MidlandRed.net

Nice to see an older Optare bus on the 145 in Bromsgrove this morning - YJ10EZB in all over white with no fleet-names though. This bus started life as an Optare demonstrator.

Pic of YJ10EZB. https://flic.kr/p/2246fkL

I gather that this operator is now in administration. I hadn't realised that they were such a big outfit. According to the piece I read the Accessible Transport Group, through its subsidiaries Ring and Ride and igo, has 600 vehicles and employs 900 staff throughout the West Midlands. Presumably the igo services in Worcestershire which I assume are tendered will need to find new operators.

Sad for all those involved but just another example of the financial state of the industry.

I believe Diamond and Johnsons have picked up some of the iGo work as part of an emergency contract, and that work will be re-tendered soon on a more long-term basis. As for the 140 or so Ring and Ride minibuses, I think Birmingham City Council are bailing them out in the short-term. I guess the administrators will need to find a new buyer for that side of the business as it will be hard to find another operator to step in and take it over.

It appeared to be service as usual for the 145 today.

Johnson's have gott the 69 service & diamond hsvev57 80 326 with banga running the 1trip on 530 that igo ran more to be announced soon

It would appear that Birmingham City Council (who I thought had no money) have bailed them out to the tune of £1million, at least in the short term.

Is First Worcester going to put in for the Emergency tender on the 145?

Notices out and about say Diamond to run the 145 from the 8th April.