Transport Made Simple acquiring Go East Anglia
Independently-owned Transport Made Simple has reached an agreement with the Go-Ahead Group to acquire its Go East Anglia business.
The transaction is expected to be completed by 1 October 2025.
Go East Anglia operators Konectbus and Konectbuses (formerly Hedingham and Chambers) are to join Transport Made Simple’s existing operations, which operates under the Central Connect, Flagfinders and Simonds brands.
The acquisition will see Transport Made Simple’s fleet increase to 380 buses, coaches and minibuses, with a headcount rising to 800 staff. The Go East Anglia local bus network is expected to complement existing Transport Made Simple operations. Combining the two networks is expected to open up additional opportunities for passengers to travel by public transport across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.
Go East Anglia already work closely in partnership with both Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council, delivering bus services funded by the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan grant, and these services will continue to be developed under the company’s new ownership.
Passengers will also start to benefit from existing Transport Made Simple initiatives, such as its Passenger Promise customer service commitment.
A further announcement will be made once the transaction has completed. There are no immediate changes planned to bus services as a result of this announcement.
“We’re grateful to all our colleagues at Go East Anglia for their hard work and commitment over the years and wish them every success for the future” – Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus
Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus, said, “We’re confident that Transport Made Simple will be great new owners for Go East Anglia. Bringing together Go East Anglia’s network with Transport Made Simple’s existing operations will create a stronger local presence, supporting future growth in services and connectivity for passengers and the community. We’re grateful to all our colleagues at Go East Anglia for their hard work and commitment over the years and wish them every success for the future.”
“I’m delighted to welcome the drivers, engineers, cleaners and support staff from Go East Anglia into our team” – Transport Made Simple’s Group Managing Director, Peter Nathanail
Transport Made Simple’s Group Managing Director, Peter Nathanail, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the drivers, engineers, cleaners and support staff from Go East Anglia into our team, and look forward to building on the excellent work that is already underway in delivering sustainable, high quality bus services across the region. Our focus is always on building strong relationships with local stakeholders, to ensure that we’re providing bus services which meet community needs.”