Halton Transport

[iMarkeh]

RE: Halton Transport

(17/03/2018 14:54)Raawwwrrr! Wrote:  Although they will massively help, most of the merseytravel contracts only operate a morning or evening journey. Very few operate in both peak times, and these either return to the depot dead or move onto a commercial service. The thing that actually maximises profits is that Halton operate several school services which can then interwork with another school service.

A good example of this is the 611 service:
The 611 terminates at Broadgreen at 8.05, this then becomes the 666 which starts at 8.17 at Netherley terminating at St Julies, Woolton for 8.40, It would be logical to then assume that this becomes the 2 service operating Woolton Village to Riverside College Widnes at 8.50.

I do know that some of the St Helens contracts operating around 3pm, would then move onto the Riverside college services. Historically it used to be the 41/43 where this would be the case using buses from the De la Salle services, and that the 687 morning service used to become a 14 running Bellevale - Widnes at 8:53am.

Halton could run and make profit just off Merseytravel contracts. Look at Red Kite (and Peoplesbus did to a certain extent until they took on the 4) I don't believe it is the thing keeping the business afloat though. Stagecoach wouldn't approach them numerous occasions if schools were the only thing keeping them going.

I definitely think it is very daft to say they aren't making money. If you were to say they are not making as much money as they could do, I would agree. Things like local festival type things. Creamfields could make them a few bob. Private hires would do good for them. Maybe rail replacements. Speak to Arriva and if they can't fulfil rail reps for Merseyrail due to lack of vehicles etc, Halton could help out. Also there is obviously 2 train lines close to Runcorn and one through Widnes) where they could try out Rail Reps. Sundays there are hardly any buses out, make the most of spare vehicles. Get onto schools and use the school buses for school trips.

I think the most obvious one but try to win the local contracts. That would be a good start (For example route 52 Ashcroft and the hospital shuttle with Anthonys The 48 is also close by Frodsham - Northwich currently being ran by Howards. Also the 17/30 Evenings along a route they already run in the day (18:20 bus terminates at St Helens this could have 30 minute driver break then continue at 18:55 on the tendered trips)). There is a lot more ways for Halton to try and make money but I don't know if they are being greedy on contracts or what but they don't seem to win many except schools.