A MAJOR bus company has confirmed it will take over the Coorong Coaches bus service Mallee runs from next week under a deal brokered by the State Government on Tuesday.

Transport Minister Patrick Conlon said agreement had been reached with Australian Transit Enterprises this week, following a break-down of tender negotiations with existing provider Coorong Coaches. The agreement covers three contract areas encompassing the Coorong, Karoonda East Mallee and Southern Mallee.

The contract provides for the same services as are already being offered, with the exception of a service from Karoonda to Berri via Loxton, which will no longer operate due to low patronage.

ATE is a highly-regarded bus company, which operates the Southlink in the Adelaide metropolitan area and part-owns TransitPlus in the Adelaide Hills.

“The State Government has always had a clear commitment to the continuation of these important services and I am pleased these arrangements have been made,” Minster Conlon said.

“The DTEI had hoped to continue contracts with Coorong Coaches but unfortunately no agreement could be reached.”

The contract means parents have certainty for the travel of their children for the rest of the school year.

It is understood ATE is presently in discussion with Coorong Coaches with regard to purchasing buses and employing drivers with the transition made on Monday, June 30.