tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post3950927457613403149..comments2023-09-22T10:39:48.785+01:00Comments on Southampton Bus Update: Bluestar changes from this SundaySotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-5685377102279898602013-02-10T22:04:01.072+00:002013-02-10T22:04:01.072+00:00Being a driver for First, I'd rather have a sc...Being a driver for First, I'd rather have a screen and not need it, than not to have a screen and need it!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-64718844754869515042013-02-10T00:09:11.886+00:002013-02-10T00:09:11.886+00:00Yes, of course it will happen on odd occasions. We...Yes, of course it will happen on odd occasions. We have all seen a small bus operating a 4, or a 9, but its hardly an everyday thing, now is it? If a bus suddenly develops a defect, would you rather that they substituted a small bus that was available in town, and ran the service, or not bother at all? There really is no shortage of stock at Totton, so please dont create a problem for the sake of it, to have a bash at Bluestar. They try really hard to run a great service, and when its not great, they at least try to make it acceptable!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-69528802962405019682013-02-09T11:50:59.334+00:002013-02-09T11:50:59.334+00:00No shortage of stock at Totton - tell that to pass...No shortage of stock at Totton - tell that to passengers on the 4 route having to put up with mini buses at peak times because the regular full size (and fully loaded) singles are not available.<br />I believe only 3 weekday journeys are covered by Eastleigh and 1 of these is the 2320 ex Soton Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-37107076146477146882013-02-07T02:23:16.369+00:002013-02-07T02:23:16.369+00:00This was exactly the point that I made above. Xela...This was exactly the point that I made above. Xelabus seem very good at soundbites, but lack credability in my view. Even the offer of face to face discussions above, would seem to suggest that they would prefer privacy, rather than an open debate in the public domain? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-47550172736719348832013-02-06T22:21:09.880+00:002013-02-06T22:21:09.880+00:00To Gareth / Phil / whoever is the M.D. of Xelabus ...To Gareth / Phil / whoever is the M.D. of Xelabus this week...<br />You state a new timetable book is due out in March, isn't that a waste of paper given the consultation ending in May is likely to generate further changes or is it a case that you don't have a timetable out for your current network in which case big black mark. Either way it doesn't convince me the network is stable, sorry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-23836923466099520092013-02-06T09:25:44.833+00:002013-02-06T09:25:44.833+00:00If any of the above people wish to meet us and dis...If any of the above people wish to meet us and discuss their concerns please feel free to call our office and make an appointment.<br /><br />Xelabus LimitedAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-43257751759166802352013-02-06T03:11:16.192+00:002013-02-06T03:11:16.192+00:00I heard that Xelabus mistakenly thought they would...I heard that Xelabus mistakenly thought they would get revenue from scholars on the 63 - failing to notice that they had to carry them as part of the contract. Hence dropped after 4 days ! Just the rumour !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-22623064716427208822013-02-06T01:07:04.561+00:002013-02-06T01:07:04.561+00:00I am intrigued by the comments coming out from Xel...I am intrigued by the comments coming out from Xelabus. To call it a network is almost a sin under trades descriptions, surely? It appears to the observer, to be a hotch potch of routes, slotted in between their contract work. To publish a timetable in March, and then say that the only changes will include town services, seems mighty strange? Do they run anything but town services? Some commitment! It occurs to me that the whole operation is set up in the hope of a sell off in the future, with the owners retiring to some warm place..... If there is another long term business plan, they are hiding it well. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-56956243164842356342013-02-05T14:41:15.596+00:002013-02-05T14:41:15.596+00:00We have trialled various routes and now created a ...We have trialled various routes and now created a network which will see stability and we are looking at growth going forward. The only changes that are likely will include the town services as part of the HCC and EBC review and consultation in May. Our new timetable book due out early March will be our commitment to as I say a stable network.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-67763596472025801882013-02-05T02:53:51.995+00:002013-02-05T02:53:51.995+00:00A network that will remain stable? Its a lovely so...A network that will remain stable? Its a lovely soundbite, but hardly a reflection of your track record to date! In fact, I would give a personal opinion, that yours has proven to be the least stable network of any local operator for many, many years!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-69162188050498036762013-02-04T02:26:30.878+00:002013-02-04T02:26:30.878+00:00But was it you who mentioned the cost of screens r...But was it you who mentioned the cost of screens raising fares, or accusing someone of being thick and a troll? Its getting far too complicated for even someone with a whole brain, with all the anons on here! Anon.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-87832926688221344772013-02-04T02:18:08.252+00:002013-02-04T02:18:08.252+00:00You make some interesting points. As we both know,...You make some interesting points. As we both know, First and Go Ahead are massive groups, and neither will be harmed in any way by this little spat. Yes, the individual profit margins of both local operations will be down as a result of the fighting going on, but overall there will be no big impact.<br /><br />Again you are correct about the old Go Ahead staff now employed by First, which makes the selection of Marchwood as a target even more surprising! It smacks of desperation to come up with new ideas, but if this is anything to go by, they wont be in a job much longer, as to even the biggest optomist, its a dead duck and was fatally flawed from the outset.<br /><br />Whilst I agree that the 18 does not run within the vicinity of Bluestar depots, the frequency of the service means that any downtime is barely noticed. On the other hand, the 4 route is covered by both depots, and Romsey is about 12 minutes from Totton! I do still feel that Firsts inner city depot is a drawback to attempting to operate Waterside services, as at rush hour, even accounting for your route, its likely to take the best part of an hour to get to Hythe, whereas Totton depot would probably make it out there in 20 minutes quite easily.<br /><br />Finally, I can assure you that there is no shortage of stock at Totton, and no trips on the nine route have been lost to prop up the 8. Should there ever be a choice to be made, I would imagine that the 8 would be cut every time!! You are correct of course that First employ some of their best vehicles on the 11 route, as they need to compete with the Bluestar Mercedes fleet, which is of a similar age and condition. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-34388607797910649912013-02-02T12:26:38.349+00:002013-02-02T12:26:38.349+00:00As the owner of Xelabus I do from time to time loo...As the owner of Xelabus I do from time to time look at this site as it does have some interesting items for discussion. However the debate about my company now looking to operate route 63 and 63A on behalf of HCC is a matter between us and no one else. We at Xelabus are proud of where we have got to in such a short time and intend to improve our services to the public where opportunities arise as well as work with HCC. Take it from me Xela is here to stay with a network that will remain stable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-3078001478270435912013-02-02T00:36:15.975+00:002013-02-02T00:36:15.975+00:00Very odd to think anyone will be sacked for design...Very odd to think anyone will be sacked for designing route 11, having known many of the people in the Commercial team that most definitely won't happen. Remember the former Go South Coast commercial manager now works for First who will have intimate knowledge of Bluestar's strengths and weaknesses so it will be interesting to see where they go next. You are so focused on how much money First are loosing but remember Bluestar must be hemoraging twice as much and they are a smaller business so can afford it least.<br /><br />Network design is not solely about depot location, the Bluestar 4 and 18 run nowhere near their home depots but that does not cause significant undue hindrance. First's depot is not on the 'wrong side' of the city centre, that would place it Woolston, it is approximately a mile north of the city centre which can be avoided by using Lodge Road, Archers Road, etc to Millbrook. The route also has some of their best vehicles on it so from what I've heard reliability is not an issue. On the other hand I've heard Totton have been struggling for vehicles recently, loosing a lot of trips on the 9 to keep the pointless battle up on the 8.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-53619998598261029132013-02-02T00:25:44.451+00:002013-02-02T00:25:44.451+00:00I think I'm being accused of being thick by so...I think I'm being accused of being thick by someone who doesn't appear to be remotely capable of using correct grammar and punctuation, the irony is not lost on me ;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-44690013722346492852013-02-02T00:04:52.911+00:002013-02-02T00:04:52.911+00:00I could not disagree with you more about 07.50,31....I could not disagree with you more about 07.50,31. Its a very valid question. Someone suggested that First put up their fares because of the cost of fitting screens to their buses. To my mind, that is absolute nonsense. The poster was also suggesting this I think?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-84673283738470807972013-02-01T23:58:28.506+00:002013-02-01T23:58:28.506+00:00Yes, they registered it first, after (allegedly!) ...Yes, they registered it first, after (allegedly!) being tipped off by the council about Firsts plans with the 11. You have to remember that they have a very good relationship there! Bluestar will now be very aggressive, until this nonsense stops.<br /><br />Sadly, positive praise is all First will ever get out of the Marchwood situation, and for anyone to see it as a good attempt, is, in my opinion, seeing it through very rose tinted specs. It was very poorly thought through, as Bluestar couldnt make a brass farthing out of the route, even with the reduced frequency, so how on earth First thought that they could is beyond me. There is very little strength of feeling towards anyone in Marchwood, as there are not enough paying customers to make up strength! Bluestars fares have never been an issue here, and irrespective of when First give up, Bluestar would never change fares on a single route. They will however settle back to an hourly frequency, which is more than the custom out there probably warrants. The only purpose of the upgraded frequency is to see First back off of an area that they would always struggle to serve, with their only depot on the wrong side of the City centre. I am certain that when this is all over, First will dismiss the person(s) responsible, due to the lack of forsight shown and the massive financial losses incurred.<br /><br />I can only agree with you about the Hedge End situation, however Bluestar seem to be playing this whole game to their strengths (ie where they have the capacity and the depots), rather than the First strategy of a scattergun approach of new routes way outside of where they can reasonably offer a service.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-7997321815771335332013-02-01T22:37:00.012+00:002013-02-01T22:37:00.012+00:00i wont feed the troll at 07.50,31 jan!either a tro...i wont feed the troll at 07.50,31 jan!either a troll or extremly thick!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-88231731327263110762013-02-01T22:12:04.310+00:002013-02-01T22:12:04.310+00:00Working for Hampshire County Council in the depart...Working for Hampshire County Council in the department concerned I do enjoy reading this blog and the comments are usually interesting too, I normally don't bother commenting but I do feel I need to at this time. The document published by the County is quite clear about the history of the 63 route. The statement made in the document regarding Xelabus decision to terminate after four days is correct. To suggest the County would publish deliberately misleading allegations is completely false. We work hard with all operators and wish to deliver the best possible outcome for the passenger when tendering bus services. I trust this puts the matter to bed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-17263481029618665342013-02-01T21:48:07.204+00:002013-02-01T21:48:07.204+00:00You need to understand the timelines. Blue star re...You need to understand the timelines. Blue star registered to go to Townhill Park before First registered to go to the Waterside.... Therefore Blue Star are the unnecessary aggressor !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-14039448527527118532013-02-01T21:05:11.079+00:002013-02-01T21:05:11.079+00:00I do enjoy reading your comments which are so inco...I do enjoy reading your comments which are so incorrect its untrue.... a ranting Anon eh??? What does the 2nd sentence mean?? Well as you are the obvious professional it is rather obvious what it says or perhaps its a bit too technical for you.... You have no idea being such an amateur about public transport. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-62700493726415338222013-02-01T18:39:45.464+00:002013-02-01T18:39:45.464+00:00Bluestar failed to protect Hedge End, withered fro...Bluestar failed to protect Hedge End, withered from every 20 minutes to hourly and carrying fewer by the day. Why exactly does First need to sack anyone? The 11 is a good attempt and earning them lots of positive praise, I understand the Marchwood residents are campaigning to keep First such is the dislike of Bluestar and everyone fears if First goes Bluestar will withdraw all the extra services and hike the ridiculous ares up again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-67393263653977755862013-02-01T18:34:28.952+00:002013-02-01T18:34:28.952+00:00Given the incoherent rant by Anon at 0823 I'm ...Given the incoherent rant by Anon at 0823 I'm not sure who he thinks is professional but its clearly not him. I know who I believe, a document published by a local authority or the ranting of Anon who is struggling to write in coherent English, hmmm! For the record what does your second sentence mean?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-45954894302668405922013-02-01T14:08:09.052+00:002013-02-01T14:08:09.052+00:00You, or other anons with similar views, keep labou...You, or other anons with similar views, keep labouring these same points about Bluestar and Marchwood. They are absolutely correct! Bluestar will drop Marchwood like a stone when First back off. First cannot justify the huge costs incurred by their venture onto the waterside, neither can they provide any back up out there when breakdowns occur. Bluestar have just protected their own operating area, and left First in no doubt that they will be repelled. Bluestar have also sent very strong signals that they will protect their market at all costs, by increasing frequency to Totton and Calmore, and attacking First in Townhill and Woolston (which is doing much better than you may be aware!). If what I hear is correct, First may be in for another shock in the coming weeks, in another area that they may consider to be safe.....<br /><br />All it will take to stop this madness, is for First to sack the person responsible for the ridiculous decision to try the 11 route, and withdraw, which WILL happen, and we can all get back to running sensible profitable services. Should they decide to try to save face, by keeping going for a while, I fear many jobs will be lost on all sides, when the curtain finally falls, as both operators involved will have invested far too much in this ridiculous battle.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598231524606257637.post-17042524159975460982013-02-01T08:23:56.511+00:002013-02-01T08:23:56.511+00:00I can't believe what an idiot you are!!!!!
I s...I can't believe what an idiot you are!!!!!<br />I spoke to HCC when they issued the minute - so not within 7 mins - burke!! I know for 100% assurance that Xela did NOT give notice after 4 days!!!!! Xela management tell me the network is stable and here to stay. They are working with HCC on further network changes from the summer and also with HCC on new marketing ideas to promote travel and the 63 is included. Now why don't you wind your neck in and leave it to the professionals to put messages on here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com