tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post1790609038111926464..comments2023-09-22T10:39:48.785+01:00Comments on Southampton Bus Update: First 11 withdrawn: Marchwood to be cut off again?SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-38945170876633018052013-06-28T18:07:58.498+01:002013-06-28T18:07:58.498+01:00I knew it would never last, the First bus only too...I knew it would never last, the First bus only took over the Waterside route as Bluestar was dropping the number 8, but then they became the bully boys as always and saw off the number 11, and very soon we will again see them cut the number 8, they seem to have something against the number 8 route, they don't want it but object when another company steps in.The First bus should have done something completely different, we really need a bus going to the General hospital, why can we not have one going through Shirley? come back First bus and try that, Bluestar want it all their own way, as soon as they saw off the First bus they put up the bus fares knowing they have no competition on the Waterside, they charge the same fare for a few local stops as they do to Southampton. Fares on the First bus are much more reasonable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-46250857727269538072013-05-03T13:24:57.377+01:002013-05-03T13:24:57.377+01:00Take it from me as a driver for BS (very apt name!...Take it from me as a driver for BS (very apt name!) the 16 is a waste of time and management know it but daren't lose face over it, the 8 will get axed as soon as Mr Wills remembers we actually exist over here and as for the 3 rerouting - well what can I say. Not only has it utterly failed to grab passengers from First, but its LOST the passengers it had from Northam and St Marys who were still trying catch it weeks after the change as BS in their usual infinite wisdom didn't bother to tell the people who pay their wages . . . I did a duty that was mostly 3's last week and took the grand sum of 35 quid all night!! And given how embarressingly expensive our fares are, that equates to about ten passengers! And the nightstar services that should be real moneyspinners are empty most of the time so no doubt will be axed sooner rather than later!! Soon as I can find alternative employment I will be off because BS are beyond a joke now - Unilink is all they care about, to the extent of cutting WHOLE duties of Bluestar work to put the driver onto Unilink work and they won't even pay the Unilink rate of pay when you do it!!! So to those rose tinted spectacle wearing people on here including what is obviously BS management then please just grow up and live in the real world!! And no I'm no fan of First and their way of working either!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-6663645292734965372013-04-18T18:52:29.106+01:002013-04-18T18:52:29.106+01:00What company would make a 3 year budget allowing f...What company would make a 3 year budget allowing for a loss on a route where demand is low because the areas it serves are saturated with buses already? It's simply illogical from a business sense. The 16 cannot grow much more than it has. I think it's reached its peak now. The areas it serves either have so many buses that it'll only ever pick up the odd few for whom it happens to be the first bus to turn up for (which considering the vast amount of First buses there are will not be often), and the unique areas it serves have only ever had heavily subsidised services in the past because there was never any real profit to be gained from them commercially, hence why they were ditched originally. Therefore, forecasting a decent profit to be made in the far future is based on nothing but wild optimism and fantasism. Also, improved revenues on the 3? Yes I'm sure the good folk of Hedge End are overjoyed by what Bluestar offer now; a service slowly dwindled from 3 buses an hour to just one bus an hour that following the reroute doesn't even provide a direct service to Southampton, simply because they want to annoy their rivals and snatch the odd customer elsewhere. The idea that the 3 is seeing improved revenues is amusing to say the least. There's absolutely no evidence or logical reasoning as to why they would be. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-77375313627972426292013-04-18T18:35:20.257+01:002013-04-18T18:35:20.257+01:00If Bluestar is budgeting to make a loss for 3 year...If Bluestar is budgeting to make a loss for 3 years on service 16 then they need to re examine competition law. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-36080159540475048312013-04-18T12:32:10.717+01:002013-04-18T12:32:10.717+01:00All in your own very humble opinion !All in your own very humble opinion !Tired Old Gitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-75243403484759673802013-04-18T02:20:21.522+01:002013-04-18T02:20:21.522+01:00As already stated, Bluestar have budgeted for a lo...As already stated, Bluestar have budgeted for a loss on the 16 for the first 3 years. They would certainly not route it to replace the P1, as that would tell the council that the subsidy was not needed! To serve Westwood Rd, it certainly is needed, and rerouting the 16 would not add any value or revenue to the 16 route. The 16 will continue to grow, and ultimately will turn a decent profit with minor tweaks here and there. The 3 reroute was an attack on First without any doubt. It has had some success, and improved revenues. Thats the way Bluestar operate, by gently easing up profits and revenues, by minor changes here and there, rather than massive revamps, which confuse and annoy the travelling public.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-71078214263161109742013-04-16T12:11:41.067+01:002013-04-16T12:11:41.067+01:00How true from the Bluestar publicity team at 0154 ...How true from the Bluestar publicity team at 0154 - Bluestar will probably not put the 16 through Westwood Road because it would benefit the passengers and save the council money ! They miss the point that it would put more money into the 16 ! Tired Old Gitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-40081912218175688212013-04-16T10:56:49.259+01:002013-04-16T10:56:49.259+01:00As has been mentioned countless times on here, the...As has been mentioned countless times on here, the 16 was a knee-jerk response to First's intended move into Marchwood and Hythe. First were entering Bluestar territory, so Bluestar responded by entering into First territory. Simple as that. A route that virtually replicates an existing one is not going to be a money-maker in the short-term or the long-term, and Bluestar surely wouldn't be so foolish as to plan 3 years in advance for a bus service for which no real gap in the market exists. Also, if the 16 was meant to be a long-term investment by Bluestar to try and move their business forward, how can the re-routing of the 3 through Woolston be explained? Neither of these routes are major priorities for Bluestar; they're just attacks in a futile bus war where they're trying to damage and enrile First by snatching the odd customer from them. <br /><br />The 16 has grown about as much as it can now. Everyone knows about it and where it goes, and they're still not choosing to use it. The best thing Bluestar can do now that First have retreated is do the same and use the surplus resources somewhere where they're more likely to be utilised. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-32967575955626547012013-04-16T07:33:48.660+01:002013-04-16T07:33:48.660+01:00Loving the posts from the head of pr from the Blue...Loving the posts from the head of pr from the Bluestar propaganda ministry!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-50088090562286423052013-04-16T01:54:17.987+01:002013-04-16T01:54:17.987+01:00I suspect that First are making very little profit...I suspect that First are making very little profit in Southampton. The cost of their depot alone weighs them down. The network changes were nothing short of desperation, after several years of getting it wrong.<br /><br />Bluestar have budgeted for the 16 to make a loss for the first 3 years, whilst it establishes itself, so its not a concern at all. I think it very unlikely to divert via Westwood Rd, as this would play into council hands. The council will no longer give a subsidy, so Bluestar will no longer give a service there!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-2731167944568016442013-04-15T12:25:00.866+01:002013-04-15T12:25:00.866+01:00Totally disagree about First network - it was a go...Totally disagree about First network - it was a good effort at improvements after several years of getting it badly wrong. Surprised they have not tweaked the dodgy bits but that probably means they are making good profit !<br />Bluestar now realise the 16 was the wrong area to target but it would be embarrassing to just scrap it - I predict reduced to every 30 mins and diverted to Westward Road to replace the P1.Tired Old Gitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-17009206519409507822013-04-15T01:37:21.450+01:002013-04-15T01:37:21.450+01:00On the basis that 50 per cent of the new buses are...On the basis that 50 per cent of the new buses are heading to the eastern end of the M27, are you telling me that 30 buses is 20 per cent of Firsts Southampton fleet? Wow, I thought they were much bigger in Southampton than that? That would surely make Bluestar bigger than First in Southampton?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-34819410694072722192013-04-15T01:31:29.501+01:002013-04-15T01:31:29.501+01:00The above is complete nonsense. The "new"...The above is complete nonsense. The "new" First network did nothing but damage First. Bluestar had all sorts of contingency plans in place, but only chose to use the 16 as a direct response to Firsts 11 route. Interestingly, the 11 has all but gone, but the 16 is exactly where Bluestar budgets predicted that it would be at this point, and is planned to stay long term. Any new route needs at least 3 years to properly establish, which is the current plan. Long term are the keywords. First (apart from choosing the wrong route), need to understand that concept, instead of attempting massive changes all at once, which undoubtedly did lots of harm to them. The management at First looks desperate, whilst the management at Bluestar appears firm and totally in control of where their business is positively heading.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-89641110073591512202013-04-14T10:30:14.964+01:002013-04-14T10:30:14.964+01:00I was wrong, thank you Blue StarI was wrong, thank you Blue StarAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-26969005861189757452013-04-13T21:56:19.657+01:002013-04-13T21:56:19.657+01:00The Bluestar 16 route had been in the planning for...The Bluestar 16 route had been in the planning for a very long time, that and a few other routes were first drawn up months ago. The start of the 16 route was a delayed response to the new First network which has been hurting Bluestar badly, nothing to do with the First 11. I hear changes are proposed for the 16 in a last ditch attempt to make the route work as it doesnt carry more than 6 on most trips and hardly made a dent into First passenger numbers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-76268574018149342582013-04-13T21:52:14.221+01:002013-04-13T21:52:14.221+01:00Your right the fleet is overdue investment but 60 ...Your right the fleet is overdue investment but 60 new vehicles is not "a few new buses" its about 20% of the fleet replaced in one year - thats much more than "a few".<br /><br />Anything pre 2000 needs replacing by 2017 at the latest when DDA comes into effect, a few R reg darts have been repainted but they need to be withdrawn by end of 2015, less than 3 years away. I don't think you can read anything into older vehicles getting repainted meaning they are staying a "very long time".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-86752724124181933772013-04-13T20:51:47.944+01:002013-04-13T20:51:47.944+01:00You are right. Its not a failing business, however...You are right. Its not a failing business, however the First fleet is so overdue investment, that a few new buses is hardly an indication that all is well..... Their repaint programme seems to indicate that many older vehicles are expected to remain on our streets for a very long time yet. Why else would they be repainting such old vehicles?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-16009620329626573772013-04-13T20:45:36.733+01:002013-04-13T20:45:36.733+01:00Bluestar were informed of the 11 route through Mar...Bluestar were informed of the 11 route through Marchwood by the council, as they had to be given notice of the withdrawal of the subsidy. Bluestar then registered the 16 route, in the full and certain knowledge that the 11 was starting. Bluestar continue to build on the 16 route, and show no sign of reversing their decision. The 11 will be history after 26th of May! It was a desperate measure by First, to try to create an expansion. It failed!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-34477819663416058512013-04-13T17:01:09.546+01:002013-04-13T17:01:09.546+01:00Ivybridge is hardly fortune and glory so unsurpris...Ivybridge is hardly fortune and glory so unsurprising one operator has pulled out, the town was never going to be big enough for two.<br /><br />Few bus operators launch new networks with new fleets of buses, Bluestar didn't when they revamped most of their bus routes. I remember old Olypmians and Volvo B10's running the BS1, 2 and 3's before newer vehicles were cascaded in. Stagecoach rarely buy entirely new fleets when revamping networks either. As for Stagecoach gold its on something like 4 bus routes in the country not whole cities, First had brand new high spec vehicles delivered in time for the Eclipse in Fareham which is of similar quality to Stagecoach gold.<br /><br />I travel regularly around Southampton on all operators, yesterday I happened to travel on First 2A, driver was friendly, bus was 10 years old but recently repainted and very clean inside. To be honest since moving depots First have really upped their game with cleaning and most of the time they tend to be the cleanest buses in the city and the drivers are usually friendly too! In fact I find the majority of drivers from all companies friendly and have never had a real problem with any of them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-85421000546487439372013-04-13T15:51:40.862+01:002013-04-13T15:51:40.862+01:00I'm not sure what First Capital Connect has to...I'm not sure what First Capital Connect has to do with Southampton bus updates but whilst we're talking rail franchises the commuters of Portsmouth regard Stagecoach as screwing up their travel to London since 1996, first with mass driver redundancies now running the route with suburban trains but you won't care as your obviously in the St Brian club.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-65221887368014094692013-04-13T12:53:53.419+01:002013-04-13T12:53:53.419+01:00More like a last ditch attempt to save the rebrand...More like a last ditch attempt to save the rebrand...if it was Stagecoach the new buses would have arrived as part of the network rebrand but that sort of joined up thinking just is not First. Bluestar reacted to protect their revenue and passengers reacted by sticking with them realising First were never likely to stay around. Ivybridge is also a perfect example of what other companies can do when they take on First as Citybus have completely killed first in a matter of months and good for them as really all they did was identify an area where First had downgraded both the service and bus quality and attack it with high quality buses and drivers. One thing First have never learnt is that old dirty buses with unfriendly driver just run off passengers. Stagecoach started that way then soon learnt and now we have things like Stagecoach Gold and also proper route branding and new buses or at least well presented older buses. Fingers crossed First leave for good and concentrate on continuing screwing up First Capital Connect.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-4247449400808031552013-04-13T07:41:13.905+01:002013-04-13T07:41:13.905+01:00The new network has done well hence why First have...The new network has done well hence why First have invested 10 new vehicles last year in Southampton and 60 new vehicles across Southampton and Portsmouth to be delivered this year, that's about £8-9 million investment so hardly a failing business!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-10718219565948379292013-04-12T19:17:33.602+01:002013-04-12T19:17:33.602+01:00If the new first network has been so unsuccessful ...If the new first network has been so unsuccessful then why did Bluestar react in the way they did. Remember, Bluestar registered to go to Townhill Park, before First registered to go to Marchwood (this fact seems to be frequently forgotten or reversed). Seems to me that the new first network seems to have had an effect on Bluestar otherwise they (Bluestar) would have not made the incursion into Townhill Park. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-34666424391490422522013-04-12T18:41:21.160+01:002013-04-12T18:41:21.160+01:00If you actually read the article there are service...If you actually read the article there are service extensions and none of the cuts everyone was worried about but why let the facts get in the way! It is pretty sad that First can't even find buyers for many of their areas as they've run them into the ground so much and as for Soton...the new netwrk has hardly proved to be a huge success and neither has Pompey.<br /><br />"Monday to Friday 0650 service from Hythe will depart from Fawley at 0628 to provide an extra morning journey.<br /><br />The Bluestar 8 Southampton to Calshot 1430 service will divert through Applemore College and will depart from the college at 1523 on school days ONLY."<br /><br />and<br /><br />"All journeys will be re-routed to terminate at Langley Farm and will no longer serve Kings Ride.<br /><br />The 0710 and 0730 Monday to Friday Bluestar 9 journeys from Langley will now start at Fawley to provide two extra services into Southampton. <br /><br />The 1710 and 1740 Monday to Friday Bluestar 9 services from Southampton will now run to Fawley and NOT Langley.<br /><br />The 2309 Monday and Saturday Service from Langley will now be extended and will terminate at Rushington roundabout."<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-49467926685371397952013-04-12T18:02:43.716+01:002013-04-12T18:02:43.716+01:00Hmmm funny definition of improvements you have, mo...Hmmm funny definition of improvements you have, more like reliability tweaks. I somehow think it's nothing like the beginning of the end for First to suggest it is laughable!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com