East Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS) is to take over the operation of three National Express coach contracts currently run by Stagecoach Peterborough from July.
The routes comprise 447 (Lincoln to London, via Grantham & Peterborough); 448 (Grimsby to London, via Louth, Bourne & Peterborough); and 449 (Mablethorpe to London, via Boston & Peterborough). Explaining what the news means to his company, EYMS Chairman Peter Shipp told CBW: “The five diagrams require six coaches and nine drivers. New Caetano Levante-bodied Volvo B9s are on order but they’re not due until October. Pro-temp NX is allowing us the use of three spare coaches. Having previously cascaded older NX coaches into our own fleets, two vehicles from East Yorkshire Coaches and one from Whittles will now return to NX operation. We’re delighted to have it. NX is good solid work. We had to bid for it – we weren’t handed it on a plate.”
Mr Shipp said he is confident most of it can be operated from Hull, subject to final confirmation from Stagecoach staff under TUPE.
A National Express spokesman told CBW: “We can confirm there will be a change of operator on three scheduled coach routes the 447, 448 and 449 next month. Such changes happen frequently and will not affect the existing service pattern.”
CBW understands that the vehicles currently used by Stagecoach in Peterborough are destined for use in East Kent.
