The new depot sees PC Coaches taking over the local 40A ‘Louth Nipper’ route, an hourly service that links the town with its residential areas – previously operated by Essential Fleet Services.
Lincoln-based coach operator PC Coaches has announced the expansion of its business with the opening of a new depot in Louth.
The Louth depot is situated on the Fairfield Industrial Estate, and has authorised for the operation of six vehicles. The main Lincoln depot, however, is authorised for 100 vehicles, following the operator obtaining 20 more licences for Lincoln when applying for the six Louth licences. Speaking to CBW, Depot Manager Suzanne Traynor, said that PC Coaches are hoping to operate 20 vehicles from the new depot by Christmas this year.
The new depot is to operate alongside the existing base in Lincoln. Suzanne said that the company is now looking at recruiting new drivers: “We took over the Louth Nipper on April 4 and the new depot comes when services elsewhere are being cut,” she said.
“After listening to our passengers who use the Nipper, we have now amended the timetables to connect with other bus services that run into Louth bus station, something which had been missing before.
“We are looking to recruit new drivers in the Louth area along with putting potential candidates through their PCV test. We are in that process in Lincoln and it is something we are looking at towards the summer in Louth if we secure more contracts for such things as school services.”
The Louth depot will also include a holiday booking office, following a reported increase in holiday interest: “We have seen an increase in passenger numbers across the holiday sector as people feel more secure going by coach than plane,” said Suzanne, “The holidays and ever-expanding list of day trips appeal to all from social clubs and families with some of our children-orientated trips including Legoland and Cadbury World.”
Sarah Dodds, Louth Priory and St James Councillor, was involved in the campaign to secure the Louth Nipper bus service. She said: “Anything that brings jobs and opportunities to people who want to use PC Coaches for bus trips is a good thing.”
PC Coaches is also creating a special Lincolnshire east coast coach, complete with a custom livery featuring images of the church spire of St James’ Church in Louth and Skegness clock tower.
