Arriva sells off 'Tiger' buses to Yorkshire public transport operator

A Yorkshire public transport operator has announced that it has agreed to buy one of the region’s bus companies from a national brand.

Transdev, based in Keighley, has signed a deal to acquire Yorkshire Tiger bus operations from Arriva UK Bus.

The acquisition will see two of Arriva’s depots - at Elland and Waterloo - change hands, as well as 163 of Arriva’s staff and 61 buses.

The company has said that the deal will not affect bus services.

Alex Hornby, chief executive of Transdev, commented: “We are thrilled to be growing our team and our company, and are really looking forward to serving this part of West Yorkshire for the first time.

“This demonstrates Transdev’s long-term commitment to develop our business here in the North of England, building on a clear track record of success.

“At this critical time for the bus, we believe it can play a key role in enabling our economic recovery, both locally and nationally.

“We’re looking forward to meeting all our new colleagues and new customers, as well as strengthening relationships with our local authority partners further.

“This presents a hugely exciting opportunity to all work together and improve the quality of bus travel further across Halifax and Huddersfield.”

Patrick Sibley, area managing director for Arriva, said: “Although we will be sad to hand over operations of our Tiger business, we are delighted that it will be in the hands of Transdev, a well-known local bus company, who will take good care of the depots, customers and all employees.”