Centrebus subsidiary D&G Bus has wasted no time in signalling an intention to grow its network in Cheshire after Arriva North West announced proposals to close depots there at Macclesfield and Winsford.
D&G has registered what it says are replacements for Arriva’s 31, 37 and 84 services that currently operate from Winsford. Those routes are centred on Crewe, where D&G already has a depot. Commercial Director David Brookes adds that the operator intends “to step in and cover as much of the Arriva network as we can.” D&G already competes with Arriva North West on the Crewe to Macclesfield axis.
Mr Brookes adds that while other services currently operated by Arriva from Macclesfield and Winsford have not yet been registered by D&G Bus, it “will be speaking to local council officers to see what else we can do to help.”
He continues: “We can’t guarantee that we can cover all the Arriva routes, but we will make every effort to keep local buses moving in the area.” D&G is now seeking both drivers and engineers to resource the new services, for which it will soon hold recruitment events.
In addition to its Crewe depot and headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent, D&G has smaller premises near Northwich. Its existing presence in Cheshire has been built via a combination of contract wins and commercial services taken up from other operators and it already covers many areas served by Arriva from the under-threat depots.
Arriva North West announced the proposed closure of Macclesfield and Winsford depots on 27 February. It is currently consulting with employees, but staff at both locations have been told that the likely final day of operation will be 22 April.
