A bus company has acquired an independent operator with a major council contract.
The charter bus arm of Brighton and Hove Buses, Spirit of Sussex, has added another 16 buses to its fleet after buying out travel firm Regency Coaches for an undisclosed amount.
The company holds the contract for East Sussex County Council school services and a range of private hire services, which will be inherited by the Spirit of Sussex.
Brighton and Hove Buses is owned by transport conglomerate Go-Ahead Group which runs bus services in several regions across the UK along with the Govia Thameslink Railway franchise.
Managing director Ed Wills said: “We are delighted to offer a greater variety of coaching vehicles and services as part of our Spirit of Sussex business."
Read more: Bus company accused of spying on passengers with hidden microphones
The Argus understands the new fleet will be re-liveried to the Spirit of Sussex brand and relocated to the company's Ringmer depot.
Mr Willis said: "I’d like to welcome on board all 14 drivers from Regency Coaches. With a larger fleet in the local area we look forward to growing the business working with new and existing customers.
"Coaches are a great way to encourage people to travel more sustainably and without the stress of driving.”
It is the latest in a string of acquisitions by Brighton and Hove Buses in the past two years, with both Eastbourne Sightseeing and Southdown Buses coming under the business's control.
The CEO of Go Ahead's bus operation Matt Carney said: "We’re delighted to welcome Regency Coaches to the Go-Ahead Group, and to grow our presence in the UK coach market.
"As a company we’re committed to connecting communities, so providing coach services across the country for schools, groups, small business and local authority partners is an important transport mode for our communities."
Regency director John Durrant said: "We are certain that with their experience and expertise they will continue to provide a great service to our customers and we wish them all the very best for the future. “
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel