Stagecoach MCSL - Chester & Wirral Depots

[iMarkeh]

RE: Stagecoach Chester & Wirral

(23/04/2018 05:40)wirralbus Wrote:  The balance of the partnership on the Chester service was too weighed on the main corridors to First and then Stagecoach. Also with the service 2 the depot at Birkenhead was much too far away when things went wrong with the buses , whereas at the time first then Stagecoach had depots at Rock Ferry and Chester on the line of the route , the straw that broke the camels back was probably the introduction of the X8.

I was thinking about the depot side of things and I know they aren't as close but Arriva had depots at both ends though as far as I know, Chester wasn't ever utilised for spares though it would have been an option. I don't think Stagecoach used the Chester depot either for spares on the 1/2 as it was all RF operated, the 2 only moved into Chester when they took over the route properly.

The X8 would certainly be a contributing factor but the X8 at that time didn't serve many stops. It was literally Hoole, Cheshire Oaks, Eport and about 3 stops on the wirral. That was about it. As time has gone on, a lot more stops have been added. I think it was a factor of everything that has been mentioned. Gradually declining usage as Stagecoach were cheaper, a few less passengers on the Wirral section due to the X8. The areas around Ellesmere Port never warranted every 20 minutes service either like Hope Farm and Overpool. Most people used the X2 as well with that being every 30 minutes at the time. Now the X2 is down slightly, the 2s are getting a few more people in my opinion. First did it best though with the 3. That used to look well used.

(23/04/2018 08:13)chester285 Wrote:  Could you imagine the uproar on social media regarding visitors to the zoo and Cheshire oaks having to walk further than normal to get to and from the bus than at present I agree that both destinations are a nightmare at busy times, both attractions need a separate entrance and exit for just vehicles which is accessed using a bus lane, unfortunately the set up around the zoo makes this impossible with the A41 only being a single lane carriageway. it’s a shame the M53 isn’t a 3 laned motorway in that part as an extra junction into the back of the oaks would alleviate some of the problems with the main entrances and exits which should help with services

They have to think though, they sit in the queue for 10-60 minutes or they walk for 5 minutes and only spend 5-30 minutes in a queue. Annoying yes but works. If you look on google maps, right at the back near the new Islands section, there is part just off the A41 which would suit a bus terminus Opposite Demege lane. All they need is to make an entrance there but that was the issue with the pedestrian entrance that not enough people used it so it got closed. One entrance means less staff needed. I do think that area should be a bus stop or two though. It is on the main road and not affected by the general zoo traffic (apart from when it backs up onto the A41 but the bus would be stuck in that regardless). It also means journey times could be reduced by a few minutes with it not having to go right into the zoo and just 'dipping in'.

Cheshire Oaks is a lot harder to work out in that there are service roads and blocked entrances but a bus couldn't comfortably maneuver the turns or it would increase the journey time. The only way Cheshire Oaks could have less traffic is by actively encouraging public transport use and introducing new bus routes especially later at night for films, bowling and events. The light switch on is one of the busiest nights at Cheshire Oaks. What buses are available at finishing time? number 1..... That is it. Later buses are the key to Cheshire Oaks public transport. IF you want to go there or come home after 6.30pm, good luck. X2 has finished, X8 is only into Chester, 5s have stopped. That is the issue with it. That is where Stagecoach need to review really. much later buses on all routes. Hopefully the new bridge into Stanney will relieve a bit of the congestion as people won't be driving 5 minutes round the corner or paying silly prices on Stagecoach, it will be a 2 minute walk. Also some people will park on Stanney and walk through to avoid traffic but it is no way going to resolve the issue. To resolve the issue, you need 'no car' lanes like Newcastle has but do enough buses, coaches and delivery trucks use the roads to warrant a lane just for those vehicles.