Happy Christmas - thought you might like a seasonal gift. So here is GreenLine 702, our "highly successful" and "prestigious" express bus service from Bracknell to London. As you know, we are not very good at the long term, and this route is "not profitable", as we say in the industry when we can't think of any way of attracting more passengers.
But you are much better than us at running buses, so here it is. Enjoy!
For those unfamiliar with the service, it runs hourly from Bracknell ...
... via Windsor and Slough before whizzing off to London.
It used to be heavily promoted with a clever and attractive fares structure (Rainbow Fares) ...
... but now sits uninspiringly at the back of the Slough timetable booklet. First's last day of operation is today, 23rd December.
Reading Buses (that's Martijn Gilbert the boss) takes over post Festive "don't bother with buses" season on 27th with a copy-cat timetable minimally tweaked.
But, already, from today, there is (shh, don't tell First Bus - it will be too big a shock!) PROMOTION and PUBLICITY.
Special FREE service on Christmas Eve
First will finish operating the route at the end of Saturday 23rd, leaving Christmas Eve Sunday before our full service starts. As this is likely to be quite a quiet day we will be co-ordinating a free vintage bus service along the route using volunteer drivers/conductors and their vehicles who will operate in aid of our Reading Buses Charity of the Year, Red Balloon Learner Centre - all donations welcome!
Reading Buses will run the existing timetable (with tweaks) until February but anticipate IMPROVEMENTS (sorry First Bus - more naughty words) once they have had time to look at the detail.
... 2 from Timmy** to Andy
Happy Christmas - thought you might like a seasonal gift. So here is Southampton Route 12, part of our "highly successful" network in the Solent area. As you know, we are not very good at the long term, and this route is "not profitable", as we say in the industry when we can't think of any way of attracting more passengers.
But you are much better than us at running buses, so here it is. Enjoy!
First Bus have explained the withdrawal:-
We’ve made considerable efforts to keep service 12 operating for many years, despite it facing declining patronage, increasing operational costs and no financial support from local authorities. As this route was operated on a commercial basis, it was kept on the road exclusively from the fares passengers paid. We understand that some passengers might be frustrated by this change, but in most cases the route it is duplicated by either the City Red 2 or The Three. What’s more, the parts that are unique to route 12 are only a short walk away from other bus services.
True - BUT ...
Blue Star, once Solent Blue Line, (Andrew Wickham is the boss) ...
... have stepped in the cover the withdrawn 12 by extending their 7 cross-city. Service 7 was introduced to replace First Bus route 5.
“At Bluestar we listen to the views of local people about their requirements for travelling across Southampton,” said Andrew Wickham, Bluestar managing director. “Our response is to enhance our services wherever possible.
“In this case, we’re working closely with Southampton City Council to preserve services for customers living along a large part of the number 12 route - particularly since another operator is ceasing some of its operations in this area.
“From Sunday 21 January we will extend our Bluestar 7 service, subject to approval from the Traffic Commissioner. It will follow the same route as the 12 - making it the only bus service in Oakley Road, Cumbrian Way and Coxford Road. In early February, we will alter it slightly - to service Lords Hill Way, rather than Aldermoor Road. Our customers won’t lose out because the Bluestar 17 service already covers that area."
"Feel like your current bus operator isn't putting you first?" - a neat bit of "knocking copy".
... 3 from Timmy** to Nobody in Particular
Happy Christmas - thought you might like a seasonal gift. So here are lots of changes designed "to improve the long term viability of the network" in Somerset. As you know, we are not very good at the long term, and much of the network is "not profitable", as we say in the industry when we can't think of any way f attracting more passengers.
Buses of Somerset is introducing a number of service changes on Sunday 4 February 2018. The alterations being introduced in the new year will help the business ensure its long-term sustainability, as well as better matching the level of service with passenger demand.
Herewith a summary of part of the
Bridgwater Service B1 (Wills Road - Parkway): There are no changes to service B1 on Mondays to Fridays. The service will be revised on Saturdays to operate every 70 minutes and will be extended to cover Kings Drive.
Bridgwater Service B2 (Alfoxton Road – Parkway - Kings Drive): There are no changes to service B2 on Mondays to Fridays. However, the service will be withdrawn on Saturdays.
Service 10 (Minehead – Porlock Weir): Service 10 will be withdrawn.
Service 11 (Minehead Town Service): Service 11 will be withdrawn.
fbb rode and blogged about the bus to Porlock way back (read again).
Service 14 (Bridgwater – Cannington): There are no changes to service 14 between Monday and Friday. The Saturday timetable will be revised to every 90 minutes.
Service 54 (Taunton – Langport – Somerton – Yeovil): The service 54 timetable will be revised between Monday and Saturday to run every 90 minutes.
Service 57 (Yeovil – Sherborne): Service 57 will be withdrawn.
Service 59 (Yeovil – Sherborne – Henstridge – Stalbridge – Marnhull: Service 59 will be withdrawn.
Service 77 (Wells – Street – Somerton – Yeovil): Service 77 is revised between Monday and Saturday to run every 90 minutes.
But not to worry, says Buses of Somerset, you can use South West Coaches X10 for many of the withdrawn journeys.
More Baubles tomorrow - but there has to be an important question.
Why can't First run these services if (maybe a big "if") Reading Buses, Blue Star and South West Coaches can?
**Timmy?
Tim O'Toole, Chief Executive of First Group. He is young Mr Fearnley's boss.
Happy Christmas - thought you might like a seasonal gift. So here is Southampton Route 12, part of our "highly successful" network in the Solent area. As you know, we are not very good at the long term, and this route is "not profitable", as we say in the industry when we can't think of any way of attracting more passengers.
We’ve made considerable efforts to keep service 12 operating for many years, despite it facing declining patronage, increasing operational costs and no financial support from local authorities. As this route was operated on a commercial basis, it was kept on the road exclusively from the fares passengers paid. We understand that some passengers might be frustrated by this change, but in most cases the route it is duplicated by either the City Red 2 or The Three. What’s more, the parts that are unique to route 12 are only a short walk away from other bus services.
True - BUT ...
“At Bluestar we listen to the views of local people about their requirements for travelling across Southampton,” said Andrew Wickham, Bluestar managing director. “Our response is to enhance our services wherever possible.
“In this case, we’re working closely with Southampton City Council to preserve services for customers living along a large part of the number 12 route - particularly since another operator is ceasing some of its operations in this area.
“From Sunday 21 January we will extend our Bluestar 7 service, subject to approval from the Traffic Commissioner. It will follow the same route as the 12 - making it the only bus service in Oakley Road, Cumbrian Way and Coxford Road. In early February, we will alter it slightly - to service Lords Hill Way, rather than Aldermoor Road. Our customers won’t lose out because the Bluestar 17 service already covers that area."
"Feel like your current bus operator isn't putting you first?" - a neat bit of "knocking copy".
Happy Christmas - thought you might like a seasonal gift. So here are lots of changes designed "to improve the long term viability of the network" in Somerset. As you know, we are not very good at the long term, and much of the network is "not profitable", as we say in the industry when we can't think of any way f attracting more passengers.
Buses of Somerset is introducing a number of service changes on Sunday 4 February 2018. The alterations being introduced in the new year will help the business ensure its long-term sustainability, as well as better matching the level of service with passenger demand.
Herewith a summary of part of the
Bridgwater Service B1 (Wills Road - Parkway): There are no changes to service B1 on Mondays to Fridays. The service will be revised on Saturdays to operate every 70 minutes and will be extended to cover Kings Drive.
Bridgwater Service B2 (Alfoxton Road – Parkway - Kings Drive): There are no changes to service B2 on Mondays to Fridays. However, the service will be withdrawn on Saturdays.
Service 10 (Minehead – Porlock Weir): Service 10 will be withdrawn.
Service 11 (Minehead Town Service): Service 11 will be withdrawn.
fbb rode and blogged about the bus to Porlock way back (read again).
Service 14 (Bridgwater – Cannington): There are no changes to service 14 between Monday and Friday. The Saturday timetable will be revised to every 90 minutes.
Service 54 (Taunton – Langport – Somerton – Yeovil): The service 54 timetable will be revised between Monday and Saturday to run every 90 minutes.
Service 57 (Yeovil – Sherborne): Service 57 will be withdrawn.
Service 59 (Yeovil – Sherborne – Henstridge – Stalbridge – Marnhull: Service 59 will be withdrawn.
Service 77 (Wells – Street – Somerton – Yeovil): Service 77 is revised between Monday and Saturday to run every 90 minutes.
But not to worry, says Buses of Somerset, you can use South West Coaches X10 for many of the withdrawn journeys.
Why can't First run these services if (maybe a big "if") Reading Buses, Blue Star and South West Coaches can?
**Timmy?
================
ADVENT CALENDAR - 23
One of the daftest sets of Christmas decorations is here.
Or maybe it is one of the most sensible. The above picture is of part of "Manger Square" in Bethlehem. There was even a TV programme a few days ago about the tema tht set up this year's display.
In the corner of Manger Square is the supposed site of the cave.cattleshed.stable where Jesus was born.
It is utterly and toe curlingly naff.
The church was originally commissioned in 327 by Constantine the Great and his mother Helena over the site that was traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity site's original basilica was completed in 339 and destroyed by fire during the Samaritan Revolts in the 6th century. A new basilica was built 565 by Justinian, the Byzantine Emperor, restoring the architectural tone of the original. The site of the Church of the Nativity has had numerous additions since this second construction, including its prominent bell towers.
Despite the fact the th "cave" had become a hole in the ground and it is surrounded by a star which never appeared at the nativity, many people find it a very powerful spiritual place.
What is odd, however, is that Christmas (lights, tree etc) is such a powerful image in a country that holds vital importance for Jews and Moslems. Neither group accepts the true divinity of the Christ child!
It is utterly and toe curlingly naff.
What is odd, however, is that Christmas (lights, tree etc) is such a powerful image in a country that holds vital importance for Jews and Moslems. Neither group accepts the true divinity of the Christ child!
On Christmas night all Christians sing
to hear the news the angels bring;
on Christmas night all Christians sing
to hear the news the angels bring:
news of great joy, news of great mirth,
news of our merciful King’s birth.
Then why should we on earth be sad,
since our Redeemer made us glad?
Then why should we on earth be sad,
since our Redeemer made us glad,
when from our sin He set us free,
all for to gain our liberty?
When sin departs before His grace,
then life and health come in its place;
when sin departs before His grace,
then life and health come in its place;
angels and men with joy may sing,
all for to see the newborn King.
All out of darkness we have light,
which made the angels sing this night;
all out of darkness we have light,
which made the angels sing this night:
“Glory to God and peace to men
now and forevermore. Amen.”
Maybe at least one carol expresses the answer to people's desires in that troubled region?
================
Next Christmas baubles blog : Sunday 24th December
FBB, other companies can run First's cast-offs. They may do publicity better (marketing folk are always enthused by something new shiny and different, less so by anything that isn't). Can they make any money on it?
ReplyDeleteA: They won't know until they try. I suspect Reading will do OK on the 702.
I can't see Bluestar/GSC/whatever they are calling themselves this week making any money on the extended 7 in Southampton (they almost certainly have lost a considerable amount of money on the other services First abandoned in Southampton, and although the 12 was a better performer, it certainly isn't a goldmine). GSC's strategy is land grabs; they don't seem to worry whether these are profitable or not, because they have the magic money tree of Vectis with no competition and its eye-wateringly high fares ripping off both farepayers and IWCC via ENCTS.
As for Somerset, I doubt anyone will even try to replace lost services. Why would you?
In the last few years the local trading companies of go ahead, ie musterphantom, W&B Buses Co, SVOC have all been consolidated into Go south Coast Limited, this helps to mask the obscene margins being made on the IOW, I am not sure those on the IOW realise they are subsidising the likes of Poole, Southampton and now Swindon !
Delete1) The rest of the withdrawals at Slough are now on line; routes 2,5,10,11,15 & Sunday 6.
ReplyDelete2) I saw the departures of the 58/9 and X10 from Yeovil bus station at soon after 11 a few weeks ago. Loadings 58 about 8 and X10 was just 2. The 59 was First's spoiler to try at get the X10 Dorset contract, But South West Coaches took most of Dorset's work. First has add the 52 in Yeovil following the cessation of Nippy Bus.
3) It seems to be in keeping with the statement within the half yearly results
"First Bus delivered encouraging like-for-like passenger revenue growth overall in the period, though industry conditions remain uncertain. Margin in the period mainly benefitted from our systematic programme of management actions to maximise patronage, increase efficiency and reduce cost, including the recent closure of three depots. We anticipate an acceleration of efficiencies and savings in the second half, as we focus our investment only on those local markets where our stakeholders recognise the value to the community of successful bus services, and where our ability to generate sustainable value is strongest."
Has First Bus really changed from the Lockhead era? Some more management freedom locally perhaps, local fleetnames and a variety of liveries, yes, but the cut, cut, cut ethos and inability to see new/good ideas through remains at the core. The focus of investment in a few strategic locations at the expense of everywhere else was previously held up as part of the problem but now seems to be back. It's telling that the 2017 order for new buses was never announced in advance as it had been in previous years.... but freed from the deadline of DDA, it appears to be a mere 180. No wonder they kept quiet!
DeleteSouth West Coaches service X10 is heavily subsidised by Dorset County Council and competes for the full seventeen mile length of First service 59 with the contracted buses now running right in front of the commercial journeys.
ReplyDeleteFBB fails to note that the Minehead and Porlock services were supported by the local town/parish council - clearly the money has run out.
DeleteThe policy of only running that part of the network that is "profitable" did not work immediately after privatisation, encouraging "other" operators to compete.
ReplyDeleteIt was a disaster under the Moir Blockhead regime and now seems to be returning to First Bus.
Operating buses is tough at the moment and there are only two options; grit your teeth and hold on tight for the long term OR watch you business decline into a profitable "core" ripe for take over.
The whole future of First Bus is at risk!
Odd move from First with the 57 and 59 - at least 2 buses an hour cut back to one bus every 2 hours?
ReplyDeleteFBB also forgot certain other routes in the Thames Valley region, but I'll hold off until tomorrow.
The 58 is being doubled to replace the 59
DeleteWell that's very one sided reporting on FBB's part... not mentioning SOME of these cuts aren't as bad as he is suggesting!
DeleteRan by accounts not bus men...that's the problem. Double didget margins only. I rather make a smaller % of a bigger turnover than 10% of a £1. Why Mr Fearnley cannot change this is worrying. I hope he reads this blog.
ReplyDeleteThey wish they could get 10% margins at the moment, if I remember rightly from their last accounts statement the profit margin for the group as a whole is only about 3% and I don't think the UK bus bit is the strongest strand. With those sort of margins and the high cost base of a major plc they clearly can't support these sort of marginal services and they are at big risk more widely if they can't sort themselves out.
DeleteWe made a nice fist of East Coast Buses from the ashes of First- and it's still growing (47% last year)
ReplyDeleteAre we seeing the gradual end of First's bus operation? Starting to wonder if they'd be better off selling some of these networks (especially Somerset & Weymouth) whole instead of subjecting these areas to the Northampton-style death by a thousand long-lasting cuts before Stagecoach/Go/independents pick up the mess.
ReplyDeleteWeymouth still looks quite strong to me with good buses on the key routes. Must not forget the stuff along the Dorset and devon Coast is vey seasonal and used to have huge financial support. But yes agree about Somerset.
ReplyDelete