Anderson Travel sees almost £1 million investment in new vehicles
Anderson Travel has invested almost £1 million in new vehicles in a move that parent First Bus says supports the continued growth of its specialist coach businesses.
The upgrade involves two Mercedes-Benz Tourismo large coaches and three minicoaches on the Sprinter base that have been supplied by Temsa Sales UK. The quintet will provide greater capacity and flexibility across the Anderson Travel operation, which was bought by First Bus from founder Mark Anderson in 2024.
Vehicle arrivals in the London fleet follow similar investment in the group’s coach operations in Yorkshire. Anderson Travel is active in a variety of fields, including school transport, airport transfers, corporate duties, tours and group travel, and on behalf of professional sports teams Leyton Orient FC and AFC Wimbledon.
All the new coaches and minicoaches have been finished to a high standard, with the Tourismos coming with centre sunken toilets in a move that the operator says makes them ideal for long-distance touring duties.
Anderson Travel Director Paul Hockley continues: “These new vehicles represent a significant investment in our business and, most importantly, in our customers.
“Whether we are transporting pupils to school, supporting football clubs on match days, welcoming international visitors or delivering corporate travel, we want every journey to be comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.
“The new vehicles give us greater flexibility to meet the needs of a wide range of customers while continuing to deliver the high standards of comfort, reliability and service that Anderson Travel is known for.”
First Bus adds that it has a continued commitment to growing its coach businesses, a pool of operators that has expended significantly over the past three years.
Comments First Bus Coach Managing Director Gareth Davies: “Investing in modern, high-quality vehicles is central to our strategy of growing our specialist coach businesses and ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
“Anderson Travel has built an excellent reputation for delivering reliable, professional coach services across a diverse range of sectors, from education and corporate travel to tourism and major events.
“This latest investment reflects our confidence in the business, supports its continued growth, and provides our customers with the quality, comfort and reliability they expect.”
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Irizar UK launches parts operation for OEM's coaches and buses
Irizar UK has launched a dedicated domestic parts operation. It will provide operators of vehicles from the Spanish builder with a comprehensive range of genuine components, including for the Irizar ie range of battery-electric buses alongside diesel coach products.
That will be complemented by specialist knowledge, improved availability and a dedicated customer service approach including via work with key OEM partners, the dealership says.
In readiness for a summer go-live, the operation has developed alongside a comprehensive stock-building programme throughout 2026. That builds on the aim of improving availability and ensuring that customers “have access to the components they need, when they need,” according to the business.
It adds that launch of the parts undertaking is an important milestone in the Irizar UK commitment to delivering a robust and comprehensive aftermarket solution for operators across the UK.
“The new parts operation has been established to provide a more focused, responsive and efficient service, helping operators to access the genuine parts they need to maximise vehicle uptime, performance and operational efficiency."
Launch of the parts business further strengthens Irizar UK’s aftersales operation, a function that was boosted by a move to new headquarters at Blyth in Nottinghamshire earlier in 2026. It is also part of work to provide operators with a complete support package across the vehicle’s life.
Benefits include increased availability of guaranteed genuine Irizar parts; optimised stock levels; reduced downtime; faster and more accurate parts identification; streamlined ordering; and enhanced customer support.
Adds Operations and Aftersales Director Mark Jordan: “The launch of our dedicated parts business represents a significant step forward for Irizar UK. It demonstrates our continued investment in supporting UK operators throughout the lifecycle of their vehicles.
“By supplying Irizar parts directly to the UK market, we are better positioned to deliver faster response times, enhance service, and provide the genuine parts our customers rely on to keep their fleets operating efficiently.”
Operators in England and Wales will see next-day delivery capability for orders placed before 1500hrs via established distribution partnerships, with Saturday AM options also available. Buyers in Northern Ireland and Scotland will receive delivery support through the same UK network to ensure dependable supply across all regions.
Launch of the parts operation also complements technical information and support already available through Irizar iService. That online platform provides Irizar owners and maintenance teams with access to documentation and details specific to their coach or bus.
Irizar UK notes how such resources are linked to individual vehicles, making technical information readily available to registered users to assist routine maintenance, fault diagnosis and reducing downtime.
Dhillon of London welcomes a further Yutong GT12 addition
Dhillon of London has added a further Yutong GT12, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach. It joins previous examples of the type in the Southall fleet and was completed in the operator’s distinctive two-tone purple livery at the factory in China.
Fitted are items including USB-A and USB-C charging points, 240-volt power sockets, wi-fi, and wood-effect flooring. A 360-degree camera system is also with the specification, along with a cherished registration mark and highly polished alloy wheels.
Power comes from the DAF MX-11 engine developing 450bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife six-speed automatic gearbox.
Pelican UK and Ireland Coach and Truck Sales Manager Simon Collins has thanked Dhillon for its business. He notes how the London operator has supported the manufacturer and dealer on the GT12 “from the beginning," a partnership that Mr Collins adds continues to grow.
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