If this isn't an agreed handover from Velvet A, then it gives Hedge End residents a choice of no less than four bus operators to use to get to Southampton:
- Bluestar 3: The once dominant operator's only remaining route in the area. Hourly Mon-Sats, just a handful of journeys on Sundays.
- First 8: Only serves the superstores and the railway station, not the town centre or Oaklands, but it does run twice an hour and extends through the town centre in the evenings.
- Velvet A: The most direct route, every 30 mins, but no service in the evenings or on Sundays.
- Wheelers WA: The new option. Details yet to be revealed.
No comments yet-Lets see some reaction to this news.
ReplyDeleteHave to ask why? Either it's full on war between Orange & Purple which seems like economic suicide or it's a tactical "sell out" by Velvet. Come on the WA & Velvet A. Bit too similar methinks. Handily timed to be after the M zoo service ends, so another Velvet service finishes leaving just the Southampton locals & a bit of HCC odds & ends. Now I'm sure Phil said they were concentrating on Soton somewhere in a blog or news article so that would seem on par with that.
ReplyDeleteAlthough most people who read the posts on this site will have worked out, from 1st September 2014 Wheeler's will take over Velvets route A operating it as WA- As Wheeler's drivers are good as Velvets drivers in customer service,apart from the change in the colour of the bus,the present customers should not see much change-I feel very sad for all the Velvet drivers who have given stirling service since Velvet began a few years ago in what has been happening over the past few months,and wish all the best to those who might have to change aligance to another operator should that be the case. -PAC
ReplyDeleteFrom what i understand Phil contacted Derek after hearing Wheelers had registered the route & after being told that Wheelers were still going to run against Velvet Phil told Derek its not economically viable for both companies to run on the route so Velvet will pull out of the route leaving it to Wheelers!
ReplyDeleteSurely isn't that against the rules of deregulation? That would leave Velvet just some HCC/SCC work which I think they'll give up. Phil will then stay up t'nth with his new "baby" & velvet will fold. Very sad, but was on the cards the minute Phil took his 24/7 hold on the company away. Others will soak up the Velvet routes. Probably First on B4, S1/2 & Xela on the others I'd have thought. Can't see Wheelers making a go of it if a "big boy" took them on.
ReplyDeletePhrase " when push comes to shove comes to mind", given the parlous states of most councils' finances, might it be they would prefer to ignore niceties, if solutions are found at the leastcost to them?
DeleteIsn't what against what rules?
DeleteBasically a new operators has registered a competitive service, the incumbent (having confirmed details of the service and that it is going to be straight competition and not some confusion or mistake - the way VOSA process & display registrations means that it isn't always obvious what is actually happening just from their entry) assess their return from the route against their resources & business strategy and decide the risk to the company of fighting isn't worth the relative rewards if they win (as well as weighing up the chances of victory in the fight) and decided to pull off the route as soon as the legislation allows. This not only is legal under the rules but an expectation of what is likely to happen, some will fight and some will just fold if the route can't support full competition, it happens in many places and even the big guys can be chased off if the route isn't worth the fight. It isn't even like it is a big operator crushing a small fish, this is too small independents (regardless of slight relative size differences neither is even a big operator locally) having a go when one sees a chance.
And if you believe that's what happened.....................!!!
DeleteFor those who have not heard yet Black Velvet Travel have ceased trading with Hampshire County Council now looking for an operator to take on their contracts until the end of summer - It is unclear at the moment as to weather the management of Wheelers will ask the Traffic Commissioner for permission to start their A sooner
ReplyDeleteVelvet have shutdown!!!!
ReplyDeleteNo doubt we shall get the usual 'Everything is fine, it's all lies' spin from the man himself. The writing has been on the wall for weeks and to say otherwise would be both insulting and deluded.
ReplyDelete