Last stop Coach company will withdraw service later this year
ACOACH company has been forced to withdraw its services permanently from later this year.
Marchant’s Coaches, a private bus company providing services in Cheltenham and rural areas such as the Cotswolds, has announced the withdrawal of three of their services - W1, W2 & 606.
In a statement on their Facebook page, Marchant’s Coaches managing director Roger Marchant said: “It is with deep regret that notice to withdraw from all local bus services operated by Marchant’s Coaches Ltd., has been submitted to the Traffic Commissioners.”
The W1 and W2 service that covers Bishop’s Cleeve, Winchcombe and Cheltenham will operate until Saturday, October 26 2019.
The 606 services whose route covers Chipping Campden and Stratford-upon-avon amongst other will run until Sunday October 27 2019.
“This decision has not been taken lightly, the concessionary reimbursement rate has been a major issue with the majority of customers being card
holders on rural routes.
“Constant demands from the County Council and DVSA for more information have added to administration costs.
“Roadworks causing delays and diversions have severely affected our reliability plus a series of breakdowns with the buses has blemished our reputation.”
“Passengers are advised to contact the Integrated Transport Unit at Gloucestershire County Council, for details on replacement services and operators.
“We would like to thank our valued customers and staff including drivers and operations for your past support and assistance.”
According to the county council, the decision was made by Marchant’s Coaches themselves who declined to renew their contract for a longer period after October.
Marchant’s declined to go into further detail when contacted by the Gloucestershire Echo.
The council said that these services would be replaced after Marchants’ contract ends in October.
Philip Williams, lead commissioner for transport at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I would like to reassure passengers who use these bus services that they will not be left without transport.
“Marchant’s Coaches have had a ten month contract with the council for these routes which ends on October 27 and they have made a commercial decision not to bid for the new contract.
“We will be talking to affected communities soon about the best way to provide these services.”
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