http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/10785134.88_bus_services_facing_the_chop/
It says that Malvern is affected, I presume that's the 41/42/43 and its variations. It is bad news if that gets the chop as it can get very busy and is a lifeline for many OAPs living in more remote areas wishing to get into either Malvern or Upton
I expect the 362/363/364 (Worcester to Upton) will also be under threat. Upton would be left with only the irregular daytime 361 service if they were axed and no service to Worcester. Something needs to be done.
Also, what beats me is why they have used a picture of what I think is Halifax in the article
Quote from: Worcestershire County Council to cut subsidies for services* A major route due for change is the 31A and 31C Worcester Orbital to Sixways, which is ran by First Bus.
It was used 450,250 times last year, particularly for rugby fans heading to Worcester Warriors games, but is still subsidised by 50p per trip.
Under the proposals that subsidy will go, which is certain to mean some kind of changes to the service.
So even though it was used 450,250 times last year, the council cant be bothered to provide 50p/trip yet it can afford to pay its executives more that that.
Where is the justification for it. Surely they could scrap a few council managers instead?
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2013, 08:02:13 PM
Quote from: Worcestershire County Council to cut subsidies for services* A major route due for change is the 31A and 31C Worcester Orbital to Sixways, which is ran by First Bus.
It was used 450,250 times last year, particularly for rugby fans heading to Worcester Warriors games, but is still subsidised by 50p per trip.
Under the proposals that subsidy will go, which is certain to mean some kind of changes to the service.
So even though it was used 450,250 times last year, the council cant be bothered to provide 50p/trip yet it can afford to pay its executives more that that.
Where is the justification for it. Surely they could scrap a few council managers instead?
They cannot scrap the 31A/C surely, despite being operated with Solos, SCC Darts and E200s, every bus gets busy and queues form quickly
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2013, 08:02:13 PM
Quote from: Worcestershire County Council to cut subsidies for services* A major route due for change is the 31A and 31C Worcester Orbital to Sixways, which is ran by First Bus.
It was used 450,250 times last year, particularly for rugby fans heading to Worcester Warriors games, but is still subsidised by 50p per trip.
Under the proposals that subsidy will go, which is certain to mean some kind of changes to the service.
So even though it was used 450,250 times last year, the council cant be bothered to provide 50p/trip yet it can afford to pay its executives more that that.
Where is the justification for it. Surely they could scrap a few council managers instead?
I think your some sort of civil servant, Tom. Taking a dislikening to Council managers like that...
But remember cuts must start from the bottom, so it affects no one at the top...
Clearly money needs to be saved but more could be saved at whitehall than locally. £3million is comparatively nothing. Having said that, even as someone who is keen on buses, why should the average taxpayer have to pay for services that are used by less than 10,000 people per year. It does seem ridiculous. Clearly for routes like the 350 it seems that cutting it would be ridiculous. Hopefully diamond can step in on a few routes and possibly first ass well. But why are firsts main services in worcester being subsidised. I don't really have much sympathy that the council have had enough of first wrecking services and then asking for subsidy. If they had made an effort to grow the market there then this would not have happened. The p and r sites are clearly unsustainable.
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2013, 08:02:13 PM
Quote from: Worcestershire County Council to cut subsidies for services* A major route due for change is the 31A and 31C Worcester Orbital to Sixways, which is ran by First Bus.
It was used 450,250 times last year, particularly for rugby fans heading to Worcester Warriors games, but is still subsidised by 50p per trip.
Under the proposals that subsidy will go, which is certain to mean some kind of changes to the service.
So even though it was used 450,250 times last year, the council cant be bothered to provide 50p/trip yet it can afford to pay its executives more that that.
Where is the justification for it. Surely they could scrap a few council managers instead?
So it was used by over 8000 people a week, and they are still considering the future of the service, i think some subsidised service in the West Midlands struggle to get 8000 passengers a year.
I suppose a lot of it depends on how many OAPs use it with there free passes, but i would have thought that if a service like that is under threat, i dread to think what the West Midlands will be like if Centro have to contemplate cuts like this.
It sounds as though Woosh will also be closed down in favour out outsourcing the park & ride routes
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2013, 08:18:10 PM
It sounds as though Woosh will also be closed down in favour out outsourcing the park & ride routes
Similar to what happened in Kent where KCC closed down Kent Top Travel with Stagecoach taking on most of the Canterbury/Thanet routes
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 05, 2013, 08:08:08 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2013, 08:02:13 PM
Quote from: Worcestershire County Council to cut subsidies for services* A major route due for change is the 31A and 31C Worcester Orbital to Sixways, which is ran by First Bus.
It was used 450,250 times last year, particularly for rugby fans heading to Worcester Warriors games, but is still subsidised by 50p per trip.
Under the proposals that subsidy will go, which is certain to mean some kind of changes to the service.
So even though it was used 450,250 times last year, the council cant be bothered to provide 50p/trip yet it can afford to pay its executives more that that.
Where is the justification for it. Surely they could scrap a few council managers instead?
They cannot scrap the 31A/C surely, despite being operated with Solos, SCC Darts and E200s, every bus gets busy and queues form quickly
If it's that busy why does it even need subsidy? Surely it could be taken on by First commercially
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2013, 08:18:10 PM
It sounds as though Woosh will also be closed down in favour out outsourcing the park & ride routes
Don't even know why it was set up to start with.
To be honest, I wouldn't worry too much as its probably just a council ploy to see how much operators will take on if they threaten to axe subsidies. They hope that first will just say ok then, we'll run it without subsidy so then the council can save money. Can't see first or diamond being that stupid, theyll just pack up. Then the council will then have to subsidise anyway as they won't want services to go.
And thats it Winston-i imagine first try to squeeze the maximum amount of money out of the council and the council has probably had enough of subsidising first's mess and so it will force first to run a proper service.
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2013, 08:21:20 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 05, 2013, 08:08:08 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2013, 08:02:13 PM
Quote from: Worcestershire County Council to cut subsidies for services* A major route due for change is the 31A and 31C Worcester Orbital to Sixways, which is ran by First Bus.
It was used 450,250 times last year, particularly for rugby fans heading to Worcester Warriors games, but is still subsidised by 50p per trip.
Under the proposals that subsidy will go, which is certain to mean some kind of changes to the service.
So even though it was used 450,250 times last year, the council cant be bothered to provide 50p/trip yet it can afford to pay its executives more that that.
Where is the justification for it. Surely they could scrap a few council managers instead?
They cannot scrap the 31A/C surely, despite being operated with Solos, SCC Darts and E200s, every bus gets busy and queues form quickly
If it's that busy why does it even need subsidy? Surely it could be taken on by First commercially
Maybe some trips are not commercially viable - or alternativly OAP passes are could be heavilly used? Either way Worcs CC need to have a look at other things that could be cut...
...like OAP passes which IMO should be Off Peak only (disabled passes should be allowed 24/7 imo)
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2013, 08:28:59 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2013, 08:21:20 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 05, 2013, 08:08:08 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2013, 08:02:13 PM
Quote from: Worcestershire County Council to cut subsidies for services* A major route due for change is the 31A and 31C Worcester Orbital to Sixways, which is ran by First Bus.
It was used 450,250 times last year, particularly for rugby fans heading to Worcester Warriors games, but is still subsidised by 50p per trip.
Under the proposals that subsidy will go, which is certain to mean some kind of changes to the service.
So even though it was used 450,250 times last year, the council cant be bothered to provide 50p/trip yet it can afford to pay its executives more that that.
Where is the justification for it. Surely they could scrap a few council managers instead?
They cannot scrap the 31A/C surely, despite being operated with Solos, SCC Darts and E200s, every bus gets busy and queues form quickly
If it's that busy why does it even need subsidy? Surely it could be taken on by First commercially
Maybe some trips are not commercially viable - or alternativly OAP passes are could be heavilly used? Either way Worcs CC need to have a look at other things that could be cut...
...like OAP passes which IMO should be Off Peak only (disabled passes should be allowed 24/7 imo)
OAP passes are off peak aren't they? Thought that was the whole point.
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 05, 2013, 08:31:04 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2013, 08:28:59 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2013, 08:21:20 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 05, 2013, 08:08:08 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2013, 08:02:13 PM
Quote from: Worcestershire County Council to cut subsidies for services* A major route due for change is the 31A and 31C Worcester Orbital to Sixways, which is ran by First Bus.
It was used 450,250 times last year, particularly for rugby fans heading to Worcester Warriors games, but is still subsidised by 50p per trip.
Under the proposals that subsidy will go, which is certain to mean some kind of changes to the service.
So even though it was used 450,250 times last year, the council cant be bothered to provide 50p/trip yet it can afford to pay its executives more that that.
Where is the justification for it. Surely they could scrap a few council managers instead?
They cannot scrap the 31A/C surely, despite being operated with Solos, SCC Darts and E200s, every bus gets busy and queues form quickly
If it's that busy why does it even need subsidy? Surely it could be taken on by First commercially
Maybe some trips are not commercially viable - or alternativly OAP passes are could be heavilly used? Either way Worcs CC need to have a look at other things that could be cut...
...like OAP passes which IMO should be Off Peak only (disabled passes should be allowed 24/7 imo)
OAP passes are off peak aren't they? Thought that was the whole point.
Off Peak as in 0930-1529/1800-EOS M-F and all day Sa/Su
This is where 'network review' can be effective. Can any existing commercial services be revised to cover parts of currently subsidised services?
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2013, 08:32:33 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 05, 2013, 08:31:04 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2013, 08:28:59 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2013, 08:21:20 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 05, 2013, 08:08:08 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2013, 08:02:13 PM
Quote from: Worcestershire County Council to cut subsidies for services* A major route due for change is the 31A and 31C Worcester Orbital to Sixways, which is ran by First Bus.
It was used 450,250 times last year, particularly for rugby fans heading to Worcester Warriors games, but is still subsidised by 50p per trip.
Under the proposals that subsidy will go, which is certain to mean some kind of changes to the service.
So even though it was used 450,250 times last year, the council cant be bothered to provide 50p/trip yet it can afford to pay its executives more that that.
Where is the justification for it. Surely they could scrap a few council managers instead?
They cannot scrap the 31A/C surely, despite being operated with Solos, SCC Darts and E200s, every bus gets busy and queues form quickly
If it's that busy why does it even need subsidy? Surely it could be taken on by First commercially
Maybe some trips are not commercially viable - or alternativly OAP passes are could be heavilly used? Either way Worcs CC need to have a look at other things that could be cut...
...like OAP passes which IMO should be Off Peak only (disabled passes should be allowed 24/7 imo)
OAP passes are off peak aren't they? Thought that was the whole point.
Off Peak as in 0930-1529/1800-EOS M-F and all day Sa/Su
Aren't they all that anyway and if you cut it back any more, you may as well axe free travel. The point is, people should decide whether they want free bus passes and if they do, govt should provide enough money. A system of free travel without enough subsidy is worse than not having it at all. And Clegg wants it for teenagers :P
Quote from: Stu on November 05, 2013, 08:32:53 PM
This is where 'network review' can be effective. Can any existing commercial services be revised to cover parts of currently subsidised services?
Precisely. I think the 350 could be taken on with MPDs to keep costs down by diamond or someone else. It always seems fairly busy and would be a good addition to diamond's network.
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 05, 2013, 08:19:24 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2013, 08:18:10 PM
It sounds as though Woosh will also be closed down in favour out outsourcing the park & ride routes
Similar to what happened in Kent where KCC closed down Kent Top Travel with Stagecoach taking on most of the Canterbury/Thanet routes
Ah, so that is why most of their fleet was sold to Ensign
The complete list of services at risk can be found at
http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/Service%20List%20-%20Contracted%20Services%20at%20Risk%20by%20Area.pdf (http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/Service%20List%20-%20Contracted%20Services%20at%20Risk%20by%20Area.pdf)
Quote from: Roy on November 08, 2013, 11:59:37 AM
The complete list of services at risk can be found at
http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/Service%20List%20-%20Contracted%20Services%20at%20Risk%20by%20Area.pdf (http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/Service%20List%20-%20Contracted%20Services%20at%20Risk%20by%20Area.pdf)
Thanks for posting Roy!
Looking at that list, Diamond & First could potentially be hit particularly hard
Surely First can operate the 31A/C commercially! I'm surprised it was tendered in the first place...
The Appendix attached to the Council Meeting Agenda posted by bewminster on another thread is well worth looking at:
https://public.worcestershire.gov.uk/web/home/DS/Documents/Appendix/Cabinet/Agendas%20and%20Reports%202013/Thursday%2C%207%20November%202013/Cab%2020131107-transport-app1.pdf
How you decide priorities I don't know. Tenbury Wells would be almost completely cut off if the 291 went. Of the £3m budget, £571689 is being spent on the 362/3/41-43 services and £303859 on 564-6. I can't imagine both would be totally be cut, but they must be prime targets for cutback. The 350, according to the council, does lose money per passenger, yet Dudleys run a commercial journey each day Redditch to Worcester and back. I've always been surprised at the lack of direct transport links between Redditch and Worcester, though obviously you can change at Bromsgrove.
More detailed proposals, yet to be approved by the Council, for discussion on 9 June, have been posted on the Council's website:
http://worcestershire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s1014/Cab%2020140609-transport-appendix1.pdf
192 operating "at least 3 days each week"? The 192 is an important route, I hope this doesn't mean it'll lose service some days
Also W1 withdrawn stands out to me, surprising as I thought the Perdiswell park & ride was well used
Sometimes my boss likes using the W1 from her home as it's quicker than driving and parking if she's taking her kids anywhere in Worcester. Looks like it's the 144 for her.
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 04, 2014, 09:28:45 AM
Sometimes my boss likes using the W1 from her home as it's quicker than driving and parking if she's taking her kids anywhere in Worcester. Looks like it's the 144 for her.
I used it once, when it was free after the flooding, surprised me how quick it got up to Perdiswell. Good news for First though as I imagine passenger numbers on the 144 will increase
Quote from: Matt on June 04, 2014, 09:37:52 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 04, 2014, 09:28:45 AM
Sometimes my boss likes using the W1 from her home as it's quicker than driving and parking if she's taking her kids anywhere in Worcester. Looks like it's the 144 for her.
I used it once, when it was free after the flooding, surprised me how quick it got up to Perdiswell. Good news for First though as I imagine passenger numbers on the 144 will increase
It's kinda interesting because although my boss isn't a enthusiast but she prefers the Citaros over E300s...
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 04, 2014, 09:40:24 AM
Quote from: Matt on June 04, 2014, 09:37:52 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 04, 2014, 09:28:45 AM
Sometimes my boss likes using the W1 from her home as it's quicker than driving and parking if she's taking her kids anywhere in Worcester. Looks like it's the 144 for her.
I used it once, when it was free after the flooding, surprised me how quick it got up to Perdiswell. Good news for First though as I imagine passenger numbers on the 144 will increase
It's kinda interesting because although my boss isn't a enthusiast but she prefers the Citaros over E300s...
Well they do have nicer interiors, although I found it a bit dark & cramped inside (although in fairness it was rammed!)
There may be one or two interesting First route changes over the coming months ...
Quote from: j789 on June 04, 2014, 08:28:01 PM
There may be one or two interesting First route changes over the coming months ...
I can imagine! General expansion no doubt. First are actually improving things ie city services are being enhanced. It seems like most key services are being retained and some lesser used ones either run more efficiently or partly replaced or in the case of a few, not replaced at all. Nowhere near as bad as what was rumoured though...
One possibility, if it actually happens, will certainly be of interest to the Pensnett area fan club!
Quote from: j789 on June 04, 2014, 08:44:59 PM
One possibility, if it actually happens, will certainly be of interest to the Pensnett area fan club!
What, First are considering running to Merry Hill?
Quote from: Winston on June 04, 2014, 08:46:34 PM
Quote from: j789 on June 04, 2014, 08:44:59 PM
One possibility, if it actually happens, will certainly be of interest to the Pensnett area fan club!
What, First are considering running to Merry Hill?
318/007 potentially?
As it is only a rumour I have heard in the depot I would not comment at present on the actual destination in case it is incorrect. It wont be too long to find out though if it does actually happen.
Quote from: j789 on June 04, 2014, 08:56:04 PM
As it is only a rumour I have heard in the depot I would not comment at present on the actual destination in case it is incorrect. It wont be too long to find out though if it does actually happen.
I can understand entirely. And no, can't be long if implementation is still early September.
Quote from: j789 on June 04, 2014, 08:56:04 PM
As it is only a rumour I have heard in the depot I would not comment at present on the actual destination in case it is incorrect. It wont be too long to find out though if it does actually happen.
Incidentally, I was under the impression that Worcester depot was running pretty much at capacity or with little room for expansion. Is that the case?
@j789 @Winston unless, for a out of the box suggestion, first are buying NXWM Pensnett? :-)
@the trainbasher wishful thinking
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 04, 2014, 09:06:03 PM
@j789 @Winston unless, for a out of the box suggestion, first are buying NXWM Pensnett? :-)
I doubt NX would accept IOU's ;)
Haha, probably would be the other way round more likely!!! The depot is rather full but if there are cuts to certain subsidised routes it will free up some vehicles.
Quote from: j789 on June 04, 2014, 09:11:18 PM
Haha, probably would be the other way round more likely!!! The depot is rather full but if there are cuts to certain subsidised routes it will free up some vehicles.
Presumably there must be some free space as First ran the P and R contracts a while back and to my knowledge, no additional work has really since been added. Another option, cut the PVR of city services by using larger buses ie not solos and then use the additional buses for new work?
Quote from: DiamondDart on June 04, 2014, 09:15:29 PM
Quote from: j789 on June 04, 2014, 09:11:18 PM
Haha, probably would be the other way round more likely!!! The depot is rather full but if there are cuts to certain subsidised routes it will free up some vehicles.
Presumably there must be some free space as First ran the P and R contracts a while back and to my knowledge, no additional work has really since been added. Another option, cut the PVR of city services by using larger buses ie not solos and then use the additional buses for new work?
Didn't First win the 362/363 contracts during that period & increase the frequency of the 144?
@j789 has the number of new Streetlites due for Worcester now been finalized? I notice First repaints are re-commencing with a Solo in WR paint shop
The p and r was over 6 years ago since First ran it and other routes have had increases since then. Also, a fair few buses used on 362/3/4s and 42/43 which are subsidised routes.
Quote from: j789 on June 04, 2014, 08:44:59 PM
One possibility, if it actually happens, will certainly be of interest to the Pensnett area fan club!
PE garage to run the 318? (although can't see Hansons letting it go)?
Quote from: Winston on June 04, 2014, 09:18:11 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on June 04, 2014, 09:15:29 PM
Quote from: j789 on June 04, 2014, 09:11:18 PM
Haha, probably would be the other way round more likely!!! The depot is rather full but if there are cuts to certain subsidised routes it will free up some vehicles.
Presumably there must be some free space as First ran the P and R contracts a while back and to my knowledge, no additional work has really since been added. Another option, cut the PVR of city services by using larger buses ie not solos and then use the additional buses for new work?
Didn't First win the 362/363 contracts during that period & increase the frequency of the 144?
@j789 has the number of new Streetlites due for Worcester now been finalized? I notice First repaints are re-commencing with a Solo in WR paint shop
I have heard different numbers ranging from 6 to 12 coming so am unsure to be honest. There is a freshly painted training bus at Worcester too (looks good to be fair - very pinkish though!) but I haven't seen the fleet number so don't know if it was Worcester's trainer or a transfer from elsewhere. Possibly in the summer holidays more buses will be repainted when less buses are needed in service.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on June 04, 2014, 09:23:14 PM
Quote from: j789 on June 04, 2014, 08:44:59 PM
One possibility, if it actually happens, will certainly be of interest to the Pensnett area fan club!
PE garage to run the 318? (although can't see Hansons letting it go)?
He/she was referring to First-related changes, so wouldn't be that
Quote from: Roy on November 08, 2013, 11:59:37 AM
The complete list of services at risk can be found at
http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/Service%20List%20-%20Contracted%20Services%20at%20Risk%20by%20Area.pdf (http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/Service%20List%20-%20Contracted%20Services%20at%20Risk%20by%20Area.pdf)
This is the details of the agenda for today's WCC meeting, I think it is similar to the above link previously posted, but haven't compared them:
http://worcestershire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/g304/Public%20reports%20pack%2009th-Jun-2014%2014.00%20Cabinet.pdf?T=10
I emailed the Council about the 192, and they said that in its case 'at least 3 days per week' was a typing error, and that the proposal was to provide a service largely as now.
Quote from: 111 Roughley on June 09, 2014, 12:52:43 PM
I emailed the Council about the 192, and they said that in its case 'at least 3 days per week' was a typing error, and that the proposal was to provide a service largely as now.
Thank god for that!!
Breakdown of WCC service changes as approved at today's council meeting, not sure if any different to any of the other documents posted
http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/Service-by-service%20breakdown%20of%20subsidised%20services%20plans%20post%20Cabinet%20%28June%209%29.pdf
Looking at it it seems Only Hansons have come out of this unscathed!
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 10, 2014, 12:53:03 AM
Looking at it it seems Only Hansons have come out of this unscathed!
Things don't seem anywhere near as bad as rumoured though... Most important links seem to be maintained and operators are playing a part in this in times of budget cuts. Some services are even being enhanced and I expect the new network to be more efficient, less complicated and better value for the taxpayer.
Quote from: DiamondDart on June 10, 2014, 12:56:15 AM
I expect the new network to be more efficient, less complicated and better value for the taxpayer.
Hey that's my line! I thought I was the one who worked in local government! :-)
So far it looks as though the Council has carried out a useful value for money exercise. I was disappointed with the quote from one councillor though who said that "Of those routes where we say it will be similar timetables it may go from half-an-hour to an hour, or two-hourly instead of every hour, or it may stay the same." I thought that there speaks a non-bus user. Of course some services can only be two-hourly, but to call it 'similar' is wrong, because it is hugely more inflexible for people than an hourly service. Hopefully there won't be too many such instances.
I don't think that some 'rural' services are quite the dead loss people think. Services between towns are only partly 'rural'. With some investment, some can be made to work. I live on Stagecoach's 28 route from Stratford to Evesham, every half-hour. I can't praise Stagecoach enough for their service.
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 10, 2014, 12:53:03 AM
Looking at it it seems Only Hansons have come out of this unscathed!
So it seems, but it will be interesting to see who has actually won the Tenders or registered journeys commercially to see if there will be any changes to the operators of each service.
Quote from: D10 on June 10, 2014, 09:05:21 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 10, 2014, 12:53:03 AM
Looking at it it seems Only Hansons have come out of this unscathed!
So it seems, but it will be interesting to see who has actually won the Tenders or registered journeys commercially to see if there will be any changes to the operators of each service.
Hansons run the majority of 318 trips commmercially anyway
It will be interesting to see if Diamond manage to pick up any more Worcestershire area tendered routes at the expense of other operators i.e possibly additional KR tendered routes currently operated by Whittles or any on the former Woosh routes that remain after Sept i.e. Droitwich Circulars, 350 Redditch - Worcester etc
The network may well be more streamlined and actually better for more passengers after these changes - routes that carry few passengers can now have their buses used on new initiatives. Some further changes are not highlighted in that document but new links to places may be created which will benefit passengers, even if some frequencies are reduced. This process will hopefully have given all operators the chance to review their routes and create new ones if appropriate. Certainly not all doom and gloom that the local papers like to point out.
Quote from: j789 on June 10, 2014, 10:08:52 PM
The network may well be more streamlined and actually better for more passengers after these changes - routes that carry few passengers can now have their buses used on new initiatives. Some further changes are not highlighted in that document but new links to places may be created which will benefit passengers, even if some frequencies are reduced. This process will hopefully have given all operators the chance to review their routes and create new ones if appropriate. Certainly not all doom and gloom that the local papers like to point out.
We'll should get more of an idea as/when registrations start to appear on VOSA over the summer
Now the dust has settled, I thought I would take a trip round North Worcestershire to see what the situation was like regarding printed publicity such as timetables and maps.
I have to say I am pretty disappointed: I visited Kidderminster, Bromsgrove and Redditch and could not find a single printed timetable in any of those towns from any operator or the council! >:(
Worcestershire CC has been poor in that respect for years, but considering the above towns are served by amongst others Arriva, Diamond, First, Johnsons and Stagecoach, it seems like there is a lack of promotion all round.
In one of the bus shelters, the timetable is dated 01/13 . . . . . . . . :o