London Buses today announced that the National Express Group has acquired
Connex Bus with immediate effect.
The business, which operates twelve contracts for Transport for London, consists
of 200 buses and employs 700 staff including over 600 drivers. Services operate
out of two depots in Battersea and Beddington, Croydon.
Twenty bus operators are currently in the London market which is worth around
£1 billion a year.
Director of Performance at London Buses Clare Kavanagh said:
“The quality of London’s bus services is at an all time high and the number
of people using the service is growing at a rate of 11% year-on-year. National
Express as a significant player in the market will, I am sure, help to continue
to drive up quality and provide additional the competition for London bus
services.
“I look forward to working with National Express and wish them every success
in contributing to better public transport for London.”
Confirming today’s announcement Phil White, Chief Executive National Express
Group said;
“We have been keen to enter the London bus market but have been looking for
an opportunity which gives us critical mass from an existing and established
site. We believe that these operations, combined with any future contracts
we win will position us well for future growth in this market. We welcome
the former Connex Bus employees to the Group and look forward to growing our
bus operations over the coming year.”
