Hampshire County Council has consulted and made its mind up about Hiltingbury. Nothing changes for the foreseeable future. Xelabus C3/C4 will continue to be subsidised until 2015, operating as extensions of Xelabus's commercial X7 service. The evening and Sunday C1 journeys from Velvet will also continue.
First have a special offer for Easter. A FirstDay Hampshire Family ticket will cost £10 (instead of the usual £13.50) from 24th March until 14th April inclusive. It's valid all day for up to 5 people (maximum 2 adults) on all First bus services in Hampshire. You could use the ticket to have a day out in Portsmouth using their X4 service.
You can be even use First routes X2, 11 and Bluestar's route 16 this Easter despite what the anonymous merchants of doom on here were predicting!
ReplyDeleteOh dear I've probably set them off again....
Ok I'll start. The rumours are strong that the silly routes will soon get chopped.............but watch out for something different from Bluestar !
ReplyDeleteI think that First new network was beautifully designed and thought out. It's been a year now and this I think is having an impact on bluestars ££. Bluestar used to have a weak First as a opponent. This is no longer. From Shirley to Woolston First runs one bus every 3 min! Central. Central Station to Shirley in the evenings 4 buses an hour. The best advertisement for a bus service is high frequency. First 7s have flooded Portswood with First buses and even some Uni students are becoming casual First customers. Bluestar has also lost some territory in the 18s to Thornill after the advent if the First City tickets. Bring on the weekly city riders. Bluestar should focus on their long distance services because First will not be beaten in Soton city area.
ReplyDeleteI found it hilarious about the last perosns comments about First?? Their reliability is well known for poor; run filthy dirty elderly buses; have ruined the city network by only concentrating on high frequency corridors when other areas like Bassett Green, Hill Lane, Merry Oak etc are left to heavily reduced networks. There are so many letter sin the press about First. They are always in front of the commissioners. Lets hope they sell off Southampton and Portsmouth as part of their sales drive. How many companies of their size get sold off - short of funds or useless management. My money is on the latter. The sooner they depart Southampton on a one way journey the better!!!
ReplyDeleteAlthough not a fan of First I believe, unlike BS, their main object is, or should be, the provision of services in all of Southampton. This of course requires they run a reduced service in presumably unprofitable areas. It is then for the council to tender services if they believe they are inadequate.
DeleteBS in Southampton are quite different as they run "2" routes (the bs18) between the main bus markets of Millbrook and Thornhill to the City. The fact they serve both areas on 1 route is probably more down to the geography of the area
A poorly used route is unlikely to give a financial return for new vehicles. BS newest vehicles are on BS1 - it will be interesting to see what happens to these vehicles once they become 'old'. Don't forget that BS 18 and 16 are both operated by modern and comfortable buses but at 5+ years old are hardly new. The 'war' area of Townhill Park sees First beat BS with brand new vehicles
Anonymous24 March 2013 10:13 - They are always in front of the commissioners.
DeleteUmmm, when recently?
and "How many companies of their size get sold off - short of funds or useless management. My money is on the latter."
Useless management? Let's see, new bus depot cross-city links were reintroduced, ridership has increased, newer buses sourced etc. Hasn't your beloved Go-South Coast appointed Matt Kitchin (ex First Southampton General Manager - ie. one of the people behind last year's network revision) as the manager for Southern Vectis?
I do wish people which hide behind the term 'Anonymous' wouldn't spread such biased bile and half-truths (or in fact complete lies)about companies.
Hilarious?
ReplyDeleteWell let's say I am biased.
However I thing Bluestar is loosing the war in Soton area and this is the reason behind the rumours that BS will soon be changing their routes again. I think they will attack on the SGHospital front and I can see First flooding the 3 route with a high frequency of up to 7 minutes and including Aldermoor in their city rider.
Also I can see First very soon starting a route to Eastleigh.
First are making further major changes to network in May and we await the registrations to see but its likely frequencies will be cut and most evening buses stopping after 1930. In Portsmouth they have well and truly cocked up the network and took away the "goldmine" routes 17 and 18. Where takings were £300 plus a shift they are now just £100. And even though the changes in Portsmouth came in on 17 March they are planning even more cuts in June!!! First winning hands down?? Don't think so. Its Stagecoach in Portsmouth and Bluestar in Southampton for me.
ReplyDeleteWhilst I think it's clear that neither First or Bluestar can be deemed to be the 'winning side' of this bus war, I have to say that the arguments in support of Bluestar are by far the more baffling. For starters, Bluestar's 16 has been running for 6 months now, and has hardly shook the world with its presence. I've been noticing the loadings on it a lot since it began and while a few of them have carried close to reasonable numbers (majoratively OAP's unsurprisingly), most of them have generally been near empty. The reasons for this are not surprising. The route is terrible, serving areas that already had a plentiful supply of buses (i.e. Townhill Park, Portswood etc), and areas that simply don't seem to need public transport, either because the people living in them have alternatives or there are much higher frequency services within walking distance (i.e. Cobden Avenue, Wakefield Road etc).
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to look far to see other areas where Bluestar are imploding. The 3 used to be an extremely popular route (I know from when I had to use it regularly a couple of years ago), which began running every 20 minutes, then that became every 30 minutes, before eventually falling to once an hour. These decreases in frequency came about during a time when Bluestar had the monopoly over the Hedge End - Soton City Centre link. Unfortunately, Bluestar decided to abuse their monopolistic position and as such the 3 got cut down further and further, presumably because Bluestar thought that Hedge End customers had no choice in operator, so they either had to put up or shut up. The recent re-routing around Peartree and Woolston has been the final insult to the people of Hedge End, and they're slowly ditching Bluestar and what have Bluestar gained from it, the odd customer along Peartree Avenue to try and snipe at First even more. I don't think it'll be long before both these routes are put out of their misery.
I'm not suggesting for one moment that First are doing much better; their 11 is hardly packed with customers at the best of times, though at least their attempt has some sort of aforethought behind its implementation. Marchwood has again been an area that Bluestar have enjoyed a monopoly over, and I've seen quite a few customers on Facebook complaining about the poor service in Marchwood before this bus war. Understandably, the lack of service is because the profit simply isn't there, so no bus operator would choose to spend money serving it, which is where First have failed. Though at least First's attack in this whole war has taken into consideration what the general public have said in the past (something which can't be said for their rivals' attacks; I don't ever remember hearing calls for Bluestar buses in Townhill Park or for an extra service in Peartree).
Overall, I don't think either operator can claim any sort of victory in this feud, but I certainly know which one has been the more salient attempt.
I think this whole subject has been talked to death, but it is refreshing to find someone who supports First!
DeleteI did not say First won. What I said is that First is winning and BS is loosing customers in Some areas like Shirley, Thornill and maybe Millbrook. But this is based in my biased observation. I support First but don't hate BS. It's just that I really think First did a very good job in redesigning their network and 1 year on I can see some improvement in their loadings. And I can see BS will be fighting back.
ReplyDeleteSorry to upset everyone but I must say that when Citybus ran the network (for the community) there were 140 buses - First run (for the accountants) 80 odd buses. Think that shows what they think of Southampton residents. Their network has been cut back so much and with fare increases on a regular basis the cycle goes on with more customers not using the network and then more changes and so on and on and on... hurry up and sell Southampton and Portsmouth First and do us all a favour. Ooh by the way First have been in front of the traffic commissioners for public inquiries more times than any other company. Maintenance? Management??? I rest my case!
ReplyDeleteQuote "Ooh by the way First have been in front of the traffic commissioners for public inquiries more times than any other company. Maintenance? Management??? I rest my case!"
DeleteWhen specifically in Southampton? More importantly when recently? Yes they had issues in Portsmouth and were up in front of the commissioner in 2006 for failing to run 1 in 5 buses on time. First Manchester were also in trouble last year for poor timekeeping. Mind you Bluestar were fined in 2008 for poor reliability of services!
Rest your case? What case? You're just full of your narrow-minded bias against First! They're not perfect, but they're getting better. Last year's service revisions were generally very good. Bluestar aren't perfect either. Nor are Wilts and Dorset, or Stagecoach or indeed any other company!
It's hard to compare Citybus and First. It's true Citybus was run for the community (when the Council owned them at least). I remember the pre-First days when the buses were mostly old, tatty Atlanteans and not all appealing to the general public.
You happily state that 'more customers not using the network' - hasn't it already been noted that since the last lot of changes buses are generally busier and carrying more passengers, or are you just ignoring this fact as it doesn't fit in with your view?
Yawn, lets take some of the points you raise:
Delete"when Citybus ran the network (for the community) there were 140 buses - First run (for the accountants) 80 odd buses."
Actually First Southampton fleet stands at 126 vehicles (sourced from the excellent unofficial FHD site). The fleet has reduced due to two main reasons - loss of unilink contract around 2001 and a massive reduction in schools work especially since the City Council withdrew all dedicated school buses (which was equivalent to around 10-15 vehicles).
" Think that shows what they think of Southampton residents. Their network has been cut back so much "
Actually frequencies on several corridors are better than they have ever been but don't let the facts get in the way of your bile, see a separate post in this thread.
"Ooh by the way First have been in front of the traffic commissioners for public inquiries more times than any other company. Maintenance? Management??? "
No they haven't, in the past ten years Portsmouth have had one inquiry, Southampton two inquries - all three for reliability in these congested cities and resulting in fines in two. None related to maintenance or "management". In the same period Bluestar have had at least three inquiries whilst wilts&Dorset have had several too including one very serious inquiry into maintenance which resulted in their vehicle licences being reduced.
Are we comparing First with Citibuses now?
ReplyDeleteI thought the discussion was on First vs Bluestar
First have certainly messed up their network several times since they took over but last year was a very good attempt to put things right. It isn't perfect and is overdue a review, especially X2, but they don't seem to be rushing to curb the loss on the dodgy bits. Bluestar started in the stronger position as they had already concentrated their routes on the best bits but they have spent heavily on both attack and defence. Can't wait to see what they do next - but I think it will be a disappointing ceasefire with everthing going back the way it was - poor Marchwood !
ReplyDeleteFollowing the guff from some "Anonymous" commentators above wearing their rose tinted glasses here are some comparisons of frequencies between city and the suburb (number of buses per hour weekday daytime and Sunday daytime) from 1980 to today, the frequencies include all operators as did the 1980 comparison:
ReplyDeleteSuburb - 1980 - 2013 (Sunday frequency in brackets)
Freemantle - 4(4) - 17(4)
Shirley - 18(6)- 30(12)
Millbrook - 8(4) - 21(8)
Coxford (Palm Road) -12(4)- 6(2)
General Hospital - 8(4) - 16(6)
Lordshill Centre - 10(6)- 21(9)
Aldermoor(Woodman) - 16(8)- 13(5)
Swaythling - 9(4) - 14(7)
University - 8(4) - 11(7)
Portswood - 21(8)- 21(10)
Bevois Valley - 8(2) - 10(4)
Townhill Park - 8(4) - 14(7)
Bitterne - 22(12)-26(12)
Harefield - 3(2) - 3(2)
West End - 3(2) - 5(2)
Thornhill - 10(4)- 17(7)
Sholing - 5(4) - 5(2)
Woolston - 16(10)-28(12)
Weston - 4(2) - 6(2)
Many areas now benefit from really good frequency increases, especially on Sundays and most of it provided commercially by operators unlike in 1980 where the Corporation and NBC had massive subsidies. Now then I do hope these rose tinted specs don't steam up in rage :)))))
Lovely stats but it does not convince me when I say that Citybus offered a much higher frequency on all corridors and they boasted that you only had to change once to get to where you wanted if you could not get there on one bus route. Its not rose tinted glasses its a fact that Citybus ran the best network Southampton has seen. First routes on Sunday are well below Bluestar - just look at the 18. When I say First have been in front of the TC I meant around the country not Portsmouth and Southampton. However both areas remain in the ownership of accountants at First with timetable designers at Bristol. What a crowd!!!
ReplyDeleteQuote "Lovely stats but it does not convince me"... OK, I'm going to assume you are going to ignore everything below as it is taken directly from the relevant timetables (otherwise known as REALITY)
ReplyDeleteFrom Millbrook:-
First 2/2A - every 15 minutes on a Sunday (+ the X2 every hour during the day)
Bluestar 18 - every 15 minutes on a Sunday - THE SAME!
From Thornhill:-
First 3/2A - combined frequency of 4 an hour (an 11/19 min gap between services)
Bluestar 18 - every 15 minutes - so again the same frequency.
Quote "with timetable designers at Bristol" - last year's service changes were designed by local management in SOUTHAMPTON. I suggest you look at the Omnibus blog from last year for further clarification.
Mind you as you seem to ignore all facts which stand in your way I'm sure it won't make the blindest bit of difference and you'll still post baseless and inaccurate comments.
Why do you Badgerman seem to know it all??? I am talking about when Citybus provided the REAL decent service for the community. Decent services 18 hours a day. I suggest you stand in the city centre on any weekday and see the empty buses - one after another running into Above Bar or Portland Terrace. I cannot understand how First have made such a mess of the network in the city. And YES the timetables were put together by people in BRISTOL and thats from a First manager!!
ReplyDeleteSo before you keep shouting your mouth off thinking you know everything about local buses get YOUR facts straight!
Citybus didn't run a bus for the community, it ran a dirty unreliable fleet into the ground then had to sell out. Its operation was owned by its staff who were offered a decent price for a failing company.
DeleteYou are spouting rubbish, I've met the timetable planner and his office is most definately at Empress Road depot in Southampton and he even lives locally. Several other managers also live locally.
More lies:
ReplyDelete"Lovely stats but it does not convince me when I say that Citybus offered a much higher frequency on all corridors"
Those rose tinted specs appear to still be distorting the truth, lets look at a few areas comparing the average daytime buses per hour Citybus summer 1995 timetable to present day:
Totton: 2 buses weekdays in 1995 and nothing on Sundays, still 2 buses weekdays but now a direct Sunday bus hourly.
Millbrook: 6 buses weekdays and 2 on Sundays, now 12 bph weekdays, 5 on Sundays. Doubled on weekdays and more than doubled on Sundays!
Townhill Park: 9bph weekdays and 3bph Sundays in 1995, now 11bph weekdays and 5bph on Sundays, big improvement there and thats not even counting the Bluestar contribution!
Woolston Link: 25bph weekdays and 9bph on Sundays, now 27bph weekdays and still 9bph on Sundays so a small improvement on that corridor, what was that about Citybus running much higher frequencies?
Thornhill: 3bph weekdays and 1bph on Sundays in 1995, now 9bph weekdays and 4bph Sundays. Trebling and more of frequencies and again without considering Bluestar frequency increase!
Harefield: 3bph weekdays and 1bph Sundays, today 3bph weekdays and 2bph Sundays so doubling frequency on Sundays, I see a theme here.
West End: 3bph weekdays and 1bph Sundays running no further than Moorgreen Hospital now 4bph weekdays and 2bph Sundays all running through to Hedge End so big improvement there too.
Chartwell Green: 2bph weekdays and 1bph Sundays in 1995 now 4bph weekdays and 2bph Sundays, another doubling of frequencies.
Hamble: 2bph weekdays and 1bph Sundays then, now 3bph weekdays and 1bph Sundays so ANOTHER improvement!
I think that comprehensively destroys your bile through those rose tints.
" and they boasted that you only had to change once to get to where you wanted if you could not get there on one bus route."
Your quote above made me laugh the most, I am struggling to think of anywhere where you cannot reach with just one change of bus now! In 1995 there was no multi-operator ticketing like plusbus and Solent Travelcard like you have now.
" Its not rose tinted glasses its a fact that Citybus ran the best network Southampton has seen."
Clearly the facts disagree with you, Citybus ran a fleet of dirty old Atlanteans and failed to invest in their fleet or try new routes which resulted in them selling out.
" First routes on Sunday are well below Bluestar - just look at the 18."
This made me laugh almost as much as the previous comment you made, Badgerman has already successfully destroyed this. Its also worth saying Bluestar only run hourly frequencies on most of their routes where on the other hand First are running at least 30 minute frequencies on most routes.
" When I say First have been in front of the TC I meant around the country not Portsmouth and Southampton."
Another stupid comment, nothing like moving the goal posts when you're shown to be a fool eh? Have you any idea of how many PI's there have been by each of the bus group? Perhaps if you do then normalise the numbers by showing PI's per 1000 buses over the same period, I think you will be surprised that First have no more than any other group.
"However both areas remain in the ownership of accountants"
Wrong again, the company is owned by shareholders (like GoAhead, Stagecoach and any other plc). The shareholders are like you and me and our pensions and the rest of UK plc rely on the success of these companies.
" at First with timetable designers at Bristol."
Wrong yet again, the timetable designer is based in Southampton who is ably assisted by someone who ran their own very successful bus company and lives about 15 miles away.
" What a crowd!!!"
I think the best description for you sir is 'oh what a clown'!!! May I suggest you do some research before publishing lies and bile next time? Oh and adjust the tint of those glasses, it just makes you look rather silly.
I was on an X2 this afternoon between 1300-1330 and I counted 14 passengers. Not bad given the time of the day.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 2113 continues to be in a different world to the rest of us. Where does he or she get all this nonsense from?? You are so exceptionally rude that its offensive. My experience dates back to the 1970s working at Southampton and yours obviously is as a toddler at First!
ReplyDeleteBile?? Hmm... look up the word it might apply more to you...
Actually I agree with anon at 2113, it is incredibly sad to read people running down bus companies with lies and misinformation about the glory days that are shown as just aren't true.
DeleteI've used Southampton buses for over 40 years and remember the terrible old days of Citybus with their hard to understand timetables, clapped out buses and staff who couldn't give a toss about the customer. Both Bluestar and First are far superior but definitely not perfect.
I worked for a business in the 1980's which did a lot of work for Citybus, I met a few of the managers and none were inspiring. One of them is even trying to play buses with his own company now but like Citybus it looks doomed to failure unless he can persuade someone to buy it out.
I'm not going to stoop to your level of petty squabbling but the fact that you have not disputed with appropriate evidence anything said by Anon at 21:13 we are to assume that he/she is in fact correct. Citybus was not as good as some would like to believe and actually First have improved quite a large part of the network over what existing before, this will come as a surprise to some but evidence that actually they are doing a pretty good job in growing bits of the network that deserve to be grown whilst cutting back where the demand no longer exists. Certainly my memories of Citybus are of old clapped out heaps running infrequent and confusing routes, the current network is far simpler and far more frequent where it needs to be.
DeleteSorry Anon 28 Mar 08:21 but times do change and fewer people use the buses now than in 1970.
ReplyDeleteIf you are comparing frequencies with the past then Blue Star also comes out very badly
against its predecessor Hants and Dorset
This reflects commercial reality - they, First and BS, put their money where their mouth is to make a profit and do a reasonable job
Some 15+ years ago I drove for both companies and the evening routes (except the last service) often carried just the driver
I still remember some of the old routes by Citybus like the
ReplyDelete5/25/2/27 Lordshill - Sholing (5 via Upper Shirley and Bitterne, 25 via Hill Lane and Woolston, 7 Via Shirley and Bitterne, 27 via Shirley and Woolston. 5 and 25 served Butts Road, 7 and 27 served Montague Ave)
1/2 City - Woolston - Bitterne Circular
4/6 Circular Routes (believe City and Totton)
9/14 Lordshill - Warren Ave - Shirley - City for the 9 continued to Portswood and Townhill as 14 similar to the current Bluestar 16
10 Lordshill - Warren - Shirley - City - Portswood - University - Glen Eyre
8 City - Woolston - Peartree - Bitterne - Townhill/Midanbury
20 City - Portswood - Swaythling - Mansbridge - Chartwell - Bitterne - Woolston - City circular
13 Thornhill - Woolston - City - Portswood - Swaythling
17A/17B Lordshill - Hospital (17A) -Millbrook - Shirley - City - Woolston - Weston
16 - Millbrook - Shirley - City - Woolston - Netley/Hamble
Probably others too but as far as I remember I think the above is correct. correct me if I'm wrong
Yes you are right and all areas were better served by Citybus. The Atlanteans were being phased out and Olympians, Darts and Lynx buses coming in. No one can knock Citybus as they provided an excellent AND MORE RELIABLE service than First. Bluestar being the replacement of Blue Line and Hampshire Bus have kept a good network and I don't blame them for taking on some of the areas First have let the residents down on i.e Peartree and Townhill Park.
ReplyDeleteI think the old adage of "never argue with an idiot - they'll bring you down to their level then beat you with experience." springs to mind when reading your postings!
Delete"Yes you are right and all areas were better served by Citybus."
ReplyDeleteBetter served by Citybus apart from Townhill Park, Chartwell Green, West End, Thornhill, Millbrook, Woolston, Hamble, Netley or Freetmantle you mean? All these places have a more frequent bus service than Citybus provided by First, if in doubt check a timetable or read the posts above.
"The Atlanteans were being phased out and Olympians, Darts and Lynx buses coming in."
Urgh, Lynx's! Citybus sold out because the business had been run into the ground and had no money left for investment to replace the large numbers of Atlanteans remaining when First bought them. From memory Citybus only bought 8 Olympians.
"No one can knock Citybus as they provided an excellent AND MORE RELIABLE service than First."
Your memories are obviously very different to mine and a number of other posters here. Citybus = old and unreliable!
"Bluestar being the replacement of Blue Line and Hampshire Bus have kept a good network"
Well unless you live in all the places deserted by Bluestar you mean? The network is a shadow of its former now compared to just 15 years ago.
"and I don't blame them for taking on some of the areas First have let the residents down on i.e Peartree and Townhill Park."
Let down in Townhill Park? More buses now than there have ever been! I somehow don't think First have anything to worry about the once an hour Bluestar service through Peartree.
The real problem is is that fares on First are so high and they do have a track record of unreliability. (letters in Echo prove that). The replacement Atlantean programme was slower than should have been and at the time the company experimented with Olympians and Dominators. With the change of management and de-regulation from mid eighties there was serious competition with reoding Citybus income from Blue Line and Citybus had to react with conductor buses on the lucrative routes to protect revenue. The best performing routes were 5/25, 9/14, 10, 13, 17, 23 and all others were marginal in income. With reduced income because of competition the company was faced with no chance of major investment however Citybus kept non profit making routes running when the competition chose not to touch those. This is where you should remember that Citybus kept a city wide network running during increased costs of conductor buses and being hit by new operators. By the way word is out that First are losing funded services from both Southampton and Portsmouth CC and these are passing to some surprising operators in the south hampshire area. First have just lost the Hedge End free bus contract too. So can we see more fares being increased and the retention of old olys?? I expect the newer buses on route 7 will be sent elsewhere!!
ReplyDeleteI hardly think the letters page of the Echo proves anything, it is after all anything but the voice of reason - just look at their comments section - full of silly comments about everything and anything.
ReplyDeleteFirst fares are very reasonable in comparison with their neighbours. You can go all the way to Portsmouth and back for a little over £5, it costs something like £6.50 to go to Eastleigh on Bluestar whilst someone told me its almost £8 to go to Salisbury so First look reasonable in comparison.
What you forget to mention about Citybus is they were given massive subsidies by the council paid for by the council tax payers, none of the operators get anything like the subsidies they used to hence fares are higher than historically and some unprofitable routes have been cut.
Citybus was run as a private entity owned by its staff, more fool them if they ran routes at deliberately loss making and no wonder they couldnt afford to invest in the company.
I think it is true First are loosing funding for several routes as the Southampton and Portsmouth councils cut funding again but the funding is being withdrawn entirely and routes arent going to other operators. Velvet S2 is also under threat as its merged with First S1 with just one bus instead of the 4 buses between both routes as now. clearly one operator is going to loose all their work whilst another operator looses some of the work. I hear the citylink funding is also being cut so that route may go too whilst unilink U6 might get cut back in the evening and sundays too.
First havent "lost" the hedge end free bus contract, M&S have withdrawn their funding so the route is getting cut without replacement. And I hear the buses on the 7 are here to stay with more brand new buses coming later this year!
I read your comments and lets be honest we won't really agree but lets at least enjoy sharing our interest. If I have given incorrect information then I apologise but it was only what I had been lead to believe. I bow to your knowledge and find it interesting to learn from your comments. However in Portsmouth funding has been awarded to other companies from June although the routes will continue. In Southampton the funding withdrawn is exactly that and I think its mainly evening services that will be withdrawn or reduced. First did lose the contract and it was M&S and Sainsburys who both withdrew funding. There is also a strong possibility the Aviva park and ride will be withdrawn too and that will affect First even more. The school bus section is being reviewed too as more schools make decisions on their transport going forward. The September school services are being decided now and even Barton Peveril routes are looking to be awarded to alternative companies. So really First are being hit all round. To be fair they have retained as much of the network in Southampton as possible from the past but I did think Citybus provided a better network. Anyway lets shake on it and both enjoy our interests in buses!
ReplyDelete"However in Portsmouth funding has been awarded to other companies from June although the routes will continue."
DeleteI await to see the results with interest then however perhaps you should wait until official confirmation is received until posting what is possibly confidential and commercially sensitive information in a public domain?
"First did lose the contract and it was M&S and Sainsburys who both withdrew funding."
The statement of 'loosing a contract' suggests it is lost to another operator rather than in this case the contract has either been terminated or not reviewed because of funding issues?
"There is also a strong possibility the Aviva park and ride will be withdrawn too and that will affect First even more. The school bus section is being reviewed too as more schools make decisions on their transport going forward."
Ok lets put this into perspective, even if this is true a big company like First is hardly going to be affected by the loss of one off peak contract and one peak time only contract, they will still have another 125 buses operating in Southampton.
"The September school services are being decided now and even Barton Peveril routes are looking to be awarded to alternative companies. So really First are being hit all round."
Please check your facts, you only look an unbelievable fool when posting stuff like this - First do not have any contracts with Barton Peveril so hardly being "hit all round"!!! Bluestar and Velvet run the Barton Peveril contracts.
With reference to all the above ..... can you say which bus company(ies) has/have won the Portsmouth city contract(s)?
ReplyDeleteThe Hedge End freebus contract came to it's end of cycle so it wasn't lost as in replaced by someone else but cos it had finished.
Citybus in Soton had fingers in several pies like Portsmouth Citybus so direct comparisons between then & First now aren't really equal. . Bluestar is owned by Go-ahead which as such actually owned Solent Blue Line did they not?
Stagecoach owned Hampshire bus routes in Soton which were sold off to Vectis as Blue Line started off. So again direct comparisons aren't really possible. Routes change & so do other demographic reasons like new housing estates, shops etc etc. Again like for like can't be undertaken. You could do the number of passenger miles undertaken maybe but this would have to be weighted against (justified) the population of the areas to get a fair result. You can easily cheat with Statistics. Example - 8 out of 10 cats said they preferred it! But against what - 240 Volts! Silly example but do you see what I mean?! SO, Let's call it a draw & move on!
Firsts no.11 to be gone by 25th May....
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find this out from? Nothing as yet on First's webpage, or more importantly on VOSA. However, to be honest I wouldn't be that surprised! Hot on the this will probably be Bluestar reducing their services through Marchwood to the previous hourly frequency.....
DeleteGive they must give 8 weeks notice the deregistration would have had to have been received by VOSA by last Thursday (28th March) so if it is true it is surprising that it hasn't featured in the VOSA website yet unless this is another piece of rubbish spouted by the First haters?
DeleteConfirmed on VOSA now. Just a matter of waiting and seeing how long it is until we see the inevitable timetable change from their rivals on there. I give it a week.
DeleteFamily member works for First. The x2 is apparently staying but being re-routed but its not been finalised yet.
ReplyDelete