Stagecoach East Scotland

[Volvodart]

http://www.linlithgowgazette.co.uk/news/local-news/bus-group-pulls-out-of-busy-route-from-ferry-1-3313965?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

Bus group pulls out of busy route from Ferry’

Published on the
21 February
2014
09:00

First Scotland East announced this week that it is set to withdraw bus provision from Queensferry as from April 21 this year.

The announcement comes just weeks after rival bus operator Stagecoach gave notice it was set to launch a new service from Queenferry to the city centre from Monday, March 3.

Paul McGowan, managing director of First Scotland East, said: “I’m sorry that we are withdrawing Services 43, X43 and X4.

“These services are somewhat remote to our core business and the cost of running operations in the area is becoming increasingly challenging.

‘‘We are also aware of extra competition that we will shortly face in the Queensferry area from another operator, which will provide the same links to Edinburgh.

‘‘We’ve carefully considered the limited options available to us and reluctantly we see little alternative but to withdraw these services.’’

Almond ward councillor Norman Work said he was not surprised by the move, saying: ‘‘I don’t think many people cared who delivered the bus service as long as it ran on time. But I am concerned that there will be no competition.
I would urge people to use public transport when possible to ensure Stagecoach maintain a good service.’’

And Grant Sangster, transport spokesman for Queensferry Community Council added: ‘‘It’s important to recognise that some people will lose out if First’s service 43 is withdrawn.

‘‘While many passengers may benefit from quicker journeys and cheaper fares on the 40/A, others will have a less frequent service and pay more.’’

‘‘Ideally, we’d like to see West Lothian and Edinburgh Councils work together to keep bus links to Ferrymuir, Dechmont via Kirkliston and Bo’ness which risk being lost because they are commercially unattractive.’’

*First confirmed it will provide refunds to those customers that have purchased FirstYear tickets (all other ticket types expire before the withdrawal date of April 21).

They are also in discussions with West Lothian Council about the future of two morning and two evening journeys which operate between Bo’ness and Queensferry, currently funded by Falkirk and West Lothian Councils.

First added there would be no redundancies as a result of the withdrawal of the Service 43, X43 and X4 .

PM0000923/268 - FIRST SCOTLAND EAST LTD, CARMUIRS HOUSE, 300 STIRLING ROAD, LARBERT, FK5 3NJ

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Edinburgh Bus Station and Queensferry Scotstoun Estate, Dechmont or Bo'ness Bus Station given service number 43/X4/X43 effective from 20-Apr-2014.

 

[Blindtraveler]

As posted in the First group thread, as the (also tendered) X19 run at the moment by Prentice Westwood serves Bo'ness anyhow and with shorter travel time I cant see the morning and evening tenders continue. Sad news for Detchmont I agree but Bo'ness has a fast service and Kirkliston has X38 with 3BPH at peek time I dont see a future for the First runs↲

 

[Jamester]

Branding has been added to some of the E300s to be used on the 40/A route. As previously mentioned the usual orange stripe has been replaced by a grey one.

The branding advertises free wi-fi, the fact that change is given, the price of a weekly ticket, and mentions that journeys run every ten minutes at peak times. The rear branding differs from vehicle to vehicle. Some say "funday sunday - journeys every 30 mins" Another says "Commuting? journeys every ten minutes at peak times". The print is brown and doesn't appear very brightly coloured.

 

[GaryMcEwan]

I see that Fife have now got Western's MAN East Lancs Kinetics. Will one of them be going to Perth to replace 22507 which got written off by fire? Or did anything replace it at all?

 

[mbonwick]

Fife now have some of Western's Kinetics - IIRC there's still 2 with Western.

22507 was replaced by an ALX300 and I don't think any will be heading up to Peth. I believe the Kinetics have been transferred over to enable the operation of the new services 40/A South Queensferry-Edinburgh; allowing E300s to be withdrawn (for the moment) for refurbs prior to the service starting.

 

[Blindtraveler]

wonder how long it will be till we see new kit on this, particularly as First are out of it by mid April they will make a killing.

 

[Jamester]

wonder how long it will be till we see new kit on this, particularly as First are out of it by mid April they will make a killing.

Probably a few years. The Dunfermline E300s have been route branded and fitted with Wi-fi. They clearly intend to use them for this route only.

 

[david16]

As posted in the First thread, as the (also tendered) X19 run at the moment by Prentice Westwood serves Bo'ness anyhow and with shorter travelling time I cant see the morning and evening tenders continue. Sad news for Detchmont I agree but Bo'ness has a fast service and Kirkliston has X38 with 3BPH at peek time I dont see a future for the First runs↲

Bo'ness will only have Falkirk Wheel/Tamfourhill/Camelon Ochiltree or Langlees as destinations in the destination blinds very soon the way things are going.

Express via the M9 on the X19 is better than going via Polmont, Linlithgow, Bridgend Village, Threemiletown, Winchester, Kirkliston and Newbridge on the all stops 38. It was promised when Edinburgh bus station was being rebuilt that it would be going back to the Edinburgh bus station once it was ready yet it has never returned. There has always been 3 stances that were never used or were only used once or twice per day there so the 38 could easily go back to the Edinburgh bus station.

The X19 Edinburgh to Falkirk double decker at 5.30pm under First bus was always full. Evening commuters shouldn't be forced have to go back to travelling on the long winded stopping all the way 38. And they would have to be forced to board at Princes Street or Waterloo Place instead of the bus station to come back home if the 38 becomes the only bus service between Edinburgh and Falkirk.

Waterloo Place is a nonsense of terminus for the 38 anyway.

No way should the X19 disappear off the radar forever. For the council to stop tendering the X19 altogether would be suicidal.

 

[overthewater]

The 38s never returned to the bus station for one simple reason. It costs too much money. Its the same reason why none of the Livingston routes operates into the bus station.

Its must be around £1 per departure?

 

[Stan Drews]

Bo'ness will only have Falkirk Wheel/Tamfourhill/Camelon Ochiltree or Langlees as destinations in the destination blinds very soon the way things are going.

Express via the M9 on the X19 is better than going via Polmont, Linlithgow, Bridgend Village, Threemiletown, Winchester, Kirkliston and Newbridge on the all stops 38. It was promised when Edinburgh bus station was being rebuilt that it would be going back to the Edinburgh bus station once it was ready yet it has never returned. There has always been 3 stances that were never used or were only used once or twice per day there so the 38 could easily go back to the Edinburgh bus station.

The X19 Edinburgh to Falkirk double decker at 5.30pm under First bus was always full. Evening commuters shouldn't be forced have to go back to travelling on the long winded stopping all the way 38. And they would have to be forced to board at Princes Street or Waterloo Place instead of the bus station to come back home if the 38 becomes the only bus service between Edinburgh and Falkirk.

Waterloo Place is a nonsense of terminus for the 38 anyway.

No way should the X19 disappear off the radar forever. For the council to stop tendering the X19 altogether would be suicidal.

It's not the Falkirk Council tendered Prentice X19 that is potentially at risk, but whatever arrangement Falkirk and West Lothian Councils have for the two peak extensions of the First 43 from Queensferry to Bo'ness via Newton.

 

[Blindtraveler]

maybe I was unclear, I should think X19 wil continue but the First tenders will stop, perhaps with a tender let for a connecting service from Bo'ness out of X19 to the places that will lose out?

 

[overthewater]

This may have past a few people:

PM0000002/334 - LOTHIAN BUSES LIMITED, 55 ANNANDALE STREET, EDINBURGH, EH7 4AZ
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Waterloo Place, Edinburgh
Finish Point: Barnton Junction, Edinburgh
Via: Princes Street, Queensferry Street, Dean Bridge, Queensferry Road, Blackhall
Service Number: 43
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 22-APR-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday

Its anyone's guess, what the deal is with this.

From Stagecoach East Scotland Facebook page: In-connection with service no40

ATTENTION QUEENSFERRY AND EDINBURGH RESIDENTS! - We're holding a family launch event for the new 40/40A Queensferry - Edinburgh route this Saturday 1st March, before it begins service on Monday.

Come along to Hawes Pier car park this Saturday between 10am and 2pm to see the vehicles we'll be using on the route, learn more about the journey and our range of fares and tickets, and of course we'll be answering any questions you may have.

It's fun for all the family as there'll be a bouncy castle and some kids entertainment as well as some free goodies!

We hope to see you there!

 

[DunsBus]

Stagecoach East Scotland E300s 27603-27611 have now been branded for the new Edinburgh-South Queensferry service 40/40A. A public launch will be held at Hawes Brae in South Queensferry, next to the Forth Bridge, between 10am and 2pm this coming Saturday (1st March) ahead of the service starting on Monday.

 

[overthewater]

I dare say everyone is still wondering why Lothian has registered a No43 within the city.

 

[GaryMcEwan]

Not East Scotland related, but it looks like Western/Glasgow are getting Stagecoach Smart soon. Saw a poster on the X19 saying that its on the way.

 

[DunsBus]

I dare say everyone is still wondering why Lothian has registered a No43 within the city.

Revenue protection. It's actually nothing new as Lothian did the same against SMT in the years following deregulation by registering services which duplicated parts of the SMT city ones. When a small independent started running over part of the service 10 route in 1992, Lothian ran a bus in front of and behind his departures and eventually ran him off the road and out of town.

There is a story which I've heard that Lothian are not allowed to run out to South Queensferry after one of their buses pranged the Earl of Rosebery's car. Apparently Lothian refused to admit liability so the Earl took matters into his own hands and banned them from ever running to South Queensferry again. I believe Earls have a huge amount of power so there may be some truth in it.

 

[david16]

Just because you live in South Queensferry and Kirkliston doesn't mean you are fully entitled to the pay the same fare charged everywhere else in the M zone just because you live in the Edinburgh Council area.

 

[Stan Drews]

I dare say everyone is still wondering why Lothian has registered a No43 within the city.

It's certainly interesting that they appear to think Stagecoach pose a greater threat to their business than First. I'd have thought bolstering the 41 might have been a more cost effective measure, but I suppose time will tell

 

[Volvodart]

Photos of the branding are starting to appear:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/brucekitchener/12853406174/

 

[317 forever]

I had noticed how First route 43 to South Queensferry does not tie in with a wider First network (eg Falkirk or Livingston) as such, and now First feel the same, judging by this quote above.

"These services are somewhat remote to our core business and the cost of running operations in the area is becoming increasingly challenging."

By the way, are the Kinetics now in Fife due for any route in particular?

 

[Blindtraveler]

anyone any idea how 40/40a are doing?

 

[Liam]

I was in Edinburgh on Thursday, saw one city-bound at Queensferry Street which was empty, another heading out had a few people onboard. Numbers will pick up when First finally pull out.

http://www.theedinburghreporter.co....south-queenferry-service-a-refreshing-change/

There's at least one happy customer.

 

[mbonwick]

17037/61 have headed south to Cumbria & North Lancs, with former Northampton darts 34586/7 going the other way.

 

[GaryMcEwan]

17037/61 have headed south to Cumbria & North Lancs, with former Northampton darts 34586/7 going the other way.

Oooft, good luck to them with 17061, that one unbelievably slow Trident. It had be the worst bus that Perth had in it's fleet...

 

[Blindtraveler]

give it 1 run on the 300 and it'll be an insurance job lol. Wonder where it'll end up?

 

[Stan Drews]

17037/61 have headed south to Cumbria & North Lancs, with former Northampton darts 34586/7 going the other way.

It's actually 17060 (from A/hill) that went south, not Perth's 17061.
They've gone to Northampton in exchange for the darts, but think they stopped off at Kendal on the way.

 

[Jamester]

It's actually 17060 (from A/hill) that went south, not Perth's 17061.
They've gone to Northampton in exchange for the darts, but think they stopped off at Kendal on the way.

17060 isn't too bad, certainly not the worst 17 trident in Fife! It's too old for Fife now, but being wheelchair accessible, it makes sense to move it to another area if there's still life left in it.

 

[mbonwick]

It's actually 17060 (from A/hill) that went south, not Perth's 17061.
They've gone to Northampton in exchange for the darts, but think they stopped off at Kendal on the way.

You are of course correct on both counts. Think I'm starting to suffer from fat finger syndrome - I definitely intended to type 17060!

 

[overthewater]

It’s becoming a real mix bag between Service 40/a and 43. During the day neither bus is carrying a full load. No43 is still getting passengers mainly because it operates every 20mins though Dalmeny, but still only a hand full.
40A out of Queensferry (ie the one via the M90) is picking up passengers, and a lot of people seem to like the fast journey times.

Some of the locals people in dalmeny are saying No40 should operate just like the no43, but look where that got first, all these years.

The biggest concerns when the No43 is withdrawn are:
• Journeys time to the Local High school and primary school, don’t match up.
• A one hour gap via Dalmeny between 17.30 – 18.30, Towards Edinburgh.
• No40 does not operate into Tesco on a Sunday.

I can see the first two being dealt with, but to allow the No40/A to operate via Tesco on a Sunday would require addition bus, which I can’t see happening at the moment. It could do with operating via Tesco later into the evening mind you.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I forgot to say I've found this link, a couple of days ago: http://www.ciltuk.org.uk/Membership/ProfessionalSectorsForums/YoungProfessionals.aspx

If you click on this link you will get the presentation Andrew Jarvis did at the Conference
http://www.ciltuk.org.uk/Portals/0/...- Andrew Jarvis, Stagecoach East Scotland.pdf

It seems the NHS is paying for the X27 to go via the Forth Valley hospital.

 

[david16]

It’s becoming a real mix bag between Service 40/a and 43. During the day neither bus is carrying a full load. No43 is still getting passengers mainly because it operates every 20mins though Dalmeny, but still only a hand full.
40A out of Queensferry (ie the one via the M90) is picking up passengers, and a lot of people seem to like the fast journey times.

Some of the locals people in dalmeny are saying No40 should operate just like the no43, but look where that got first, all these years.

The biggest concerns when the No43 is withdrawn are:
• Journeys time to the Local High school and primary school, don’t match up.
• A one hour gap via Dalmeny between 17.30 – 18.30, Towards Edinburgh.
• No40 does not operate into Tesco on a Sunday.

I can see the first two being dealt with, but to allow the No40/A to operate via Tesco on a Sunday would require addition bus, which I can’t see happening at the moment. It could do with operating via Tesco later into the evening mind you.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I forgot to say I've found this link, a couple of days ago: http://www.ciltuk.org.uk/Membership/ProfessionalSectorsForums/YoungProfessionals.aspx

If you click on this link you will get the presentation Andrew Jarvis did at the Conference
http://www.ciltuk.org.uk/Portals/0/...- Andrew Jarvis, Stagecoach East Scotland.pdf

It seems the NHS is paying for the X27 to go via the Forth Valley hospital.

If A zone area passengers buy a First4week ticket through M ticketing or a FirstYear ticket online then a return Glasgow on the Stagecoach X27 from the hospital in Larbert it would be a cheap day out. St Andrews, Leven and Kirkcaldy are good days out as well. It's only one change of bus at Larbert or Kincardine after all.

A First X38/Stagecoach X27 combo is a far quicker, a far more comfortable and a cheaper journey from Falkirk Town Centre to Glasgow than First's X37 Falkirk to Glasgow. I highly doubt that First's X37 loadings all the way from Falkirk Town Centre to Glasgow on such a long winded journey on uncomfortable firm seated older bus has as good a loadings as the X38/X27 combo now.

The only stops passengers going from Larbert to Glasgow on the X27 have to contend with is Cumbernauld Town Centre and 3 sets of traffic lights in Glasgow City Centre. No having to stop at these traffic lights at Moodiesburn and Muirhead and all these dozens of stops for passengers getting on and off the bus post Bonnybridge the way the X37 is.