Just been reading this article online about a new company in Staffordshire. I hope it goes well for the guy.
http://m.staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk/rugeley-man-hopes-to-set-up-new-bus-company/story-29647720-detail/story.html
Wonder if the livery will be that of the former chase
bus service
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1579956052301050&set=p.1579956052301050&type=3&theater
;
Very Smart do you know if they might operate to Wolverhampton
Is this serious "cityfox'
Just looking again What are kidding I mean unless it is an ex Cityfox bus perhaps it would make scenes but otherwise your kidding.
Quote from: BusFan94 on August 25, 2016, 05:40:51 PM
Just looking again What are kidding I mean unless it is an ex Cityfox bus perhaps it would make scenes but otherwise your kidding.
CityFox is some fictional bus company based in Bristol...
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=3284.0
@Steveminor , If they do manage to run a service, Chase Bus and its manager may well be quite well liked to passengers but it is the viability of the idea which I am questioning over.
I don't think that £70,000 is enough as I always thought that you had to have £100,000 of spare cash lying about. I may be wrong though...
Quote from: Steveminor on August 25, 2016, 04:51:04 PM
Is this serious "cityfox'
Cityfox 'photoshop buses to/from the centre' - fantasy bus operations here to take your there..........
Phil Stockley is involved now, of course it's serious.
Who's Phil Stockley
Quote from: BusFan94 on August 25, 2016, 06:58:27 PM
Who's Phil Stockley
found this via Google http://www.route-one.net/articles/Careers/Phil_Stockley_moves_to_CityFox_Group
Is this Rhys Hand again?
Cityfox stafford lol
Getting back to topic, this venture is probably a lot more genuine than that of the so-called CityFox operation, so perhaps people should be a bit more supportive and less dismissive.
Having read some of the criticism levelled at Arriva in Cannock/Stafford, I'd think certain members of the forum would be more welcoming to any new potential bus operator in that area. I wish him the best of luck and hope it works out.
Now is not a good time to consider setting up a new bus company no matter how bad Arriva provisions are. The current climate favours the big bus groups, with smaller operators ceasing trading, finding it hard to make a profit & being expected to make fleet upgrades due to emission rulings / accessibility etc
The main concerns of this project ever getting off the ground are:
1. The guy has no money to put in & is looking for a business loan for the full amount
2. He currently works at Tesco suggesting he may not have any experience of running a bus company.
Quote from: Winston on August 25, 2016, 09:01:23 PM
Now is not a good time to consider setting up a new bus company no matter how bad Arriva provisions are. The current climate favours the big bus groups, with smaller operators ceasing trading, finding it hard to make a profit & being expected to make fleet upgrades due to emission rulings / accessibility etc
The main concerns of this project ever getting off the ground are:
1. The guy has no money to put in & is looking for a business loan for the full amount
2. He currently works at Tesco suggesting he may not have any experience of running a bus company.
Well that's not going to be very hopefull then, can't see a bank giving him a loan for 100% considering the current economic conditions, and can you see the TC letting him run routes, unless he can afford a Traffic Manager which he can't.
The person seems to want brand new buses according to their facebook page, which is unsurprisingly out of their price range.
https://www.facebook.com/chasebus/photos/pb.1107171386006675.-2207520000.1472155831./1121583627898784/?type=3&theater
That just confirms they haven't got a clue.... How many B8RLE's do the expect to buy with £70k?
Further down the thread it suggest they have possibly acquired 3 x B7L, I can only assume ex First as few operators bought them in quantity.
Quote from: Solo1 on August 25, 2016, 08:11:44 AM
Wonder if the livery will be that of the former chase
bus service
It certainly seems different
https://www.facebook.com/chasebus/photos/p.1121800101210470/1121800101210470/?type=3&theater
Quote from: Adam 404 on August 25, 2016, 09:11:03 PM
The person seems to want brand new buses according to their facebook page, which is unsurprisingly out of their price range.
https://www.facebook.com/chasebus/photos/pb.1107171386006675.-2207520000.1472155831./1121583627898784/?type=3&theater
There more recent post from August 16th says "We were possibly looking at a Scania Omnicity and either B7RLE's or Versa's"
and
"Unfortunately the eclipse 2 buses were too expensive for us to purchase outright, we would still like to get some though"
and August 12th
"Well we only needed a simple bus as a spare (Dennis Dart) we were looking at brand new buses for a while, then some Hybrid Versa's but we are currently in the process of purchasing a some of the recently bankrupt GHA Coaches buses"
Quote from: Winston on August 25, 2016, 09:13:43 PM
That just confirms they haven't got a clue.... How many B8RLE's do the expect to buy with £70k?
Suppose PN still have some Mercs in the car park :D :D :D :D
Hope it works out. But! The start up loan will get them absolutely nowhere, they're a new start in an area where Arriva are pretty terrible, granted, but they're not competing against one established route. Far better to start with 1 bus on a 30 min town centre circular, something like that then build up.
Also it goes against any common sense to announce plans before you register them. It basically gives your competition a headstart before you've turned a wheel in service or even registered the service
Enthusiastic but very naive
I can't believe what can get into a local rag sometimes. Was the Editor on annual leave?
Speaking of which, 2 pages of posts and still no Bob?
Quote from: andy41 on August 25, 2016, 10:39:30 PM
I can't believe what can get into a local rag sometimes. Was the Editor on annual leave?
Speaking of which, 2 pages of posts and still no Bob?
Noooooo.......don't curse us.......
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 25, 2016, 10:26:17 PM
Hope it works out. But! The start up loan will get them absolutely nowhere, they're a new start in an area where Arriva are pretty terrible, granted, but they're not competing against one established route. Far better to start with 1 bus on a 30 min town centre circular, something like that then build up.
Also it goes against any common sense to announce plans before you register them. It basically gives your competition a headstart before you've turned a wheel in service or even registered the service
Exactly, sounds like another KernowFox promising the earth & delivering nothing.
Is seems to be a Chase Enthusiast with lots of plans & ideas, but I'll be surprised if they ever come to frusison. They have already made some classic errors via Facebook & how many new start-ups do you see commence from day one with a new / nearly new fleet??? Even the big groups don't generally start new routes using their most expensive assets. They are also going to get stung for a high interest business loan compared to the current bank of England Base rate.
Green Bus ran Cannock-Telford I seem to recall.
I cannot see the need for a cannock to Telford route. Yes Green bus ran a service I think it was weekly.
Sounds like the person is not familiar with the industry it's not as simple as just sticking brand new buses on to a new rural route...
Why are we still discussing this is mean rays hands is discussing the reliability of a cityfox bus that Phil could buy & Phil appears to be intrested commenting on how reliable that bus was for cityfox. "OF COURSE IT WOULDN'T OF BROKEN DOWN FOR CITYFOX AS THEY NEVER RAN IT CAUSE LIKE THIS THE COMPANIES ARE SIMPLY FICTIONAL"
Quote from: Steveminor on August 26, 2016, 05:05:22 AM
Why are we still discussing this is mean rays hands is discussing the reliability of a cityfox bus that Phil could buy & Phil appears to be intrested commenting on how reliable that bus was for cityfox. "OF COURSE IT WOULDN'T OF BROKEN DOWN FOR CITYFOX AS THEY NEVER RAN IT CAUSE LIKE THIS THE COMPANIES ARE SIMPLY FICTIONAL"
it could work, things have changed, all the local towns have become more run down since Green Bus was around, Wolves, Cannock, Stafford etc. It has to be advertised properly for it to stand any chance, I do know a lot of people who do go to Telford, with Telford not being free to park anymore chase have said they want to charge resanable fares, but there has been a lot of failures lately, then again Select seem to be doing alright.
Has anyone seen this SF08RRO - the photo in the link I posted has a reflection of a Wheelers bus in it, so possibly taken in their yard.?
Quote from: mikestone on August 26, 2016, 11:39:23 AM
Has anyone seen this SF08RRO - the photo in the link I posted has a reflection of a Wheelers bus in it, so possibly taken in their yard.?
I personally have never seen it. When searching on Flickr for SF08RRO there is no photos of it in Cityfox colours which proves it is just a photoshop of it in the wheelers yard
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on August 26, 2016, 12:04:21 PM
I personally have never seen it. When searching on Flickr for SF08RRO there is no photos of it in Cityfox colours which proves it is just a photoshop of it in the wheelers yard
On this occasion SF08RRO has actually been painted in City Fox blue, never been in revenue earning service though. Just driven around Bristol
Quote from: Winston on August 26, 2016, 04:30:52 PM
On this occasion SF08RRO has actually been painted in City Fox blue, never been in revenue earning service though. Just driven around Bristol
Oh right. Not much point of it being in their livery then if it's never worked in revenue earning service.
From what I was told in the Arriva Telford travel shop a lot of potential customers do ask if there is a bus to Cannock. And the 5 to Stafford via Newport is well used so there is some hope it does help that the new service may apparently run via Albrigton and Penkridge the customer base is there especially more so at Christmas it just need to be tapped into. And before everyone has a go most successful bus company's would of had to take a similar risk to get off the ground. If no one took risks nothing would ever happen. Who knows Chase Bus could become the next Midland Classic and I remember when they started running routes a lot of people were saying at the time they wouldn't have a chance against Arriva.
They have a website.
http://chasebus.co.uk/
There is a lot of odd things there though...
"Explore Suffolk & Norfolk"
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. "
"From Sunday 24th July 2016 there will be major changes to our network, affecting services 7, 60H, 60S, 61, 82, 83, 84, 87, 88/X88, 88A, 90, BH272 and BH274. " - News Section
Jobs and routes links take you no where...
Quote from: Adam 404 on August 27, 2016, 08:42:23 PM
They have a website.
http://chasebus.co.uk/
There is a lot of odd things there though...
"Explore Suffolk & Norfolk"
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. "
"From Sunday 24th July 2016 there will be major changes to our network, affecting services 7, 60H, 60S, 61, 82, 83, 84, 87, 88/X88, 88A, 90, BH272 and BH274. " - News Section
Jobs and routes links take you no where...
Other than all the stuff in Latin, that sounds like the website for Konect Bus and Anglian...
The phone number on the "Contact Us" at the bottom is "0992920192209019201 *Phone lines are open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. " Is this even a number??? 19 digits is way too many!
Quote from: Adam 404 on August 27, 2016, 08:55:35 PM
The phone number on the "Contact Us" at the bottom is "0992920192209019201 *Phone lines are open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. " Is this even a number??? 19 digits is way too many!
Just seen this on their website??? Looks like its written in Latin?
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum"
and the address as well.
ChaseBus Motor Services
1 Example Road
Staffordshire
S1 2NT
Quote from: 2206 on August 27, 2016, 09:01:52 PM
Just seen this on their website??? Looks like its written in Latin?
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum"
on line translators convert it to
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod and vitality, tempor ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Over the years come, who nostrud aliquip advantage from it, but for to work, exercise, school district. Duis cillum, however, want to be a pain in the pleasure of football irure flee from pain to find produces no resultant. Excepteur blinds are not cupidatat proident, it is soothing to the soul, that is, they deserted the general chapter be at fault who fulfill an office of their labors.
The postcode "S1 2NT " is in Sheffield according to google!
http://chasebus.co.uk/contact.php
I still don't think that 19 digits is correct for a phone number of any description!
One thing.
Is this for real or not?
Quote from: Westy on August 27, 2016, 09:55:27 PM
One thing.
Is this for real or not?
Blatantly bullshit
You might have a long wait for a bus to turn up
The Latin bits, that looks like sample content that comes with whatever backend software is powering the website, so I'd say the website is still under construction.
I wish Mr Fellows well in his bid to launch Chase Bus but at the same I have doubts that this will be a commercially viable or will be able to get off the ground, I hope it does as it will be nice to see Chase back around Cannock.
Do we have any information on who else is involved in this project because all I can see on the company check is two kids starting out in the big mean world of busses when it appears that both are merely enthusiasts.
(source https://companycheck.co.uk/company/10309552/CHASEBUS-LIMITED/companies-house-data)
Quote from: The King on August 28, 2016, 12:49:30 PM
I wish Mr Fellows well in his bid to launch Chase Bus but at the same I have doubts that this will be a commercially viable or will be able to get off the ground, I hope it does as it will be nice to see Chase back around Cannock.
Do we have any information on who else is involved in this project because all I can see on the company check is two kids starting out in the big mean world of busses when it appears that both are merely enthusiasts.
(source https://companycheck.co.uk/company/10309552/CHASEBUS-LIMITED/companies-house-data)
And one resigned as a director after a week
Oh crikey, I missed that bit.
The Latin wording is usually used as a placeholder for text layout so that is normal but why the site is live before completing is very unprofessional they would usually use a staging site that would not be accessible hidden behind a 403 forbidden message.
The worrying thing is this site is a copy of the Anglian buses website including the company info at the bottom. Starting a company with plagiarism and using copyrighted material is not a good start.
Anglian Bus Ltd | Registered Company number: 1260689
Registered address: 3rd floor, 41-51 Grey Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 6EE
It is quite obviously from bullshit school as Cityfox
It might not be rubbish it may happen but it shows that the directors have little knowledge of the industry and general business!!
They have not considered copyright laws and are discussing commercially sensitive information that will allow their competitors to react much quicker. I would also think the business manager at the bank or an investor they are looking for funding from will not look positively at the business case with the information that is out there.
Also starting a new company with brand new buses is not viable unless you have the capital behind that only really one of the big four could do. Not even a well established operator would take the risk at first with brand new vehicles unless they have other alternative plans or you could lease vehicles short term so you don't have a large asset on your balance sheet but i would doubt a leasing company would lease brand new vehicles without assets to secure against.
They also don't have the buying power of the larger independents when it comes to vehicles who would out bid them or purchase prior to the auction of the GHA coaches fleet as only a small percentage have gone for auction many are been sold direct by the finance companies or though Ensign or similar.
If this is true they seem a bit naïve in business. Unless they employ someone with industry or business management experience they will find it very difficult.
They would be better picking up some of the work that Arriva have left in Stafford and expand from there.
Just read on Facebook that Chase Bus have supposedly bought ex Trent Barton Optare Excel Y257 DRC.
There seems to be more progress... The expect to start service in the summer.
http://www.staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk/shop-worker-22-sets-up-bus-firm-after-arriva-cuts/story-30132397-detail/story.html#2C5djFlhGZDGSgWs.01
Quote from: Adam 404 on February 13, 2017, 04:36:01 PM
There seems to be more progress... The expect to start service in the summer.
http://www.staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk/shop-worker-22-sets-up-bus-firm-after-arriva-cuts/story-30132397-detail/story.html#2C5djFlhGZDGSgWs.01
I know the owner. He is currently in the process of prepping the bus to get wrapped into the livery.
Hey all, just want to post in here and clarify a few things as some seem to be getting the wrong idea.
First of all I have no intentions to be another "Cityfox" xD He even had me going at one point and was quite convincing up until he tried to sell me loads of buses that weren't his.
Secondly, I appreciate the support some have been posting here and even the concerns (Some are well met).
The whole point behind ChaseBus was to fill in the gaps where Arriva simply fail and I think the plan we have for that will do just fine, we aren't looking for the "full amount" on a loan as I have invested £23,000 of my own cash into the project. Letting people know about our "Telford plan" was necessary to assess the demand, part of the reason Arriva fail in so many aspects is they don't do the research beforehand, the local survey we did received excellent, honest responses and opinions from local residents.
Three buses is our goal. And that will get everything set up and running, I have multiple years experience with customer service, my Transport Manager has 15 years under his belt. The drivers I have lined up have at least 3 years experience so I will be relying on everyone to ensure things run as smoothly as they possibly could and that is how I want it to run, like a family and none of this "We own you, you do as we say" mentality as that just gives off the wrong impressions across the board.
I noticed a post about people behind the project, I can assure you it isn't just myself as I am working closely with a lot of people who cannot be named at this moment in time for obvious reasons.
It's true I don't have a huge amount of experience in the bus industry but with a passion to learn and some good friends with experience, things shouldn't go too badly.
People have voiced some concerns for the whole endeavour and I really do appreciate it, it's something to learn by and improve and I encourage people to do more of it.
Finally I just want to say that this post wasn't supposed to be a rant but more informative and isn't meant to offend anyone or cause harm.
P.S - Our real route plans we are keeping secret ;)
Quote from: Chase_Bus on February 13, 2017, 07:50:01 PM
Hey all, just want to post in here and clarify a few things as some seem to be getting the wrong idea.
First of all I have no intentions to be another "Cityfox" xD He even had me going at one point and was quite convincing up until he tried to sell me loads of buses that weren't his.
Secondly, I appreciate the support some have been posting here and even the concerns (Some are well met).
The whole point behind ChaseBus was to fill in the gaps where Arriva simply fail and I think the plan we have for that will do just fine, we aren't looking for the "full amount" on a loan as I have invested £23,000 of my own cash into the project. Letting people know about our "Telford plan" was necessary to assess the demand, part of the reason Arriva fail in so many aspects is they don't do the research beforehand, the local survey we did received excellent, honest responses and opinions from local residents.
Three buses is our goal. And that will get everything set up and running, I have multiple years experience with customer service, my Transport Manager has 15 years under his belt. The drivers I have lined up have at least 3 years experience so I will be relying on everyone to ensure things run as smoothly as they possibly could and that is how I want it to run, like a family and none of this "We own you, you do as we say" mentality as that just gives off the wrong impressions across the board.
I noticed a post about people behind the project, I can assure you it isn't just myself as I am working closely with a lot of people who cannot be named at this moment in time for obvious reasons.
It's true I don't have a huge amount of experience in the bus industry but with a passion to learn and some good friends with experience, things shouldn't go too badly.
People have voiced some concerns for the whole endeavour and I really do appreciate it, it's something to learn by and improve and I encourage people to do more of it.
Finally I just want to say that this post wasn't supposed to be a rant but more informative and isn't meant to offend anyone or cause harm.
P.S - Our real route plans we are keeping secret ;)
I am sure I am not alone in wishing you well in your venture. I have always believed that there are opportunities in this area for those willing to put the effort in. I shall follow your progress with keen interest.
I agree with Pete50492, learn from market research and don't do a Social Travel adding services onto an existing Arriva route which anyone who knows the Stafford area could have said would fail, you should do ok. It's good to read that you want your buses to look good, another failure of Social Travel whose buses looked like nails and sounded like them.
My only advice is to carefully analyse the research you have done to check it is valid.
Passengers will tell you they want this and that service, and then don't use it.
You only have to look at the chopping and changing around Old Hill and Cradley Heath: passengers demand a service to Russells Hall, the change is implemented, then several months later the revision is dropped because of 'lack of use'. And then passengers complain again!
But apart from that, I wish you the best of luck. As you have a background in customer-facing services, you should have a good understanding of being able to assess and meet your customers needs and requirements, I don't feel your lack of experience in the transport industry should be seen as a hindrance, I think you'll do well if you got the right people around you.
Y257DRC outside Tesco Ruegley.
https://www.facebook.com/chasebus/photos/pcb.1337070786350066/1337069829683495/?type=3&theater
A few shots of Y257 DRC on our travels yesterday :)
(https://scontent.flhr2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/17038591_1340065769383901_6407801836264446986_o.jpg?oh=c78061f99501f1d0f50cc328edd8fd8f&oe=594182C2)
(https://scontent.flhr2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/16991952_1340065766050568_3766469040911523416_o.jpg?oh=73cb52e9a2136590f65e3cfa0710d535&oe=59417B21)
(https://scontent.flhr2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/16991876_1340065782717233_2059433385923078340_o.jpg?oh=02d6c9f9998b58f3bf65ea0fb2a04963&oe=5931F2F6)
(https://scontent.flhr2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/16991573_1340065849383893_3857404623299146534_o.jpg?oh=1d4382c2271679c6311d72294c6e04e9&oe=59720B2B)
Please ignore the Notts&Derby logo, that is being removed later today and cleaned up ready for a respray.
You could just wait for a response, it hasn't even been a week since you last asked
weird too that the optare excel has been parked in a layby near j12/13 m6 for hours all in darkness
Has the Chase Bus bubble burst ?. Saw the Optare Excel parked in a lay-by on the A449 between Penkridge and Gailey today. Notts/Derby fleetname removed and looking quite forelorn and un-cared for.
Quote from: Grinder on March 14, 2017, 04:46:09 PM
Has the Chase Bus bubble burst ?. Saw the Optare Excel parked in a lay-by on the A449 between Penkridge and Gailey today. Notts/Derby fleetname removed and looking quite forelorn and un-cared for.
Just gone past on the train and it's still parked up, perhaps it has broken down and is waiting to be recovered.
Don't fret, it hasn't broken down or anything. It was awaiting a respray but some idiots decided to tag the side of it and so it had to be moved so no further damage could occur!
It is just awaiting pickup to go to the paint shop!
I wouldn't leave it there either!
still there today, but saw it in daylight. where did it get tagged?
It was tagged the other evening while in Penkridge, absolute A-holes the kids were.
Although, it is going to get resprayed very soon anyway so it isn't as annoying as you might think
surely you would have a yard or something you could park it. I would not leave a bus there attended, let alone unattended at night. once had a coach broken down there, left it 2 hours and it had been vandalised badly
Will maintainence be done on the side of the road as well
Quote from: karl724223 on March 16, 2017, 08:49:50 PM
Will maintainence be done on the side of the road as well
Only when it breaks down.
Oh hang on, it's an Excel!
Seriously though, the alarm bells are going off here. The (to date) only bit of rolling stock is left outside at the mercy of any passing idiot for want of a secure compound (I'm assuming purely for financial reasons). Hardly inspires confidence..
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on March 17, 2017, 12:11:45 AM
Only when it breaks down.
Oh hang on, it's an Excel!
Seriously though, the alarm bells are going off here. The (to date) only bit of rolling stock is left outside at the mercy of any passing idiot for want of a secure compound (I'm assuming purely for financial reasons). Hardly inspires confidence..
Could be worse...could have been the early few years of CityFox...
Wheres your application for you o licence. Im assuming sonce youve bought a bus & posted on facebook that youve got uniform delivered that your licence must be nearly granted
first of all, would you buy a bus before o licence parking maintainance was all sorted? not any sensible person. certainly would not leave it there like they have done. I only hope its road legal being parked on the public highway, as it might attract attention being left in the same spot for days now.
See the bus every day going to work, nothing to do with me but surely there somewhere better than this to park your bus, have u asked Arriva at Cannock if they will let u park in there for a small fee until u can find somewhere safe, I am worried somebody might set light to it, it happened years ago when a lorry was left there for sometime,
Quote from: mranon on March 17, 2017, 06:57:13 PM
first of all, would you buy a bus before o licence parking maintainance was all sorted? not any sensible person. certainly would not leave it there like they have done. I only hope its road legal being parked on the public highway, as it might attract attention being left in the same spot for days now.
You have to get all your vehicles and financials sorted
before applying for your o-license :) I personally have been going over there multiple times per day to check up on the vehicle. As for it being road legal, it is fully insured, MOT'd till September and Taxed until September.
A yard has already been sorted, I have been advised to not reveal anymore information on the project by my solicitor which is why there haven't been any more updates.
The only thing I can tell you 100% is that we aim to be up and running by September and will announce more information about the final plans nearer the date. I have already been messed around by fake "investors" who just want to know my plans. Arriva have already registered one of my planned routes because of this, which was expected - Hence the lack of information and constant change of plans, to keep them wondering what's going on.
Quote from: Chase_Bus on March 18, 2017, 01:58:02 AM
The only thing I can tell you 100% is that we aim to be up and running by September and will announce more information about the final plans nearer the date. I have already been messed around by fake "investors" who just want to know my plans. Arriva have already registered one of my planned routes because of this, which was expected - Hence the lack of information and constant change of plans, to keep them wondering what's going on.
This is why you keep things to yourself and not tell everyone and anyone about any sort of plan. The industry is full of rats that will gladly take advantage of a situation if it is found out.
I commend you for at least trying to get the ball rolling and setting up a bus company in the difficult climate that it faces today. It's worth a shot if you have the right finances and capability to do so, just make sure you have something to fall back on if things don't work out.
That being said I wouldn't have gone with an Optare Excel myself given their notorious history of being completely unreliable most of the time but that's your call, there are some that actually work well, most are complete buckets. Not the worst bus you could buy though, Plaxton Primos are around and they are cheap for a reason...avoid them at all costs.
as for bus choice, what other options have they got within reasonable financial constraints? its virtually dennis dart, its newer e200 sibling but maybe out of reach for a first bus, or Volvo b6 and optare stuff. think the excel 2 had a merc engine and some operators have said they are better. least they have reasonable sized wheels for a bus lol. if you got a yard sorted, I would get it shifted.
Honestly it is in pretty good condition for it's age, she definitely shifts I'll give her that.
Trent Barton seemed to keep her in excellent condition though and I think it was given a complete refurbishment a few years ago if I'm not mistaken.
There is no requirement to get any vehicle before applying for a license.
Quote from: Steveminor on March 19, 2017, 06:36:36 AM
There is no requirement to get any vehicle before applying for a license.
Unfortunately you do apparantly, I applied for mine and it was denied on the basis that I didn't have "Enough vehicles to perform required operations"
I have held my own licence and there was no requirement to actually have a vehicle before it was granted only to have sufficient financial standing after vehicles were purchased.
Quote from: Chase_Bus on March 19, 2017, 05:32:15 PM
Unfortunately you do apparantly, I applied for mine and it was denied on the basis that I didn't have "Enough vehicles to perform required operations"
If you applied for a license, it would show up on Notices and Proceedings as well as the Find lorry and bus operators website (https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-lorry-bus-operators/). I don't see anything that points to your license being applied for, let alone refused.
You are welcome to prove me wrong though. I just feel right now that something just isn't adding up here.
Quote from: justlookingaround on March 19, 2017, 08:13:51 PM
I just feel right now that something just isn't adding up here.
Cynic ;)
Everything will become clear very soon I can assure you of that :)
I see that the bus is still in the lay by on the A449, doesn't appear to have moved in 2 months.
it has, its been reversed or moved to the rear end of the layby. a snack van has appeared where it was originally parked. surprised it hasn't attracted some attention by now
Quote from: Grinder on April 15, 2017, 03:56:15 PM
I see that the bus is still in the lay by on the A449, doesn't appear to have moved in 2 months.
We actually take her out daily, there is someone up there all the time when she is in the layby. It is being moved in 3-4 days :)
Trees do a good job acting as security lol
Quote from: Chase_Bus on April 22, 2017, 03:37:26 AM
We actually take her out daily, there is someone up there all the time when she is in the layby. It is being moved in 3-4 days :)
that's funny, you must be good at parking it in exactly same spot every day lol. how you have got away with leaving it there and not either getting bother from dvsa/police or worse vandalism god only knows.
Quote from: mranon on April 22, 2017, 10:01:28 PM
that's funny, you must be good at parking it in exactly same spot every day lol. how you have got away with leaving it there and not either getting bother from dvsa/police or worse vandalism god only knows.
I park my car up behind her to ensure shes got a spot when we bring her back. Also we aren't doing anything illegal as there are no signs stating any rules or regulations and as the vehicle has MOT/TAX/Insurance.
But do not worry as she is being moved to our new unit this week along with our 2 new buses :)
You should take it to Aston manor open day tomorrow 😂
Quote from: karl724223 on April 22, 2017, 10:59:16 PM
You should take it to Aston manor open day tomorrow 😂
Showbus will be the first event we are going to :)
I take it we can put this one to bed?
the bus was actually not parked on the a449!!!! has it gone for paint yet?
Quote from: mranon on May 28, 2017, 09:49:22 PM
the bus was actually not parked on the a449!!!! has it gone for paint yet?
Yup, we moved it into the yard. I'm waiting until my 3rd and final vehicle arrives and I will send them all to get resprayed together
Since when did you acquire a second vehicle?
you on a farm now?
Quote from: justlookingaround on May 29, 2017, 06:19:49 PM
Since when did you acquire a second vehicle?
Well I couldn't exactly store more than one bus in the layby ;) I asked them to keep it in their yard until I had my own
Quote from: mranon on May 29, 2017, 08:50:41 PM
you on a farm now?
I am in a secure yard in Stafford
Quote from: Chase_Bus on May 29, 2017, 09:45:31 PM
Well I couldn't exactly store more than one bus in the layby ;)
Well what exactly did you get as a second bus? Reg number, make, model, etc.
I ask only as I noticed that your Facebook page was never updated about it.
What do you intend to acquire as a third?
I'm not a naysayer who thinks you're not going to succeed by the way, if you can pull this off, it'll be a good thing. You are trying to do what a lot of people would like to do, if it wasn't for constraints such as financial requirements for example.
Quote from: justlookingaround on May 29, 2017, 11:48:50 PM
Well what exactly did you get as a second bus? Reg number, make, model, etc.
I ask only as I noticed that your Facebook page was never updated about it.
What do you intend to acquire as a third?
I'm not a naysayer who thinks you're not going to succeed by the way, if you can pull this off, it'll be a good thing. You are trying to do what a lot of people would like to do, if it wasn't for constraints such as financial requirements for example.
I appreciate that, financial constraints is the main issue really.
The three vehicles I will have by the end of June: Excel, 2 Solo's
What type of ticket machines are you going to put in your buses
any news on your routes yet
Quote from: BusMan Greg on June 21, 2017, 08:10:16 PM
What type of ticket machines are you going to put in your buses
Probably just whatever is available at the time and not super expensive, I did want to use Ticketers but at £1,400 per unit I think I'll pass.
Contact Simon Dunn at Rotala he will sell you a few Tgx 200's for £600 each.
Quote from: Chase_Bus on June 23, 2017, 02:13:10 PM
Probably just whatever is available at the time and not super expensive, I did want to use Ticketers but at £1,400 per unit I think I'll pass.
They are indeed expensive but they do pay for themselves in the long run. Not to mention the flexibility you get through its web console that other machines generally don't provide - you can do things yourself rather than pay a ticket machine company to configure things for you every single time.
If you go for the TGX 200s that someone mentioned in this thread, you would still need to purchase a license in order to use them.
Gone quiet here... Has chasebus vanished?
Vanished they never appeared lol
It takes time & money to set up a bus firm give him a chance
Quote from: Solo1 on July 01, 2017, 11:34:58 PM
It takes time & money to set up a bus firm give him a chance
Maybe he shouldn't have announced anything and kept things quiet until a license was actually granted and services get registered, as many operators generally do. Keeping quiet is generally the best thing to do. By having all this publicity, it's only given them added scrutiny and pressure to deliver.
Quote from: justlookingaround on July 02, 2017, 12:34:51 AM
Maybe he shouldn't have announced anything and kept things quiet until a license was actually granted and services get registered, as many operators generally do. Keeping quiet is generally the best thing to do. By having all this publicity, it's only given them added scrutiny and pressure to deliver.
If that reporter hadn't have published a story about us I was quite happy keeping it quiet but as soon as she did I had to move up my plans and try and rush things (Which we all know doesn't end well).
But I can assure you things are still moving along nicely, just behind a secure fence this time and not in a lay-by ;)
Quote from: Chase_Bus on July 03, 2017, 02:07:12 PM
If that reporter hadn't have published a story about us I was quite happy keeping it quiet but as soon as she did I had to move up my plans and try and rush things (Which we all know doesn't end well).
But I can assure you things are still moving along nicely, just behind a secure fence this time and not in a lay-by ;)
Is that the yard shared with Staffs school transport?
So what year are we talking about
Hope the secure compound isn't the one broken into last week and 8 buses vandalised. There was an ex Trent/Barton Excel being driven round the yard at Greyfriars Coach Station in Stafford on Monday afternoon, was it the elusive Chase Bus one ?
Quote from: Grinder on July 12, 2017, 10:00:42 AM
Hope the secure compound isn't the one broken into last week and 8 buses vandalised. There was an ex Trent/Barton Excel being driven round the yard at Greyfriars Coach Station in Stafford on Monday afternoon, was it the elusive Chase Bus one ?
My Excel was in Coach Aid getting a new brake valve fitted yes
Sounded ok but looked a bit tatty especially down the near side. Sorry to say this but after quite a long time the only sign of a repaint was the photoshop job on your Facebook page.
Yeah, there are a few dented panels that need to be straightened out when they had a bit of a bash at Notts&Derby
https://www.facebook.com/chasebus/posts/1516235621766914
Pickup is at Stafford Station on Sunday 17th September at 07:20.
Also they've said they now have R421WPX.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/55694411/Showbus.png)
If there is anyone else interested, feel free to send the Facebook page a message and I will get you booked in :)
The Facebook page has gone then?
The Facebook page has temporarily been taken down while we rebrand and get everything ready!
How is the company getting on
Gone quiet ay it 😂
Are they still going though
This company gone bust or what 😂
Probably going to say he's sold it to rotala
No one in their right mind would consider setting up a bus company from scratch in the current climate, even the large groups are finding it tough.
Must have pulled the plug as his facebook page has also disappeared. Did a good job with the livery of the Excel he took to Showbus last year but suspect he ran out of money and his so called backers pulled out.
Quote from: Grinder on February 03, 2018, 09:13:26 AM
Must have pulled the plug as his facebook page has also disappeared. Did a good job with the livery of the Excel he took to Showbus last year but suspect he ran out of money and his so called backers pulled out.
Quote from: Chase_Bus on September 29, 2017, 09:25:33 PM
The Facebook page has temporarily been taken down while we rebrand and get everything ready!
They took the facebook page down last September, which at the time was apparently while they rebranded anf got everything ready.
Quote from: 2206 on February 03, 2018, 09:25:41 AM
They took the facebook page down last September, which at the time was apparently while they rebranded anf got everything ready.
This has been going on for nearly 2 years now, until they apply for an Operators Licence, quite frankly they are complete and utter time wasters!
http://www.cityfoxgroup.co.uk
Might become the next acquisition
I can assure you, everything is going exactly as planned. It was never our intention to set up before this year, things had to be rushed when the media somehow got wind of our plans and people started bombarding us with questions and emails/hate.
We are going to be concentrating on private hires and heritage tours eventually doing a route of our own if funds and situations allow.
The Facebook page is still there, just hidden from view for now until we actually have news and updates, as we don't want people to start being misled by things going on.
How many people are going to hire out a Dart/Excel, on a private hire down the motorway?
Most private hire operators seem to use coaches?
Though Green Bus seem to do alright, but they appear to concentrate on schools and they have a fleet of deckers with more capacity, many of which have seatbelts
Chase bus are based in Staffordshire area so are they any bus
firms there offering private hire not sure if select bus does private hire
So could work along side a bus route
Quote from: Solo1 on February 04, 2018, 06:52:56 PM
Chase bus are based in Staffordshire area so are they any bus
firms there offering private hire not sure if select bus does private hire
So could work along side a bus route
Select don't seem to, i've never seen any mention of them operating a private hire and there is nothing about it on there website either.- https://www.selectbusservices.com/
Pigs might fly as thay say
Quote from: Solo1 on February 04, 2018, 06:52:56 PM
Chase bus are based in Staffordshire area so are they any bus
firms there offering private hire not sure if select bus does private hire
So could work along side a bus route
There are hundreds, literally, of operators in Staffordshire offering Private Hire
Quote from: Chase_Bus on February 04, 2018, 05:42:28 PM
I can assure you, everything is going exactly as planned. It was never our intention to set up before this year, things had to be rushed when the media somehow got wind of our plans and people started bombarding us with questions and emails/hate.
We are going to be concentrating on private hires and heritage tours eventually doing a route of our own if funds and situations allow.
The Facebook page is still there, just hidden from view for now until we actually have news and updates, as we don't want people to start being misled by things going on.
You have done plenty of misleading already!
I would refer to your Facebook Page, however since it has been taken down this is not possible. So..
1) Summer 2016 - News in local press about starting Cannock - Telford bus by 'Christmas 2016'
2) Spring 2017 - More comments from Facebook regarding the imminent launch of a Bus Service including the mock up of your Excel on a '9A Highfields'
3) Showbus 2017 - Distribution of timetables for C1 / C2 Bus Services including comments about having it 'launched by Christmas 2017'
'Never our intention to launch before this year' but certainly intentions to mislead and waste peoples time!
An application for an operator license would go a long way to convincing doubters
Chasebus quote from post in March 'The only thing I can tell you 100% is that we aim to be up and running by September'. looks to me, more and more like a President Trump Fake News story.
To be fair, Chase aren't last on the list of reputable organisations that I'd rely on for private hire in Staffordshire.
.... Although they are second-bottom.
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on February 05, 2018, 10:50:21 AM
To be fair, Chase aren't last on the list of reputable organisations that I'd rely on for private hire in Staffordshire.
.... Although they are second-bottom.
The Traffic Commissioner made a mistake....honest Guv!
Tbh the guy would get a lot more respect if he just came forward & said I was going to set up but haven't got the money yet.
Any one know if chase bus will ever start running
Quote from: Solo1 on July 22, 2018, 03:51:43 PM
Any one know if chase bus will ever start running
The Excel is SORN and has had no MOT since September, and I've been told by people that have spoken with Ash that it won't be at Showbus either this year.
You would be correct :) I have come to an agreement with another operator. Chase will remain registered but it will ONLY be a heritage/preservation company. The excel will be going into the original Rainbow 4 livery.
Maybe one day, but for now preserving buses is much much cheaper.
what happened to the other vehicles chase bus acquired?
Quote from: Chase_Bus on July 23, 2018, 02:41:21 PM
You would be correct :) I have come to an agreement with another operator. Chase will remain registered but it will ONLY be a heritage/preservation company. The excel will be going into the original Rainbow 4 livery.
Maybe one day, but for now preserving buses is much much cheaper.
I can't think of any other preserved vehicle owner with their own thread on a transport forum with 10 plus pages of comments !
Whats happened to my post again?
Quote from: mranon on July 23, 2018, 06:04:19 PM
what happened to the other vehicles chase bus acquired?
They were sold on, everything was pretty much ready to go, insurance etc but we were just short on the financial standing.
Quote from: Westy on July 23, 2018, 07:04:04 PM
Whats happened to my post again?
What post?
Do you think you'll have the Excel back in the original livery and on the road in time for Showbus at all? It'd be nice to see it since I wasn't able to make it last year. I'm more excited for the new Keedlestone update though... ;D
Quote from: StourValley98 on July 23, 2018, 08:14:07 PM
Do you think you'll have the Excel back in the original livery and on the road in time for Showbus at all? It'd be nice to see it since I wasn't able to make it last year. I'm more excited for the new Keedlestone update though... ;D
I can't promise anything, I might not even be going myself this year