Go-Ahead owned Oxford Bus Company (OBC) has bought Tom Tappin Ltd, which operates the Guide Friday and City Sightseeing Oxford city bus tours.
Tom Tappin Ltd will join the OBC family of companies, that also includes Thames Travel and Carousel Buses.
The City Sightseeing Oxford operation will continue to be run as a standalone business, under the management of General Manager Jane Marshall and Operations Manager John Corti.
Go-Ahead says: “Over time, it is anticipated that OBC will bring fresh investment to the City Sightseeing business and that the acquisition will lead to improved opportunities for cross-selling between the City Tour and other Oxford Bus Company brands such as Park & Ride, the airline and X90 coach services, and the new tourist-focused River Rapids routes.”
OBC MD Phil Southall says: “It’s really exciting to be taking ownership of such a successful and professionally-managed business, which has a long and proud history in Oxford.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with the team at City Sightseeing to learn more about the company and to develop plans to ensure we collectively give the best possible welcome to visitors to our city.”
