Go Goodwins

[iMarkeh]

RE: Go Goodwins
So Little Gem is to cease operations as of 22nd April 2023. TFGM are scrambling to find new operators for the tenders

https://tfgm.com/little-gem-buses

Quote:TfGM was today, Friday 21 April, informed by the owner of Little Gem that they plan to stop running contracted bus services, with the last day of operation being Saturday 22 April.

The operator currently runs several school and local bus services.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has arranged emergency cover for several bus routes set to be withdrawn in Manchester, Trafford, Tameside and Stockport.

However, currently, no emergency cover has been found for general bus services 44, 84, 217, 260, 261, 262, 280, 288 and 375. TfGM is tendering all Little Gem services, with a view to new contracts starting on Tuesday 2 May.

In arranging emergency cover, priority was given to school services and those routes where passengers have fewer travel options.

Services which will not operate
The following contracted services have not yet been covered by an alternative operator and will not operate until further notice:

44 - Manchester – MRI – Moss Side – Didsbury – Wythenshawe Hospital - Altrincham
84 - Withington - West Didsbury - Mersey Bank Estate - Chorlton
217 - Manchester – Clayton - Droylsden - Ashton-under-Lyne
260 - Sale - Ashton upon Mersey circular
261 - Sale - Ashton upon Mersey circular
262 - Sale - Sale Moor - Brooklands circular
280 - Altrincham – Dunham Massey - Partington - Carrington - Sale
288 - Altrincham - Hale - Hale Barns - Manchester Airport
375 - Stockport - Offerton – Stepping Hill Hospital – Hazel Grove - Marple - Mellor

Schools bus services with an alternative operator
Altrincham Boys Grammar School - 755 & 758
Both services will be covered from Tuesday by First Travel Solutions

Altrincham College - 773 & 774
773 covered from Monday by Belle Vue. The afternoon journey operated by Stagecoach is unaffected.
774 covered from Tuesday by First Travel Solutions

Altrincham Girls Grammar School - 758 & 760
Services covered from Tuesday by First Travel Solutions

Barlow RC High School - 719
Service covered from Monday by Belle Vue

Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College - 789
Service covered from Tuesday by First Travel Solutions. The journeys operated by Stagecoach/Belle Vue are unaffected.

Flixton Girls' School - 795
Services covered from Tuesday by First Travel Solutions

Loreto Grammar School - 755, 758 & 760
Services covered from Tuesday by First Travel Solutions

Sale Grammar School - 783
Service covered from Tuesday by First Travel Solutions

St Ambrose College - 719 & 761
Services covered from Monday by Belle Vue

Urmston Grammar School - 795
Service covered from Tuesday by First Travel Solutions

Wellacre Academy - 795
Service covered from Tuesday by First Travel Solutions

Contracted bus services with an alternative operator
336 - Ashton-under-Lyne - Smallshaw - Hazelhurst - Hurst circular
Services covered from Monday by First Manchester

337 - Ashton-under-Lyne - Hurst - Hazelhurst - Smallshaw circular
Services covered from Monday by First Manchester

389 - Ashton-under-Lyne - Stalybridge - Dukinfield circular
Services covered from Monday by First Manchester

I like how First Travel Solutions are covering the school runs. I can see some interesting situations coming up given the rail replacement is already drafting up firms from Birmingham, imagine who will end up on Manchester schools.