Howards/Springfield

[YN05 WKE]

RE: Howards/Springfield

(26/06/2015 16:41)trixmax2000 Wrote:  This is a Cheshire West contract at the moment it's operated by GHA

Strange no Saturday service when I used to drive them for GHA they was always bus only on Saturdays rest of week bar market day was quiet

[Nicholas]

RE: Howards/Springfield

(27/06/2015 00:52)E208 WBG Wrote:  Strange no Saturday service when I used to drive them for GHA they was always bus only on Saturdays rest of week bar market day was quiet

Due to the financial constraints, local authorities are focusing on the weekday service. It is deemed more important to provide services to schools, council offices and health facilities. On a Saturday, the only thing that is usually available are the shops.

[knutstransport]

RE: Howards/Springfield

(30/06/2015 18:11)Nicholas Wrote:  Due to the financial constraints, local authorities are focusing on the weekday service. It is deemed more important to provide services to schools, council offices and health facilities. On a Saturday, the only thing that is usually available are the shops.

Over in Cheshire East they seem to have said to operators "Could you try running the route without a subsidy?" when the contracts have come to an end.

High Peak tried it with both the 27 Macclesfield-Knutsford bus and the 300 Knutsford circular but their attempts failed miserably. However, then Vale Travel (GHA) had a go at running the 27 commercially and D&G had a go at running the 300 commercially and things have gone better.

Fortunately with the 88 Altrincham-Wilmslow-Knutsford bus, Cheshire East decided to reduce the subsidy instead of axe it and GHA decided they could run an enhanced service with new buses with a lower subsidy due to rising passenger numbers and they won the contract award.

[326VFM]

RE: Howards/Springfield
I went to Lakes District for two nights then driving back to Ducky Fram at Grange over Sand, to see ex-Derby/Chester and Howards Leyland Olympian Northern Counties VRA125Y. Unfortunately VRA125Y sold to new owner then sold again to scrapped not long ago. This bus are really are good since Chester had bought pair from Derby. What a Shame.

[T42 PVM (Moderator)]

RE: Howards/Springfield
PC1038239/9 - IAN RICHARD HOWARD T/A HOWARDS TRAVEL SERVICES, 44 MAPPLEWELL CRESCENT, GREAT SANKEY, WARRINGTON, WA5 1UU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Runcorn Shopping City
Finish Point: Trafford Centre, Manchester
Via: Runcorn Town Centre, Widnes, Winwick
Service Number: X62
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 07-NOV-2015
Other Details: Saturdays only, 2 journeys daily

Reading this i wonder how much they will charge and also i wonder what the likleyhood is of it working when you consider Peoplesbus tried a Liverpool - Trafford Centre Service and it never worked out

[wirralbus]

RE: Howards/Springfield
The Trafford center for people outside of Manchester conurbation is more of a specialised shopping experience , if you need some in particular , not for your everyday shop.

It will be useful for the run up to Christmas as the Trafford Center car parks do get quite full but after Christmas if it is still operating after Christmas the loads will drop down again.

[Mayneway]

RE: Howards/Springfield

(15/09/2015 13:14)wirralbus Wrote:  The Trafford center for people outside of Manchester conurbation is more of a specialised shopping experience , if you need some in particular , not for your everyday shop.

It will be useful for the run up to Christmas as the Trafford Center car parks do get quite full but after Christmas if it is still operating after Christmas the loads will drop down again.

The idea it's self isn't very original. It's already been mentioned that many operators have tried running to/from the Trafford centre and it never really takes off.
As a die hard mancunion myself I always believe The Trafford Centre, as great as it is was designed as an out of town retail experience aimed at car owners, add to that the fact that apart from a few specialised shops the vast majority of retailers in there can be found in most high streets/shopping centres. Yes it's a good day out but to have to travel home on a bus with dozens of shopping bags - it dosen't apeal to me.

I would have thought a Christmas service into Manchester City Centre would do well taking advantage not just of the shopping but the fantastic Christmas markets as well.

[MPTE1955]

RE: Howards/Springfield
No the trafford centre doesn't appeal to me either, if i'm going to Manchester I would rather go directly to the centre and normally by train.

[knutstransport]

RE: Howards/Springfield
One thing to remember is Event City is across the road from the Trafford Centre so on some dates: http://www.eventcity.co.uk/whats-on/ the Trafford Centre bus services can get as many passengers wanting to get to something at Event City as they get for the Trafford Centre.

[wirralbus]

RE: Howards/Springfield

(15/09/2015 14:25)MPTE1955 Wrote:  No the trafford centre doesn't appeal to me either, if i'm going to Manchester I would rather go directly to the centre and normally by train.

To be Honest the Trafford Center seriously needs the Metrolink extension , buses just get caught up in the traffic mayhem , exacerbated by whenever Manchester have a Saturday or Sunday fixture at Old Trafford.