London-style Bus System in Manchester?
Regular readers will be well aware that Manchester's "Metro" Mayor, Andy Burnham" is in favour of ditching the "commercial" model of bus services. From the very first days of his election campaign, he has wanted to take control of buses, trams and trains and take them away from businesses which seek to serve their shareholders as a first priority.
So he set up a survey and the full results have recently been published.
Over 80% of people support Transport for Greater Manchester's proposal to replace unregulated bus service with a franchised model, a survey suggests.
In total 8,516 people and organisations across Greater Manchester and beyond took part in the public consultation on the proposed franchising scheme that ran from 14 October 2019 to 8 January 2020.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and independent research agency Ipsos MORI have reviewed, analysed and summarised all responses to the consultation in two reports. Ipsos MORI has also analysed qualitative research with public transport users, non-users, residents and businesses.
Some of the most common reasons for support included that it would be an improvement on the current system of deregulated buses; that it would help deliver an integrated and coordinated public transport network and that it would provide better value for money.
Those opposed were concerned about the affordability of the proposed scheme or did not believe the proposed scheme would work.
Needless to say, the bus operators are agin it.
Stagecoach wants a "partnership" approach.
Like the amazingly inept Sheffield Bus Partnership?
Others point to the current situation in London where the Government has imposed conditions on a bail-out for Mayor Khan's ailing franchised system.
UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps issued a written statement to parliament in which he said that “an important secondary factor” in the need for a bailout “was the pre-existing poor condition of Transport for London’s (TfL) financial position as a result of decisions made over the last four years”.
London's (franchised) transport finances are close to collapse.
Whilst 80% of Andy's survey thought franchising was a spiffing idea, the CPT revels that a different survey ....
Note the middle paragraph.
Three quarters of people in Manchester do not wish to fund public transport through their taxes.
No worry, says his Mayorship, the government must pay!
How likely is that even before the Virus crisis - but afterwards ...
... there they go again!
To summarise ...
1. 80% think franchising is a good idea
2. 75% don't want to pay for it
3. Bus companies want a "partnership"
4. Partnership is a disaster in Sheffield
5. London's franchised system is in a financial mess
6. The Mayor expects the government to pay
Hmmm? Franchising looks unlikely.
Airport Alterations
Buses to Leeds Bradford Airport were once part of the First Bus network.
More recently, services passed to Yorkshire Tiger; that is Arriva in disguise.
Even more recently there had been a rebrand as Flying Tiger with posh buses ...
... serving the network of three 7xx routes.
Other services have come and gone, e.g. from York ...
... and come and stayed as here from Keighley in 2018.
But changes are afoot with buses to the Airport from Leeds. C T Plus are running the 747 on a temporary basis ...
... but only once an hour, presumably in response to the virus crisis,
Flying Tiger's web site still shows all three services ...
... and a 20 minute headway.
Hey ho - it's all on line - WRONGLY.
Later in the summer, Transdev take over the 757 with hints appearing on their regular Twits.
What's going on?
Competitive Clashes?
Readers may remember two programmes hosted by James May looking at the trials and tribulations of the Hornby company. One of the stories concerned the announcement by Rails of Sheffield that it would be "producing" an iconic small steam loco.
The Brighton-built "Terrier" has always been a popular loco for modellers and enthusiasts alike and Hornby have had one in its play list for many years.
When Rails of Sheffield announced that they would be producing as Terrier, Hornby were decidedly miffed. James May made much of the ill-feeling. Arguably Rails' version was a better model and, consequently, more expensive.
Really, you have to be a perfectionist to tell the difference!
But now Hornby have got their revenge. It begins with the Hornby OO Rocket pack with loco and three shiny yellow coaches.
Not cheap, but a fantastic train to run on your layout.
But the yellow coaches were for First Class passengers - they had roofs, windows and seats! The "lower orders" would be expected to stand in Third Class open trucks like this one ...
... reproduced full size for a Liverpool and Manchester Railway celebration.
But the yellow coaches were for First Class passengers - they had roofs, windows and seats! The "lower orders" would be expected to stand in Third Class open trucks like this one ...
Rails announced that they were commissioning a "blue wagon" (sorry, "coach") ...
Yeah, right!
Control Tower Project
Tomorrow we go to Bedfordshire.
Next Handy for Sandy blog : Tuesday 7th July
