First Group: General Discussion

[KendalKing]

Do the big plc groups have any employees that are paid less than the living wage?

A living wage for one person, may not be a living wage for another.

ie. one person may live 5-mins walk away from work, whereas the other lives, 20-mins drive away, so the living wage would be higher due to the running cost of a car.

 

[ChrisPJ]

I'm talking about THE Living Wage which is an accepted cost of living figure:
http://www.livingwage.org.uk/what-living-wage

It's higher in London. Hard to imagine any bus drivers anywhere are being paid below these amounts.
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On a completely different note. What's the future for those Wright Streetcars that First have taken out of use? I'm sure I heard they were about £300k a throw when new ten years ago. Must be a purpose for them somewhere?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I'm talking about THE Living Wage which is an accepted cost of living figure:
http://www.livingwage.org.uk/what-living-wage

It's higher in London. Hard to imagine any bus drivers anywhere are being paid below these amounts.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
On a completely different note. What's the future for those Wright Streetcars that First have taken out of use? I'm sure I heard they were about £300k a throw when new ten years ago. Must be a purpose for them somewhere?

Airport transfers airside? (Joke btw)

More likely - park them up and run down the outstanding book value?

 

[swifty]

Airport transfers airside? (Joke btw)

More likely - park them up and run down the outstanding book value?

At least one was at Ensign last week, so possibly they'll be sold off.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

At least one was at Ensign last week, so possibly they'll be sold off.

Is there a Mediterranean island that needs them??

 

[overthewater]

I bet there would be good on a proper guided bus way.

 

[Surreyman]

"Transport operator FirstGroup will this week provide an update on how its plans to boost its bus division are helping to offset shortfalls at its rail business, which has lost a series of franchises.

"The Aberdeen-based group is in the middle of “advancing cost efficiency plans” for the bus division including “a number of changes to our depot portfolio” as it targets higher profit *margins.

It currently runs around 6,300 buses in 40 towns and cities, including Edinburgh, from around 70 depots. But bus restructuring work has been complicated by a combination of squeezed local authority budgets and a programme of roadworks in a number of major urban areas.

FirstGroup now operates only one significant rail franchise, Great Western. However, it has been shortlisted for two new franchises, TransPennine and Greater Anglia".

"A number of changes to our depot portfolio" - Anyone like to guess what that means?



Read more: http://www.scotsman.com/business/fi...to-boast-bus-division-1-3899868#ixzz3n1Fgnupn

 

[winston270twm]

"Transport operator FirstGroup will this week provide an update on how its plans to boost its bus division are helping to offset shortfalls at its rail business, which has lost a series of franchises.

"The Aberdeen-based group is in the middle of “advancing cost efficiency plans” for the bus division including “a number of changes to our depot portfolio” as it targets higher profit *margins.

It currently runs around 6,300 buses in 40 towns and cities, including Edinburgh, from around 70 depots. But bus restructuring work has been complicated by a combination of squeezed local authority budgets and a programme of roadworks in a number of major urban areas.

FirstGroup now operates only one significant rail franchise, Great Western. However, it has been shortlisted for two new franchises, TransPennine and Greater Anglia".

"A number of changes to our depot portfolio" - Anyone like to guess what that means?



Read more: http://www.scotsman.com/business/fi...to-boast-bus-division-1-3899868#ixzz3n1Fgnupn

There is a trading statement due to be issued to the Stock Market Friday morning (2nd Oct)

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

"Transport operator FirstGroup will this week provide an update on how its plans to boost its bus division are helping to offset shortfalls at its rail business, which has lost a series of franchises.

"The Aberdeen-based group is in the middle of “advancing cost efficiency plans” for the bus division including “a number of changes to our depot portfolio” as it targets higher profit *margins.

It currently runs around 6,300 buses in 40 towns and cities, including Edinburgh, from around 70 depots. But bus restructuring work has been complicated by a combination of squeezed local authority budgets and a programme of roadworks in a number of major urban areas.

FirstGroup now operates only one significant rail franchise, Great Western. However, it has been shortlisted for two new franchises, TransPennine and Greater Anglia".

"A number of changes to our depot portfolio" - Anyone like to guess what that means?



Read more: http://www.scotsman.com/business/fi...to-boast-bus-division-1-3899868#ixzz3n1Fgnupn

As the cuts to supported services and concessionary passes kick in (plus First's own travails) then you'll see more depot closures but you'll see that with all firms.

However, will the Scotsman decides on if it's a boost to the bus division or a boast? Sack the sub editor!!

 

[Surreyman]

As the cuts to supported services and concessionary passes kick in (plus First's own travails) then you'll see more depot closures but you'll see that with all firms.

However, will the Scotsman decides on if it's a boost to the bus division or a boast? Sack the sub editor!!

Possible evidence of 'Changes to our Depot Portfolio": -

1. The closure of Braintree and its (part) replacement by an outstation.
2. A new depot under construction in Colchester.
3. The new Caledonia depot in Glasgow(largest in UK) has a current Ops' licence for 288, although widely reported as having a potential capacity for 450?
4. The sale/lease of Cumbernauld to Stagecoach.

(I am leaving out the closures of Hereford/Newcastle U.L/Bracknell/Torpoint, sale of Plymouth, as past history).

Always been puzzled by the fact that First Norwich has 3 depots or at least 3 separate vehicle parking sites, I am not familiar with the area, does one site only contain the maintenance facilities?

Downgrading small depots to Outstations is presumably a quick route to reducing costs.

 

[Volvodart]

I think you are getting excited over nothing. They were just repeating what they said in July.

 

[90sWereBetter]

Always been puzzled by the fact that First Norwich has 3 depots or at least 3 separate vehicle parking sites, I am not familiar with the area, does one site only contain the maintenance facilities?

Vulcan Road and Roundtree Way depots have maintenance facilities, whilst Lansdowne Road is just vehicle parking. I believe about 10 years ago, Vulcan Road was for buses used mostly on city routes, whilst Roundtree Way was for the out of town routes. I think in practice now, any bus can go to any depot.

 

[83G/84D]

Vulcan Road and Roundtree Way depots have maintenance facilities, whilst Lansdowne Road is just vehicle parking. I believe about 10 years ago, Vulcan Road was for buses used mostly on city routes, whilst Roundtree Way was for the out of town routes. I think in practice now, any bus can go to any depot.

I went past Lansdowne Rd albeit around 18 months ago, I thought I saw a fitter on site and it looked like there were fuelling and (limited) servicing facilities there.

I may be wrong though.

 

[overthewater]

including Edinburgh

First has not had depot in the City for 14 years. People in Mid and East lothian are clearly outside the city

 

[Surreyman]

First has not had depot in the City for 14 years. People in Mid and East lothian are clearly outside the city

Presumably only mentioned in the article because 'The Scotsman' is an Edinburgh based newspaper, as in 'Dear unaware readers, this bus company we are referring to, is the one whose vehicles you see in George St in the grey, pink and purple colour scheme, not to be confused with our own lovely Lothian Buses!
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Vulcan Road and Roundtree Way depots have maintenance facilities, whilst Lansdowne Road is just vehicle parking. I believe about 10 years ago, Vulcan Road was for buses used mostly on city routes, whilst Roundtree Way was for the out of town routes. I think in practice now, any bus can go to any depot.

So how far apart are the 3 depots?
I am guessing that for practical purposes drivers are rostered to a particular depot (varying from week to week maybe?)and vehicles from Lansdowne Rd are moved around to allow planned maintenance.

 

[tinker]

So how far apart are the 3 depots?
I am guessing that for practical purposes drivers are rostered to a particular depot (varying from week to week maybe?)and vehicles from Lansdowne Rd are moved around to allow planned maintenance.

Google says Roundtree Way (which I can never seem to find when I'm in Norwich) is just over 2 miles away from Vulcan Road, while I know Vulcan Road and Lansdowne Road depots are about 5 minutes drive away from each other - if that.

As for practical purposes - haven't a scooby, although I understand Vulcan Road is the only one of the three open on Sundays (and, presumably, bank holidays) so vehicles are certainly moved around with that in mind.

Maintenance wise; anything 'heavy' is handled at Yarmouth, while the Vulcan Road and Roundtree Way facilities are for general maintenance.

 

[dennistrident]

Google says Roundtree Way (which I can never seem to find when I'm in Norwich) is just over 2 miles away from Vulcan Road, while I know Vulcan Road and Lansdowne Road depots are about 5 minutes drive away from each other - if that.

As for practical purposes - haven't a scooby, although I understand Vulcan Road is the only one of the three open on Sundays (and, presumably, bank holidays) so vehicles are certainly moved around with that in mind.

Maintenance wise; anything 'heavy' is handled at Yarmouth, while the Vulcan Road and Roundtree Way facilities are for general maintenance.

To clarify First Norwich use 3 depots

Lansdowne Road - The largest depot. No engineering facilities (Fueling and Wash only) Monday-Saturday

Vulcan Road - Early and Late turns plus full engineering facilities. 7day.

Roundtree Way - Engineering use only.

Davey House (City Centre) Drivers canteen, control and office facilities.


Drivers can be rostered to either depot sometimes a mixture in the same week.

 

[overthewater]

Thats the Parkhead depot in Glasgow closing BUT.... Everything will be transferred into the new Caledonia super depot.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/13799759.First_Glasgow_to_shut_Parkhead_depot_after_93_years/

FIRST Glasgow is to shut its bus depot in Parkhead after 93 years in the city's East End.

Hundreds of drivers and staff are facing upheaval as operations move to the company's new £20million Caledonia depot on Cathcart Road in the south side.

Staff were told today about the planned move, which First said would result in cost-savings, helping protect jobs in the longer term and allowing the company to direct more investment to frontline services.

The company said all Parkhead employees would transfer to the new base and workers in groups where roles would overlap as a result would be given the option to apply for voluntary severance.

A First spokesman said there would be no compulsory redundancies.

A part of the plans First Glasgow plans to open a new driver rest facility in the east end, to allow driver changeovers and breaks that currently take place at Parkhead to continue.

The company said Caledonia, located in the south side of the city on Cathcart Road, is less than three miles away from the Tollcross Road site in Parkhead and is specifically designed to cater for large scale bus operations.

First said it would be consulting with trade unions and employees about the proposals.
Fiona Kerr, Managing Director of First Glasgow, said: “Our colleagues at Parkhead deserve to operate in a far better working environment.

"The Parkhead depot is increasingly unfit for purpose due to its age and the fabric of the buildings.

“Caledonia is the biggest bus depot in the UK with the best facilities, delivered last year with a £20million investment.

"By consolidating city centre operations at our new headquarters, we will be able to raise standards across the business and ensure our people are operating in the best possible surroundings.

“The proposed move would also result in some cost savings, which will be directed toward improving frontline services and in continuing our drive to make bus travel as attractive as possible for our customers.

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“We will be consulting with our employees and trade unions to make sure their views are considered as part of this process and will ensure colleagues are fully supported should the proposed transfer go ahead.”

The new depot features three separate state-of-the-art buildings, a bus maintenance workshop, a dedicated 'deep clean' service tunnel and a specialist long-term vehicle repair unit.

 

[KendalKing]

Thats the Parkhead depot in Glasgow closing BUT.... Everything will be transferred into the new Caledonia super depot.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/13799759.First_Glasgow_to_shut_Parkhead_depot_after_93_years/

This has been on the cards for a couple of years.

 

[Strathclyder]

Thats the Parkhead depot in Glasgow closing BUT.... Everything will be transferred into the new Caledonia super depot.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/13799759.First_Glasgow_to_shut_Parkhead_depot_after_93_years/

Parkhead (in it's current form) will close on *16th January 2016*.

*: Date of closure received from a friend who works for First Glasgow.

 

[GaryMcEwan]

Possibly the first photo of Glasgow's new E400MMC's...

See here...

Credit to Gordon Scott.

 

[overthewater]

Stagecoach Glasgow will be replacing the X5, and part of the X3.

 

[Strathclyder]

Possibly the first photo of Glasgow's new E400MMC's...

See here...

Credit to Gordon Scott.

Another image of the same vehicle (photo credit again goes to Gordon Scott).

Note the 'First Glasgow Ltd - Cathcart Rd' lettering on the side. It's one of our new ones, no doubting it...

 

[THarris123]

Another image of the same vehicle (photo credit again goes to Gordon Scott).

Note the 'First Glasgow Ltd - Cathcart Rd' lettering on the side. It's one of our new ones, no doubting it...

Oh they look hidious. Not like the E400s that we've come to love. Look more like a Streetdeck now. Shame.

 

[Sandy Drew]

Stagecoach Glasgow will be replacing the X5, and part of the X3.

Do you mean with additional peak journeys on the existing Services X25/X25A and X28, or new service registrations OTW?

 

[overthewater]

Do you mean with additional peak journeys on the existing Services X25/X25A and X28, or new service registrations OTW?

Its just mainly extra early morning and late evening journeys, to fill the gaps left by First pulling out.

I have double check the peak timetable and there is no extra journeys, on the X25 but the X28 will have two extra afternoon peaks journeys at 17.05 and 17.35 and the morning peak will now be every 20mins

To be fair, Stagecoach didn't have to add an journey at 04.46am. I think the bare minimum has been introduced, to be equitable, it all that needed at this moment of time.

I hope someone will undertake further review of the Sunday timetable.

Stagecoach did confirm the registrations changes were approved.

 

[d1672]

Hi,

Hopefully when Stagecoach move into Cumbernauld depot they will be pro-active in providing some services from Cumbernauld to the East end of Glasgow, rather than just motorway services.

I overheard people talking about further changes to First X37 and X39 services through Cumbernauld. They were saying that a Larbert driver had told them that the services were getting reduced.

I despair about anything that First touches. They have decimated all of the local Central Scotland and Borders services. I wonder what will happen to services in the East End of Glasgow when Parkhead closes.

Thomas

 

[overthewater]

Hopefully when Stagecoach move into Cumbernauld depot they will be pro-active in providing some services from Cumbernauld to the East end of Glasgow, rather than just motorway services.

I overheard people talking about further changes to First X37 and X39 services through Cumbernauld. They were saying that a Larbert driver had told them that the services were getting reduced.

I despair about anything that First touches. They have decimated all of the local Central Scotland and Borders services. I wonder what will happen to services in the East End of Glasgow when Parkhead closes.
Thomas

It will be very unlikely Stagecoach will be pro-active in new service in the east end of Glasgow. I also cant see any land grab within Cumbernauld this side of xmas or Easter.

There is nothing planned as yet for X37 or X39 unless there is something on the cards for the 30 Nov 2015.

 

[Baxenden Bank]

From 'The Sentinel', Thursday 8 October.

http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Potteries-makes-U-turn-build-new-depot-passengers/story-27947774-detail/story.html

First Potteries makes U-turn to build new depot - as passengers face delays in Newcastle

FIRST Potteries is to open a bus depot in Newcastle – just weeks after closing its facility in the town.

The company axed its Liverpool Road depot last month with the loss of 29 jobs and moved operations to its Adderley Green HQ.

But since then a number of local Newcastle services – the 22, 72 and 97 routes – have been affected by roadworks in Stoke-on-Trent, leading to delays for passengers.

Now the company is to base these services at a new location in the town, with 15 drivers set to be transferred.

It comes as bus tickets are now being sold from the Guildhall after First closed its travel shop at Newcastle Bus Station.

First Midlands managing director Nigel Eggleton revealed the latest change after being called to a meeting of Newcastle Borough Council.

He said: "We made the very difficult decision to close our Newcastle depot. We were looking at between 70 and 80 redundancies, but in practice we said goodbye, on a voluntary basis, to 29 of our staff.

"Four weeks on, the early signs from a financial point of view indicate it is going to be a success. The revenue coming in is exceeding the costs of the operation, and that gives us some assurances.

"But there are aspects we're not happy about, and these relate to reliability and punctuality. They are not going as well as we expected.

"We've been hit by a number of roadworks, particularly in Hanley. It simply isn't working so we have made the decision to re-think what we're doing. We will operate from a location in Newcastle with six vehicles and 15 drivers. This will mean anything happening in other areas will no longer affect services in Newcastle."

The affected services run between Newcastle and Longton, Newcastle and Clayton, and Newcastle and Wolstanton Retail Park

Passengers today welcomed First's latest U-turn.

Dennis Alcock, aged 87, from Clayton, said: "Every town should have a bus depot. Years ago there was one in Longton, Hanley, Tunstall and Stoke but now they're all closing. So it's good one is being re-opened and hopefully the buses will be on time."

Diane Delaney, aged 33, of Chesterton, added: "I get on about seven buses every day to get to various places and I'm just grateful when they turn up.

"I've waited up to an hour for a bus that never came once. I hope this means the services can run smoothly."

 

[the101]

From 'The Sentinel', Thursday 8 October.

http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Potteries-makes-U-turn-build-new-depot-passengers/story-27947774-detail/story.html

This is actually a reasonable step to take if First have worked out that the new arrangement was not functioning as it should.

What is less clear is why the local excuse for a newspaper has elected to sensationalise it by claiming that First are building a new depot. Clearly for six buses it's going to be a patch of land somewhere. And what TF the babbling rent-a-quote garbage at the end has to do with anything, I have no idea.