October Service Changes (Read 18,792 times)

[Solo]

Spoken with driver on 20 for TM, he was entirely unaware of the cancellation on the route, so he took a photo of the cancellation report from my phone and is to report on it. I should hope this would mean that it is only reportedly cancelled due to error rather than being actually removed. Then 19, 19a and 21 are the only services on the Moorgate corridor if it is, which isn't helpful at all!

[simonk82701]

This is becoming more farcical by the hour. Just spoken to TM Travels office. The gentlemen was not aware of the possible cancelation of the 20 or 24a. He said he would speak to the depot manager and see if they knew anything. Also, unaware of any change from a 29A to a 21 or whatever it is, even though that is listed as cancelled. He seemed to think changes could keep happening right up to the end of September! He said both SYPTE and Derbyshire CC had been last minute again, and they were still waiting to hear about multiple routes. Whether or not this is all true, but he did sound very shocked when I told him the 20 and 24A were listed as cancelled. I feel a bit guilty now because I thought the operators were in on this mess, I am now thinking am I wrong? Is this mostly SYPTE at fault leaving it too late? I know there appear to have been some negotiations with operators at the last minute. However, I bet the operators made it plain weeks ago what they wanted to drop. Therefore, SYPTE and other stakeholders must have known what needed to be covered weeks ago! I think I need to write a letter to SYPTE and Bus users UK. One simple rule needs to be enforced:

No changes to timetables or routes beond 28 days before the change date. If new funding is found after that time, then the current service level and operator is maintained, whilst notice is given and if needs be a service review carried out.

This would also ensure operators could not argue till the last minute as to if a route was commercial or tendered. I had no idea that certain operators also had no clue about certain changes, now 11 days away. I rely on the buses and have never felt that I am being treated with such contempt as I feel that I am at the moment!          

[Solo]

Sept 20, 2022 11:00:43 GMT simonk82701 said:

This is becoming more farcical by the hour. Just spoken to TM Travels office. The gentlemen was not aware of the possible cancelation of the 20 or 24a. He said he would speak to the depot manager and see if they knew anything. Also, unaware of any change from a 29A to a 21 or whatever it is, even though that is listed as cancelled. He seemed to think changes could keep happening right up to the end of September! He said both SYPTE and Derbyshire CC had been last minute again, and they were still waiting to hear about multiple routes. Whether or not this is all true, but he did sound very shocked when I told him the 20 and 24A were listed as cancelled. I feel a bit guilty now because I thought the operators were in on this mess, I am now thinking am I wrong? Is this mostly SYPTE at fault leaving it too late? I know there appear to have been some negotiations with operators at the last minute. However, I bet the operators made it plain weeks ago what they wanted to drop. Therefore, SYPTE and other stakeholders must have known what needed to be covered weeks ago! I think I need to write a letter to SYPTE and Bus users UK. One simple rule needs to be enforced:

No changes to timetables or routes beond 28 days before the change date. If new funding is found after that time, then the current service level and operator is maintained, whilst notice is given and if needs be a service review carried out.

This would also ensure operators could not argue till the last minute as to if a route was commercial or tendered. I had no idea that certain operators also had no clue about certain changes, now 11 days away. I rely on the buses and have never felt that I am being treated with such contempt as I feel that I am at the moment!          

I'm starting to blame the PTE in full, I don't think this big a shambles can solely be caused by the operators. There's management in these routes somewhere, albeit lacking. I would fully join you on writing a letter too. I'll have a chat further with drivers and see what is actually known, and report back later. Hopefully some on here also know the extent at which drivers and lower-level staff are informed.

[simonk82701]

Sept 20, 2022 11:38:44 GMT Solo said:

Sept 20, 2022 11:00:43 GMT simonk82701 said:

This is becoming more farcical by the hour. Just spoken to TM Travels office. The gentlemen was not aware of the possible cancelation of the 20 or 24a. He said he would speak to the depot manager and see if they knew anything. Also, unaware of any change from a 29A to a 21 or whatever it is, even though that is listed as cancelled. He seemed to think changes could keep happening right up to the end of September! He said both SYPTE and Derbyshire CC had been last minute again, and they were still waiting to hear about multiple routes. Whether or not this is all true, but he did sound very shocked when I told him the 20 and 24A were listed as cancelled. I feel a bit guilty now because I thought the operators were in on this mess, I am now thinking am I wrong? Is this mostly SYPTE at fault leaving it too late? I know there appear to have been some negotiations with operators at the last minute. However, I bet the operators made it plain weeks ago what they wanted to drop. Therefore, SYPTE and other stakeholders must have known what needed to be covered weeks ago! I think I need to write a letter to SYPTE and Bus users UK. One simple rule needs to be enforced:

No changes to timetables or routes beond 28 days before the change date. If new funding is found after that time, then the current service level and operator is maintained, whilst notice is given and if needs be a service review carried out.

This would also ensure operators could not argue till the last minute as to if a route was commercial or tendered. I had no idea that certain operators also had no clue about certain changes, now 11 days away. I rely on the buses and have never felt that I am being treated with such contempt as I feel that I am at the moment!          

I'm starting to blame the PTE in full, I don't think this big a shambles can solely be caused by the operators. There's management in these routes somewhere, albeit lacking. I would fully join you on writing a letter too. I'll have a chat further with drivers and see what is actually known, and report back later. Hopefully some on here also know the extent at which drivers and lower-level staff are informed.

Thanks Solo, see what you can find out! Timetable changes have always frustrated me, but not to this level. You can't plan your life more than a few days ahead. Theatre trips, can you get home afterwards. Never mind the poor people who are trying to head out to work early on Sunday October the 2. Oh, their bus may not be there! I will draft a letter as soon as it becomes clear just how good or bad these cuts are. Better to do it when I know what I am dealing with and have the facts in writing in front of me.  Hopefully hear from you a bit latter!  

[Solo]

Sept 20, 2022 11:58:09 GMT simonk82701 said:

Sept 20, 2022 11:38:44 GMT Solo said:

I'm starting to blame the PTE in full, I don't think this big a shambles can solely be caused by the operators. There's management in these routes somewhere, albeit lacking. I would fully join you on writing a letter too. I'll have a chat further with drivers and see what is actually known, and report back later. Hopefully some on here also know the extent at which drivers and lower-level staff are informed.

Thanks Solo, see what you can find out! Timetable changes have always frustrated me, but not to this level. You can't plan your life more than a few days ahead. Theatre trips, can you get home afterwards. Never mind the poor people who are trying to head out to work early on Sunday October the 2. Oh, their bus may not be there! I will draft a letter as soon as it becomes clear just how good or bad these cuts are. Better to do it when I know what I am dealing with and have the facts in writing in front of me.  Hopefully hear from you a bit latter!  

Afternoon! After a decent travel around Sheffield and Rotherham I can quote what's known amongst drivers and staff.

A conversation with TM Travel shows drivers are unaware of the cancellation of services, especially key ones like 24a, and it has come as a shock to them. Adding staff working at the offices being out of the know, it shows that it may well be the PTE's fault for keeping the company so ill-informed, although we can't rule out quiet management as a fair few tenders appear to have been lost. Drivers on the 30 have been following normal timetables and as far as I'm aware aren't in the know about changes, only that they will happen.

A trip to Arundel Gate and the staff don't know many changes at all, other than that they are coming as are new routes and timetables. They're still advising current timetables especially for X1/X10 despite impending changes, not warning of the upcoming new timetables. 1a drivers are at least aware that the service is to become commercial and not contracted. Asking around FSY drivers seems to fetch knowledge that Stagecoach will be picking up some routes, and SSY are route training with drivers ahead of the changeover.

A trip to Rawmarsh might reinforce the training. Timetables for 21 are rumoured to be anything from every 20 mins to every hour, as it may fill the every 20 minute gap or be a complete separate entity, or at least that is what I believe is going round. 223 shall carry air but it seems like they'll put midibuses on rather than full-length single deckers, as a MAN on this route would be pointless. I don't get why 67 can't go up there!

Drivers on 135/137 understand that the changeover will occur but they don't know what routes they'll be put on subsequently.

I'll keep asking about, eh. As it was so finely put, dramatic isn't the right word. It appears as if every party is ill-informed.

[littlenipper]

Services first so far will not be running from October list not complete.
8a 9/9a 22a/22c 25 26 27 29 57 83 86 114 135 137 138 x64 x74.

[donc]

Sept 20, 2022 15:17:14 GMT littlenipper said:

Services first so far will not be running from October list not complete.
8a 9/9a 22a/22c 25 26 27 29 57 83 86 114 135 137 138 x64 x74.

Can you state which towns they are in case the numbers are duplicated ie 57 and 86 could be Sheffield or Doncaster.

[littlenipper]

Sept 20, 2022 15:19:07 GMT donc said:

Sept 20, 2022 15:17:14 GMT littlenipper said:

Services first so far will not be running from October list not complete.
8a 9/9a 22a/22c 25 26 27 29 57 83 86 114 135 137 138 x64 x74.

Can you state which towns they are in case the numbers are duplicated ie 57 and 86 could be Sheffield or Doncaster.

Both Sheffield.

[Solo]

Sept 20, 2022 15:17:14 GMT littlenipper said:

Services first so far will not be running from October list not complete.
8a 9/9a 22a/22c 25 26 27 29 57 83 86 114 135 137 138 x64 x74.

Plus 10 Rotherham- Doncaster, 19 Doncaster- Dryden Road and 181 Sheffield- Dore.

[Luke]

The October changes will be made public on the TSY website from tomorrow lunchtime

[simonk82701]

Sept 20, 2022 16:20:46 GMT Luke said:

The October changes will be made public on the TSY website from tomorrow lunchtime

About bloody time. This is frightening, apart from key lines such as x78, x1, Sheffield service 73 and 139-141 Kimberworth park, as I feared if all this numbers are true, First in Rotherham is clearly on the way out. The only possible "local service" is the 115. or have I missed something? No one can tell me that SYPTE were mot made aware of these major changes (if confirmed) weeks ago. Anyone with a First month or annual pass is in for a rude awakening. These changes will prove massive for some people in Rotherham. The extra funding the government announced a month or so ago, seems to have made very little difference to First in Rotherham. Does anyone think, the 10 will be replaced in some form. The X74 will have to be covered by something as it is mainly a works route. I am assuming SSY covering the 137 will mean that effectively the 138 is merged into that? Unless First are running any new services in Rotherham. This looks unlikely.  

[donc]

Sept 20, 2022 16:18:44 GMT Solo said:

Sept 20, 2022 15:17:14 GMT littlenipper said:

Services first so far will not be running from October list not complete.
8a 9/9a 22a/22c 25 26 27 29 57 83 86 114 135 137 138 x64 x74.

Plus 10 Rotherham- Doncaster, 19 Doncaster- Dryden Road and 181 Sheffield- Dore.

Is Stagecoach 22 replacing 19 all the time or will they go back to 72/73 nonsense they had a few years ago or just leave the school and residents of this weird dead end with no bus?

[Solo]

Sept 20, 2022 17:18:24 GMT donc said:

Sept 20, 2022 16:18:44 GMT Solo said:

Plus 10 Rotherham- Doncaster, 19 Doncaster- Dryden Road and 181 Sheffield- Dore.

Is Stagecoach 22 replacing 19 all the time or will they go back to 72/73 nonsense they had a few years ago or just leave the school and residents of this weird dead end with no bus?

At this point in time, Stagecoach EMid hasn't announced a timetable change, or let wind of serving Dryden Road now 19 is cancelled. I think 72 is to serve.

[donc]

Sept 20, 2022 17:57:08 GMT Solo said:

Sept 20, 2022 17:18:24 GMT donc said:

Is Stagecoach 22 replacing 19 all the time or will they go back to 72/73 nonsense they had a few years ago or just leave the school and residents of this weird dead end with no bus?

At this point in time, Stagecoach EMid hasn't announced a timetable change, or let wind of serving Dryden Road now 19 is cancelled. I think 72 will serve.

Must be great if you live in Woodfield you get to travel all the way up Weston Road and back then have a nice detour around Hexthorpe before finally reaching the city centre or you can get 73 and circle around Morrisons and then Lakeside Village before meandering around Lakeside and The Dome. 72/73 didn't work before and 19 was brought back but this time I suppose it's better than nothing.

[simonk82701]

Sept 20, 2022 15:00:59 GMT Solo said:

Sept 20, 2022 11:58:09 GMT simonk82701 said:

Thanks Solo, see what you can find out! Timetable changes have always frustrated me, but not to this level. You can't plan your life more than a few days ahead. Theatre trips, can you get home afterwards. Never mind the poor people who are trying to head out to work early on Sunday October the 2. Oh, their bus may not be there! I will draft a letter as soon as it becomes clear just how good or bad these cuts are. Better to do it when I know what I am dealing with and have the facts in writing in front of me.  Hopefully hear from you a bit latter!  

Afternoon! After a decent travel around Sheffield and Rotherham I can quote what's known amongst drivers and staff.

A conversation with TM Travel shows drivers are unaware of the cancellation of services, especially key ones like 24a, and it has come as a shock to them. Adding staff working at the offices being out of the know, it shows that it may well be the PTE's fault for keeping the company so ill-informed, although we can't rule out quiet management as a fair few tenders appear to have been lost. Drivers on the 30 have been following normal timetables and as far as I'm aware aren't in the know about changes, only that they will happen.

A trip to Arundel Gate and the staff don't know many changes at all, other than that they are coming as are new routes and timetables. They're still advising current timetables especially for X1/X10 despite impending changes, not warning of the upcoming new timetables. 1a drivers are at least aware that the service is to become commercial and not contracted. Asking around FSY drivers seems to fetch knowledge that Stagecoach will be picking up some routes, and SSY are route training with drivers ahead of the changeover.

A trip to Rawmarsh might reinforce the training. Timetables for 21 are rumoured to be anything from every 20 mins to every hour, as it may fill the every 20 minute gap or be a complete separate entity, or at least that is what I believe is going round. 223 shall carry air but it seems like they'll put midibuses on rather than full-length single deckers, as a MAN on this route would be pointless. I don't get why 67 can't go up there!

Drivers on 135/137 understand that the changeover will occur but they don't know what routes they'll be put on subsequently.

I'll keep asking about, eh. As it was so finely put, dramatic isn't the right word. It appears as if every party is ill-informed.

Good job done there solo! If the 21 does end up running more than once an hour, even if one of them just shuttles from Rotherham to the hospital via TRC and back, it would really help compacity in the area. If you think about it, they are replacing three routes (if confirmed) with one 26,27and 29. The 21 will have to replace three bus worth's of passengers, so in theory it should run at least every 30 minutes. It will however depend on driver availability and costings. I think it will be fairly safe to assume Crystal Peaks to Rotherham (direct) is a goner!   Is it fair to say that the general communication around all this has been p*** poor! I could be wrong, but Rotherham services appear to have been slashed by First! It's a shocker!