Tower Transit has completed the purchase of Swansea coach and bus operator South Wales Transport in a deal that the Kelsian Group subsidiary says underlines its ambition to cement a wider UK reach ahead of further franchising rollout.
The sale combines South Wales Transport’s knowledge of local bus markets in the Swansea area with Tower Transit and Kelsian’s expertise in regulated landscapes. Under a bus reform roadmap published by Transport for Wales in March, South West Wales is slated to be the first part of the principality to see franchising, in 2027.
Managing Director David Fowles will remain with South Wales Transport to lead the business under the new ownership. It was founded by his father Bev.
Tower Transit notes how leadership at South Wales Transport “elected to partner with a buyer that could maximise the business’s future potential – extending beyond traditional contracted services and into the evolving landscape of franchised bus operations.”
Mr Fowles Jr says that the sale offers continuity and growth. “It was important to us to find a partner that shares our values and our commitment to the people of Swansea. With Tower Transit, we know our workforce and customers are in safe hands, and the business has every opportunity to flourish in a changing market.”
The green and white brand and wider local management team will be retained under new ownership. 47 vehicles transfer with the deal.
Tower Transit says it will leverage its global best practice in bus franchising, operational systems, driver training and maintenance regimes and provide enhanced career development opportunities employees. It also plans to invest in infrastructure and fleet.
Notably, the purchaser has become what is thought to be the first operating group not previously active in Wales to signal its interest in bidding for bus franchising contracts there. South Wales Transport will now be positioned “to take advantage of forthcoming regional bus reforms and franchising opportunities in Wales.”
Speaking about the purchase, Tower Transit Managing Director Samuel Ribeiro says: “We are delighted to welcome South Wales Transport under the Tower Transit umbrella.
“The team’s deep local knowledge, strong brand and decades of service in the area provide a strong foundation. When combined with our Kelsian-backed expertise in large-scale franchised and regulated bus operations around the world, we are confident that we will deliver enhanced services for passengers and a bright future for the business.”
Entry to the South Wales bus market by Tower Transit follows a similar move in the Liverpool City Region earlier in 2025, where it purchased independent Huyton Travel ahead of franchising rollout.
