Bus firm forced out of business by virus
A BUS company which runs services in Brighouse and Elland has had to make 30 drivers redundant as the devastating impact of coronavirus takes another scalp.
The Halifax Bus Company, which traded as TJ Walsh, shut down last night.
The business stretches back to 1983 and it started running bus services in 1994.
It was set up by Trevor Walsh, a bus enthusiast, and took off after bus services were deregulated in 1987.
In fact, T J Walsh became one of the first independent companies in the UK to apply to run a bus service after the change in the law.
At its peak its fleet of 30 buses carried over one million passengers a year across Calderdale.
Managing director Neil Walsh, in a letter to staff, said: “It breaks my heart but I have yesterday sent a form that will start the process of putting the company into administration for insolvency.”
He added that the company had been struggling for some time, saying that discounting of fares and cutbacks by government “for the last few years has meant that the company has been just been trading and keeping employees in work, but has been unable to build up cash reserves to help in times of crisis.
“Unfortunately, one microscopic virus has now moved the company into the situation that it is currently and will, in the future, make it impossible to continue running bus services and our contract services.
“We were the first to introduce strict measures to ensure the spread of the virus didn’t affect the workplace but the situation now is that they will not be enough and I cannot ask you to continue putting yourselves in danger.
“We have an ageing workforce, many with underlying health issues that will threaten your lives should – and if we were to continue it would probably be when, not if – you catch Covid-19.
“Our passenger numbers have fallen off a cliff edge and the government is telling people to avoid public transport if at all possible.
“The desperately needed cash we rely on has almost disappeared.
“We still have many overheads to pay including a substantial insurance bill.
“This has been a difficult industry to be in and it has been very challenging to continue at times, but one of the reasons I continued was the fact you all came to work and I believe, helped us provide a bus service that many, many people stop me in the street to tell me how I should be proud of our company.
“I would like to thank you all for the time you have worked for the company, some of you for many years, for the efforts you have made and the hard work and dedication you have given.
“I was and am proud of what we achieved and sorry it has to end like his, but we won’t be on our own.
“It has been great working with you all and I wish you success for what the future holds.”