The last municipals

Lothian Buses

Operates 650 buses. Edinburgh-based Lothian has had a rocky ride in recent years as a result of a cash crisis that led to network cuts and a reduction in fleet size.

Nottingham City Transport

Operates 350 buses. French group Transdev has held a minority stake in Nottingham City Transport for some years as a result of its operation of the city’s light rail system.

Reading Transport

Operates 230 buses. In recent years Reading has expanded, however, the recession has hit the firm hard leading to service cuts.

Cardiff Bus

Operates 220 buses. Parent City & County of Cardiff Council has investigated the sale of the business in the past.

Blackpool Transport

Operates 170 buses and 75 trams. The decline of Blackpool’s tourism industry, plus the introduction of free concessionary bus travel, have hit the firm hard in recent years.

Warrington Borough Transport

Operates 125 buses. Warrington won the Bus Operator of the Year Award at the 2008 UK?Bus Awards.

Thamesdown Transport

Operates 110 buses.

Rossendale Transport

Operates 110 buses. Rossendale was subject to sale speculation but the borough council recently decided to retain ownership.

Newport Bus

Operates 90 buses. A robust operator that has quietly modernised in recent years. MD Trevor Roberts recently departed for a similar role at Blackpool Transport.

Ipswich Buses

Operates 75 buses. Could Ipswich be next to move into the private sector?

Halton Transport

Widnes-based Halton operates 60 buses.