The story
Veolia acquired a number of smaller operators in Wales, including:
Bebb Travel: family owned business, based in Llantwit Fardre operating local bus routes around Pontypridd, coaches on behalf of National Express, plus private hire purchased in October 2005. Following the acquisition of the Shamrock group in October 2006, Bebb Travel became the legal name of the new Veolia-owned company, on about 300 vehicles.
Pullman Coaches (based in Penclawdd, Swansea)
Longs Coaches (based in Abercraf)
Hawkes Coaches (based in Waunarlwydd, Swansea)
Shamrock Travel (incorporating Thomas of Barry)
Despite being operating bus services throughout much of South Wales due to these acquisitions, over time Veolia Transport gradually abandoned most of their commercial services as well as numerous tendered bus services. The biggest change was announced on 13 May 2011 when the company announced a restructuring programme resulting in the closure of their depots in Swansea and Trefforest. Following the restructuring, Veolia Transport Cymru continued to divest its remaining routes and vehicles, instead choosing to hire vehicles as part of the winding down of the company. Veolia Transport sold the remaining operations at Abercraf, Crossgates and Newport (and those of sister company Veolia Transport England) to its management, which renamed the company Crossgates Coaches.
From Wikipedia’s article on Crossgates Coaches, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.3
