Job offers have been made to hundreds of workers affected by a West Yorkshire based bus and coach company entering administration.

CT Plus Yorkshire, run by the HCT Group, will stop services from 5pm on Friday, August 5.

It follows a period of financial difficulties for the company, which blamed pre-pandemic struggles, Covid-19 lockdowns and rising fuel and living costs.

It said unsustainable commercial losses meant there was no alternative other than the immediate closure of CT Plus Yorkshire.

Lynn McClelland, HCT Group Chief Executive, said: "This is a very sad day for us all at HCT Group.

“Everyone at CT Plus Yorkshire – and across the wider HCT Group – has worked tirelessly to put the operations in Yorkshire on a sustainable footing, but there is nothing further to be done.

“We are still hoping that WYCA can identify new operators for our services, which will protect services for the public and secure jobs for our colleagues."

Ms McClelland added: “It has been our pleasure and privilege to serve the people of West Yorkshire, operating services since 2006, and an honour to work with such a dedicated team.

“I am saddened for those colleagues whose livelihoods are affected and for the passengers who rely on us. I am deeply sorry this is the outcome we face."

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, referenced the company’s hardships amid calls for increased funding from the Government.

“My fear is that this is only the start,” the Mayor said.

“Bus patronage hasn’t risen as quickly as we’d like after the pandemic, which is why I and others have been calling on Government to extend its Bus Recovery Grant beyond October.

“Smaller operators need that support to help them through this difficult time, they don’t have multi-national parent companies to fall back on."

Ms Brabin added: "We have put measures in place to maintain the AccessBus services.

"We’re now working to find replacement operators for the remaining services, but it is inevitable that some passengers will be inconvenienced.”

Transdev – which runs The Keighley Bus Company – has invited any affected drivers to apply for roles at its nearby depots in in Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford, Keighley, and Harrogate.

It is offering a £1,000 welcome bonus to qualified bus drivers as well as free travel on most buses across the North, discounts on shopping and fitness and other health benefits.

Transdev CEO Alex Hornby said: “Along with other local operators, we are discussing the current situation with colleagues at West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

“We would welcome a conversation with any colleagues looking for future employment.”

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