A trentbarton bus service has been saved from the axe after councillors and almost 4,000 people stood against plans. The operator said the 141 service had been struggling since the pandemic, and it had previously reduced its services in the evening as a result.
Bus users said it was a disgrace trentbarton wanted to cut a major service which connects Sutton-in-Ashfield, Hucknall, Mansfield and Nottingham. The operator however argued it could not absorb the losses from continuing to run the service because they "simply do not carry sufficient customers".
Almost 4,000 residents and bus users signed a petition, set up by Ashfield District Council leader Jason Zadrozny, to save it from being cut. Nottinghamshire County Council then began a procurement period and managed to secure a new operator in Stagecoach.
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Councillor Zadrozny, who represents Larwood for the Ashfield Independents, said: "I wrote to senior Stagecoach bosses as soon as it became apparent that trentbarton had no wish to continue running this vital service. I am pleased that Stagecoach have responded so positively to my request. I’d also like to thank close to 4,000 residents who signed my petition to keep the vital 141 bus running."
Stanton Hill councillor Helen-Ann Smith added: "This is excellent news for Stanton Hill in particular. Our area was faced with losing its only bus service which would have devastated the area. Stanton Hill has low car ownership and people would have struggled to keep appointments at Kings Mill Hospital."
The new 141 Stagecoach bus service will start on Monday, September 5, following the same route from Sutton to Nottingham, via Mansfield and Hucknall, and at the same timings.
The current Trent Barton operation will continue to run until Saturday, September 3, resulting in no loss of service for passengers. The agreement between the county council and Stagecoach will initially last twelve months, with an option to extend for a further year after this period.
Councillor Neil Clarke, the council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, says: "It is fantastic news the council has been able to continue the vital 141 bus service - without any interruptions - following our successful search for a new operator.
“We made it clear to residents that we would work around the clock to secure a new company to run the bus, and we’ve delivered on our word."
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