Bus group speeds ahead after Santander funding deal

THE Green Bus is extending its fleet with the acquisition of three new buses following a new funding package from Santander Corporate Banking.

Birmingham-based The Green Bus was formed in 2005 from the school bus business of King Edward VI Five Ways School in Birmingham. Ian Mack, a teacher at the school, set up the business by mapping the location of pupils and designing bus services to bring the children to school, paid for by parents.

The aim of The Green Bus is to help cut down the number of cars on the road, particularly in rush hour, by helping to reduce the ‘school run’.

The group now operates 35 buses in the West Midlands, both for school services and on local bus routes, as well as offering a double-deck private hire service and providing bus services for Aston Villa and Birmingham City. 

More recently The Green Bus has set up similar services in Reading and Guildford, and is now looking to grow the business beyond these areas.

Mack said: “This funding package from Santander will help support the next stage of our development with the purchase of two new buses. This will help us take advantage of the opportunities to grow the business within the West Midlands.”

Andy Ball, relationship director at Santander Corporate Banking, said: “Ian and his management team provide a great and secure service for families and I believe they are well placed to achieving their aim of removing the school run from the roads.”

The amount of funding provided by Santander is undisclosed.

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