markymark2000
On Moderation
Right now, I think depsite the lower usage, bus operators and councils/PTEs don't want to withdraw any services. The most efficient way of doing all this is by reducing frequencies to 2 hourly. Elderly are still going out to shop.There seem to be a significant number of Diamond buses trundling around Altrincham at the moment carrying fresh air, although I did see one passenger on route 282 to Oldfield Brow (currently running 2 hourly) the other day.
I would have thought that TfGM should stop funding all subsidised routes for the duration of the current Covid-19 crisis, and stop permanently all subsidies for evening bus services, as Cheshire East Council has done.
As for evening buses, TFGMs issue here is a lot of routes interwork at nights so while 1 route might be dead, another might be busy and serve hospitals and other places which are still open which everyone wants to keep serving for key workers.
I would argue some changed to tendered buses should be made to make the network smarter or simpler at this time even if it means some people have longer journeys, if it means a route can be withdrawn but all areas served, I think that would be wise. For example, does Altrincham really need both the 283 and 284 every 2 hours? Just make one of the routes hourly. It's a 30 minute round trip, it's not life changing for people. (Or if it's that dead, just run 1 route every 2 hours to reduce the amount of buses out).
TFGM have been wasting bus subsidy money for years, I can't see that changing. Bus franchising is mainly being spearheaded by Andy Burnham and local councillors who tell TFGM what to do. TFGM are trying to put franchising in place as well but I wouldn't say they are the ones wasting money.However, TfGM should be trying to reduce bus subsidies and scrap their stupid bus franchising proposals.
The joys of PTEs is wasting money on routes because a local councillor shouts loud enough (even if the buses aren't used) and the fact you have *Insert offensive word here* chiefs and mayors who have no clue transport works, dictating to others how it should be ran. Rather than leaving things to the professionals, they are too busy micromanaging and trying to shaft bus operators at any given opportunity (including the 5mph bus station speed limit which means it can take you a good few minutes just to get out of the bus stations. TFGM are the only place I know in the UK which has such a low speed limit and actively enforces it with fines).