Arriva to take over services

Mar 14 2008 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

BUS firm Arriva is set to take over services operated in Huddersfield by rival Stagecoach.

Arriva has lodged an application with the Government’s Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to use Stagecoach’s depot at Wakefield Road, Waterloo, as an operating centre for 35 vehicles.

The application is made in the name of Arriva Southern Ltd, based in Maidstone, Kent, trading as The Huddersfield Bus Company.

VOSA provides a range of licensing, testing and enforcement services ensure operators meet standards for roadworthiness and driving standards.

Stagecoach and Arriva will also have to de-register and re-register the routes with the independent Traffic Commissioners.

Both companies confirmed last week they are in talks about Arriva buying the Waterloo depot and taking over Stagecoach services covering areas including Lepton, Kirkburton, Shepley, Clayton West and Upper Cumberworth.

Parish councillors and community groups said they’d been kept in the dark about plans when they met Stagecoach last month.

Stagecoach took over the routes when it acquired bus operator Yorkshire Traction as part of a £26m deal in 2005.