SOMERSET County Council has stepped in for the second time this month to replace a series of school routes previously run by Nippybus, this time with less than 24 hours notice.

Nippybus suddenly ceased operations yesterday, just a few weeks after a number of servies in the Ilminster area were taken off the company after they failed to provide an adequate services.

Following the last minute announcement by Nippybus, SCC were given just 12 hours to find replacement bus routes for four schools.


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Earlier today, a spokesman for SCC said: “We are aware of the situation with Nippybus and are currently in talks with other operators to restore as much as we can as soon as we can.”

Now, the council has provided an updated comment.

The spokesman said: "The council was given no prior notice of a decision by Nippybus taken late yesterday (Sunday) to cease operating with immediate effect.

"Nippybus ran several school and public bus contracts as well as a number of demand responsive transport (DRT) services and private services.

"More than 300 students were affected across four schools this morning. Although the majority of services did run, some were delayed by up to an hour.

"With the support of other operators, council officers have managed to find replacement services for all of the routes for this afternoon and from tomorrow, and will be making permanent arrangements as soon as possible.

"Text messages were sent to parents to advise them of delays and alternative arrangements.

"A number of public bus services were also affected and council officers have been working with bus operators to find replacements.

"County tickets will continue to be valid on all replacement services."

Neil Bloomfield, the county and district councillor for Martock, was among the first to find out about the company's closure.

He said: "I was told by the partner of a bus driver yesterday evening.

"I have seen the message which was sent to drivers which was fairly unprofessional.

"I met with Syd Hardy at Nippybus just two weeks ago because I know they have had problems with employing drivers.

We were looking at setting up a bursary scheme to help train new drivers for Nippybus, and we had a meeting all set up for Thursday.

"I had heard rumours that the company was struggling but he assured me that everything was fine.

"I spoke with David Fothergill (leader of SCC) and a council officer last night. Nippy had four school routes and the council managed to cover three of them by 8am.

"Now we are looking at how we can encourage someone to take over the routes.

"The problem is Martock has a very proportion of non-drivers who rely on public transport.

"Right now we have a carer and a caree in the council building and they need to get to a hospital appointment.

"If we are being charitable then this is an extremely regrettable situation.

"I understand that Stagecoach has taken on a number of the drivers from Nippybus, because we have a national shortage of bus drivers so Stagecoach just looked to snap them up.

"Hopefully a commercial operator can be encouraged, and I think we need to be looking at at least some kind of short term subsidy.

"It is extremely regrettable. What really galls me is that I sat there for an hour and a half with him while he said it was all fine."

This afternoon, Cllr Bloomfield added: "I’ve just met with county officers who’ve done a cracking job.

"All school routes are now covered and an emergency timetable will be in place tomorrow which covers the N9 route from Martock to Yeovil.

"It’s hoped this will commence midday tomorrow and be an hourly service provided by First."