Cheshire Bus News (was East Cheshire Bus News)

[Baxenden Bank]

An independent councillor who is on Knutsford Town Council and had responded to a tweet from Esther McVey on buses. It seems some Lacey Green resident saw a tweet from someone which indicated that they are a councillor and started demanding they do something for their area, without checking where they are a councillor for.

Perhaps the councillor should have kept their opinion to themselves if they are not actually in a position to deal with the issue? But that's the problem with twitbook, kneejerk responses to anything and everything from anyone and everyone.

 

[pemma]

Perhaps the councillor should have kept their opinion to themselves if they are not actually in a position to deal with the issue? But that's the problem with twitbook, kneejerk responses to anything and everything from anyone and everyone.

Esther McVey tweeted about discussing concerns regarding the 378 withdrawal and the councillor simply replied asking her not to forget about the proposed cutbacks affecting other places in Tatton. Perfectly fair and reasonable comment. Just like my own tweet asking someone complaining about the 378 withdrawal how far they are from bus stops on other routes was - the rude response suggested the answer must be something like two minutes walk.

 

[ag51ruk]

With very little notice, Cheshire East have re-allocated their funding for route 78 to replace some of the daytime journeys withdrawn by D&G from tomorrow by withdrawing the entire evening and Saturday service. Looks like the amount funding an all-day Saturday service and four evening journeys each weekday has bought them two weekday morning services which were pretty busy anyway (at least on schooldays). Tough luck if you're one of the people expecting to catch an evening bus to Leighton Hospital from Nantwich tomorrow...

The revised timetable is on the D&G website.

78 D&G Bus PC1090231/75 Nantwich - Rode Heath: timetable revised. As a result of D&G’s decision to withdraw elements of their commercial 78 service, Cheshire East Council has prioritised its existing funding to secure the most heavily used Monday to Friday daytime journeys. As a result of these changes and the financial constraints on the Council, there will be no evening or Saturday services on the 78 from Monday 4 September 2017. Please note that the 78 timetable in D&G's new booklet is now out of date

 

[pemma]

With very little notice, Cheshire East have re-allocated their funding for route 78 to replace some of the daytime journeys withdrawn by D&G from tomorrow by withdrawing the entire evening and Saturday service. Looks like the amount funding an all-day Saturday service and four evening journeys each weekday has bought them two weekday morning services which were pretty busy anyway (at least on schooldays). Tough luck if you're one of the people expecting to catch an evening bus to Leighton Hospital from Nantwich tomorrow...

The revised timetable is on the D&G website.

That is stupid. It also means those wanting to visit a friend/relative in hospital who work normal office hours can no longer do that.

I wonder if it could also mean some nurses and other hospital workers can no longer use the bus to work. D&G were offering discounted weekly and monthly season tickets for NHS workers at Leighton hospital.

 

[ag51ruk]

That is stupid. It also means those wanting to visit a friend/relative in hospital who work normal office hours can no longer do that.

I wonder if it could also mean some nurses and other hospital workers can no longer use the bus to work. D&G were offering discounted weekly and monthly season tickets for NHS workers at Leighton hospital.

They were due to disappear in April next year anyway, under the proposed cuts that have been out for consultation, but I do object to the lack of notice - this timetable was only updated on Friday

 

[pemma]

They were due to disappear in April next year anyway, under the proposed cuts that have been out for consultation, but I do object to the lack of notice - this timetable was only updated on Friday

The proposed cuts weren't supposed to happen until the consultation responses had been reviewed. I don't know about local issues in the 78 area but I do know in the Wilmslow area there's a couple of (non bus related) changes happening next year which will affect bus demand such as a Jobcentre closure and regular trains being reinstated at Styal. An earlier than scheduled change to the 88 or 200 service could make some consultation responses invalid.

Relating to D&G Bus - according to their website two 8.8m Enviros have been moved from Crewe to Adderley Green, with some of the 8.8m Enviros getting 'Blue 2' branding. It's also stated 2 x Streetlites have moved from Wincham to Crewe. If that's correct it leaves just 6 buses at Wincham when the 88 and 300 need a total of 6 buses. That's despite the permitted allocation at Wincham having been increased!

There was still a Streetlite on the 300 yesterday, which seemed to suffering from a fault. I noticed the rear display had been changed so it just shows the route number (as it used to be) rather than having the destination scrolling underneath (partly cut off.)

 

[mikestone1952]

That is stupid. It also means those wanting to visit a friend/relative in hospital who work normal office hours can no longer do that.

I wonder if it could also mean some nurses and other hospital workers can no longer use the bus to work. D&G were offering discounted weekly and monthly season tickets for NHS workers at Leighton hospital.

I would say losing the daytime service to Leighton from points east of Coppenhall would have been much worse than people travelling from Nantwich having to change buses in Crewe in the evening.

 

[pemma]

D&G are still using a Streetlite the 300 service today, despite the change to the fleet list.

 

[pemma]

Unfortunately, a D&G Streetlite is still based at Wincham. I had the misfortune of travelling on it on the 88 route yesterday. A rattly Streetlite on the poorly surfaced B5085 makes the ride quality of a Pacer train appear reasonable in comparison.

 

[LOL The Irony]

Unfortunately, a D&G Streetlite is still based at Wincham. I had the misfortune of travelling on it on the 88 route yesterday. A rattly Streetlite on the poorly surfaced B5085 makes the ride quality of a Pacer train appear reasonable in comparison.

I kept seeing the little rascals.

 

[pemma]

I kept seeing the little rascals.

They've been used regularly on the 300 route for around 3 years now. Last autumn when D&G first started running the 88 the usual stand in for the Solo SRs were the MCV Evolutions, then it became almost anything including Streetlites but since they've opened the Wincham outstation Streetlites seem to be the only vehicles which stand in. Last week they were using a Streetlite on the 88 at the same time as a SR on the 300 which made little sense, unless it was to delay servicing on a SR by putting it on a lower mileage route.

 

[LOL The Irony]

They've been used regularly on the 300 route for around 3 years now. Last autumn when D&G first started running the 88 the usual stand in for the Solo SRs were the MCV Evolutions, then it became almost anything including Streetlites but since they've opened the Wincham outstation Streetlites seem to be the only vehicles which stand in. Last week they were using a Streetlite on the 88 at the same time as a SR on the 300 which made little sense, unless it was to delay servicing on a SR by putting it on a lower mileage route.

The Evo's would be a million times better than a streetlite. They could put one of their knackerd darts in place of a streetlite and nobody would be able to tell the difference.

 

[pemma]

200 service to be reduced to 2 hourly next week due to roadworks: http://www.springfieldbus.co.uk/200.pdf

 

[323235]

P1 to be amended on 30th October to reduce Off Peak timings Monday - Friday and all Saturday timings. No chance to route. Looking at 22 minutes end to end down from 27 minutes.

 

[1Z42]

200 bus To be dumped and more, or less http://www.wilmslow.co.uk/news/article/16646/cuts-to-local-bus-services-will-go-ahead

I live in Trafford and would never consider moving to Cheshire East, the A&E at Macc general is closing, there are few bus services and they get cancelled on a whim, the county is really just for the well healed, what use is a bus pass when there are so few buses and no use on the train! Admittedly buses in TfGM have been clobbered but not to that degree. Still Styal get their hourly rail service now, get my political point anyone; Colshaw Farm, Spath Lane and Lacy Green are all labour wards. I live 15 mins walk from the tram and I love it.

 

[pemma]

200 bus To be dumped and more, or less http://www.wilmslow.co.uk/news/article/16646/cuts-to-local-bus-services-will-go-ahead

There's a separate thread about the bus review and subsequent outcome here: https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...-propose-43-reduction-in-bus-subsides.146324/

At some point Manchester Airport will have to decide what they want to do about continuing to serve the viewing park.

the A&E at Macc general is closing

Do you have a source for that? It's been rumoured a few times but I don't think there's been a concrete proposal to close it. If there is a concrete proposal to close it there be a need for a bus service to Wythenshawe Hospital from the Knutsford area.

what use is a bus pass when there are so few buses and no use on the train!

The rail services are a lot more popular than bus services. Look at Wilmslow to Manchester Airport or Knutsford to Northwich - you can have over 200+ passengers on a busy train, having 10 passengers on the bus is an above average loading on the 200 or 289.

If you're entitled to a ENCTS bus pass you're entitled to a concessionary rate for the Wayfarer ticket which will allow you to go as far as Northwich, Congleton or Buxton for a more than reasonable price by train.

Colshaw Farm, Spath Lane and Lacy Green are all labour wards. I live 15 mins walk from the tram and I love it.

Colshaw Farm recently had improvements made to the Mon-Sat service. OK it will lose it's Sunday service but Cheshire East are to withdraw all Sunday bus subsides, whether they serve Labour or Conservative areas.

 

[1Z42]

There's a separate thread about the bus review and subsequent outcome here: https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...-propose-43-reduction-in-bus-subsides.146324/

At some point Manchester Airport will have to decide what they want to do about continuing to serve the viewing park.



Do you have a source for that? It's been rumoured a few times but I don't think there's been a concrete proposal to close it. If there is a concrete proposal to close it there be a need for a bus service to Wythenshawe Hospital from the Knutsford area.



The rail services are a lot more popular than bus services. Look at Wilmslow to Manchester Airport or Knutsford to Northwich - you can have over 200+ passengers on a busy train, having 10 passengers on the bus is an above average loading on the 200 or 289.

If you're entitled to a ENCTS bus pass you're entitled to a concessionary rate for the Wayfarer ticket which will allow you to go as far as Northwich, Congleton or Buxton for a more than reasonable price by train.



Colshaw Farm recently had improvements made to the Mon-Sat service. OK it will lose it's Sunday service but Cheshire East are to withdraw all Sunday bus subsides, whether they serve Labour or Conservative areas.[/QUOTE

This was one source but it was repeated on GMR radio http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/08/the-24-ae-units-facing-closure-across-england-6694365/

This was one source but it was repeated on GMR radio http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/08/the-24-ae-units-facing-closure-across-england-6694365/ I sometimes fear that this is political, but Wilmslow has more trains heading into Manchester that Sale has trams in the same period. Also I suspect that trams are being subsidised at the expense pf buses by TfGM.

 

[pemma]

Also I suspect that trams are being subsidised at the expense pf buses by TfGM.

TfGM (and a few people on here) will argue the trams operate at zero subsidy. However, when they say that they ignore the cost of the purchase of the trams and the cost of installing the infrastructure. I'm sure many subsided bus routes would be 'zero subsidy' if the cost of buying/leasing buses was ignored.

 

[1Z42]

The airport will have to sort out buses as the walk from the Romper is just to dangerous, they could open up another car park there, they are good at that, and use their own buses! there was talk about moving the viewing park to Hollins Lane, Styal and BAWs Concorde being a theme attraction staying where it is, the present viewing park being used for parking business jets from Ocean Sky Jet Centre, they are really keen to have that area. It is for the Beckham,s WAGS and other filthy rich people

 

[1Z42]

TfGM (and a few people on here) will argue the trams operate at zero subsidy. However, when they say that they ignore the cost of the purchase of the trams and the cost of installing the infrastructure. I'm sure many subsided bus routes would be 'zero subsidy' if the cost of buying/leasing buses was ignored.

Was the Leigh bus lane financed the same way?

 

[6Gman]

Do you have a source for that? It's been rumoured a few times but I don't think there's been a concrete proposal to close it. If there is a concrete proposal to close it there be a need for a bus service to Wythenshawe Hospital from the Knutsford area.

Sadly the proportion of hospital patients/ visitors/ staff who use buses is now so low that it's difficult to justify funding.

Macclesfield Hospital is AIUI in dire straits financially as is the Clinical Commissioning Group which largely funds it. With three major hospitals within a 20 mile radius its future has to be questionable.

 

[pemma]

Sadly the proportion of hospital patients/ visitors/ staff who use buses is now so low that it's difficult to justify funding.

Funding will have to be provided one way or another. If you don't fund a regular bus service they'll finish up being a dial a ride style service which may end up costing more than a regular bus service.

 

[daodao]

Sadly the proportion of hospital patients/ visitors/ staff who use buses is now so low that it's difficult to justify funding.

That depends on where the hospital is, how many bus services call and how difficult it is to park at the hospital or close by.

Macclesfield Hospital is AIUI in dire straits financially as is the Clinical Commissioning Group which largely funds it. With three major hospitals within a 20 mile radius its future has to be questionable.

Macclesfield Hospital does have a future, but will not be a fully comprehensive general hospital given the increasing specialisation in hospital medicine.

 

[1Z42]

That depends on where the hospital is, how many bus services call and how difficult it is to park at the hospital or close by.



Macclesfield Hospital does have a future, but will not be a fully comprehensive general hospital given the increasing specialisation in hospital medicine.

Wythenshaw is has a tramservice running almost up to the door but few use it for that, buses have been cut back to, The MRI has the honeypot (Oxford Rd) route next door and Stepping hill has good bus links, and is used. All within 20 miles of Macc' sadly Macc' general is out in the sticks.

 

[LOL The Irony]

Getting rid of Macc's A&E would be a stupid idea. From Wilmslow & Knutsford, there is NO direct bus route to Leighton &/or Wythenshaw

 

[Baxenden Bank]

Getting rid of Macc's A&E would be a stupid idea. From Wilmslow & Knutsford, there is NO direct bus route to Leighton &/or Wythenshaw

Why would you need a direct bus from anywhere to A & E?
If your accident or emergency is sufficient to genuinely require attendance at A & E, you will not be going there by bus even if one were available. Heart attack, no, never quick enough. Chainsaw accident, no, too messy and slow. Broken / fractured limb, no, too painful in a bumpy old bus. Elderly slipped and fallen for checks, no, too risky and slow. If someone gets to A & E by bus, I respectfully suggest that they should not be attending A & E in the first place! The quality and effectiveness of emergency ambulance provision is another matter.

Having public transport access for non emergency hospital access is a different matter - be that for a scheduled operation, outpatient clinic, consultant appointment or to visit someone already in residence. Or, of course staff working there! But why would health planners be remotely concerned about whether patients could actually get to their treatment centres by bus? The days when (outside of the major cities) any business seriously planned for the public transport user gaining access to their services are long gone. The vast majority of people now have cars, or easy access to cars of partners / family / friends nearby. The number of people who absolutely depend on the bus (and only the bus) as their only means of accessing health services are low in proportion to overall numbers. People may prefer to make their own way there (retaining independence in later life etc) but rarely do they have to make their own way there.

The availability of non-emergency hospital transport is relevant here. Somewhere up thread there is reference to a study being undertaken by Cheshire East Council and Health Providers into subsidised bus services and health transport services looking at whether / how they could be better integrated i.e. cheaper overall. Did it ever conclude and were the results published? Perhaps running a regular bus, 365 days per year, for infrequent hospital visits is not an efficient way of delivering that service, instead simply providing a free (to the patient) taxi would be far more cost-effective in rural areas?

 

[LOL The Irony]

I've been to Macc's A&E twice and both didn't requrie an ambulance (maybe the 2nd one did in hindsight).

 

[Baxenden Bank]

That depends on where the hospital is, how many bus services call and how difficult it is to park at the hospital or close by.

Regrettably, I don't think that applies anymore outside of major cities. The car has won, the tipping point where public transport was a realistic alternative has passed. People are wedded (or welded) to their cars, forever. Whatever the cost of parking people will pay or seek a cheaper alternative within a short walk i.e. I'm not paying £5 to park at the hospital but will pay £4 at the Rugby Club down the road because that is cheaper. However limited the spaces available are, people will simply arrive earlier (and earlier and earlier) to guarantee a space in their preferred car park and sit in their car listening to the radio until it is time to start work. I can't speak for Macclesfield General but look at the issues faced by the North Staffs Royal Infirmary City General Royal Stoke Teaching Hospital (or whatever it is called this week). Look at the problems caused by employees of Bet 365 / Vodafone in Etruria Valley. All three perfectly capable of being served by public transport if there was a will and the intelligence to do it properly.

 

[pemma]

Regrettably, I don't think that applies anymore outside of major cities. The car has won, the tipping point where public transport was a realistic alternative has passed. People are wedded (or welded) to their cars, forever. Whatever the cost of parking people will pay or seek a cheaper alternative within a short walk i.e. I'm not paying £5 to park at the hospital but will pay £4 at the Rugby Club down the road because that is cheaper. However limited the spaces available are, people will simply arrive earlier (and earlier and earlier) to guarantee a space in their preferred car park and sit in their car listening to the radio until it is time to start work. I can't speak for Macclesfield General but look at the issues faced by the North Staffs Royal Infirmary City General Royal Stoke Teaching Hospital (or whatever it is called this week). Look at the problems caused by employees of Bet 365 / Vodafone in Etruria Valley. All three perfectly capable of being served by public transport if there was a will and the intelligence to do it properly.

Hospitals are very different to work or a sports club. You might be going to the hospital because you're unfit to go to work and if you're unfit to go to work you might also be unfit to drive. There are also plenty of minor procedures which might be undertaken which prevent you from driving home later. While for some elderly patients they can drive but only in good visibility, which might for an afternoon appointment in winter mean they can drive to the hospital but not drive home.

 

[pemma]

Why would you need a direct bus from anywhere to A & E?

A relative of mine was involved in a bad accident, he was taken to A&E and the hospital phoned his next of kin asking for her to attend the hospital ASAP. She had access to a car but what if she didn't? The doctors needed her to consent to an emergency procedure so if there had been no car or adequate public transport link that emergency procedure wouldn't have happened so soon. I don't know what the consequences of that would have been.