Lee Moor based bus and coach firm Oakley’s is set to lose a number of its local bus routes after controversially losing out to Plymouth Citybus in a tender renewal process of contracts with Devon County Council.
The routes which will be transferring across to Plymouth Citybus include the service 59 to Cornwood. Other contracts being lost include the 55, 56 and 98 services around the Tavistock, Princetown and Yelverton areas.
In a statement company director Paul Oakley said:
“Regrettably from 15 August Oakleys Coaches will no longer be operating the 59, 55, 56 or 98 bus services. With the rise in fuel cost and the increased costs across the board we needed to try and increase our prices to operate the bus services. All of the bus drivers needed a well deserved pay increase due to the cost of living crisis. The only way to do this was to put the services up for re-tender.
“Unfortunately we have been beaten on price by Plymouth CityBus. I have to say it has been a pleasure serving the local communities with our buses. We have put 100% effort in to trying to give a good reliable service.
“We are all very sad to be losing these services. As a small family run local company we are devastated to say the least. It has been an honour and a pleasure serving the local communities with our buses over the last three years. Thank you for your custom and support.”
The news that Citybus will be taking over the routes has been met with a degree of consternation by some members of the travelling public as it has come at a time when Citybus are cutting other services due to a shortage of drivers.
One local bus passenger said:
“Sad news for a small local company to lose out like this. I have been left standing at the bus stop in Plympton so many times by Plymouth Citybus cancelling services. I can’t believe they have been awarded the contract.”
Another added:
“Plymouth Citybus should have stuck with the routes they already have because at present nearly every day they cannot provide a full service due to lack of staff.”
Oakley’s also have a contract with Plymouth City Council to operate the Plympton service 52 to and from Derriford Hospital. This is subject to a different tender, the results of which have yet to be announced.
(Story courtesy of Plympton Podcast)
