Stagecoach Wales Cuts

[cainebj]

Stagecoach Wales have announced large cuts to their network due to cuts made by the Welsh Government, in addition to the recent announcement that they're closing their Brynmawr depot.

BUS SERVICE REDUCTIONS CONFIRMED FOLLOWING "YEARS OF INVESTMENT CUTS BY WELSH GOVERNMENT"

17 Apr 2014
• Stagecoach bus fleet in Wales to be reduced by 10% from mid-July
• Biggest impact of cuts to be in Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent
• Services in Torfaen, Caerphilly, and Rhondda Cynon Taf also affected
• Consultation with local authorities to help areas manage changes
• Government cuts “deal body blow to public transport and economy”

Bus operator Stagecoach today (April 17) confirmed the impact on its bus services of drastic cuts in investment by the Welsh Government.

The company has been forced to cut the size of its bus fleet in Wales by 10% and a number of bus services will be discontinued or reduced in frequency from mid-July.

Wales’ biggest bus operator said the biggest impact will be felt in Monmouthshire, with services between Newport, Underwood and Chepstow being withdrawn. Changes will also affect Blaenau Gwent, where the 30 from Brynmawr to Cwmbran is also to be withdrawn.

Stagecoach has been in discussions with representatives from local authorities in the affected areas to give them as much notice as possible of the planned changes to allow them to consider alternatives.

The company is also consulting with trade union representatives over the planned closure of its Brynmawr depot from July. The depot currently employs 77 staff and operates around 30 vehicles.

Confirmation of the service reductions follows years of cuts in government investment in bus services. Ministers’ decisions to cut bus service support by 25% last year, along with reduced bus investment from local authorities, has left Stagecoach with no option but to reduce services and close the depot.

In addition, Welsh Transport Minister Edwina Hart last month announced plans to make a £24million cut to the country’s concessionary travel scheme. Bus operators have warned the move will have a further devastating impact on bus passengers and bus workers. Stagecoach has made clear that it is likely to mount a legal challenge unless ministers change their plans.

John Gould, Managing Director of Stagecoach in South Wales, said: “Make no mistake – ultimate responsibility for the loss of bus services and jobs lies firmly at the door of the Welsh Government following years of cuts to bus investment.

“We deeply regret the impact this will have on our customers and local communities. Instead of protecting and supporting bus travel, ministers’ misguided decisions have dealt a body blow to the country’s public transport network and wider economy. People across Wales have repeatedly warned the government about the consequences of their actions, but sadly they have refused to listen.”

Mr Gould added: “We are continuing to consult trade union representatives on the planned closure of Brynmawr. We hope to retain an outstation at the depot, with fewer staff, and will try to redeploy as many people as possible elsewhere within our South Wales business.”

Stagecoach’s announcement last week came just months after both Arriva Buses Wales and Cardiff Bus announced service reductions as well as the closure of Arriva’s Aberystwyth depot.

The planned cancellations and reductions to Stagecoach services in Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Rhondda Cynon Taf, which are due to take effect from 20 July 2014, are detailed below:

SERVICE WITHDRAWALS:
Cardiff
Route X16 Risca to Cardiff
Route X32 Maerdy to Cardiff

Merthyr Tydfil
Route X78 Merthyr to Pontypridd

Rhondda
Route 244 Pontypridd to Bridgend
Route 411 Tynewydd to St. Johns High

Rhymney Valley
Route 7 Blackwood - Ystrad Mynach – Pontypridd
Route C16 Caerphilly to Nelson
Route C17 Bargoed to Caerphilly
Route 538 Blackwood to Penybryn

Torfaen & Severnside
Route 30 Brynmawr to Cwmbran
Route 64 Newport to Underwood
Route 74 Newport to Chepstow
Route X74 Newport to Chepstow
Route 60 Newport to Usk


FREQUENCY REDUCTIONS:
Aberdare
Routes 60/60A - Aberdare to Pontypridd & Cardiff curtail at Pontypridd (withdraw Cardiff extension)
Routes 95/95A - reduced frequency through withdrawal of Route 95

Blaenau Gwent
Route X15 - Brynmawr to Newport (from every 30mins to hourly)

Cardiff
Route X - Senghenydd to Cardiff reduced frequency in morning, afternoon service withdrawn

Merthyr Tydfil
Routes 1/2/3 - Merthyr to Bargoed (one bus withdrawn)

Newport
Route R1 - Risca to Newport (from every 20mins to 30mins)

Rhondda
Route 171 - Maerdy to Clydach Vale

Torfaen & Severnside
Route 23 - Newport to Varteg Hill (from every 30mins to hourly)

http://www.stagecoach.com/media/news-releases/2014/2014-04-17.aspx

 

[ryson357]

So with the stagecoaches cuts of routes could First Group take over any services?

 

[mbonwick]

Highly unlikely that First can make it work if Stagecoach can't...

 

[overthewater]

If the Welsh government found some money would it stop this happening? I take it other companies would have to do the same to make any difference.

 

[ryson357]

Highly unlikely that First can make it work if Stagecoach can't...

Yeah just wondered thanks

 

[317 forever]

So with the stagecoaches cuts of routes could First Group take over any services?

I suppose First could enhace their Severn Express X74 Bristol - Chepstow - Newport for example. If anything I think Newport Transport could enhance their services around Newport, especially to Chepstow.

Otherwise, I understand First's nearest garage is in Bridgend which may not be handy for any of Stagecoach's withdrawn routes. I wonder how many are ex-Veolia group routes?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I suppose First could enhace their Severn Express X74 Bristol - Chepstow - Newport for example. If anything I think Newport Transport could enhance their services around Newport, especially to Chepstow.

Otherwise, I understand First's nearest garage is in Bridgend which may not be handy for any of Stagecoach's withdrawn routes. I wonder how many are ex-Veolia group routes?

Only one I thought they might go for would be the 244 and only as far as Talbot Green. Basically prevent anyone else getting in and so protect their 44

74 looks more like Newport Transport.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Highly unlikely that First can make it work if Stagecoach can't...

Would normally agree with you but if Stagecoach have a lacklustre firm, it may well be Cymru!

 

[Surreyman]

Stagecoach Wales have announced large cuts to their network due to cuts made by the Welsh Government, in addition to the recent announcement that they're closing their Brynmawr depot.



http://www.stagecoach.com/media/news-releases/2014/2014-04-17.aspx

They have spoken of a 10% cut in vehicle numbers, whether that actually works out as an actual figure I am not sure, a quick 'back of an envelope' count = a fleet of 336 buses (This excludes school buses and Megabus), so in theory, could be a reduction of 33?
They have 14 new E200 on order, so it looks as if they will have a very modern future fleet.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

They have spoken of a 10% cut in vehicle numbers, whether that actually works out as an actual figure I am not sure, a quick 'back of an envelope' count = a fleet of 336 buses (This excludes school buses and Megabus), so in theory, could be a reduction of 33?
They have 14 new E200 on order, so it looks as if they will have a very modern future fleet.

They will do if nothing midlife is cascaded elsewhere. There's a number of ex London Darts and some ex IBT tat but mainly, it's a decent fleet

 

[anthony263]

The 244 Bridgend - Pontypridd has been operated by a variety of operators over the years so it is a shame to see it go.

It has suffered since Edwards came along with their 100E which runs every 10 minutes whereas Bebb's and Veolia ran the route every 12-15 minutes.

First still operate their service 44 Bridgend - Talbot Green which they did try running through to Pontypridd but came up against the same problem Stagecoach have with the route.

The closure of the depot at Brynmawr has been talked about for years since it is on prime land so Stagecoach can earn a nice bit of money. Staff I think shouldnt have too much trouble finding work with other operators or even stagecoaches depot in Merthyr.


The main blame for these cuts lies with the Welsh government and also members of the public for not using their services (I have already seen people moaning about the withdrawal of some of these routes).

Mind you New Adventure travel are sniffing around so some rooutes could be saved

 

[DaveHarries]

I suppose First could enhace their Severn Express X74 Bristol - Chepstow - Newport for example. If anything I think Newport Transport could enhance their services around Newport, especially to Chepstow.

Otherwise, I understand First's nearest garage is in Bridgend which may not be handy for any of Stagecoach's withdrawn routes. I wonder how many are ex-Veolia group routes?

Really? I believe First have a Park & Ride contract in the Cardiff area and they have a separate outstation / depot - listed as being at Wentloog Corporate Park, Wentloog Road, Rumney, Cardiff, CF3 2ER on the VOSA Operator Search - which is listed for 30 vehicles. Some of that will be for the Cardiff P&R work, plus perhaps some for the Greyhound 100 and the X2 (at a guess as I am not sure where the X2 is worked from) but I doubt that would add up to 30 vehicles so they might have some spare capacity there.

Dave

 

[Surreyman]

Really? I believe First have a Park & Ride contract in the Cardiff area and they have a separate outstation / depot - listed as being at Wentloog Corporate Park, Wentloog Road, Rumney, Cardiff, CF3 2ER on the VOSA Operator Search - which is listed for 30 vehicles. Some of that will be for the Cardiff P&R work, plus perhaps some for the Greyhound 100 and the X2 (at a guess as I am not sure where the X2 is worked from) but I doubt that would add up to 30 vehicles so they might have some spare capacity there.

Dave

Presumably First is equally affected by the cuts in support, so we may see cuts to First routes/frequencies.

 

[Hyphen]

I doubt that would add up to 30 vehicles so they might have some spare capacity there.

They operate the T9 Airport service as well, don't they? I recall those being WG supplied vehicles, but are they based at a WG depot or First's?

 

[swifty]

Really? I believe First have a Park & Ride contract in the Cardiff area and they have a separate outstation / depot - listed as being at Wentloog Corporate Park, Wentloog Road, Rumney, Cardiff, CF3 2ER on the VOSA Operator Search - which is listed for 30 vehicles. Some of that will be for the Cardiff P&R work, plus perhaps some for the Greyhound 100 and the X2 (at a guess as I am not sure where the X2 is worked from) but I doubt that would add up to 30 vehicles so they might have some spare capacity there.

Dave

They lost the P&R back in January to Cardiff Bus, all of the B7s used have transferred west to Swansea/Llanelli. All that's left at Cardiff now is Greyhound, private hire and the T9.

 

[anthony263]

Correct the park & ride service is served by Cardiff bus services X58/X59 with 2 buses each hour continuing beyond the park & ride to Cardiff Gate business park.

First have one or two school contracts in the Vale of glamorgan and the afternoon servic from Bridgend College to Llantwit Major and St Athan is done by a vehicle from Cardiff for some reason.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Really? I believe First have a Park & Ride contract in the Cardiff area and they have a separate outstation / depot - listed as being at Wentloog Corporate Park, Wentloog Road, Rumney, Cardiff, CF3 2ER on the VOSA Operator Search - which is listed for 30 vehicles. Some of that will be for the Cardiff P&R work, plus perhaps some for the Greyhound 100 and the X2 (at a guess as I am not sure where the X2 is worked from) but I doubt that would add up to 30 vehicles so they might have some spare capacity there.

Dave

X2 is operated by Port Talbot depot.

 

[anthony263]

Operated by Bridgend depot on sundays.

It is being looked at running the X2 from the Bridgend depot full time as the depot is closer to Porthcawl and Cardiff

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Operated by Bridgend depot on sundays.

It is being looked at running the X2 from the Bridgend depot full time as the depot is closer to Porthcawl and Cardiff

You'd have to question if there's space to. Not much room there. However, a larger depot at Bryncethin could absorb that and Maesteg. Not sure if PT doesn't do all the maintenance anyway?

 

[DaveHarries]

The VOSA Bus Service Registrations for today, 23rd April, contain a substantial number of cancelled services. The list of cancelled services, all given with effect from 24th April - I suspect that to be a misprint although all the registrations are SN (short notice) ones - is as follows:

2A Ebbw Vale area
5 Cwmbran Bus Station - Fairwater Shops
9B Newport area
12 Pontypool area
12 Cwmbran - Blaendare
15 Pontypool - Trevethin
18/19 Varteg HIll - Cwmbran
20 Merthyr Tydfil - Cardiff (never heard of this one)
20 Tredegar - Rhymney (operated by Harris, Pengam for a while now?)
21 Blaenavon - Merthyr Tydfil
21 Blackwood - Cwmbran
20/21 Newport - Brecon (never heard of this one)
34 Gloucester - Monmouth
43 Abergavenny - Llanellen
62 Caldicot area
63 Usk - Chepstow
63 Pontypool - Usk
64B Magor - Caldicot (Schools)
67 Caldicot - Sudbrook School
75 Chepstow - Devauden
80 Cwmbran area
X18 Ebbw Vale - Newport -
X30 Blaenavon - Cardiff (never heard of this one)
601 Bristol - Chepstow (Never heard of this one: ceased to run years ago?)
627 Cardiff schools

Quite a few of these I have never heard of and probably either ceased to exist long ago or still run but in a shortened form. So this could well be a tidying up exercise but there are quite a few existing routes in there as well.

HTIOI,
Dave