First to get more work in Herefordshire...

[tank90]

In short it would look like that First have been awarded the Hereford to Ross-on-Wye service via Hoarwithy, this service has had many numbers including 37, and now 44/44A. This is not to be confused with the 33 which is the main route from Hereford to Ross-on-Wye via the A49. At present both are run by Stagecoach, but the 44 isnt a popular service as it does seem to follow the old railway route near enough. I only know this from using the service when it was the 37 as my Nan lives on the route. So what buses should they use well solos and the jersey darts personally the J Darts as the are narrow because the lanes get narrow around Hoarwithy.
Just to add the 44A is in direct compertion with the 33. So is this First getting a fire in there belly and if so why can't Diamond!


http://midlandred.net/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1394197010/

[winston]

The only slight problem for First Wyvern is that I understand WCC will be deciding the extent of the cuts in tendered services from Sept, so they may still loose work overall depending on the depth of the cuts.

[tank90]

The only slight problem for First Wyvern is that I understand WCC will be deciding the extent of the cuts in tendered services from Sept, so they may still loose work overall depending on the depth of the cuts.

Yes a lot of Worcester City Routes in the mill on that, which then begs the question why get rid of Redditch which has a low to no WCC funded routes.

[StourportSam]

The only slight problem for First Wyvern is that I understand WCC will be deciding the extent of the cuts in tendered services from Sept, so they may still loose work overall depending on the depth of the cuts.

Yes a lot of Worcester City Routes in the mill on that, which then begs the question why get rid of Redditch which has a low to no WCC funded routes.

Erm... because they were making a loss?

[winston]

The only slight problem for First Wyvern is that I understand WCC will be deciding the extent of the cuts in tendered services from Sept, so they may still loose work overall depending on the depth of the cuts.

Yes a lot of Worcester City Routes in the mill on that, which then begs the question why get rid of Redditch which has a low to no WCC funded routes.

Erm... because they were making a loss?

Redditch wasn't making the size of loss that couldn't have been turned around

[tank90]

The only slight problem for First Wyvern is that I understand WCC will be deciding the extent of the cuts in tendered services from Sept, so they may still loose work overall depending on the depth of the cuts.

Yes a lot of Worcester City Routes in the mill on that, which then begs the question why get rid of Redditch which has a low to no WCC funded routes.

Erm... because they were making a loss?

If First had looked at what they had and tried then they could have made money in Redditch insted they chose to run it down. At the end of the day Rotala only paid 1.5 million so it didnt put much of a dent into the 100 million did it?

the problems started when First lost the get up and go, and when that happens thats when you dont make money.

[StourportSam]

The only slight problem for First Wyvern is that I understand WCC will be deciding the extent of the cuts in tendered services from Sept, so they may still loose work overall depending on the depth of the cuts.

Yes a lot of Worcester City Routes in the mill on that, which then begs the question why get rid of Redditch which has a low to no WCC funded routes.

Erm... because they were making a loss?

Redditch wasn't making the size of loss that couldn't have been turned around

I know, but at the time First Group was in the process of making a spate of sales around the UK in a short space of time, so a loss maker was logical to get rid of and not be bothered with.

[winston]

The only slight problem for First Wyvern is that I understand WCC will be deciding the extent of the cuts in tendered services from Sept, so they may still loose work overall depending on the depth of the cuts.

Yes a lot of Worcester City Routes in the mill on that, which then begs the question why get rid of Redditch which has a low to no WCC funded routes.

Erm... because they were making a loss?

Redditch wasn't making the size of loss that couldn't have been turned around

I know, but at the time First Group was in the process of making a spate of sales around the UK in a short space of time, so a loss maker was logical to get rid of and not be bothered with.

To be fair I think RH & KR were the only loss making businesses First managed to sell, Wigan, Chester & Wirral & London were all profitable

[Justin Tyme]

Just to add the 44A is in direct compertion with the 33. So is this First getting a fire in there belly and if so why can't Diamond!

The 44A will follow the 33 route but isn't a competitive move.  It only consists of positioning journeys - an early morning one from Hereford and an evening one back from Ross.

The 44/A will only require one bus, but it's a rare and welcome gain for First in Herefordshire.  I see Herefordshire Council are doing a consultation exercise over plans to significantly reduce funds for tendered services in 2014-15, so I expect this is why the tender is only for 6 months at this stage.

[winston]

PD0000480/227 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY

    Variation Accepted: Operating between Herefordshire, Hereford Rail Station and Herefordshire, Rotherwas given service number 78/78A/78B/88/88A effective from 03-May-2014. To amend Timetable.

PD0000480/317 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY

    Registration Accepted
    Starting Point: Hereford Railway Station
    Finish Point: Monmouth Bus Station
    Via: Ross-on-Wye
    Service Number: 34
    Service Type: Normal Stopping
    Effective Date: 04-MAY-2014
    Other Details: Sundays and bank holiday Mondays.

PD0000480/318 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY

    Registration Accepted by SN
    Starting Point: Hereford, Country Bus Station
    Finish Point: Ross-on-Wye, Cantilupe road
    Via: Hoarwithy
    Service Number: 44
    Service Type: Normal Stopping
    Effective Date: 31-MAR-2014
    Other Details: Monday to Saturday.