At least one other example too: Southern Counties failed to observe some statutory periods of notice required when they shut Sheerness, resulting in it remaining open after the service changes intended to close it.
Arriva Strike Information
Independents like Nu Venture and ASD might find their revenue rising (where passengers can walk a short distance to catch an alternative.
That is true during the day, but at commuting times they don’t necessarily run as their focus seems to be school runs at this time. For example, the A2 corridor from Chatham towards Rainham doesn’t appear to have any buses before 9.
That is true, None are particularly big - Nu Venture is probably the largest and operates inside and outside of the Medway area. However, there are places such as Strood which will still have a fair service. Hempstead Valley will still be accessible as will the hospital and Maidstone (provided you are not in a hurry). You quote the A2, depends where you are going and for when; you can get to (real) Rainham by 09:20. No, it is no replacement, but some people might just realise that these companies offer a decent service and were available when required. After the strike ends. maybe even catch one of these buses rather than waiting for an Arriva bus, a couple of minutes away. OK, most of their buses don't fall into the luxury camp, but neither do Arriva's.
They are very fair points. I am a teacher so I can’t unfortunately travel later but there will be times where I used the competitor home if it is a viable.
Not certain what you mean by "the company will just say thank you and walk away"?
I am (very much) an ex-teacher (and ex-lecturer) so the day starts at 09:30!
Indeed.
My point is Arriva will just save the money for wages.
There are, though, dozens of trains between Rainham, Gillingham and Chatham before 9am, for the princely sum of £4.90 return (probably cheaper than the bus!)
Probably more people have a day ticket than you'd think. In any case, Medway Council tenders use the same fare scale over common sections of route, so it wouldn't be any cheaper. ASD are also known in the area for operating a large number of private services, e.g. to Amazon, which may also make people think twice about using "the white bus".
They're not that canny. Remember, it is costing them - still incurring fixed costs and no revenue and losing their workforce so maximising redundancy.
Which is a good option if you live close to the train station or work near it.
Out of interest (from someone who lives far away) how are Go-Ahead & Stagecoach managing with staff levels around Tyneside? I.e are they in a position to cover/compete/takeover some of the Arriva routes?
Same as always,a bit short but some drivers from Jesmond will have joined them. Many will have taken the opportunity to reassess their work life and left the industry, it's not hard now to find a better job.
How does Arriva plan to run its share of the 685, now that Jesmond is closing?
Arriva Northumbria has made arrangements for approximately 35 vehicles to be outstationed permanently at Stagecoach in Newcastle's Walkergate depot. Services 47, 553, 555, and Arriva's share of 685 will be operated from there along with various journeys on 51, 52, 53, 54, 306, 308 and a couple of school services. The peak vehicle requirement is 28. I do not know how long this arrangement is for. Walkergate has not appeared in Notices & Proceedings yet, but it is on the "O" Licence with an authorisation of 38.
The Arriva electrics aren't expected in Leicester for some time, so these Volvo B9s will hang on for a while yet, and may still survive beyond the electric introduction.
I wonder therefore whether it is just routes entirely within the Flexi zone, or even entirely within the Leicester City Council area, that will gain electric buses?
Thank you for letting us know the planned timing for these buses.
Arriva only has the 86 service that is wholly within the City boundary but it's expected the electrics will primarily be allocated to a route (or two) with a high proportion of 'City' mileage.