The Coach Travel Group merges seven coach operators

A consortium of seven coach operators led by former National Express UK CEO, Tom Stables, has been formed.

The Coach Travel Group is the result of a strategic merger of:

• Alpine Travel
• Barnes Coaches
• Coatham Coaches
• JH Coaches
• Johnsons Coaches
• Swans Travel
• The Ready Group

Tom Stables, CEO of the new Coach Travel Group

The newly formed group will have approximately 700 employees and 450 vehicles in its fleet. Its focus, says the consortium, 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, says the grouping,’ said a press release.

“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. Tom is the former CEO of National Express UK and Germany.

“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.”

The Coach Travel Group is already positioning itself as the supplier and employer of choice in the UK travel industry, it said, claiming 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,’ said its press release.

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

The management team of The Coach Travel Group, back row (from left): Tim Bloomfield – Executive Director, Aaron Kelly – Chief Finance Officer, Peter Robinson – Executive Director and Matt Clayson – Executive Director. Front: Tom Stables – Chief Executive Officer and Kieran Swindells – Executive Director

‘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 a 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.”