Stagecoach Manchester

[Mayneway]

RE: Stagecoach Manchester

(14/01/2015 14:27)Dentonian Wrote:  You don't mention exactly where on the route - or even more importantly - which way these buses were travelling. It might be a combination of factors needed to address the running time problems. However, it seems that the even more fundamental problem is the ticket machine system. Its absolutely ridiculous that having employed a system allowing drivers to effect crew reliefs in a matter of seconds for probably over a decade, that it now takes 3-5 minutes.

Coincidentally, I have just had a report exemplifying this problem and another habitual issue;
The outbound 203 due at the Bulls Head at 1053 this morning, apparently came at c.1100 - again, a combination of knock on effects of the morning rush hour and inefficient crew relief, no doubt. Also, the 7 had gone just in front and on time. However, no intending passengers wanted this bus even though it is currently the identical route into Stockport. I've noticed this before when a convoy of 7, 317, 374 (pick any two from three) run into Stockport with a 203. Bus passengers on traditional high demand routes do NOT like single-deckers. Doesn't matter if its got a '64 plate on the front and is half empty, they still prefer a middle-aged, nearly full 'decker.

I catch it just after Daisy nook heading towards Ashton but obviously it will effect the next journey out of Ashton too.
Incidentally another problem I noticed today while heading into Ashton was a women and a child boarded the bus one stop after me. The women had a mega rider bu she was obviously paying a child's single fare for the child. It took the driver a good 5 minutes to work out the fare pressing various buttons on the ticket machine to no avail.
I've noticed this in the past on my journeys to work on the 236 but obviously that's got a lot more leway, but it does seem to take drivers an age to work out child single fares, and if you get 5 or 6 kids all getting off at different stops it's a good 10 minutes sat at a bus stop, and if the bus is already late it dosen't help.