Atlantic, Bolton

[iMarkeh]

RE: Atlantic, Bolton

(13/09/2022 15:42)knutstransport Wrote:  The reason RRBs came up in this thread was due to Atlantic agreeing to provide replacement bus services when evening peak Manchester to Chester services were cancelled. As I said in an earlier post the plan needs to vary based on the demand at the time the RRBs are required.

(13/09/2022 15:42)knutstransport Wrote:  You were ignoring the differences between demand for emergency RRBs and scheduled RRBs. I didn't need to point that the same error 3 times did I?

No rail company does or would do this for emergency rail. Train operators go to somewhat pre prepared plans for each line. If line X goes down, we will request bus 1 to do this and bus 2 to do that. It's easier for the train company to request and easier for the rail replacement provider to action.
It's also then easier for staff on the ground if there is always a common plan as then it's something that can be relied upon. For the Mid Cheshire, everyone who works regularly at or around these stations and any operators and their drivers who are familiar with the line, will know the exact plan of action when a bus has been requested.
The current plan is easier too for drivers on the mid Cheshire as then you don't get arguments with passengers. Bus pulls up at a station, they know they are to pick up everyone who is waiting for that bus and all passengers get moving. None of this 'I stop at A, C, F, G, L, Z stations, anyone for other stops, wait here for another bus which may or may not turn up, I have no clue as it's not my firm'. Skip stop buses cause confusion for passengers and causes needless arguments too between passengers and drivers. Passengers try to negotiate stops en route 'you pass near Delamere (for example), why not stop' or 'can you drop me on the main road then instead' etc etc.

The best pattern for the Mid Cheshire, given the general passenger flows with an easy to action plan, is how it currently runs. Not best for you as you want a quicker journey home, but simpler for all to understand and easier to action for all involved.