Stagecoach MCSL - Preston Depot

[Barney]

RE: Stagecoach - Preston and Chorley Depots

(09/03/2014 10:58)Vbg111v Wrote:  If the route does get new stock and it does go gold, well done to Stagecoach. With cheaper fares, bigger, better buses, free wifi and earlier starts to Liverpool, they'll see off the 47/8.

I agree that an upgrade to the 2X2 would be welcome but I'm not sure that Arriva's Southport depot would simply give up the 47/48. Arriva has invested heavily in these routes and they do well. At peak times both the X2 and 47/48 are heavily loaded.

It may well be that the first X2 departure from Liverpool is earlier than the 47/48 but it comes at a cost of 30+ dead mileage from its Preston depot. The fact that the last departure from Liverpool is just after 9pm is another thing that needs to be considered.

I think that the best way to enhance the 2X2 service, apart from a fleet upgrade, is to operate out of two depots, Preston and Gillmoss. By doing this Stagecoach could operate later departures from both ends without incurring excessive dead mileage.