Stagecoach MCSL - Chester & Wirral Depots

[Raawwwrrr!]

RE: Stagecoach Chester & Wirral

(10/11/2015 20:05)Dentonian Wrote:  However here in Manchester, there is a seperate issue with hybrids on non hybrid routes, particularly those normally allocated to the 50 route. The problem being that if one of these comparatively new, "environmentally friendly" buses normally used between trendy south Manchester, the posher parts of the city centre and MediaCity, is then run on long standing "bread and butter" routes in east Manchester, they are rubbing passengers noses in it by advertising the fact that not only do the BBC types get to travel on newish hybrid buses, but their fares are substantially cheaper.

I'm not sure what version of the 50 you've been travelling on but it certainly isn't mine! The fares on the 50 are comparable to the Oxford/Wilmslow Road Corridor buses such as the 23/23A/42/43/111/X41/X57. If you're travelling between Parrswood and the City (via Kingsway) the Arriva 130 is actually a much cheaper option although less frequent! The only part of the route they are cheaper is the "pound to town/£1.20 to town" between the city and Salford Shopping City, and that's mainly for the benefit of Salford uni students and competition with First.

I wouldn't call the buses 'new' either, they might be newer than the examples used on the 201-206 but that doesn't mean they're in a nicer condition, usually littered, graffitied, etched windows and worn seats. Quite a few have been "tagged" with spraypaint on the stairs also. They're not exactly as 'modern' and 'plush' as the MMC's, which sadly are also becoming gradually more damaged (and that includes loan 80027). The general public generally aren't bothered if their bus is a hybrid so long as it's reliable, frequent, has enough capacity, is clean and of a temperate climate when travelling from A to B.

Personally I prefer non-hybrid examples on the route as they come with extra seats! (needed during the peaks).