In 1938, the Cowie family opened a second-hand motorcycle shop in Sunderland, England, planting the seeds for what would become one of Europe's leading passenger transport operators. From those humble beginnings, Arriva has grown into a multinational powerhouse, connecting people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 European countries. Today, Arriva employs around 36,200 people and delivers 1.5 billion passenger journeys annually, operating buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, and on-demand transport solutions. The company's journey from a local motorcycle dealership to a pan-European transport leader reflects decades of strategic expansion and an unwavering commitment to keeping communities moving.
Arriva operates extensive transport networks across Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the UK, with a rolling stock leasing company in Romania. The company is driving innovation in sustainable mobility, investing in zero-emission buses and next-generation electric trains, while maintaining a focus on digitization and continuous improvement. As part of its vision to shape a future where passenger transport is the best choice for everyone, Arriva combines deep local knowledge with international expertise to deliver reliable, accessible services that serve the diverse needs of European communities. Whether it's a daily commute in London, a regional journey in Poland, or coastal connections in Croatia, Arriva's presence touches millions of lives every day.