Stagecoach had little effect on the independents on this side of the water so I really don't see how that side would be any different. There is more scope for bus operations on this side anyway I would say.
(05/12/2012 22:48)First Class Wrote: [ -> ]I don't think anyone will be missing Impera in Liverpool!
I do hope they get a grip of themselves and really sort their operations out. Great to have independents, but they need to be inventive, committed and continually invest in their operations, especially into long term assets like their vehicles.
Okay buying a few third/fouth hand buses and starting a couple of services, but if they want to get passengers on their buses, they need to become a lot more attractive to their potential customers. Modern buses, reliable timetables, good value fares and well trained, customer focused staff are essential to their survival.
It will be interesting to see if Stagecoach have much of an effect.
In fairness there buses are modern. After all until the turn of the year ACE & HTL were using buses older than Impera's typical fleet, Cumfy still have S & T reg solos out as well. A passenger will 1) Be happy to see a bus turn up (hopefully on time) and 2) Hope it is easily accessible which their buses are. The timetables are also set by Merseytravel on the 130/210/250 so that is a bit unfair.
Noticed a Volvo Olympian Alexander Royale on the 164/165 yesterday evening, can't remember which one, but it was carrying fresh air.
The evening 39 is reintorudced from January every hour
(06/12/2012 19:23)mr t Wrote: [ -> ]The evening 39 is reintorudced from January every hour
Surely not when the Liverpool services cease
(06/12/2012 19:45)First Class Wrote: [ -> ] (06/12/2012 19:23)mr t Wrote: [ -> ]The evening 39 is reintorudced from January every hour
Surely not when the Liverpool services cease
This is probably because they struggle to have enough buses for their evening services, so they'll have enough when they aren't running as many...?!
So what if they introduce a service when they give up the Liverpool contracts? What you want them do no start a new route for the remainder of the 130/210/250 contracts? They have given the contracts back correctly and will in the long run be better for the tax payer as the routes will have a home operator who won't have issues replacing breakdowns such as the Mersey Tunnel offers now. Thus services will run thus tax payer gets what they pay for. Impera then run a route they have full control over and get a income to then invest in the "modern" buses you want them to get.
(06/12/2012 23:27)ste Wrote: [ -> ]So what if they introduce a service when they give up the Liverpool contracts? What you want them do no start a new route for the remainder of the 130/210/250 contracts? They have given the contracts back correctly and will in the long run be better for the tax payer as the routes will have a home operator who won't have issues replacing breakdowns such as the Mersey Tunnel offers now. Thus services will run thus tax payer gets what they pay for. Impera then run a route they have full control over and get a income to then invest in the "modern" buses you want them to get.
Can't fault this!
(06/12/2012 23:27)ste Wrote: [ -> ]So what if they introduce a service when they give up the Liverpool contracts? What you want them do no start a new route for the remainder of the 130/210/250 contracts? They have given the contracts back correctly and will in the long run be better for the tax payer as the routes will have a home operator who won't have issues replacing breakdowns such as the Mersey Tunnel offers now. Thus services will run thus tax payer gets what they pay for. Impera then run a route they have full control over and get a income to then invest in the "modern" buses you want them to get.
You have Hit the nail on the head. To be fair I think Impera are coming in for a bit too much criticism as of late and lets be honest the routes 130/210 etc were not exactly the rub of the green for a company based in Moreton. That's not to say they are not in for criticism as all companies will get there critics and some routes that they may withdraw or change , but at the end of the day Impera started with Lances, an Excel and numerous step entrance Double Deckers , now they have acceptable buses with the possibly of new vehicles joining, can't see much else we would want really.
Impera have received a formal section 17 warning from Vosa at the end of October, probably why they took the deciision to axe the Liverpool services