ComfortDelGro expands UK footprint with new $720m contract

Source: Singapore Business Review

Its unit, Metroline Limited, will operate four public bus franchises.

Metroline Limited, ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited’s wholly owned subsidiary, bagged a $720m contract to operate four public bus franchises by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

Under the contract, Metroline will operate bus services for the Hyde Road, Sharston, Tameside and Wythenshawe franchises for five years.

Metroline can extend the franchise for two or one-year terms.

“Collectively, these franchises will comprise a total of 232 different services served by 420 buses and over 1,350 employees, adding twice as many services and a 30% increase over its London portfolio,” ComfortDelGro said.

ComfortDelGro operates in 23 different towns and cities in the United Kingdom through Metroline,  Argyle Satellite, Adventure Travel, CityFleet Networks, Computer Cab, KingKabs, Scottish Citylink Coaches, Megabus and Westbus Coach Services.

Metroline is the fourth largest scheduled bus operator in London and operates about 17% of the city's scheduled bus services.