A former Commercial Development Manager for Go North East has launched a new bus operator called Northstar.
Daniel Graham, the Managing Director and owner of the Tyne and Wear-based business, is bidding for bus tenders in the area. He also hopes to gain home-to-school contracts from September onwards, which would allow him to offer private hires for schools during the day.
Its first branded bus was unveiled on Friday 29 March and used on a Metro replacement service.
Mr Graham left Go North East in early February after nine years with the business.
The Sunderland-born businessman says the operation will be underpinned by four key values: people, performance, partnership, proactive.
Mr Graham says: “I’ve grown up using public transport to get around the North East, which is why I am passionate about delivering a high-quality transport operation myself.
“Northstar is a ‘people moving people’ company, and we want to keep the customer at the heart of everything we do.
“I’m looking forward to operating buses in our region’s fantastic towns and cities – I am proud to be giving back to the people and communities that we will serve.”
The 75-seater Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident, which had been re-engined by Stagecoach to Euro V, was branded by Best Impressions.
He adds: “With such bold ambitions to lead the way, we need our buses to win the hearts and minds of the local people here in the North East.
“I’m exceptionally proud to have worked with Best Impressions to create a smart, clean and contemporary brand, which helps to communicate Northstar’s visions and values.”
