Transport chiefs on Yellow Buses going into administration

The bus firm, which is in its 120th year, went into administration yesterday when it was handed over to accountants Milsted Langdon LLP. 

A loss of revenue, rising fuel prices and the general rise in inflation have all been blamed as factors for the decision.  

Andrew Wickham, managing director of fellow bus operator Morebus, said he was “sorry” to learn the news.

Mr Wickham said: “We understand the concerns its employees must have, and the impact this news will have on those who rely on its services across the region.

Yellow Buses has served Bournemouth for more than 120 years Read more: Yellow Buses has gone into administration

“In the event of any disruption to Yellow Buses services, we are ready to step in to make sure that nobody is left without a service.”  

Cllr Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport, said: “The council is doing what it can to support Yellow Buses, ensuring that passengers continue to be able to access bus services to get to work, education, to the hospital and the shops.  

“As well as providing essential transport for our residents, Yellow Buses are also a major employer. 

“The iconic yellow buses are part of the local heritage and we would not wish to lose them.”  

Cllr Mike Greene said Yellow Buses are "iconic"

Read more: Bournemouth bus company "struggling" in post-covid world

The news serves as an “unsettling time” for the Yellow Buses’ 300 staff, but drivers are being reassured the administrators are doing “all they can” to ensure the business operates “as normal as possible”. 

In a joint statement, Simon Rowe and Rachel Hotham of Milsted and Langdon LLP said: “We recognise that many people rely on the Yellow Bus network for all sorts of aspects of their daily lives and that for them and the 300 staff employed by the business this is an unsettling time. 

“We want to reassure everyone that we and our team are doing all we can to ensure that the business continues to operate as normal as possible under the circumstances and continues to do so into the future. 

Negotiations are being held with a large national operator

Like all bus companies, Yellow Buses is said to have been struggling due to the “challenges” of Covid and the lifestyle habit changes which have followed – such as people working from home. 

The directors of the business have “for some time” been looking for outside investment or buyers for Yellow Buses. 

The statement added: “Negotiations with a large national operator have entered the final stages and we hope to be able to conclude within a matter of days.”