Tower Transit, part of the Kelsian Group, says it is pleased to announce the acquisition of Liverpool-based operator Huyton Travel. Samuel Ribeiro, Managing Director of Tower Transit, which has also recently won a contract to operate services in Jersey, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Huyton Travel to our Group.
It is a company that has been a cornerstone of public transport in the Liverpool City Region for over 40 years. Huyton is currently the third-largest operator for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA). We believe that combining Huyton’s extensive local expertise and established reputation, with Tower Transit’s international track record and experience in bus franchising will create a strong foundation for success amid the ongoing bus reforms planned by the LCRCA.”
Founded in 1985 by John Yates Senior, Huyton Travel has built its reputation on delivering tailored transport solutions in the Merseyside region. The company’s core values focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Today, the business is led by John and Paul Yates, who will continue to support its operations moving forward. John added: “We are pleased to have found in Tower Transit and the Kelsian Group a company that shares the same family-owned principles upon which Huyton was built. We’re confident that, together, we can strengthen Huyton’s future, particularly in the upcoming bus franchising process. This partnership will also provide long-term success and stability for our incredible management team, drivers, and engineers, enabling them to continue delivering high-quality services across Merseyside and beyond.”
The transaction also establishes a strategic partnership with Abacus UK Training, which Tower Transit says will remain an integral part of the company’s Huyton depot, training new PCV drivers each year and playing a key role in developing Huyton’s future driver workforce. Samuel concluded: “Both Tower Transit and the wider Kelsian Group bring a wealth of experience in public transport, including the transition of several new and existing bus operations across four continents. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition that will not disrupt services for our customers. We will maintain the existing teams, who possess invaluable local expertise and a proven track record that have been the backbone to Huyton’s fantastic success.”
