Cheshire Bus News (was East Cheshire Bus News)

[northwichcat]

Yes, I realised I got my years mixed up, was thinking of 2020 going into 2021. Still there is the knock-on effect of all the measures suppressing demand - people not yet returning to public transport, or not using it as much. It would be interesting to see usage prior to the pandemic.

**Edited as I forgot the Sunday 88 started under D&G before being withdrawn during COVID**

The contract was changed fairly recently. There had been a hourly Altrincham to Manchester Airport via Hale Barns service on Sundays and usage wasn't that high, so alternate 288 journeys were replaced with 88 Altrincham to Wilmslow via Hale Barns journeys. For around a year from Spring 2020 the Sunday service was withdrawn altogether as part of the emergency timetable and restarted in April 2021 under a new operator.

It would be interesting to know what proportion of the Sunday passengers were travelling to and from Wilmslow and Morley Green, who now won't have alternatives.


**New post this morning**
Not sure what's going on with the D&G allocations at the moment.

On Monday the 88/188/89 allocation was 1 x 26 seater Enviro, 2 x 29 seater Enviros and 1 x 39 seater Enviro. It's supposed to be 2 x 28 seater minimum and 2 x 35 seater minimum, with both the morning and afternoon school 188 getting at least 35 seats. On Tuesday the 26 seater Enviro was swapped for a 33 seater Streetlite which was better but still missing the mark. On Wednesday the allocation was as Monday.

On Thursday they started with 1 x 26 seater Enviro, 1 x 29 seater Enviros, 1 x 33 seater Streetlite and 1 x 39 seater Enviro. The Streetlite then get swapped for a 39 seater Enviro before it did the school run and the Streetlite going on to the 42.

However, today it seems one of the 39 seater Enviros that was on the 88 yesterday is working the 42 today, with another 26 seater Enviro coming up from Crewe to replace it. That means the allocation is currently 2 x 26 seater, 1 x 29 seater and 1 x 39 seater.

How on earth will they cope with the Greater Manchester clean air zone is they just keep sending any bus selected by a random number generator up to run the 88?

 

[Shauny]

How on earth will they cope with the Greater Manchester clean air zone is they just keep sending any bus selected by a random number generator up to run the 88?

Knowing D&G they'll bail out when their contract is next up or just cut it back to Wilmslow.

 

[LOL The Irony]

Knowing D&G they'll bail out when their contract is next up or just cut it back to Wilmslow.

TfGM part fund the route, so I don't think they'll be entirely happy with d&g if they cut it to Wilmslow.

 

[Shauny]

Still no update on the 130?

 

[Flange Squeal]

Having already reduced the timetable again recently, MP Travel have now announced on Twitter (not their website, helpfully...) that they will cease running the X1 Runcorn to Liverpool route from early next month.

Dear Passengers

It is with great regret that we shall be terminating operation of the X1 as of
2nd April 2022.

We have worked tirelessly over the passed few months to try
and build the service back up, however due to shortage of the drivers in the
industry.

The company have been in talks with Halton Borough Council and
Merseytravel who we believe will be looking for a replacement operator.

We would like to thank all our passengers that have used the service whilst in
the short term we have been operating the X1

For ticket enquiries, please email us on [email protected]
and we will contact you.

Source: https://twitter.com/_mptravel/status/1502240857851838472?s=20&t=mn175-U34FNTUJnIEtLDlA

 

[northwichcat]

Still no update on the 130?

Nothing official on the D&G or Cheshire East site and no new 130 registration yet. We can possibly rule out Little Gem operating the service, as they've listed new services from April on their website even where the timetable and fare information is still tbc.

 

[jfollows]

D&G now reported as having retained the contract, with an increased subsidy. See https://www.wilmslow.co.uk/news/art...idy-to-200000-to-keep-130-bus-service-running:

Cheshire East Council has increased the subsidy it provides to keep the 130 bus service running.

The current D&G contract for the service, which runs between Macclesfield and Wythenshawe via Alderley Edge and Handforth, was due to end on 2 April.

D&G buses has been awarded the new contract, going forward, as it provided the 'most competitive bid' for the service.

The contract is for up to five years but will be reviewed annually to assess performance and value for money. The service receives an annual subsidy of £200,000 from the council – up from £75,000 previously.

The 130 route will serve existing stops between Macclesfield bus station and Wythenshawe Interchange, including Alderley Edge, Alderley Park, Wilmslow and Handforth. Buses will run hourly Mondays to Fridays and at a 90-minute frequency on Saturdays.

Councillor Craig Browne, chair of Cheshire East Council's highways and transport committee, said: "This is excellent news for our local communities – not just for bus users but also for local businesses and community facilities, such as for leisure and health.

"The council has increased the subsidy it provides to ensure this important bus route is maintained as part of Cheshire East's public transport network. The council's decision was made in the context of exceptionally challenging circumstances for commercial bus operations, both within the borough and nationwide.

"The return of passengers since the pandemic has been very slow, with current numbers only at about 65 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. This means most services are not financially sustainable in the long term – however, bus services are an essential lifeline for those who rely on them and it is important that we retain them wherever possible.

"At this stage, we have been able to retain this service without affecting any other bus services that are supported by the council. We believe that this support is necessary to retain core bus services for our communities, at least in the short term, to ensure that the fullest recovery from the impacts of the pandemic is made possible."

From the description, the service seems similar to the current one Monday-Friday; on Saturday it is currently every 2 hours and only as far as Handforth so it appears to get an increased frequency as well as an extension to the route.
This option 5 from the earlier post: ( #2,019 )

In short, there are 6 options.

1. Macc - Handforth hourly Mon-Sat (2 buses)
2. Macc - Handforth hourly Mon-Fri, 2 hourly Sat (2 buses Mon-Fri, 1 bus Saturday)
3. Macc - Handforth Half hourly Mon-Sat (4 buses)
4. Macc - Wythenshawe Interchange via Handforth and Airport Hourly Mon-Sat (3 buses)
5. As per option 4 but Saturdays every 90 minutes (3 buses Mon-Fri, 2 buses Sat)
6. Macc - Handforth half hourly with hourly extension to Wythenshawe via airport (5 buses)

Options 1, 2, 3 are for Euro 5
Options 4, 5, 6 are for Euro 6.

No update on either D&G or Cheshire East Council Web sites yet.

From earlier, £51,780 would be paid by CEC to D&G for operating non-Euro 6 buses in Greater Manchester, however I believe this charge has been put on hold for now.

 

[northwichcat]

D&G now reported as having retained the contract, with an increased subsidy. See https://www.wilmslow.co.uk/news/art...idy-to-200000-to-keep-130-bus-service-running:

From the description, the service seems similar to the current one Monday-Friday; on Saturday it is currently every 2 hours and only as far as Handforth so it appears to get an increased frequency as well as an extension to the route.
This option 5 from the earlier post: ( #2,019 )

Thanks for the update.

The lack of a timetable is an issue. I'm actually travelling from the airport to Knutsford on 1st April. Currently I have no idea if the 130 to Wilmslow, then the 88 to Knutsford will be a better option than the 288 to Altrincham, followed by the train to Knutsford. I know the latter will work but the former would mean a shorter walk if the connection works.

From earlier, £51,780 would be paid by CEC to D&G for operating non-Euro 6 buses in Greater Manchester, however I believe this charge has been put on hold for now.

I don't get this. D&G have received funding for work undertaken on 9 vehicles to retrofit Euro VI engines. These include Solos YJ60 KFE, YJ60 KFF and YJ60 KFG that are currently D&G's first choice of vehicles for the 130. It also includes the 4 x 64 reg large Enviro 200s and the 2 x 11 reg small Enviro 200s. That's enough vehicles to cover the 88 and 130 weekday workings and the Hazel Grove to Handforth Tuesday and Friday service, if they maintain their vehicles properly and move them straight back up from Crewe after servicing.

 

[jfollows]

I don't get this. D&G have received funding for work undertaken on 9 vehicles to retrofit Euro VI engines. These include Solos YJ60 KFE, YJ60 KFF and YJ60 KFG that are currently D&G's first choice of vehicles for the 130. It also includes the 4 x 64 reg large Enviro 200s and the 2 x 11 reg small Enviro 200s. That's enough vehicles to cover the 88 and 130 weekday workings and the Hazel Grove to Handforth Tuesday and Friday service, if they maintain their vehicles properly and move them straight back up from Crewe after servicing.

Thank you, that's good to know, I tried to ask about this earlier but I didn't phrase my question well enough.
The implication was that the tender included an amount to subsidise the operation of Euro 6 buses anyway, the amount being the same (£60/bus/day) as the charge proposed by Greater Manchester. At least it should mean that less obnoxious diesel fumes will be going past the end of my road. Presumably when they have to drag out one of the non-compliant buses it should also mean that they will be less likely to cancel the service instead.

However I'm hoping that included in the £200,000 already is payment for operating Euro 6 buses (rather than paying the possible future bill for not operating them) so the issue goes away.

The lack of a timetable is an issue. I'm actually travelling from the airport to Knutsford on 1st April. Currently I have no idea if the 130 to Wilmslow, then the 88 to Knutsford will be a better option than the 288 to Altrincham, followed by the train to Knutsford. I know the latter will work but the former would mean a shorter walk if the connection works.

Although I agree with you, would it be reasonable to guess that the 130 timetable on Friday 1 April will be the same as today's? Same service interval, same route and destination. Doesn't guarantee that it will be of course.

 

[miami]

Took a bus from Alsager to Sandbach earlier today (the 1319 - http://www.dgbus.co.uk/assets/317_2022-02-20.pdf).

Naturally I was the only one on it for the entire trip.

For some reason the bus stopped shortly before Broughton Arms, the driver then exited the bus, closing the door, and vanished for 5 minutes.

Later in the trip on Manor Road the driver pulled into St John's Way, a residential road, and again waited for a couple of minutes, rather than continuing up School Lane to Heath Road. Again a long stop, then he exited back onto Manor Road (via Manor Way)

Is this sort of behaviour (abandoning the vehicle, missing stops) normal?

After the second random stop I was certainly regretting not just taking an Uber from Stoke Station direct, won't make that mistake again.

 

[northwichcat]

For some reason the bus stopped shortly before Broughton Arms, the driver then exited the bus, closing the door, and vanished for 5 minutes.

I'm pretty sure that shouldn't happen. The only justifiable reason would be if there was an obstruction preventing the bus from proceeding, an accident or an emergency. I'm also pretty sure drivers can't allow passengers on the vehicle when they are on their breaks because if there's passengers on the bus then the driver is responsible for them.

D&G are known for adding a lot of padding to their timetables. They'd rather have a bus waiting for 5 minutes at a bus stop in the middle of the journey most of the time, rather than having it late some of the time.

Although I agree with you, would it be reasonable to guess that the 130 timetable on Friday 1 April will be the same as today's? Same service interval, same route and destination. Doesn't guarantee that it will be of course.

If they are doing driver swaps at the Macclesfield end they may prefer to use the shortened route to get the vehicle back to Macc quicker, rather than having the driver sitting around for an extra 10 minutes at Wythenshawe Interchange.

 

[jfollows]

D&G are known for adding a lot of padding to their timetables. They'd rather have a bus waiting for 5 minutes at a bus stop in the middle of the journey most of the time, rather than having it late some of the time.

That became obvious to me when I last used the 130 to Cheadle, not recently of course. The service had already trundled round places I wasn't interested in, but I understand why the bus needs to go round the houses. We then got to a lay-by just before Cheadle and stopped there for 10 minutes. So the bus ended up on time but not early in Cheadle, where there isn't a lay-by so the bus can't hang around there, it makes sense but it was tedious.
The former Arriva 130 was always late when it came from Manchester, but ran early often also, so you'd find out you'd arrived at the stop in time but the bus had just gone. I'd rather buses were late than early.
EDIT The last sentence is complete nonsense as written. What I meant to say is that the Arriva 130 from Manchester was always seriously late by Parrs Wood because my partner would wait 30 minutes or longer for it to arrive. However in the opposite direction the 130 from the end of our road into Manchester would often run early, so he'd miss the morning bus or have to run into the centre of Wilmslow in case it was still there waiting for its booked departure time. I think things have only improved recently because of the real-time tracking information that's now available; he gave up with the bus, took driving lessons, passed his test in a week and bought a car years ago anyway.

 

[Shauny]

A new piano has been installed at Macclesfield Bus Station, provided by Crewe Lyceum Theatre. The piano has been decorated by local artist, Becca Smith.

 

[Martin1988]

Took a bus from Alsager to Sandbach earlier today (the 1319 - http://www.dgbus.co.uk/assets/317_2022-02-20.pdf).

Naturally I was the only one on it for the entire trip.

For some reason the bus stopped shortly before Broughton Arms, the driver then exited the bus, closing the door, and vanished for 5 minutes.

Broughton Arms is located in Haslington isn't it and I'm pretty sure the 317 doesn't stop there. Unless of course your service diverted?

I did that same 317 journey when I visited the area back in February and there were only a couple of us on.

 

[sonic2009]

I've just heard off a driver on the Winsford side for Arriva NW, that the Mellor Stratas are off to Wythenshawe, has anyone heard anything? Quite possibly wibble but who knows.

 

[martinsh]

I've just heard off a driver on the Winsford side for Arriva NW, that the Mellor Stratas are off to Wythenshawe, has anyone heard anything? Quite possibly wibble but who knows.

Good riddance if ture !

 

[markymark2000]

I've just heard off a driver on the Winsford side for Arriva NW, that the Mellor Stratas are off to Wythenshawe, has anyone heard anything? Quite possibly wibble but who knows.

It's possible. They have won some tenders up there and I think they can be a bit small for some of the Winsford work at times.

 

[northwichcat]

18, 288 and 254 (Stretford to Davyhulme) are Arriva's tender wins. I'm sure they would be fun on the 288 if a few passengers board with suitcases.

 

[Shauny]

I know that some Pulsars are coming down from St Helens to Wythenshawe to help with the new work there. Maybe they’ll send the Pulsars to Winsford instead? And move the sprinters to Wythenshawe.

 

[Deafdoggie]

Broughton Arms is located in Haslington isn't it and I'm pretty sure the 317 doesn't stop there. Unless of course your service diverted?

I did that same 317 journey when I visited the area back in February and there were only a couple of us on.

Broughton Arms is in Rode Heath.

 

[sonic2009]

I'm suprised if all of the sprinters move out of Winsford. Some buses don't warrent a full size bus at sometimes, and getting them round some of the estates on the routes is a challenge.

Im surprised that Winsford/Macclesfield hasn't been sold yet. The sprinters are the newest buses in the Winsford garage in terms of registration, so could the transfer out be before a sale possibly?

 

[Shauny]

18, 288 and 254 (Stretford to Davyhulme) are Arriva's tender wins. I'm sure they would be fun on the 288 if a few passengers board with suitcases.

Yes! They sure would be fun. Fun to watch at least.

 

[northwichcat]

New 130 timetable: http://dgbus.co.uk/assets/130_2022-04-03.pdf

The changes appear to be:
1. Revised route. It'll now run to Manchester Airport via Heald Green and Wythenshawe, instead of to Wythenshawe via Manchester Airport.
2. Earlier first journeys.
3. Saturday frequency enhanced to every 90 minutes and most journeys extended.

Standard pattern journeys still depart Macclesfield at quarter past the hour and depart Handforth for Macclesfield at quarter past the hour.

 

[jfollows]

Thanks for the update.

The lack of a timetable is an issue. I'm actually travelling from the airport to Knutsford on 1st April. Currently I have no idea if the 130 to Wilmslow, then the 88 to Knutsford will be a better option than the 288 to Altrincham, followed by the train to Knutsford. I know the latter will work but the former would mean a shorter walk if the connection works.

The existing timetable runs until 2 April (http://dgbus.co.uk/assets/130_2021-04-11.pdf) with the new timetable effective 3 April (http://dgbus.co.uk/assets/130_2022-04-03.pdf).

 

[Shauny]

New 130 timetable: http://dgbus.co.uk/assets/130_2022-04-03.pdf

The changes appear to be:
1. Revised route. It'll now run to Manchester Airport via Heald Green and Wythenshawe, instead of to Wythenshawe via Manchester Airport.
2. Earlier first journeys.
3. Saturday frequency enhanced to every 90 minutes and most journeys extended.

Standard pattern journeys still depart Macclesfield at quarter past the hour and depart Handforth for Macclesfield at quarter past the hour.

Why are D&G so destined on Wythenshawe? All the times I’ve been on, it’s been just me between Spath Lane and Wythenshawe Hospital, and when there is someone it normally ends in an argument between a passenger and the driver about the ticket machine not accepting Stagecoach or Arriva tickets.

But seriously, I think a Macclesfield - Alderley Edge - Wilmslow - Handforth - Manchester Airport would’ve been more realistic. Not only does it advertise the airport as its primary destination, but it’s a quick fast link to the Airport from Wilmslow & Macclesfield as it wouldn’t faff around Simonsway in Wythenshawe.

 

[northwichcat]

Why are D&G so destined on Wythenshawe?

I think the idea is neither Cheshire East or D&G are keen on running a bus service from Wilmslow to the Manchester hospitals but have looked at options for how a 130 bus can connect with another service which does.

 

[jfollows]

Wythenshawe Hospital seems to be a good destination for a bus service from Wilmslow; I had to go there for a 5 minute outpatient appointment once a week or so in 2014 and it took me 3 hours round-trip by train+bus via Manchester Airport at the time. Mind you, with an hourly through bus service as applies until 2 April it'd still be a 2.5-hour round-trip on the bus so the advantage is primarily not having to worry about the connection in the return direction. I've used Macclesfield and Wythenshawe hospitals so I can see the benefit there I guess.

 

[northwichcat]

I had to go there for a 5 minute outpatient appointment once a week or so in 2014

Outpatient appointments happen in all sorts of locations, not just large hospitals. Some services are offered at Wilmslow Health Centre but there may be an alternative facility with earlier availability.

 

[sonic2009]

2905 Arriva CX58 EWU has appeared in service out of Winsford depot from Wythenshawe, started running services yesterday - not sure if anything has gone in the opposite direction.

 

[markymark2000]

Why are D&G so destined on Wythenshawe? All the times I’ve been on, it’s been just me between Spath Lane and Wythenshawe Hospital, and when there is someone it normally ends in an argument between a passenger and the driver about the ticket machine not accepting Stagecoach or Arriva tickets.

But seriously, I think a Macclesfield - Alderley Edge - Wilmslow - Handforth - Manchester Airport would’ve been more realistic. Not only does it advertise the airport as its primary destination, but it’s a quick fast link to the Airport from Wilmslow & Macclesfield as it wouldn’t faff around Simonsway in Wythenshawe.

Wythenshawe is the closest proper big town for Handforth. Wilmslow is a bit more posh. Wilmslow has the bigger brands and is busier. Also plenty of onward connections to the hospital, into Manchester or wherever else you want to go.

That's the best thing. The Airport, while good, don't forget that Wilmslow and Alderley Edge have direct trains to the Airport, it's only Macclesfield which doesn't have a direct link to the Airport.