Sell Out To The Major Groups
Despite their large fleets and high density operating areas, most of the former PTE groups were eventually surpassed by the growth of the emerging national bus groups. MTL was arguably the most successful former PTE, acquiring one of the former London Buses subsidiaries, London Northern (and expanding the operation), and securing two rail franchises (Merseyrail Electrics and Regional Railways North East), surviving the longest. However, even MTL was later declared bankrupt in 1999, and the majority of the business was acquired by Arriva.
FirstGroup was by far the most successful national group at acquiring former PTE bus companies. The former PTE companies were sold to national groups as follows:
- Mainline (ex SYT) sold to First in 1998
- Yorkshire Rider sold to Badgerline in 1994
- West Midlands Travel sold to National Express Group in 1995
- Strathclyde Buses sold to First in 1996
- GM Buses North sold to First in 1996
- GM Buses South sold to Stagecoach in 1996
- MTL bought as a bankrupt concern by Arriva in 2000.
- Busways sold to Stagecoach in 1994
Read more about this topic: History Of The PTE Bus Operations
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