Babcock Partners with Zeelo to Launch Strategic MoveSmart Commuter Program at Devonport Dockyard

New smart commuter shuttle launches at Devonport Dockyard to support Babcock’s workforce

Plymouth, UK – 22 September 2025 — Babcock International Group (Babcock), the UK’s leading defence company, has partnered with Zeelo, the category-leading Transportation-as-a-Service (TaaS) provider, to launch a new, sustainable commuter shuttle network designed to enhance workforce access at Devonport Dockyard, reduce local traffic congestion, and support employee wellbeing.

This innovative initiative—known as MoveSmart—will initially serve high-density commuter corridors including Plymouth, Ivybridge, and Saltash, operating from 05:00 to 17:00 and available through a dedicated Zeelo mobile app. The scalable service has been designed with flexibility in mind and can be dynamically adapted to meet evolving demand and shift patterns across the site

“By providing a sustainable transport shuttle service, we’re ensuring our colleagues have a more efficient way to travel to and from site, so they can carry out their essential work supporting UK defence,” said John Gane, Site Managing Director at Babcock’s Devonport facility. 

“It will also benefit the wider community with the aim of taking more cars off local roads. Alongside our support to Team Plymouth, these investments demonstrate the defence dividend in action – making a positive, lasting impact for both our employees and the city.”

Since its founding in the UK in 2016, Zeelo has developed partnerships with the leading employers in the UK, providing sustainable and impactful commuting services for companies such as Amazon, Tesco and Fidelity International. The MoveSmart program, powered by Zeelo, delivers a fully managed, data-driven solution that includes:

• Live tracking, reservations, and rider support through Zeelo’s platform
• AI-powered routing, dynamically optimized for ridership and cost
• Flexible vehicle deployment (16–50 seaters) tailored to Babcock's demand clusters
• 24/7 customer and driver support, with proactive issue resolution
• Carbon-neutral service with full emissions offset and future EV transition planning

The service is structured to integrate with internal transport systems and offers detailed usage and performance reporting to Babcock teams. All technology, customer service, and vehicle operations are managed by Zeelo to minimize internal workload and liability.

With 11% of the Plymouth population employed by Babcock, and over 240 apprentices onboarded this year, the service plays a vital role in enhancing job accessibility and delivering long-term workforce resilience. The program directly supports Babcock’s commitment to employee satisfaction, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship—all while contributing to the Defence Growth Partnership’s vision for Plymouth as a strategic hub.

“This is a modern transport model designed for complex workforces,” said Sam Ryan, Co-Founder and CEO of Zeelo. “Babcock and Zeelo are setting the standard for employer-led commuting solutions that put people first—driving sustainability, performance, and recruitment outcomes.”

Zeelo continues to expand its operations globally across the UK, Ireland and United States, and recently announced its Series B funding to continue its growth, powering 7 million rides in the last year alone.