Metroline yesterday marked 25 years of being part of global transport group ComfortDelGro.
The operator, which runs services mainly in London and Manchester, held an event at Cricklewood Bus Garage in North London to celebrate its achievements since acquisition by the Singapore business in 2000.
Metroline was already one of the top five operators in London when the then DelGro Corporation took over.
Today, Metroline has more than 1,400 buses in London, while a fleet of 400 serve in Manchester, into which the business moved this year on winning a Bee Network contract. It employs 6,000 people nationwide.
Landmarks over the years include the roll-out of the first BYD ADL Enviro400EV battery-electric double-deckers in 2019 and the opening of a rebuilt 100-bus, £19 million bus depot in Brentford last year. Its Edgware Bus Garage has become the first of its garages in London to operate an exclusively battery-electric fleet. In 2021, it launched the first hydrogen fleet of double-decker buses in England.
Metroline employees from across several roles attended the anniversary event, while High Commissioner of Singapore to the United Kingdom Ng Teck Hean, CEO of ComfortDelGro UK and Ireland Edward Thomas, CEO of Metroline Sean O’Shea, ComfortDelGro Chair Mark Greaves and local mayors were among guests.
Speaking at the event, Mr O’Shea says: “We’re proud to celebrate 25 years as part of ComfortDelGro.
“Together, we’ve built a reputation for excellence, sustainability, and innovation, and we remain committed to serving our communities for the next 25 years.”
Mr Thomas adds: “Metroline has been the foundation of our UK success, driving growth and pioneering zero-emission technologies. We look forward to continuing our investment in the UK and Ireland, delivering sustainable mobility solutions for the future.”
