New operators for key routes after latest bus blow

THE future of two Coventry bus routes have been resolved after earlier uncertainty, following news that operator Travel de Courcey had entered administration.

The Coventry based operator announced it had entered administration on Monday.

It has been confirmed that routes 60 and 703 were part funded by Transport for West Midlands (TFWM), and as a result, the routes were placed up for retender and have been taken over by Stagecoach as of Sunday, August 23.

The future of two Travel de Courcey routes - the X6 from Coventry to Leicester and the 585 from Coventry to Rugby, remained unclear.

However it has since been announced National Express Coventry will be taking on the 585 route.

Under the new operator, these services will no longer call at Coventry Railway Station.

As for the X6 route, this has been taken on by Arriva Midlands East, again, starting from Tuesday.

Existing tickets will be honoured on both routes up until September 5.

According to TFWM, discussions are ongoing between the transport authority and other neighbouring authorities in order to establish a solution for those routes.

A spokesperson for TFWM said that they will “provide further information in due course”.

The TFWM spokesperson said: “We have been informed that Travel De Courcey have gone in to administration. This is a sad day and a worrying time for the staff and customers. We are speaking to the administrator to understand the intentions for the company moving forward.

“Up until this weekend Travel De Courcey had operated two services which were part funded by TFWM namely the 60 and 703 between Arena Retail Park and University Hospital Coventry.

“Following a recent competitive retender of the services the operation transferred to Stagecoach Midlands on the 23August.

“We are also in contact with neighbouring authorities with regards to two other services provided by the operator and we will provide further information in due course.”

News that administrators have been appointed to oversee Travel de Courcey came as a blow for staff and customers alike.

Headquartered near Coventry Airport, the family run firm employs around 180 people, but said that the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic caused the business to collapse.

Adrian de Courcey, CEO and son of its founder, Mike, said: “Travel de Courcey, like every company in our industry sector, has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.

“We have assessed all aspects of our business going forward and it is clear that, due to the reduction in our services and vastly reduced passenger numbers, we have had no alternative but enter into the administration process.

“This move is very much a last resort brought on by global circumstances beyond our control.”