The Coach Travel Group confirms January fleet deliveries

Operators across The Coach Travel Group are taking delivery of new vehicles from January and throughout the first quarter, marking the latest phase of the Group’s ongoing investment in fleet renewal, operational efficiency and sustainable growth.

The January deliveries form part of a structured FY26 fleet investment programme, reflecting the Group’s long-term approach to strengthening both company-wide capability and the individual identities of its operating companies. The investment supports continued growth across private hire, touring and contract operations, while ensuring customers benefit from reliable, modern and well-presented vehicles.

As part of this programme, The Coach Travel Group has increased its Scania order from 42 to 55 new coaches, representing a 31% uplift on the original commitment. The expanded order comprises a mix of two-axle 51-seat Scania Touring models alongside 53- and 59-seat tri-axle Touring coaches, providing operational flexibility across a wide range of duties and journey types.

Depots receiving new vehicles in January include Johnsons, JH Coaches, Alpine, Barnes, CTG South East, Swans and Coatham, supporting continued growth across the Group’s national footprint. The deal was agreed between The Coach Travel Group and Scania by Ian Shipley, Tom Stables, and Lee Wale, UK Retail Sales Manager, Scania Bus and Coach UK, reinforcing the strong partnership between the two organisations.

All vehicles within the current delivery programme are supplied in white at point of delivery, providing flexibility as operational requirements evolve. Liveries are applied using high-quality vinyl wraps, a strategic decision designed to reduce whole-life maintenance costs and enable vehicles to be reallocated efficiently between depots as demand changes. This approach allows the Group to maintain consistency at a central level while protecting and promoting established local brands.

As part of the January intake, each depot will receive a balanced mix of corporate-liveried vehicles to reinforce Group presence and professionalism, alongside locally liveried coaches that maintain strong regional brand recognition. A number of vehicles will also remain plain white, anticipating future movement across the network. This measured approach enhances resilience, adaptability and cost control across the fleet.

Commenting on the investment, Ian Shipley, Director of Operations at JH Coaches and Fleet Lead for The Coach Travel Group, said: “This programme is about making sensible, long-term decisions for the Group. By standardising vehicle presentation at delivery and using vinyl liveries, we’re giving ourselves the flexibility to move vehicles where they’re needed, while still protecting local brands that customers know and trust. It’s a practical investment that supports growth, efficiency and consistent service quality across the Group.”

The January fleet deliveries underline The Coach Travel Group’s commitment to customer care, reliability and operational excellence. By investing in 55 new vehicles as part of a structured FY26 programme, the Group continues to strengthen its foundations for sustainable growth while supporting the distinct identities of its operating companies.

Further fleet updates will follow as the FY26 programme progresses.