Transdev Group announces acquisition of First Transit

Credit: Transdev

Transdev Group has announced that it has completed the acquisition of First Transit, one of the largest private-sector operators of mobility solutions in North America.

This transaction, announced on 26 October 2022, solidifies Transdev’s position as an operator of safe, cost-effective and environmentally friendly public transportation services in Canada and the U.S., across a variety of transit modes, including fixed-route bus systems, paratransit, shuttle services, rail, light rail and fleet maintenance.

With the North American public transit market expected to benefit from steady growth over the next five years – and stronger prospects for paratransit, shuttle services and fixed-route bus systems – Transdev is confident that these tailwinds will support a significant growth of its business in the region. 

With this transaction, Transdev is enhancing its ability to support public transit agencies in the U.S. and in Canada in their energy transition towards decarbonisation and the increased deployment of zero-emission vehicle fleets. To date, Transdev operates or maintains more than 400 zero-emission electric vehicles in North America, with an additional 70 vehicles on order.

Transdev has had extensive expertise in the fields of zero-emission and electric bus fleets since 2015, with the group set to operate a global fleet of 3,000 electric vehicles worldwide by the end of 2023.

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This strategic move is fully aligned with Transdev Group’s ‘Moving Green‘ global decarbonisation strategy, which targets a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per kilometre and a 50% increase in alternative fuel on bus and coach fleets (gas, biogas, biofuels, electric and hydrogen) between 2018 and 2030.

Thierry Mallet, Chairman and CEO of Transdev Group, said: “The acquisition of First Transit is a major strategic milestone for Transdev, significantly reinforcing our group’s competitive position in North America. By combining our strengths, our expertise, our local presence and our common values, we now become the leading operator of safe, affordable and eco-friendly public transportation services in both the U.S. and in Canada.”

Transdev will now provide some 400 million passenger trips annually in North America, generating combined revenues of $2.6 billion. The combined company will operate, manage and maintain more than 440 sites in 43 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and six Canadian provinces for communities, schools, universities, airports and businesses.

In addition, the combined company will employ more than 35,000 people, with a fleet of more than 20,000 vehicles (owned or operated) and will maintain an additional fleet of some 39,000 vehicles and equipment across the U.S., through a dedicated division.

In order to unite all employees around the strength of a single brand and ensuring one face to the customer, all of First Transit’s operations in the U.S. and Canada will now be operated under the Transdev brand.