Pearces seeks to further strengthen legacy of public transport stalwart

Pearces Coaches is seeking to further strengthen the legacy of a public transport stalwart who recently passed away.

Mike Ward, the founding member of Going Forward Buses CIC, passed away peacefully at the Royal Berkshire Hospital on Wednesday 13th May following a sudden and unexpected illness.

Going Forward runs a school service between Woodcote, Goring and the Downs School in Compton, Berkshire, which parallels the route of Pearces’ DS1 service. For the current academic year, Going Forward carried the excess number of school pupils who Pearces couldn’t accommodate due to limitations on vehicle sizes on the route caused by the road sizes in the area.

Pearces, a sister company of Oxford Bus Company, is currently taking bookings for a proposed ‘DS2’ service for the 2026/27 academic year, and if at least 38 pupils are signed up to use it, will operate the extra service.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Pearces Coaches, said: “Mike’s passing came as incredibly sad news to the team at Pearces, and on behalf of the company, I would like to express my condolences to Mike’s family, friends and colleagues.

“We worked closely with Mike over many years in South Oxfordshire. He was an avid supporter of public transport and earned huge admiration and respect for his contribution to the community.

“His outstanding commitment and vision serving the community ensured Going Forward remains a much-loved institution locally.

“Through the various services which Going Forward operates, Mike leaves an incredible legacy and one which we want to help enhance where we can.

“It would be fantastic to get the DS2 service up and running for the next academic year, along with the 134 service operated by our sister company Thames Travel.

“We took over the 134 route from Going Forward in September, and we’re delighted that it is going from strength to strength, building on the foundations laid down by Mike and the team at Going Forward.”

Chris Moody of Going Forward Buses said: “Mike’s vision, dedication, and commitment to serving the community were at the heart of Going Forward Buses CIC from the very beginning. He will be greatly missed by staff, volunteers, passengers, and all who knew him.

“Mike would be delighted to know that the bus services he helped establish are continuing as business as usual, with new director roles being undertaken by existing members of staff and volunteers who are committed to carrying his vision forward.”

Pearces and Going Forward are both encouraging people to book on for the DS2 service. If the required number of tickets are not sold, Pearces will refund all deposits taken for the second bus and just run the first bus, which has already sold out for the next academic year.