Public and school transport services in South Cheshire were hit after GHA Coaches ceased trading.
The firm announced it had gone into administration last night (July 13) throwing many services into doubt.
There have been reports of disruption at Nantwich bus station earlier today as passengers waiting for services were unaware GHA had ceased operating.
Services in and out of Nantwich that have been hit include:
- 78 Nantwich to Rode Heath via Leighton Hospital
- 72 Whitchurch to Nantwich via Wrenbury
- 73 Whitchurch to Nantwich via Audlem
- 51 Nantwich – Delamere Road via Cronkinson Oak
- 52 Nantwich – Sainsbury’s via Manor Road
- 52A Nantwich – Reaseheath College via Manor Road
- 44 Crewe – Nantwich via Shavington
- 44M Wistaston – Nantwich – Malbank School via Shavington
- 39 Crewe – Nantwich via Shavington and Walgherton
Cheshire East Council says it has managed to bring in other providers to ensure some services are maintained.A spokesman for the council said: “Despite GHA services ceasing to trade, most bus services in Cheshire East are running very smoothly today.”
It said the N81085 Congleton/Brereton – Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School is being operated by Ladyline, while the S71644 Bunbury/Beeston to Tarporley High is running with a replacement bus service.
“Cheshire East Council was also able at very short notice to find alternative travel arrangements for all buses running to Springfield School in Crewe,” added the spokesman.
Alternative bus providers are being sought for services hit, including Macclesfield to Knutsford, Knutsford/Mobberley/Wilmslow – Altrincham and the Manchester airport/Styal/Wilmslow service.
A statement from GHA Coaches said: “It is with with regret that GHA Coaches Ltd has ceased trading on Wednesday 13th July 2016 and are no longer operating bus or coach services with immediate effect.
“We would like to thank our customers for their support over the years.
“For details of replacement bus services please call Traveline 0300 200 22 33.”
Cheshire East said they are prioritising school pupils, the elderly and other residents who rely on the services provided by GHA.
“We wish to assure our residents and schools we are doing all we can to mitigate the impact of the sudden loss of services by providing alternative transport where possible,” added the spokesman.
“Unfortunately we may not be able to cover all services affected.
“We would ask our residents to bear with us during this difficult period.”
Aren’t privatised bus services wonderful! ! It was only a few years ago I was on Nantwich bus station when the operator of the 44 and 45 routes went suddenly discontinued all services. People were milling around wondering how they were to get home.