
More

Qbuzz Goes Back to China for 62 More Yutong Buses

By on
Image
Dutch public transport operator Qbuzz has ordered 62 more electric buses from Chinese manufacturer Yutong, to be delivered by the end of 2025. This follows their previous order of 50 Yutong buses, which entered service in South Holland in December 2024. Qbuzz Why Yutong? Timing is Everything While many European manufacturers are still wrangling with post-pandemic supply chains, inflation and the occasional bankruptcy, Yutong appears to be sticking to the basics: building and delivering buses on time. In a pointed but measured statement, Qbuzz explained their decision to look beyond Europe: "European bus manufacturers face challenges in the delivery of zero-emission equipment. For example, in addition to the delivery problems of Iveco, Qbuzz also had to deal with the bankruptcy of Belgian bus manufacturer Van Hool, which meant that the delivery of 112 electric buses was cancelled. As a solution, Yutong produced and delivered 50 electric buses within six months, which perform w...
More

Archive

Show more