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Post by LondonNorthern on Jun 7, 2023 11:28:03 GMT
Could we potentially see FirstGroup re-entering London? I reckon they might think about re-entering because their provincial operations have had a bit of a crisis when it comes to middle aged stock, they simply don't have enough at the moment and there are some quite aging fleets across the group. I wonder whether on that basis they would consider re-entering London as they would have 10-15 year old buses able to cascade out to provincial operations and cascade older stock. Given that nearly all London Buses are leased and dual door, that doesn't make a very good argument for entering the London Market! First have done a lot to upgrade their age profile in recent years and the last thing they would want to do is cascade 'tired' ex London Buses, not exactly a moral booster is it? I would think that Arriva s London business would make a very good acquisition for First, no competition issues, guaranteed revenue streams, Arriva London are not doing to well at the moment in terms of retaining/winning new contracts. It would also be a defensive move, as it is likely that all the major bus groups will probably have to downsize their operations post Covid, Government support can't go on forever. Well what would you know, most of their cascades have been ex London. Ex Metroline VWs for Huddersfield, Halifax and Cornwall, Arriva London Ts for Essex and Somerset, RATP DEs for Wales, Glasgow and Norfolk, Tower Transit VNs for Sheffield. I imagine there are some examples I’ve missed
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Post by reliance on Jun 8, 2023 6:23:16 GMT
Given that nearly all London Buses are leased and dual door, that doesn't make a very good argument for entering the London Market! First have done a lot to upgrade their age profile in recent years and the last thing they would want to do is cascade 'tired' ex London Buses, not exactly a moral booster is it? I would think that Arriva s London business would make a very good acquisition for First, no competition issues, guaranteed revenue streams, Arriva London are not doing to well at the moment in terms of retaining/winning new contracts. It would also be a defensive move, as it is likely that all the major bus groups will probably have to downsize their operations post Covid, Government support can't go on forever. Well what would you know, most of their cascades have been ex London. Ex Metroline VWs for Huddersfield, Halifax and Cornwall, Arriva London Ts for Essex and Somerset, RATP DEs for Wales, Glasgow and Norfolk, Tower Transit VNs for Sheffield. I imagine there are some examples I’ve missed You're right about First recently buying second hand London stock but it's hardly on the scale of when First London cascaded large numbers of Tridents & B7TLs. If First re-entered the London Market, it would be primarily to secure a reliable income stream.
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Jun 17, 2023 14:04:11 GMT
Could we potentially see FirstGroup re-entering London? I reckon they might think about re-entering because their provincial operations have had a bit of a crisis when it comes to middle aged stock, they simply don't have enough at the moment and there are some quite aging fleets across the group. I wonder whether on that basis they would consider re-entering London as they would have 10-15 year old buses able to cascade out to provincial operations and cascade older stock. They may have space at garages near London - Basildon, Chelmsford or Slough - for routes comparatively nearby. A handful could be ex First London such as route 193 or U3. Otherwise they have to wait for someone to lose interest in TfL work and buy out their operation.
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Post by ThinLizzy on Jun 17, 2023 14:15:51 GMT
Could we potentially see FirstGroup re-entering London? I reckon they might think about re-entering because their provincial operations have had a bit of a crisis when it comes to middle aged stock, they simply don't have enough at the moment and there are some quite aging fleets across the group. I wonder whether on that basis they would consider re-entering London as they would have 10-15 year old buses able to cascade out to provincial operations and cascade older stock. They may have space at garages near London - Basildon, Chelmsford or Slough - for routes comparatively nearby. A handful could be ex First London such as route 193 or U3. Otherwise they have to wait for someone to lose interest in TfL work and buy out their operation. Chelmsford and Basildon would be just that bit too far out for that to work
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Jun 17, 2023 15:00:47 GMT
They may have space at garages near London - Basildon, Chelmsford or Slough - for routes comparatively nearby. A handful could be ex First London such as route 193 or U3. Otherwise they have to wait for someone to lose interest in TfL work and buy out their operation. Chelmsford and Basildon would be just that bit too far out for that to work Basildon did operate route 193 many years ago but this was before tendering became more competitive through privatisation.
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Post by wirewiper on Jul 14, 2023 17:45:34 GMT
First Glasgow is to withdraw its night bus network. Currently, eleven routes operate into the early hours of Saturday and Sunday. The routes were re-introduced in June 2022 to bolster the night economy after Covid-19 and were monitored for twelve months, but have not generated sufficient revenue and patronage to be considered sustainable. The routes are due to finish after the end of July. MacGills has since stated that it is investigating the feasibility of running its own network of night services in and around Glasgow. They are not looking at like-for-like replacements, but feel there is a definite demand for night services in Glasgow. www.route-one.net/news/mcgills-to-look-into-glasgow-night-buses-proposition/
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Post by wirewiper on Jul 17, 2023 15:42:56 GMT
First Glasgow is to withdraw its night bus network. Currently, eleven routes operate into the early hours of Saturday and Sunday. The routes were re-introduced in June 2022 to bolster the night economy after Covid-19 and were monitored for twelve months, but have not generated sufficient revenue and patronage to be considered sustainable. The routes are due to finish after the end of July. MacGills has since stated that it is investigating the feasibility of running its own network of night services in and around Glasgow. They are not looking at like-for-like replacements, but feel there is a definite demand for night services in Glasgow. www.route-one.net/news/mcgills-to-look-into-glasgow-night-buses-proposition/Following a meeting with Glasgow City Council, First has agreed to extend its night services in Glasgow for a few more weeks and they will now continue to operate until at least Sunday 20th August. This will give mote time for partners to review their options for services to continue. www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-66200047
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Post by wirewiper on Jul 19, 2023 16:48:57 GMT
First's Roundtree Way depot in Norwich is to be converted into an all-electric bus hub, ready for 70 electric Wrightbus vehicles which are due to arrive by March 2024. The transformation, which is being undertaken jointly with Norfolk County Council, is funded by a £14.7 million grant from the Department of Transport's ZEBRA fund (Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas) and a £22.5 million investment from First Bus. www.route-one.net/bus/norwich-roundtree-way-depot-to-become-major-electric-bus-hub/
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Post by cardinal on Aug 13, 2023 19:42:51 GMT
It would be nice to see First back in London. Maybe they could buy out the RATP portion of RDTL. Having Slough base to the West of London would be quite a good fit. They could easily run the 81 for example.
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Post by ADH45258 on Aug 13, 2023 23:08:46 GMT
It would be nice to see First back in London. Maybe they could buy out the RATP portion of RDTL. Having Slough base to the West of London would be quite a good fit. They could easily run the 81 for example. Similarly, to the east of London, since First Essex have purchased Ensignbus they now have a garage within the M25, could provide some competition to RM/GY if they ever were to bid for TFL work.
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Post by wirewiper on Aug 15, 2023 7:46:53 GMT
First Glasgow is to withdraw its night bus network. Currently, eleven routes operate into the early hours of Saturday and Sunday. The routes were re-introduced in June 2022 to bolster the night economy after Covid-19 and were monitored for twelve months, but have not generated sufficient revenue and patronage to be considered sustainable. The routes are due to finish after the end of July. MacGills has since stated that it is investigating the feasibility of running its own network of night services in and around Glasgow. They are not looking at like-for-like replacements, but feel there is a definite demand for night services in Glasgow. www.route-one.net/news/mcgills-to-look-into-glasgow-night-buses-proposition/Following a meeting with Glasgow City Council, First has agreed to extend its night services in Glasgow for a few more weeks and they will now continue to operate until at least Sunday 20th August. This will give mote time for partners to review their options for services to continue. www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-66200047After 20th August First will retain four night routes, to Cleland, Greenhills, Easterhouse and Hillhouse. McGills will start operating five night routes, N3 to Pollok, N4 to Newton Mearns, N6 to Clydebank, N38 to Paisley and N60 to Drumchapel. Initially all roiutes will run hourly on Friday and Saturday nights, although McGills is looking at extending the operation to other nights of the week, and to other routes. Battery-electric buses will be used. www.route-one.net/news/glasgow-night-bus-provision-agreed-by-first-and-mcgills/
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Post by wirewiper on Sept 1, 2023 13:16:11 GMT
First South West (Buses of Somerset) is closing its Bridgwater Depot from Sunday 3rd September. The work will transfer to other Depots and most routes and frequencies will be maintained.
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Post by gwiwer on Sept 12, 2023 20:02:29 GMT
First Kernow 53701 (new to London as OOS53701) will be retained as a backup to the new Mousehole fleet according to Mr Metcalfe. Despite the frequency change (4bph not 3bph) these new buses are proving too small. Only two bph run up through Penzance town centre; the others run straight along the promenade in order to manage the rounder in 40 minutes (short way out - long way back or vice-versa) and maintain the PVR of 3 on the enhanced frequency. There are complaints of leaving-behind. When I was driving in that area I learned how to get an LHS into (and out of!) Mousehole. These were later replaced with Mercedes 811Ds and later still with Optare Solos All of those could just about get around the corners. And all had around 30 seats not (what I think is) 16. A rethink might be needed. First has also shot itself firmly in the foot over seasonal operations in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. Their brochures for the "Adventures by Bus" routes state they ended on 2nd September. Yet those very same services are being promoted via social media today with links leading to the timetables which state "Until 2nd September" They are running until 30th September. The Lands End Coaster remains hourly each way daily around the full 3¾ hour route (PVR 8). It has normally been cut to alternate-hours once schools go back (PVR 4) or, as last year, to an hourly Penzance - Lands End core with just two trips along the north coast to St. Ives (PVR 3). The Exmoor Coaster is correctly advertised as running the "shoulder" season hourly timetable between Lynmouth and Minehead (two extensions to Blue Anchor but the westward projection to Ilfracombe withdrawn) but the Atlantic Coaster still runs hourly between Newquay and Padstow again until 30th September despite all publicity suggesting it ceased on the 2nd. Given the 56-day requirement to register / deregister services these cannot have been overnight decisions. I find the whole "Adventures by Bus" concept a little odd. The brochures, timetables and online material suggests to have to pre-book your "adventure" and pay the full daily ticket price applicable to the area. This has never been the case. These are all local services operating on a pay-the-driver basis with local fares available. Albeit most are currently £2 though some short-distance trips are a bit cheaper. Tap-on-tap-off PAYG is also available. The marketing brand is fine and the material well presented but not the concept of having to pre-book a local bus. These are registered commercial local services not tours. It also begs the question as to what happens if a bus turns up full to a stop where "pre-booked" passengers are waiting. The Lands End Coaster in particular has required duplication through the earlier part of the summer (at least) due to very heavy loadings. If the bus fills up in Penzance with people wanting to make a day of it then those waiting in St. Ives won't get on unless there is a dupe on stand-by. Someone needs to have a word and ensure that all promotional material is current, updated when things change and that all reference to pre-booking for local bus routes is removed. Once October arrives the Lands End Coaster reverts to its winter timetable this year which is an alternate-hours Penzance - Lands End only operation, PVR 1 plus one extra college bus which is shared with other college runs.
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Post by YY13VKP on Sept 12, 2023 21:00:11 GMT
First Kernow 53701 (new to London as OOS53701) will be retained as a backup to the new Mousehole fleet according to Mr Metcalfe. Despite the frequency change (4bph not 3bph) these new buses are proving too small. Only two bph run up through Penzance town centre; the others run straight along the promenade in order to manage the rounder in 40 minutes (short way out - long way back or vice-versa) and maintain the PVR of 3 on the enhanced frequency. There are complaints of leaving-behind. When I was driving in that area I learned how to get an LHS into (and out of!) Mousehole. These were later replaced with Mercedes 811Ds and later still with Optare Solos All of those could just about get around the corners. And all had around 30 seats not (what I think is) 16. A rethink might be needed. First has also shot itself firmly in the foot over seasonal operations in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. Their brochures for the "Adventures by Bus" routes state they ended on 2nd September. Yet those very same services are being promoted via social media today with links leading to the timetables which state "Until 2nd September" They are running until 30th September. The Lands End Coaster remains hourly each way daily around the full 3¾ hour route (PVR 8). It has normally been cut to alternate-hours once schools go back (PVR 4) or, as last year, to an hourly Penzance - Lands End core with just two trips along the north coast to St. Ives (PVR 3). The Exmoor Coaster is correctly advertised as running the "shoulder" season hourly timetable between Lynmouth and Minehead (two extensions to Blue Anchor but the westward projection to Ilfracombe withdrawn) but the Atlantic Coaster still runs hourly between Newquay and Padstow again until 30th September despite all publicity suggesting it ceased on the 2nd. Given the 56-day requirement to register / deregister services these cannot have been overnight decisions. I find the whole "Adventures by Bus" concept a little odd. The brochures, timetables and online material suggests to have to pre-book your "adventure" and pay the full daily ticket price applicable to the area. This has never been the case. These are all local services operating on a pay-the-driver basis with local fares available. Albeit most are currently £2 though some short-distance trips are a bit cheaper. Tap-on-tap-off PAYG is also available. The marketing brand is fine and the material well presented but not the concept of having to pre-book a local bus. These are registered commercial local services not tours. It also begs the question as to what happens if a bus turns up full to a stop where "pre-booked" passengers are waiting. The Lands End Coaster in particular has required duplication through the earlier part of the summer (at least) due to very heavy loadings. If the bus fills up in Penzance with people wanting to make a day of it then those waiting in St. Ives won't get on unless there is a dupe on stand-by. Someone needs to have a word and ensure that all promotional material is current, updated when things change and that all reference to pre-booking for local bus routes is removed. Once October arrives the Lands End Coaster reverts to its winter timetable this year which is an alternate-hours Penzance - Lands End only operation, PVR 1 plus one extra college bus which is shared with other college runs. I did the Mousehole route two weeks ago on a recent trip to Devon and Cornwall with a friend and we happened to get a Slimline Solo instead of the new Mercedes Sprinters on a round trip and even with that slight uplift in capacity, the bus was still full and standing both ways - glad I didn't end up on a Sprinter as that would have been way worse! Problem is, I don't think there are many other buses - if any -like the Slimline Solo on the market since Optare stopped making them after the H2/H3 batch for Metroline in 2018. I like the concept of First Kernow's Adventures by Bus Scheme - think the branding and marketing material they use is very attractive but the level of service First Kernow offer leaves a lot to be desired... In other FirstGroup news, First Huddersfield have lost the University of Huddersfield routes (398/399) to Yorkshire Buses, who are using ex Arriva London DW287 as one of its vehicles along with some ex First Scotland OmniDekkas. Just a shame I'm not there anymore.
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Post by greenboy on Oct 13, 2023 13:14:03 GMT
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