First West of England (Bristol, Bath & The West)

[swifty]

Could be onto something there Matt....

PH1066711/55 - FLIGHTS HALLMARK LTD, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Bristol, Union Street and Bath Bus Station given service number 178 effective from 01-Nov-2014.
PH1066711/112 - FLIGHTS HALLMARK LTD, BEACON HOUSE, LONG ACRE, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B7 5JJ
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Midsomer Norton Town Hall and Bath Bus Station given service number 178/179 effective from 01-Nov-2014.

I'd say it was all but confirmed now!

PH0000132/22 - FIRST SOMERSET & AVON LTD T/A FIRST, ENTERPRISE HOUSE, EASTON ROAD, BRISTOL, BS5 0DZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between BATH Bus Station and MIDSOMER NORTON given service number 179 effective from 02-Nov-2014. To amend Timetable.

Another interesting entry today was for the variation to the route and timetable of the 81/82/83, I wonder what the deal there is?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I'd say it was all but confirmed now!

PH0000132/22 - FIRST SOMERSET & AVON LTD T/A FIRST, ENTERPRISE HOUSE, EASTON ROAD, BRISTOL, BS5 0DZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between BATH Bus Station and MIDSOMER NORTON given service number 179 effective from 02-Nov-2014. To amend Timetable.

Another interesting entry today was for the variation to the route and timetable of the 81/82/83, I wonder what the deal there is?

One thing to take on the 178 in the evening but the 179!

What could the 83 be? Kingswood opentop service using 32027 calling at all the cultural high spots such as Kingswood Museum, Chipping Sodbury and the Hanging Gardens of Pucklechurch???

 

[freetoview33]

83 could be a replacement for the 86?
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This is really starting to feel like the beginning of the end of Wessex! Unless they start some new services soon.

 

[swifty]

83 could be a replacement for the 86?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
This is really starting to feel like the beginning of the end of Wessex! Unless they start some new services soon.

Oh I wouldn't be to worried about that..... You're in for a surprise from September 21st But not the sort of motley routes you'd expect Wessex to bother with!

35 – First
Marshfield – Kingswood – Bristol, new service operated by First, replacement of the Bristol to Marshfield section of the 635 service. Timetable has been revised, supported by South Gloucestershire Council.
79 – Wessex Connect
Marshfield – Bath, new operator with no changes to Friday or Saturday daytime service, school journey now starts in Marshfield but no changes to timetable or route from Marshfield to the Bath schools, supported by South Gloucestershire Council.
634 – Wessex Connect
Tormarton – Kingswood, new operator with no changes to route or timetable, supported by South Gloucestershire Council.
684 – Wessex Connect
Wick – Keynsham, new operator with no changes to route or timetable, supported by South Gloucestershire Council.

http://www.southglos.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/public-transport/buses/changes-to-bus-services/

 

[freetoview33]

But those 3 new Wessex services are next to nothing! Exciting to see a 35 service shame it is not all the way to Chippenham! But I fully understand that the train is quicker and out of SGC area so.

 

[swifty]

But those 3 new Wessex services are next to nothing! Exciting to see a 35 service shame it is not all the way to Chippenham!

It's a start.... They'll get fed up them before long, it's a shame really as there is a lack of operators for this sort of work in the area now. It's the sort of contracts someone like South Gloucestershire used to build up their once large network... Now look at what's left!

I suggest you ask Wiltshire council to dip their hand in their pockets to fund a service to carry fresh air to past the boundary line

 

[freetoview33]

Also looks like the 555 was short lived and has gone

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

But those 3 new Wessex services are next to nothing! Exciting to see a 35 service shame it is not all the way to Chippenham! But I fully understand that the train is quicker and out of SGC area so.

Depends whether WC tender something at that end. The 635 doesn't really serve many places once you leave Chippers; Biddestone and Ford are possibly two of the most affluent villages going and that's it til Marshfield. Shame as it's a lovely journey.

It was First until 2007 then shared between Faresaver and First for about 6 months (change at Marshfield) til Faresaver took it all. Wonder what First will use and which depot? LH 06 Darts?

 

[ryson357]

But those 3 new Wessex services are next to nothing! Exciting to see a 35 service shame it is not all the way to Chippenham! But I fully understand that the train is quicker and out of SGC area so.

A lot of new services being operated by first recently! Exciting

 

[freetoview33]

Very exciting! Will the 35 be within the Bristol outer zone or just outside it?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Very exciting! Will the 35 be within the Bristol outer zone or just outside it?

Wick will be in it but Marshfield is past Bath and level with Bathampton. However, think it might be in though can't see it being a top priority.

 

[swifty]

Wick will be in it but Marshfield is past Bath and level with Bathampton. However, think it might be in though can't see it being a top priority.

Should be just inside at the far end of Marshfield, the Outer Zone is a 12 miles radius from the bus station(?) and in a straight line Withymead Road is just over 12 miles.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

83 could be a replacement for the 86?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
This is really starting to feel like the beginning of the end of Wessex! Unless they start some new services soon.

What's happening to the 86?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

A lot of new services being operated by first recently! Exciting

Yeah, like the 520

 

[freetoview33]

Most likely nothing I was just thinking of another route that goes from Yate - Kingswood!

 

[swifty]

What's happening to the 86?

Nothing I'd have thought, it was only re-let towards the end of last year. And would First really want to bother with a fully supported service?

 

[CD]

As "South Westerly" advised another Trident has arrived in Bridgwater from Plymouth. It is 32954, one of the Tridents that was loaned to Weymouth for the 2012 Olympics.

Also B10ble 62138 which arrived at Taunton on Monday is now also at Bridgwater.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Nothing I'd have thought, it was only re-let towards the end of last year. And would First really want to bother with a fully supported service?

If it makes a decent margin, but I did think it unlikely!
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As "South Westerly" advised another Trident has arrived in Bridgwater from Plymouth. It is 32954, one of the Tridents that was loaned to Weymouth for the 2012 Olympics.

Also B10ble 62138 which arrived at Taunton on Monday is now also at Bridgwater.

How many Tridents is that at BR? Must be getting to be enough for the 21 and to replace the Olyms there?

 

[ValleyLines142]

Guys I need to get to Yate tomorrow, from Cardiff. Am I better off getting a train, changing at Filton Abbey Wood, or am I better off getting off at Bristol Parkway and getting the 81/82?

 

[ryson357]

Guys I need to get to Yate tomorrow, from Cardiff. Am I better off getting a train, changing at Filton Abbey Wood, or am I better off getting off at Bristol Parkway and getting the 81/82?

For services 81/82 I would get off at Parkway as they stop there. Filton Abbey Wood doesn't get served by any first buses except X18 I think.

http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/assets/pdfs/journey_planning/booklets/35_TT.pdf

Service 35 timetable is already up

 

[ValleyLines142]

For services 81/82 I would get off at Parkway as they stop there. Filton Abbey Wood doesn't get served by any first buses except X18 I think.

http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/assets/pdfs/journey_planning/booklets/35_TT.pdf

Service 35 timetable is already up

No I know, if I was to get the 81/82 I'd get a Paddington-bound train and get off at Parkway.

 

[winston270twm]

But those 3 new Wessex services are next to nothing!.

With First seemingly squeezing Wessex out of certain areas by taking over contracted services or offering to run tendered services commercially. I think Wessex/Rotala need to seriously consider changing the proportion of contracted services that they get involved in with by introducing some new commercial services and possibly consider taking over an independent with established commercial services in the area. Otherwise the Wessex business is just going to continue shrinking, I believe some/all of the Park & Ride routes are due for renewal next year which may provide a chunk of new revenue, but no doubt First will also tender for those.....

 

[matt_splat]

wonder if faresaver will chuck in the Marshfield Chippenham side and then focus on attacking first some where else?

now if first could get hold of the 620 and work something with that the network would look extremely interesting

 

[swifty]

wonder if faresaver will chuck in the Marshfield Chippenham side and then focus on attacking first some where else?

Faresaver have withdrawn from the 634/5 and 684. SGC only replaced the section of the 635 in their patch and as a result there won't be a service past Marshfield now.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

With First seemingly squeezing Wessex out of certain areas by taking over contracted services or offering to run tendered services commercially. I think Wessex/Rotala need to seriously consider changing the proportion of contracted services that they get involved in with by introducing some new commercial services and possibly consider taking over an independent with established commercial services in the area. Otherwise the Wessex business is just going to continue shrinking, I believe some/all of the Park & Ride routes are due for renewal next year which may provide a chunk of new revenue, but no doubt First will also tender for those.....

So basically saying that Wessex should take over Abus? Perhaps Rotala are guilty of massive complacency; they were happy to take subsidies when they could've turned them into commercial routes.

You can bet that First will compete hard for P&R as well as CTPlus. One wonders where next for Wessex...

 

[swifty]

I think Wessex/Rotala need to seriously consider changing the proportion of contracted services that they get involved in with by introducing some new commercial services and possibly consider taking over an independent with established commercial services in the area.

They've already tried introducing commercial services away from the Uni and failed to a certain degree. Take the X40 and the 3's for example, as well as the short lived EXP service.

I believe some/all of the Park & Ride routes are due for renewal next year which may provide a chunk of new revenue, but no doubt First will also tender for those.....

The 903 is up next March with the rest due for renewal Sep 2016 IIRC. You'll also no doubt have CT Plus & RATP interested. Then there is the white elephant that is Metrobus from Long Ashton which will probably replace the 903 at some point.

 

[South Westerly]

If it makes a decent margin, but I did think it unlikely!
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How many Tridents is that at BR? Must be getting to be enough for the 21 and to replace the Olyms there?

Six Olympians left at BOS and all likely to stay until next year unless any expire.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Faresaver have withdrawn from the 634/5 and 684. SGC only replaced the section of the 635 in their patch and as a result there won't be a service past Marshfield now.

Wonder if WC will tweak the Chippenham to Castle Combe route to provide journey in from Ford and Biddestone?
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Six Olympians left at BOS and all likely to stay until next year unless any expire.

For schools rather than front line service though in Somerset, that's often one and the same?

 

[freetoview33]

Thing is Wessex introduced the 3, First then introduced more 309 trips, Wessex quickly withdrew the 3. Then First withdrew the additional 309 trips and it was back to how it was before. So Wessex seem perfectly happy to move out of the way.
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Also I'm surprised the 35 isn't starting from the Bus Station.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Also I'm surprised the 35 isn't starting from the Bus Station.

Just reflecting what was tendered by SGC?

 

[winston270twm]

So basically saying that Wessex should take over Abus? Perhaps Rotala are guilty of massive complacency; they were happy to take subsidies when they could've turned them into commercial routes.

You can bet that First will compete hard for P&R as well as CTPlus. One wonders where next for Wessex...

Abus have established commercial routes and could give Wessex/Rotala something commercial to build on if they could be persuaded to sell out at a decent price? Maybe Wessex would be better looking to fill gaps in First's network rather than go head to head, but they need to do something and start to move away from solely contracted routes that can easily be lost.

We don't actually know First are making any money on these routes that they have taken on commercially? They may be break even at best and simply designed to put the squeeze on Wessex. When it comes to 'massive complacency' I'm afraid First Group take 1stprize, due to years of high fares, poor quality services, little new vehicle investment and everything being dictated by Aberdeen HQ. First left the door open for the likes of Webberbus and only have themselves to blame, but that's another story.

Flights Hallmark is Rotala's biggest subsidiary, but does include coaching activities in B'ham/Heathrow & airport work, not sure how much of the turnover/profit is attributed to Wessex.

I agree that First will fight hard to gain the Park & Ride work plus the UWE contract when the current contract expires. That is why Wessex need to change direction now!