Metrobus and Brighton & Hove to merge

[radamfi]

Metrobus (non-TfL) and Brighton & Hove are to merge, with the TfL operations of Metrobus transferring to Go-Ahead London.

 

[christopher]

Source?

I find it unlikely as Go-Ahead London are already close to their percentage limit.

 

[Deerfold]

Source?

I find it unlikely as Go-Ahead London are already close to their percentage limit.

A source would be good but it won't affect any TfL bidding as both companies are already part of Go Ahead.

Given where the non-TfL routes of Metrobus operate I can see how it would work operationally.

Presumably the Brighton Saver will not be valid on all sections of the Metrobus routes.

 

[radamfi]

I read it in one of the July issues of Coach and Bus Week. The only source on the web I can find is from the Argus:

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/10531422.Brighton_bus_company_to_merge_with_Metrobus_in_Crawley/

although it doesn't mention the splitting off of the TfL part of Metrobus.

 

[TheManWho]

The current Metrobus MD is retiring (or has retired). Basically, it's just a change to the management structure- the "blue" side of Metrobus will be managed by Brighton and Hove and the "red" side of Metrobus will be managed by Go Ahead London. There will be no merger, and Metrobus will retain its current ID.

This was in some of the trade press a few weeks ago

 

[radamfi]

Metrobus will retain its current ID.

Even for TfL routes?

 

[Deerfold]

Even for TfL routes?

I expect so, even if the management changes - no buses are identified as Go Ahead London at the moment - they're London General / London Central / Blue Triangle / Docklands Buses / East Thames buses - they don't seem to have a problem with having lots of brands.

 

[Surreyman]

All seems to make a great deal of sense, all the Go-Ahead London based companies (which I think in total now make up 24% of Tfl, so just under the 25% maximum) under common management in the regulated area, all the de-regulated companies in Sussex under a single management.
I think its partly been driven by retirements - Roger French etc.

 

[westcoaster]

Well that adds up, last week I saw 4-5 b&h buses up at metrobuses Crawley depot, I just thought maybe specialist maintinence.

 

[radamfi]

If Metrobus in London keeps its branding, how would the Metrobus website, Twitter and Facebook feeds work? Could the internet presence still cover both London and non-London operations despite the two parts of Metrobus being run by different management?

 

[Antman]

Source?

I find it unlikely as Go-Ahead London are already close to their percentage limit.

It's true and Metrobus are already part of the GA group so it will make no difference to any percentage limits.

Seems to me a logical move in principal.

 

[bb21]

My question is if Metrobus is going to be managed by two different MDs, would the Metrobus brand be split up, even if just a minor alteration into a red-liveried Metrobus City and a blue-liveried Metrobus County or something along those lines?

 

[Goldfish62]

Source?

I find it unlikely as Go-Ahead London are already close to their percentage limit.

Metrobus is counted as part of Go-Ahead London for % of network so it would make no difference whether it merged or not.

 

[317 forever]

I can picture the London operations of Metrobus trading as Go-Ahead London, and Metrobus in smaller letters, like the other Go-Ahead London subsidiaries. Then Metrobus Crawley would gain a new company name such as North Downs Buses, possibly repainted into Brighton & Hove livery, with joint day tickets available as well as for both companies seperately.

I deliberately had an extensive trip of the Orpington & Beckenham areas on June 29th, riding some 10 Metrobus routes, in order to experience Metrobus prior to it gaining any Go-Ahead London connections.

 

[Antman]

I can picture the London operations of Metrobus trading as Go-Ahead London, and Metrobus in smaller letters, like the other Go-Ahead London subsidiaries. Then Metrobus Crawley would gain a new company name such as North Downs Buses, possibly repainted into Brighton & Hove livery, with joint day tickets available as well as for both companies seperately.

I deliberately had an extensive trip of the Orpington & Beckenham areas on June 29th, riding some 10 Metrobus routes, in order to experience Metrobus prior to it gaining any Go-Ahead London connections.

I don't suppose there will be any immediate change when the merger does take place, Metrobus often have buses from elsewhere in the GA London empire on hire anyway and they assist the GA private hire department at major events such as the tennis at Wimbledon.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

My question is if Metrobus is going to be managed by two different MDs, would the Metrobus brand be split up, even if just a minor alteration into a red-liveried Metrobus City and a blue-liveried Metrobus County or something along those lines?

I would imagine the Metrobus name will disappear in London.