Stagecoach Merseyside Cheshire and South Lancashire

[SeanM1997]

Can anybody see the contract terms for the 3 Cheshire West tenders (i.e. frequencies/start dates) and changes to current contracts - given it is likely Stagecoach will bid again?:

Not authorised

procontract.due-north.com

 

[markymark2000]

Can anybody see the contract terms for the 3 Cheshire West tenders (i.e. frequencies/start dates) and changes to current contracts - given it is likely Stagecoach will bid again?:

Not authorised

procontract.due-north.com

Tenders due to start at the start of September 2023.

22 West Kirby - Chester: same timetable as now
48 Frodsham - Northwich: same timetable as now
61/62 Higher Kinnerton - Chester: revised timetable with more trips to Higher Kinnerton.

I can't see any reason why Stagecoach won't bid for the services. 48 and 61/62 are only 1 bus tenders and they already run them without issue. 22 they ran previously and would end up going to Chester or Rock Ferry depending on who has staff available. Chester is easier for driver changes, Rock Ferry better for dead mileage. Stagecoach have ran the 22 from both depots over time and I do think they would go for it. Especially now, Stagecoach as a whole is very focussed on contracts over commercial.

 

[SeanM1997]

Tenders due to start at the start of September 2023.

22 West Kirby - Chester: same timetable as now
48 Frodsham - Northwich: same timetable as now
61/62 Higher Kinnerton - Chester: revised timetable with more trips to Higher Kinnerton.

I can't see any reason why Stagecoach won't bid for the services. 48 and 61/62 are only 1 bus tenders and they already run them without issue. 22 they ran previously and would end up going to Chester or Rock Ferry depending on who has staff available. Chester is easier for driver changes, Rock Ferry better for dead mileage. Stagecoach have ran the 22 from both depots over time and I do think they would go for it. Especially now, Stagecoach as a whole is very focussed on contracts over commercial.

The 48 with same timetable as now is interesting as if D&G were to bid, they'd probably prefer it to start at Northwich not Frodsham. Guess if they bid for less money then Cheshire West & Chester could be interested, but in its current format I would expect Stagecoach. Hopefully we will hear the results in next few weeks

 

[markymark2000]

The 48 with same timetable as now is interesting as if D&G were to bid, they'd probably prefer it to start at Northwich not Frodsham. Guess if they bid for less money then Cheshire West & Chester could be interested, but in its current format I would expect Stagecoach. Hopefully we will hear the results in next few weeks

The route runs as it does for the schools/colleges. Nothing stops D&G doing an alternative bid but the trips to/from Northwich would have to be additional trips.

 

[317 forever]

Soccerbus is run commercially by Peoplesbus at the moment... as are most of the morning school services.

This development may be less surprising than it sounds, as Stagecoach are in the process of taking over PeoplesBus

Peoplesbus fleet and bus services sold to Stagecoach - routeone

Stagecoach has reached agreement to purchase the services and 23 vehicles of Merseyside independent operator Peoplesbus.

www.route-one.net

Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancashire is to purchase the bus services and 23 vehicles of Merseyside independent operator Peoplesbus.

The deal will see those, along with 21 employees, transfer to Stagecoach on Sunday 9 July. All will move from the Peoplesbus site in Aintree to the group’s nearby depot at Gillmoss in the north of Liverpool.

Included are all tendered local and home-to-school services along with commercial school routes and football shuttles. That work will operate under the Stagecoach brand and acquired buses will gradually be repainted into Stagecoach livery.

Peoplesbus Managing Director Andrew Cawley – who founded the business in 2001 with a Leyland National 2 that he drove himself – says that he is “delighted” to complete the sale to Stagecoach. Mr Cawley’s involvement in the bus industry began before that with a brief venture that courted investment from Sir Richard Branson.

“This feels like things have come full circle, as Gillmoss is where my passion for the industry started, with my father having spent 26 years driving buses from here and where I have some extremely fond childhood memories,” he adds.

Mr Cawley will assist with the transition to Stagecoach ownership and says that in the longer term he will consider joining Stagecoach full-time or continuing with his own business to carry out private hire work. “In the short term, a much-needed break is definitely on the cards,” he explains.

Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancashire Managing Director Matt Davies has recognised Peoplesbus – with its distinctive light blue-based livery – as “a quality independent operator” and that the acquisition “is a good strategic fit for our business as we expand out portfolio of Merseytravel tendered operations across the City Region.”

Adds Mr Davies: “It also makes for an excellent bolt-on for our Gillmoss depot. We are delighted to be welcoming new colleagues to our Stagecoach team and we will be doing our best to ensure that they quickly feel at home.”

The Peoplesbus deal represents further expansion for the Stagecoach operating company, coming less than two months since it entered new territory with the commencement of former Arriva North West route 84 between Chester and Crewe.

Peoplesbus has operated Merseytravel home-to-school services since 2002 in a business that peaked at 32 vehicles. School routes continue to form the bulk of its work but it has operated public services for many years, purchasing a handful of new buses for those in the past.

The operator is also among the very few independents to have run articulated buses. Each of a Volvo B7LA and a Mercedes-Benz Citaro G have passed through its fleet. Both gained a ½ suffix to their fleet number in recognition of their additional length.

 

[SeanM1997]

If only Stagecoach kept going in its new Cheshire territory - would have been great to see them do a larger network in and around Crewe (given its the largest town in South Cheshire and highest bus use of any town in Cheshire East). The half hourly Crewe service is good but would have been great to see them expand greatly in the town

 

[Danfilm007]

If only Stagecoach kept going in its new Cheshire territory - would have been great to see them do a larger network in and around Crewe (given its the largest town in South Cheshire and highest bus use of any town in Cheshire East). The half hourly Crewe service is good but would have been great to see them expand greatly in the town

Trouble is Arriva and First both ran there for a long time and both decided ultimately it wasn't for them... perhaps Stagecoach's toe in the water might be a good sign but I doubt they'd chuck too much more in

 

[73001]

This development may be less surprising than it sounds, as Stagecoach are in the process of taking over PeoplesBus

Peoplesbus fleet and bus services sold to Stagecoach - routeone

Stagecoach has reached agreement to purchase the services and 23 vehicles of Merseyside independent operator Peoplesbus.

www.route-one.net

Yes, was announced on Tuesday (see page 3). Peoplesbus have run the Soccerbus and morning schools commercially for a number of years so it's not connected to the current activities.

 

[RogerOut]

I thought buses in Manchester were under public control ? Wasn’t that what Andy Burnham wanted?

 

[childwallblues]

I thought buses in Manchester were under public control ? Wasn’t that what Andy Burnham wanted?

They will be starting in September.

 

[RogerOut]

So is Stagecoach basically taking over Manchester services? Again, I thought Andy Burnham wanted buses under public control? Can someone explain?

 

[WibbleWobble]

So is Stagecoach basically taking over Manchester services? Again, I thought Andy Burnham wanted buses under public control? Can someone explain?

This is really going off topic for this thread. I suggest you take a look through the dedicated thread for TfGM Franchising.

 

[childwallblues]

Trouble is Arriva and First both ran there for a long time and both decided ultimately it wasn't for them... perhaps Stagecoach's toe in the water might be a good sign but I doubt they'd chuck too much more in

Also Stagecoach would have to open a depot in the Crewe area to avoid dead mileage.

 

[Danfilm007]

Also Stagecoach would have to open a depot in the Crewe area to avoid dead mileage.

I was surprised they run buses late to Crewe and then back under dead mileage but clearly there just aren't enough people willing to use it. I still remember the uproar when Arriva dropped the 20:30 and 21:30 journeys midweek to Chester!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I was surprised they run buses late to Crewe and then back under dead mileage but clearly there just aren't enough people willing to use it. I still remember the uproar when Arriva dropped the 20:30 and 21:30 journeys midweek to Chester!

The depot is at Waverton so some way out of Chester. They could run to/via Nantwich in service with the returning vehicles? However, whether they feel there's any worth to doing it? Based on Friday's last bus, running even to Tarvin would add 30 mins onto a shift, so would it pay the extra fuel and drivers wages? Also depends how close to the end of the drivers' hours it is?

 

[markymark2000]

Given it's only Friday and Saturday nights which have the dead mileage run from Crewe and that bus would be leaving at midnight. As much as an advocate that I am for dead mileage trips, I don't think a midnight bus off Crewe is going to take anything really. I think it would be far more hassle than it's worth on this one. Dead mileage trips into Crewe for the morning on the other hand, I would agree with that. Or extending the 18:08 from Crewe to Chester (considering the bus which does the 18:08 Crewe-Nantwich runs dead to Chester to then run the 20:05 to Crewe). I would agree with converting them dead mileage trips to normal service.

 

[Danfilm007]

Maybe they will - every time I have been past an 84 in service (usually at Tarvin) they seem more loaded than the equivalent Arriva service

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Or extending the 18:08 from Crewe to Chester (considering the bus which does the 18:08 Crewe-Nantwich runs dead to Chester to then run the 20:05 to Crewe). I would agree with converting them dead mileage trips to normal service.

Depends why that vehicle/driver runs empty to Chester.

The 1835 does run to Chester (arr 1946) and then back to the depot rather than doing the 2005 to Crewe. That suggests it's a means of getting the 1808 driver into Chester for a break before heading out for a 4.5 hour driving stint.

It may also be that they did rush to get these services up and running; perhaps they'll have the opportunity to make some changes once they've seen how the entire service is doing.

 

[markymark2000]

Maybe they will - every time I have been past an 84 in service (usually at Tarvin) they seem more loaded than the equivalent Arriva service

That's good. Hopefully it remains that way after the £2 fare dies off. Historically, it was routes like the 84 which Stagecoach always did well.

The 1835 does run to Chester (arr 1946) and then back to the depot rather than doing the 2005 to Crewe. That suggests it's a means of getting the 1808 driver into Chester for a break before heading out for a 4.5 hour driving stint.

It fully depends on exact driving time but it does still seem a little strange when you could run it in service all the way and still get a 30 minute break in before the last bit. Seeing what they are doing at Chester at the minute though, I get the feeling that it won't be the same driver on the 18:08 and 20:05. I have no proof but I know that Chester likes to try and mix staff around if they can between all of the work.

It may also be that they did rush to get these services up and running; perhaps they'll have the opportunity to make some changes once they've seen how the entire service is doing.

I think this is more likely the case. Hopefully it's something that gets looked at when they next do a timetable change.

 

[frodshamfella]

The route runs as it does for the schools/colleges. Nothing stops D&G doing an alternative bid but the trips to/from Northwich would have to be additional trips.

Its a shame the Saturday service went

Bus Shelter in Shutley Lane Little Leigh. Got reglazed not too long ago, even though no bus has stopped here for years unfortunately.

 

[childwallblues]

New Hydrogen buses SN23CNX/Y/Z have arrived at Gillmoss. They are to be numbered 89001-10.
They are part of a batch of 20 being purchased by Liverpool City Region for route 10A St Helens-Liverpool with 10 for Gillmoss and 10 for Arriva at St Helens Depot.

 

[47550]

New Hydrogen buses SN23CNX/Y/Z have arrived at Gillmoss. They are to be numbered 89001-10.
They are part of a batch of 20 being purchased by Liverpool City Region for route 10A St Helens-Liverpool with 10 for Gillmoss and 10 for Arriva at St Helens Depo

Where will the hydrogen buses be refuelled ? Do they have facilities at Gillmoss ( & St Helens ) ?

 

[sonic2009]

There's refilling points at the BOC Plant in St Helens - one would assume St Helens (Arriva) will go there, unsure about Gillmoss (Stagecoach).

Liverpool City Region Launches £6.4m Hydrogen Bus Project | Liverpool City Region Combined Authority - News

The project will potentially see up to 25 hydrogen–powered buses on the streets of the Liverpool City Region. Continue Reading Liverpool City Region Launches £6.4m Hydrogen Bus Project

www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk

The Liverpool City Region Hydrogen Bus Project will see the creation of a new hydrogen refuelling station at the BOC plant in St Helens, which produces hydrogen for industrial customers in the region and further afield.

 

[Pub]

Maybe they will - every time I have been past an 84 in service (usually at Tarvin) they seem more loaded than the equivalent Arriva service

Noted today thur 20th june the ex 0938 ex Creweto Chester 84 service had 2 standing passengers going through Alpraham , it still has 13miles to go before Chester. It was a single decker dont know the number.

 

[childwallblues]

The fleet of Peoples Bus have been allocated Stagecoach fleet numbers.

 

[cnjb8]

The fleet of Peoples Bus have been allocated Stagecoach fleet numbers.

What are the fleetnumbers?

 

[childwallblues]

What are the fleetnumbers?

47679 - Solo
37328/29 Enviro 200MMC
36588-90 Enviro 200
19901-04/06-10/12-14 Enviro 400
18536-49 Trident/ALX400

 

[SeanM1997]

Is there any news when the Cheshire West & Chester tender results will be announced - given Stagecoach operate 2 of the 3 routes at present?

 

[childwallblues]

The Open Golf Championship is being held at the Royal Liverpool Golf Course at Hoylake soon. Stagecoach have the park and ride contract for the event. Rumour is that it will be operated by 23 reg E400 MMCs. Has anybody any ideas on what will be used? 31 (11621-11651) are due locally for Rock Ferry and Preston but I am not aware of any of these being delivered yet.

The Open Golf Championship is being held at the Royal Liverpool Golf Course at Hoylake soon. Stagecoach have the park and ride contract for the event. Rumour is that it will be operated by 23 reg E400 MMCs. Has anybody any ideas on what will be used? 31 (11621-11651) are due locally for Rock Ferry and Preston but I am not aware of any of these being delivered yet.

Reported on the Merseyside Dennis Dart website is that the Park & Ride for the Open Golf Championship at Hoylake is being operated by 23 Reg MMCs 11607-612 of the batch to be delivered to Newcastle (Walkergate) and 11629-631 for Preston. There will probably be many more as the Championship progresses.

 

[childwallblues]

11607-612 new MMCs for North East have been delivered to Merseyside to assist with the Park & Ride service for the Open Golf Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Course at Hoylake. MCSLs own new MMCs 11629-31 for Preston are also in use.