Keolis North America (Keolis) reached an agreement with Student Transportation of America (STA) to acquire the Transit and Motorcoach business lines from within the Pacific Western Transportation (PWT) portfolio.

The agreement represents a significant expansion of Keolis operations in Canada, and when completed, the acquisition will double Keolis’ presence in the country, adding approximately 550 total operated vehicles across 23 municipalities, 1,100 employees, and annual revenues of approximately $84 million in 2023.

Upon completion of the deal, Keolis will expand their position as the operator of choice for urban transportation, intercity buses, and on-demand buses in Western Canada.

The Keolis PWT Agreement

The Transit and Motorcoach business entities that are part of this agreement include PWTransit Canada Ltd., Prince George Transit Ltd., Whistler Transit Ltd., Pacific Western Charters Ltd., and Red Arrow Express Ltd., which includes the Ebus and Red Arrow brands.

When completed, this transaction will expand the Keolis geographic footprint in Canada, complementing its current operations in Quebec and Ontario. It will also solidify Keolis’ position as the operator of choice for public transportation authorities in Canada.

Under the terms of the agreement, Keolis will be positioned to provide safe and reliable transportation services for passengers across the Transit and Motorcoach lines of business in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.

Keolis will benefit from local expertise while providing international best practices from its operations in 13 countries on behalf of over 300 public transportation authorities, the company said in a press release.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions in Canada, including receipt of regulatory approvals.