This is not in the West Midlands I know, but is there any news about First's intentions here?
sconehead85
They don't seem to have any. Looks like it will be down to about 16 buses soon with the latest service withdrawals
16 buses?They might as well leave.
Quote from: Tony on April 26, 2013, 06:43:59 AM
They don't seem to have any. Looks like it will be down to about 16 buses soon with the latest service withdrawals
Do you think theyll ever get rid of the potteries? ?
I dont know about Potteries, but on busandcoach.com by coincidence there is an article about First Northampton cutting four services, 12 buses and consequently jobs. Stagecoach are replacing two of the routes. First Northampton currently has only 32 buses and that would drop to 20. Im surprised they havent sold the Luton Airport allocation of five buses to TGM.
sconehead85
It makes you wonder how they can justify keeping a depot open in Northampton, the rates, utilities and ongoing maintenance must outstrip any profit they make from the few routes left.
If they are staying in the town they may as well move to a tin shed on an industrial estate and have fueling facilities there only, and have any major maintenance done at Leicester
Quote from: D10 on April 27, 2013, 10:40:58 AM
It makes you wonder how they can justify keeping a depot open in Northampton, the rates, utilities and ongoing maintenance must outstrip any profit they make from the few routes left.
If they are staying in the town they may as well move to a tin shed on an industrial estate and have fueling facilities there only, and have any major maintenance done at Leicester
I think that First have scaled back the operation further to make it more attractive to a buyer, Uno have been suggested as a likely candidate on a number of occasions. Can't see First staying in Northampton as the business has no scale and will still operate elderly vehicles
Once Northampton has gone, whether that will be the end of First's disposal program remains to be seen
I read somewhere and I think theres a topic in this section that says First has sold most of its london operations to Metroline. I didnt see that coming
The First Northampton reductions happen this weekend. One hopes Stagecoach employs any redundant staff, but which vehicles have gone? It must be curtains for the two Dennis Lances and two Volvo Citybuses, plus a handful of ageing Scanias.
sconehead85
Quote from: sconehead85 on June 23, 2013, 12:40:36 AM
The First Northampton reductions happen this weekend. One hopes Stagecoach employs any redundant staff, but which vehicles have gone? It must be curtains for the two Dennis Lances and two Volvo Citybuses, plus a handful of ageing Scanias.
sconehead85
From the 11th August First are withdrawing from the 4 and withdrawing the Sunday services on the two remaining route the 2 & 4A. I can't see how it will be viable for First to retain an operation in Northampton with just two routes
Quote from: Winston on June 23, 2013, 12:49:03 AM
Quote from: sconehead85 on June 23, 2013, 12:40:36 AM
The First Northampton reductions happen this weekend. One hopes Stagecoach employs any redundant staff, but which vehicles have gone? It must be curtains for the two Dennis Lances and two Volvo Citybuses, plus a handful of ageing Scanias.
sconehead85
From the 11th August First are withdrawing from the 4 and withdrawing the Sunday services on the two remaining route the 2 & 4A. I can't see how it will be viable for First to retain an operation in Northampton with just two routes
Yet they were so quick to sell off Redditch and Kidder where they had more routes and could have expanded the routes so the garages made money.
It is the remaining drivers and engineers I feel sorry for, they must have no confidence in their employment with First. Morale must be at rock bottom. :(
just seen this on another forum about FN closing
http://midlandred.net/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1372795503/s-new/#num2
Quote from: bewminster on July 04, 2013, 10:22:38 PM
just seen this on another forum about FN closing
http://midlandred.net/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1372795503/s-new/#num2
I don't think that is strictly correct as yet, however Stagecoach have registered on yet another First Northampton service from 30th Sept, so its only a matter of months now, I think October is being rumoured now for complete closure of First op and Stagecoach end up with a virtual monopoly on the town other than a couple of Uno services
PF0007071/343 - UNITED COUNTIES OMNIBUS CO LTD T/A STAGECOACH MIDLANDS, UNIT 7/8, MAIN ROAD, FAR COTTON, NORTHAMPTON, NN4 8ES
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Northampton Bus Station
Finish Point: Rectory Farm
Via:
Service Number: 2
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 30-SEP-2013
Other Details: To operate a 15 minute frequency Monday-Saturday
Having looked at the withdrawals on the fleet news update (20th July) I wonder what has happened to the Volvo Citybuses? Surely they've gone as well as the Dennis Lances and elderly Scania LFs. BTW the last Dennis Lances are half-dozen in Bath.
sconehead85
11 August 2013
First 4 Northampton Town Centre - Kingsthorpe - Obelisk Rise
(Monday to Sunday) Service WITHDRAWN.
First 4A Northampton Town Centre - Kingsthorpe - Acre Lane
(Monday to Saturday)
Timetable revised.
Sunday service WITHDRAWN.
No change to Monday to Friday or Saturday.
Last day of First Northampton is 14th Septembe
Quote from: vinh1000 on July 31, 2013, 05:55:53 PM
Last day of First Northampton is 14th Septembe
It was coming, no surprises there
Are the two Citybuses and two Lances still going in service?
Ashley- The Dennis Lances have gone, but theres no news of the two Volvo Citybuses. Where is the statement regarding the closure of First Northampton?
sconehead85
Quote from: sconehead85 on August 02, 2013, 12:35:13 AM
Ashley- The Dennis Lances have gone, but theres no news of the two Volvo Citybuses. Where is the statement regarding the closure of First Northampton?
sconehead85
See Route One Magazine latest issue
vinh1000- Ive also seen it on Wikipedia as well, so the destruction will be completed then. Lets hope the Citybuses are finished then, including 38125 at Newcastle-under-Lyme.
sconehead85
Quote from: sconehead85 on August 03, 2013, 05:01:35 AM
vinh1000- Ive also seen it on Wikipedia as well, so the destruction will be completed then. Lets hope the Citybuses are finished then, including 38125 at Newcastle-under-Lyme.
sconehead85
I had visited there and the buses are ok but still look poor and tired
Went pass the depot at 10am and there were so many buses in there just sitting there
Does the citybus at newcastle ever get used in normal service?
Quote from: bob on August 03, 2013, 04:25:10 PM
Does the citybus at newcastle ever get used in normal service?
Extremely rare, I think I have heard of it being out once this year
Quote from: vinh1000 on August 03, 2013, 03:32:56 PM
Quote from: sconehead85 on August 03, 2013, 05:01:35 AM
vinh1000- Ive also seen it on Wikipedia as well, so the destruction will be completed then. Lets hope the Citybuses are finished then, including 38125 at Newcastle-under-Lyme.
sconehead85
I had visited there and the buses are ok but still look poor and tired
Went pass the depot at 10am and there were so many buses in there just sitting there
First Essex are using it to store withdrawn buses
I was told by somebody not long ago that he had 38125 on the 34 for just 100 yards away from the depot before the driver insisted the depot changed it for a scania lol
#trainbasher- Didn't you see my topic? It might be an idea to put your post on my thread. Have the Volvo Citybuses finally gone?
sconehead85