Autumn 2018 service changes/cuts

[AdamH]

...under Service 32 it says 'Most journeys that previously showed route numbers 52, 53, 54, 332 & 333 will now operate as route 32 ' which gives the impression that most buses on those routes past St Peters or Baynhall are being withdrawn. I presume that is what we're looking at if the Council don't come up with the money.

You presume correctly.

[AdamH]

...Also found a leaflet in my collection from 2003 with the 33N and 37N Fri and Sat night services. How things change over the years!

I remember them! They didn't last very long though. The union at the time insisted on security on the buses and the extra cost made the routes uneconomical.

PS.. AdamV, have you changed your phone number? I've been trying to contact you.

[TimBrown]

"Our Tim" will be impressed by these service withdrawals ! -- NOT !!

Yes I am well impressed that the 06-40 no. 37 from New Inn Ombersley Road into Crowngate has been withdrawn; it normally takes between 3 and 5 passengers at the New Inn and picks up at other stops into the City, many travel on by train to employment at Birmingham University. I reckon the 07-25 will be too late for them so First will lose those people and the return patronage in the late afternoon and evening so it is one big downward spiral. Other services share the same fate of early morning and late afternoon withdrawals, but worst of all I can't blame it on making profits for the shareholders as First have not paid a dividend since 2013. Anyone travelling back to Ombersley Road after 17-50 will have to catch Diamond's 18-35 303, assuming that hasn't been withdrawn as well. Of course any First Bus return tickets and passes will not be accepted on that service, I ought to use a few four letter expletives but will settle for one comment "It is just not good enough". No wonder Worcester City is jammed with cars and taxis.

[bmmoboy]

Absolutely correct Tim - we are not running a Public Service, but a Shareholders Service - the worst thing ever done was privatisation of bus services in the 1980s

[Adam V]

...Also found a leaflet in my collection from 2003 with the 33N and 37N Fri and Sat night services. How things change over the years!

I remember them! They didn't last very long though. The union at the time insisted on security on the buses and the extra cost made the routes uneconomical.

PS.. AdamV, have you changed your phone number? I've been trying to contact you.

Sent you a personal message Adam.

[willr7]

I’m not liking the sound of these changes so far...

[DD12]

If Worcestershire C.Council gave a subsidy for a network south of Worcester at a similar level to what Herefordshire Council are providing for the East Herefordshire "Village Links" network, then presumably First would be happy to run it (?)

I would like First to be able to gain more profitable schools work in South Worcestershire, as those contracts expire, and run them as public services, and use those buses and drivers to provide rural services before and after.

[AdamH]

If Worcestershire C.Council gave a subsidy for a network south of Worcester at a similar level to what Herefordshire Council are providing for the East Herefordshire "Village Links" network, then presumably First would be happy to run it (?)

Yes, but so would Aston’s, Diamond, LMS, etc. and they all have lower overheads than First so will be able to do the job at a much lower cost.

[DD12]

Yes, but so would Aston’s, Diamond, LMS, etc. and they all have lower overheads than First so will be able to do the job at a much lower cost.

Presumably, when Giles Fearnley visited the other day, he brought a big pair of scissors with him !

[MattW]

Out here in the boondocks I'm expecting them to drop to one service per full moon. Does anyone on here drive through Welland? I can't remember the last time I saw anybody at a stop in the village.