Arriva Buses Wales - Chester Depot

[iMarkeh]

RE: Arriva Buses Wales - Chester Depot

(18/09/2018 11:18)telf23 Wrote:  If the 82 is such a busy route, why are they getting rid?

It costs Arriva too much due to their union agreements. All breaks must be taken at the depot so despite there being time in the timetable at Northwich around 2pm for driver breaks, it isn't classed as a break, it is just layover. This instantly makes it more expensive to operate as you are paying the drivers for the time they are sat around.

Secondly, there are the shuttle cars which don't cost a lot but on a route like the 82 where it is mostly passes, the shuttle cars cost a lot. 20 mins each way to Vicars Cross, there is 40 minutes drivers are being paid and not earning anything. It all adds up doesn't it really.

And finally, there are the placement trips. 06:24 from Chester and 19:20 from Northwich. I can't see many people using these services. Just there for placement reasons to save dead millage. D&G will likely drop these trips due to the depot location. Northwich is the sort of town to not wake up until 9.30 and shuts around 4pm so really, the peak time 82s rely on schools and getting people out of Chester.

3 very good and expensive reasons why the 82 is not good for Arriva Chester. Admittedly sharing with Winsford would mean these issues would also go but then it is down to space, drivers and their wages.