• Experienced Bus Operator Metroline will operate the Hyde Road, Sharston, Tameside and Wythenshawe franchises commencing 5 January 2025
  • Represents a significant addition to the wider ComfortDelGro Group’s growing presence across the United Kingdom, which already includes operations in 23 different towns and cities
(Left to Right) Steve Warrener, Managing Director, TfGM, Edward Thomas, CEO, ComfortDelGro UK, Phil Sanders, Chief Financial Officer, Metroline, Patrick Sibley, Regional CEO, Metroline, Paul Adcock, Business Development Executive, Metroline, Anne Marie Purcell, Chief Transformation Officer, TfGM

MANCHESTER, 28 March 2024 –Metroline Limited, a member of global land-transport group ComfortDelGro has been awarded contracts to operate four franchises in Greater Manchester by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

 

Metroline is the fourth largest scheduled bus operator in London and operates about 17 percent of the city’s scheduled bus services. It is part of ComfortDelGro’s wider operations in the UK, which include; Argyle Satellite, Adventure Travel, CityFleet Networks, Computer Cab, KingKabs, Scottish Citylink Coaches, Megabus and Westbus Coach Services. These companies operate in 23 different towns and cities, offering a comprehensive range of point-to-point and public transport solutions including buses, coaches, taxis, and private hire vehicles.

 

Once part of the Bee Network, people living in Greater Manchester will benefit from a more accountable service, with passengers able to rate their journey and levels of customer feedback in a way that will impact what operators get paid to run the services. Metroline has a proven track record of pioneering green technologies on buses and providing excellent customer service, with drivers regularly receiving commendations and industry awards. Passengers in Greater Manchester can expect a community focused service on Metroline’s buses on the Bee Network, when they enter operation in January.

 

ComfortDelGro’s Chief Executive Officer, Europe Business Unit, Mr Edward Thomas said “We are grateful for the trust placed in us by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and will work closely with all our stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition of services as we work towards delivering the Bee Network vision. We look forward to serving the community in the Greater Manchester area by providing a safe and reliable service, and an elevated passenger experience. We also look forward to being considered the preferred operator of choice across England and Wales.”

 

ComfortDelGro Chairman and Chairman of Metroline holding company Braddell Limited, Mr Mark Greaves said, “We are honoured to have been chosen to operate these franchises and proud to add these new successes to what has already been achieved in the UK. This win is a testament to our commitment to service quality and operational excellence, and will significantly expand our network, deepening our Group’s presence across the United Kingdom. This aligns with our broader strategy to strengthen and strategically grow our core public transportation and point-to-point businesses and solidify our reputation as the multi-modal transport operator of choice.”