Tates Travel was founded in 2003 by Graham Mallinson in Stocksbridge, when he purchased a minibus to run private hire journeys before running a school minibus service for pupils at Millhouse Green Primary school.

In 2007 the depot again moved to Darton when the business of Stanley Gath Coaches,[4] Dewsbury was purchased.

[5] Due to the expansion of services, the company moved once again in 2010 to a larger depot in Barugh Green.

[6] In 2012, the company won further contract but this time from the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.

[8] In April 2013 Tates commenced operating the Dewsbury Free Town Bus.