Amid uncertainty over continuing services, Shire Hall has said that London-based bus operator Transpora Group, who operate bus services for authorities across the UK, including some within Gloucestershire, have declared bankruptcy.

Transpora declared an end to business on Monday, leaving some bus routes in peril – including the number 60 service that cover Dursley, Wotton-under-Edge and Thornbury, in South Gloucestershire.

However, Gloucestershire County Council has today announced the appointment of Stagecoach to pick up the route on an emergency provision basis until August 31, when "a full procurement will take place".

Cllr Philip Robinson, GCC cabinet member whose portfolio includes buses, said: "It's a shame to see any business cease trading but our priority here has been to secure the service for our passengers and I'm pleased to see that we've been able to do this successfully with no gap in service."

Back in February, Transpora revealed it had stepped in to save the route as part of a longstanding partnership with Shire Hall. The transport firm won an enhanced five-year partnership to take over the number 60 route from Dursley through Cam and Wotton-under-Edge to Thornbury in South Gloucestershire, running every two hours Monday to Saturday.

Simon Newport, Head of Commercial at Transpora Group, said at the time: "We see this is an opportunity to develop a network of routes in partnership with Gloucestershire and South Gloucester Councils across this area."

While there has been no statement from Transpora and all Bristol operations are now shuttered, a source in the sector told Punchline-Gloucester.com: "It has been brutal for operators given the upward pressure of fuel costs and the wage increases. 

"Add to that the way that the culture has changed, with more physical threats to drivers than ever known before, and it is an uphill challenge - with new targets to meet on sustainable travel as well."

Unite reports that 82% of UK bus drivers reported violence last year, while logistic headaches for recruitment and shift provision have also increased, with recent research by Loughborough University suggesting one in six fatigued London bus drivers had reported falling asleep at the wheel within the previous year.

Transport deals, however, may be like buses in the context of what Wotton and Dursley will now get. Punchline-Gloucester.com understands that a third interest, Brighton-based operator The Big Lemon, a CIC with laudable aims for net zero, may also be in the frame for adopting the route alongside existing commitments it already has with the circular 84 and 85 route operating between Wotton-under-Edge and Yate.

In a late reprieve last June, The Big Lemon stepped in to save the 84 and 85 route after South Gloucestershire Council planned to axe it .

General Manager Colin Morris today confirmed today that the company, which has an extensive operation in Bristol, hopes to engage with the procurement plan at Shire Hall for the 60 service after August 31.

Mr Morris said: "We did step in to take on the 60 service temporarily over the weekend when Transpora stopped operating and we have provided roles for some of their former drivers. We note that the emergency tender was picked up by Stagecoach and is valid until the end of August - and we will probably throw our hat in for the future provision."

Punchline has been unable to contact Transpora for comment.