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I'll quantify my 'ill informed' comments:

The 'local service' (& its predecessor/s) referred to is familiar to me & was something I had responsibility for compliance monitoring for under a previous operator. My job necessitated me having a working understanding of what is required to be 'compliant'.

After the transfer to WMSNT (over 3 years ago, BTW), communication was made regarding 'problems' to the depot concerned, perception of which was they were oblivious to the problems (& requirements of a commercial operation), wished to remain so, & preferably weren't to be troubled with further contact. I've seen considerable evidence of 'non-compliance' in the intervening years on the route concerned, none of which I've since 'bothered' anyone with (I've made just one journey on the route in that time - which, anecdotally, was neither compliant time-wise, nor on two other counts...).

Yesterday (Friday), I went for a walk which gave cause to observe two journeys on the service involved, this was at a quiet period with no known traffic problems:

One was 14 minutes late.

The other was a no-show.

Oh, the CT Plus reference was a light-hearted response to the equally light-hearted suggestion that Hackney CT might become interested - with some spurious basis in truth, as there has been a CT+ vehicle parked amongst withdrawn Igo vehicles for the last few months.

Your original comment referred to when IGO started which was much more than 3 years ago. When it started it operated reliable and compliant services and as far as I am concerned did so until at least December 2015, what happened after that I have no idea as I was not there. Your reference to HCT may not be as far off the mark as some may think. ATG was formed based on the HCT model and both ATG and HCT are major organisations within the CTA. The majority of home to school drivers do not hold PSV, they are D1, so cannot drive for a commercial operation. Similarly vehicles are not PCV, they are S19, so for them to be operated short term by anyone other than a charity will be difficult. short to medium term I could only see local Councils taking the drivers and vehicles in house but they will certainly not want to do that long term

CT Plus are 'present' in the area ;-)

If Saturday is to be their last day, then my lasting memory of them will be of their local service performance today, going out the way they started - running with no relation to the timetable.

Sorry but that is a very misguided and ill informed comments which I think needs a response. Within only a few months of start up igo was seen to be one of the most reliable and punctual of all the small operators in the West Midlands. After only 2 years they were sat around the table with all of the larger operators discussing the long and short term future of local bus transport. What has happened over the last 3 years is to me a mystery, I wish I knew, but I am sure we will find out the real reason shortly

Several years ago I was involved with the start up of igo with the aim of providing much needed funds to the important and much used Ring and Ride service. From day one, due to the dedication of many many fine people, igo grew to be a much respected and responsible operator.

I retired in 2015 but have watched igo continue to grow but just wondered how they were able to fund new vehicles. It looks like just perhaps they tried too hard, only time will tell.

I was wondering if I should change my user name on this site but, unless anyone objects, I intend to retain it as I am proud of what the team and I managed to achieve with ATG and igo.

To all the staff who will be told today they are out of work I hope you all find work soon and that your families will not suffer because of today.

igogeneral (Des)

With respect Tony a non-for-profit company will always be in a position to be able to do that.

There is profit and there is contribution to overheads of the charity. igo was formed to fund the overheads of Ring and Ride which was the original charity and still is. Not much point in running anything if you do not have an ultimate aim.

A great many good and wonderful people took WMSNT forward to great heights serving many thousands of mobility impaired people around the West Midlands. My hat goes off to all the staff who helped make it such a wonderful and rewarding place to work, I wish them all well for the future whatever that is.

Congratulations to Kev's for gaining another tendered service and for entering the West Midlands area. What date will you start operations?

Thanks we start service on 28 April.

Happy to announce that KEV'Sbus will be operating the 39, 39A and 39S from April 28 2019. Three new Enviro 200 on order to arrive at depot around April 1 when forum members can come to the yard, by invitation, before they commence operation. This is our first route on behalf of TfWM and shows our commitment to bus services in the South Birmingham and Bromsgrove areas. Our workshops continue to expand and from April 1 we will commence large vehicle repairs and maintenance on behalf of other businesses.

I would think quality would not have come into any decision made on awarding this contract. However you need to give the man a chance as whatever the quality of service provision may be you can be assured he met all the criteria set out by TfWM

KX59GOA will be used on the 07.06 Catshill to Halesowen only and then go onto a school service as it is fitted with seat belts. Standard livery Primo will complete the 147 service for the rest of the day.

I am trying to post an attachment which is 320kb but warning tells me on site that it exceeds the limit, anyone any idea what the problem is

Correct Fleetline6477, we have other uses for the second bus as you would imagine. The present first departure from Stourbridge has been withdrawn by Worcester who now only require it to commence service from Belbroughton at 07.58 to Bromsgrove Bus station, not sure why but would imagine poor loadings from Stourbridge

Thanks. Two Optares on road for 318 service from 2 September, KX64AED and KX64AEO

I think the 147 will be tough to build up. Once WCC reduced the frequency and operated it to Catshill only (rather useless terminus) it must have forced people to making alternative arrangements.

Good luck with the 318!

Thanks sonic. 147 has started to pick up between Catshill and Bromsgrove Rail Station. Now Cross City out to Bromsgrove I think we can expect a few more

I saw the small solo SR make an appearance last week

Sorry but we do not have  a small SR

Wrong. The loads on the 147 are not that good and I suspect never will be. No I am pleased to announce KEV'Sbus will be operating the 318 Stourbridge to Bromsgrove service commencing 2 September 2018 using fairly new Optare Solo 35 seats. This will fit in well with 147 both of which serve Catshill