Timeline of Yellow Buses collapse into administration

The iconic bus operator had helped keep people moving across the conurbation for 120 years.  

Here is a summary of what has happened which led to where we are now: 

Yellow Buses say they need to “rebuild” the business in apology to customers 

Last month, Yellow Buses gave an apology to its customers and admitted they were “struggling” in a post-covid world.  

A spokesperson for Yellow Buses added its 120th year was “one of the most difficult” and that the business would need to be “rebuilt”. 

Yellow Buses goes into administration 

It was announced on Friday, 29 July that Yellow Buses had gone into administration. In a joint statement by accountants Milsted Langdon, accountants Simon Rowe and Rachel Hotham said they are doing “all they can” to ensure the business operates “as normal as possible”. 

The statement blamed the “challenges” of Covid and the lifestyle habit changes which have followed – such as people working from home – as the reason for Yellow Buses’ financial struggles. 

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.” 

The statement finished by urging everybody to show their support for Yellow drivers. 

Transport chiefs and MPs react with sadness to Yellow Buses’ administration news 

BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport Mike Greene said he was “sorry” to learn the news, adding: “The council is doing what it can to support Yellow Buses.” 

Morebus managing director Andrew Wickham offered to step in if any disruption was to be caused by Yellow Buses’ struggles. 

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood said his thoughts are with the 300 staff employed at Yellow Buses, as uncertainty remains over the future of the company. 

Christchurch MP Sir Chris Chope added: “Is it very sensible to spend a whole lot of money on cycle lanes when perhaps actually ensuring the buses run viably is more important perhaps?” 

Yellow Buses collapse and a buyer is found 

On Wednesday, it was announced all routes are to stop the following night. A buyer had not been found for the bus operations of the company, however National Express were revealed as the purchaser of the national coaches and the engineering side of the business.

A deal is to be signed today. Fifty jobs have been saved as a result, however there is uncertainty for the remaining 250 employees.  

BCP Council say they will "explore options" to address issues

BCP Council will “explore a number of different solutions” in order to safeguard residents' ability to travel. 

Cllr Mike Greene added: “We’ll also continue to engage with the administrators and government to minimise any longer term impact to our residents, local businesses and visitors.” 

Morebus step in on routes and for the drivers

Morebus announce they will take over Yellow Buses main routes. They will run the 1/1b, 1a, 2, 4, 5/5a, 6/6a and 737 routes. 

Morebus also announce a £3,000 welcome bonus for Yellow drivers who attend a recruitment day today and start there and then. Ninety positions are available.