Velvet bus ceases trading

[robertclark125]

Sadly yet another operator closes down, though unlike Pennine, this one at short notice. Velvet Buses from Hampshire, with their distinctive purple buses, ceased trading today.

http://velvetbus.co.uk/

No idea what routes they ran, and/or who has took the workings over.

 

[mancnq]

There's a full report on this at Southampton Bus Update.

They ran only one commercial route, the A between Southampton and Hedge End.

In addition to that, they ran some tendered routes for Southampton City Council, which Go Ahead's Bluestar are taking over at very short notice from tomorrow. There were also some Hampshire County Council contracts in Eastleigh, mainly for evening and Sunday journeys on routes that are run by Xelabus and Bluestar in the daytimes - as yet no provision appears to have been made for those.

 

[Titfield]

hmm

Velvet Bus were almost taken over or merged with Phil Blair's Xelabus operation a few months ago but this was called off at the last minute.

 

[455driver]

Hmm, merger/takeover by Xelabus doesnt happen, velvet cease trading shortly after and Xelabus instantly takes over most of the routes!
Smells a bit doesnt it!
But there are no friends in business.

 

[starrymarkb]

And Velvet are back under new owners (though no idea who)

 

[Robertj21a]

And Velvet are back under new owners (though no idea who)

Coaches Etc

 

[Qwerty133]

sounds dodgy, they'll be a 'full statement in due course'

 

[David57]

Been in that situation with the Bowens collapse, thoughts with the operating staff, hope it all works out.