Stagecoach Order 2013-14

[Darryl]

RE: Stagecoach Order 2013-14

(15/07/2013 15:33)Southernsofty Wrote:  

(12/07/2013 05:19)Darryl Wrote:  

(11/07/2013 22:44)Southernsofty Wrote:  Dover for Canterbury P&R? I thought Canterbury was operated as an outstation of Herne Bay? Can I just confirm that Dover is to be the based depot for this?

Apparently, yes. I thought it was a bit odd too when I read it! Possibly Herne Bay is out of space (I doubt these would have been kept out in the open at the Canterbury outstation anyway). Kent Top Travel have been operating the Park & Ride from various sites, including Newingreen (near Folkestone) and Lydden (near Dover), so dead running is nothing new.

Daryl, thanks for the reply, I delved a little bit and as well as physical space issues, I think there are O licence issues too, I checked the VOSA site and Herne bay has an O licence for 57 and Canterbury 17 for a total combined allocation of @73.
I know you can apply to increase the numbers but it takes time and could be refused if the operator has 'run out of legitimate parking space'.
Dover has an O licence for 54 with a further 8 listed at Pencester Road (I think that's the road with the main bus stops in the centre of Dover)?
Current allocation @ 57, so another 11 buses takes it over the limit.
My allocation figures may not be 100% up to date, also maybe some Nat-Express coaches are parked elsewhere overnight?
I think VOSA gives operators a little bit of slack, so probably there is a fast track application
to increase the numbers.

You're right about Pencester Road. I don't think vehicles are parked there overnight (I dare not go into Dover at that time anyway!).

The entire NatEx fleet is now based at Dover. Again, I'm not aware of anywhere that is used as an overnight stabling point.