Stagecoach West Scotland

[Scotrail314209]

Funny looking improvements. And there been waiting rid of the X11 for years!

Wow, these are some changes!

So no off-peak X34 now?

 

[route101]

Wow, these are some changes!

So no off-peak X34 now?

Goes down the A736 .

 

[ClydeCoaster]

Wow, these are some changes!

So no off-peak X34 now?

No, but the 25 which follows the same route as the X34 to Beith, turns into an X36 express to Glasgow and passengers don't have to change buses. So essentially the link is still there, but the X76 (should be) a more attractive option to get to Glasgow by bus from Irvine. The X36 from Ardrossan going back to hourly is a surprise as it always seems pretty dead by the time it arrives in the 3 towns. They're not clear on whether the new limited stop is peak time only? It mentions all stops between Chapelhill and Princes Street being served before going limited stop, but off-peak journeys haven't served Chapelhill for a few years now.

Overall it appears to cut the PVR by only a few. The X11 Scania/Enviro 400 is a Glasgow express peak bus anyway, the 12 will probably go to one bus from the current 2 (the only Solo service from Ardrossan) while the X34 buses will be redeployed on the X36 to make it hourly... The X44 Enviro 400s will go though.

 

[sannox]

Some changes there- guess Ayrshire not immune to the changes other areas have had.

The Braehead removal seems to make sense, but was it not introduced to meet requirements for bus stops.

 

[Scotrail314209]

I didn't even realise the X36 went up to Chapelhill Mount either. Always thought it terminated down at Princes St.

I see why they cut the X44, barely anybody uses it, only really gets some passengers at Barrhead and Pollok.

 

[overthewater]

It seems further changes are being made: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/servi...rticle?SituationId=ID-19/03/2020-18:27:17:391


X76 ans X77 will be combined, and a few other service have been given further reductions but not to the same scale as North Scotland.

 

[MrKyleBuses]

Service changes as Scotland enter phase 2 are now happening:

ServiceUpdatesArticle

www.stagecoachbus.com

From Monday 29th June 2020 Updated Service Changes for West Scotland Coronavirus (Covid-19)25 Jun 2020

From Monday 29th June 2020 Phased Increase in Bus Services
Stagecoach has confirmed that it will be gradually increasing bus service levels in Scotland from Monday 29th June 2020, following the Scottish Government’s announcement that more lockdown restrictions will be lifted.
In addition to timetable changes, social distancing measures will be implemented across our bus network. Maximum capacity on board has been reduced to ensure the safety of our customers and employees. To help you get on your way, we’ve introduced a new Busy Bus indicator on the Stagecoach Bus App. Remember you can also pay via smartcard, contactless (£30 cap), or buy your tickets on the app.
We have worked hard to ensure that new timetables meet the needs of local communities and we are continuing to work with local authorities to ensure bus fleets are deployed where they are needed most.

We would like to remind customers that it is compulsory to wear a face covering when travelling by public transport in Scotland, find out more about how to stay safe when travelling by bus
Customers can stay up to date with the latest news from Stagecoach West Scotland via Twitter @StagecoachWScot , register for Service Updates or check our helpful Coronavirus Information and FAQ page

*Mod note*
When referring to external sources, please quote the relevant text from the article and not just a link. Thank you.

 

[route101]

I heard the X16 is being withdrawn.

 

[overthewater]

That would be rather surprising. Could it be the EK to Hamilton section is getting withdrawn?

 

[Scotrail314209]

That would be rather surprising. Could it be the EK to Hamilton section is getting withdrawn?

I heard the X16 is being withdrawn.

This would be strange. As the X16 is actually very busy through most of it's journey. Withdrawing it from Hamilton might not go down well.

 

[route101]

Hamilton to Kilmarnock section apparantly , the most important section , feel for anyone that relies on it , theres no alternative.

 

[overthewater]

That section wasn't to bad either, but maybe should it cut back to East Kilbride.

 

[Scotrail314209]

That section wasn't to bad either, but maybe should it cut back to East Kilbride.

Yes, a lot of people tend to exit the bus at East Kilbride. Not so much between East Kilbride and Hamilton, but there may well be some uproar as I believe thats the only direct link between Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.

 

[156478]

Remember how the X16 started off? It was the so called pump-priming scheme where Stagecoach invested money in a service but jointly wanted public help to do so. Worked well then when market was a lot more buoyant and the route was seen as the prime flagship example of how a bit of joint investment paid dividends creates a popular profitable route running all the way from Ayr to Hamilton.

Stagecoach warned customers in 2018 the X16 service diverting via Kennedy Drive with the route serving a local role was in trouble

Stagecoach ditch plans to cancel Kilmarnock bus service

But now would-be service users have been told “use it, or lose it”.

www.dailyrecord.co.uk

So unfortunately this isnt totally unexpected.

The alternatives unfortunately are not worth anyone's time or money and any journey will take hours.

I'm normally quite cold hearted about the economics of bus operation, but the social loss for the students and even the older generation going to EK for the day to get out the house is devastating.

Taking the Hamilton section out probably wont save it, ultimately its a bus route that dosen't stop very often after leaving Kilmarnock where they have tried to merge it with a local route to try and drum up some revenue and balance profitability and has a lot of long expensive stretches of high speed running to just get to EK.

 

[overthewater]

It cleary has seen uptake since it never got pulled in 2019. The trouble now is its unlikely all the Summer passengers will appear, remember the days when you got 20min service from 9am to 11am from Hamilton to Ayr?

It would appear stagecoach are looking at Covid and thinking well, are people really going to use the service? It think SPT will step in but only fund 2 hourly service, which should keep the workers happy.

 

[156478]

It cleary has seen uptake since it never got pulled in 2019. The trouble now is its unlikely all the Summer passengers will appear, remember the days when you got 20min service from 9am to 11am from Hamilton to Ayr?

It would appear stagecoach are looking at Covid and thinking well, are people really going to use the service? It think SPT will step in but only fund 2 hourly service, which should keep the workers happy.

Agreed. SPT will probably look at an operation using one bus going back and forwards all day Kilmarnock to EK and it will be a My Bus sized bus at that, which is not going to be a comfortable journey. That is if they can find any funding and considering their dire financial sitation and other routes being ditched things are looking very grim. Up until at least the end of the year, its going to be very hard to stimulate any kind of discretionary leisure travel on the bus.

 

[overthewater]

Im hoping SPT takes a hard look at all its routes it pays out for. It's been said many times on here how SPT will pay for routes to operate and carry no one. Surly it can create a better network for most of the passengers at a cheaper rate.

 

[156478]

Im hoping SPT takes a hard look at all its routes it pays out for. It's been said many times on here how SPT will pay for routes to operate and carry no one. Surly it can create a better network for most of the passengers at a cheaper rate.

Some of the routes really are carrying fresh air and for very little benefit. I think I've said on here in the past it would be cheaper to pay for taxis on some routes for the very few customers who use some routes rather than run a conventional bus service. SPT publish stats on total patronage on all their supported routes as one gross figure but data on a more specific route by route basis would be very interesting to see.

The major sticking point is the SPT is formed of various members of political parties to represent the various communities in the SPT area. None of the serving politicians on the SPT partnership commitee will want to be seen to be approving cuts to bus services in their constituency when they are on the commitee.

I recon an indepth cull of some routes is inevitable and its going to create a storm.

 

[Scotrail314209]

Rather than cut the X16 thoroughly, it'd be worth maybe running it Kilmarnock - Ayr only. The service is very busy in the mornings as it is a substantially quicker way to get from Kilmarnock to Ayr rather than taking the 4 all the way through Monkton and Prestwick. Maybe on occasion extend it to East Kilbride, but keep the mainstay as Kilmarnock - Ayr.

 

[overthewater]

Will it seem the X16 isn't coming back to East Kilbride. On top of that the changes to the 585 from next week seem to state that bus will never go back to Greenock..

https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/West%20Scotland/Covid%2019%20TT/Monday%203rd%20August%202020/Covid%2019%20Timetable%20585%20Ayr_Largs_030820.pdf

 

[route101]

Rather than cut the X16 thoroughly, it'd be worth maybe running it Kilmarnock - Ayr only. The service is very busy in the mornings as it is a substantially quicker way to get from Kilmarnock to Ayr rather than taking the 4 all the way through Monkton and Prestwick. Maybe on occasion extend it to East Kilbride, but keep the mainstay as Kilmarnock - Ayr.

Imagine if you didnt drive and relyed on the x16 between Killie and EK. No alternative.

Could divert it into Eaglesham and Newton Mearns. The EK to Hamilton section was the quietest.

 

[route101]

It cleary has seen uptake since it never got pulled in 2019. The trouble now is its unlikely all the Summer passengers will appear, remember the days when you got 20min service from 9am to 11am from Hamilton to Ayr?

It would appear stagecoach are looking at Covid and thinking well, are people really going to use the service? It think SPT will step in but only fund 2 hourly service, which should keep the workers happy.

Every 20 mins ? Dont recall that. I recall it being hourly in summer once.

 

[overthewater]

Every 20 mins ? Dont recall that. I recall it being hourly in summer once.

Deffo happened, They used the stock from AM peaks on X77 and operated them down to Hamilton and they come back that way to Ayr.

 

[Scotrail314209]

Wasn't there a very short X17 once that got scrapped a few years back from Kilmarnock to Silverburn?

 

[Scotrail314209]

Will it seem the X16 isn't coming back to East Kilbride. On top of that the changes to the 585 from next week seem to state that bus will never go back to Greenock..

https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/West%20Scotland/Covid%2019%20TT/Monday%203rd%20August%202020/Covid%2019%20Timetable%20585%20Ayr_Largs_030820.pdf

That's not too great. I use the 585 up to Wemyss Bay sometimes as it provides an easier way to get to Rothesay...

 

[PaulMc7]

Wasn't there a very short X17 once that got scrapped a few years back from Kilmarnock to Silverburn?

Think there was an X17 from Hamilton to Silverburn and an X18 from East Kilbride to Silverburn at one point. Neither lasted well

 

[Scotrail314209]

Stagecoach never seem to do well when they try to stop at shopping centres.

The X34/36 through Braehead is one example, not many people got on or off there.

 

[Stan Drews]

That's not too great. I use the 585 up to Wemyss Bay sometimes as it provides an easier way to get to Rothesay...

The McGill’s Clyde Flyer is going back to 4 buses per hour to/from Largs, so hopefully they’ll keep the mutual ticket acceptance.

 

[gingerheid]

With the 585 returning more towards historical roots / routes, it's a shame it's not taking advantage of terminating in Largs to serve the Brisbane Glen again.

I'd love to know what use they think that Sunday service is supposed to be.

 

[overthewater]

Sunday service is paid for by SPT.