Stagecoach will take over the 141-bus route following an extensive procurement exercise run by Nottinghamshire County Council to find a new operator for the service.
The search by the council for a new operator began in July when Trent Barton announced it would be withdrawing from the 141 service.
The new 141 Stagecoach bus service will start on Monday 5 September, following the same route from Sutton to Nottingham, via Mansfield and Hucknall, and at the exact timings.
The current Trent Barton operation will continue to run until Saturday 3 September, resulting in no loss of service for passengers.
Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, the council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said it was “fantastic news” that the “vital” 141 bus will continue to provide the same service.
“It is fantastic news the council has been able to continue the vital 141 bus service – without any interruptions – following our successful search for a new operator.
“We made it clear to residents that we would work around the clock to secure a new company to run the bus, and we’ve delivered on our word.
“We want even more people to use their local buses, leaving the car at home, as it is good for the environment and will help keep this bus service and others across Nottinghamshire running in the future.” he said.
Councillor Clarke added: “We realise how important this service is for local communities and businesses in north and central Nottinghamshire, essential for shopping, working, and seeing friends and loved ones.
“I’m pleased Stagecoach has been chosen as the operator, and I look forward to working with the company to deliver an excellent 141 bus service.”
The agreement between the county council and stagecoach will initially last twelve months, with an option to extend for a further year after this period.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny said:
“Communities from Sutton to Nottingham including 12 towns villages and estates including Blidworth, Carsic, Hucknall, Newstead, Rainworth and Stanton Hill will be delighted at this news. I wrote to senior Stagecoach bosses as soon as it became apparent that Trent Barton had no wish to continue running this vital service. I am pleased that Stagecoach have responded so positively to my request. I’d also like to thank close to 4000 residents who signed my petition to keep the vital 141 bus running. This is brilliant news and a victory for people power.”
Stanton Hill Councillor Helen-Ann Smith who represents Stanton Hill on Ashfield District Council said:
“This is excellent news for Stanton Hill in particular. Our area was faced with losing its only bus service which would have devastated the area. Stanton Hill has low car ownership and people would have struggled to keep appointments at Kings Mill Hospital. This is wonderful news and I hope Stagecoach provide a more reliable service than Trent Barton ever did.”
