Belle Vue Coaches

[plaxtonpointer11]

RE: Belle Vue Coaches
The 891 doesn’t get many on… around 17-22 typically. When we did it about 10 years ago as the 391 under contract to TfGM it was about 60 pax. Like you say it changes. I think with Poynton High being in Cheshire East, they’re focusing more on Cheshire East residents than Greater Manchester residents for their catchment area. Children in the Hazel Grove area always have access to the PHS1, 2, 3 & 6 buses should the 891 get busy - however that is of no concern yet.

Middlewood can be a pain to turn around at but it’s workable. Poynton Town Council & Cheshire East Council are extremely helpful when it comes to me reporting any awkwardly parked vehicles.

The passengers love the Mellor at the minute, more than the MMC’s. Mainly due to the air conditioning and USB’s at every seat etc… These Mellors operate at 20MPG which compared to 9MPG is a massive financial benefit.

Given the nature of the route, I’m sure anyone that’s been on it for the full route will agree that the Mellors are suitable because of their manoeuvrability. Whilst the MMC’s look pretty and are more bus like, they bounce all over the place and ground out too often. You’ll see the front corners are often taped up as they crack from grounding out often - we’ve already had to replace these several times. Sometimes you drive them slow and they still ground out. The Voith gearboxes on them sometimes don’t make the journey comfortable either. But I won’t knock them too much as they have done us well.