The outgoing boss of bus company Thames Travel has promised it is business as usual after it was taken over by a major UK operator.

Managing director John Wright has sold the company to the Go-Ahead Group but has pledged that all 90 jobs at its Wallingford base are safe and fare structures will remain the same.

Mr Wright said: “Thames Travel willoperate as a separate company within the group and will continue to be based in Wallingford. The intention of the new owners is to continue to grow the firm and it is really good news for everyone.”

The company has been sold for an undisclosed sum as Mr Wright is nearing retirement and will step down before the end of the year.

Go-Ahead also operates the Oxford Bus Company in Oxford but there are no overlapping routes with Thames Travel running through south Oxfordshire and into Berkshire, carrying 1.25 million passengers a year on 43 buses.

It was started by Mr Wright in 1998 with just four vehicles.

David Brown, deputy chief executive, of Go-Ahead, said: “Thames Travel is a strong business with a proud tradition of providing high quality services to the local community.

“With the resources of Go-Ahead behind Thames Travel, the business will be in a stronger position to grow over the years ahead.”