Topless Traumas
fbb has already reported on the substitution of the stunning Exeter tour bus with something far less satisfactory and the withdrawal completely of the Hastings tour bus. fbb had not picked up that the three open top routes in Newquay were suspended from early July. They are now back on First's web site running from 8th Augst.
The S3 is pictured at one of the many Tourist "parks" in the Newquay area ...
... with passengers boarding!
Also suspended for a similar period was the network of tourist routes (not open top) centred on the Eden Project. But no matter, the web site still says "Coming Soon" a tag which has remained constant since May!
Asking the web site for "Eden Project" delivers just one service, namely the D5 ...
... so fbb is not sure whether this "network" has, in fact, returned.
The reason given for the "temporary withdrawal" is shortage of staff. Cynically, fbb wonders whether the real reason is shortage of passengers on the days out network. Whilst the scheme was well designed and operationally "clever" it provided too little time at most of the destinations. Worth trying, agreed, but needs a rethink if it is to return next year.
Then you have to feel sorry for First. The open top bus to the Mumbles has suffered a sad decapitation.
It became a bit more open than expected. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
Probably the best open top news appeared on the Plymothian Transit blog, having arrived via Twitter.
Where does the "North Plymouth Tour" go?
The "Ship" Building?
High tide at Derriford? A joke, of course.
Wasn't it?
But the latest Buses magazine also carries a letter.
It does seem that First may have bitten off more than they can successfully operate?
Meanwhile - in Falmouth
First are being berated for driving their bus "through a pedestrian precinct".
But it isn't pedestrian precinct. 
Transport for Cornwall's town service (on a route similar to First's) is allowed through which means that ALL registered bus services are allowed through!
If the road were closed to all vehicles, there would be no Falmouth town service!
Originally numbered 366 ...
... the town service continues to be run by OTS, but is now renumbered 60 and operated as part of Go Ahead's Transport for Cornwall network in the corporate bright red livery.
Chum David (from Leicester) was holidaying in Falmouth a few weeks back and he took a ride on the 60 and enjoyed the minibus "tour", FREE as an old fogey, but felt that other passengers might have helped the finances! He declined the open topper because it would have cost him £10.
First has open-topped Falmouth before as here in 2015 ...
... but they have tried much harder in 2021.
... even if the route has ruffled a feather or two!!
But "Buses" - It's The Best!
fbb has been a reader for many years off and on. The magazine often focuses on buses (there is a clue in its title!), i.e. the vehicles; whereas fbb's interests lie more in the operation and customer service side of the bus business.
The September issue contains a number of articles which titillate the fancy of your esteemed (?) blogger. One on Traws Cymru (but see below), one on Hulley's ...
... obviously penned before the latest expansionist development was announced. The service from Ashbourne to Manchester Airport and on to Sheffield via the X57 would have surely figured had the author known.
There is a sad, sad article outlining the decline of Arriva.
Author David Jenkins quantifies that decline in his closing paragraph.
The magazine it worth its cover price for this article alone.
Add to that letters bemoaning ...
Stagecoach livery (although he likes the yellow!)
Arriva's web site and appalling app
Lack of printed timetables all round
Poor information generally
The failings and cost of ranchising
... and the issue is both depressing and telling.
There needs to be a great deal of up-bucking if Buses are to Build Back Better - which, incidentally, is the thrust of Phil Stockley's column!
Hot on the heels of the new T19 ...
... comes another route upgrade.
The T10 runs from Bangor to Corwen ...
... where it offers connections (some with a tad lengthy waiting time!) via the T3 to Wrexham.
The network continues to expand ...
... and the Welsh Government is considering operating the lot with electric buses.
Don't hold your breath!
Next Baffling Bicester blog : Monday 16th August
Sadly two people, both 11-12 year old children, were hurt in the Mumbles bus accident. One went to hospital but was soon discharged; the other though is still - I think - receiving treatment.
ReplyDeleteI agree that David Jenkins' article in Buses on Arriva is spot on - and balanced, giving credit where (rarely it seems) it is due.
ReplyDeleteFirst suspensions also mentioned in that Buses mag news section with the King Harry takeover & Falmouth farce. Also pic of small Exeter new bus stands with an old bus I assume preserved locally.
ReplyDeleteAnd plans for electric open-tops down road from you.
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