HALTON Borough Council has worked with bus operators to ensure that all services previously provided by Halton Transport are now covered.

The bus company went into liquidation on Friday after racking up hundreds of thousands of pounds in losses.

A council spokesperson said that while there have been a small number of timetable changes, the vast majority of regular bus users will see no changes to services.

The full list of replacement services in operation is as follows:

  • 17 – Arriva operating on a half hourly basis between Widnes and St Helens (previously operated on a 20-minute frequency)
  • 61 – Arriva operating on a half hourly basis from Runcorn and Widnes to Queens Drive via Whiston (previously operated into Liverpool)
  • 62 – Arriva operating half hourly from Murdishaw to Halebank (no longer a service provided on Sundays)
  • 62/62A – Warrington Transport operating hourly from Warrington to Halebank (no longer a service provided on Sundays)
  • 26 – Ashcroft Travel operating to existing timetable (Widnes circular)
  • 27 – Ashcroft Travel operating to existing timetable West Bank through Widnes
  • 20/20A – Warrington Transport operating to existing timetable (evening and Sunday contracted service around Runcorn)
  • 3D – Warrington Transport operating to existing timetable (contracted service around Runcorn)
  • 200 – Arriva operating to existing timetable (contracted service from Runcorn Station/High Street to Runcorn employment sites)
  • 10 – Ashcroft Travel operating to existing timetable (Cronton to Widnes Secondary Schools)
  • J53 – Ashcroft Travel operating to existing timetable (Weston to The Heath High School)
  • 38 – Ashcroft Travel operating to existing timetable (Hale/Halebank to Widnes Secondary Schools)
  • J23 – Ashcroft Travel operating to existing timetable (Murdishaw/Beechwood to The Heath High School)

Arriva has taken on the majority with Warrington Transport taking on Riverside College routes and the 62 into Warrington and most school services have been covered by Ashcroft Travel.

Additionally, Arriva have continued the 14A service from Murdishaw to Hough Green. This will not extend into Liverpool, however the Liverpool section of route is covered by Arriva's 79C.

Merseytravel have taken over 35 school routes.

Commenting on the arrangements a Council spokesperson said: "While it is regretful that Halton Transport has ceased trading, the Council's priority is to ensure our community are able go about their daily lives with minimum disruption.

"Council staff have worked around the clock, in difficult circumstances, to put in place alternative bus services for the travelling public.

"This has been extremely challenging and it is an absolute credit to them that there has been minimal disruption to services this morning [Monday].

"I'm sure regular bus users will join me in thanking them for their efforts."

Members of the public who are planning a journey can contact the Council's Neighbourhood Travel Team on 0800 1953 173 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm).

Updated bus timetables are also available at www.halton.gov.uk.