By KLTV Newsdesk –
Bus operator Transdev is preparing to launch its new ‘Team Pennine’ company, featuring their striking pink buses, this Sunday 25 July 2021.
The new operators are taking over the bus services previously run by Yorkshire Tiger.
New buses and routes
One in three buses are to be replaced in the first three months as Transdev drives ahead with its transformation roadmap.
The first new route, dubbed the ‘Denby Darts’, will launch this Sunday, with more set to follow.
While we may start to see the titular pink buses start to pop up across the countryside, it is set to be a gradual process, with Transdev saying that the livery will be introduced on a route-by-route basis over the next 18 months.
New fares
While regular fairs will remain unchanged for now, new fare deals are also set to be introduced. These include:
- A new Pennine day ticket for use on any Team Pennine bus, with new bundles of five and 10-day tickets.
- A new 12-journey ticket, which Team Pennine says will cut the cost of a one-way journey to £1.42 per trip
- A new Pennine Duo ticket for two riders to use together, and a Pennine Group ticket for up to five people for £8
- 28-day and subscription tickets will also be on offer.
Timetables
Full timetables and fare deals for the new Team Pennine network are available now online at: www.teampennine.co.uk
Bus enhancements
The buses will all feature free Wi-Fi, USB power at each seat and audio and visual next stop announcements.
New jobs
Earlier this year, Transdev signed an agreement to buy the old Yorkshire Tiger business for an undisclosed sum from its owners Arriva, securing 163 existing jobs at two depots at Elland, near Halifax, and Waterloo in Huddersfield, and creating more work as the newcomer looks to expand its presence across the region.
Team Pennine says they have already begun advertising locally and further afield for bus drivers to join their team.
Drivers and support staff who will all transfer into the new Team Pennine business from this Sunday will join Transdev’s existing employee base of 1,200 people across its eight existing operating centres across Yorkshire and Lancashire.
‘Positive impact’
Transdev CEO Alex Hornby said: “Right from day one we’re all about making a positive impact for our new customers and being a company that reflects the spirit of the locations and people we serve.
“We will invest in the quality of service immediately by replacing one in three of the old Yorkshire Tiger bus fleet by the end of October, as part of our mission to create buses people will be proud to be seen on.
“In the coming weeks, we’ll also be revealing upgrades to further routes in the Huddersfield and Holmfirth areas, while a brand-new fleet of Mercedes minibuses will land in the Halifax area too.
‘Strong links’
Mr Hornby added that forming strong links with local communities is vital to Transdev’s success in making changes for bus users.
He added: “We’re already engaging with councils and community leaders, with further announcements to follow in the coming weeks.
“We can’t wait to welcome our first new customers onto the new Team Pennine this Sunday – the name will be symbolic of our local and people-focused approach, with the long-term view of growing bus use firmly in mind.”