Arriva North West - St Helens Depot

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RE: Arriva North West - St Helens Depot

(22/05/2014 12:27)MPTE1955 Wrote:  This is not CMT/GTL days so that point really is irrevelant, I do get that a solo is better than no bus at all, but this is a busy route and with people thinking these routes need deckers a solo's are a step in the wrong direction. If you used this route you would see why the solo's are unacceptable as it is always busy, don't forget as well that it is not just seating but standing room on a solo is quite minimal.

It isn't CMT/GTL days but the point is that buses with around 28 seats were more commonly used in years previous with no problem, without the quality bus partnership ticketing arrangements and without a service up to every 3 minutes. More people may use the service nowhere days but there is an increased frequency, increased operators to travel with on day and weekly tickets, and increased buses (that are also low floor) on the service so the impact will be minimal. Stick an optare solo on a less frequent but just as busy route such as the 352 and then you'll have problems.

I do use the 10/A frequently, I used to live on the route, and still use it nowhere days when travelling to my partners, doctors, dentist, friends and work. I know exactly what the loadings are like, and I know that even during peak time you can still get an empty bus, despite the 3 in-front being full standing loads, just like the 79.