A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTORS
It has been a great honour to initiate and run the 411 and 418 bus services for the last few years. However, First and Last Mile MUST inform you that from September it is likely that another bus company will be running these services.
Our services have always been financially supported by Oxfordshire County Council, but the current subsidy runs out at the end of August and in view of the increasing costs, the service must go out to competitive tender.
First and Last Mile was set up with a view to building up the service to the point where a commercial bus company could take over with financial support. The numbers on our school service continue to increase and have reached the point where either extra minibuses, or larger vehicles (which by law we cannot have) are needed for the service.
You can be reassured that services will continue as normal till the end of August. If a new operator then takes over, we will offer every assistance to ensure a smooth handover. If not, First and Last Mile will possibly look to continue in the short term, if both OCC and FLM consider this is the best option going forward.
First and Last Mile was established to fill the gap in local services and to demonstrate that it was possible to reestablish rural bus services. We never expected the school service would become so popular. So much that it has outgrown what FLM is capable of sustaining in the long term with the company in its current form. There comes a time to hand over the baton.
Thank you to all those who have supported us and our hardworking team.
David Miles & Andy Swarbrick
Directors
First and Last Mile
Some of our customers have kindly commented on our possible closure.
Thank you for the service you have provided. It is so impressive and altruistic of you all. I cannot thank you enough.
Thanks for everything you`ve been doing and long may it continue under a future guise!
Thank you to you and all those involved with taking the children to school. It`s been a god send. I will admit I`m worried for what comes next. Hopefully it will all fall into place.
Oh dear guys xx I pray someone will think of us all who use the bus and don`t drive. This is a tremendous service. Thank you for giving your time to make this a fantastic service. And I hope they will take our needs seriously. Love you all.
Thank you for all you have done. It`s amazing. Do hope there is someone to take it forward.
Wonderful service. I wish you all of you the best for the future.
I cannot thank you and the team enough for all the hard work and dedication and support, even going the extra mile to help customers in their commutes to and fro.
Whatever happens, thank you & well done to you all.
Thank you for letting us know. That is a real shame that we will be losing your great service.
Thank you for all you`ve done, best wishes for the future.
Thank you.
What a shame. I enjoyed having the 411 and having a banter with you all. I will miss it. Thank you for all your kindness and wish you all the best for the future.
A big Thank you to everyone for a fantastic service, reliable and friendly. You made such a difference to my summers at Bablock Hythe.
Thanks for a wonderful reliable service over the last few years. You will be missed, and a hard act to follow. I hope the next service providers continue to think of those who need to travel between school hours too!
Thank you for the excellent service you are providing. I know this is an important service for many in the community as well as the school children. I hope that when it is put to tender the new operator is required to maintain the level of service.
You came along just when we needed you and are a fantastic service! Not only transporting the children but you couldn't be kinder or more reassuring on their first days and when they forget things!! I really hope the service can continue and those currently using you will be given priority for a space.
We can't thank you enough. You're amazing.
You are all utterly brilliant and thank you for all you`ve done, and continue to do re: school run. Fingers crossed the service will continue, as I'm not sure what we will do without it. Thanks again.
This is very sad news! Thank you for your excellent service.
Thank you for everything you've done. You've made such a difference to so many people.
