Employee Owned, Customer Driven...

Our Story

In 1978, Peter C. Smith made a bold decision — leaving his father’s business to build something of his own, starting with just one coach and a clear commitment to safety, reliability and personal service.

What began as a single vehicle and a strong work ethic has grown, year by year, through reinvestment, hard work and an unwavering focus on customers. More than four decades later, those same values remain at the heart of everything we do.

A Proud Milestone – Becoming Employee Owned

One of the most significant moments in our history has been our transition to employee ownership.

This was not simply a change in structure — it was a powerful statement about who we are and what we stand for. By placing the business into the hands of our employees, we have secured its independence, protected its local roots and ensured that the people who drive our vehicles, maintain our fleet and support our customers now have a genuine stake in our future.

For us, employee ownership is a proud milestone. It reflects trust, loyalty and the belief that our greatest strength has always been our people. It ensures that the values established in 1978 will continue to guide us for generations to come — with shared responsibility, shared pride and shared success.

Today

We are now Lincolnshire & Humberside’s largest independently owned bus and coach operator, operating 110 vehicles from depots in Lincoln, Louth, Horncastle and Grimsby, and employing approximately 160 local people.

On an average school day, we transport just over 5,000 students to school or college — and then bring them safely home again. This daily responsibility is one we carry with enormous pride, knowing that families across our region trust us with what matters most.

Beyond our local services, our executive Scania coaches are a familiar sight across the UK and mainland Europe, delivering premium travel for corporate clients, private hire, tours and holidays. They represent the very best of our fleet — combining comfort, reliability and professionalism wherever the journey takes us.

With group turnover exceeding £12 million per annum, our wide-ranging services include:

  • Local bus services

  • Home-to-school and college transport

  • Local authority contracts

  • Corporate travel services

  • UK and European coach hire

  • Our own coach holiday and day trip programme

A Commitment to Quality

Our commitment to quality has always been evident in our fleet. In 1989, we invested in our first brand-new coach — a Scania K113CRB with Plaxton Paramount 3500 bodywork — setting a benchmark for reliability and comfort. A repeat order followed in 1990, and since then Scania vehicles have remained the backbone of our fleet.

In 2023, as we celebrated our 45th anniversary, we marked the occasion with the delivery of a Scania K360CB4 featuring the limited-edition Irizar i6S “Trienta” Efficient body — one of just 30 built for the UK market. It was a fitting symbol of our enduring partnership with Scania, innovation and pride in operating one of the region’s most modern fleets.

Looking Ahead

From one coach in 1978 to a fleet of 125 vehicles today, our journey has been defined by courage, commitment and community.

Now, as a proud employee-owned business, our future is driven by the very people who make this company what it is. Every journey we operate — whether carrying over 5,000 students safely to school each day or travelling across the UK and mainland Europe with our executive coaches — represents a shared responsibility and a shared ambition.

We are not just protecting a legacy; we are building on it. With continued investment in our fleet, our people and our services, we are determined to remain at the forefront of safe, reliable and high-quality transport. Our independence matters. Our community matters. Our people matter.

Together, we move forward with pride, purpose and confidence — committed to serving our region for generations to come.

Our Group Ethos & Culture 

P. C. Coaches of Lincoln Ltd are proud members of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, ALBUM, Lincoln BIG ,Logistics UK, and the Employee Ownership Association