The Go-Ahead Group has continued its acquisition of independent coach operators with the purchase of Regency Coaches of Lewes in East Sussex.
Regency will become part of Go-Ahead subsidiary Brighton and Hove Buses. It follows Pulhams Coaches in 2023 and Compass Royston, Esk Valley, Fourway Coaches and Procters Coaches earlier in 2024 in being purchased by the group as it expands its coaching footprint.
Go-Ahead claims that with the Regency Coaches purchase it is “now one of the largest coach operators in the UK.”
Brighton and Hove Buses already has its own coaching operation, Spirit of Sussex. The operator subsequently confirmed that Regency Coaches will be rebranded as part of the Spirit of Sussex business and run out of its Ringmer depot.
Brighton and Hove Managing Director Ed Wills says: “We are delighted to offer a greater variety of coaching vehicles and services as part of our business.
“I would also like to welcome on board all drivers from Regency Coaches to the company. With a larger fleet in the local area, we look forward to growing the business, working with new and existing customers. Coaches are a great way to encourage people to travel more sustainably and without the stress of driving.”
Go Ahead Group CEO, Bus Matt Carney adds: “We are delighted to welcome Regency Coaches to the Go-Ahead Group, and to grow our presence in the UK coach market.
“As a company, we are committed to connecting communities, so providing coach services across the country for schools, groups, small businesses and local authority partners is an important mode for our communities.
“This is an exciting expansion of our coach operation to provide all customers across the south coast with even more choice.”
Go-Ahead most recently saw its business in East Sussex expand with the acquisition of Southdown Buses in early 2023 and of Eastbourne Sightseeing in February 2024, both by Brighton and Hove Buses.
Regency Coaches was previously owned by John and Jackie Durrant, with the couple having grown the business from what was a one-vehicle operation in 2002 to 25 coaches, buses and minibuses by 2023, including many vehicles purchased new. Brighton and Hove Buses says it has purchased 16 vehicles as part of the deal, and welcomed 14 former Regency Coaches drivers.
