Jim Stones Bus Company in Leigh was nominated by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) in the Service category.

Jim Stones is a small family owned bus company, not a limited liability company, providing local bus services in Leigh and Atherton. It operates 12 wheelchair accessible buses plus 4 school buses. Buses are impeccably clean and in good condition.  Without knowledge of the Swedish Service Route concept, Jim Stones has identified the features of Service Routes that make them convenient for elderly and disabled people (routes through housing areas to reduce walking distances, hail stop, accessible vehicles, ample time to board and find a seat, drivers who will leave seat to help passengers). It operates a very efficient and commercially successful company, kept small to retain personal touch.  Modern vehicles replaced after about 4 years, stable well-paid staff with a waiting list of experienced drivers wanting to join, stable route structure, excellent reliability and timekeeping. Well planned strategy of depot location, reserve vehicle and flexible use of vehicles on different routes to ensure reliability.

Jim Stones is an exemplary operation in terms of identifying and providing what passengers require, while also being commercially successful. This good practice deserves to be widely recognised and copied throughout the industry. 

GMPTE’s Service Delivery Director, Denise Lennox, praised the company’s achievements: “Jim Stones has provided a perfect example of how a bus company should be run. The company provides a lifeline for people who would otherwise find it difficult to get out and about.

“Many of the services introduced by Jim Stones Coaches run along new routes which come away from the main roads and as near to where passengers live as possible. Although GMPTE subsidises thirty percent of the company’s services, many of its commercially operated journeys also meet an essential community need.

“I am sure that many of the bigger bus companies could learn lessons from Jim Stones Coaches.”

Jim Stones, Company Partner at Jim Stones Coaches, said: “I’m delighted we’ve received this commendation from the Institution of Highways & Transportation. We’ve come a long way since my wife Joan and I set up the company in 1968, operating with just one 41-seater coach.

“Today, we have a fleet of twelve modern buses which are all easily accessible for disabled people. I’m pleased that our achievements have been recognised in this way.”

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