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Friday, 1 April 2016
April fool!
As you may have guessed, that last story was indeed an April fool's joke!
First are staying, but hopefully Xelabus will be able to expand anyway.
I was rather amused by the statement concerning my company taking Southampton First operations! I would say never say never as we do have plans for the future...
Phil can you really say you have big plans when your company Xelabus Ltd is currently for sale, I can certainly see a bright future for Solent Blue Line but agree Citybus have a very dark and bump Road ahead which will eventually end up with Stagecoach buying them out. Shame as I remember the glory days of citybus when their network was x4 the size of is now - But I can guarantee even if you manage to sell what's left of Xelabus it won't last long
I agree Bluestar or as anon 1928 calls them Solent Blue Line have the most stable future ahead of them but I think First still has a few tricks up their sleeve. I also agree Xelabus will disappear like so many independents before them, It's starting to become one long running joke between independents of who can last the longest before realising that they are out of their depth and have run out of capital. I note Xelabus have already started cutting back commercial services like the X4 which I find hard to believe now only requires an Hourly Mon to Fri and 2-Hourly Sat service. If I were Bluestar or First I would seriously look at this gap in the market. I live in Bitterne and I constantly see empty 10's going past while the number 8's and 13's are packed to the ceilings
I live in Bitterne also,but whilst there is a constant stream of near empty Red 10's,I have yet to observe any 8's or 13's going by packed to the ceiling,although on most the loadings are reasonable.It would seem also that everything that Xelabus has taken over from another operator in the past,gradually shrinks more and more or disappears completely.Perhaps that Mr Blair means by plans for the future.
Years ago Blueline operated part of the X4 route as part of its 29 route, Soton to Eastleigh. This was an hourly service covered mainly by mini buses. Perhaps the largest change in the Eastleigh area has been an increase in students who now travel throughout the day rather than the am/pm college bus
I have actually heard it last week first hand from a buddy of mine who works for Southampton City Council, They are scared whoever buys Xelabus will screw them over with the X11, X12 and Bitterne Hoppa tenders. I would therefore say this information is quite accurate, I would love to hear Gareth's or Phil's side of the story as I have no idea why they are for sale, I assume the money is drying up fast or they have simply got bored or have become too stressed with the commitments of running a modern bus company. Shame as I found their drivers second to none, they really are fantastic and it will be a shame when they disappear into the hundreds of miserable sods First and SBL hVe working for them. Both First and SBL need to take a leaf out of Xelabus's book when it comes to Customer Service however when it comes to business management Xelabus desperately need to take a leaf out of one of the proper companies book
I work for Xelabus and I must admit something has been a bit off lately. We got in trouble a few months back with Environmental health (not sure what happened as Gareth never told us why) we weren't allowed to wash any of our buses for ages. I haven't seen Phil in ages and I often forgot he is actually the Managing Director I use to work for Bluestar and after the way I was treated by management I will definitely not be going back in a million years so I think I will apply to First. Better now then in a few weeks time when Xela go under and 40 other drivers are also looking for work
Lol working for first! So you'd be happy doing 12hr days for about 8 hours pay if that! If I was you, I'd just look into something else other than buses!
Yet again I am compelled to put the rumours right after reading with amusement all the comments about our company.
Let me say here and now this business is NOT for sale. After building a company that is now very comfortable it would be completely against our years of hard work to let it go. Xelabus has an exciting future with further investment with new contracts and continuation of the current network with more investment in vehicles later this year.
We continue to show commitment by in house engineering facilities and now have our own fuel tanks. The issue with environmental health was simply down to bus washing. This was stopped because of the agency approaching ALL companies on the estate. We have an agreement with a local haulier on the same estate to use their facilities and therefore each bus has a major clean once a week although we do also make use of mid week cleaning should the vehicles get particularly dirty from weather. Other companies on the estate have continued to carry out vehicle cleaning. We abide by the rules!
Our communication with customers remains very strong with more publicity being produced with area guides, the full guide and specific town guides - Bishops Waltham was the first, others will follow. Bus stops are given new updated information and we have also purchased over 50 new timetable cases for stops particularly in rural areas. We have delivered to over 30 locations our publicity to make it easier for users to get a guide. We are the only company to provide a rack in Eastleigh Bus Station and regularly stock that with our guides.
We are introducing specific bus stops on the recently won Hoppa routes with coloured numbering on all stops and yet more timetable cases!
We have a commitment to our customers with good service and our staff receive full information on how the business is performing which I can report as healthy.
So, please stop rumours. You've heard it from me on here that Xelabus with me (working each day in office) and Gareth as Operations Director to continue with a company we are very proud of.
A question to whoever runs this site, Why don't you request copies of regs from DVSA? If memory serves they cost around £5 and are very easy to request, Anyone and everyone has a legal right to ask. This would mean we could see them before the bus companies tell passengers what's happening
The change is supposedly to extend the route to Adnac Park, taking on the 17 a bit more down that way. It's thought the 1 will be scrapped, and possibly the 12 too. Heard reports that the 8 and 6 could be taken ice by Xelabus also.
Jack your definitely wrong, If the 3 was extended to Adanac Park it would have to be a Timetable and Route change, The only options could be (in order of likeliness) 1. Diverted via Archery Hill during peak rush hour instead of Portsmouth Road, The current reliability is s#*t due to the Portsmouth Road traffic chaos. 2. Rerouted via Aldermoor instead of Lordshill Way 3. Some minor route change in Southampton (possibly to take it out of the very overcrowded Vincents Walk)
As for your claims that the 6 and 8 are being taken over by Xelabus Ltd I can confirm that is complete bullo*cks! Xelabus are barley able to stay in business with their current routes! Added to the fact that the 6 and the 8 (along with the X4/X5) are the ONLY routes we have in Southampton which are producing a good operating index. I think all the keyboard warriors on here need to stop speculating on how First are doing as a business, We have demonstrated we are committed to remaining in Southampton (mostly due to the fact that Empress Road is the head office for a very sizable part of First)
I just don't know where people get all this non confirmed information from.Who spreads all this gossip.I could not possibaly imagine the First 6 and 8 going to Xelabus.If this was to be so there must be something drasticaly wrong with the management at Fiirst Empress Road
That sounds like a load of nonsense to be honest. All that has been registered is a route change to the 3. Not timetable, just route. And no changes have yet been registered for any other services.
why would First be afraid of the 17?The 17 is generally poor performing,just like First`s 10,from a public view anyway.This is because people don`t like change.
I just wish you had used Stagecoach instead. Now that would have just added to the rumours going around the city....
ReplyDeleteGood Afternoon
ReplyDeleteI was rather amused by the statement concerning my company taking Southampton First operations!
I would say never say never as we do have plans for the future...
PHILIP BLAIR
Managing Director
Xelabus Limited
Can you say what you and Gareths plans are?
DeletePhil can you really say you have big plans when your company Xelabus Ltd is currently for sale, I can certainly see a bright future for Solent Blue Line but agree Citybus have a very dark and bump Road ahead which will eventually end up with Stagecoach buying them out.
DeleteShame as I remember the glory days of citybus when their network was x4 the size of is now - But I can guarantee even if you manage to sell what's left of Xelabus it won't last long
I agree Bluestar or as anon 1928 calls them Solent Blue Line have the most stable future ahead of them but I think First still has a few tricks up their sleeve. I also agree Xelabus will disappear like so many independents before them, It's starting to become one long running joke between independents of who can last the longest before realising that they are out of their depth and have run out of capital. I note Xelabus have already started cutting back commercial services like the X4 which I find hard to believe now only requires an Hourly Mon to Fri and 2-Hourly Sat service. If I were Bluestar or First I would seriously look at this gap in the market. I live in Bitterne and I constantly see empty 10's going past while the number 8's and 13's are packed to the ceilings
DeleteI live in Bitterne also,but whilst there is a constant stream of near empty Red 10's,I have yet to observe any 8's or 13's going by packed to the ceiling,although on most the loadings are reasonable.It would seem also that everything that Xelabus has taken over from another operator in the past,gradually shrinks more and more or disappears completely.Perhaps that Mr Blair means by plans for the future.
DeleteYears ago Blueline operated part of the X4 route as part of its 29 route, Soton to Eastleigh. This was an hourly service covered mainly by mini buses. Perhaps the largest change in the Eastleigh area has been an increase in students who now travel throughout the day rather than the am/pm college bus
DeleteWould it be a good idea if your updates included Winchester as that is in the SO Postcode area?
ReplyDeleteXelabus for sale? Has it been reported in the papers, or is it just unsubstantiated rumour?
ReplyDeleteI have actually heard it last week first hand from a buddy of mine who works for Southampton City Council, They are scared whoever buys Xelabus will screw them over with the X11, X12 and Bitterne Hoppa tenders.
DeleteI would therefore say this information is quite accurate, I would love to hear Gareth's or Phil's side of the story as I have no idea why they are for sale, I assume the money is drying up fast or they have simply got bored or have become too stressed with the commitments of running a modern bus company.
Shame as I found their drivers second to none, they really are fantastic and it will be a shame when they disappear into the hundreds of miserable sods First and SBL hVe working for them. Both First and SBL need to take a leaf out of Xelabus's book when it comes to Customer Service however when it comes to business management Xelabus desperately need to take a leaf out of one of the proper companies book
I often wonder why Gareth never posts on here
DeleteI would assume He reads so much rubbish about His company on this site which has no evidence to support it, He wisely keeps out of it
DeleteFact or fiction please?
ReplyDeleteI work for Xelabus and I must admit something has been a bit off lately. We got in trouble a few months back with Environmental health (not sure what happened as Gareth never told us why) we weren't allowed to wash any of our buses for ages. I haven't seen Phil in ages and I often forgot he is actually the Managing Director
DeleteI use to work for Bluestar and after the way I was treated by management I will definitely not be going back in a million years so I think I will apply to First. Better now then in a few weeks time when Xela go under and 40 other drivers are also looking for work
Lol working for first! So you'd be happy doing 12hr days for about 8 hours pay if that! If I was you, I'd just look into something else other than buses!
DeleteGood Morning
ReplyDeleteYet again I am compelled to put the rumours right after reading with amusement all the comments about our company.
Let me say here and now this business is NOT for sale. After building a company that is now very comfortable it would be completely against our years of hard work to let it go. Xelabus has an exciting future with further investment with new contracts and continuation of the current network with more investment in vehicles later this year.
We continue to show commitment by in house engineering facilities and now have our own fuel tanks. The issue with environmental health was simply down to bus washing. This was stopped because of the agency approaching ALL companies on the estate. We have an agreement with a local haulier on the same estate to use their facilities and therefore each bus has a major clean once a week although we do also make use of mid week cleaning should the vehicles get particularly dirty from weather. Other companies on the estate have continued to carry out vehicle cleaning. We abide by the rules!
Our communication with customers remains very strong with more publicity being produced with area guides, the full guide and specific town guides - Bishops Waltham was the first, others will follow. Bus stops are given new updated information and we have also purchased over 50 new timetable cases for stops particularly in rural areas. We have delivered to over 30 locations our publicity to make it easier for users to get a guide. We are the only company to provide a rack in Eastleigh Bus Station and regularly stock that with our guides.
We are introducing specific bus stops on the recently won Hoppa routes with coloured numbering on all stops and yet more timetable cases!
We have a commitment to our customers with good service and our staff receive full information on how the business is performing which I can report as healthy.
So, please stop rumours. You've heard it from me on here that Xelabus with me (working each day in office) and Gareth as Operations Director to continue with a company we are very proud of.
PHILIP BLAIR
Managing Director
Xelabus Limited
What are the new buses you will be buying?
DeleteMorning Reece
DeleteWe are looking at up to 10 Double Deck buses fully DDA compliant to be introduced from the Autumn.
Customer Services
Xelabus Limited
I note that today Gareth Blair has posted on Xelabus Enthusiast to the fact the business is not up for sale
ReplyDeleteProberley just wishful thinking from Southampton City Council
DeleteThere`s a feature on Southampton`s buses from the past,on the heritage pages of today(Tues)Daily Echo!
ReplyDeleteOne picture featuring a younger Phil Blair.
DeletePH0006159/319 - FIRST HAMPSHIRE & DORSET LTD, BUS DEPOT, EMPRESS ROAD, SOUTHAMPTON, SO14 0JW
ReplyDeleteVariation Accepted: Operating between Lords Hill Centre and Thornhill given service number 3 effective from 29-May-2016. To amend Route.
To divert via Aldermoor Road just to compete with Bluestar17 and shaft Lordshill Way
DeleteTo divert via Warburton Road and Burgoyne Road to compete more with Bluestar18 and shaft the Fairfax Court area.
My money is on one or both of the above happening.
Well diverting to Burgoyne Road would mean changing a timing point, so would also be a timetable change not just a route change.
DeleteI also very much doubt they will be running via Aldermoor Road.
Most likely it is just a minor operational tweak somewhere, but we will have to wait and see.
One theory I have is the change could be to serve Queensway
DeleteA question to whoever runs this site, Why don't you request copies of regs from DVSA? If memory serves they cost around £5 and are very easy to request, Anyone and everyone has a legal right to ask.
DeleteThis would mean we could see them before the bus companies tell passengers what's happening
My guess is to swap the route of the 3 and 12 between the general hospital and lords hill centre
DeleteNo change to the 12 though
DeleteThe change is supposedly to extend the route to Adnac Park, taking on the 17 a bit more down that way. It's thought the 1 will be scrapped, and possibly the 12 too. Heard reports that the 8 and 6 could be taken ice by Xelabus also.
DeleteJack your definitely wrong, If the 3 was extended to Adanac Park it would have to be a Timetable and Route change, The only options could be (in order of likeliness)
Delete1. Diverted via Archery Hill during peak rush hour instead of Portsmouth Road, The current reliability is s#*t due to the Portsmouth Road traffic chaos.
2. Rerouted via Aldermoor instead of Lordshill Way
3. Some minor route change in Southampton (possibly to take it out of the very overcrowded Vincents Walk)
As for your claims that the 6 and 8 are being taken over by Xelabus Ltd I can confirm that is complete bullo*cks! Xelabus are barley able to stay in business with their current routes! Added to the fact that the 6 and the 8 (along with the X4/X5) are the ONLY routes we have in Southampton which are producing a good operating index. I think all the keyboard warriors on here need to stop speculating on how First are doing as a business, We have demonstrated we are committed to remaining in Southampton (mostly due to the fact that Empress Road is the head office for a very sizable part of First)
I just don't know where people get all this non confirmed information from.Who spreads all this gossip.I could not possibaly imagine the First 6 and 8 going to Xelabus.If this was to be so there must be something drasticaly wrong with the management at Fiirst Empress Road
DeleteThat sounds like a load of nonsense to be honest. All that has been registered is a route change to the 3. Not timetable, just route. And no changes have yet been registered for any other services.
Deletewhy would First be afraid of the 17?The 17 is generally poor performing,just like First`s 10,from a public view anyway.This is because people don`t like change.
DeleteI wouldn't have thought the 12 will be withdrawn as Millbrook only has 1 direct route to the hospital and the 1 probally will be around for a while.
DeleteI couldn't see xelabus taking over routes 6 and 8 as first run them commerically.
Knew First couldn`t go a month without changing something!
ReplyDeleteThe 8 Change was to do with cricket though? Unless you count the M1 being registered.
DeleteI thought the 10 is in competition with the 18
ReplyDelete