Cumfybus

[Neoplan N4009]

RE: Cumfybus

(06/10/2012 21:21)V671 DVU Wrote:  Credit to Andy Rigby, Cumfybus have shockingly sold the newer Solos to:

YJ59 PKA/C/D/E to Central Buses, Birmingham.
YJ59 PKK/N/V to West Midlands Special Needs Transport (Ring n Ride),

I heard about this, really bizarre move to me. Only thing I could imagine is The PK59's might be still on finance so it could be cheaper to sell or send them back to a dealer/ other company and save on rental cost = money in the pocket for Cumfy? That's my view on things

[darthblakey]

RE: Cumfybus

(06/10/2012 23:34)Neoplan N4009 Wrote:  

(06/10/2012 21:21)V671 DVU Wrote:  Credit to Andy Rigby, Cumfybus have shockingly sold the newer Solos to:

YJ59 PKA/C/D/E to Central Buses, Birmingham.
YJ59 PKK/N/V to West Midlands Special Needs Transport (Ring n Ride),

I heard about this, really bizarre move to me. Only thing I could imagine is The PK59's might be still on finance so it could be cheaper to sell or send them back to a dealer/ other company and save on rental cost = money in the pocket for Cumfy? That's my view on things

This batch was only leased by Cumfy and yes the costs did not justify them remaining in the fleet with the arrival of the hybrid solos, also demonstrator Dart YX62EEY has been returned to the dealership on friday.

[mathias]

RE: Cumfybus
CUTS, CUTS, CUTS!

Looks like cash-strapped Merseytravel have given-up on their 133-KIRKBY ADMIN/WATERLOO route (previously operated by Stagecoach) and CUMFYBUS are having a crack at commercialising it!

From today, its operated by CUMFY (with higher fares), along with the daytime 135/235-AINTREE STATION/BOOTLE CIRCULAR route (also without subsidy and with higher fares).

Kinda makes me concerned though, I mean if CUMFY can't make a profit on either will they just cancel both routes?
Worrying times.....

[Quackdave]

RE: Cumfybus

(08/10/2012 14:01)mathias Wrote:  CUTS, CUTS, CUTS!

Looks like cash-strapped Merseytravel have given-up on their 133-KIRKBY ADMIN/WATERLOO route (previously operated by Stagecoach) and CUMFYBUS are having a crack at commercialising it!

From today, its operated by CUMFY (with higher fares), along with the daytime 135/235-AINTREE STATION/BOOTLE CIRCULAR route (also without subsidy and with higher fares).

Kinda makes me concerned though, I mean if CUMFY can't make a profit on either will they just cancel both routes?
Worrying times.....

Not really worrying. I think you're mixing up cause and effect. In other words, Merseytravel subsidy has ceased because Cumfybus are operating the routes commercially, not vice versa.

AIUI, Merseytravel only provide services to fill in gaps where a bus service is deemed socially necessary, but no operator is willing to provide one commercially. If Cumfybus choose to operate these services commercially, then Merseytravel cannot provide a subsidised service.

Cumfybus can indeed choose to cancel the routes if they turn out not to be commercially viable - they just have to give due notice to VOSA, six weeks if I remember correctly. But if that happened, then Merseytravel would most likely invite tenders to provide a replacement subsidised service. The 133 in particular serves some places that have no other service at all, and provides several links that would be very long-winded in its absence, so I really cannot envisage it being withdrawn completely.

[james solomon]

RE: Cumfybus
Are all 59 reg solos gone or are YJ59PKF/O/U staying

[V671 DVU]

RE: Cumfybus
The remaining three are awaiting new homes.

[P450 SWX]

RE: Cumfybus
I thought PKU was burnt out?

[P450 SWX]

RE: Cumfybus
No idea which s was sriving but seen a Optare Solo SE on 901 lates tonight
i only seen from back so wounder what dests are

A1A had 901 Leasowe Station via Curlew Way

A2B had either 901 Leasowe Stn or 901 Curlew Way

be intresting to see

[mathias]

RE: Cumfybus

(08/10/2012 15:19)Quackdave Wrote:  

(08/10/2012 14:01)mathias Wrote:  CUTS, CUTS, CUTS!

Looks like cash-strapped Merseytravel have given-up on their 133-KIRKBY ADMIN/WATERLOO route (previously operated by Stagecoach) and CUMFYBUS are having a crack at commercialising it!

From today, its operated by CUMFY (with higher fares), along with the daytime 135/235-AINTREE STATION/BOOTLE CIRCULAR route (also without subsidy and with higher fares).

Kinda makes me concerned though, I mean if CUMFY can't make a profit on either will they just cancel both routes?
Worrying times.....

Not really worrying. I think you're mixing up cause and effect. In other words, Merseytravel subsidy has ceased because Cumfybus are operating the routes commercially, not vice versa.

Interesting point, Dave. CUMFYBUS commercialised the 144/145 route back in 2009 IIRC. So I suppose there's a big advantage in using little fuel-economical Solos.

Either way, I still think Central Government cuts will effect bus operations (and provision) in the near future.

[First Class]

RE: Cumfybus
I find it annoying that the routes haven't been re-numbered.

Usually a 1xx, 2xx or 8xx number indicates it is a Merseytravel tendered service.

i.e. Cumfybus should (IMO) have changed 133 to 33, 135 to 35, 235 to 35A/36 etc...