tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post6125066745379732445..comments2024-03-25T22:17:35.616+00:00Comments on Public Transport Experience: Happier Happenings in Halton (3)fatbusblokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833340546527596517noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-34567631004075310812020-01-31T14:55:09.412+00:002020-01-31T14:55:09.412+00:00FBB certainly surpassed himself today with his wif...FBB certainly surpassed himself today with his wiffle about the commercial model and reliance on cash strapped councils. Talk about not doing your research. Perhaps he could've had a look ONLINE. The information is there, and he wouldn't need to rely on a paper copy!!<br /><br />As has been said by the poster above, Faresaver have run on the service for many years. It is that competition that has precipitated First's exit, being unable to repulse a more agile competitor. This is despite the relaunch just over 18 months ago.<br /><br />Also, we all know about FBB's issues with Traveline and on-line information. However, in order to respond quickly in relation to these events, the ability to put things on line is much easier and smarter than more analogue methods.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-6284128068970471182020-01-31T12:09:18.966+00:002020-01-31T12:09:18.966+00:00I think you'll find that Arriva operated a 20/...I think you'll find that Arriva operated a 20/40 minute service on the 17 with Halton's hourly contribution.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-10894263301603134372020-01-31T11:07:21.877+00:002020-01-31T11:07:21.877+00:00Presumably Traveline is still showing Halton Trans...Presumably Traveline is still showing Halton Transport as operating the 26/27 because the person at Halton Council whose job it is to update Traveline has not done so! <br />However, they are showing today on the Halton BC website as being operated by Ashcroft Travel. LWBMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-52220577413169772902020-01-31T07:34:12.679+00:002020-01-31T07:34:12.679+00:00A statement on the withdrawal of First Bus service...A statement on the withdrawal of First Bus service D3 Melksham – Bath<br /><br />It has come to our attention this week that First Bus are intending to withdraw their D3 bus service from Melksham to Bath on 6th April 2020.<br />Faresaver buses have been operating an X72 bus service between Melksham and Bath since 2006. When First Bus cancelled the service between Melksham and Devizes in 2010, due to alleged poor usage and lack of sustainability, Faresaver stepped in and extended the X72 service to Devizes and the surrounding villages to fill the void left by First Bus. We were initially pleasantly surprised at the level of usage and in the years since we have seen this usage grow on the corridor.<br /><br />Since 2014 First Bus have cancelled the Chippenham Trowbridge Frome 234 service and the Chippenham Bath 231 service amongst others. In each case, Faresaver has stepped in to provide a comprehensive service and fill any voids left by the withdrawal of First Bus. In every case we have provided a suitable replacement to the First Bus commercial services which have disappeared.<br />We now have a new opportunity to enhance the corridor between Melksham and Bath. Prior to 2006 there was one bus an hour, the new Faresaver service made this 2 buses an hour and this increased to 3 when the Devizes extension was added. The launch of the First Bus Discover network increased this to 4 buses per hour (four times the level of service previously existing). It seems there were not enough passengers for First Bus to cover their costs on this route.<br />Now that the D3 is going, Faresaver are faced with renewed challenges:<br /><br />We need to try and ensure that we provide a bus service to all stops on the route currently covered. if they are adequately used.<br /><br />We need to ensure we have sufficient capacity at peak times.<br /><br />We understand that Wiltshire Council are looking at the provision of replacement contracts for the evening and Sunday bus services.<br /><br />Compared to First Group plc, Faresaver is a relatively small independent operation. However, despite this, we are perfectly capable of providing a bus network that many outsiders view with envy. We use the very latest transport technology in terms of satellite tracking, realtime data, wi-fi on bus and now contactless payments. To this end, we are relishing the prospect of providing Melksham with a bus service suitable for the coming decade.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-23535640492838375362020-01-31T06:46:31.063+00:002020-01-31T06:46:31.063+00:00Faresaver already operate their X72 over the same ...Faresaver already operate their X72 over the same route on a more frequent basis. They might need to take on the evening services which Wiltshire County Council currently pay First to do. Faresaver have progressively edged First out of their routes in Wiltshire.Daddysgadgetshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12892897553855129226noreply@blogger.com