Edwards Coaches celebrates 100 years as Wales’s leading family-run transport operator 

Edwards Coaches (Edwards) is Wales’ largest independent, family-owned public transport operator. Simon Ingham, Commercial Manager, elaborates on the company’s history: “This year we are celebrating a hundred years since Edwards Coaches’ formal entry into public transport. It was in fact in May 1925 that founder George Edwards was granted the license by Pontypridd Urban District Council as it was then to operate between Beddau and the market town of Pontypridd – a route which Edwards operates in 2025, ironically numbered 100.    

“Today, we operate a vast array of services from home-to-school transport, local bus services, private hires, corporate and National Express contracts as well as our own program of UK and European holidays. 

“An in-depth history of the company is presented in the recently released publication by Amberley Publishing, aptly titled ‘Edwards Coaches: A Hundred Years’ – it’s available online or direct from Edwards. We are proud to have a fleet of over 200 vehicles and around 500 employees, and we were thrilled to have been awarded the accolade of UK Large Coach Operator of the Year in the routeONE awards last November. What a way to enter our centenary year!”  

Simon then outlines how the company has maintained its values as it has evolved over the course of its long history: “Unequivocally, the company has grown dramatically since its inception. Today, we operate more than 200 vehicles compared to around 60 in the year 2000, about 18 vehicles in the 1970s and a handful through the 1920s and 1930s.  

“Whilst vehicles and technology have advanced, our core values remain the same. It’s important that our vehicles are smart, clean, and presentable, as well as operating on time. Today, punctuality is measured via GPS tracking and geofencing. Back in the day, drivers or conductors would manually record their arrival times through a Bundy clock! It’s important that the driver is professional, friendly, and welcoming; drivers are intrinsic to the success of any transport business. Getting people from A to B and back again safely is what we continue to do.”  

Simon then explains the key to sustaining such longevity is “providing a reliable and punctual service. We have maintained the same core values and a family feel to what we do. We continue to maintain our fleet renewal program. On the holiday side of the business, we are going to the places where people want to go. We have a vast and varied brochure of traditional and new UK and European destinations that continue to be popular. We keep track of trends, stay up to date with new technologies and are never afraid to give anything a go. We are highly regarded and frequently win awards from engineering prowess to livery design.”  

Innovation and evolution 

Technology has changed immeasurably over the last century as its role has evolved within the business. Having already mentioned the Bundy clock, Simon also refers to some other technological innovations that have impacted not just Edwards but the industry as a whole: “When Edwards first started operations, there were of course no mobile phones, emails, or the internet. Now, people can view timetables or ticket information online and track their bus or coach. Clients can request private hire quotations via our website. There’s also safety technology embedded in our vehicles, from CCTV and dashcam systems to fatigue monitoring devices. It makes us wonder what the next 100 years will look like.  

“We’ve trialed electric buses for the first time this year, starting with a single-deck Volvo BZL, Yutong E9L, and an Alexander Dennis Enviro 100EV. We have also trialed the Yutong GTE14, a tri-axle battery electric coach. The operation of which is quite poignant during our anniversary year. We’ve been working with VEV to procure these vehicles and to deliver associated infrastructure requirements. Further advances in electric and hydrogen technology are likely over the coming years, and we are ready and willing to trial yet further new vehicles as we have done in the recent and distant past. This is how we learn what the best solutions are for the business.”  

First choice for customers 

Edwards Coaches has consistently been known for its high standards across all aspects of its operation. Simon reflects on the factors that help to maintain these standards: “There are four main parts to this, all of which are equally important. Firstly, meticulous maintenance is essential to ensure our fleet is as reliable as it can be. We want to avoid breakdowns as far as practically possible to avoid travel disruption and associated reputational damage to Edwards. We have an exceptional record; our fleet is inspected up to every 21 days and we often go above and beyond legal requirements. We have an extensive engineering facility and body shop, through which we can also offer our services to external clients. We can get any repairs done quickly and efficiently so that vehicles have minimal downtime.  

“Secondly, fleet investment is key. We’ve recently taken delivery of a further two new Mercedes Tourismos, with one wearing our special anniversary crest. The new ‘Team Wales’ coach arrived just before this, a Scania Irizar i8, which wears the cherished registration BU55 WRU appropriate for its use as the team coach for the WRU. We have a Yutong GT14 on order for later this year. Our National Express fleet has also been renewed with many Levante 3As entering the fleet over the past 12 months with a few more due.  

“Thirdly, driver training is essential. Drivers are the representatives of our company on the road and at resorts, we are forever mindful of this. The driver can make or break a journey, whether it be a local one or to longer-distance destinations. A lot of our drivers have a long tenure with us; they enjoy what they do and are good at it. We have a lot of clients who ask for certain drivers on private hires and group bookings that we offer. We are indebted to their professionalism and dedication to their jobs.   

“Last but by no means least, it’s important to ensure that we are offering the best value to our customers. We audit the hotels we serve, and provide regular feedback to ensure the facilities meet our customers’ expectations. We want to remain at the top of our game and be customers’ first choice. Our tag line is ‘Simply the best way to get away’ and long may it continue.”  

Simon then looks forward, concluding with the company’s approach to the coming years: “In the immediate short-term future, we need to work closely with local authorities to secure new school contracts for the new academic year. We are also inching ever closer to bus franchising in Wales and continue to work with Transport for Wales on projects and initiatives that help to shape the future of public transport in Wales.  

“We have been rooted in South Wales since our inception, and we are committed to continuing to serve the communities as we have done for the past 100 years. We’re continuing to expand with a depot in Bristol and wouldn’t rule out expanding elsewhere if the right opportunity presents itself.  

“We are also very excited to be holding an open day at our base in Llantrisant on the 3rd August, where current examples from our fleet will be on display as well as preserved vehicles, including our heritage Maudslay, the only one of its type in the world. There will be entertainment as well as local food and drink vendors. Our drivers and reservations team will be on hand to answer questions about our services and celebratory merchandise will be for sale. We just hope that the Welsh weather will be kind to us!”  

Readers are encouraged to follow Edwards Coaches on social media to keep abreast of business updates in and beyond their very special milestone anniversary.  

www.edwardscoaches.co.uk