FirstGroup has purchased the RATP Dev sightseeing operations in London and Bath that run largely under the Tootbus brand. The sale wraps up the buyer’s acquisition of the French group’s bus businesses in the UK.
It follows the same process for the RATP Dev Transit London ‘red bus’ undertaking earlier in 2025 and includes a freehold depot in south west London and a leased depot in Bath. The deal includes 63 buses – 42 in London and 21 in Bath – and around 190 employees.
The Bath operations sold to FirstGroup include the Airdecker service from that city to Bristol Airport, while that in London has seen work start on repowering existing open-top buses to battery-electric alongside the exclusive use of HVO in place of fossil diesel in those that retain internal combustion engines.
First Bus already has a significant operation in Bath. FirstGroup says that entering the sightseeing market both there and in London will further diversify its businesses, while the additional depots will provide operational and cost efficiencies and create opportunities for further expansion.
Speaking about the purchase, FirstGroup CEO Graham Sutherland says: “Acquisition of the bus operations in London and Bath, in line with our UK-focused growth and diversification strategy, will allow us to further diversify and expand out footprint in two of our key markets.
“The integration of the businesses will also create material operational and cost synergies and the opportunity to grow our London route portfolio over time.”
Adds RATP Dev Senior Vice President of Digital and Sightseeing Arnaud Masson: “Tootbus is a leading player in sightseeing in London and Bath, and we are proud of our teams for their achievements in building a strong brand that delivers a unique urban sightseeing experience to thousands of visitors every year.
“With confidence, we are divesting this company we cherish to FirstGroup, which is well positioned to take it further.”
