An Eccles-based operator of several local and school bus services has ceased leaving some services temporarily unoperated
Little Gem’s last day of service was Saturday (22 April) and drivers will continue driving for parent company Go Goodwins or will be offered contracts at Diamond Bus North West.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) announced on their website on Tuesday (25 April) that emergency cover has been arranged for some affected routes, with priority given to school routes and routes where passengers have fewer alternative options.
However, no emergency cover has been found for routes 44, 84, 217, 260, 261, 262, 280, 288 and 375.
Driver Michael Wareham from Eccles said: “It is emotional because I won’t be working for them again, but I still work for Go Goodwins. To be honest with you, the bus industry is gone.
He also claimed that there has not been enough support for the industry. He continued: “TfGM have been absolutely no help. We could have kept going but we’ve got no help, and it strikes me that under Andy Burnham’s franchising system, he just wants big, massive companies to run everything.”
School routes 760, 774, 789 and 795 will not operate until further notice due to driver shortages.
The 391 and 392 routes will continue to be operated, under Little Gem parent company Go Goodwins.
TfGM is tendering all Little Gem services, with a view to new contracts starting on 2 May.
TfGM’s deputy director of bus services, Alison Chew, said: “We have been made aware that Little Gem has ceased trading for a number of reasons, including rising fuel and insurance costs.
“We understand the financial challenges faced by bus companies and many others across the transport industry, TfGM included.
“The contracts awarded to Little Gem followed the standard tendering process undertaken for all contracted bus services, and they have been treated no differently to any other operator.
“We try our best to work collaboratively with all operators that provide contracted bus services and have spoken with Mr Goodwin on several occasions about the contracts, service and performance of Little Gem. While we are happy to discuss any concerns he has, our current focus remains on securing new contracts for these services to minimise any further disruption to passengers.”
Little Gem was one of the favourite operators among bus enthusiasts in Greater Manchester due to its unique fleet of rare and unusual vehicles.
Missed out on the last day? Catch a virtual ride on the 288 here:
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