tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post2665098472851570177..comments2023-09-22T10:39:48.785+01:00Comments on Southampton Bus Update: Velvet: C is for Cuts - Hiltingbury left high and drySotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-8450496584025661732012-11-06T23:51:14.201+00:002012-11-06T23:51:14.201+00:00Hi Gareth & Phil. Apologies this is off topic...Hi Gareth & Phil. Apologies this is off topic but would like to know about Bus driver Jobs how do you recruit, do you offer full and part time? I guess as you don't offer driver licence schemes so could you recommend any companies that do and price? Thanks and apologies for being off topic.<br />Thanks TomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-59671372440402793112012-10-27T14:50:54.366+01:002012-10-27T14:50:54.366+01:00Yeah most of theire drivers are First rejectsYeah most of theire drivers are First rejectsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-23087307544240400412012-10-26T07:03:56.875+01:002012-10-26T07:03:56.875+01:00I doubt the big companies would want to take on ma...I doubt the big companies would want to take on many Xelabus drivers, they've done the rounds of the big companies who will no longer take them back for various reasons...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-49895426047554037952012-10-26T01:34:06.739+01:002012-10-26T01:34:06.739+01:00Doesn't change my view. He decided not to ment...Doesn't change my view. He decided not to mention about the new x5 which is a move to steal passengers from VelvetAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-4851691065297362522012-10-25T21:12:44.829+01:002012-10-25T21:12:44.829+01:00I think it's good to hear Gareth's input t...I think it's good to hear Gareth's input to clear up some of the grey atmosphere that has been floating around with folk's view to Xelabus services. Honesty is the best policy. Thanks Gareth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-14242047869051645522012-10-25T16:39:57.222+01:002012-10-25T16:39:57.222+01:00I meant to say x5. So many pointless changes with ...I meant to say x5. So many pointless changes with you guys... So hard to keep up. I can only imagine how your customers feel. What I meant to say was:<br /><br />What about the new x5 then Gaz?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-18080385476868951182012-10-25T16:39:33.110+01:002012-10-25T16:39:33.110+01:00I meant to say x5. So many pointless changes with ...I meant to say x5. So many pointless changes with you guys... So hard to keep up. I can only imagine how your customers feel. What I meant to say was:<br /><br />What about the new x5 then Gaz?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-12880505799486323532012-10-25T16:30:35.843+01:002012-10-25T16:30:35.843+01:00"Worth mentioning also that had we continued ..."Worth mentioning also that had we continued we would have been sharing the Velmore market with three Xelabuses per hour (2 x X5, 1 x X3) whereas they have a clear road, so in that respect they do have an advantage."<br /><br />What about the x3 then Gaz?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-84673634570759798912012-10-25T16:30:00.057+01:002012-10-25T16:30:00.057+01:00"Worth mentioning also that had we continued ..."Worth mentioning also that had we continued we would have been sharing the Velmore market with three Xelabuses per hour (2 x X5, 1 x X3) whereas they have a clear road, so in that respect they do have an advantage."<br /><br />What about the x3 then Gaz?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-52260732144758919252012-10-25T15:59:00.165+01:002012-10-25T15:59:00.165+01:00The only area I feel you can be making reference t...The only area I feel you can be making reference to is Velmore? Velmore is good bus operating area. Is it not therefore good competition and good business sense to divert a service via Velmore providing a new link for residents to the large ASDA store in Chandlers Ford? The service did run via Nightingale Avenue, but proved not popular. We also run one bus an hour so I dont really see how we can be seen upon as "poaching" customers. <br /><br />We trialled our X8 service to Marwell Park during the summer months with Marwell support. This proved to be OK but not hugely successful on patronage. It was a mistake on our part to withdraw this service as we were bombarded with calls and letters to bring back the service. Passengers liked the low floor element, the smart and friendly drivers. <br /><br />To increase numbers we wanted to see what else could be done with the service and following passengers requests extended to Horton Heath. The service has been bought back by request of passengers.<br /><br />Now, regarding X7 - it makes no sense to me that we should take on the Velvet C service in its entirety. Former posts on this blog state that Velvet could not make this viable so I dont feel we would stand a chance either. So, to avoid Chandlers Ford and Velmore residents losing a link - we did step in with a new timetable similar to that of Velvets C service but greatly reduced. The service will run every 30 mins in the peaks and then one bus an hour during off peak. We can build on this though - but we need to judge patronage levels for ourselves before doing so. I'm not in the business to throw money at 3 or 4 buses to operate a service which simply wont pay.<br /><br />Its rather annoying however when people think we have put this on to run Velvet off the road. They couldnt be more wrong. We worked with Velvet to ensure a smooth transition took place from when the C comes off and the X7 starts.<br /><br />Again, happy to meet with anyone thats affected by our services face to face. I do feel some of the comments above are getting rather personal instead of being constructive.Gareth Blairnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-61860913260782872132012-10-25T15:03:28.220+01:002012-10-25T15:03:28.220+01:00No doubt Gareth will answer your questions as he s...No doubt Gareth will answer your questions as he sees fit, but the only misconception I'd just like to correct, is the notion that competitors must have a bad relationship.<br /><br />It is possible to compete vigorously for business while still enjoying a healthy respect for your colleagues.<br /><br />Indeed one of the great strengths of the bus industry in this region is that by and large the operators do get on extremely well behind the scenes - even when the battle for passengers on the streets may be fierce.<br /><br />Initiatives such as Solent Travelcard and the Better Bus Area Fund project for free wifi, next stop displays and bus refurbishments simply wouldn't be possible without that mutual respect, because ultimately we know that we can all benefit from growing the overall market for bus travel.Phil Stockleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06317690157738868544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-65102030255988889202012-10-25T14:34:55.023+01:002012-10-25T14:34:55.023+01:00Thanks Gareth for you're insightful reply, it ...Thanks Gareth for you're insightful reply, it can't be easy reading what by in large have been quite negative comment's about your company,<br />What i would like to ask you is....... you have been quoted as saying in a magazine article that you don't like treading on the big groups toes and that you enjoy a cordial relationship with Phil at Velvet. Now it almost seem's to me that you have encroached on Velvet's network of Eastleigh town Services to the point it has now made these as Phil said in his first reply "marginal" routes unviable, he also refers to you as a competitor which doesn't sound very cordial to me....i am also lead to believe you will be introducing a route that is covered by Brijan service 8, Whilst we don't wish to have a repeat of the Beep Bus episode, would you have introduced these services or for want of a better term, undermine current services had Bluestar or First been operating the corresponding routes?<br />In my opinion the only thing this gives back to the respective communities your company is serving is the uncertainty that their established bus services operated by the current/outgoing operators have any viable future at allTerryBL31noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-91748456299985158092012-10-25T12:17:22.199+01:002012-10-25T12:17:22.199+01:00I have read all the above posts with great interes...I have read all the above posts with great interest. We are never going to be everyones cup of tea - but then again which bus company is?<br /><br />As a small inspendent family owned company - we pride ourselves in the services and vehicles we operate. We do not simply operate buses as a "hobby" as someone above has suggested. We have a great interest in what we do.<br /><br />PB bus marketing is a separate business to Xelabus. Simply handing over supermarket contracts is not an option these days under EU tendering. We take part in tendering processes like other firms do. One would question that if this was the case - why we do not operate the Hedge End M&S and Sainsburys contract - the answer is simple, we couldnt operate this at the same rate as the current operator.<br /><br />Not sure where 40% margins etc come from - IF ONLY! Supermarket contracts only make up a very small percentage of turnover for our business. Xelabus do not "sub contract" to operators allover the UK. <br /><br />We have made a number of changes in the past 2 years, but simply to see where and how our business fits in with 1) The Local community and 2) With other local operators.<br /><br />We have always worked alongside Velvet and been known in the past to help provide drivers and buses when the need has arisen. Our local service buses are very much on par with Velvets and in fact some of Bluestars buses in terms of age. Our "older" deckers are mainly used for schools and colleges although some are now specifying certain age vehicles which will see the older fleet dis-appear over the next couple of years. <br /><br />We have now entered the Solent Travelcard scheme. Our new X7 and X8 is the main reason for this. Up to now we have felt there has not been the need to do so. We have taken onboard comments and have reacted accordingly.<br /><br />I'm delighted that we now have a waiting list for drivers at Xelabus. Thats a good position to be in. Our sickness rate is very low and we provide good working conditions with our team. The drivers are always fully informed of changes taking place and we also engauge with them when making changes to services and duties. I have always worked on the basis that I wouldnt expect our drivers to do anything that I wouldnt be prepared to do myself. We were awarded the Eastleigh Nightstar buses but turned these down. <br /><br />As a small firm in this industry we have to tread carefully. We have an obligation to our employees and passengers that what we do and decide is for the benefit of everyone and for the right reasons.<br /><br />I would welcome a face to face chat with anyone that would like to know more about Xelabus so that maybe rumours and un-true facts (like most of the above I'm afraid) can be put right before being commented on.<br /><br />Many thanks all for your informative feedback!Gareth Blairnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-10920349986039229262012-10-25T11:55:23.060+01:002012-10-25T11:55:23.060+01:00Far better working conditions at a smaller operato...Far better working conditions at a smaller operator than the bigger ones .... simples !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-45582426154788164212012-10-25T11:46:51.927+01:002012-10-25T11:46:51.927+01:00Have you been looking at Velvets buses through tin...Have you been looking at Velvets buses through tinted glasses?. when you compare them to the green buses, there is no contest. The green ones are much cleaner and tidier. As regarding an old fleet of buses the velvet ones are just as old!!!!!! and the same type as Xelabuses.<br /><br />I use the purple ones daily from Chandlers ford....when they are on time...and they are certainly not the cleanestBob Predynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-50103112665423706502012-10-25T11:35:19.988+01:002012-10-25T11:35:19.988+01:00Think one or two posters have skipped the point he...Think one or two posters have skipped the point here. Regardless of what you think or a particular company, at least somebody is prepared to take on a route already noted by Mr Stockly as unviable. He has tried to maintain a service WITHOUT any funding and withdrawn from the area purely on commercial grounds. At least he tried.<br /><br />Xelabus have at least stepped in to try and continue some form of service of which I am pleased about living in Chandlers Ford. Perhaps if the funding had not been withdrawn in the first place by the county we would not be in this position.Bob Predynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-63950208624735319972012-10-25T11:26:56.059+01:002012-10-25T11:26:56.059+01:00Perhaps the question should be the other way round...Perhaps the question should be the other way round?....why are the big bus companies continually having to search for drivers and train them, when companies such as Xelabus have a waiting list for drivers wanting to work for them?<br /><br />Velvet are the same, their staff do not appear to change every five minutes, as as with Xelabus dont cancel services because of staff shortage.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-61853583712212591422012-10-25T11:26:49.212+01:002012-10-25T11:26:49.212+01:00I cannot believe the rudeness of some people on th...I cannot believe the rudeness of some people on these blogs. Such a shame they have to go by Anonymous - clearly happy to slate someones hard work and determination yet dont have the balls to stand up and and be seen.<br /><br />In a climate such as this - how many of the above think its an easy task setting up and running a bus company ? Hats off to Velvet & Xelabus for having a go and providing an alternative for the travelling public.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-41596188409093551372012-10-25T08:02:43.759+01:002012-10-25T08:02:43.759+01:00Xelabus
Here on Monday.
...Xelabus<br /><br /> Here on Monday.<br /><br /> Gone on Tuesday.<br /><br /> Somewhere else on Wednesday.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-74800379487152392292012-10-25T01:50:42.557+01:002012-10-25T01:50:42.557+01:00I would have to ask why any driver wants to work f...I would have to ask why any driver wants to work for them? There are major operators crying out to recruit good drivers, but are having to train them from scratch, just to get the numbers needed!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-45271971370629853942012-10-24T21:34:43.799+01:002012-10-24T21:34:43.799+01:00not very good reports about xelabus , i feel some ...not very good reports about xelabus , i feel some are unfair . you may thing its people playing buses , but has no one out there spared a thought to the bus drivers that hope the firm last. it may be a good idea if the office bosses only play with shopper buses and college runs . as eastleigh has always been know for not that money spinning routes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-8554846937131977822012-10-24T17:06:03.682+01:002012-10-24T17:06:03.682+01:00As this firm is allied to one proclaiming to be ex...As this firm is allied to one proclaiming to be experts in bus marketing,they don't seem very good at it where their own services are concerned. Anyone care to chart their never ending short term services just for fun? I've lost track.<br /><br />I notice their routes are nearly all prefixed with an X...and that is what most become...ex-services.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-83876781413130346622012-10-24T16:37:04.878+01:002012-10-24T16:37:04.878+01:00Xelabus are giving Eastleigh a Christmas Present! ...Xelabus are giving Eastleigh a Christmas Present! Less crappy buses running around.<br /><br />Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Eastleigh Bus Station and Valley Park given service number X3 effective from 25-Dec-2012.<br /><br />Not quite the surprise you'd expect from a Christmas present though, most people would've saw this happening sooner or later.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-66416016599196365672012-10-24T13:29:36.664+01:002012-10-24T13:29:36.664+01:00Or the Office of Fair Trading?Or the Office of Fair Trading?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-80464631075997185382012-10-24T13:23:26.581+01:002012-10-24T13:23:26.581+01:00Dont you think that you should tell the supermarke...Dont you think that you should tell the supermarkets about this?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com