• Metroline will operate four franchises in Greater Manchester commencing 5 January 2025
• This adds to the Group’s growing presence across the United Kingdom, which already includes operations in 23 different towns and cities

SINGAPORE, 28 March 2024 – ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited (“ComfortDelGro” or “the Group”) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Metroline Limited, has been awarded contracts to operate four public bus franchises by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

This latest series of awards under Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) Tranche 3 tender process will see Metroline operate bus services for the Hyde Road, Sharston, Tameside and Wythenshawe franchises for a period of five years with options to be extended for two, one-year terms. Collectively, these franchises will comprise a total of 232 different services served by 420 buses and over 1,350 employees, adding twice as many services and a 30 percent increase over
its London portfolio.

ComfortDelGro’s Managing Director/Group CEO, Mr Cheng Siak Kian said, “We are delighted that Metroline has been awarded these four bus franchises by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. With our proven record of operational excellence in Greater London and other public transport operations around the world, we are well-placed to deliver on TfGM’s vision and transport strategy. We are honoured to be a partner in Greater Manchester’s transportation story
and look forward to other new bus franchise opportunities in the Northwest and across the UK in the future.”

ComfortDelGro Chairman and Chairman of Metroline holding company Braddell Limited, Mr Mark Greaves said, “We are honoured to have been chosen to operate these franchises and proud to add these new successes to what has already been achieved in the UK. This win is a testament to our commitment to service quality and operational excellence, and will significantly expand our network, deepening our Group’s presence across the United Kingdom. This aligns with our broader strategy to strengthen and strategically grow our core public transportation and point-to-point businesses and solidify our reputation as the multi-modal transport operator of choice.”

Metroline is the fourth largest scheduled bus operator in London and operates about 17 percent of the city’s scheduled bus services. It is part of ComfortDelGro’s wider operations in the UK, which include Argyle Satellite, Adventure Travel, CityFleet Networks, Computer Cab, KingKabs, Scottish Citylink Coaches, Megabus and Westbus Coach Services. These companies operate in 23 different towns and cities, offering a comprehensive range of point-to-point and public transport solutions including buses, coaches, taxis, and private hire vehicles.

Earlier this year, ComfortDelGro grew its international footprint and expanded into adjacent businesses with the acquisition of UK-based CMAC Group, a leading ground transport management and accommodation network specialist that manages travel disruptions and journeys for close to three million travellers annually with operations across Europe including the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and the Netherlands.