Bus passengers have faced a difficult morning commute after the shock closure of a local bus company.
Sherburn-based Utopia Coaches went into liquidation as of 00:01 this morning leaving a string of Selby villages without local bus services.
The announcement was made via a post to the company's twitter account. Customers have been advised to get in touch for liquidator information.
Utopia had operated a number of routes, connecting York and Selby with a variety of villages across the western half of the Selby District.
Some of the company's services were operated under contract to North Yorkshire County Council. These were predominantly local services and school routes.
An NYCC statement said the authority reads as follows:
The County Council is looking at the network of services and what action it can take to minimise disruption to passengers. Several local transport providers have contacted the Council to offer their assistance and we will work with them to try to fill the gaps left in the transport network in the most appropriate way that resources permit.
Pupils entitled to free home to school transport will not be disrupted by the changes and arrangements with new contractors will be put in place for the start of the new school term in September.
In lieu of other services being available in the short term, the following organisations may be able to assist passengers needing to get to urgent medical appointments or essential local amenities:
Selby District Community Transport: 01757 708036
Tadcaster Volunteer Cars & Services: 01937 835600
County Councillor Don Mackenzie, North Yorkshire’s Executive Member for Passenger Transport, added, “The withdrawal of these services by Utopia Coaches came out of the blue. We are working hard to determine the most appropriate course of action and secure continuity of an appropriate level of service for passengers.”
Utopia has been approached for comment.
As from 00.01 hrs Wednesday 23rd August, Utopia Coaches will cease trading. No services will operate again from this time.
— Utopia Coaches (@utopia_coaches) August 22, 2017
We have as of 00:01 ceased trading - customers are advised to contact Richard on +44 7764 470569 for liquidator information
— Utopia Coaches (@utopia_coaches) August 23, 2017
Routes affected:
| Line | Route |
| 8 | Selby to Drax |
| 37 | Tadcaster to York |
| 420 | Selby to York (via Cawood, Wistow) |
| 422 | Pontefract to York |
| 424 | Selby to Stockbridge |
| 492 | Pontefract to Tadcaster |
| 493 | Pontefract to Tadcaster |
| 494 | South Milford to Tadcaster |
