About us
We have a simple vision at Scarlet Band. Our aim is to
“Offer our customers dependable, attractive, value for money bus and coach services, driven by competent and experienced drivers, using clean, safe and reliable vehicles”
Our management team has over 80 years of experience in the industry meaning our company is professionaly managed to maximise returns and allow long term job security and fleet investment.
With a commitment to Green Travel and a growing list of clients and services, Scarlet Band is big enough to cope but small enough to care.
What makes us unique?
We believe we are the best local bus service available in the North East of England and we believe there are 10 reasons why you should choose Scarlet Band:
1. We are privately owned and local business working for the benefit of the people of County Durham
2. We are managed by and employ local people
3. The company has 90 years of experience in public transport
4. Our Senior Management Team have over 80 year's industry experience
5. We are a non-unionised company and have never been disrupted by a day of industrial action
6. We pride ourselves on being the last buses off the road when the weather is inclement
7. Wherever possible we operate a “same driver, same shift” policy meaning our drivers get to know our customers and the special requirements of a route
8. We have an outstanding reputation with all our customers, including local councils
9. Our investments and improvements are made with the customer in mind
10. We are passionate about operating all of our scheduled mileage
But don't take our word for it, hear what our customers have to say
Why are we called Scarlet Band?
Our company name was based on the initials of our original owner, Sidney Blenkinsop.
The history of Scarlet Band
Scarlet Band was established in 1921 by Sidney Blenkinsop and although we originally started as a taxi operator, we quickly moved into the commercial sector, running our first buses in 1925.
After operating successfully for over fifty years, ownership of Scarlet Band transferred to our founder's son, Arthur Blenkinsop, and during the 80s and 90s we built up a strong European coaching profile.
In the 2000s we moved back into regional bus services and won the prestigious Durham Park and Ride contract in 2005. This was the catalyst for change in our company and since then we have gone from strength to strength.
In July 2007, Scarlet Band was bought by our current owner, Graeme Torrance, and we changed our legal status to a Limited Liability Company on 1 June 2008.
Since taking over the company, Graeme has expanded the business and we now employ 61 staff, have 41 vehicles and provide services to both Darlington Borough Council, Durham County Council. We also work with the NHS to provide a regular bus service to East Durham Hospital.
Who we are
We employ 61 staff at Scarlet Band and each and everyone of us is an important part of what makes us. You can find out more about us from out Meet the Team page
The legal bit
We are a registered company under the number 6544564 and hold the operator's licence number PB1070011.
Our Director is Graeme H Torrance and you can find details of how to get in touch and provide feedback from our Contact Us page.
