A NORTH-EAST-based transport firm has won a major contract with one of the world’s most high-profile golf tournaments.

Arriva, based in Sunderland, has won the contract to operate corporate coach services for the 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor, Newport, South Wales.

Arriva’s bid will see it supply more than 120 coaches a day during the six-day tournament between a US team, led by captain Corey Pavin and Europe, led by captain Colin Montgomerie, which begins on September 28.

GTS Events, the company appointed by Ryder Cup Europe LLP to implement the Ryder Cup transport policy, has selected Arriva to coordinate and deliver transport for VIPs, the media, and spectators on Ryder Cup Travel Services and Premier Golf Tour packages.

The coaches will be provided through Tellings Golden Miller (TGM), which Arriva acquired in 2008.

As well as operating from bases in County Durham, Tyneside, Wearside, Hampshire and East Anglia, the coach company provides crew and air side passenger transport services at Heathrow Airport.

Arriva UK Trains Road Transport Section, which manages the delivery of bus, coach and taxis for rail replacement services and train crew transfer for Arriva’s UK rail businesses, will use its contacts, local route knowledge and management expertise to commission third party coach operators to complement TGM’s coaches.

The services are expected to carry more than 70,000 golf fans and VIPs from their hotels to the tournament.

Stephen Telling, TGM managing director, said: “This contract win is an excellent example of how Arriva businesses can work together to pool the breadth of experience we have to deliver professional, co-ordinated, transport solutions for our customers.

“By bringing TGM’s experience in premium coach services and sports team transportation together with the excellent contacts and management skills of our road transport section, we have created our own winning team to offer a complete package for this prestigious sporting event.”

Martin Gilbert, road transport manager at Arriva UK Trains road transport section, said: “Since our creation one year ago we have established links with more than 450 UK coach, bus and taxi operators.

They’ve all passed our stringent assessment and audit process to ensure high standards of service and this contract will allow us to use these partnerships to full effect.

“Securing a contract for a major event like the Ryder Cup is a fantastic achievement.”

Coach operators interested in becoming an approved operator for Arriva UK can go to railbyroad.com or contact 0292-072-0582.