Wirral's Avon Buses cease trading

Company directors revealed the decision on Friday, October 5 after 35 years of serving the community.

Avon was in charge of running key services across the borough including the 88, 10A, 17A, 22 and 145.

Directors have cited the cost in running bus services in Merseyside and Merseytravel's introduction of the MyTicket as the reason for the closure.

Avon boss George Lewis told the Globe: "It is with great regret that we have to inform you that after 35 years serving the local community, Avon Buses will cease operations on Friday, October 5, 2018.

"It has been the case for some time, that the cost of running services has been far in excess of the revenues that we receive and while ever effort has been made to cut costs and improve ticket sales it has become obvious tat the situation is unsustainable.

"We have been subject to significant increase in fuel costs that show no prospect of reducing and a very large increase in insurance premiums caused by the 'claims culture' that currently exists nationally.

"On their own these factors would be difficult to manage but the main problem with revenue has been the introduction by Merseytravel of a product called MyTicket.

"This was introduced in September 2014 as an affordable day ticket for young people up to the age of 16 years.

"Again, this was done without any consultation with this company. There is still no need to show proof of age, and we continue to believe that this ticket is open to serious abuse.

"Prior to the introduction of MyTicket, 80% of all cash ticket sales were to adults. The remaining 20% were to young people.

"In the year 2017 to 2018 adult ticket sales had reduced to 37% with young people's tickets at 9%. The remaining 54% of tickets were MyTickets.

"As MyTicket is essentially a discounted half fare, a substantial part of our revenue from adult tickets has been halved and this has had a massive negative effect on our revenues. As our passenger numbers fall well short of those experience by the larger bus companies we have been unable to absorb these losses.

"It is disappointing to note that the Metro Mayor has announced his intention to introduce discounted 'Apprentice Tickets' up to the age of 24 years without first consulting independent bus companies.

"As we understand it, there is an expectation that the bus operator will pick up the cost of subsiding this ticket.

"We have advised Merseytravel on numerous occasions that this is not a sustainable situation and their response has been unsympathetic.

"They suggest that the increase in MyTicket sales shows a growth in young people travelling by bus.

"The reality is that the increase is merely abstracting from the number of adult passengers using the bus.

"To ensure that we continue to accept this ticket Merseytravel have included MyTicket into the pre-paid ticket scheme. This means that to refuse to accept MyTicket would mean that we would have to withdraw from the scheme entirely. We could not accept Solo, Trio or Saveaway products.

"It would be impossible to operate in these circumstances.

"We would also like to apologise to our loyal passengers, many of whom will be adversely affected by this closure."

Stagecoach has revealed that it will be taking over the number 22 Avon service which serves Chester, Neston, Heswall, West Kirby and Arrowe Park.

Leader of the Wirral Liberal Democrat Group and Eastham ward Cllr Phil Gilchrist told the Globe: "This is a bitter blow to people in my community.

"The company provided a valuable link to the retail park and Clatterbridge hospital.

"I was aware of some recruitment problems but the staff were friendly and helpful.

"This throws into stark relief the need for transport to hospital. When local walk in services are under threat and the replacement service up in the air transport is a major issue.

"No ifs or buts, Merseytravel must fill the gaps for those affected across Wirral."

It is believed that Arriva will also provide support in covering some of Avon's services.

A Merseytravel spokeswoman said: “We have received notification from the operator, Avon Bus Ltd, that they have made a commercial decision to cease operating.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience this decision by Avon Bus Ltd will cause customers and are advising them to make alternative travel arrangements whilst we focus on assessing current service provision.

“Customers are advised to look for alternative bus services by checking the Merseytravel and other bus operator’s websites plus they can also use the Merseytravel Journey Planner.

"We can confirm Arriva are presently providing some support in covering some of Avon’s services.”