WHEN Manchester Community Transport (MCT) collapsed it left drivers and passengers stranded.
Drivers at Maytree Travel were told to return to their depot at Smethurst Lane where they were informed that the firm had gone into liquidation and they had lost their jobs.
The collapse threw bus routes — including school bus services — into chaos, with more than 40 routes axed.
The majority of these routes are now up and running once again, with many of the drivers  working for other bus firms across Greater Manchester, Bolton News reporter DALE HASLAM takes a look at what led to the collapse.

TRANSPORT chiefs have been praised for getting buses back on the road after a firm’s dramatic collapse.

On April 4, Maytree Travel went out of business due to problems insuring vehicles.

Internal documents obtained by The Bolton News under The Freedom of Information Act show how dozens of officials worked round the clock to get buses back on the road as passengers were left stranded over the Easter break.

Transport for Greater Manchester staff were awarded emergency tenders for more than 40 Maytree Bolton routes so other companies could start running them.

They also had to arrange for seven school buses to be in place for April 8 and manage a widespread media campaign to inform passengers about service changes.

As the first services trundled back into action, Bolton Cllr Paul Wild emailed TfGM’s communications and customer services director Susan Wildman.

He wrote: “I have to say that you have reacted extremely quickly to what is a very difficult situation.

“Well done to you and all the staff for your efficient and prompt response.”

The Bolton News invited Maytree’s parent company, Manchester Community Transport to comment but received no reply.

A statement released on behalf of MCT read: “Maytree Travel was acquired by MCT, a not-for-profit organisation, on February 28, 2013.

“The business had traded without incident following this acquisition until the insurance renewal quotations were obtained in early March.

“The directors were advised as a result of the company’s claims history, insurance premiums had been increased threefold and would provide only third-party coverage which, for contractual reasons, the company was unable to operate under.

“The directors spent a considerable amount of time negotiating with the insurers to attempt to obtain alternative quotations.

“The opportunity to transfer the services into MCT was considered but it was identified that the risk profile of Maytree’s operation would have placed MCT’s insurance in the same situation, making this option untenable.

“As such, for the business to continue an external purchaser would need to be obtained.

“This resulted in a formal conditional offer being received, which would have secured continuity of services and also a transfer of the existing employees.

“The proposed purchaser again visited site on April 3 and spoke with TfGM in relation to the proposed transfer.

“However, an email was received on April 3 (advised) they no longer wished to proceed. No specific reason was given.

“With the imminent termination of insurance and as there was no other interest in the business or funds to meet the employees’ wages which were due to be paid on April 5, the directors had no alternative other than to make the very difficult decision to cease to trade.”

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