No train and no replacement bus

[323235]

Hi Folks,

I have currently been in discussion with Northern Rail about the fact that the 2141 Manchester to Stoke is replaced by bus on Sundays but only as far as Macclesfield and there is no replacement bus scheduled for stations to Stoke.

On weekdays currently the 2146 Manchester - Stoke is replaced by bus from Macclesfield - Stoke but they are not advertising it, a colleague was trying to find a service today on National Rail and no service to Congleton was shown but on RTT a bus was departing Macclesfield at 2222 but missing out Kidsgrove which is normally a stop

How is this so? Are they not legally obliged to provide a bus where the train is cancelled due to engineering works?

Northern Rail twitter have said they are looking into it but it is taking a few days as it is obviously an unusual situation

​

 

[PHILIPE]

Hi Folks,

I have currently been in discussion with Northern Rail about the fact that the 2141 Manchester to Stoke is replaced by bus on Sundays but only as far as Macclesfield and there is no replacement bus scheduled for stations to Stoke.

On weekdays currently the 2146 Manchester - Stoke is replaced by bus from Macclesfield - Stoke but they are not advertising it, a colleague was trying to find a service today on National Rail and no service to Congleton was shown but on RTT a bus was departing Macclesfield at 2222 but missing out Kidsgrove which is normally a stop

How is this so? Are they not legally obliged to provide a bus where the train is cancelled due to engineering works?

Northern Rail twitter have said they are looking into it but it is taking ages

​

I don't think they are for pre-planned Engineering Work as long as service details are published as they are in this case. I think I'm right in saying they have to provide a bus (or suitable transport) if the last train of the day has to be cancelled due to mishap/unforeseen circumstances. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[northwichcat]

Worth noting with Manchester-Stoke services on Sundays is Northern provide more services than DfT require them to due to Cheshire East providing funding for additional services.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

....How is this so? Are they not legally obliged to provide a bus where the train is cancelled due to engineering works?

Northern Rail twitter have said they are looking into it but it is taking ages....

Depends what the direct award agreement says.

The "Social Media Team" (Facebook, Twitter, etc) are a much smaller group than the Customer Relations Team (Email, phone, snail mail, etc), so it might take longer due to them actually having to look after the social media side of things.

 

[Greenback]

I've always been under the impression that a quicker response can be had from social media, but I suppose this just goes to show that some things actually need looking into rather than an immediate response, and Twitter may not be the best way to bring up all issues.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

You normally get a quick reply on Twitter, but that's not always the same as a quick answer.

 

[greatkingrat]

In the franchise agreement the requirement is for the last service from Manchester to Stoke to be after 2030 on Sundays. As there is a bus leaving Manchester at 2045 they are meeting the specification.

 

[323235]

The 2045 is shown as a CrossCountry bus and does not call at Congleton or Kidsgrove , the 2141 is the last Northern bus but as reported it only goes to Macclesfield , not Stoke as is normal for the 2141 train service. No rail replacement bus is advertised for these stations.

 

[exile]

Are franchise agreements readily available online?

 

[323235]

Worth noting with Manchester-Stoke services on Sundays is Northern provide more services than DfT require them to due to Cheshire East providing funding for additional services.

As I understand the Direct award brought all services into DfT franchise funding and the extension of the CEC / TfGM funded 0850 Manchester Piccadilly - Macclesfield to Stoke as neither authorities would take the higher subsidy of this.
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You normally get a quick reply on Twitter, but that's not always the same as a quick answer.

Compared to a Customer Relations email which can take upto 20 days to get a response I still got a quicker reply offering to order me a taxi ( I am not travelling to Congleton tomorrow on the 2141 I might add).

 

[greatkingrat]

Are franchise agreements readily available online?

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/public-register-of-rail-passenger-franchise-agreements

 

[exile]

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/public-register-of-rail-passenger-franchise-agreements

Interesting how detailed the requirements are - when in the days of BR government had very little say in the services offered, other than a veto on closing lines.

 

[Greenback]

Originally, the specifications were drawn up to ensure that a minimum service level was provided on privatisation, and that the private companies didn't decimate services in order to try and maximise profits. At the time, the railway was seen as being in decline and this was a genuine fear.

 

[coxxy]

Is it not a case that you can get to Kidsgrove from Crewe so they dont have to provide one? Not sure what the engineering works actually are jsut wondering if this is why...

 

[323235]

It is impossible to get from any stations other than Stockport to Kidsgrove off this service as there are no buses to Wilmslow and I no Crewe - Kidsgrove trains anyway by the time you reached Crewe, if you managed to get there.

As I said earlier I tweeted them and they offered to arrange me a taxi so that is obviously what they are doing for any passengers affected.