Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Samantha Dixon has praised the swift actions of council staff in arranging alternative bus services after a troubled operator ceased trading.
The council immediately prioritised replacing affected school bus services after it emerged late yesterday (Wednesday, July 13) that Wrexham-based GHA Coaches could no longer continue.
Officers then set to work finding alternative operators to take over the public bus routes.
Cllr Dixon said: “The council was made aware late last night that GHA Coaches had ceased trading.
“The company operated school transport contracts within our borough, as well as local bus services, many of which also carry school children. Since the announcement last night officers have worked swiftly and tirelessly to provide alternative provision wherever possible.
“Making sure our pupils could get to school this morning has been our first priority. Replacement buses were sourced for the majority of pupils at Helsby, Christleton, St Nicholas RC, Chester Catholic and Bishops’ Blue Coat CE High Schools and schools were able to notify parents of the situation by text and via websites early this morning.
“Every effort is now being made to cover local bus services where possible and we are working closely with local operators. Not all routes will be covered immediately and there will be initial gaps in service, and other services will operate on a reduced emergency timetable.
“The council is also working very closely with neighbouring authorities, both on the immediate implications of the news and to set in place longer-term plans.”
For latest updates on the situation visit the council website www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk , Twitter account @Go_CheshireWest or Facebook page or call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.
Below is the most up-to-date information for school and local bus services as of Thursday July 14 at 3pm.
■ Service 36 (Ellesmere Port – Runcorn) will not operate today but cover has been arranged with Arrowebrook to pick up school children in Elton. From tomorrow it will operate hourly on temporary timetable but with no Sunday Service this week, 16 July
■ Service 82 (Chester – Northwich) operating hourly on a temporary timetable at 40 mins past the hour from Chester and 40 mins past the hour from Northwich - except for one service that will leave Northwich at 8.35am
■ School contract bus - Service 451 will be operated by Walkers Coaches to Weaverham High School only
■ School contract bus - Service 503 will not run - pupils to use service S1 which will pick up all Upton High School pupils
■ School contract bus - Service 604 will not operate. Pupils in the Blacon area will be covered using the 605 service (with the exceptions of Neston and Blacon Avenue from Parade to Parkgate Road)
■ Schools contract bus - Service 605 will be covered by Stagecoach
■ Information about GHA 604 and GHA 100 will be updated shortly
■ DB1 (Chester-Mold via Kinnerton) – Is operating from 10am today between Chester and Higher Kinnerton only. Awaiting further information from operators regarding Friday
■ DB2 (Chester local (to Handbridge and Saltney Ferry). Awaiting confirmation from operators as to whether this can be covered on a short term basis
■ DB4 (Chester – Deeside Industrial Park) – Today being operated by council’s in-house fleet. Awaiting information from operators as to whether this can be covered on a short-term basis
■ Service 6 (Ellesmere Port local (to Little Sutton and Stanney Grange) – the service will commence from Monday, 18 July, on a temporary timetable, with a half hourly service
■ Service 7 (Ellesmere Port local (to Rivacre and Kendal Drive) – No service until Monday, 18 July. Normal timetable to be operated by Aintree Coachline
■ SP1 / SP2 (Ellesmere Port – Cheshire Oaks – Mold) – A cross boundary service, not operating today, awaiting a further update from Flintshire County Council
■ 21 (Helsby – Frodsham) – Sunday service – currently awaiting confirmation from operators
