First Group: General Discussion

[Blackpudding]

Does anyone know where I can find a current fleet list of Yorkshire?

http://www.sheffieldomnibus.uk/fleet-lists.html

 

[THarris123]

Does anyone know where I can find a current fleet list of Yorkshire?

http://www.sheffieldomnibus.uk/fleet-lists.html

Thanks for that - I was looking for that one, but couldn't find it through Google.

 

[baza585]

Kernow ones suffering when braking and dropping down the gears. Impossible to drive smoothly, leaving passengers wondering who taught that driver to drive like that.

AFAIK Kernow don't have any Streetlites...................

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

AFAIK Kernow don't have any Streetlites...................

My thought too (though they had one for evaluation for a bit)

 

[overthewater]

First has gain a new open access rail line, just in case your failed to notice it.

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=130283

 

[83G/84D]

My thought too (though they had one for evaluation for a bit)

63097 now in the Potteries and seen at Hanley recently by myself. Hopefully the first and last Streetlite to be part of the First Kernow fleet (albeit on trial).

 

[Volvodart]

https://www.firstgroup.com/south-east-and-central-scotland/news-and-service-updates/news/more-new-buses-set-west-lothian

We are delighted to announce details of another significant order for new vehicles for our West Lothian Network. We're investing £3.4m in 19 new buses.

Our latest order brings our total investment in West Lothian to £7m since 2014. Our investment, which features 19 double deck AOL 400, is great news for customers and colleagues in West Lothian and Edinburgh. We're committed to providing high quality services, ensuring our customers travel in modern, comfortable and fit for purpose vehicles.

All the new buses will feature the latest technology with free on board Wi-Fi and USB charging points, allowing customers to charge their phones and tablets on the move. They will also feature leather seats and will be fitted with CCTV.

All 19 new buses will be fitted with the latest Euro 6 engines, which produce 95% less oxides of nitrogen emissions compared to buses with Euro 5 engines. This helps support our local authority partners by improving air quality in the towns and cities we operate.

The new buses are expected to be on the road by the end of August and we are confident our customers will be impressed!

 

[Robertj21a]

https://www.firstgroup.com/south-east-and-central-scotland/news-and-service-updates/news/more-new-buses-set-west-lothian

You would have hoped that someone had checked that for accuracy !

 

[THarris123]

You would have hoped that someone had checked that for accuracy !

What's an AOL 400? Do they mean they're bringing in some new ALX400s? or E400s?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

What's an AOL 400? Do they mean they're bringing in some new ALX400s? or E400s?

America On-Line doing buses!!!

That said, Virgin run trains

 

[smtglasgow]

The big surprise here is that there is still work for 19 brand new buses at Livingston. The 27/28 into Edinburgh seems pretty quiet these days (although they might have plans for a re-launch), so I wonder if these buses are for busy West Lothian routes like the 800? Or is yet another network review on the cards? Presumably the new deckers will release some of the 55/57 plate gemini. Could these be on the way to Glasgow (which is crying out for better stock on some of the high profile cross-city routes)?

 

[Volvodart]

I am sure the 27 was mentioned for new buses, but that was over a year ago.

 

[overthewater]

At long last its been confirmed.

The big surprise here is that there is still work for 19 brand new buses at Livingston. The 27/28 into Edinburgh seems pretty quiet these days (although they might have plans for a re-launch), so I wonder if these buses are for busy West Lothian routes like the 800? Or is yet another network review on the cards?

I dare say it more cost effective to have one depot look after one set of deckers. There is chance of a review, because the network is a complete an utter mess and lets be fair here some of the routes only operate to operate the highest level of mileage with the least amount of resources.

It needs clean sweep, and its now fully possible. Lets not forgot the Whinchbugh grant money, which has yet to be released; and lets also not forget the Whitburn heartlands. So plenty of new developments on the cards.

Presumably the new deckers will release some of the 55/57 plate gemini. Could these be on the way to Glasgow (which is crying out for better stock on some of the high profile cross-city routes)?

Short answer is no; Gems should be moving to Falkirk, to release the non DDA and other crap. Are first really going to spend money on converting crap which wont even last another three years?

All crap stock from Livingston and Falkirk will be kept in stores (if the new stock appear before August) Once Falkirk council announces who has won the 39 school contracts, at that point the company will decide what will be shipped out. Ie if it wins more the fleet will just get transfer over, if it loses work, (being honest it's work load is already pretty high) Then over 20-40 buses could be sent to the scrap man.

I am sure the 27 was mentioned for new buses, but that was over a year ago.

Yes it was, i'm sure its been on the cards for the past couple of years. I remember the No38 were due new buses and there had to wait 3 years for theirs.

Poor old Muss depot, still no new buses.

 

[d1672]

Hi Everyone,

In tonights' Evening Times. First Glasgow is to increase fares again by 20p. That's the headline. Some season ticket fares to be reduced.

Reason :- Lack of passengers.

Thomas

 

[overthewater]

whos reason is that? Evening times? Its was made clear the fare within the Central belt of Scotland needed to be realigned once the undertakings were sorted.

Thus the singles have jumped up to where there should be, while the more passenger friendly and more beneficial weekly tickets are coming down in price.

 

[the101]

Hi Everyone,

In tonights' Evening Times. First Glasgow is to increase fares again by 20p. That's the headline. Some season ticket fares to be reduced.

Reason :- Lack of passengers.

Thomas

Nowhere whatsoever in the Evening Times article does it state that the reason is 'lack of passengers'.

 

[d1672]

Hi,

SPT is quoted as saying a decline in passengers in Western Scotland on the online version.

I thought it was First who said this.

 

[overthewater]

Hi,
SPT is quoted as saying a decline in passengers on the online version.
I thought it was First who said this.

Is this the same SPT who waste lots of money? go on big trip abroad? its not the reason why the fare have gone up...

As I said Its was made clear the fare within the Central belt of Scotland needed to be realigned once the undertakings were sorted. Watch out First Scotland east will follow at some point.

Thus the singles have jumped up to where there should be, while the more passenger friendly and more beneficial weekly tickets are coming down in price.

I can see where the misconception has come about as there is another link:

READ MORE: SPT warns of market failure as report highlights 'significant and worrying' fall in bus passengers

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/...__fall_in_bus_passengers_in_west_of_Scotland/

A "SIGNIFICANT and worrying fall" in the number of people travelling by bus in the west of Scotland is threatening the future of the region's bus market, a report has warned. Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) compared the crisis to a "market failure" as it urged operators and local authorities to work together to halt a steep decline in bus patronage.

A report due to be submitted to SPT's Strategy and Programmes Committee tomorrow[fri] notes that the number of people using buses across the Strathclyde region fell by 22 per cent in the decade to 2014/15 - equivalent to 49 million fewer bus passengers.

It states: "There is no single reason for this significant and worrying fall. The impact of the financial crisis of 2007-08, cheap car deals, out of town/internet shopping, easy access to free or low-cost parking, and the [45 per cent] growth in rail patronage in Scotland over the same period will all have contributed to it."

SPT will tomorrow seek support from its membership to form a 'Strathclyde Bus Alliance' bringing together the region's 12 councils, transport bodies, and major operators including Stagecoach, First and McGill's in a bid to "arrest the decline" in patronage by 2020. Post-2020, SPT wants the alliance to achieve a "very challenging" three per cent annual passenger growth through more reliable, greener and better integrated public transport.

The report also highlights how spiralling overheads have hammered competition in the west of Scotland, with around half of operators going bust or being swallowed up by larger companies in the past five years alone.

It states: "There are other statistics which give grave cause for concern as to the future of the bus market: operating costs per passenger over the last 10 years have gone up by 35 per cent; the number of operators in the west of Scotland has reduced from around 120 five years ago to about 60 now."

SPT said it was now wholly or partially subsidising a third (30 per cent) of bus services across the Strathclyde region, which covers the whole of Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and Argyll and Bute.

The west of Scotland "could possibly be described as experiencing market failure", added the report.

It concludes: "Should the decline continue at a similar rate, the economic, social and environmental impacts for the region will be significant."

Ralph Roberts, managing director of McGill's, said the idea was "welcome and laudable" - but not entirely original. He added: "There are ample examples of initiatives from national and regional transport strategies through to the Bus Action Plan following from the COSLA Concordat. Lots of these agreements and powers lie untouched so we should look at what can be quickly achieved rather than try to re-invent the wheel.

"Additionally, if there is no national or local political buy in for major change, why start something that will under achieve? Our politicians need to get past their tribal statements and actually decide what they want from a bus network, only then can we stop the scatter gun approach and start meaningful discussions.”

Evening Times: Scottish Greens leader, Patrick Harvie

Patrick Harvie, Scottish Greens leader and a Glasgow MSP who has campaigned to improve the city's bus service, said "long term decline" of Glasgow's bus service underlined the case for re-regulation.

He said: “The travelling public are left at the mercy of private firms who have increased fares and failed to address quality of service.

"It’s not clear how a bus ‘alliance’ will arrest the decline.

"It shows we need a properly regulated public transport system, with funding from taxation to keep fares affordable, so that a decent public service is delivered in the way that so many other European cities take for granted.”

The overheards which SPT have pointed out are partly there own fault demanding certain areas comply with clean air estimation, the DDA, high bus station fees etc.

Also SPT says it kept 30% of the routes going, lets be fair here some of those routes shouldn't even be operating, but SPT just runs them without looking at why some of the routes have been pulled.

45% growth in rail patronage? Its well know First managed to get more people using the trains while the bus network faulted. First now need to play catch up in Glasgow....

 

[Baxenden Bank]

Market Failure or Management failure?

If passengers numbers go down, and operating costs remain the same, clearly the cost per (remaining passenger) will rise. Hardly brain surgery.

If your market is declining you need to cut your cloth to fit. In a negative way by reducing services and therefore bus / staff numbers, or positively by attracting customers back (or new customers).

Start by providing a comprehensive service on a network-wide basis at frequencies which are attractive, serving places people want to travel to and at times they wish to travel. No point providing a daytime service if it finishes at tea-time and people cannot get home again.

Too much of the attitude 'this is the service we have decided to provide, take it or leave it' in the bus industry. People have decided to leave it, and now the operators complain!

 

[Bungle965]

On the 24th of May, there is likely to be strike action in Manchester from the drivers meaning that lots of services will not run and the few that do run will run to a reduced timetable.

Bus passengers can expect chaos on the roads on Tuesday as hundreds of bus drivers are poised to go on strike.

First Manchester drivers at the operator’s Oldham and Queens Road depots have confirmed they will take action for the full day.

The walk-out will affect Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford , and Trafford - with FIFTY services either cancelled or reduced.

There are 700 drivers at the firm’s two depots in the region but it is not yet known exactly how many of those will strike.

The Union Unite says drivers are in dispute over changes to conditions and bargaining procedures.

First Manchester has denied making changes - and say they are still seeking clarification of the specific issues in dispute.

More of the article is available at.
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...chester-bus-strike-affected-services-11364872
A full list of the services affected

1 Manchester Piccadilly Station - Shudehill Circular ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
2 Manchester Piccadilly Station - Shudehill ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
3 Manchester Piccadilly Station - Spinningfields ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
6 Rochdale - Kirkholt Circular ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
8 Bolton - Manchester Shudehill Normal service
12 Boarshaw - Middleton Circular ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
17 Rochdale - Manchester Shudehill ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
Please see alternative 163 service between Middleton and Manchester
17A Rochdale - Manchester Shudehill ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
18 Langley - Central Manchester University Hospitals ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
Please see alternative 163 service between Middleton and Manchester, and alternative 41/42 services between Manchester and Central Manchester University Hospitals
22 Bolton - Stockport Normal service
24 Rochdale/Thornham - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
33 Worsley - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ First Manchester journeys will not run - Stagecoach will run a normal service
35 Leigh - Swinton/Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ The 0632 journey from Salford to Leigh, the 1708 journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Walkden, and the 0742 from Lumber Lane to Manchester Piccadilly will not run - all other journeys will run a normal service
36 Bolton - Manchester Piccadilly Normal service
37 Bolton - Manchester Piccadilly Normal service
38 Ashton - Hazelhurst Circular Normal service
39 Ashton - Hazelhurst Circular Normal service
41 Altrincham/Sale - Manchester Piccadilly Normal service
41 School Bowden - Manchester Piccadilly Normal service
42 North Manchester General Hospital - East Didsbury Normal service
42 School Davenport Station - Manchester Piccadilly Normal service
52 Failsworth - intu Trafford Centre ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
53 Cheetham Hill - Salford Shopping Centre ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
58 Rochdale - Middleton ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
Please see alternative 59 service between Shaw and Middleton
59 Rushcroft - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ We propose to run a very limited service between Shaw and Middleton only - please visit our Twitter page for more information
Please see alternative 163 service between Middleton and Manchester, and alternative 42/135 services between Cheetham Hill and Manchester
63 Brookhouse - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ The one early morning First Manchester journey will not run - Arriva will run a normal service
67 Cadishead - Manchester Shudehill ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
68 Farnworth - intu Trafford Centre Normal service
81 Moston (White Moss) - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
81 Derker - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
81A Holts - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
83 Sholver - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ We propose to run a very limited service between Sholver and Manchester - please visit our Twitter page for more information
88 North Manchester General Hospital - Manchester Shudehill ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
92 Evening Manchester Shudehill - Bury Normal service
93 Daytime Prestwich/Carr Clough - Manchester Shudehill ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
93 Evening Bury - Manchester Shudehill Normal service
94 Pilsworth - North Manchester General Hospital ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
95 Bury - Salford Shopping Centre Normal service
97 Bury - Manchester Normal service
98 Bury - Manchester Shudehill Normal service
100 Warrington - Manchester Shudehill ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
110 Salford Shopping Centre - Manchester Shudehill ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
125 Alkrington - Middleton Circular ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
125 School Mottram - Blue Coat School Normal service
135 Bury - Manchester Piccadilly Normal service
141 School Wilmslow Road - Bowden Normal service
149 Oldham - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ First Manchester journeys will not run - Stagecoach will run a normal service
158 School Grangethorpe Road - Davenport Station Normal service
162 Norden - Manchester Piccadilly - Norden Normal service
163 Bury - Manchester Piccadilly Normal service but will be very busy
⚠ Some evening journeys will not run
163 Evening Middleton - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
180 Greenfield - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
181 Shaw - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
182 Rochdale - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
183 School Saddleworth School - Oldham Normal service
184 Huddersfield/Uppermill - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ We propose to run a very limited service between Grotton and Oldham Mumps only - please visit our Twitter page for more information
Please see alternative 83 service between Oldham Mumps and Manchester
184 School Oldham - Uppermill Normal service
231 Ashton - Manchester Piccadilly Normal service
232 Ashton - Hurst Cross Circular Normal service
241 School Bowden - Wilmslow Road Normal service
331 Ashton - Hurst Cross Circular Normal service
332 Ashton - Hurst Cross Circular Normal service
333 Ashton - Hurst Cross Circular Normal service
338 Asthon - Crowhill Normal service
346 Ashton - Hyde Normal service
348 Ashton - Carrbrook Normal service
350 Oldham - Ashton ⚠ We propose to run a very limited service between Mossley and Ashton. A limited number of journey will run from Oldham at 0651, 1800 and 1824; and a limited number of journeys will return to Oldham from Ashton at 1620, 1656, 1720 and 1803.
353 Ashton - Dobcross Normal service
354 Ashton - Denshaw Normal service
387 Ashton - Hyde Normal service
389 Ashton - Hyde Normal service
393 Ashton - Hartshead Circular Normal service
408 Buckstones - Stalybridge ⚠ First Manchester journeys will not run - Rosso and MCT will run a normal service
409 Rochdale - Ashton ⚠ We propose to run a very limited service between Rochdale and Ashton - please visit our Twitter page for more information
415 Middleton - Oldham ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
Please see alternative 59 service between Middleton and Oldham
425 Holts - Fitton Hill ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
435 School Rochdale - Crompton House School ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
438 Lane Head - Rochdale ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
451 Newhey - Rochdale ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
454 Littleborough - Rochdale ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
Please see alternative 589/590 services between Littleborough and Rochdale
457 Littleborough - Rochdale ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
Please see alternative 589/590 services between Littleborough and Rochdale
462 Ladyhouse - Rochdale ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
468 Tottington - Fairfield General Hospital Normal service
471 Rochdale - Bolton Normal service
471 School Matthew Moss HS - Rochdale Normal service
472 Ramsbottom - Bury Circular Normal service
474 Ramsbottom - Bury Circular Normal service
501 Moss Bank Way - Farnworth Normal service
505 School Bolton - Rivington & Blackrod HS Normal service
507 Harwood - Bolton Normal service
510 Bolton - Bury Normal service
511 Bolton - Bury Normal service
519 Johnson Fold - Great Lever Normal service
520 Johnson Fold - Great Lever Normal service
524 Bolton - Bury Normal service
527 Astley Bridge - Bolton Circular Normal service
533 Egerton - Bolton Normal service
557 School Blue Coat School - Oldham ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
558 School Delph - Blue Coat School Normal service
561 Withins - Bolton Normal service
562 Withins - Bolton Normal service
575 Horwich - Bolton Normal service
582 Leigh - Bolton Normal service
589 Burnley - Rochdale Normal service but will be very busy
590 Halifax - Rochdale Normal service but will be very busy
617 School Aspull - Rivington & Blackrod HS Normal service
687 School Cheetham Hill - Our Ladys RC College This service will be provided by another bus company
719 School Rochdale - Hopwood Hall College The only journey to run will be the 0825 Rochdale to Hopwood Hall
719 School Middleton - Rochdale ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
724 School Flixton - Loreto Grammar School Normal service
736 School Sale - St Ambrose College Normal service
742 School Heaton Chapel - Altrincham Grammar Schools Normal service
766 School Stockport - St Ambrose College Normal service
767 School Heaton Chapel - St Ambrose College Normal service
770 School St Damian's RC HS - Waterhead Normal service
770 School Northenden - Altrincham College Of Arts Normal service
771 School Stretford - Altrincham College Of Arts Normal service
774 School New Charter Academy - Oldham Normal service
782 School Alkrington Mainway - Cardinal Langley This service will be provided by another bus company
786 School Alkrington Mainway - St Annes Academy This service will be provided by another bus company
791 School Blackley - Parrenthorn HS Normal service
792 School Prestwich - Parrenthorn HS Normal service
795 School Crompton House - Middleton Normal service
795 School Burnage HS - Manchester Piccadilly Normal service
820 School Mosley Road - Copley HS Normal service
820 School Ridge Hill - Copley HS Normal service
828 School Mossley Brookbottom - Saddleworth School Normal service
836 School Newman RC College - Derker Normal service
837 School North Chadderton School - Shaw Wren's Nest Normal service
850 School Adswood - Bramhall HS Normal service
862 School Syke - St Cuthbert's RC HS Normal service
865 School Waterhead Academy - Glodwick Normal service
867 School Falinge - St Cuthbert's RC HS Normal service
869 School Brinnington - Werneth HS Normal service
870 School Mossley Hollins HS - Ridge Hill Normal service
870 School St Damians - Ridge Hill Normal service
872 School Norden - Oulder Hill HS Normal service
874 School Ramsbottom - St Gabriel's RC HS Normal service
879 School Sholver - Royton & Crompton HS Normal service
881 School Oulder Hill HS - Castleton Normal service
882 School Royton - Newman RC College Normal service
887 School Lane Head - St Cuthbert's RC HS Normal service
890 School Harwood - St Gabriel's RC HS Normal service
894 School Littleborough - St Cuthbert's RC HS Normal service
901 School Bury Bridge - Tottington HS Normal service
905 School Westhoughton - Canon Slade HS Normal service
916 School Blackrod - Canon Slade HS Normal service
919 School Bolton - Thornleigh College Normal service
922 School Darcy Lever - Thornleigh College Normal service
923 School Breightmet - Thornleigh College Normal service
923 School Breightmet - Thornleigh College Normal service
924 School Bolton - Little Lever HS Normal service
928 School Breightmet - Sharples HS Normal service
935 School Crompton House - Milnrow Bridge St Normal service
944 School Bradshaw Brow - Thornleigh College Normal service
969 School Bolton - Canon Slade HS Normal service
982 School Leigh - Canon Slade HS Normal service
986 School Swinton - Canon Slade HS Normal service
V1 Leigh - Manchester Stevenson Square Normal service
V2 Atherton - Manchester Stevenson Square Normal service
X35 Walmersley - Manchester Piccadilly Normal service
X39 Leigh - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ The 0750 journey from Leigh will not run - all other journeys will run a normal service
X84 Carrcote - Manchester Piccadilly ⚠ NO SERVICE ⚠
Please see alternative 184 service between Grotton and Oldham Mumps, and alternative 83 service between Oldham Mumps and Manchester
Y8 School Failsworth - St Matthew's HS Normal service
Y9 School Fallowfield - St Peter's HS This service will be provided by another bus company
Y16 School Godley - Alder Community School Normal service
Y23 School Blue Coat School - Oldham Normal service
Y29 School Baguley Hall Road - St Paul's HS This service will be provided by another bus company
Y31 School Littleborough - St Cuthbert's RC HS Normal service
Y33 School Irlam - St Patricks RCHS Normal service
Y36 School Northenden - Parrs Wood HS This service will be provided by another bus company
Y37 School Ellenbrook - Walkden HS Normal service
Y38 School Bolton - Smithills HS Normal service
Y39 School Birch Hill - St Cuthbert's RC HS Normal service
Y40 School Pendlebury - St James's CE HS Normal service
Y41 School Hunger Hill - Mount St Joseph's RC HS Normal service
Y43 School Bolton - Thornleigh College Normal service
Y44 School Oldham - New Charter Academy Normal service
Y47 School Norden - Blue Coat School Normal service
Y48 School Oldham - St Damian's RC HS Normal service
Y53 School Atherton - Mount St Joseph's RC HS Normal service
Y54 School Ainsworth - St Monica's HS Normal service
Y56 School Failsworth - East Mancester Academy Normal service
Y68 School Newton - Longendale HS Normal service
Y71 School Moston - Radclyffe School Normal service
Y77 School Dukinfield - Samuel Laycock School Normal service
Y84 School Smallbridge - Falinge Park HS Normal service

A full list of the services affected.
Obviously this is not great, and I am hoping that they can come to some sort of agreement before Tuesday.
Sam

 

[overthewater]

There should be an update with scotland over the next six weeks ie for the schools going back.

 

[DunsBus]

There should be an update with scotland over the next six weeks ie for the schools going back.

In your opinion there should be an update...

According to a poster on at least one bus-related newsgroup, there was supposed to be an "announcement" made today regarding the future of North Berwick depot.

Surprise surprise, today has gone by and no announcement has been made!

It really irks me that certain keyboard enthusiasts dislike First so much to the extent that they want to see certain depots closed down. How would you feel if you were working at either Musselburgh or North Berwick and had to constantly put up with enthusiasts wanting your place of work closed down simply because they don't like First? :roll:

 

[overthewater]

In your opinion there should be an update...

According to a poster on at least one bus-related newsgroup, there was supposed to be an "announcement" made today regarding the future of North Berwick depot.

Surprise surprise, today has gone by and no announcement has been made!

It really irks me that certain keyboard enthusiasts dislike First so much to the extent that they want to see certain depots closed down. How would you feel if you were working at either Musselburgh or North Berwick and had to constantly put up with enthusiasts wanting your place of work closed down simply because they don't like First? :roll:

It just said an update, your the one making actul detail points. Falkirk council is going though a retaindering process, so yes there will be an update within six weeks. Also north berwick could be like other depots just relocating, thus no jobloses.

There a good chance a major fleet reshuffle is on the cards.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

It just said an update, your the one making actul detail points. Falkirk council is going though a retaindering process, so yes there will be an update within six weeks. Also north berwick could be like other depots just relocating, thus no jobloses.

There a good chance a major fleet reshuffle is on the cards.

The problem is this.... we have had this sort of thing predicted on several occasions over the last four years. A sign appearing on the side of Musselburgh depot was definitive proof about 3 years ago of imminent demise or relocation. The thing is that enough rumours get bandied out and almost inevitably, some will be correct. Remember that economists predicted 10 of the last 5 recessions!!

That is enough for some people to legitimise the rest on the lines of "well, I said x would happen, and it did so if I say a, b and c might happen then it's as valid". Alas, it doesn't and I agree that the continued speculation is unfair on those staff.

So will there be a shake up? Possibly? Could there be further reductions or closures? Maybe? Does anyone on this board or others actually know? I'd say almost certainly not!

 

[Robertj21a]

The problem is this.... we have had this sort of thing predicted on several occasions over the last four years. A sign appearing on the side of Musselburgh depot was definitive proof about 3 years ago of imminent demise or relocation. The thing is that enough rumours get bandied out and almost inevitably, some will be correct. Remember that economists predicted 10 of the last 5 recessions!!

That is enough for some people to legitimise the rest on the lines of "well, I said x would happen, and it did so if I say a, b and c might happen then it's as valid". Alas, it doesn't and I agree that the continued speculation is unfair on those staff.

So will there be a shake up? Possibly? Could there be further reductions or closures? Maybe? Does anyone on this board or others actually know? I'd say almost certainly not!

Ah, but it *may* possibly happen, or, of course, it might not - and then it could be soon, or immediate, or never. As for whether it is accurate, or guesswork, or rumour is anyone's guess.

Pleased we got that sorted out.

 

[the101]

Looks like it is official - Musselburgh and North Berwick planned for closure.

http://www.route-one.net/articles/Operations/First_proposes_to_cease_operations_in_West_Lothian

First Scotland East confirms that it proposes to cease bus operations in East Lothian from 14 August 2016 and close depots in North Berwick and Musselburgh

First Scotland East (FSE) says that its operations in North Berwick and Musselburgh have not been viable for a number of years, despite working hard to turn the business around and attract sufficient customers in what has become an increasingly competitive market.

The company had also been compelled to maintain the substantial part of its network through undertakings agreed some 14 years ago following an investigation by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
Closures will allow FSE to focus on its other operations, it says

FSE was recently released from these undertakings by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). In order to put the business on a sound footing for the future, the operator has now decided, following a review, to propose this action and allow it to focus resources in areas where customer demand and satisfaction is growing.

Paul McGowan, Managing Director of First Scotland East, says: “I’m disappointed that we’re proposing to withdraw from Musselburgh and North Berwick. We will today engage with the local authority on the future of bus services.

“However, given there are other bus operators that operate in and around the area, I’m confident if we decide to go ahead with these proposals the majority of our customers won’t be left without a service.”

FSE also confirmed it has started the collective consultation process with Trade Unions on the proposed closure of Musselburgh and North Berwick bus depots.

Redundancies expected among the workforce based across both locations and in supporting roles, if the proposal is implemented. A total of 88 positions are now classed as ‘at risk’.

Mr McGowan says: “I am sorry that we are having to discuss the proposal to discontinue services and consider the possibility of redundancies.

“I must stress our proposals do not, in any way, reflect the commitment and quality of our employees in the area. I cannot speak highly enough of their professionalism and dedication. We will be doing everything we can to assist those affected.”

He adds: “Unfortunately, we’ve incurred losses in East Lothian for years. Should the proposal be implemented this will allow us to concentrate our investment in West Lothian, the Borders and the Central Belt, improving our services for customers and growing our operations in those areas, helping protect jobs in the long term.”

Prior to today’s announcement, First Scotland East began its official consultation process with affected colleagues. This will include offering opportunities in other areas. The company also provided notice to the Traffic Commissioner and the Local Authority of its intention to cease running affected commercial services after the required statutory period of 70 days and affected tendered services after 90 days.

The East Lothian operations affected account for around a fifth of the First Scotland East operation.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Looks like it is official - Musselburgh and North Berwick planned for closure.

http://www.route-one.net/articles/Operations/First_proposes_to_cease_operations_in_West_Lothian

Indeed, and a sad day for all the staff.

From a childhood involving trips to see relatives and the Eastern Scottish Ailsas, Seddons and Fleetlines of mid and West Lothian, it is really sad to see. It has been oft rumoured on this board but sad all the same for the official announcement.

After Northampton, another shocking indictment of how First took and desperately mismanaged a previously strong operation. I don't blame the current Giles/TOT regime but the Blockhead era.

 

[Robertj21a]

Indeed, and a sad day for all the staff.

From a childhood involving trips to see relatives and the Eastern Scottish Ailsas, Seddons and Fleetlines of mid and West Lothian, it is really sad to see. It has been oft rumoured on this board but sad all the same for the official announcement.

After Northampton, another shocking indictment of how First took and desperately mismanaged a previously strong operation. I don't blame the current Giles/TOT regime but the Blockhead era.

Indeed, the ghost of Blockhead lives on to taint the lives of many more.

 

[Blindtraveler]

Sad, but inevitable. Interesting times ahead particularly with what will replace X6 and 124/X24

 

[THarris123]

So overthewater's speculation for the last few years and finally paid off. Unfortunately it was pretty likely that a couple of those depots were going to close.

Makes me wonder what is left to close down now. The only one I can think of is Yeovil. Obviously Taunton and Bildgwater are loss making, but that should improve.

Have they finally cut back all they can?