First Manchester

[Mayneway]

RE: First Manchester

(20/02/2015 20:37)Dentonian Wrote:  Its interesting reading this month's Buses mag, where Andrew Braddock (ex TfL) is absoultely convinced some form of Re-regulation will be implemented alongside Devolution in GM. I remain far from convinced, but it looks like Stagecoach and First believe it, and are simply throwing their dummies out of the pram, whilst illustrating exactly why essential services are not safe in private hands. At the risk of being accused of libel, I fear these fare rises are being used to cross-subsidise this increasingly damaging bus war. I assume "Quidsin" etc will still apply to the full length of the 42 when it is extended to Middleton in April....
And before anyone accuses me of having a political axe to grind, it is actually quite noticable how close to the TIF plans (remember that?) things are becoming: Improvements to bus services in south and west of the conurbation and most noticably, Middleton, alongside the earlier cuts that took place on the Hyde Road corridor.

So a huge proportion of Greater Manchester vote no and the suits say what the heck we will do it anyway. Sheer crazy.

[Mayneway]

RE: First Manchester

(20/02/2015 22:11)Dentonian Wrote:  TBF, most voted No simply because of the Congestion Charge element. It was clear from comments made at the time - fuelled by the local Motoring lobby's propoganda - that most people didn't know the first thing about how the money would have been spent, let alone the details of where bus services would be improved or otherwise.

As someone who voted NO at the time the simple reason for my vote was because information was so vague. There did seem to be little clarity on where the money would be spent and which services would be improved. It came across as another 'cash cow' way of making money.

Incidentally where does money generally go from bus lane fines? Given the amount of money Tameside council are raking in from bus lanes in Ashton I'm fairly certain that there not ploughed back into public transport.

[M60lad]

RE: First Manchester
Not sure if its out regular on lates but 36300 was out on late turn 83s last night, I saw it heading into Manchester at about 21:10 at Oldham Road/Dean Lane junction while I was on my home on 20:50 182.

[M60lad]

RE: First Manchester
35102 is spending the day on 59s, its currently on its way to Rushcroft on 10:53 service from Piccadilly

[Mayneway]

RE: First Manchester

(21/02/2015 10:48)Dentonian Wrote:  I seem to remember it was fairly clear which projects the money would be spent on, with the various phases of Metrolink, and boosting capacity on local rail as well as developing Interchange facilities between modes, such as Stockport. I think the "get out" clause for those arguing a lot of what was promised in terms of Metrolink in particular now happening anyway, was that GMPTA (as they were then) said, it would all get done, but without the C-Charge it would take a lot longer.
Details of bus services were inevitable going to be less clear, as:

a. They were not seen as relevant to the vote because they would not be paid for out of C-charge.
b. Because they ultimately remained commercial decisions, the usual 56 days notice would apply for the general public and (more relevantly) competing Operators. So final decisions would only have been made after the vote and right up to implementation.

Can't help re-Bus Lanes, but I'm sure you are right in terms of bus services at least. I can't see it benefitting other modes either, as I'm not aware of any bus lane revenue coming through TFGM/C. Maybe it goes direct to Network Rail?

The proposals were just that.... Proposals. The only dead cert was already heavily taxed motorists being charged for driving towards Manchester in the morning and vice versa in the afternoons, but as you say some of what was planned has happened anyway in regards to the Metrolink. Debatable whether that's been a success or a white elephant.

I've always avoided the bus lanes arguments in the past but my comment refered to a story regarding Tameside council handing out hundreds of bus lane fines to motorists who inadvertently used bus lanes on Oldham road in Ashton (see the link to First and the 409 ), on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day when buses arnt even running. I found it quite ironical given the ongoing cuts to subsidised bus services.

Anyway bringing things back into topic it seems First are already receiving a backlash from passengers if comments on Twitter are anything to go by.

[Metroline1511]

RE: First Manchester

(20/02/2015 20:37)Dentonian Wrote:  Its interesting reading this month's Buses mag, where Andrew Braddock (ex TfL) is absoultely convinced some form of Re-regulation will be implemented alongside Devolution in GM. I remain far from convinced, but it looks like Stagecoach and First believe it, and are simply throwing their dummies out of the pram, whilst illustrating exactly why essential services are not safe in private hands. At the risk of being accused of libel, I fear these fare rises are being used to cross-subsidise this increasingly damaging bus war. I assume "Quidsin" etc will still apply to the full length of [undefined=undefined]the 42 when it is extended to Middleton in April....[/undefined]
And before anyone accuses me of having a political axe to grind, it is actually quite noticable how close to the TIF plans (remember that?) things are becoming: Improvements to bus services in south and west of the conurbation and most noticably, Middleton, alongside the earlier cuts that took place on the Hyde Road corridor.

This is news to me. This East Didsbury - Middleton route is just the sort of link I thought Stagecoach would want to introduce having garages in south Manchester and Middleton.

[SF07]

RE: First Manchester
That'll explain the Route and Timetable change on VOSA this week. Question would be which route would it take to/from Middleton.

PC0003680/882 - FIRST MANCHESTER LTD T/A FIRST, WALLSHAW STREET, OLDHAM, OL1 3TR
Variation Accepted: Operating between MANCHESTER PICCADILLY and EAST DIDSBURY given service number 42 effective from 12-Apr-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

There are a few Route and Timetable changes on VOSA this week for First services in April: 17/17A/18, 64, 88/89, 95, 98, 180/184/X80, 408, 454/457, 510.

Should imagine some details will come out soon, as there is a TfGM bus committee meeting scheduled for early March.

[Polo Mint]

RE: First Manchester
They have no sympathy with me, and I imagine the public will be outraged by the price increases. With inflation at record lows and energy prices plummeting what excuse will they have? 'Competitive pressures' I am guessing, in other words a bus war.

Will the 42 be extended from NMGH to Middleton? Or will the 42 that terminates at Piccadilly be extended?

[T42 PVM (Moderator)]

RE: First Manchester
I would laugh if Stagecoach held their current prices or slightly reduced them to show up First, it would go down well with passengers

[Polo Mint]

RE: First Manchester
At what frequency will the 42 be at to Middleton may I ask?