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First Group: General Discussion
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I hope they've tested their app more than Arriva did. As that crashed 3 times before I bought a ticket with it I ended up not trusting it that much.
anthony263
Established Member
Believe me First have been testing things out already and will continue to do so when the system goes live in Worcester and Aberdeen from next week.
Us drivers at Worcester have had a briefing today about this including how to spot anyone trying to travel fraundntly ie by taking a screenshot of a m-ticket.
The tickets will have a clock on this which counts ddown until they are no longer valid basically if that timer is not moving or the time on teh m ticket does not match ( or near enough) the time on our almex machines then we know it is not a proper M ticket.
The big launc of this will be in a fortnights time when First are carrying out a major advertising campaign.
The plan we we told today is to get feedback from customers and staff before the system rolls out nationwide. TheM-tickets also offer a new group ticket for up to 4 people which will be good for a group of adults going out for a drink on the weekends (Certainly this I think will be very popular especially on the 144 to Birmingham)
Us drivers at Worcester have had a briefing today about this including how to spot anyone trying to travel fraundntly ie by taking a screenshot of a m-ticket.
The tickets will have a clock on this which counts ddown until they are no longer valid basically if that timer is not moving or the time on teh m ticket does not match ( or near enough) the time on our almex machines then we know it is not a proper M ticket.
The big launc of this will be in a fortnights time when First are carrying out a major advertising campaign.
The plan we we told today is to get feedback from customers and staff before the system rolls out nationwide. TheM-tickets also offer a new group ticket for up to 4 people which will be good for a group of adults going out for a drink on the weekends (Certainly this I think will be very popular especially on the 144 to Birmingham)
317 forever
Established Member
Another more subtle but greater example could be the entire Northampton network.
I think that First will be harder placed to stay in Plymouth should Go-Ahead Plymouth Citybus start competing on route 76 (Plymouth-Bude) at least at the Plymouth end. Then First will no longer have a corridor to itself, as far as I can tell.
This acquisition could help First run future cross-city routes along the Oxford Road. I read a rumour that a motive for First acquiring Finglands may have been predatory, to prevent a potential newcomer who could later compete on other First Manchester routes. None were mentioned, but RATP, Transdev and even Centrebus (part-owners of High Peak) have sprung to mind.
TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
As regards Northampton, depends when you're talking about. The various skirmishes in the past are one thing but when First decided to exit, Stagecoach didn't really do much of a predatory nature. What Stagecoach did, by their very presence, was to dissuade anyone buying the operation from First.
As for the rest of your statement, not certain how accurate that it. First already have Western Greyhound on the 76 (with their 576 Plymouth to Launceston) competing so they don't have that corridor to themselves. The biggest issue will be the Cornwall tenders this month.
And the rumour about preventing a potential newcomer....? If someone came in (see the usual suspects noted with exception of GA) then Stagecoach will certainly make a response.
F Great Eastern
Established Member
Aircoach in Ireland believed to have more than doubled their losses from the previous year, mostly attributed to start up cost for the express services.
Full accounts available on cro.ie under "Last Passive Ltd" if anyone is interested.
Full accounts available on cro.ie under "Last Passive Ltd" if anyone is interested.
overthewater
Established Member
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A very interesting articular in the most recent "Passenger Transport". Giles Fearnley talks about the challenge of overhauling First bus, over the past three years. It does give the impression he will be with first until he retire.
So everyone now agrees, the super tankers has turned around and heading in the right direction. Expect for First Scotland East, which has been whitewashed, and its losses covered up. It does seem like First are awaiting the outcome of the Scotrail franchise before deciding what to do with the operations. I just don't know if the depots can take any more of the current situation. Either way money will need to be spent, but is it worth it?
So everyone now agrees, the super tankers has turned around and heading in the right direction. Expect for First Scotland East, which has been whitewashed, and its losses covered up. It does seem like First are awaiting the outcome of the Scotrail franchise before deciding what to do with the operations. I just don't know if the depots can take any more of the current situation. Either way money will need to be spent, but is it worth it?
overthewater
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Further more:
It seems First Scotland East will be having fare increase shortly, one has to wonder if this is to offset the losses?
Its the some old First when it comes to this company, which is a shame. Does anyone have any idea how the company could be improved?
It seems First Scotland East will be having fare increase shortly, one has to wonder if this is to offset the losses?
Its the some old First when it comes to this company, which is a shame. Does anyone have any idea how the company could be improved?
Blindtraveler
Established Member
in a word, No. Anyone know how the 43 has done this week now SC have launched 40/40a?
BurtonM
Member
As I've said over on the TfGM thread, the former Finglands depot, now First Manchester, is using the First fleet as of today - primarily Wright Streetlites, with a few assorted deckers, all in the new lilac First livery. The 'Finglands tickets accepted' notices are also gone from the hybrids on the 18.
Will the M tickets offer through singles or through returns that involve a change of buses like with the trains.
There are some old route been split in my area. Does Bo'ness to Glasgow ( the old 37) still offer through journey tickets anyway regardless of a possible through M ticket?
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GaryMcEwan
Established Member
Also Glasgow's mobile site has had a revamp as well...
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
It appears that Glasgow are starting a whole lot of new services numbering 301, 302, 303 and so on starting at the end of April, are these just dead run services instead of running out of service?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
It appears that Glasgow are starting a whole lot of new services numbering 301, 302, 303 and so on starting at the end of April, are these just dead run services instead of running out of service?
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But it's surely not going to replace the old methods of paying the driver and paypoint.
How about concessionary passes? Surely they aren't going to have to scan their pass via mobile phone.
GaryMcEwan
Established Member
Nah I don't think it will. There will still be a ticket machine on the bus. I'm guessing it's like Arriva's m-ticketing app that they have.
I wonder if it will roll out to Glasgow in time for the Commonwealth Games...
Let's hope not - the most common rating for the Arriva app on Google Play is 1*.
Having used it myself I can understand why.
GaryMcEwan
Established Member
Yeah I used it myself when Arriva Scotland were still around and it wasn't the best then. I'm guessing it's the same principle but made by a different and hopefully better company...
freetoview33
Established Member
We could happily home them in Bristol! (Some have been) But more wouldn't go a miss!
GaryMcEwan
Established Member
More newer deckers wouldn't go a miss in Glasgow to replace those older W Reg bombs...Sorry I mean Tridents. Even some of the older President's, mostly the X and LK51 Reg Presidents are beyond a joke now.
freetoview33
Established Member
There are many places that could do with them!
Robertj21a
On Moderation
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Well if there are many places that could do with them it should be fairly simple to get them. If the local management can put forward a sound business case for acquiring more deckers it should be ratified quite easily. The key is just how robust is their business case.
Robert
overthewater
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I would recommend everyone to read the interview with Giles Fearnley in Aprils 'Buses' magazine:
Which does highlight that rebalancing would take place in 2015/16 with its bus orders. As it’s been said First need to get rid of a lot of older single deckers. Giles has also highlight First will continue to refurbish mid-life buses over the coming year 2014/15.
Just to check how many buses were being refurbished again during 2011/2012 and 2012/2013?
Giles has started all the problems at First were not individuals, but were all from above, which once again makes me wonder why no one has sounded out Moir Lockhead. I did ask about this a month ago:
Also I'm a bit confused about any further sell off since, Giles said he's not expecting any more.... yet
One has to wonder if First Scotland East central belt depots will at last get some proper money and attention to deal with the problems. I'm confused how First can reinvest the money saved from the cut in mileage from the No43, when A: The service made money and B: The depot in question is making big losses and the 43 was not losing money as bad as other routes.
Also the business case for selling of the Linlithgow depot, is somewhat strange since the money was used to plug losses in the company’s books to make it look like it was back in the black.
How is that good business since? As this year there is no land to sell off in connection with “Midland Bluebird” so it’s possible the company may be back in the red?
One has to wonder if Scottish border operations have not been fully separated from Midland bluebird just to make overall picture look better. If that is the case how bad is the problems in Falkirk and Stirling?
Either way Giles still has his work cut out, with First.
Which does highlight that rebalancing would take place in 2015/16 with its bus orders. As it’s been said First need to get rid of a lot of older single deckers. Giles has also highlight First will continue to refurbish mid-life buses over the coming year 2014/15.
Just to check how many buses were being refurbished again during 2011/2012 and 2012/2013?
Giles has started all the problems at First were not individuals, but were all from above, which once again makes me wonder why no one has sounded out Moir Lockhead. I did ask about this a month ago:
Why has Moir never come out to defend himself?
Also I'm a bit confused about any further sell off since, Giles said he's not expecting any more.... yet
So we're now entering the 4th year of the overhaul plan. What does everyone think will happen during this coming year?
One has to wonder if First Scotland East central belt depots will at last get some proper money and attention to deal with the problems. I'm confused how First can reinvest the money saved from the cut in mileage from the No43, when A: The service made money and B: The depot in question is making big losses and the 43 was not losing money as bad as other routes.
Also the business case for selling of the Linlithgow depot, is somewhat strange since the money was used to plug losses in the company’s books to make it look like it was back in the black.
How is that good business since? As this year there is no land to sell off in connection with “Midland Bluebird” so it’s possible the company may be back in the red?
One has to wonder if Scottish border operations have not been fully separated from Midland bluebird just to make overall picture look better. If that is the case how bad is the problems in Falkirk and Stirling?
Either way Giles still has his work cut out, with First.
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TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
Why would Moir feel the need to come out and defend himself? And to whom? He may well be happy feeding his cattle on his vast farm, with a knighthood and a large pension to sustain him.
In that situation, why would you bother? I don't think he needs to justify himself to you or me, nor anyone else. And who is going to sound Moir out...and why? It's old news
As for future sell offs, I don't think First have anything planned for UK bus but clearly, if the Lothian and Devon positions remain critical, then they may well be pragmatic and sell/close. We will have to wait and see, and try not to speculate with minimal information or insight
Blindtraveler
Established Member
I think we're into last resort stuff in East Lothian with Musselburgh up for sale, be interesting to watch this but they must think its worth trying so again watch this space.
winston270twm
Established Member
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First now appear to be allocating some new buses to First Scotland East, these were originally destined for delivery elsewhere within First:
47529 47534 Streetlite DF for Scotland East.
47613 47617 Streetlite DF for Scotland East.
63157 63160 Streetlite Max DF for Scotland East.
63219 63223 Streetlite Max DF for Scotland East.
robertclark125
Established Member
19 new vehicles, but for which depot(s)?
overthewater
Established Member
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If this information come from British pub book then dont trust it ........