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The RATP Group doing business in the United Kingdom

Posted: 3 March 2011 | RATP | No comments yet

As part of its exit from Transdev shareholding, the RATP Group officially took over London United Busways and Bournemouth Transport Limited on Thursday 3 March 2011…

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As part of its exit from Transdev shareholding, the RATP Group officially took over London United Busways and Bournemouth Transport Limited on Thursday 3 March 2011. The companies will become part of RATP Dev, the RATP Group’s subsidiary in charge of developing these activities in France and abroad. With this move, the RATP Group is establishing itself into the United Kingdom, one of the world’s most attractive markets where the Group plans to expand gradually.

RATP CEO Pierre Mongin was delighted with the operation, “that provides the RATP Group with a promising foothold in the United Kingdom thanks to the integration of two companies with very strong growth potential. The RATP Group is harnessing its resources to ensure the successful integration of the companies and working with them to develop a corporate culture rooted in service quality, technical excellence and responsive listening to passengers, elected officials and the local authorities.”

RATP Dev Board Chairman Jean-Marc Janaillac hailed the fact that, “RATP Dev will be enhancing its know-how thanks to the integration of new teams with recognised skills, expertise and drive, which we are happy to rely on.”

The takeover of London United Busways activities means that RATP Dev will be operating 62 bus routes, many that run past the English capital’s iconic landmarks, such as Line 9 serving Piccadilly Circus and Hyde Park, Line 27 running south of Regent Park and Kensington, or Line 148 serving Notting Hill and Westminster. London United Busways has a yearly ridership of about 155 million, a fleet of some 885 vehicles and a staff of 2,450.

The takeover of Bournemouth Transport Ltd (BTL) activities means that RATP Dev will also be operating the famous Yellow Buses, a brand known for its service quality. Bournemouth Transport Ltd is the number one operator of the Bournemouth area in Dorset. The company also serves the seaside communities of Poole and Christchurch, runs school buses and is a subcontractor operating three National Express coach lines. With a staff headcount of 370, BTL transports roughly 13 million passengers every year. In 2010, Bournemouth Transport Ltd received two prizes: the Best Large Operator Award at the Route One Operator Excellence Awards and Shire Operator of the Year Award at the UK Bus Awards for the second year running.

Integrating the two companies reflects the RATP Group’s determination to do business in one of the world’s most attractive countries. This is part of a large-scale deal, i.e., the RATP’s exit from Transdev capital, that involves the Group taking over 16 companies in 4 European countries (Italy, the United Kingdom, France and Switzerland).

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