Transport bosses working to replace bus service

Transport bosses are working to secure a replacement for Hollin’s 129 bus service, which has been withdrawn by its operator.

Unexpectedly, JP Travel has announced its intention to withdraw the partially-subsidised service in April.

Hollin has an hourly Middleton service, the 125, which Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) also subsidises and which is operated by First, but TfGM recognises the need for a half-hourly daytime service on the 129 route and is tendering for a new operator.

Michael Renshaw, Bus and Rail Director at TfGM, said: “In January, working with the operator, First, we revised the subsidised 125 service, which is an hourly Middleton circular running Monday to Saturday, to include Hollin.

“We did so at the request of residents on the busy housing estate, in recognition of the need for additional services and at no extra cost to the taxpayer.

“JP Travel then announced they would be withdrawing their service from the 129 route, most of which was operated by them on a commercial basis, but a small portion of which – serving Hopwood Road, Hollin – is subsidised by us.

“JP Travel’s contract with us to provide that service does not expire until October; however, because they have regrettably decided to withdraw the 129 in April instead, we are now tendering for operators to run a half-hourly replacement for the 129 that will serve Hollin residents in addition to First’s 125.

“We appreciate the importance of a half-hourly bus service for Hollin, and are disappointed that JP Travel have decided to withdraw their service, but would like to reassure residents that we aim to replace JP Travel’s service with a suitable alternative when we have found a replacement operator.”