Ulsterbus and Belfast merger snag
Page 25
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• A last-minute hitch in plans to absorb the 350-vehicle Belfast Corporation fleet into that of Ulsterbus Ltd has meant that the two fleets will continue to retain separate identity for the time being.
The Northern Ireland Transport Holding Co Ltd took over the Belfast fleet at the beginning of the month and planned to merge it with Ulsterbus. But managementunion negotiations broke down and the two fleets will stay separate. The Belfast fleet is now run by a newly formed N1THC subsidiary, Citybus Ltd. Its managing director is Mr Walter Heubeck, who remains md at Ulsterbus.
Mr Heubeck told CM this week that he had no idea when negotiations might resume. "They were left in such a state that they could be restarted," he said, "but no date has been fixed."
Ulsterbus this week announced an order for 100 Bedford YRQ chassis and 25 YRT chassis, worth in total £400,000. Thought to be the largest-ever order for Bedford mid-engined chassis destined for bus work, the chassis will have 45 and 55-seat bodies built locally. Two chassis will be retained as spares.