Pulhams expands coach fleet to underpin growth in services

Pulhams will introduce five new executive coaches for use on tours, day trips and private hire, following a £1.5M investment.

The latest significant investment by Pulhams’ parent company Go-Ahead Group forms part of its continued growth strategy for coach travel. The coach operator has also launched a recruitment campaign for additional coach drivers to join its team.

All five new Irizar i6S coaches will be located at Pulhams’ depot in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, taking the fleet to 155 vehicles. The vehicles are a mixture of 53-seat and 57-seat coaches, which all have air-con, reclining seats, USB charging points, DVD players, hot water boilers and on-board toilets. Each coach is fully PSVAR-compliant, meaning that a wheelchair user can board by using a built-in wheelchair lift.

The first two of the new fleet took to the roads on Thursday [October 30], while the other three will be arriving in the coming weeks.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Pulhams Coaches, said: “This latest significant investment in our fleet of vehicles reflects our strong business performance and busy forward order book.

“We are committed to providing an exceptional service to our customers and ensuring coach travel is as attractive as possible. Having high-quality vehicles helps enhance the customer experience we deliver.”

Pulhams is currently recruiting drivers to support the continued growth of the business. There are opportunities for experienced coach drivers and for trainees to join Pulhams, who provide competitive pay and a variety of benefits.

Mr Marion added: “With investment comes the opportunity to build and expand on our services, which is why we’re actively recruiting for new drivers.

“Bus and coach driving makes for an excellent career, and we’re keen to hear from applicants who have a passion for customer service.”

Pulhams, which originally transported passengers and goods by horse and cart, was acquired by Go-Ahead Group, the parent company of Oxford Bus Group, in 2023.

Founded in 1880 by the Pulham family, it operates bus, coach and school transport services across the Cotswolds and surrounding areas. The company has recently invested in enhancing customer experience, with a new website and app introduced, an additional depot in Cheltenham, and new generation ticket machines on all local bus services.

Community ties have also been strengthened, with Pulhams partnering with Guide Dogs to offer volunteer puppy raisers free travel across its services. It also launched a Chatty Bus initiative to help combat loneliness and isolation in its community, allowing passengers the chance to talk, connect and feel heard.