Jim Stones Coaches was a bus operator that operated a number of commercial and supported routes on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester in Leigh, Greater Manchester. The main hub was located in Leigh bus Station.
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 Alexander Dennis Enviro200 at Leigh bus station in July 2011 | |
| Parent | Jim Stones |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1968 |
| Defunct | 18 April 2020 |
| Headquarters | Leigh |
| Service area | Greater Manchester |
| Service type | Bus services |
| Routes | 11 (January 2020) |
| Hubs | Leigh bus station |
| Depots | 1 |
| Fleet | 9 (January 2020) |
| Website | www.jimstonescoaches.com |
History edit
Jim Stones Coaches was established in 1968 as a charter operator. Upon the bus deregulation in October 1986 the company started bus operations with two routes, 596 from Leigh to Landside and 599 from Leigh to Higher Folds. The company expanded operations by filling the bus network where the larger incumbent operator GM Buses retracted services, as well as winning school and tendered contract services from Transport for Greater Manchester.[1] In January 2020, Jim Stones announced his intention to retire with operations ceasing on 18 April 2020.[2][3][4] Diamond North West, Vision Bus and Warrington's Own Buses took over the services.[5]
Services edit
As of January 2020, nine routes and two school bus services were operated.[6][7]
Fleet edit
As of January 2020, the fleet consisted of eight Alexander Dennis Enviro200s and one heritage Leyland-DAB Tiger Cub.[8] Fleet livery was a white upper body separated by light blue stripes from much darker blue lower panels.
References edit
- ^ Company History Jim Stones Coaches
- ^ Jim Stones Coaches plan to retire and sell company Leigh Journal 21 January 2020
- ^ Jim Stones Coaches to end operations if buyer not found Coach & Bus Week issue 1429 28 January 2020 page 7
- ^ Jim Stones Coaches routes set to be run by different operators Leigh Journal 10 March 2020
- ^ Warrington and Diamond fill void left by Jim Stones Buses issue 782 May 2020 page 12
- ^ Normal Services Jim Stones Coaches
- ^ School Services Jim Stones Coaches
- ^ Fleet List Jim Stones Coaches
External links edit
Media related to Jim Stones Coaches at Wikimedia Commons