Seven of our 13 financially supported bus routes will be run by new operators from January 2021, following a recent tender process.
Plymouth Citybus will take over services 13, 14, 17, 18 and 39 in the New Year and restart the Bovisand ‘beach bus’ (service 54) in the May half term. Oakleys Coaches will be operating service 52.
The remaining subsidised services – 2A (Elburton-Sherford), 19, 31, 42 (Mainstone), 42/42D (Seaton Neighbourhood) and 44A (Whitleigh-Camels Head) – will continue under their current operators.
Following feedback from passengers, services 17 and 18 will run into the city centre again (every other hour) and the number 18 will serve Nightingale Close instead of Candish Drive.
Service 13 will continue to run morning buses between Barne Barton, St Budeaux and Marine Academy Plymouth, replacing the link previously provided by service 32.
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure said: “Most of the city’s bus services are run commercially but there are some that we financially support, to ensure residents can get from A to B and access the local services they need.
“We’re really pleased to have been able to retain a comprehensive network, as well as reinstate a direct link into the city centre for residents in Hooe and Elburton.
“Providing reliable bus services for people to get to work, school, shops and medical appointments is really important – not just for those without other transport. It’s about offering real sustainable transport choices, supporting the city’s recovery and our commitment to tackling climate change.”
It seems that the ex London E200s will be used on the new services, once they have been converted to single-doors.
Looks like the drivers from these services are being used for increased 2/2a service every 10 mins instead of every 15 muns from January Precursor to First takeover perhaps as strange time to increase service as this was a First favourite route?
ReplyDeleteI really don't think First are interested in Plymouth. And why would Stagecoach up the frequency for a takeover. They'd leave it to the next operator.
DeleteReturning to proper pre covid schedules, was every 20min outer ends & every 10min common section before being reduced earlier this year but yes gives work to compensate duties lost.
DeleteOn the new 2A timetable on Stagecoach's website a new timing point has been inserted: "Co-op Funeral Service Saltash". Assuming this means the bus stops on Callington Road by the Burraton Cross traffic lights, these have never been served by the 2A (or First's 1A before that). So is the route changing? A route map is not available yet, as far as I know. Maybe it's just a mistake, but it seems strange when SC are deleting timing points for them to be adding a new one.
ReplyDelete