Go Goodwins

[knutstransport]

RE: Go Goodwins

(19/08/2017 15:53)Dentonian Wrote:  And clearly, the Star Line acquisition didn't work, as virtually all local services in Altrincham are subsidised and have been for many years.

If it didn't work why do some are some of ex-Starline routes still operated by Arriva on a commercial basis*? Obviously whoever decided to acquire Starline was someone who knew the bus industry well. Other operators created bus wars to acquire routes they wanted which ended badly for everyone. Starline worked well for all parties - North Western gained routes and modern buses, the Starline owner acquired a lot of money and was able to set up Mistral and Selwyns were able to acquire the Airport contract work which North Western didn't want.

* I'll accept part of the 18 became a contracted service last year and the rest of the service is being revised next month but we are now over 20 years after the acquisition took place.

Quote:And whilst you are probably right about bus subsidies being outside the thoughts of Trafford residents - especially as they benefit disproportiantly compared to places like N/E Manchester, South Tameside & N/E Stockport (ie. low car ownership areas where bus subsidies are largely confined to school services) - they were the first to "benefit" from Metrolink.

The benefits to Hale from Metrolink:
- Loss of fast rail link to Manchester and less services via slower 'direct' link
- Loss of direct service to Sale
- Loss of direct service to Old Trafford on match days.

And some places in Trafford are nowhere near a Metrolink line. The reason the Altrincham line was converted was because it was one of the cheapest options for phase 1. They could always have built a new link to connect places which didn't have a good public transport link.