Stagecoach MCSL - Chester & Wirral Depots

[chester285]

RE: Stagecoach Chester & Wirral

(29/01/2018 10:27)iMarkeh Wrote:  I can't see much that has changed with Stagecoach in Chester.
26 (6) round Belgrave Rd was withdrawn
15 has gradually decreased in frequency (surely would have been a joint decision with Arriva)
51 reduced to half hourly (and has caused increase in journey time)
5 increased in frequency (due to funding from housing development near Rake & Pikel)
7 & 9 decreased (unsure why) and route 9 for some odd reason re-routed (I thought it was only temporary while Westminster Rd bridge was sorted)

On the whole, apart from a few minor changes, I can't see anything big that has happened. Route 1 is on the same frequency and route 2 is now Stagecoach exclusive. The majority of the time First operated, there were in competition. They had to try and win customers. By the time of the sale to Stagecoach, the partnerships had come into place calming things down.

The biggest change since Stagecoach came in is the contract wins and the X8 introduction. I don't know if it is just pot luck that more companies are ceasing trading/withdrawing services now compared to when First operated but if that is the case, there wouldnt have been many contracts up for grabs.
The X8 is a fantastic route especially now it has the normal Enviro400s back. It was a really good call. A big risk but it has definitely paid off. Just a shame it isn't a little quicker as I think a lot more people would use it. The Zoo stop seems somewhat underused apart from the summer. I would personally have reverted to the old Chester - Cheshire Oaks route in the winter via the M53 but there will be reasons for not changing it. The morning trips I see quite a few people boarding even at the train station which is an interesting stop (given the train is quicker and car parking costs around the station are quite high).

Your contradicting yourself a bit there, in one paragraph your saying you can't see anything big has happened and yet in another you saying the biggest change since stagecoach came in was the introduction of the X8 I would say that was a big change for Stagecoach in Chester!

There may not have been significant changes to routes other than those you have mentioned and I'm sure there is a plausible reason as for why Stagecoach have made those changes, but look at the investment as a whole that has been made since taking over from First, bringing in brand new 67 plates for the 471/472, 16 plates for the Chester Park & Rides and 65 plates for the 1 & 2 that's something First weren't very forth coming with (I think the only Investment they made was the 14 B7 RLES for the retained Park & Ride Contract). Ok Chester hasn't seen the level of brand new vehicles like Rockferry has seen, but they are operating newer vehicles than the rubbish first operated. It certainly is a step in the right direction