Global TransitTech company Zeelo has revealed that it has directed more than £40 million into UK coach and bus businesses in 2024 through its operator partnerships. It marks a substantial year-on-year increase that the company says is offering a much-needed injection of stability for the sector amid funding uncertainty.
The company’s growth is attributed to its collaborative model with local operators which it says allows partners to scale fleets and grow headcounts to meet demand for services.
“We wouldn’t be where we are without our operator partners,” says David Biszby, Director of UK Operations at Zeelo. “By building strong, reliable relationships and offering consistent, growth-focused contracts, we create long-term value that drives success on both sides.”
The company completed the acquisition of virtual school transport platform Kura last year and says it now operates “the largest virtual bus operation in the UK”. To date, it has completed over 15 million journeys.
Kieran Swindells, Managing Director at Swans Travel, endorses the relationship with Zeelo for being markedly different to traditional supplier-client models. “Our relationship with Zeelo has grown far beyond that of a traditional supplier and client,” he says. “From the very beginning, its team has worked collaboratively with us to understand how we can best support each other. It’s a genuine partnership; built on trust, transparency, and shared goals, that continues to deliver value for both sides. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together in the months and years ahead.”
According to research cited by Zeelo, the global coach and bus market was worth $72.11 billion in 2022, with significant growth projected by 2030. But the UK industry grapples “funding shortfalls and limited policy support”. The supplier is urging policymakers to take greater account of the coach sector’s role in reducing congestion and emissions and in connecting communities that fall outside of mainstream public transport routes.
It is also preparing to relaunch its Operator Referral Scheme in the UK, which leverages operators’ local knowledge to identify business opportunities and expand Zeelo’s network.
“Investing in our local operators is not only about expanding transport services, it’s about building a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous future for our communities,” adds Sam Ryan, CEO and co-founder.
