10 year celebrations for Xelabus

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Chairman Phil Blair and Managing Director Gareth Blair look forward to their year of celebrations with a specially designed logo and two members of the Xelabus fleet. JAMES HERKES

10 years ago Xelabus was a newcomer on the local transport scene in south Hampshire. Now, 10 years on and it has become a large independent operator based in Eastleigh with 40 buses operating a bus network in Eastleigh, Southampton and various rural locations around the area.

Gareth Blair, Managing Director of Xelabus, said: “It’s been quite a journey and I won’t say it has been easy but the exciting part for me has been growing the business with new services and being awarded and entrusted with many school and college services. Some of our contract customers have been with us from day one and over the years we have been most grateful for their continued support.”

The company has a number of events taking place this year including an open day and a major rally in the summer.

Philip Blair, Chairman of Xelabus added: “The open day will be held on Sunday 19 April and be an opportunity to see behind the scenes. We also have enthusiasts’ stalls as well as providing former Hants and Dorset bus routes in the area. Our livery is based upon the former H&D colours from the 1960s.

“In the summer we are holding a large rally at Mayflower Park in Southampton alongside Southampton Water and the liners. Our friends at Go Ahead, First and Stagecoach plus the authorities of Southampton City and Hampshire County Councils will be joining us and exhibiting their green alternatives to the private car and we are really looking forward to this event taking place on Sunday 28 June.”

Competitions will take place throughout the year and a summer event for Xelabus staff will also be held as a thank you for all their support.