First Manchester

[Mayneway]

RE: First Manchester

(13/07/2014 00:08)Benzo Wrote:  Difficult day for Pioneer today (Saturday) with the staff shortages and the unfortunate bus breakdowns.

Mentioned over the tannoy from the TfGM supervisor
- Mid afternoon 41 trip cancelled due to a broken down bus
- 17:50 333 journey cancelled

And supposedly more throughout the day

That will explain why I saw one of the BD12*** B9s heading towards Ashton on Oldham Rd not in service. The driver pulled over and was on his phone for several minutes making notes, then set off setting the blinds for '348 Carrbrook'. I assumed this was a mistake at first but I'm now thinking it was covering a missing journey.

It's pretty poor that these journeys, and possibly others, were dropped because of a shortage of drivers/vehicles considering First HQ is only up the road. It also begs the question why but out a company making a loss (Finglands), when several of thier own exsisting depots are struggling.

I've noticed a few ex Pionner drivers now working for Stagecoach, they are easy to spot as they still use thier First rucksacks. I'm assuming the pay and prospects are better at Stagecoach?