New bus routes announced but others axed as operators step in after company collapse

Bus companies have stepped in to save routes after the sudden collapse earlier this year of Manchester-based operator Little Gem, it was announced today.

Buses were taken off roads with just 24 hours notice in April after the operator told transport bosses without warning it would stop running contracted services. The announcement also affected a number of school bus services.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) worked with existing bus companies to arrange temporary cover in the meantime, a move which kept many school and local routes still in service.

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After emergency contracts were put in place to cover at-risk services over a 13-week period, TfGM and operators have now agreed contracts ensuring services will continue until January 2025.

TfGM bosses admitted not all affected routes have been replaced 'on a like-for-like basis', but said they believe the new arrangements would 'provide improved connectivity for passengers'. All little Gem services were put out to tender after the company went into administration, blaming soaring costs, a rise in people working from home and insurance rates.

Diamond Bus will take over a revised 84 service, which will be extended to introduce a new direct link between Chorlton and the Manchester Royal Infirmary. The MRI and Moss Side had been served by the 44, which will be withdrawn, but parts of the route will be incorporated into the new 84, which will be renumbered 87.

The Royal Oak estate in Baguley, Wythenshawe, which will no longer be served by the 44, will be served by a re-routed service 18, which will also be extended through Trafford Park to Eccles on evenings and Sundays.

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