Greater Manchester Service Changes

[iMarkeh]

RE: Greater Manchester Service Changes

(17/07/2021 10:24)knutstransport Wrote:  I'm not sure how much Hulleys will know about Cheshire East contracting but the 130 extension to Wythenshawe is being operated on a trial basis and funding for that extension could be withdrawn if the trial doesn't yield acceptable results. It might be they know what date the trial ends or it might be they know little about it.

It doesn't matter how frequent the commercial service is, as least not when it's a Cheshire East Council subsided route. A few years ago they cancelled an invitation to tender for an hourly Knutsford to Macclesfield service with a PVR of 2 because High Peak registered a commercial service with a PVR of 1, even though the High Peak journeys didn't cover every variation of the route that the invitation to tender covered e.g. both Beggarmans Lane and Ollerton. D&G got awarded the 130 Sunday service at one point, which GHA had held up until that point but that award was annulled when GHA decided not to cancel their 130 registration but instead submitted an application to reduce the frequency.

I agree that whatever route Hulleys have picked it won't provide a replacement for all journeys that are possible on the 130 route. However, it'll be down to Cheshire East to decide whether or not an alternative is needed. For example, Alderley Edge to Wilmslow is possible by train and Macclesfield Hospital could be served by an enhanced 88 service or by another service being extended to the hospital. Once the COVID vaccinations at Alderley Park end they'll probably be no need for off-peak services to Alderley Park either.

It fully depends on the stopping pattern and frequency. They won't cut an hourly local bus for a 3 hourly express bus. Even CEC aren't that stupid. Will be a complete wait and see.

(17/07/2021 21:02)mikestone Wrote:  Does the first X57 come dead from Baslow and vv in the evening, or do they have arrangements with a local operator?

Dead to/from the depot.