Snowdonia Travel "acquired' by Cityfox

[PhilStockley]

I'm not quite sure what 'full story' you or anyone else feels is currently missing.

Snowdonia Travel Ltd trading as CityFox, a company owned by CityFox Group, ran a bus service in Bristol on 25th and 26th December. That's basically the full story.

Just to clear up a point about the Operating Centre, the Operating Centre is currently in North Wales. CT Plus in Bristol js not an OC, although the bus has been parked there recently while being prepared for service (repaint etc).
It can't be an OC because Snowdonia has a Welsh 'o' licence and therefore the Operating Centre(s) need to be in Wales. It's true that the current OC is in a very inconvenient location for our future planned operations so it is highly likely to change in the near future, but it will need to be in Wales - it can't be in Bristol. (But also just to head off another point, that doesn't preclude Snowdonia running registered services in the south west - it just means the bus has to go back to its Operating Centre in Wales regularly)

I am sorry if it is felt that CityFox handled the discussion on the PSV Circle Facebook page badly. From my viewpoint, it was a fairly familiar story where a load of people who we've never met and have very little knowledge of our operations, pile in with a series of inaccurate and prejudicial allegations - some of them potentially libellous. And some of them of a very deeply personal nature. And then people react with shock and surprise when we seek to defend ourselves. It's something to which I've become accustomed in my short involvement with CityFox. We are actually quite reasonable people, seeking to run a compliant operation and happy to respond to people's questions posed in good faith. But if every discussion starts with a presumption of guilt, it gets boring.

And quite what relevance Rhys's personal tweet to a politician he happens to dislike, about a subject that has nothing to do with transport or CityFox, on a personal Twitter feed, is beyond me. But I guess it illustrates my point.

 

[father_jack]

Has appeared in Old Market Street Bristol, in a closed pub (Masons Arms/Proud/Lounge).

Not an easy place to stop with double yellows outside and the kerbside time restricted "no loading" markings.

https://goo.gl/maps/XCVHYYPNz4T2 (Google streetview link).

No sign however of a planning application change of use from A4 public house- only changes to A1 A2 or A3 can be acheived without a planning application, taxi offices are "Sui Generis". How's Mr Hand's latin does anyone know ?

 

[carlberry]

Has appeared in Old Market Street Bristol, in a closed pub (Masons Arms/Proud/Lounge).

Not an easy place to stop with double yellows outside and the kerbside time restricted "no loading" markings.

https://goo.gl/maps/XCVHYYPNz4T2 (Google streetview link).

No sign however of a planning application change of use from A4 public house- only changes to A1 A2 or A3 can be acheived without a planning application, taxi offices are "Sui Generis". How's Mr Hand's latin does anyone know ?

Isnt this getting a bit off topic!

 

[randyrippley]

I'm trying to catch up on whats going on here...........as I understand it, they have a bus company registered in Wales, with one bus, offering a service in Bristol on two days a year? Is that right or am I missing something?

 

[nesw]

As to the relevance of posting a link to Rhys' tweet to Labour MP Frank Field, I believe that the tone of the tweet speaks for itself.

It's all very well mentioning that some of the posts on Facebook concerning Mr. Hand were "libellous" (I agree that referencing sexuality is inappropriate), but it does appear that there's a lot of interest in these various companies and that over the years a number of people appear to have had adverse relations with their "sole director".

Any potential investor/stakeholder/customer undertaking due diligence would be amazed by the amount of material on line and elsewhere that certainly would cause concern and in a world where on line presence & social media activity tend to define a person's image and business interests, I'm slightly surprised that Phil doesn't think this vexatious tweet to someone with opposing views is unconnected with the reputation of the business and those associated with it.

Once again I'm not against entrepreneurial spirit however, it appears that some of the events in recent years have directed more than passing interest to the events in Bristol, not just amongst the "armchair keyboard warriors" & "enthusiasts who live miles away" but from people who work in the industry.

I think that this thread needs to stay on topic and the above is not meant in an aggressive way or in anyway a personal attack on the companies or persons mentioned.

 

[richw]

Cityfox have posted on Facebook they are recruiting for night driver for a new route. Certainly look forward to seeing this develop further.

 

[the101]

I do not know what to make of the CityFox operation, but the 'let's all pile in' attitude of quite a number of observers is rather tiresome.

The exchange on the PSV Circle Friends Facebook page appeared to be instigated by one guy with a history of thinking that he knows more than he actually does suggesting that the festive operation was undertaken illegally. A dodgy claim to make from behind a keyboard; while certain people involved in CityFox may (or may not) be everyone's cup of tea, I think the experience is there to avoid such an occurrence.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I do not know what to make of the CityFox operation, but the 'let's all pile in' attitude of quite a number of observers is rather tiresome.

For clarification, if Cityfox's owner wants to "play buses" with a long-term view to expansion that is in my view up to him - if I had sufficient money going spare I too would love to do that - even more so if I was still his age!

(FWIW I do like his branding etc - I guess that's all self-done?)

 

[THarris123]

Cityfox have posted on Facebook they are recruiting for night driver for a new route. Certainly look forward to seeing this develop further.

Can Rhys or Phil provide us with any details?

 

[RhysHand]

Can Rhys or Phil provide us with any details?

At the moment, it's commercially sensitive. I'll provide an update soon.

Rhys

 

[RhysHand]

For clarification, if Cityfox's owner wants to "play buses" with a long-term view to expansion that is in my view up to him - if I had sufficient money going spare I too would love to do that - even more so if I was still his age!

(FWIW I do like his branding etc - I guess that's all self-done?)

Hi Neil,

Yes all the branding for any operations or businesses in the group are done in house.

Rhys

 

[ooo]

As you accept Apple Pay and Contactless do you have a similar system to TfL or do you just have a normal card machine for payments?

 

[THarris123]

At the moment, it's commercially sensitive. I'll provide an update soon.

Rhys

Ooh. That's means I can start to speculate.....

 

[RhysHand]

Ooh. That's means I can start to speculate.....

Best keep an eye on our CityFox Bus Bristol facebook page.

Rhys

 

[RhysHand]

As you accept Apple Pay and Contactless do you have a similar system to TfL or do you just have a normal card machine for payments?

It's a system that is built specifically for transport businesses. However, in future it'll run through the ticket machine.

Rhys

 

[richw]

It's a system that is built specifically for transport businesses. However, in future it'll run through the ticket machine.

Rhys

Is it the same as found in many taxis? I haven't come across your taxis as they aren't in my area, but I'm guessing it's a similar system as many of my local taxi drivers have.

 

[RhysHand]

Is it the same as found in many taxis? I haven't come across your taxis as they aren't in my area, but I'm guessing it's a similar system as many of my local taxi drivers have.

The same system is in all of our taxis in Bristol and is due to be rolled out to Bath.

 

[6Gman]

Has Snowdonia Travel operated anything in North Wales?

 

[father_jack]

Isnt this getting a bit off topic!

Well the last 8 posts have been an ad for his taxi "agency" or an ad for a forthcoming "south sea bubble" so maybe stating some facts easily found in the public domain aren't neccesarily OT ...

 

[nesw]

An operator would usually only consider a night service if the there was work for the bus during the day. At a minimum a school/works contract but preferably something more substantial.

 

[RhysHand]

An operator would usually only consider a night service if the there was work for the bus during the day. At a minimum a school/works contract but preferably something more substantial.

As I think I someone pointed out before, it's for the business to decide what it wants to do. As I'm the sole shareholder, I'm the only individual the needs to be concerned with my investment.

Happy New Year
Rhys

 

[nesw]

With respect, if you court publicity with postings for night bus drivers and 'watch this space ' adverts , then people are going to speculate and have every right to do so.

Given that you have replied to my comment in a way that a rational person would regard as arrogant & your previous record of seeking publicity for ventures that haven't progressed further than the gestation stage, one might question the substance behind your latest ideas.

I have no desire to make this thread personal however, it appears that Rhys finds comments that are intended as analytical/offer free advice as a 'dig' at his business acumen. A good businessman listens and learns.

 

[embers25]

With respect, if you court publicity with postings for night bus drivers and 'watch this space ' adverts , then people are going to speculate and have every right to do so.

Given that you have replied to my comment in a way that a rational person would regard as arrogant & your previous record of seeking publicity for ventures that haven't progressed further than the gestation stage, one might question the substance behind your latest ideas.

I have no desire to make this thread personal however, it appears that Rhys finds comments that are intended as analytical/offer free advice as a 'dig' at his business acumen. A good businessman listens and learns.

Your comments on this thread are neither "analytical" or "offering free advice" they are just trolling and I'd argue his responses have been restrained considering. You clearly have a major beef with Rhys for whatever reason. He's not been using this thread to publicise his taxi either as he's just been responding honestly to questions posed. He's only "playing buses" as some call it with his money which he is perfectly entitled to do and if he fails he'll be losing his own money not anyone elses but if he succeeds not only does he make a profit but he also potentially gets a few more people of the dole queue which isn't a bad thing surely. Personally I appreciate the honesty and good luck to him.

 

[Bletchleyite]

As I said, if I had the money/business acumen at that age I'd have loved to do the same.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[richw]

What we know is Rhys has an actual licensed bus and o licence. With such an asset, it's not going to cost considerable amounts to actually operate. Diesel, and a driver wage as I assume the vehicle is insured anyway. As a one man band as it could be said it won't have the overheads of a big company.
He's got Phil on board who has a proven track record which I think is the difference to this and previous talk.

I for one wish Rhys well for this plan.

 

[freetoview33]

I admire Rhys for getting out there and trying. And wish you all the best luck. I think the main thing people are getting at is on the past you have said about grand plans but due to whatever reason it didn't happen. That's why people are a bit sceptical of you.

Not sure if you can tell us how you started and have built things up and how previous plans didn't work out. It might help people understand what you are trying to achieve and have more support, rather than scepticism.

Happy new year

 

[THarris123]

Your comments on this thread are neither "analytical" or "offering free advice" they are just trolling and I'd argue his responses have been restrained considering. You clearly have a major beef with Rhys for whatever reason. He's not been using this thread to publicise his taxi either as he's just been responding honestly to questions posed. He's only "playing buses" as some call it with his money which he is perfectly entitled to do and if he fails he'll be losing his own money not anyone elses but if he succeeds not only does he make a profit but he also potentially gets a few more people of the dole queue which isn't a bad thing surely. Personally I appreciate the honesty and good luck to him.

Highly agree with embers. Certainly seems to be the case.

 

[THarris123]

I admire Rhys for getting out there and trying. And wish you all the best luck. I think the main thing people are getting at is on the past you have said about grand plans but due to whatever reason it didn't happen. That's why people are a bit sceptical of you.

Not sure if you can tell us how you started and have built things up and how previous plans didn't work out. It might help people understand what you are trying to achieve and have more support, rather than scepticism.

Happy new year

I think he's pretty much explained everything already in this and other threads in one form or another. Think we might be going over old ground again

 

[RhysHand]

With respect, if you court publicity with postings for night bus drivers and 'watch this space ' adverts , then people are going to speculate and have every right to do so.

Given that you have replied to my comment in a way that a rational person would regard as arrogant & your previous record of seeking publicity for ventures that haven't progressed further than the gestation stage, one might question the substance behind your latest ideas.

I have no desire to make this thread personal however, it appears that Rhys finds comments that are intended as analytical/offer free advice as a 'dig' at his business acumen. A good businessman listens and learns.

No offence, but it is personal. Everyone can see that. I am no longer responding to your comments in the future. As for your 'advice' thankfully, I won't be taking it.

 

[RhysHand]

What we know is Rhys has an actual licensed bus and o licence. With such an asset, it's not going to cost considerable amounts to actually operate. Diesel, and a driver wage as I assume the vehicle is insured anyway. As a one man band as it could be said it won't have the overheads of a big company.
He's got Phil on board who has a proven track record which I think is the difference to this and previous talk.

I for one wish Rhys well for this plan.

Thank you for your kind comments! We have cash reserves to trial things thanks to my taxis, and this is part of the future plan.

Rhys