EOS Buses withdraw routes

[alex397]

Some of you might know of the company EOS based in Essex (and part of Swallow Coaches). Sadly, they have announced on Twitter that they will be withdrawing the majority of their routes, leaving 2 council contracts and 1 school route.

I'm actually quite saddened by this, as they were clearly a company trying hard, with good customer service over Twitter, largely a good fleet, and operating in challenging territory. I've used their services a number of times, and was impressed with reliability, the drivers and ticket prices.

Routes 66, 86, 87 and new route S1 will all be withdrawn. This leaves the 13 (Epping-Waltham Cross) and 61 (Brentwood-Blackmore) and school route 133, which I believe are all Essex County Council contracts. These will operate under parent company Swallow Coaches, so it is understood that EOS will no longer exist.
Apparently Arriva (who only a few years ago withdraw a lot of routes from the area, leaving independents to take over) have registered replacement routes, but it is unlear which routes. My guess is that busy route 66 will certainly be taken over, but I wouldn't be surprised if the 86 and 87 get a poor replacement or not replaced at all.

Route 66 (Waltham Cross - Loughton/Debden) was originally the 250 and a one time LT route until the late 1980s. It was then County Bus/Arriva until around 2010, when independents started competing against it, and Arriva gave it up without too much of a fight. This was a period when Arriva withdrew from fairly popular corridors in the area. Eventually it got in the hands of EOS who have operated it under a period of reasonable stability ever since (when the M25 isn't screwed up, which causes major traffic in the area!). It will be interesting what Arriva do with it (again!)

From Twitter:

"..........We have actually cancelled our bus services from the end of August, 2018. Hopefully a bigger company with more access to modern vehicles and technology will continue where we’ve left off,we will be posting notices shortly"

Further tweets replying to others clarify which routes.

 

[Anthony ross]

That’s a shame I’ve used them lots of times

 

[alex397]

Arriva have registered replacement routes 66, 86 and 87, according to VOSA. It is not known what the timetables will be like yet, but will probably be uploaded to Traveline soon.

 

[Anthony ross]

I imagine that these replacement services will be run by Harlow depot

 

[alex397]

EOS will now cease earlier than planned on the 31st July, with Arriva taking over the 66, 86 and 87 on 1st August. Same with Swallow on the 13, 61, 66A and 133.

For some reason there has been very little interest about this company on the local Essex and London forums which surprises me.

 

[Anthony ross]

Hopefully swallow coaches will be able to do better than EOS I know that it was owned by swallow but given the fact the both TWH and EOS where run by the same person I’m surprised theve lasted this long

 

[Be3G]

I don't think I've used EOS's services (I used to use buses between Waltham Cross and Loughton but that was before EOS took over), but one thing I respected them for was their aspiration to extend the 86 to Chingford to cover the loss of a weekday 505 service along Sewardstone Road – the 505 having originally been an Arriva route too before they gave up on it.

 

[plcd1]

EOS will now cease earlier than planned on the 31st July, with Arriva taking over the 66, 86 and 87 on 1st August. Same with Swallow on the 13, 61, 66A and 133.

For some reason there has been very little interest about this company on the local Essex and London forums which surprises me.

I think there is very little interest because that whole West Essex / East Herts area has been disastrous for bus services and "competition" for decades. The area has had unstable services and operators for many years most of whom were shoddy / borderline crooks. Given passengers have largely given up on the routes because of the mess they've been it's little wonder most enthusiasts aren't interested. It was a monthly struggle to read in LOTS TLB the latest set of service changes that just compounded / unravelled (depending on the month) that had happened previously. I haven't been in that part of the world on public transport in decades because I can't be bothered with useless services.

What it really needs is a huge shake out of useless operators and someone competent like Ensignbus to step in. The big problem is that the market is now so weak and so damaged that Ensign's pockets are almost certainly not deep enough to weather the losses in the short to medium term. It's very different to when Ensignbus effectively kicked Arriva out of Thurrock and established themselves a decent core network pretty quickly. For example, I can't see Ensignbus being able to kick Arriva out of Harlow even though Harlow desperately needs a quality operator like Ensignbus to run its town services.

 

[Robertj21a]

I think Harlow only deserves Arriva.

 

[Anthony ross]

Arriva seems to be doing what first has done in Berkshire let other companies take the routes it doesn’t want or doesn’t want to provide then let the other operators run a service then come back later on down the line and push the other operator out again

 

[alex397]

I think there is very little interest because that whole West Essex / East Herts area has been disastrous for bus services and "competition" for decades. The area has had unstable services and operators for many years most of whom were shoddy / borderline crooks. Given passengers have largely given up on the routes because of the mess they've been it's little wonder most enthusiasts aren't interested. It was a monthly struggle to read in LOTS TLB the latest set of service changes that just compounded / unravelled (depending on the month) that had happened previously. I haven't been in that part of the world on public transport in decades because I can't be bothered with useless services.

What it really needs is a huge shake out of useless operators and someone competent like Ensignbus to step in. The big problem is that the market is now so weak and so damaged that Ensign's pockets are almost certainly not deep enough to weather the losses in the short to medium term. It's very different to when Ensignbus effectively kicked Arriva out of Thurrock and established themselves a decent core network pretty quickly. For example, I can't see Ensignbus being able to kick Arriva out of Harlow even though Harlow desperately needs a quality operator like Ensignbus to run its town services.

The reason i'm surprised in the lack of interest there seems to be with the end of EOS is from an enthusiasts point of view - they have an interesting fleet of mainly ex-London stock, interesting routes, and also in recent months have installed very detailed smart blinds in some of the fleet. I certainly don't think EOS were a shoddy operator (Ok, I admit some of their vehicles could look a bit better!), they are possibly the best independent in the area for years. They did make a good effort with customer service, through timetable leaflets and Twitter. The other major independent in the area is Trustybus, which has poor customer service - they have given up on their Twitter account, their website is not updated, and their timetables currently available at Harlow bus station are out of date - they also repeatedly change their confusing timetables (and who numbers a route 418B??). Arriva appear to be better than they used to be in Harlow (i'm still remembering the days of Network Harlow!), but their Twitter is very corporate, and the Arriva staff replying to queries seem to know nothing about the area.
EOS have also tried with some innovative routes - their 87 route has allowed residents of west Harlow a direct service to Epping Station, and I have heard this has been popular with commuters, and I believe passenger numbers have been growing (on the peak commuter journeys anyway - I don't think they have been able to compete well with Arriva and Trusty on the main Epping-Harlow corridor). I doubt Arriva would have started up such a route. Also, their new S1 showed some promise, but as its being cancelled after just 2 months, thats no time for a service to grow - I also doubt other operators in the area would have risked such a service.
My point is, EOS were a sign of hope for the area, which is why i'm sad they will be going. Its a shame you haven't travelled in the area on public transport to see for yourself.


While I think SW Essex has been interesting for enthusiasts with its history of cowboy operators and vast array of different vehicles, I totally agree with you about passengers giving up with the bus in the area, and its probably a reason why traffic is so awful in the area (especially when I compare it to similar areas close to the London border in NE Kent, for example), and why EOS are struggling. An operator such as Ensignbus could do wonders for the area, but like you I severely doubt they would risk it, especially in this really bad climate where even quality operators are struggling. At least Stephensons of Essex come fairly close - they operate a schoolday route to Old Harlow!

I think Harlow only deserves Arriva.

Not sure what you mean by that, but Harlow could do with a much better operator than Arriva.

 

[Typhoon]

I've travelled on EOS buses a few times - some were rather elderly and not in the best of condition but they seemed to be able to stick to timetable (I only travelled during the day - might not be true in peaks), drivers were civil enough and, of the routes I travelled on, frequency was reasonable or better given the patronage.

Problems I identified were lack of passengers, level of traffic along narrow roads, road works and lack of knowledge of bus services by the general public. Arriving in a shopping area, I asked several people, including those in a local government office, where the bus stop was. It took some time to find someone who had any idea (it was at the end of the road where I was asking people). I can't see Arriva being able to surmount these problems. I suspect 'rationalisation' will follow.

Post #8 - I suspect Ensign are quite happy where they are.

 

[Busaholic]

I've travelled on EOS buses a few times - some were rather elderly and not in the best of condition but they seemed to be able to stick to timetable (I only travelled during the day - might not be true in peaks), drivers were civil enough and, of the routes I travelled on, frequency was reasonable or better given the patronage.

Problems I identified were lack of passengers, level of traffic along narrow roads, road works and lack of knowledge of bus services by the general public. Arriving in a shopping area, I asked several people, including those in a local government office, where the bus stop was. It took some time to find someone who had any idea (it was at the end of the road where I was asking people). I can't see Arriva being able to surmount these problems. I suspect 'rationalisation' will follow.

Post #8 - I suspect Ensign are quite happy where they are.

It's amazed me for years to read in the London Omnibus Traction Society's monthly newsletter about all the goings-on around Harlow and its hinterland (and here I'm including Waltham Cross/Abbey/Loughton/Debden as well as Epping and places closer to the New Town, if anyone still calls it that.) I've never dared venture to the place with my bus pass in case all bus services have ceased overnight, or somesuch. I have to admit to wonderment that the Traffic Commissioners for the area put up with a tenth of it, but maybe, viewing what you've just said, they hardly ever got complaints because only the poor and desperate used the buses anyway. One day I'll pluck up the courage, but it's an awful long way from where I live!

 

[plcd1]

There will a RM operating on the last day of EOS services with workings across several of their routes in the Harlow / Waltham Cross area.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjIHmLKU4AAB8hd.jpg

(link to an image, showing the special workings, on one of their tweets)

Note also the comment from the boss of EOS Buses in this image, again from a tweet. Seems he has had enough of running buses with the use of the term "tiresome".

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Di88sViW0AARFIB.jpg

 

[alex397]

Some interesting developments....

Arriva are due to take over the 66, 86 and 87 tomorrow. However, they have announced today that due to 'legal reasons' they will no longer be able to.

Bear in mind that the new Arriva routes are officially registered from 1st September, but this was brought forward a month. I wonder if the TC has not agreed to them starting early?

This potentially leaves bus passengers without a bus for a month. This will be particularly serious for users of the 66, a relatively busy route with many commuters who use this. A month without bus travel could lose some passengers permanently as they find other solutions.

Arriva have said they will start the routes as soon as possible. This is all on a tweet posted on their @arrivaessex account. I will try to put this on here later

 

[Robertj21a]

I believe that the TC has not agreed to the EOS and/or Arriva (or both) requests.

 

[goldisgood]

After a look, it seems that EOS's registrations were due to end on the 31st of August, with Arriva's starting on the 1st of September. I'd say that EOS are at fault here.
From their twitter, "Further to the withdrawal of our services and the legal issue associated with Arriva operating the services, Eos will provide a complimentary shuttle bus between the abbey and Loughton following the 66 route on Wednesday 1st AUGUST ONLY every 45 minutes between 0600 and 1900".

 

[158756]

After a look, it seems that EOS's registrations were due to end on the 31st of August, with Arriva's starting on the 1st of September. I'd say that EOS are at fault here.
From their twitter, "Further to the withdrawal of our services and the legal issue associated with Arriva operating the services, Eos will provide a complimentary shuttle bus between the abbey and Loughton following the 66 route on Wednesday 1st AUGUST ONLY every 45 minutes between 0600 and 1900".

Does it really matter that much that EOS have gone early? If Arriva are ready to go does it benefit anyone not to let them run until September? EOS still having a registration shouldn't matter - companies compete on some routes after all. Probably the routes will be wholly withdrawn within a year as the month without service will force many customers to buy a car or leave their jobs.

 

[alex397]

EOS were due to run another month, but for various issues have needed to end a month early. Arriva fully agreed to this, and already have buses and drivers ready to go. Most EOS drivers have already transferred over, and are ready to drive tomorrow.

I have since found out that the Traffic Commissioners have not objected to any of this, but they have simply just been very slow in processing the application!! So, passengers have a potential month of disruption thanks to TC incompetence.

I do however doubt there will be a month of disruption. I can imagine the TC will possibly now prioritise this, and everything could be sorted by next week... but who knows. I haven't heard of many (if any) cases of a busy bus route having no service for a month due to admin problems.

 

[Busaholic]

When similar situations have arisen in the past, and if there's sufficient goodwill on both sides, then the new operator has been known to operate the routes/buses 'on hire' to the incumbent operator to the same timetable in the interim. If EOS has ceased to exist legally (doubtful) then I daresay it could be 'on hire to Swallow'.
P.S. Written prior to the posting above mine. If true, then should get resolved quickly.

 

[goldisgood]

Does it really matter that much that EOS have gone early? If Arriva are ready to go does it benefit anyone not to let them run until September? EOS still having a registration shouldn't matter - companies compete on some routes after all. Probably the routes will be wholly withdrawn within a year as the month without service will force many customers to buy a car or leave their jobs.

If the preparations aren't there for services to continue then I think it does matter that EOS have gone early. Whilst I agree with you that it is fine if Arriva take over before the registration expires, the fact that the service has been withdrawn early and the replacement has now been messed up isn't great, and as EOS' registrations are set to continue to the 31st of August they should continue running these services until the TC lets Arriva take them on. It's a bit of a disaster really, as you say a month without service will lose a lot of passengers, and whilst there is some overlap, the services do provide unique connections which, because of this mess, will probably be lost. Hopefully the TC will get some common sense and let Arriva take over the services asap.
There are some alternatives, but they still fail to provide the connections that people use.
66: The 66 provides a unique route which only really has a good alternative between Waltham Cross and Waltham Abbey with the 251. The problem here is that the east of the town will lose the service, and the connection to Loughton is lost. Like on the 87, a few of the roads around Loughton and Debden lose services, as well as some small settlements between the main towns, but the main problem is the loss of the end to end connection, where the only real alternative is a train to Stratford, then the tube back out to Loughton.
86: The 251 covers a decent portion of the 86 from Waltham Cross to Upshire, Nazeing has the C392 running to Broxbourne and then from Sumners into Harlow it runs the same as the 1. For end to end travel you have the train, so it's not the biggest loss.
87: The majority of the route from Harlow to Sumners Farm has alternatives into the town centre, with the 381 covering 'the back route' between Harlow and Epping every few hours. Between Epping and Debden you have the tube, the only problem with that being it is a bit of a walk from parts of Epping and Theydon Bois, and the small amounts of housing between the main towns and villages, but some of this is served by the 418. Parts of Debden are served by alternative routes, but there is a section which isn't which would be lost. The main problem with this route is that although the end to end connections are there still (but with a change, ie 9/420/420A to Epping then tube) the settlements between the main towns and villages have either a reduced service which takes longer in some instances (381 or 418), or lots of changes to get to places in between.
In summary the 86 has a few alternatives which aren't too bad - the main loss is the through connection from Waltham Abbey to Harlow, and the loss of a connection from Nazeing to Harlow/Waltham and the loss of service from settlements between Upshire, Nazeing and Sumners.
The 87 isn't great, but there are some alternatives which aren't the end of the world. Around Harlow there are various bus routes into the tow centre(although one only runs off peak), between Harlow and Epping you have the main route, or the 381 and then you have the 418, tube or TfL from Epping to Loughton.
Then the 66. There is no feasible alternative apart from for the section between Waltham Cross and Waltham Abbey, so I guess it is lucky that the shuttle bus is running.
The biggest loss will be the 66 - people can probably just about live without the 86 with alternatives from most places (although changes are required) and the 87 has alternatives for sections of the route, just not for the through route and a small section in Loughton/Debden.
Hopefully this can all be resolved ASAP - this was a mess up, now this needs to be fixed somehow.
EDIT: Just saw the above posts - some of the specifics here are wrong, sorry! Hopefully this will be resolved as soon as the above posts say for reasons I have mentioned. On another note, could the 251 and 86 be combined, with an hourly 251 extended to Harlow? Although slightly tight, this could be done with 1 extra bus (the one which would run the 86), maybe with waiting time redistributed to give a bit longer at Waltham Cross?

 

[goldisgood]

Arriva will be running the services from tomorrow.

 

[alex397]

Arriva will be running the services from tomorrow.

Indeed, which is good news. EOS have continued to operate a service on all routes (except fresh air carrier S1), hourly on the 66, a partial service on the 87 between Harlow and Epping and Loughton and Debden, and an almost full service on the 86, with continued updates made on Twitter. They have managed this even though most drivers have transferred to Arriva.

Some enthusiasts, including those who have never used their services, have been quick to continually criticise EOS and making comparisons to awful operators Trustybus and previous operator SM Coaches/Roadrunner/Olympian whatever their name was. But EOS have been the best independent operator in SW Essex for many years, and with better customer service than Arriva, so it's sad to see them go.

Hopefully Arriva will be successful with these new services. Although apparently Arriva are giving the 66 a PVR of 3 compared to EOS's 4 to cater for the awful traffic- so will be interesting to see how they cope!

 

[nesw]

And a nice little Public Inquiry for Swallow and their TM/Director later this month. Kevin Webb is also listed as having overall control of EOS.
Swallow also recently applied to open an operating centre in Brentwood; they’ve been using it for a number of months , presumably without authorisation.

 

[Anthony ross]

I wonder how long swallow will run the remaining services for