Stagecoach West Scotland

[Scotrail314209]

Exactly 3 years ago I stayed for a week in the Station Hotel in Dumfries and travelled around Dumfries and Galloway using a Stagecoach 7 Day Megarider Ticket. Great value and a good way to explore the region by bus. It’s something I was intending doing again but the cuts in Stagecoach services makes this far less attractive and potentially quite expensive if you have to begin travelling on buses operated by numerous small companies. With the very reduced timetable on the 500 between Dumfries and Stranraer and the changes in operator of the 502A to Kircudbright it will make travel beyond Castle Dougla quite limited without paying for additional tickets. There used to be a multi operator day ticket called the Dumfries and Galloway Discovery Ticket but I can’t find that advertised anywhere so presume it no longer is available. Sadly I don’t think I will now be returning later this year as originally planned.

I don't particularly like the 500 service atm. The vast majority of the time it runs with Enviro 300s instead of a coach, not suitable for that route.

 

[ChrisC]

I don't particularly like the 500 service atm. The vast majority of the time it runs with Enviro 300s instead of a coach, not suitable for that route.

That’s not good but it’s the 4 hour gap in the morning from Dumfries to Stranraer and then the 4 hour gap in the afternoon in the opposite direction that puts me off. Absolutely useless if visiting the area and you want to stop off for a couple of hours at somewhere like Threave Gardens or Gatehouse of Fleet.

 

[Blindtraveler]

I would contact Dumfries and Galloway council about the explorer ticket promo. My parents, who live in the area, say that the council has been very slow in re-advertising any products or services that might appeal to visitors since the pandemic, so the ticket could well still exist but not be being advertised actively at the moment.

 

[Strathclyder]

That had completely escaped my memory! Now that you post that link I remember the pocketing of concessionary fares. Harte also didn't have a depot by that time, parking it's buses in the container yard at Greenock port, and had 2 Citaros and that weird MAN/Fast Syter thing.

(OT) YN10 FNW, which eventually ended up with McGill's as their 0710, along with the two Citaros you mention (they had four of those in total). Believe it sat at Blythswood Motors for a while after Hartes' demise before McGill's bought it at a knockdown price.

 

[AlexanderPS]

That had completely escaped my memory! Now that you post that link I remember the pocketing of concessionary fares. Harte also didn't have a depot by that time, parking it's buses in the container yard at Greenock port, and had 2 Citaros and that weird MAN/Fast Syter thing.

There were 4 Citaros in total: GK04NWX, BU06CTE/HSV & BL57OXH all of which ended up at McGills.

 

[Scotrail314209]

Using the 1535 X36 from Ardrossan to Glasgow. I’d estimate we have about 13 on atm, and we’ve only just left Stevenston.

I agree that this route would probably suit using Enviro 300s, me and my Mum were talking about it today and even she agrees that it should be a single decker.

Stagecoach could redeploy the Enviro 400s on the very busy 585 service, which more than needs a double decker.

 

[overthewater]

What about Off peak Ie between 10am and 3pm what is the loadings like?

 

[Scotrail314209]

What about Off peak Ie between 10am and 3pm what is the loadings like?

Again roughly the same, the flows tend to be Garnock Valley - Three Towns or Garnock Valley - Glasgow.

People get off then get on heading to Glasgow, but it’s used.

 

[overthewater]

I wonder if Stagecoach are playing politics here to get some extra cash?

 

[ClydeCoaster]

Next to an X36 on the M8 just now, it's Ardrossan bound, granted its peak time but the downstairs is full and there's a healthy load up top. Axing the whole thing seems very unnecessary. It's an Eleven branded E400MMC which as we know is not suited to that type of work, while two Scania deckers are on the 18...

 

[Scotrail314209]

Next to an X36 on the M8 just now, it's Ardrossan bound, granted its peak time but the downstairs is full and there's a healthy load up top. Axing the whole thing seems very unnecessary. It's an Eleven branded E400MMC which as we know is not suited to that type of work, while two Scania deckers are on the 18...

Peak journeys have always been busy, thats why I think it's silly to axe the whole thing.

Perhaps double deckers in the peak but single off peak?

I find that the double deckers would be better off on the 585 rather than the 18.

I had an MMC back from Glasgow recently, it absolutely flew along at 62mph.

 

[Bus Lightyear]

Perhaps double deckers in the peak but single off peak?

That would incur a very hefty increase in operating costs.

It's an Eleven branded E400MMC which as we know is not suited to that type of work

I find the MMCs to be better suited on mid to long distance high speed work than the stop-start nature of the city work.

 

[Trnsprt4Sctlnd]

That would incur a very hefty increase in operating costs.


I find the MMCs to be better suited on mid to long distance high speed work than the stop-start nature of the city work.

It seems this way but consistent high speed service work takes its toll on the MMC integral heavily if not enough preventive maintenance is carried out in them, something Stagecoach lacks.

 

[Christmas]

The first mistake was putting service buses on the North Ayrshire Express routes while the Kilmarnock, Ayr and Cumnock services all got substantial investment in new coaches.

Apart from entirely the wrong vehicle type for the X34 and X36, Stagecoach first cut the evening service right back so that a day in Glasgow including socialising before getting a bus home became impossible. This was compounded by cutting the night bus X36 and removing the Friday night (Sat AM), leaving only the Saturday night bus. I was a regular on these night buses and they were very busy. Admittedly after leaving the Garnock Valley the bus was empty.
Secondly, the ridiculous combining of the 25 service with the X36.when the 25 gets to Beith it suddenly becomes an X36, but you'd never know that until it actually happens or you studied the timetables, which I might add are practically impossible to comprehend.

It just seems like Stagecoach tried everything in their power to drive customers away!

 

[markymark2000]

The first mistake was putting service buses on the North Ayrshire Express routes while the Kilmarnock, Ayr and Cumnock services all got substantial investment in new coaches.

Apart from entirely the wrong vehicle type for the X34 and X36, Stagecoach first cut the evening service right back so that a day in Glasgow including socialising before getting a bus home became impossible. This was compounded by cutting the night bus X36 and removing the Friday night (Sat AM), leaving only the Saturday night bus. I was a regular on these night buses and they were very busy. Admittedly after leaving the Garnock Valley the bus was empty.
Secondly, the ridiculous combining of the 25 service with the X36.when the 25 gets to Beith it suddenly becomes an X36, but you'd never know that until it actually happens or you studied the timetables, which I might add are practically impossible to comprehend.

It just seems like Stagecoach tried everything in their power to drive customers away!

The thing with night buses is that often the trip into the city will be either a dead run or will run in service but will be empty so the trip out of the city has to cover the costs of both ways. Add into that if you say the bus was empty after Garnock Valley, they were relying on those passengers to cover a huge amount of cost. Night buses are always difficult to make pay unless there is two way demand. For a night bus like that to work, you need a depot closer like McGills.

 

[sannox]

https://twitter.com/Anthea_Dickson/status/1539303613494968322

x34/x36 'basic' service to be restored until October on a use it or lose it basis.

Heading to the
@BDistrictcc
public meeting re the proposal to terminate X34& X36 bus routes. I’ve just heard that these routes are saved following discussions with
@scotgov
ministers. Network Support Grant will be extended to 01Oct22 & the coy will seek to retain a basic service.

 

[overthewater]

Yet Stagecoach are not saying it will be restored until October; what is the real story? It would seem all the other cuts are still going ahead?

ServiceUpdatesArticle

www.stagecoachbus.com

From 17th July 2022, the Services X34 and X36 Ardrossan - Glasgow will no longer operate.

Update 22nd June 2022:

Representatives from Stagecoach West Scotland have met with a number of local MSPs to discuss the timetable changes from July.

Following discussions, we have committed to looking into whether there could be an opportunity to support a more limited connection service between Beith and Glasgow. No decision has been taken at this point regarding the introduction of a reduced or basic timetable, the X34/X36 remains unviable, and we must ensure that we have the most suitable bus networks in place for the long term.

The future scope of the local bus network depends on people in local communities supporting the viability of services by using them, and by switching from car to greener public transport as much as possible.

We will keep customers and stakeholders informed once our assessment work has been completed.

 

[Scotrail314209]

Yet Stagecoach are not saying it restored until October, what is the real story? It would seem all the other cuts are still going ahead?

ServiceUpdatesArticle

www.stagecoachbus.com

I do think if the X36 is retained, it'll likely be a Garnock Valley - Glasgow service only. The wording sounds like they want to drop the section into Kilwinning and the Three Towns.

 

[mb88]

501 and 101/102 to be cancelled from August. It’s not been made clear, but from my understanding it’s only the D&G portion of the 101/102 that has had its funding removed so presumably the service from Biggar to Edinburgh will still operate. I do wonder if Stagecoach will continue to operate the outstation at Biggar as logistically it may create a few problems if nothing is now going in service onwards to Dumfries. Not sure how this operation works in practice at the moment, I know there are drivers based at Biggar but presumably they have to go to Dumfries to cash in etc?

Brakes put on bus routes - DNG Online Limited

Two bus services including, the 502 service to Castle Douglas and the 101/102 services to Edinburgh, are being scrapped following a decision made by Stagecoach.

www.dng24.co.uk

BUS services across Dumfries and Galloway are being kicked to the kerb.

Two bus services including, the 502 service to Castle Douglas and the 101/102 services to Edinburgh, are being scrapped following a decision made by Stagecoach.

The move has captured the attention of residents, councillors and politicians.

And MSPs Emma Harper, Christine Grahame and Màiri McAllan are banding together to seek immediate clarity from Stagecoach, SWestrans, Dumfries and Galloway Council and SPT.

South Scotland MSP Emma Harper yesterday said: “I have been contacted by constituents about the decision which has been taken by SWestrans to terminate the 101 and 102 bus services from Dumfries to Edinburgh as of August 14 this year.

“I share my constituents’ concerns and I am working with my colleagues Christine Grahame MSP and Màiri McAllan MSP for Clydesdale to see a solution to this decision as it impacts on their areas as well.”

Meanwhile, Locharbriggs and Heathhall residents have started an online petition to bring back the services, stating that the lack of public transport excludes them from the rest of the town.

 

[Volvodart]

501 and 101/102 to be cancelled from August. It’s not been made clear, but from my understanding it’s only the D&G portion of the 101/102 that has had its funding removed so presumably the service from Biggar to Edinburgh will still operate.

It appears that the whole thing has been cancelled, unless new registrations appear:-

Registration number	Operator name	Service number	Start point	Finish point
PM0000008/539 Cancellation	WESTERN BUSES LIMITED	102 (102, 102S)	Dumfries	Thornhill
PM0000008/541 Cancellation	WESTERN BUSES LIMITED	102_1 (102, 102S)	Thornhill Cross	Abington
PM0000008/507 Cancellation	WESTERN BUSES LIMITED	101_3 (101A, 102, 101S, 102S)	Carlisle Road, Abington	High Street, Biggar
PM0000008/508 Cancellation	WESTERN BUSES LIMITED	101_4 (101A, 102, 101, 101S, 102S)	High Street, Biggar	Gordon Arms Hotel, West Linton
PM0000008/440 Cancellation	WESTERN BUSES LIMITED	101 (101A, 102, 101, 101S, 102S)	West Linton	Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh

 

[GusB]

It has been suggested that the discussion of Edinburgh to Biggar services be moved to a separate thread, which can be found here:

The future of Edinburgh to Biggar Bus Services

It appears that the whole thing has been cancelled, unless new registrations appear:- Registration number Operator name Service number Start point Finish point PM0000008/539 Cancellation WESTERN BUSES LIMITED 102 (102, 102S) Dumfries Thornhill PM0000008/541 Cancellation WESTERN BUSES...

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[Scotrail314209]

X36 Ardrossan to Glasgow service saved. Morning and evening peak journeys retained from Ardrossan and the Three Towns to Glasgow via the Garnock Valley. The service will terminate in Dalry during other times.

Stagecoach has now offered more detail on what that service will look like, with a spokesperson telling the Herald that the company is "committed to keeping local communities connected".

A statement said: "We acknowledge the feedback from residents in the Garnock Valley and we recognise the renewed commitment from the local community to utilise a bus service between the Garnock Valley and Glasgow.


"From July 17, we will introduce a revised timetable which will operate morning and evening peak time journeys between Ardrossan and Glasgow.

"During the main part of the day the X36 will operate an hourly service between Dalry and Glasgow.

"Those travelling between the Garnock Valley and Irvine or the Three Towns can use the local 25 and 11 services.

"We will continue to closely monitor the performance of the route over the coming months to ensure that it is sustainable.

Stagecoach confirms 'revised timetable' for under-threat X34 and X36 services

CLARITY has been provided on the future of "lifeline" bus services in North Ayrshire that were set to be scrapped from next week.

www.ardrossanherald.com

No news on weekend services. And judging from the article, it looks like the X34 is gone.

 

[overthewater]

So the X16 isn't saved and nor is the X28, so Stagecoach doesn't believe the funding will make much difference. Looks like off peak is being set up to fail.

 

[Sprinter156]

When I use the x16 (admittedly only throughout Ayr) I usually find it busy, I'm still surprised they're axing it.

 

[Scotrail314209]

Has anyone else noticed that the driver shortages around West Scotland seemed to worsen recently? Today I spent about 30 minutes waiting for a bus from Saltcoats to Kilmarnock, when it should be every 10. Even tonight, the 11 service from Kilmarnock to Ardrossan was cancelled at 20:00, 20:35 and 20:55, meaning there were only two buses at 20:15 and 21:15.

I can’t remember it being this bad.

 

[Sprinter156]

Has anyone else noticed that the driver shortages around West Scotland seemed to worsen recently? Today I spent about 30 minutes waiting for a bus from Saltcoats to Kilmarnock, when it should be every 10. Even tonight, the 11 service from Kilmarnock to Ardrossan was cancelled at 20:00, 20:35 and 20:55, meaning there were only two buses at 20:15 and 21:15.

I can’t remember it being this bad.

My local route (58/60) was affected quite badly for months but the service here is finally stable again, although after the new timetable the 1920 from Ayr will be removed creating a 2 hr gap from 1820-2020.

 

[Scotrail314209]

New revised X36 timetable now up.

ServiceUpdatesArticle

www.stagecoachbus.com

From 17th July 2022, Service X34 will no longer operate, and a revised timetable will operate for Service X36 between Ardrossan and Glasgow from 17th July 2022.

Update 06th July 2022

We are committed to keeping local communities connected and acknowledge the feedback from Garnock Valley Residents. We recognise the commitment from the local community to utilise a bus service between Garnock Valley and Glasgow. From 17th July, we will introduce a revised timetable with a morning and evening peak service between Ardrossan and Glasgow, off-peak the X36 will operate hourly between Glasgow and Dalry.

We will continue to closely monitor the performance of the route over the coming months to ensure that it can be sustainable.

The future scope of the local bus network depends on people in local communities supporting the viability of services by using them, and by switching from car to greener public transport as much as possible.

A copy of the revised timetable from 17th July can be downloaded here

Alternative Local Services

We would encourage customers to use local services wherever possible around the Garnock Valley between Bourtreehill and Beith.

In addition to the revised X36 timetable, we have been in further discussions with SPT and will introduce a small number of additional early morning services on the 25 and as an extra X36A (Sunday only) which Stagecoach West Scotland will operate under contract.

Please check back for a revised 25 timetable.

Remember to check this page or use our journey planner before you set off as updates may be made from time to time.

For help planning your journey, contact Traveline Scotland on 0871 200 22 33

There are only two peak journeys from Ardrossan - Garnock - Glasgow on a Monday to Friday leaving at 05:55 and and 06:40, compared to the current four. The last bus from Dalry to Glasgow is 15:32 instead of 20:07, with the last bus from Glasgow - Garnock - Ardrossan being 17:15 instead of 21:15.

On Saturdays, the first bus is 06:40 from Ardrossan with one at 07:55 then nothing for the rest of the day. The last bus is still 15:32 from Dalry, with a 17:15 departure from Glasgow.

Sundays now have an earlier 'X36A' journey from Ardrossan to Glasgow departing at 05:45 compared to 06:00, with nothing until 09:10 and then 11:32, 13:32 and 15:32 from Dalry. There is one departure from Glasgow to Kilwinning at 07:05, with it then being 10:40, 12:40 and 14:40 to Dalry, with the last bus being 17:15 (runs to Ardrossan).

Still not great, but it's something.

Stagecoach are still encouraging local Three Towns - Garnock Valley passengers to use the 11 and 25 for local travel.

 

[overthewater]

I see extra journeys will also be added to 25 under contract to SPT, Makes you wonder has the train taken most of the passengers away from Ardrossan and Kilwinning areas?

 

[Scotrail314209]

I see extra journeys will also be added to 25 under contract to SPT, Makes you wonder has the train taken most of the passengers away from Ardrossan and Kilwinning areas?

The current last X36 is actually later than the last train from Glasgow right now!

I haven't really seen a difference in the trains being busy, but that may be due to the fact theres significantly more 6 and 7 car services under the temporary timetable.

 

[PaulMc7]

The replies on Twitter to the new timetable are as negative as I expected to be honest. It was fairly predictable.