Service uplift (Cheltenham to Gloucester)

[AdamH]

It been a long battle, but Service 94 running between Cheltenham and Gloucester is finally returning to pre-Covid frequency levels, from 7th January 2024.

The frequency has been sat at 6 buses an hour for a while now, but from the above date it will go to 8 buses an hour. This is a 24-hour service, with 4 buses an hour in the evenings and 2 buses a hour between 2300 and 0600.

Historically the majority of the journeys ran as Service 94 via Churchdown, but now a much higher proportion will run as Service 94X, which uses the A40 dual carriageway to bypass Churchdown and provide an Express service. The 94X reduces journey time by about 11 minutes compared with the 94.

While Cheltenham depot still have their fleet of "Gold" 66-reg ADL Enviro400MMC for use on this route, some are on loan to Bristol depot so standard double-decks are frequently used as a replacement. There is still a general shortage of double-deck buses within the Stagecoach group, so if you're really unlucky you may even see a single-deck being used!

Link to new timetable here... https://midlandred.net/public/94_240107.pdf

[JustinTyme]

Well, Cheltenham to Glucester should be a good bus corridor but this is really impressive. It's a much better frequency than when I rode on an FLF on the 549 in Bristol Omnibus days circa 1979!

Is it increased loadings or more drivers recruited that has brought this about - or both?

[AdamH]

I used it last night to get into Cheltenham Town Centre to meet friends for Christmas drinks. It was one of the Gold double-decks and we had almost a full seated load when we arrived in Cheltenham. Admittedly it's Christmas and the uplift hasn't started yet, but that was still a bit of a surprise at that time of day.

The 94/94X isn't the only link between Cheltenham and Gloucester either. If you don't mind a longer journey there is also the 10, 97, 98, and 99. The 99 is run under contract by Pulhams and also serves the Hospitals and Park and Ride site. The other 3 routes are run by Stagecoach and make an additional 9 buses an hour combined during peak times.

[AdamH]

Is it increased loadings or more drivers recruited that has brought this about - or both?

Both. There is still a shortage of drivers, but it's no way near as bad as it was this time last year.