Team Pennine

In December 2005, Stagecoach Yorkshire purchased the operations of Yorkshire Traction in Huddersfield – a deal valued at £37 million.{{cite web |date=15 December 2005 |title=Stagecoach buys Yorkshire Traction |url=https://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=226&categoryid=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022231254/http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=226&categoryid=0 |archive-date=22 October 2013 |access-date=28 April 2022 |website=Bus & Coach Professional}}{{cite web |date=15 December 2005 |title=Acquisition of Traction Group Limited |url=https://m.stagecoachgroup.com/media/news-releases/archive/2005-12-15.aspx |access-date=28 April 2022 |website=Stagecoach}}{{cite web |date=16 December 2005 |title=Stagecoach focuses on home turf with £37m acquisition |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12448022.stagecoach-focuses-on-home-turf-with-gbp37m-acquisition/ |access-date=28 April 2022 |website=Glasgow Herald }} At the time, with a total of 840 vehicles, The Traction Group was Britain's sixth-largest bus group and the largest of which to be privately owned.

In March 2008, it was reported that Arriva UK Bus were in discussions with Stagecoach Yorkshire to purchase their bus operations in Huddersfield.{{cite news |date=April 2008 |title=Stagecoach discusses possible Huddersfield depot sale to Arriva |work=Buses}}

Arriva Yorkshire already operated services in the town, so purchasing Stagecoach's operations would enlarge their presence. At the time Arriva registered a trading name of K Line, registered on the Arriva Yorkshire licence.

In May 2008, Centrebus Holdings was successful in purchasing the operations. Centrebus Holdings was owned by three directors of Centrebus, who together owned 56%, with Arriva UK Bus owning the remaining 44%.[https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/media/53870426e5274a3a26000001/Arriva_Centrebus_Decision.pdf Completed acquisition by Arriva Passenger Services Limited of the remainder of the entire share capital of Centrebus Holdings Limited] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304022601/https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/media/53870426e5274a3a26000001/Arriva_Centrebus_Decision.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }} Competition & Markets Authority 6 May 2014 page 1 Despite the common name and livery, Centrebus Holdings has never been owned by Centrebus.{{cite news |date=June 2008 |title=Centrebus teams up with Arriva to rival First in Huddersfield |work=Buses}}

In August 2008, Arriva Midlands sold their Hinckley depot to Centrebus Holdings.[http://www.oxford-chiltern-bus-page.co.uk/310808-Company%20and%20Fleet%20News.htm Centrebus Herts & Beds] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205659/http://www.oxford-chiltern-bus-page.co.uk/310808-Company%20and%20Fleet%20News.htm |date=29 October 2013 }} Oxford & Chilterns Bus Page 31 August 2008 In the following month, the company purchased the bus operations of Woods Coaches of Leicester.

Following the Arriva takeover in September 2013, the Hinckley-based operations were rebranded as Hinckley Bus.[http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/hinckleybus/ Hinckley Bus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115125353/http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/hinckleybus/ |date=15 November 2013 }} Arriva

In 2019, the company's operations in Hinckley were amalgamated with the Leicester operations of Arriva Midlands, with the depot serving as an outstation for the company's South Wigston depot.

Following the purchase of K-Line and Stagecoach Huddersfield, Centrebus Holdings became the second-largest bus operator in Huddersfield, after First West Yorkshire. The company retained the K-Line brand, whilst operating the former Stagecoach services under the Huddersfield Bus Company brand. The Centrebus name was used for the rest of the operations in West Yorkshire.

In January 2010, Centrebus Holdings took over some contracted services previously operated by First West Yorkshire in Calderdale.{{cite web |title=New bus network for rural South Calderdale |url=http://www.wymetro.com/news/releases/archive/09/091105ruralsouthcalderdale |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602185023/http://www.wymetro.com/news/releases/archive/09/091105ruralsouthcalderdale |archive-date=2 June 2011 |access-date=14 April 2011 |website=West Yorkshire Metro |publisher=}} As a result, a new depot was established in Elland.{{cite web |date=5 January 2010 |title=Jobs cuts loom for First bus drivers in Huddersfield and Halifax |url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/local-west-yorkshire-news/2010/01/05/jobs-cuts-loom-for-first-bus-drivers-in-huddersfield-and-halifax-86081-25525405/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306021201/http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/local-west-yorkshire-news/2010/01/05/jobs-cuts-loom-for-first-bus-drivers-in-huddersfield-and-halifax-86081-25525405/ |archive-date=6 March 2012 |access-date=23 January 2010 |work=Huddersfield Examiner}}

In April 2010, Centrebus Holdings obtained another service under the Huddersfield Bus Company division, taking over two routes (435 & 436) from Arriva Yorkshire. At the same time, the company extended further, taking over three routes serving Leeds Bradford Airport (737, 747 & 757).{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/archive/2010/03/04/Otley+%26+Aireborough+News+%28news_otleyaire%29/5040266.New_firms_to_take_over_Wharfedale_and_Aireborough_bus_routes/|title=New firms to take over Wharfedale and Aireborough bus routes|work=Telegraph & Argus|access-date=9 July 2010|archive-date=30 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930115133/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/archive/2010/03/04/Otley+%26+Aireborough+News+%28news_otleyaire%29/5040266.New_firms_to_take_over_Wharfedale_and_Aireborough_bus_routes/|url-status=live}} Like the operations in Calderdale, these services operated under the Centrebus name, with a depot based on Kirkstall Road, Leeds.

The company would face early competition as First West Yorkshire continued to run service 757 between Leeds and Leeds Bradford Airport via Horsforth, serving the railway station in Leeds, whilst Centrebus served the City bus station.

From July 2010, Centrebus were the only operator of route 757 after First West Yorkshire withdrew their service.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/leeds/2010/jul/18/leeds-bus-campaign-fails-to-reverse-axe-decision|title=Metro awards contracts to Centrebus|work=The Guardian|access-date=21 September 2011|archive-date=20 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020235834/http://www.theguardian.com/leeds/2010/jul/18/leeds-bus-campaign-fails-to-reverse-axe-decision|url-status=live}} At the same time, Centrebus began to operate many more services in Bradford and Leeds, winning a number of contracts from West Yorkshire Metro.

In October 2010, a number of services formerly operated by Halifax Joint Committee (28A, 34 & 36) were taken over by Centrebus, with K-Line taking over service 31.{{cite web|url=http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/Firm-takes-on-bus-services.6590329.jp|title=Firm takes on bus services|work=Halifax Courier|access-date=24 October 2010}}

In 2012, service A99, which ran during term-time on behalf of the University of Bradford was taken over by Centrebus – having previously been operated by First West Yorkshire. At the same time, the service was made free to use for university students.

{{multiple images

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| image1 = 20200807 Yorkshire Tiger 719 (cropped).jpg

| image2 = Yorkshire Tiger, Dennis Trident ALX400 (V313 GLB) (14198818949).jpg

| footer = A Yorkshire Tiger branded Plaxton Centro (left) and Dennis Trident 2/ALX400 (right).

| perrow = 2}}

In September 2013, Arriva UK Bus bought out its partners and rebranded the company Yorkshire Tiger.{{cite web |date=12 September 2013 |title=Arriva takes joint venture control |url=http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=7964&categoryid=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022222314/http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=7964&categoryid=0 |archive-date=22 October 2013 |access-date=17 May 2022 |website=Bus & Coach Professional}}{{cite web |date=9 October 2013 |title=Arriva unleashes its Yorkshire Tiger |url=http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=8060&categoryid=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018015813/http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=8060&categoryid=0 |archive-date=18 October 2013 |access-date=17 May 2022 |website=Bus & Coach Professional}} The fleet was gradually repainted into a new brand identity, consisting of an orange base, featuring a tiger print pattern. In Calderdale, many of the contracted services were rebranded under a new sub-brand, Calder Cubs.

In December 2015, a fire at the company's Elland depot saw a total of ten vehicles destroyed.{{cite web |last=Atkinson |first=Neil |date=28 December 2015 |title=Buses badly damaged by blaze at Elland |url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/buses-badly-damaged-blaze-elland-10658478 |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Huddersfield Examiner }}{{cite web |date=6 January 2016 |title=Yorkshire Tiger battles fire and flood |url=https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/yorkshire-tiger-battles-fire-flood/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Bus & Coach Buyer }}

In June 2016, Yorkshire Tiger saw the loss of a number of contracts in and around Leeds. As such, the company's Kirkstall Road depot was closed and demolished, with the operation of the Leeds Bradford Airport network of services transferred to a dedicated depot at Idle. In January 2017, Yorkshire Tiger acquired a number of contracts in South Yorkshire, which saw the opening of a new depot opened at Wombwell.

In May 2018, a number of contracts were gained in Bradford, with eight Optare Solo single-deck vehicles subsequently acquired from Arriva North East to operate these services, based at Idle. Four months later, the South Yorkshire contracts were re-tendered to other operators, which saw the closure of the recently opened depot at Wombwell. At the same time, a number of changes were made to the Huddersfield network, which saw the closure of the former K-Line depot at Honley, with all operations transferred to Waterloo.

In August 2020, Yorkshire Tiger ceased operation in Bradford, opting not to re-bid for the Leeds Bradford Airport network of services, as well as withdrawing the network of local services in and around the town. The contract for the Leeds Bradford Airport network of services was transferred to Transdev York & Country, with the local services in Bradford re-tendered to TLC Travel – the former operator of most of the contracted services.

{{multiple images

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| image1 = Yorkshire Tiger 747 on High Street, Yeadon, West Yorkshire (23rd May 2020).jpg

| image2 = YJ14 BWW at Leeds City Square on the 757 21 February 2018.jpg

| footer = A Flying Tiger branded Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 MMC (left) and Optare Versa (right).

| perrow = 2}}

In July 2014, Yorkshire Tiger rebranded their network of services linking Bradford, Harrogate and Leeds with Leeds Bradford Airport – an investment totalling £750,000. Investment saw the refurbishment and rebranding of the existing fleet of Scania OmniCity single-deck vehicles, as well as the introduction of a new fleet of Optare Versa single-deck vehicles.{{cite web |last=Cole |first=David |date=2 May 2014 |title=Airport Direct becomes Flying Tigers |url=https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/airport-direct-becomes-flying-tigers/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Bus & Coach Buyer }} In July 2017, further investment saw the introduction of a fleet of Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 MMC single-deck vehicles.{{cite web |last=Cole |first=David |date=5 July 2017 |title=Flying Higher |url=https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/flying-higher/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Bus & Coach Buyer }}

In September 2020, the contract for the network of Leeds Bradford Airport services was transferred to Transdev York & Country, with services rebranded Flyer and renumbered A1 (Horsforth & Leeds), A2 (Bradford & Harrogate) and A3 (Bradford, Guiseley & Shipley).{{cite news |last=Jenkinson |first=Keith |date=24 September 2020 |title=Tiger quits Bradford |pages=31 |work=Buses |issue=787}}{{cite web |last=Dougall |first=Emily |date=8 September 2020 |title=Transdev Flyer takes off to Leeds Bradford Airport |url=https://cbwmagazine.com/transdev-flyer-takes-off-to-leeds-bradford-airport/ |access-date=21 April 2022 |website=Coach & Bus Week }}{{cite web |date=3 September 2020 |title=Transdev launches Flyer buses, connecting Yorkshire with Leeds Bradford Airport |url=https://www.harrogate-news.co.uk/2020/09/03/transdev-launches-flyer-buses-connecting-yorkshire-with-leeds-bradford-airport/ |access-date=21 April 2022 |website=Harrogate Informer }}{{cite web |last=Chalmers |first=Graham |date=1 September 2020 |title=New Flyer buses to 'revolutionise' Harrogate passengers' travel at Leeds Bradford airport |url=https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/business/new-flyer-buses-to-revolutionise-harrogate-passengers-travel-at-leeds-bradford-airport-2957869 |access-date=21 April 2022 |website=Harrogate Advertiser}}{{cite web |date=2 September 2020 |title=Transdev Flyer airport venture takes to the roads in Yorkshire |url=https://www.route-one.net/operators/transdev-flyer-airport-venture-takes-to-the-road-in-yorkshire/ |access-date=21 April 2022 |website=Routeone }}{{cite web |last=Peat |first=Chris |date=1 September 2020 |title=Transdev's Flyer takes off |url=https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/transdevs-flyer-takes-off/ |access-date=21 April 2022 |website=Bus & Coach Buyer }}

Tiger Blue (formerly known as K-Line) was a bus operator based in Honley, West Yorkshire. The company operated a number of local bus services in and around Kirklees.

Founded in 1980, the company initially operating out of a garage in Kirkburton. Six years later, following the deregulation of bus services, the company began operating a number of commercial services in Huddersfield, as well as tendered services in Elland.

In November 1993, K-Line was purchased by Pride of the Road Group, with operations transferred to a depot at Honley five years later.

In May 2008, K-Line was purchased by Centrebus Holdings."Centrebus teams up with Arriva to rival First in Huddersfield" Buses June 2008"Yorkshire Tiger" Buses issue 715 October 2014 pages 28–31 However, it continued to trade as a separate entity from Centrebus. In January 2010, Centrebus Holdings took over some contracted services in Calderdale, which previously operated by First West Yorkshire.

After Arriva wholly purchased Centrebus Holdings in September 2013, it was decided to rebrand most of the business as Yorkshire Tiger, whilst retaining K-Line as a separate brand.[http://www.arriva.co.uk/media_centre/press_releases/2013/september/130909-centrebus.aspx?sc_lang=en Centrebus (Holdings) Limited] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022193636/http://www.arriva.co.uk/media_centre/press_releases/2013/september/130909-centrebus.aspx?sc_lang=en|date=22 October 2013}} Arriva 9 September 2013[http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=7964&categoryid=0 Arriva takes joint venture control] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022222314/http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=7964&categoryid=0|date=22 October 2013}} Bus & Coach Professional 12 September 2013[http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=8060&categoryid=0 Arriva unleases its Yorkshire Tiger] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018015813/http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=8060&categoryid=0 |date=18 October 2013 }} Bus & Coach Professional 9 October 2013 In October 2014, Arriva rebranded K-Line as Tiger Blue – bringing the company in line with the overall Yorkshire Tiger brand.[http://issuu.com/rouncymedia/docs/binder1162_1 Yorkshire Tiger launches Tiger Blue service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129022757/http://issuu.com/rouncymedia/docs/binder1162_1 |date=29 November 2014 }} Coach & Bus Week issue 1162 4 November 2014 page 12

From June 2017, as a result of increased flexibility between the operation of what was traditionally Honley-based ex-K-Line routes and Waterloo-based former Huddersfield Bus Company routes, the Tiger Blue brand was gradually phased out. Subsequent repaints saw vehicles rebranded into the standard Yorkshire Tiger livery.

In September 2018, following reductions to a number of Waterloo-based services, the decision was made to combine operations in Huddersfield, resulting in the closure of the depot at Honley. Most routes formerly operated out of Honley were transferred to Waterloo, with the two fleets merged.

In April 2021, Transdev Blazefield agreed terms to purchase the business. The sale took effect on 25 July 2021, and included 163 staff, 69 vehicles and two depots. The business was subsequently rebranded Team Pennine.{{cite news |last=Winrow |first=Jo |date=15 April 2021 |title=Transdev takes over Yorkshire Tiger buses in West Yorkshire from Arriva |work=Bradford Telegraph & Argus |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/19234441.transdev-takes-yorkshire-tiger-buses-west-yorkshire-arriva/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416034639/https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/19234441.transdev-takes-yorkshire-tiger-buses-west-yorkshire-arriva/ |archive-date=16 April 2021 |access-date=16 April 2021}}{{cite web |date=22 July 2021 |title=In the pink – Team Pennine tame the (Yorkshire) Tiger |url=https://www.huddersfieldtimes.co.uk/in-the-pink-team-pennine-tame-the-yorkshire-tiger/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Huddersfield Times }}{{cite web |date=7 June 2021 |title=Team Pennine brand to oust Yorkshire Tiger under Transdev |url=https://www.route-one.net/operators/team-pennine-brand-to-oust-yorkshire-tiger-under-transdev/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Routeone }}{{cite web |last=Wright |first=Greg |date=15 April 2021 |title=Transdev signs agreement with Arriva to buy Yorkshire Tiger bus services in Halifax and Huddersfield |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/transdev-signs-agreement-with-arriva-to-buy-yorkshire-tiger-bus-services-in-halifax-and-huddersfield-3201507 |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Yorkshire Post }}

File:Team Pennine 181.jpg parked up on Halifax Market Street.]]

The Calder Country brand was introduced in November 2021 – representing an £800,000 investment in the area.{{cite web |last=Peat |first=Chris |date=9 November 2021 |title=Mellors introduced at Team Pennine |url=https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/mellors-introduced-at-team-pennine/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Bus & Coach Buyer }}{{cite web |date=3 November 2021 |title=New, tailor-made buses for CalderCountry |url=https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/teampennine/new-tailor-made-buses-caldercountry |access-date=28 April 2022 |website=Transdev}} The brand encompasses five local bus services (530, 546, 561, 562 & 577), which operate in and around Calderdale, with destinations including Barkisland, Boulderclough, Fountainhead, Halifax, Norland and Soyland. Services are operated by a fleet of Mellor Strata minibuses, branded in a two-tone pink livery. Features include free WiFi and audio-visual next stop announcements.

{{For|more information about the service|D1 Denby Darts}}

The Denby Darts brand encompasses three bus services (D1, D2 & D3), which operate between Denby Dale and Huddersfield via Skelmanthorpe (D1) or Shepley (D2 & D3). The D1 service was introduced in July 2021,{{cite web |date=9 July 2021 |title=Aiming for better with Denby Darts – a new look for bus 233 |url=https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/teampennine/aiming-better-denby-darts |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Transdev}}{{cite web |last=Peat |first=Chris |date=6 July 2021 |title=Transdev's Team Pennine introduces Denby Darts |url=https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/transdevs-team-pennine-introduces-denby-darts/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Bus & Coach Buyer }} and operates half-hourly, with an hourly service during the evening and on Sunday. Services D2 and D3 were introduced in May 2022,{{cite web |date=8 April 2022 |title=More flights on Denby Darts from 16 May |url=https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/teampennine/more-flights-denby-darts-16-may |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Transdev}} and operate at a two-hourly frequency (Monday–Saturday), with a combined hourly frequency on shared sections of route. Services are operated by a fleet of Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 single-deck vehicles, branded in a two-tone pink livery. Features include free WiFi, USB charging and audio-visual next stop announcements.

The Great Northern Line brand operates hourly during a Monday to Saturday daytime between Halifax, Denholme, Cullingworth and Keighley, named after the historic Great Northern Railway railway linking Halifax and Keighley via Denholme and Ovenden.{{cite web |title=Great Northern Line |url=https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/teampennine/its-coming-down-line |website=Team Pennine}} The service is run by 2 Wright Eclipse 2 single-deck vehicles, branded a two-tone pink livery. Features include USB charging and free WiFi.

The Holmfirth Explorer operates hourly (two-hourly on Sunday) between Holmfirth and Wakefield via Denby Dale. It encompasses five former services into a single "easy to follow" service.{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Peter |date=7 September 2021 |title=Team Pennine brand growing |url=https://cbwmagazine.com/team-pennine-brand-growing/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Coach & Bus Week }} The service is operated by a fleet of Optare Tempo single-deck vehicles, branded in a two-tone pink livery. Features include free WiFi, USB charging and audio-visual next stop announcements.

The HuddsQuick brand encompasses a number of local bus services operating in and around the market town of Huddersfield, with destinations including Berry Brow, Brackenhall, Lindley, Lockwood and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.{{cite web |date=4 September 2021 |title=Newer, better buses packed with amazing features – the new Hudds Quick is coming to town! |url=https://www.huddersfieldtimes.co.uk/newer-better-buses-packed-with-amazing-features-the-new-hudds-quick-is-coming-to-town/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Huddersfield Times }} Services are operated by a fleet of Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 MMC single-deck vehicles, branded in a two-tone pink livery. Features include free WiFi, USB charging and audio-visual next stop announcements.

The process of rebranding Yorkshire Tiger to Team Pennine commenced on 25 July 2021 when Team Pennine acquired the Yorkshire Tiger business from Arriva UK Bus. The first vehicle to receive this livery was a long wheel base Alexander Dennis Enviro200. A number of local services are served by this branding such as 20 (Halifax to Pellon), 22 (Halifax to Claremount), 303/4 (Huddersfield to Scapegoat Hill), 343 (Halifax to Huddersfield), 563/563A (Halifax to Brighouse) as well as many more services across Calderdale and Kirklees.

As of April 2022, the company operates from a depot in Elland as well as another in Waterloo on the outskirts of Huddersfield.

As of August 2023, the fleet consisted of 54 buses. The fleet consists of diesel-powered single and double-deck buses manufactured by Optare, Alexander Dennis, and Wrightbus, as well as minibuses manufactured by Mellor.

{{Reflist}}

• {{Commons-inline}}
• [https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13274240 Team Pennine Limited] and [https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/02605399 Transdev Blazefield Limited] on Companies House
• [https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/teampennine/services Team Pennine] website

{{Transdev Blazefield}}{{Arriva Group UK}}

{{Bus companies in Yorkshire}}

Category:Arriva Group bus operators in England

Category:Bus operators in North Yorkshire

Category:Bus operators in South Yorkshire

Category:Bus operators in West Yorkshire

Category:Companies based in Elland

Category:Transdev

Category:Transport companies established in 2008

Category:2008 establishments in England