I would think that being a Local Authority owned company that it would be unlikely to close without notice. The politics would surely get in the way, however, it may announce a proposed closure or sale, which I think would be more likely.There are reports on the Merseyside Dennis Dart forums ( dartslf.com/forum ) that Halton Transport will cease to trade imminently (as in tonight).
Can anyone shed light on this disturbing news?
An Arriva driver also told me that today was Halton's last day.
Something to do with VOSA .
Another driver told me the receivers have been brought in?
Still fully unclear tbh as I was speaking to a Halton driver and he knew nothing!
Whatever the outcome, if this ever takes place it would appear to signal curtains for Halton. The vultures will be circling!Public Inquiry (79647) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room (Warrington), WA3 2SH, Suite 4,
Stone Cross Place, Stone Cross Lane North, Golborne, Warrington, on 19 February 2020
commencing at 10:00
PC0001376 SN
HALTON BOROUGH TRANSPORT LTD
Director(s): HALTON BOROUGH COUNCIL, MICHAEL WHARTON, COLIN STAFFORD,
BRIAN JOSEPH STEVENSON, ANDREW MACMANUS, KEITH MORLEY, ADELE JONES,
WEISLAW ZYGADLLO
20 KENT GROVE, RUNCORN, WA7 5EG
S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger
Vehicles Act 1981)
S26 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 26 (The Transport Act 1985)
Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public
Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
Section 26 - Breech of conditions attached to licence
It includes:
- not registering services/variations/cancellations
- vehicle maintenance/vehicles unfit for public service
- operated in a way which is considered dangerous to the public
- employee misconduct deemed dangerous to public
- Intentional interference with another privately operated company
- (Section 8) Failure to operate a registered service
- Failure to provide adequate and accurate information to the Traffic Commissioner
- Provision of information regarding enhanced partnerships with transport authorities
Wow. At a Council owned operator, how have things got this bad?
That's the kind of behaviour I would expect from a disreputable small operator, of which there are many.
There are plenty of very reputable small operators too.
However, the issues at Halton are well known given that they have recorded substantial losses over the last few years and only minimal profits before that, hence the rather antiquated fleet that they now operate.
That is indeed true to be fair, though I find most disreputable bus companies to be small ones.
A well-maintained old fleet should be fine - the trouble is if they don't maintain it.
There are plenty of very reputable small operators too. However, the issues at Halton are well known given that they have recorded substantial losses over the last few years and only minimal profits before that, hence the rather antiquated fleet that they now operate.
It really does highlight that whilst people rightly laud Reading, Lothian and Nottingham, the majority of council owned fleets are (and have been for a while - see Rosso, Islwyn, Chester) been massively under-resourced.
I believe that Halton ceases operation tonight.
Did this come about by people drawing conclusions from the date of the hearing, that being 19th February (not January)?
Story has made the Liverpool Echo nowhttps://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/new...w4aj6pJE9Isc3ClAeO_TP1rozFOseNz0BGRSrdLSpmouM
Future of vital bus service in question after losses mount
Halton Transport lost almost £620,000 last year and the council might not be able to bail it out again