Greyhound Comes to the UK

Travelers across the UK will next month have the chance to take a ride in the legendary Greyhound buses, as the American icon will enter service in the country in an attempt to take advantage of the UK motorists' dissatisfaction with the crowded British streets.

“For 95 years Greyhound has been an icon of American life carrying millions of people across the USA and Canada. Since FirstGroup took over Greyhound in 2007, we have hoped to bring this famous brand across the Atlantic and I am absolutely delighted to reveal the first authentic Greyhound coaches in the UK," Sir Moir Lockhead, FirstGroup CEO said in a release.

The UK division of Greyhound will be operating routes from London to Southampton and Portsmouth, with a price/fair of 7 pounds ($11.5). The company counts on all types of travelers, including commuters, the elderly, students and tourists.

Greyhound services will be provided with kerb-side pick ups at a number of locations in both south coast cities with all services in London arriving and departing from Bulleid Way, Victoria Railway Station, London. Ferry services to and from the Isle of Wight will also be integrated in the routes.

“The plan is to apply the model across the whole country,” Alex Warner, greyhound managing director said in London. There will be 11 Scania Irizar buses operated in the UK, who have been given female names inspired from American songs: "Sweet Caroline", "Barbara Ann", "Jolene" or "Peggy Sue," just to name a few.

A multi-media marketing campaign will be set in motion by the company to promote the Greyhounds. Even if FirstGroup thinks the Greyhound success is insured already.

“Market research we’ve conducted shows that 46% of existing rail customers and 73% of current coach customers would consider trying a new coach service based on the Greyhound product and service proposition,” Warner added.