Stagecoach MCSL - Chester & Wirral Depots

[Turbostar]

RE: Stagecoach Chester & Wirral

(27/02/2016 08:12)wirralbus Wrote:  Why have the 1 operate via both tourist destinations then or is it that First then Stagecoach have a contract with Chester Zoo and Cheshire Oaks to provide a bus service to these locations which Arriva are not allowed to operate on to.

Route 1 was created by First as a partial replacement to the old X8 quite a few years back, as well as the former C1 route. At the time, Cheshire Oaks wasn't as big as it is now & the bit to the zoo was operated as part of the original arrangement with Merseyrail as regards through ticketing between their stations & the zoo.

Arriva have never shown an interest in either of these locations, even when they operated some of the local services in Ellesmere Port, but I suspect that's mainly due to a reluctance to start a turf war. Cheshire Oaks certainly is a money spinner.

It could be argued that now the rail-zoo link is done via Chester station & the P&R service, that there isn't the need for a 20 minute headway at the zoo, but it is used by zoo staff throughout the year & seems to do well in good weather & at school holidays. Doubt Arriva will get a sniff of either location unless something dramatic happens in the future.