A school bus route in Trafford has been axed 'until further notice' after operator Little Gem suddenly stopped running services. Nine other routes in south Manchester and Trafford have also been withdrawn following the company's surprise announcement.
But emergency cover for several routes formerly run by Little Gem in Manchester, Trafford, Tameside and Stockport has been found, Transport for Greater Manchester said. Little Gem informed TfGM of the move on Friday morning - with services ceasing the day after.
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New operators are being sought for Little Gem services, with a view to new contracts starting on Tuesday 2 May, TfGM said.
Earlier today TfGM said five school bus routes had been withdrawn, but emergency cover has since been found for all bar one - Blessed Thomas Holford College in Altrincham - until at least the end of the week.
In a letter to parents on Tuesday Kim Earle, headteacher at Altrincham College, one of the schools earlier affected, described the situation as 'totally unacceptable'. She wrote: "TFGM had assured us that buses would be running as normal from today, however we have since been told that due to driver shortages, the 774 bus will not operate until further notice.
"I have been told that when there are guarantees that the service is able to operate, TFGM will be in touch again. I have contacted TFGM to say that this is totally unacceptable and I would like this to be escalated. I can only apologise for the disruption that this may have caused and as soon as I have a further update I will let you know."
In a statement on Friday TfGM's deputy director of bus, Alison Chew, said: "I would like to thank those operators who have been able to provide emergency cover to ensure as many people as possible – in particular young people – are not impacted by these service withdrawals, which we were only informed about this morning.
"Our team has prioritised school bus services and those where passengers have limited alternatives but unfortunately, due to the lack of notice and availability of other buses and drivers, we've not been able to cover them all. We will continue to work with operators to find a more permanent solution and will of course keep people informed of any changes.
"I'd encourage passengers who use these services to plan their journeys in advance and check our website and social media channels for the latest information and advice."
The school bus routes which have been withdrawn
- 789 - Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College
School bus routes with emergency cover
Altrincham Boys Grammar School - 755 and 758
The 755 will be covered by Phantom Travel from Wednesday, April 26, until Friday April 28
The 758 will be covered from Tuesday, April 25 by Red RoseAltrincham College - 773 and 774
The 773 will be covered from by Belle Vue
The 774 will be covered by TJs Travel from Wednesday, April 26, until Friday, April 28Altrincham Girls Grammar School - 758 and 760
The 758 will be covered by Red Rose
The 760 will not operate until further noticeBarlow RC High School - 719
The 719 will be covered from Monday 24 April by Belle VueFlixton Girls' School - 795
The 795 will be covered by ABC Coach Hire from Wednesday, April 26 until Friday, April 28Loreto Grammar School - 755, 758 and 760
The 755 will be covered by Phantom Travel from Wednesday, April 26, until Friday, April 28
The 758 will be covered by Red Rose
The 760 will be covered by Phantom Travel from Wednesday, April 26 until Friday, April 28Sale Grammar School - 783
The 783 will be covered by Red RoseSt Ambrose College - 761
The 761 will be covered fby Belle VueUrmston Grammar School - 795
The 795 will be covered by ABC Coach Hire from Wednesday, April 26, until Friday, April 28Wellacre Academy - 795
The 795 will be covered by ABC Coach Hire from Wednesday, April 26, until Friday, April 28
Regular services which have been withdrawn
- 44 - Manchester – MRI – Moss Side – Didsbury – Wythenshawe Hospital - Altrincham
- 84 - Withington - West Didsbury - Mersey Bank Estate - Chorlton
- 217 - Manchester – Clayton - Droylsden - Ashton-under-Lyne
- 260 - Sale - Ashton upon Mersey circular
- 261 - Sale - Ashton upon Mersey circular
- 262 - Sale - Sale Moor - Brooklands circular
- 280 - Altrincham – Dunham Massey - Partington - Carrington - Sale
- 288 - Altrincham - Hale - Hale Barns - Manchester Airport
- 375 - Stockport - Offerton – Stepping Hill Hospital – Hazel Grove - Marple - Mellor
Regular services with an alternative operator
First will accept Little Gem tickets this week on the following services:
336 - Ashton-under-Lyne - Smallshaw - Hazelhurst - Hurst circular
337 - Ashton-under-Lyne - Hurst - Hazelhurst - Smallshaw circular
389 - Ashton-under-Lyne - Stalybridge - Dukinfield circular
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