Seven operators join forces to form a new national coach travel company

The shape of the UK coach travel industry is changing today with the news that seven regional operators are joining forces.

The Coach Travel Group is the result of a strategic merger of Alpine Travel, Barnes Coaches, Coatham Coaches, JH Coaches, Johnsons Coaches, Swans Travel and The Ready Group. The newly formed group will have approximately 700 employees and 450 vehicles in its fleet. Its focus will be on leveraging the extensive experience and investment across the seven operators to provide a best-in-class service offering to its customers.

The decision to create The Coach Travel Group promises to drive enhancements in the sector, bringing value to all passengers across the UK. Well-rooted in their separate local communities and key markets, this initiative is designed to redefine customer service and operational excellence. 

"Today marks a significant milestone not only for our group but for the entire coach travel industry in the UK," said Tom Stables, CEO of The Coach Travel Group.

"By bringing together these renowned and trusted, regional operators under one roof, we are setting the stage for an unparalleled travel experience. We're committed to being at the forefront of the industry, ensuring every mile travelled with us is a testament to the quality and innovation we stand for."

Commitment to raising standards

With its ambitious growth strategy, The Coach Travel Group is already positioning itself as the supplier and employer of choice in the UK travel industry. It benefits from each operator’s reputation for safety, customer service, operational delivery and investment in its people. Last year alone, these operators  successfully transported over 140,000 passengers on a variety of holidays and day trips, showcasing their capacity to offer memorable and seamless travel experiences

Looking ahead, The Coach Travel Group’s ambition is to provide consistently high-quality customer service, as well as operational and safety excellence. 

Local expertise and national coverage

Each coach operator in the group brings years of rich heritage, proven expertise, and deep connections with the different local communities they serve. This unity ensures that while The Coach Travel Group operates on a national scale, it brings together operators from different regions where the heart and soul of the services remain as personal and community-focused as ever.

Tom added: “As well as coach tours and day trips, our quality operators manage more than 232 school routes, safely transporting over 11,644 children each day. We also offer an innovative tracking service, ensuring the safe arrival of students and providing parents and carers with invaluable peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are in the most capable hands.

“With The Coach Travel Group, customers can expect nothing less than a seamless and enjoyable travel experience catered to by a dedicated fleet of modern, eco-friendly coaches driven by professional and courteous drivers.

“Our vision is to be the leading national coach travel company, providing excellent services across the UK rooted in our local communities and markets. We will be the supplier and employer of choice, thanks to our reputation for safety, customer service, operational excellence and respect for our staff.”