West Country Independents

[freetoview33]

A lot of mights and maybes. They might buy Wessex or not or decide that they aren’t so keen on low margin tenders?

The 41 isn’t a South Glos route but a Wiltshire tender as part of an integrated award with other Malmesbury services.

Stagecoach will never buy Wessex! There's hardly anything left to buy anyway.

 

[RhysHand]

A lot of mights and maybes. They might buy Wessex or not or decide that they aren’t so keen on low margin tenders?

The 41 isn’t a South Glos route but a Wiltshire tender as part of an integrated award with other Malmesbury services.

I am interested to know what you think there is to buy...

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I am interested to know what you think there is to buy...

The assets and the limited number of services that they have. It is an option, as you may concede, though I'd also say that it's an option that is highly unlikely, which I guess is your point.

 

[RhysHand]

The assets and the limited number of services that they have. It is an option, as you may concede, though I'd also say that it's an option that is highly unlikely, which I guess is your point.

They're all contracts, which if Wessex closed, they would have a high chance of picking up those contracts anyway. All will become clear soon when its publicly announced.

 

[bussnapperwm]

No doubt should Wessex shut up shop, the Operators Licence and buses would come up useful for a certain other part of the Rotala empire which keeps losing wheels...

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

They're all contracts, which if Wessex closed, they would have a high chance of picking up those contracts anyway. All will become clear soon when its publicly announced.

Is the 51 a contract?

 

[carlberry]

Is the 51 a contract?

I thought that some money was involved at the time just to keep a service on one or two roads with the rest being commercial?

 

[carlberry]

The assets and the limited number of services that they have. It is an option, as you may concede, though I'd also say that it's an option that is highly unlikely, which I guess is your point.

Theres the depot which may be useful for coach operations but less so for buses!

 

[matt_splat]

the depot of wessex could be hand for a lorry company as well though

on the subject of stagecoach and gypsy patch allocation being upped it makes you wonder if the Falcon could be operated from the Bristol end of the route if the Plymouth depot closed

 

[carlberry]

the depot of wessex could be hand for a lorry company as well though

on the subject of stagecoach and gypsy patch allocation being upped it makes you wonder if the Falcon could be operated from the Bristol end of the route if the Plymouth depot closed

I suspect it's a bit full already and Exeter would make more sense if they wanted to move it (however I dont know how full Exeter is now).

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I thought that some money was involved at the time just to keep a service on one or two roads with the rest being commercial?

That was my understanding with a level of support and possibly some evening runs. Otherwise commercial as are the 3s?

However, as I said, whilst a sale is an option, it wasn’t a likelihood esp. as it’s been rumoured for sale for a while.

 

[robertclark125]

Mention of stagecoach possibly buying Wessex may make this next post relevant. In Blackpool today I saw two stagecoach double deckers which had on the inside paper adverts looking for drivers for Preston bus.

 

[freetoview33]

There are also plans for a new bus depot on the former Rolls Royce site at filton/patchway. No idea what company though!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

There are also plans for a new bus depot on the former Rolls Royce site at filton/patchway. No idea what company though!

Have you a link to the planning application?

 

[freetoview33]

http://developments.southglos.gov.uk/online-applications/?searchType=Application

PT17/5248/F | Erection of building to form motor dealership including MOT testing facility and external area for display of vehicles (sui generis), revised access onto A38, associated parking, landscaping, highways and drainage infrastructure. Re-location of bus depot from Plot E1 to land south of Plot F1 (Sel... | Plot C2/D1/E1 East Works Site Gloucester Road North Filton South Gloucestershire BS34 7ST

Doesn't look like much but still worth a little mention

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

http://developments.southglos.gov.uk/online-applications/?searchType=Application

Doesn't look like much but still worth a little mention

Relocation of depot.....

 

[freetoview33]

Relocation of depot.....

Relocation of the proposed depot from one part of the site to another

 

[swifty]

Looked like there was a disagreement between the Megabus and Falcon drivers and a traffic warden over the use of the Cabot Cricus Metrobus stop yesterday morning.

At the same time this morning a Falcon and two Interdecks were parked in the empty bus stops and Bond Street south waiting time.

 

[winston270twm]

That was my understanding with a level of support and possibly some evening runs. Otherwise commercial as are the 3s?

However, as I said, whilst a sale is an option, it wasn’t a likelihood esp. as it’s been rumoured for sale for a while.

I was under the impression that the 51 only had some initial funding for the first few months (up to the time the special '51' day tickets were increased to match standard Wessex fares), since then it is a fully commercial route, as are the peak 3's.

 

[carlberry]

I was under the impression that the 51 only had some initial funding for the first few months (up to the time the special '51' day tickets were increased to match standard Wessex fares), since then it is a fully commercial route, as are the peak 3's.

The peak 3s have always been very odd without they can work them in with something else.
They've also got the shuttle service around Severnside which is very convenient for their depot!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I was under the impression that the 51 only had some initial funding for the first few months (up to the time the special '51' day tickets were increased to match standard Wessex fares), since then it is a fully commercial route, as are the peak 3's.

You're right. I remember that there was an initial grant. However, it's FWoE's 50 (not the Wessex 51) that appears to be supported Can I blame the heatwave???

 

[winston270twm]

You're right. I remember that there was an initial grant. However, it's FWoE's 50 (not the Wessex 51) that appears to be supported Can I blame the heatwave???

I think we better remove you from service to cool down....

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I think we better remove you from service to cool down....

Tbh, my other half reckons I’m purely scrap....at least, I think she said scrap

 

[freetoview33]

22nd July changes.

57 is withdrawn
67 is withdrawn
207 is withdrawn
ASDA longwell green services - withdrawn

 

[swifty]

Abus Solo AP09 BUS has been repainted all over white.

 

[freetoview33]

A timetable change for the 52 has gone through for September

 

[Marcus Fryer]

Abus Solo AP09 BUS has been repainted all over white.

Had a trip out on the 672 today (AP09 BUS) and picked up this handbill. I think all of the withdrawals have been reported, but it gives confirmation of the reasons behind the decisions. Does the repainting of AP09 BUS indicate it will be transferring to Bristol Community Transport with the 672, or is it just co-incidence?

 

[freetoview33]

Had a trip out on the 672 today (AP09 BUS) and picked up this handbill. I think all of the withdrawals have been reported, but it gives confirmation of the reasons behind the decisions. Does the repainting of AP09 BUS indicate it will be transferring to Bristol Community Transport with the 672, or is it just co-incidence?

It could well be, I don't see Abus will have much use for it after.

 

[RhysHand]

It could well be, I don't see Abus will have much use for it after.

No, they will be using ex London E200's.

 

[matt_splat]

One of the new Levante 3's i believe is at Edwards Bristol at the moment.

I believe a few more might be visiting over the next few weeks before they move onto south wales.