In what has been a bad week for the sector, two Yorkshire operators have closed their doors as a result of difficult trading conditions
HCT Group-owned operators CT Plus and Powell’s Bus in Yorkshire announced on Wednesday 5 August that they seeking to offload routes to other operators as a result of the difficulties faced by many operators across the industry since the pandemic. In an initial statement, the company said: “HCT Group regrets to announce that its subsidiaries in Yorkshire – CT Plus Yorkshire and Powell’s Bus – are seeking to return all services operated to commissioners in the Yorkshire region.
“We have two priorities right now – we want to ensure services to the public are not disrupted and we want to preserve as many jobs as possible. We are now talking with our commissioners across Yorkshire, seeing if we can transfer as many services as possible over to new operators. This would mean that services still run and all or most of our team can transfer with their jobs intact. We are hopeful that an agreement can be reached and more information will follow as the situation develops.”
However, it was announced on Friday 5 August that both businesses would cease operating services at 1700hrs the same day with a view to entering administration. A message on the website of Powell’s Bus, which serves South Yorkshire, explained: “The move follows a period where we have been rocked by multiple challenges – a period of difficult trading prior to the pandemic, the financial impact of the pandemic itself, followed immediately by the current surge in fuel prices and the cost-of-living crisis. This has led to unsustainable commercial losses and we see no alternative other than immediate closure of Powell’s.”
“This is a very sad day for us all at HCT Group” said HCT Group Chief Executive Lynn McClelland. “Everyone at Powell’s – and across the wider HCT Group – has worked tirelessly to put the operations in Yorkshire on a sustainable footing, but there is nothing further to be done. We are still hoping that SYPTE can identify new operators for our services, which will protect services for the public and secure jobs for our colleagues. However, there can be no doubt that there will be disruption for the travelling public and distress for our team as this process works itself through.
“It has been our pleasure and privilege to serve the people of South Yorkshire since we began operating services in 2018, and an honour to work with such a dedicated team. I am saddened for those colleagues whose livelihoods are affected and for the passengers in Yorkshire who rely on us. I am deeply sorry that this is the outcome we face.”
Passengers in South Yorkshire were directed to contact South Yorkshire PTE, whilst a similar message was posted on the CT Plus website, which has operations in West Yorkshire, where passengers were directed towards the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Responding to the news, Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “My first thoughts are with the drivers and other staff who will now be looking for work elsewhere.” Meanwhile, Transdev acted quickly to invite drivers affected to get in touch as it steps up driver recruitment at its nearby depots in in Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford, Keighley, and Harrogate.
Transdev CEO Alex Hornby said: “We’re naturally sad to see a bus provider closing in our region and our thoughts go out to those people affected by this news. Along with other local operators, we are discussing the current situation with colleagues at West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
“We would welcome a conversation with any colleagues looking for future employment. We’re currently offering a £1,000 welcome bonus for all qualified bus drivers who join us. We look forward to talking with colleagues from CT Plus Yorkshire who will be looking for a fresh start.”
