Leigh-based Jim Stones Coaches has announced that it intends to end operations on 18 April due to its owners retiring. However, the business is available for sale.
The following statement was released on 21 January via the company’s Facebook page: “We regret to advise that due to their poor health Joan and Jim Stones wish to retire and the business is available for sale until the proposed date of closure, and final day of operation, on Saturday 18 April 2020.
“In addition to this, the future of public transport in Greater Manchester is uncertain. Our buses have served Leigh for over 33 years and we must emphasise that we are not going under. If a sale is not achieved our drivers will receive their entitlement and we will help them find new jobs.
“We have made TfGM aware of the situation and will continue to keep them informed of any potential sale or closure of the business so that we can, between us, minimise any impact on our customers. Thank you to our brilliant team and wonderful passengers for all your support over the years.”
The company is known in the industry for its use of private number plates which are often humorous but relevant, such as: B1BUS, BUS1N, T1KET, BUS1S, HIJYM and BUS1T.
A fleet of nine Alexander Dennis Enviro200s is operated on 10 public bus services centred on Leigh in Greater Manchester, where the company’s purpose-built depot is located. 
