D&G Buses

[luke1420]

That was before they took over Arriva's Macclesfield outstation and turned it into one of their main depots.

More recently they've been transferring work out of Crewe and allocating new routes to alternative depots, due to Crewe having insufficient drivers and D&G not finding it possible to recruit new ones.

The Congleton locals could have gone to any depot, but they were allocated to Macc. The 42 used to be exclusively Crewe, now it's 1/3rd Crewe and 2/3rd Macclesfield. They didn't use to open Macclesfield on Sundays, now they do.

The 37 has always been a Crewe route since they took it over from Arriva. However, recently the new 37 shorts (a PVR of 2) have been allocated to Macc, despite being much closer to Crewe.

With the 38 they're sending a Crewe driver out to drive an Evora empty to Macclesfield at 5am, and a different Crewe driver is taking one back empty from Congleton at around 7.45pm. That's a very strange way of doing things, for an operator that's got a depot in Macclesfield, when the driver shortage is supposed to be in Crewe, not Macclesfield.

I don’t know where you have got the information about a shortage of drivers at Crewe from but that is not that case, Crewe has had reasonable staffing levels for a while. The reason Crewe are not taking on anymore work is because the yard is at full capacity.

In terms on the 38’s. They were operated out of Crewe before Arriva left Cheshire so when D&G became the sole operator along that route it just made sense to keep the 38 running from Crewe. Since then Macc have gradually been gaining more 38 work, the most recent being one of the later journeys on a Saturday, however I can’t see them moving much more over to Macc other than the odd trip here and there.

 

[em81]

I don’t know where you have got the information about a shortage of drivers at Crewe from but that is not that case, Crewe has had reasonable staffing levels for a while. The reason Crewe are not taking on anymore work is because the yard is at full capacity.

In terms on the 38’s. They were operated out of Crewe before Arriva left Cheshire so when D&G became the sole operator along that route it just made sense to keep the 38 running from Crewe. Since then Macc have gradually been gaining more 38 work, the most recent being one of the later journeys on a Saturday, however I can’t see them moving much more over to Macc other than the odd trip here and there.

You've written quite a bit, but not given one suggestion why they might have chosen to transfer 2/3rd of the 42 work to Macclesfield, rather than 1/3rd of the daytime 38 work. They've had the 42 even longer, since the GHA collapse. So I think we can dismiss your suggestion of it's because they started the 38 before Arriva left.

I don't visit Crewe myself but I've seen people sharing photos of A4 printouts at Crewe bus station apologising for only having one bus out on the 84X due to driver shortages. Who put those up? I presume it was the D&G Crewe depot manager. While that might have been due to someone being signed off sick for a few weeks, it doesn't suggest they are well staffed.

 

[SeanM1997]

D&G have been awarded the Shrewsbury Park & Ride services by Shropshire Council, with services commencing from 1 November 2026. These services will be operated under the new "HotSpur" brand, based at a new depot in Shrewsbury.

 

[capitalpotter]

D&G have been awarded the Shrewsbury Park & Ride services by Shropshire Council, with services commencing from 1 November 2026. These services will be operated under the new "HotSpur" brand, based at a new depot in Shrewsbury.

They're moving fast. Will this be all 3 P&R routes?

 

[markymark2000]

They're moving fast. Will this be all 3 P&R routes?

2 routes. Oxon and Harlescott.

Meloe Brace is closing.

 

[SeanM1997]

They're moving fast. Will this be all 3 P&R routes?

2 - Meole Brace is closing end of October

 

[k27spg]

2 - Meole Brace is closing end of October

6 PVR gain for D&G, 9 PVR loss for Arriva. Evening service introduced at same time, and frequency held at uplifted 12".

 

[SeanM1997]

D&G timetable from 1 September 2026:

15 Crewe - Sydney - Crewe

Monday-Saturday operates half hourly, Sunday hourly

15 - Crewe - Sydney and Elm Drive

D & G Bus

bustimes.org

15 - Crewe - Sydney and Elm Drive

D & G Bus

bustimes.org

15 - Crewe - Sydney and Elm Drive

D & G Bus

bustimes.org

37A Sandbach - Winsford

Monday-Friday operates hourly

37A - Sandbach - Winsford

D & G Bus

bustimes.org

Saturday hourly Winsford Circular

37A - Sandbach - Winsford

D & G Bus

bustimes.org

K Keele - Chesterton

Monday-Saturday reduced from half hourly to hourly

K - Keele University - Chesterton

D & G Bus

bustimes.org

102/102A Stone Circulars

Route now serves Oultoncross on weekdays, early service cut on Saturday, timetable changes throughout:

102 - Stone - Swynnerton and Norton Bridge

D & G Bus

bustimes.org

Appears minor timetable changes for routes 1/1A, 7/7A, 8A, 24, 32/32A/32X (including fewer services at Uttoxeter Tesco), 34, 35 (route changes too), 37, 38, 41, 43 (route changes too), 49, 82, 94, 95 and 130

31 appears to be removing Church Minshull as a timing point
89 appears to be changing its timing point in Lostock Gralam

Cannot see the new timetables for routes 8, 19/19A or 104 as of yet

Confirmation routes A to be cut from 31 August 2026

 

[luke1420]

You've written quite a bit, but not given one suggestion why they might have chosen to transfer 2/3rd of the 42 work to Macclesfield, rather than 1/3rd of the daytime 38 work. They've had the 42 even longer, since the GHA collapse. So I think we can dismiss your suggestion of it's because they started the 38 before Arriva left.

I don't visit Crewe myself but I've seen people sharing photos of A4 printouts at Crewe bus station apologising for only having one bus out on the 84X due to driver shortages. Who put those up? I presume it was the D&G Crewe depot manager. While that might have been due to someone being signed off sick for a few weeks, it doesn't suggest they are well staffed.

Having 2/3 of the 42’s running out of Macc suits the timetable with 2 out of the 3 buses starting and finishing in Congleton. The 38 is more complex, the 0555 off Macc upon arrival in Crewe forms the 0740 37 to Northwich, explaining why the this particular journey is run by Crewe. The other 3 buses (which remain on the 38 all day) all start their day in Crewe, this is another factor as to why Crewe run the majority of the 38’s

In regards to a driver shortage on the 84X, driver absences happens in all depots regardless of if they are fully staffed or not. Most depots have no more than one spare driver at a time, should multiple driver absences happen on one day often this means some journey will not operate.

 

[CN12 AWU]

Errr ya do know wincham shut like 2+yrs ago

Evora's rarely stray off #38s, only when off for maintenance & repairs or MOT etc.

Actually no I wasnt aware about Winchsm

 

[em81]

Having 2/3 of the 42’s running out of Macc suits the timetable with 2 out of the 3 buses starting and finishing in Congleton. The 38 is more complex, the 0555 off Macc upon arrival in Crewe forms the 0740 37 to Northwich, explaining why the this particular journey is run by Crewe. The other 3 buses (which remain on the 38 all day) all start their day in Crewe, this is another factor as to why Crewe run the majority of the 38’s

There would need to be a slight timetable tweak to allow the vehicle off the 05:55 Macclesfield to Crewe, to run the return 38 working.

I think they used to have the first Knutsford to Macclesfield operated by the vehicle off the early 89 Northwich to Knutsford, but tweaked the 87 when they withdrew the early 89 journey.

In regards to a driver shortage on the 84X, driver absences happens in all depots regardless of if they are fully staffed or not. Most depots have no more than one spare driver at a time, should multiple driver absences happen on one day often this means some journey will not operate.

From social media posts I gather Crewe bus users were seeing cancellations due to driver shortages as commonplace. I get that there's been cancelled journeys from the Macclesfield depot due to driver shortages and vehicle faults too. Perhaps the Crewe passengers are just the most vocal on social media?

Incidentally, I noticed only one MCV tracking on the 38 today, with two of the former 464 Versas also tracking on the route.

 

[SeanM1997]

Chaserider have applied for a 151 Stone - Rugeley from 1 September 2026. This appears to replace D&G service A as will serve Aston Lodge:

151 - Stone - Rugeley

Chaserider

bustimes.org

 

[MotCO]

Chaserider have applied for a 151 Stone - Rugeley from 1 April 2026. This appears to replace D&G service A as will serve Aston Lodge:

151 - Stone - Rugeley

Chaserider

bustimes.org

April? I think it may be September!

 

[em81]

A Flickr comment mentions two Versas being on loan from Alderley Green to Crewe, to free up 2 MCVs for the 41.

It looks like the 2 x 25 reg MMCs haven't been out for a while, so I presume something's happening with them. Maybe the 41 contract has a minimum capacity and vehicle age requirement, meaning other vehicles can't cover the 41 allocation directly? There's been reports of Cheshire West being stricter with enforcing non-compliance of contracted vehicle compliance than some other councils.

Not sure why the two of them were out on the 38s instead of the Evora bodied Volvos.

These are only on loan Cliff, unsure as to how long for but it is planned that these 2 versas are going to be used on the 38 and the Evoras on the 41

REPAINTED PURPLE OPTARE VERSA.

Two of the former Transdev Optare Versas in the purple livery for route 464 have been repainted and transferred to Crewe.YJ68 FVV (No 789) is seen at Congleton working a 38 to Crewe on 27th July 2026 its first day in service after being repainted.Not sure why the two of them were out on the 38s...

www.flickr.com

 

[sonic2009]

It looks like the 2 x 25 reg MMCs haven't been out for a while, so I presume something's happening with them. Maybe the 41 contract has a minimum capacity and vehicle age requirement, meaning other vehicles can't cover the 41 allocation directly? There's been reports of Cheshire West being stricter with enforcing non-compliance of contracted vehicle compliance than some other councils.

I've just asked the question in D&G enthusiasts group on Facebook and a reply was given 'Gone to Shrewsbury' so maybe the new Hotspur contracts require new buses.

 

[em81]

I've just asked the question in D&G enthusiasts group on Facebook and a reply was given 'Gone to Shrewsbury' so maybe the new Hotspur contracts require new buses.

I think they're also 34 seaters, so not max length, but also not the shortest ones. So another theory could be they want to use those mid-length ones for test runs.

Bus times had the two Versas on the 82 today. That brings back memories of D&G deciding the ex-SLT Enviros were lacking the power for the 82, moved them to the 88 and 288 routes, and sent up Versas to Wincham for the 82.

 

[DS25]

I've just asked the question in D&G enthusiasts group on Facebook and a reply was given 'Gone to Shrewsbury' so maybe the new Hotspur contracts require new buses.

https://newsroom.shropshire.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/Bus-service-review-2026-details-1.pdf

It says:
64: Over 5 years old
558: New buses
301: New buses
20: New buses
23: New buses
26: New buses
P&R: Under 5

 

[capitalpotter]

I've just asked the question in D&G enthusiasts group on Facebook and a reply was given 'Gone to Shrewsbury' so maybe the new Hotspur contracts require new buses.

Apparently 3x75 plate mmcs are heading over from chaserider too

 

[markymark2000]

There's been reports of Cheshire West being stricter with enforcing non-compliance of contracted vehicle compliance than some other councils.

Can I ask where you've seen these reports?

 

[em81]

So presumably the 5 x cascaded vehicles registered in 2025 will be for the Park & Ride "under 5 years old".

 

[capitalpotter]

So presumably the 5 x cascaded vehicles registered in 2025 will be for the Park & Ride "under 5 years old".

Not sure but it certainly looks that way.
They're different length buses too as the chaserider ones are longer.
I'm wondering if they will be repainted in a P&R livery

 

[DS25]

Not sure but it certainly looks that way.
They're different length buses too as the chaserider ones are longer.
I'm wondering if they will be repainted in a P&R livery

I assume so as theres a Shrewsbury P&R livery already

 

[capitalpotter]

I assume so as theres a Shrewsbury P&R livery already

Might of been easier to try and purchase these from arriva and just change the name sticker lol

 

[SSmith2009]

Might of been easier to try and purchase these from arriva and just change the name sticker lol

the versas are near enough life expired, would Centrebus even want them.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

the versas are near enough life expired, would Centrebus even want them.

I think it was a joke... The contract demands vehicles <5 yrs old so not those Versas!

 

[SeanM1997]

64 Hanley - Shrewsbury on D&G operates 3x daily, with Hotspur also operating 3x daily

64 - Hanley - Shrewsbury

D & G Bus

bustimes.org

 

[capitalpotter]

64 Hanley - Shrewsbury on D&G operates 3x daily, with Hotspur also operating 3x daily

64 - Hanley - Shrewsbury

D & G Bus

bustimes.org

Hotspur are listed on bus times but in the north west

 

[em81]

Can I ask where you've seen these reports?

It's more a case of seeing the tenders and contract awards and the subsequent allocations. Cheshire East award one requiring a 28 or 35 seater, then 26 or 33 seaters being allocated to the route instead seems a normal occurrence and it remains that way. With Cheshire West if they say a 39 seater because 2 journeys per day get loads of school kids on school days, then they mean a 39 seater and questions are asked if a 37 seater is allocated, with it not allowed to become a regular occurrence.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Aug 2026 ==

64 Hanley - Shrewsbury on D&G operates 3x daily, with Hotspur also operating 3x daily

64 - Hanley - Shrewsbury

D & G Bus

bustimes.org

That's a strange one. I suspected D&G wanted to have separate day tickets for Hotspur routes, in line with Chaserider. Having both brands on the same route makes Hotspur sound more like a sub brand of D&G, not a subsidiary.

 

[markymark2000]

It's more a case of seeing the tenders and contract awards and the subsequent allocations.

In which case, it's probably not as clear cut as you think. For example CWACC see no issue with allocations of double deckers that are marked as being higher than the bridges that they go under, and see no issue with the constant allocation from another operator who keeps using a non complaint PSVAR vehicle. I think it may just be luck or coincidence that the right buses are being allocated. Either that, or D&G know there is more competition for Cheshire West stuff so are better behaved compared to Cheshire East whereby they are almost guaranteed winners on most contracts.

 

[Simon75]

Hotspur are listed on bus times but in the north west

About time there are later /earlier buses to/from Shrewsbury. They were cut when PMt/First pulled out of jointly running the X64