Adam Toms
·4-min read
A London bus operator has pulled out, leaving the future of its eight routes in the city uncertain. Sullivan Buses said in a statement yesterday (Friday, August 2) that, following a meeting with TfL, it had 'reluctantly decided to withdraw' from its contracts.
The firm added that TfL is 'working to restore services as quickly as possible'. Reports online suggested that TfL are in 'emergency out of hours talks' with all other bus companies across London to try and take on the routes. These are the 217, 298, 299, 327, 389, 399, 549 and W9.
As of 9.50am on Saturday morning, officials were advising customers that they 'may be subject to journey cancellations'. Go-Ahead announced this morning that, at TfL's request, it has started operating Route 299 (co*ckfosters to Muswell Hill) from its Northumberland Park garage. But this will initially be running at 'around 70 per cent' of the usual timetable.
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The company added: "Pressures on TfL's funding have clearly had a direct impact on our decision. Unfortunately, the remuneration for providing TfL's services has not kept pace with the increasing costs of service delivery. In addition, financial penalties as a result of an increase in traffic congestion post Covid has further impacted on the viability of our TfL contracts.
"At Sullivan Buses we have a number of contracts due to expire early next year. Under normal circ*mstances larger businesses would continue to renew contracts throughout the year. Therefore, the increased rates on new services would help to mitigate against any losses experienced on expiring contracts. Nonetheless despite tendering for numerous services, Sullivan Buses has not been successful in renewing our contracts. TfL have also failed to provide us with any meaningful feedback on tenders submitted."
TfL 'owed operator more than £130,000'
The firm also claimed: "In June we met with TfL representatives to discuss this and other issues the business was facing. TfL told us that they struggled to incorporate small businesses such as ours within their corporate model. Sullivan Buses is the only small business (SME) operating bus services for TfL in London. At that meeting we were unable to agree a way forward. The meeting ended with TfL requesting a date for our business to hand back all contracts.
"At the time of the meeting in June, TfL owed our business over £130,000. This is a considerable sum of money for a small business and the lack of these funds have undoubtedly impacted upon our ability to deliver the contracted services. Although the matter was resolved shortly afterwards, but not before TfL asked if they could 'repay in instalments'.
"Coupled with delays in payments by TfL, we have decided that we can no longer sustain the further cuts necessary to meet the decreasing income received from TfL. Any inevitable reduction in funding will lead to a further decline in performance and this is not something we are willing to support.
"During our discussion today we have offered TfL a solution that would alleviate travel disruption for many thousands of bus users. TfL have assured us they will be working to restore services as quickly as possible.
"Our commercial operations in Hertfordshire are unaffected and will continue to operate as normal. Furthermore, we look forward to once again developing our work outside of the capital."
Andrew Edwards, Go-Ahead London's Operations Director said: “A big thank you to so many colleagues for going above and beyond to ensure continuity of service. We are initially running around 70 per cent of the [299] timetable and intend to increase that to 100 per cent over the coming days, as more drivers and buses become available. In the meantime, we ask passengers to please work with us.”
Last night, TfL said on X: "Due to an operator ceasing bus operations in London, the following routes will be affected 217, 298, 299, 327, 389, 399, 549, W9. Plan ahead and check before you travel." In response to queries from the public, the authority said: "This is an ongoing situation, Transport for London will be issuing a statement soon"
Rosie Trew, TfL’s Head of Bus Service Delivery, told MyLondon: “We’re sorry for any disruption caused to people’s journeys due to the withdrawal of the bus operator, Sullivan Buses. We are working hard to provide alternative travel options for people in the north London area with eight bus routes affected. We encourage those who are affected to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and check before they travel using our website or the TfL Go app.”
What is the service like on the routes mentioned above? Please email adam.toms@reachplc.com if you have used one today.
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