Go-Ahead North America
About Go-Ahead North America
In November 2009, Go-Ahead formed a new 50:50 joint venture
company with Cook Illinois to pursue potential opportunities for
yellow school bus contracts in North America.
The joint venture represents a low risk and financially
disciplined way for Go-Ahead to gradually build an operation in
this strategically attractive market which shares many of the same
characteristics as our UK bus operations.
The yellow school bus market in North America consists of
approximately 450,000 vehicles, of which around 150,000 are
operated by the private sector.
Cook Illinois is one of the largest private operators of yellow
school buses in North America and has been operating in the market
for over 50 years. Both Cook Illinois and Go-Ahead believe
passionately in running high quality operations with a strong local
focus and identity. The joint venture will draw upon the expertise
of both of organisations to explore potential opportunities.
In February 2010 we secured our first ‘Go-Ahead North
America’ yellow school bus contract. Based in St Louis,
Missouri (around five hours South of West of Chicago) the contract
is to operate 120 school buses. The contract is for three years
(with two one year extensions) and began in August 2010.