Stagecoach MCSL - Chester & Wirral Depots

[First Class]

RE: First Chester & Wirral
Merseytravel isn't worth a carrot.

Allowing First to run buses from 1997/1998 on journeys that are well over 1 hour, with no refurbishment, 15 year old vehicles are outrageous on a "Quality" partnership. Arriva have obviously got much newer vehicles, but because the partnership gives First the majority share of services, you have a much higher chance of an older vehicle turning up. 100% chance on a Sunday/Bank Holiday/evening.

As for those going to Cheshire Oaks/Zoo etc, (families, tourists etc), they too will ALWAYS be forced to use such poor quality vehicles.

That said, Arriva aren't always able to comply either, despite the much fewer services they operate. A few X reg cadets, (i.e. 12 years old), have appeared.

As for ticketing, Merseytravel IMO should have also ensured that the All Zone Saveaway product was extended to Chester on services 1/2, (just like train). That would have been a massive benefit and a real improvement.

Things that need to be fixed ASAP:

Orange LED Displays to be installed that meet DDA. (Not ones that just say 1 Chester).
CCTV should be installed. This IMO is one of the most important and shocking omissions.
Some sort of GPS based information display on board and at stops (as specified on the Croxteth 14)
Newer, modern vehicles which meet some sort of emission standard