Arriva North West - Winsford Depot

[knutstransport]

RE: Arriva North West - Winsford Depot

(16/12/2019 22:37)dounowhoiam Wrote:  Before the acceleration of the 130 demise (and when it was shared with the Wythenshawe depot) it held the status of Sapphire, was lovely buses and did well despite heavy competition in the Manchester - Parrs Wood corridor. It would have been ideal to run it on a tender agreement for the 44-style route instead of directly competing with the 50, but it's axe to East Didsbury influenced more passengers to go on the train or drive instead.

I do hope that D&G look into the 130 again. Despite the routes (Handforth Dean and Airport) they ran not being commercially viable against Arriva, they have an opportunity to take over and combine with the greater network they now hold in this area (in particular the 88) and hopefully reverse this trend.

Quote from Cheshire East:

"We are disappointed with the decision by the operator to withdraw this commercial bus service.

"We anticipate that other operators will be considering whether to offer services over all or part of the route on a commercial basis. It is important to note that in law the council is unable to intervene in a competitive market."

"We are monitoring the situation and should no alternative commercial offer come forward, we would consider whether there was a case to provide a subsidised service on all, or part of, the route."

Seems to suggest they'll do nothing in the first instance and if none of the operators say they'll register it commercially then the council will look at an emergency tender.