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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2024 18:50:22 GMT 1
I Agree with you upto a point, as I'm one of the people who have started to use a taxi more often, more so since the driver shortages happened during 2021 (or walk down Sowerby Croft Lane/Boggart Ln to the train station - in fact sometimes quicker to do that than get the bus). If under franchising the 586 joined the 561/2 & 546 interworking pattern then it would actually be possible to have the 561/2 serving both Norland & Krumlin Hourly plus have an Hourly 586 without any PVR increases (currently 546/561/562 have a PVR 4 + 1 for 586 that interworks mostly off 548/9), something similar to: 561 Halifax (10:20) > Halifax (11:48) 562 Halifax (11:55) > Halifax (13:15) 586 Halifax (13:20) > Commons (13:47 - 13:49) > Halifax (14:18) 546 Halifax (14:35) > Halifax (15:15) would still require 5 vehicles but meaning more areas would see an hourly service without any increased operational costs. With 541/2 and 543 no longer requiring low bridge restrictions from 18th February, I think it would be better for 586 interwork those services with 548 being a stand a lone service. Also would be best for 587 to be formed under the same operator as service 586 as it makes it easier to run trips to create a half hourly combined frequency along the A58 corridor . I'm not sure there would be much point interworking 586 with 541/2/3, as you wouldn't gain much from what I can see - in fact to interwork with 543 it would have a negative affect with either having to add an extra bus or having little layover in Halifax. 587 (& 528/X58 before it) seems to have always operated fairly ok either with or without the same operator as the Commons route, although hopefully come 2026 that won't be an issue anymore.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2024 18:53:15 GMT 1
I Agree with you upto a point, as I'm one of the people who have started to use a taxi more often, more so since the driver shortages happened during 2021 (or walk down Sowerby Croft Lane/Boggart Ln to the train station - in fact sometimes quicker to do that than get the bus). If under franchising the 586 joined the 561/2 & 546 interworking pattern then it would actually be possible to have the 561/2 serving both Norland & Krumlin Hourly plus have an Hourly 586 without any PVR increases (currently 546/561/562 have a PVR 4 + 1 for 586 that interworks mostly off 548/9), something similar to: 561 Halifax (10:20) > Halifax (11:48) 562 Halifax (11:55) > Halifax (13:15) 586 Halifax (13:20) > Commons (13:47 - 13:49) > Halifax (14:18) 546 Halifax (14:35) > Halifax (15:15) would still require 5 vehicles but meaning more areas would see an hourly service without any increased operational costs. With 541/2 and 543 no longer requiring low bridge restrictions from 18th February, I think it would be better for 586 interwork those services with 548 being a stand a lone service as the 586 does have some busy trips, especially the Saturday 11:57 out of Commons that has filled a double decker a lot of the time. Also would be best for 587 to be formed under the same operator as service 586 as it makes it easier to run trips to create a half hourly combined frequency along the A58 corridor. How are you defining 'filled' a decker? full & standing (about 80 people) or most rows of seats having at least 1 person (about 40)
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pricel
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Post by pricel on Feb 11, 2024 19:35:44 GMT 1
With 541/2 and 543 no longer requiring low bridge restrictions from 18th February, I think it would be better for 586 interwork those services with 548 being a stand a lone service as the 586 does have some busy trips, especially the Saturday 11:57 out of Commons that has filled a double decker a lot of the time. Also would be best for 587 to be formed under the same operator as service 586 as it makes it easier to run trips to create a half hourly combined frequency along the A58 corridor. How are you defining 'filled' a decker? full & standing (about 80 people) or most rows of seats having at least 1 person (about 40) Wasn't completely full, but there were people standing from the bus stop next to the Village in Sowerby Bridge. Happened on 5 different occasions but to be fair one of them was during the Christmas holidays when everyone is doing their shopping. Then on other occasions its the row of seats having one person.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2024 20:42:26 GMT 1
How are you defining 'filled' a decker? full & standing (about 80 people) or most rows of seats having at least 1 person (about 40) Wasn't completely full, but there were people standing from the bus stop next to the Village in Sowerby Bridge. Happened on 5 different occasions but to be fair one of them was during the Christmas holidays when everyone is doing their shopping. Then on other occasions its the row of seats having one person. Thanks, The only reason I asked is because if you made the 586 hourly using larger Solos/Single deckers it would provide similar capacity as a two hourly decker (similar to First Halifax introducing more deckers as they reduced frequencies) as probably some of the passengers might move onto the journies 1 hour before/after. I Wouldn't be surprised if it's possible somewhere to make similar improvements with existing resources to my 546/561/562/586 suggestion but allowing larger buses, hopefully something WYCA can look at with operators.
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pricel
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Post by pricel on Feb 11, 2024 23:42:05 GMT 1
These aren't really necessary services but I recently sampled the X22 between Trafford Centre and Bolton in Greater Manchester and it seems to be quite popular despite it running Saturdays only and hourly.
I think the idea of Saturday expresses fits well as it's often used as leisure time for families. I think there should be some express services to the White Rose Centre from the Calderdale, Huddersfield and Bradford areas that run on Saturdays. If advertised well I think these services could work.
From Halifax I thought of service X51 (numbered as a combination of 501 and X1) as it will follow the 501 into Elland Town Centre, then the X1 up to Ainley Top where it will then run along the M62 and M621 motorways until Elland Road junction. The reasoning for picking up along West Vale and Elland is that this area of Halifax seems to have the highest bus usage.
For the Bradford area, I have thought of either X60 or X62 (numbered after the 60 and 662). From Keighley Bus Station, the service will follow the Aireline to Bingley Railway Station where it will then serve Bradford Road, Cottingley, Toller Lane and Black Abbey along the B6144 into Bradford Interchange as according to google maps it's quicker than running through Saltaire. From Interchange I would have it follow the 425 route toward Gildersome Junction only serving the busier bus stops. From here it will run along the M62 following the X51 into the White Rose Centre.
For the Huddersfield area, I would number this service X49 (as the numbering follows 549 with South Pennine's version withdrawn as there isn't a point in running). The service will run into Fartown where it will then run up Lightbridge road following the current 547 service into Brighouse to pick up a few extra customers around Rasterick. From here the service will continue to Brighouse Bus Station then run along the A644, M62 and M621 towards the White Rose Centre.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2024 0:54:34 GMT 1
These aren't really necessary services but I recently sampled the X22 between Trafford Centre and Bolton in Greater Manchester and it seems to be quite popular despite it running Saturdays only and hourly. I think the idea of Saturday expresses fits well as it's often used as leisure time for families. I think there should be some express services to the White Rose Centre from the Calderdale, Huddersfield and Bradford areas that run on Saturdays. If advertised well I think these services could work. From Halifax I thought of service X51 (numbered as a combination of 501 and X1) as it will follow the 501 into Elland Town Centre, then the X1 up to Ainley Top where it will then run along the M62 and M621 motorways until Elland Road junction. The reasoning for picking up along West Vale and Elland is that this area of Halifax seems to have the highest bus usage. For the Bradford area, I have thought of either X60 or X62 (numbered after the 60 and 662). From Keighley Bus Station, the service will follow the Aireline to Bingley Railway Station where it will then serve Bradford Road, Cottingley, Toller Lane and Black Abbey along the B6144 into Bradford Interchange as according to google maps it's quicker than running through Saltaire. From Interchange I would have it follow the 425 route toward Gildersome Junction only serving the busier bus stops. From here it will run along the M62 following the X51 into the White Rose Centre. For the Huddersfield area, I would number this service X49 (as the numbering follows 549 with South Pennine's version withdrawn as there isn't a point in running). The service will run into Fartown where it will then run up Lightbridge road following the current 547 service into Brighouse to pick up a few extra customers around Rasterick. From here the service will continue to Brighouse Bus Station then run along the A644, M62 and M621 towards the White Rose Centre. The Bradford route might have some merit to it, but i'm not sure over the Huddersfield & Calderdale routes. Huddersfields already got the 202/3 (not the quickest but wins on frequency) plus the train station due to open soon although that would depend on how good/bad the walking route from the station to the centre ends up being. The Calderdale route has been tried multiple times as well. One thing to remember is Trafford Centre has much more there & has almost 3x the amount of visitors per year compared to White Rose Cnt, but still many service attempts have failed over the years (including the X22s M-Fri service when it was still the 300). The reason for South Pennines X49 is to get the buses to/from Brighouse for the E4 without massive amounts of dead mileage so they'd probably only withdraw it if/when they lost the E-Network.
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pricel
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Post by pricel on Feb 15, 2024 1:27:40 GMT 1
Calder Valley/Ryburn Valley Bus Review
I know these changes are highly unlikely to happen but I think this would be a good change. I would personally renumber the Ryburn Valley corridor of services (apart from 561/2) to the 580s as the services run almost along a neighbouring corridor to the 590s. Also I think that services that serve similar places should receive similar numbers.
A few issues that need sorting out on the current corridor. A combined service between the fast buses needs to be coordinated to stop the 579 from damaging performance of services 586 and 587 with the bus being timed moments behind or ahead which could be a potential influence of the 586 cutting to every 2 hours. This is also ridiculous as the 586 and 579 could show up at once then there would not be another from the main part of Sowerby Bridge to King Cross for a large gap of time.
Coordination between services 586 and 587 are terrible with buses to Kebroyd having uneven waiting gaps ranging from an hour, an hour and ten and even something as ridiculous as 10 minutes then 50 minutes. An example from the new 586/7 timetables from 18 Feb, 15:50 (587), 17:10 (587), 17:20 (586), 18:25 (587).
The reduction of 586 to every 2 hours has reduced usage with customers no longer relying on the bus. When the service was hourly, actually having a life was very useful for Rishworth residents. People would do short trips between Ripponden and Rishworth to travel to the GP or Co-op and when they were done with there appointment or shopping there would be a reasonable amount of time to wait for the 586 to head back home, but obviously now you have to wait over an hour.
The new timetable from 18th Feb on 590/1/2 has been awfully done.
And finally, stupidly Greetland has no evening service.
561/2 Halifax to Ripponden Circulars I would re-time the Mon - Fri 17:10 journey on the 562 to run at 16:55 to reduce the ridiculously long waiting gap from the previous 561. So many people have complained about this since Transdev has recently been on a "cancellation epidemic" which has seen the 16:25 cancelled quite often with Soyland/Mill Bank passengers having to wait up to almost an hour for the next one, but likely to be arriving to those areas 70 to 80 minutes later then they originally would have. I would also reintroduce evening services on the route to the large catchment areas allow Greetland, Barkisland and Copley/Skircoat Green to have an evening service. Mon to Fri departures from Halifax: 16:55 (562), 17:30 (561), 18:00 (562) then at xx30 (561) and xx00 (562) until 22:00 (562). Saturday evenings: 16:55 (562), 17:20 (561) then at xx55 (562) and xx20 (561) until 21:55 (562).
546 Halifax to Newlands & Warley Circular I would swap this service around with the 580 (574) to allow a more time appropriate replacement of the 586/7 in Pye Nest. Not much service is being lost as Sowerby Bridge to Savile Park is still possible on services 581/2, Tesco to Free School Lane is also still accessible on 546 and King Cross Tesco to Pye Nest is still accessible also.
580 Halifax to Booth & Midgley This service would replace the 574 also reintroducing a half - hourly service to the route. The reasoning behind this is to allow Rochdale Road in Pye Nest to maintain 4 buses per hour when the 586 and 587 are rerouted through Pye Nest Road. The service will also be coordinated with 581 (577) and new service 582 to create a combined every 15 minute service between Halifax and Pye Nest as the timetable will be easier to coordinate without the detour along Free School Lane and Savile Park Road. This should also earn some extra passengers from Tuel Lane off the 590s and 579/586/7 as there will be a more frequent service along the section. Monday to Saturday evenings and Sunday daytimes will also be revised to run hourly providing a combined half - hourly frequency with service 581. This would also provide a better evening service for Rochdale Road, Pye Nest, Savile Park and Kershaw Estate.
581/582 Halifax to Hubberton & Boulderclough Circular Service 581 will be the new number for the 577 and 582 will be a new service partially replacing some trips on the 579 and a small part of the route on 586 and 587. The 582 will be designed to follow the 577 between Halifax and Pye Nest/Willowfield where the service will then run direct up to Sowerby Bridge Tesco and then follow the 579 up to Sowerby Town Gate. From here, the service will run clockwise to the 577 Boulderclough Loop. This service would allow the houses and new housing estate off Rooley Lane as well as the cottages around Hubberton Green to have a faster bus service rather than having to run the extra 10-15 minutes around Boulderclough. These services will run half - hourly combined allowing 3 buses per hour to remain serving St Peters Avenue and Polit Avenue estates. The 581 at 21:20 will be extended to run the full round trip back to Halifax as well as an extra bus at 22:30 terminating at Sowerby Towngate.
585 Halifax to Sowerby Rooley Heights (Sowerby Bridge Line) This is a new service to replace service 579. Services will run every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday daytimes and every hour during evening and Sunday. The reasoning for the reduction of this service is to allow a better coordinated every 15 minute frequency between Halifax, King Cross and Sowerby Bridge. New departures for the service will be at mostly xx05 and xx35 throughout the day from Halifax with evening services being coordinated to depart at xx40 until 23:40 combining a half - hourly service with the 586 which will leave at xx10 until 23:10.
586/587 Halifax to Ripponden & Rishworth/Rochdale (Sowerby Bridge Line) These services will be re-routed along Pye Nest Road to run the exact same route as 585 (579) between Halifax and Sowerby Bridge. The frequency of 586 will be increased back to hourly and trips will be designed to run mostly at xx20 (586) and xx50 (587) throughout the day until 19:50 (587) where the 586 will then depart at 20:10 and xx10 until 23:10 (the last journey not returning). A more simplified combined hourly Sunday service will be designed to run between the 2 with an extra 587 at 18:20 out of Halifax Town Centre. The rerouting would allow passengers to also consider taking the 586/7 as well as 585 (579).
590/591/592 Todmorden to Halifax, Burnley or Rochdale (Calder Line) I would reorganize the routes to be: 590 Halifax to Rochdale via Todmorden 591 Rochdale to Burnley via Todmorden (replacing the old 589, to minimize Bee Network confusion) 592 Halifax to Burnley via Todmorden I would have 2 buses an hour terminate at Todmorden from Halifax presumably either on the 590 or 592 number then have a 591 every hour to retain Rochdale, Littleborough and Walsden's link to Burnley and vice versa from Burnley, Cilviger and Cornholme. Buses will run every 15 minutes between Halifax and Todmorden combining with Sowerby Bridge Lines (585/6/7) to form an every 7-8 minute service from Halifax to King Cross and a combined Sunday and evening frequency of every 15 minutes with the Sowerby Bridge Line. However, here's the difference. Service 591 will still continue to run on Sunday allowing the Rochdale, Littleborough, Walsden, Cornholme, Burnley link to run 7 days a week.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2024 1:19:36 GMT 1
If or when funding became available, a few ideas I had to improve & restore the minibus networks around Holme/Colne Valley & outer Huddersfield:
334 Almondbury - Lowerhouses - Ashenhurst - Newsome - Lockwood - Crosland Moor - Milnsbridge - Paddock - Quarmby - HRI - Lindley New service reviving the old 317/368 Links, but running via Lowerhouses & Ashenhurst rather than Hall Bower serving more populated areas plus improving local links. Operating Hourly M-Sat (M-Fri 7-7 from Almondbury/7:30-7:30 from Lindley, Saturdays starting an hour later)
335 Holmfirth - Holme Valley Hospital - Upperthong - Wilshaw - Meltham - Helme - Blackmoorfoot - Linthwaite - Milnsbridge - Paddock - Quarmby - HRI - Lindley Service revised to operate from Meltham to HRI rather than Slaithwaite (replaced with 337/X37) with also running via HV Hospital improving links there. Operating Hourly Daily (M-Fri 6-6 from Holmfirth & 7-7 from Lindley, Saturdays starting an hour later, Sundays running 8-6 from Holmfirth,9-7 from Lindley). 2 Trips M-Fri School Days are replaced with 336.
336 Holmfirth - Holme Valley Hospital - Upperthong - Wilshaw - Meltham - Helme - Blackmoorfoot - Crosland Moor Turning Circle - Linthwaite - Milnsbridge - Paddock - Quarmby - HRI - Lindley Schools Day service merging 389 into the improved Holmfirth-HRI Link
334/335/336 Would provide a Half Hourly frequency between Milnsbridge & Lindley.
337 Thurstonland & Brockholes Circular - Honley Stn - Honley Village - Meltham Mills - Thick Hollins - Meltham - Slaithwaite - Lingards Rd - Marsden New Service running Hourly M-Sat replacing 911, Slaithwaite section of 335 & 938, Giving better links to Honley & Slaithwaite stations (connecting with trains from both if possible) and would be timed in both directions to connect with 335 to HRI in Meltham alongside restoring a full service between Meltham & Marsden.
X37 Holmfirth - Parkhead - Meltham - Slaithwaite - Pole Moor - Marsden Gate - Sowood - Outlane - Stainland - West Vale - CRI - Halifax Replaces HX3,Operating 2 Hourly M-Sat & 3 Trips on a Sunday using slightly larger buses than the current X37. Would restore a better link from Stainland to West Vale plus if marketed for Tourists could become Hourly during the summers at least. Would run limited stop from West Vale only stopping at CRI before Halifax Town Centre.
X37 would be timed Half Hour apart from 335/337 & 537, meaning if it did become Hourly then would allow a Half Hourly frequceny between Holmfirth & Meltham/Meltham & Slaithwaite/Stainland & Halifax.
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pricel
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Post by pricel on Feb 16, 2024 1:59:23 GMT 1
If or when funding became available, a few ideas I had to improve & restore the minibus networks around Holme/Colne Valley & outer Huddersfield: 334 Almondbury - Lowerhouses - Ashenhurst - Newsome - Lockwood - Crosland Moor - Milnsbridge - Paddock - Quarmby - HRI - Lindley New service reviving the old 317/368 Links, but running via Lowerhouses & Ashenhurst rather than Hall Bower serving more populated areas plus improving local links. Operating Hourly M-Sat (M-Fri 7-7 from Almondbury/7:30-7:30 from Lindley, Saturdays starting an hour later) 335 Holmfirth - Holme Valley Hospital - Upperthong - Wilshaw - Meltham - Helme - Blackmoorfoot - Linthwaite - Milnsbridge - Paddock - Quarmby - HRI - Lindley Service revised to operate from Meltham to HRI rather than Slaithwaite (replaced with 337/X37) with also running via HV Hospital improving links there. Operating Hourly Daily (M-Fri 6-6 from Holmfirth & 7-7 from Lindley, Saturdays starting an hour later, Sundays running 8-6 from Holmfirth,9-7 from Lindley). 2 Trips M-Fri School Days are replaced with 336. 336 Holmfirth - Holme Valley Hospital - Upperthong - Wilshaw - Meltham - Helme - Blackmoorfoot - Crosland Moor Turning Circle - Linthwaite - Milnsbridge - Paddock - Quarmby - HRI - Lindley Schools Day service merging 389 into the improved Holmfirth-HRI Link 334/335/336 Would provide a Half Hourly frequency between Milnsbridge & Lindley.337 Thurstonland & Brockholes Circular - Honley Stn - Honley Village - Meltham Mills - Thick Hollins - Meltham - Slaithwaite - Lingards Rd - Marsden New Service running Hourly M-Sat replacing 911, Slaithwaite section of 335 & 938, Giving better links to Honley & Slaithwaite stations (connecting with trains from both if possible) and would be timed in both directions to connect with 335 to HRI in Meltham alongside restoring a full service between Meltham & Marsden. X37 Holmfirth - Parkhead - Meltham - Slaithwaite - Pole Moor - Marsden Gate - Sowood - Outlane - Stainland - West Vale - CRI - Halifax Replaces HX3,Operating 2 Hourly M-Sat & 3 Trips on a Sunday using slightly larger buses than the current X37. Would restore a better link from Stainland to West Vale plus if marketed for Tourists could become Hourly during the summers at least. Would run limited stop from West Vale only stopping at CRI before Halifax Town Centre. X37 would be timed Half Hour apart from 335/337 & 537, meaning if it did become Hourly then would allow a Half Hourly frequceny between Holmfirth & Meltham/Meltham & Slaithwaite/Stainland & Halifax. The X37 is a good idea however I would also stop it at Exley Bank in Salterhebble, to allow people from Siddal to walk down and use the service like they do with 503 and other services already.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2024 2:19:09 GMT 1
If or when funding became available, a few ideas I had to improve & restore the minibus networks around Holme/Colne Valley & outer Huddersfield: 334 Almondbury - Lowerhouses - Ashenhurst - Newsome - Lockwood - Crosland Moor - Milnsbridge - Paddock - Quarmby - HRI - Lindley New service reviving the old 317/368 Links, but running via Lowerhouses & Ashenhurst rather than Hall Bower serving more populated areas plus improving local links. Operating Hourly M-Sat (M-Fri 7-7 from Almondbury/7:30-7:30 from Lindley, Saturdays starting an hour later) 335 Holmfirth - Holme Valley Hospital - Upperthong - Wilshaw - Meltham - Helme - Blackmoorfoot - Linthwaite - Milnsbridge - Paddock - Quarmby - HRI - Lindley Service revised to operate from Meltham to HRI rather than Slaithwaite (replaced with 337/X37) with also running via HV Hospital improving links there. Operating Hourly Daily (M-Fri 6-6 from Holmfirth & 7-7 from Lindley, Saturdays starting an hour later, Sundays running 8-6 from Holmfirth,9-7 from Lindley). 2 Trips M-Fri School Days are replaced with 336. 336 Holmfirth - Holme Valley Hospital - Upperthong - Wilshaw - Meltham - Helme - Blackmoorfoot - Crosland Moor Turning Circle - Linthwaite - Milnsbridge - Paddock - Quarmby - HRI - Lindley Schools Day service merging 389 into the improved Holmfirth-HRI Link 334/335/336 Would provide a Half Hourly frequency between Milnsbridge & Lindley.337 Thurstonland & Brockholes Circular - Honley Stn - Honley Village - Meltham Mills - Thick Hollins - Meltham - Slaithwaite - Lingards Rd - Marsden New Service running Hourly M-Sat replacing 911, Slaithwaite section of 335 & 938, Giving better links to Honley & Slaithwaite stations (connecting with trains from both if possible) and would be timed in both directions to connect with 335 to HRI in Meltham alongside restoring a full service between Meltham & Marsden. X37 Holmfirth - Parkhead - Meltham - Slaithwaite - Pole Moor - Marsden Gate - Sowood - Outlane - Stainland - West Vale - CRI - Halifax Replaces HX3,Operating 2 Hourly M-Sat & 3 Trips on a Sunday using slightly larger buses than the current X37. Would restore a better link from Stainland to West Vale plus if marketed for Tourists could become Hourly during the summers at least. Would run limited stop from West Vale only stopping at CRI before Halifax Town Centre. X37 would be timed Half Hour apart from 335/337 & 537, meaning if it did become Hourly then would allow a Half Hourly frequceny between Holmfirth & Meltham/Meltham & Slaithwaite/Stainland & Halifax. The X37 is a good idea however I would also stop it at Exley Bank in Salterhebble, to allow people from Siddal to walk down and use the service like they do with 503 and other services already. Possibly Pick Up only towards Holmfirth/Drop off only towards Halifax, as that section already has buses every 3-7 Mins towards Halifax I Don't think a 2 Hourly minibus would be missed plus my thinking was to stop the risk of the minibus being filled up with local Halifax journeys possibly meaning passengers travelling further than Sowood would be left with a 2 hours wait.
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pricel
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Post by pricel on Feb 16, 2024 21:05:53 GMT 1
The X37 is a good idea however I would also stop it at Exley Bank in Salterhebble, to allow people from Siddal to walk down and use the service like they do with 503 and other services already. Possibly Pick Up only towards Holmfirth/Drop off only towards Halifax, as that section already has buses every 3-7 Mins towards Halifax I Don't think a 2 Hourly minibus would be missed plus my thinking was to stop the risk of the minibus being filled up with local Halifax journeys possibly meaning passengers travelling further than Sowood would be left with a 2 hours wait. I would suggest using a bus bigger than a mini bus to be fair and an hourly timetable in replacement of 539.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2024 21:54:26 GMT 1
Possibly Pick Up only towards Holmfirth/Drop off only towards Halifax, as that section already has buses every 3-7 Mins towards Halifax I Don't think a 2 Hourly minibus would be missed plus my thinking was to stop the risk of the minibus being filled up with local Halifax journeys possibly meaning passengers travelling further than Sowood would be left with a 2 hours wait. I would suggest using a bus bigger than a mini bus to be fair and an hourly timetable in replacement of 539. You can't use more than a minibus due to the section between Slaithwaite & Sowood. At first it probably won't warrant an Hourly frequency as it need to find it's footing alongside my other proposals plus it already being upgraded from a couple of trips a week to two hourly M-Sat. The point of the suggestion was to improve links in the Holme & Colne Valleys with the Stainland to West Vale link just being an added bonus rather than being the main purpose.
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pricel
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Post by pricel on Feb 16, 2024 21:59:22 GMT 1
I would suggest using a bus bigger than a mini bus to be fair and an hourly timetable in replacement of 539. You can't use more than a minibus due to the section between Slaithwaite & Sowood. At first it probably won't warrant an Hourly frequency as it need to find it's footing alongside my other proposals plus it already being upgraded from a couple of trips a week to two hourly M-Sat. The point of the suggestion was to improve links in the Holme & Colne Valleys with the Stainland to West Vale link just being an added bonus rather than being the main purpose. Just re-route it along New Hey Road and Forest Hill Road. It would mean Forest Hill, Sowood would get the first bus service they have had in years and it allows the upper section of New Hey road to have a more regular alternative to the 900. I have noticed we tend to pick/drop off a lot on that part of Outlane however most services stop around a 10 - 15 minute walk away from some areas.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2024 22:15:43 GMT 1
You can't use more than a minibus due to the section between Slaithwaite & Sowood. At first it probably won't warrant an Hourly frequency as it need to find it's footing alongside my other proposals plus it already being upgraded from a couple of trips a week to two hourly M-Sat. The point of the suggestion was to improve links in the Holme & Colne Valleys with the Stainland to West Vale link just being an added bonus rather than being the main purpose. Just re-route it along New Hey Road and Forest Hill Road. It would mean Forest Hill, Sowood would get the first bus service they have had in years and it allows the upper section of New Hey road to have a more regular alternative to the 900. I have noticed we tend to pick/drop off a lot on that part of Outlane however most services stop around a 10 - 15 minute walk away from some areas. I Said between Slaithwaite & Sowood, Tidings Field road after Wilberlee turning circle can be fairly tight in a minibus so you wouldn't fit a larger bus plus the same on a couple of the bends on Moor Side Road. At Slaithwaite Crossroads with Manchester Road due to the gradient of Varley Road only minibuses can make it straight over the crossroads without grounding (Full sized buses would have to travel down to the cemetery turning circle) All these diversions would mean it would no longer be able to operate a 2hourly frequency with one bus reducing the chances of any success or it even being attempted. As I said before the suggestion wasn't aimed at Calderdale (other areas could do with improvements also!)
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pricel
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Post by pricel on Feb 16, 2024 22:45:49 GMT 1
Just re-route it along New Hey Road and Forest Hill Road. It would mean Forest Hill, Sowood would get the first bus service they have had in years and it allows the upper section of New Hey road to have a more regular alternative to the 900. I have noticed we tend to pick/drop off a lot on that part of Outlane however most services stop around a 10 - 15 minute walk away from some areas. I Said between Slaithwaite & Sowood, Tidings Field road after Wilberlee turning circle can be fairly tight in a minibus so you wouldn't fit a larger bus plus the same on a couple of the bends on Moor Side Road. At Slaithwaite Crossroads with Manchester Road due to the gradient of Varley Road only minibuses can make it straight over the crossroads without grounding (Full sized buses would have to travel down to the cemetery turning circle) All these diversions would mean it would no longer be able to operate a 2hourly frequency with one bus reducing the chances of any success or it even being attempted. As I said before the suggestion wasn't aimed at Calderdale (other areas could do with improvements also!) Sometimes would use longer buses back in the K-Line days of 335 where it had that once a day extension to Pole Moor. I have also seen HGVs whilst walking along the road do the route before and coped fine. The road between Wilberlee and Sowood is not as tight as you think. Roads in Cornwall are tighter and more curvy yet drivers seem to cope extremely well.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2024 23:09:59 GMT 1
I Said between Slaithwaite & Sowood, Tidings Field road after Wilberlee turning circle can be fairly tight in a minibus so you wouldn't fit a larger bus plus the same on a couple of the bends on Moor Side Road. At Slaithwaite Crossroads with Manchester Road due to the gradient of Varley Road only minibuses can make it straight over the crossroads without grounding (Full sized buses would have to travel down to the cemetery turning circle) All these diversions would mean it would no longer be able to operate a 2hourly frequency with one bus reducing the chances of any success or it even being attempted. As I said before the suggestion wasn't aimed at Calderdale (other areas could do with improvements also!) Sometimes would use longer buses back in the K-Line days of 335 where it had that once a day extension to Pole Moor. I have also seen HGVs whilst walking along the road do the route before and coped fine. The road between Wilberlee and Sowood is not as tight as you think. Roads in Cornwall are tighter and more curvy yet drivers seem to cope extremely well. K Line never operated the 335, it's always been Stotts since they took it from Yorkshire Rider in the 90s apart from the odd trip Ryburn Taxibus operated for a short time during 2005/6, with it only starting to serve Slaithwaite in 2007 (before that operated to Marsden instead from Meltham via Chain Road). The Kline to Pole Moor was an extension of the 303/4 from Scapegoat Hill what was a part replacement for Firsts 539 when that got cutback from Huddersfield to Stainland. I Have driven the road over tops of Wilberlee many times as a rat run to the motorway (alongside many others) so know how tight & busy it can get at times. One thing to remember also in Cornwall is that most car drivers know to expect buses as they have been a fixture on country roads long term & as in most cases it warrents larger vehicles, this proposed route didn't (until you suggested that the 3-7 Minute frequency through Salterhebble wasn't enough for Siddal residents). Your correct LGVs use Tidings Field/Moor Side Roads out of Slaithwaite & you can see the results of it on each side of the road (damage to the walls, knocked over road side reflectors), not sure that's the type of thing bus companies want to be dealing with. I'm not sure why you seem to want half empty large buses travelling across the moors, that's only going to end up with more decline. There's nothing wrong with letting routes that only demand/require a minibus being operated by minibuses.
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pricel
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Post by pricel on Feb 16, 2024 23:14:20 GMT 1
Sometimes would use longer buses back in the K-Line days of 335 where it had that once a day extension to Pole Moor. I have also seen HGVs whilst walking along the road do the route before and coped fine. The road between Wilberlee and Sowood is not as tight as you think. Roads in Cornwall are tighter and more curvy yet drivers seem to cope extremely well. K Line never operated the 335, it's always been Stotts since they took it from Yorkshire Rider in the 90s apart from the odd trip Ryburn Taxibus operated for a short time during 2005/6, with it only starting to serve Slaithwaite in 2007 (before that operated to Marsden instead from Meltham via Chain Road). The Kline to Pole Moor was an extension of the 303/4 from Scapegoat Hill what was a part replacement for Firsts 539 when that got cutback from Huddersfield to Stainland. I Have driven the road over tops of Wilberlee many times as a rat run to the motorway (alongside many others) so know how tight & busy it can get at times. One thing to remember also in Cornwall is that most car drivers know to expect buses as they have been a fixture on country roads long term & as in most cases it warrents larger vehicles, this proposed route didn't (until you suggested that the 3-7 Minute frequency through Salterhebble wasn't enough for Siddal residents). Your correct LGVs use Tidings Field/Moor Side Roads out of Slaithwaite & you can see the results of it on each side of the road (damage to the walls, knocked over road side reflectors), not sure that's the type of thing bus companies want to be dealing with. I'm not sure why you seem to want half empty large buses travelling across the moors, that's only going to end up with more decline. There's nothing wrong with letting routes that only demand/require a minibus being operated by minibuses. White van Minibuses actually unsurprisingly put people off as it makes it look like a private hire bus or some Council bus used to pick up elderly & disabled people. Can see it evident when the 901 rocks up with one everyone seems to want to hop on the 537. As for Siddal it's not about buses per hour, maybe they want to travel to Holmfirth?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2024 23:28:49 GMT 1
K Line never operated the 335, it's always been Stotts since they took it from Yorkshire Rider in the 90s apart from the odd trip Ryburn Taxibus operated for a short time during 2005/6, with it only starting to serve Slaithwaite in 2007 (before that operated to Marsden instead from Meltham via Chain Road). The Kline to Pole Moor was an extension of the 303/4 from Scapegoat Hill what was a part replacement for Firsts 539 when that got cutback from Huddersfield to Stainland. I Have driven the road over tops of Wilberlee many times as a rat run to the motorway (alongside many others) so know how tight & busy it can get at times. One thing to remember also in Cornwall is that most car drivers know to expect buses as they have been a fixture on country roads long term & as in most cases it warrents larger vehicles, this proposed route didn't (until you suggested that the 3-7 Minute frequency through Salterhebble wasn't enough for Siddal residents). Your correct LGVs use Tidings Field/Moor Side Roads out of Slaithwaite & you can see the results of it on each side of the road (damage to the walls, knocked over road side reflectors), not sure that's the type of thing bus companies want to be dealing with. I'm not sure why you seem to want half empty large buses travelling across the moors, that's only going to end up with more decline. There's nothing wrong with letting routes that only demand/require a minibus being operated by minibuses. White van Minibuses actually unsurprisingly put people off as it makes it look like a private hire bus or some Council bus used to pick up elderly & disabled people. Can see it evident when the 901 rocks up with one everyone seems to want to hop on the 537. As for Siddal it's not about buses per hour, maybe they want to travel to Holmfirth? I Said in my original proposal to use something slightly larger than the current Transit Vans - something like a EVM Sprinter or at a push a 7.1/2M Solo or SR, then also included adding a pick up only towards Holmfirth but I still think it should have some restrictions entering Halifax baring in mind it's not meant to be aimed at Halifax local journeys. You might not agree but IMO what you said over the 901 & 537 is the correct method of what should happen, let the main DD route take the majority of the passengers probably making shorter distance journies leaving capacity on the minibus for passengers from the more rural areas/areas without another option. (assuming the passengers didn't mind waiting, what I'm guessing they didn't if they let the 901 go past)
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pricel
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Post by pricel on Feb 18, 2024 1:22:40 GMT 1
With the BSIP it was said that the full route frequencies of services 254 and 255 are to be increased to every 30 minutes, so I have decided to continue my plan with the 251, 254, 255, 550 and X54 but also modifying the routes slightly and bringing in a new 255A service designed to serve Norwood Green as an alternative to the 255 and replacing the HX1.
251 Halifax - Hipperholme - Lightcliffe - Bailiff Bridge - Hartshead - Norristhorpe - Heckmondwike - Dewsbury - Alverthorpe - Wakefield The original plan that was put in favour for the proposed bus route linking Halifax - Siddal - Southowram with Heckmondwike and Dewsbury but re-routed via Shibden Hall Road, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe as the road between Southowram and Siddal would be difficult for a bus to use, and having 3 buses per hour for Southowram would be overkill. Better to have 254 serve Southowram half hourly. This new proposed route instead will run along Shibden Hall Road into Hipperholme as there is a new "Shibden" village along there and it's easier for families to travel to Shibden Hall and Park than the current bus stop on Godley Lane. From here the service will run into Lightcliffe serving Greenfield Ave, and Bentley Avenue partially replacing service 571. The service will continue via Bailiff Bridge, Hartshead Moor Top, Hightown, Hartshead, Roberttown and Norristhorpe towards Heckmondwike Bus Hub providing a half hourly service combined with 261 to cover for the loss of 229 from the communities along this route. From here the service will follow the 250 into Dewsbury and then 268 until M1 Junction 40. From here, the service will then use the quicker route (according to maps) towards Wakefield Bus Station through Silkwood Business Park, Flanshaw Trading Estate, Alverthorpe, direct along the main road towards Leeds Road following other routes into Wakefield Bus Station from there. With this service being added people from Halifax will have a direct link to Dewsbury and Wakefield again, with Hartshead and Dewsbury Moor restoring their half - hourly frequencies lost from October 2022, provides Alverthorpe and Flanshaw with an extra and faster bus to Wakefield City Centre and also allows Silkwood and Flanshaw Business Parks to have a bus service that workers can rely on. With this service running hourly, it can hopefully coordinate with other services to form a rough half - hourly frequency between Halifax and Lightcliffe (with 255), Hartshead and Heckmondwike (with 261), Heckmondwike and Dewsbury (with 250).
254 Halifax - Southowram - Brighouse - Cleckheaton - Gomersal - Birkenshaw - Drighlington - New Wortley - Leeds It has been planned by the BSIP for the service to increase to half hourly on the full route between Leeds and Brighouse. I have thought of extending the 254 to Halifax from Brighouse (replacing 571 and HX2) providing better connections and a better service for Southowram. The full route to Halifax is estimated to be an hour and a half (estimated by combining 571 and 254 timetables together) which is the same length as 255/255A which would allow an every 15 minute combined frequency between Halifax - Cleckheaton - Leeds. With these plans going ahead Bank Top and Southowram will also be reinstated to a better half - hourly service as bus users have been neglected since 572s withdrawal as there is an hourly bus (since HX2 and 571 are timed only moments apart). Most of the 254 shorts will be withdrawn with the service creating an every 15 minute frequency between Cleckheaton and Leeds and half hourly on evenings + Sundays with services 255 and 255A.
255 Halifax - Hipperholme - Wyke - Scholes - Cleckheaton - Gomersal - Birkenshaw - Drighlington - New Wortley - Leeds With the BSIP increasing the service between Leeds, Cleckheaton, Scholes and Halifax to every 30 minutes I saw this as an opportunity to reconnect Norwood Green to Cleckheaton again and provide an hourly service to the village. A new service 255A will make a half hourly combined service with 255. The service will follow the same route as 255 between Leeds and Wyke where the service will then run along Station Road towards Norwood Green Village turning circle. From here, the service will run direct along the A58 into Hipperholme before detouring onto Bramley and Denholme Gate Road linking back with the 255 service to Halifax. Service 255/255A will combine to create an every 15 minute frequency between Leeds and Cleckheaton direct (every 30 on eves + Suns) and then form a combined half hourly service between Halifax, Scholes and Cleckheaton during Mon - Sat daytime and every hour (just 255) on evening + Sunday.
550 Halifax - Shibden Hall Rd - Hipperholme - Coley - Shelf - Woodside Tesco - Wibsey - Bradford This service will be designed to replace the 571 between Hipperholme and Shelf and restores the link between Hipperholme, Coley and Wisbey Park Avenue to Bradford. This service will be designed to combine with service 251 to create an every 30 minute frequency along Shibden Hall Road, which would be a great push for the Shibden Hall village to start using the bus as they currently have no bus service. The service will be routed through some estates in Hipperholme: Westfield Avenue, Wakefield Road, Knowle Top Road, Bramley Lane, Leeds Road and The Drive before continuing on the normal 571 route through Coley to Stone Chair Roundabout. The service will also be redesigned to serve Shelf Hall Lane to gain a few extra passengers in the main village of Shelf before continuing on along Wibsey Park Ave, St Lukes Hospital and Little Hornton Lane to Bradford. Since the scrapping of the 571 to Bradford quite a lot of people have complained since it was vital for usage to St Luke's Hospital and removed the link from Hipperholme and Coley to Bradford and left Fairfield Avenue without a bus service and Wibsey Park Ave to the lengthy 643/4 services.
686/687/688 Fagley - Bradford - Odsal Top - Wyke - Scholes or Brighouse The Fagley to Bradford section will be cut and replaced with a new service numbered 672 designed to run every 15 minutes Mon - Sat and half hourly on evening and Sundays. This will allow a more tidier service to run as it's only 687 that runs to Fagley and 686 that runs from Fagley. Almost all journeys are made between Bradford and Fagley with hardly anyone using it through the city centre. Journeys on 686/8 will be re-routed through Whinney Hill to replace the 571 service to allow the area to retain a bus service but also receiving a more frequent service and a link back to Bradford City Centre.
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joseph
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Post by joseph on Feb 18, 2024 9:14:35 GMT 1
If I were in charge of tenders at WYCA, one of the first two things I'd do is axe the following routes as journeys can easily be covered through existing services and they don't offer value for money for the hard pressed tax payer. The 61 and 61A often run empty when I've seen them at various parts and at various times. For example, I took a peak time 61A journey which carried just 3 people throughout it's entire route, only 1 boarded on the Industrial Estate and he looked more than fit enough to either walk it (the weather was dry) or walk to Pontefract Lane for a bus via Leeds. The only journey I've ever seen with a few on board is one where a large family came off around 4pm, probably coming from a school somewhere. In hard pressed times where there are other routes that need additional early and late journeys funding, such as more early journeys on service 1 on a weekend, I find it hard to believe that WYCA are persisting to fund a route that carries such low numbers, 1s, 2s, 3s per journey, hardly seen a journey carrying more. All journeys can be made using other existing routes, and the Industrial Estate section is within walking distance of Pontefract Lane for the Park and Ride via town, or indeed walking distance of Hunslet which is a 12 minute walk away from the South Accommodation Road stop by the dry cleaning place. The only bit left unserved is the bit between the 47 service and John Charles but come on, if you're off to John Charles you've got to be fit enough anyway!
The next route on the agenda is off peak journeys on the 86. Rodley to Bramley can be done with a simple change of route from a frequent 60/A to an equally frequent 16/A at the top of Rodley Lane and the 80 also acts as another direct route to Bramley from Rodley so why the need to fund the 86? I'm not sure if the 86 off peak is funded elsewhere such as on the Hunslet to Middleton section but that's another section that doesn't need the 86, I've not seen many on board by the time it reaches Middleton Asda and the only unique section not served by any bus service is within walking distance of the 12/13/13A and 74 routes. The bit from Bramley to Hunslet does get used a lot but that could be argued to be commercial if it's not already so I'd be pushing First really hard to make it commercial. The money saved could again go on to fund much more deserving things such as early journeys on other routes such as the 51/2 what have seen their early journeys decimated in the past 6 months! It's not on that a big town like Morley sees such a poor service early on a Saturday/Sunday for example, let's get the money spent where it'll be better used!
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pricel
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Post by pricel on Feb 18, 2024 9:53:53 GMT 1
If I were in charge of tenders at WYCA, one of the first two things I'd do is axe the following routes as journeys can easily be covered through existing services and they don't offer value for money for the hard pressed tax payer. The 61 and 61A often run empty when I've seen them at various parts and at various times. For example, I took a peak time 61A journey which carried just 3 people throughout it's entire route, only 1 boarded on the Industrial Estate and he looked more than fit enough to either walk it (the weather was dry) or walk to Pontefract Lane for a bus via Leeds. The only journey I've ever seen with a few on board is one where a large family came off around 4pm, probably coming from a school somewhere. In hard pressed times where there are other routes that need additional early and late journeys funding, such as more early journeys on service 1 on a weekend, I find it hard to believe that WYCA are persisting to fund a route that carries such low numbers, 1s, 2s, 3s per journey, hardly seen a journey carrying more. All journeys can be made using other existing routes, and the Industrial Estate section is within walking distance of Pontefract Lane for the Park and Ride via town, or indeed walking distance of Hunslet which is a 12 minute walk away from the South Accommodation Road stop by the dry cleaning place. The only bit left unserved is the bit between the 47 service and John Charles but come on, if you're off to John Charles you've got to be fit enough anyway! The next route on the agenda is off peak journeys on the 86. Rodley to Bramley can be done with a simple change of route from a frequent 60/A to an equally frequent 16/A at the top of Rodley Lane and the 80 also acts as another direct route to Bramley from Rodley so why the need to fund the 86? I'm not sure if the 86 off peak is funded elsewhere such as on the Hunslet to Middleton section but that's another section that doesn't need the 86, I've not seen many on board by the time it reaches Middleton Asda and the only unique section not served by any bus service is within walking distance of the 12/13/13A and 74 routes. The bit from Bramley to Hunslet does get used a lot but that could be argued to be commercial if it's not already so I'd be pushing First really hard to make it commercial. The money saved could again go on to fund much more deserving things such as early journeys on other routes such as the 51/2 what have seen their early journeys decimated in the past 6 months! It's not on that a big town like Morley sees such a poor service early on a Saturday/Sunday for example, let's get the money spent where it'll be better used! Actually I would withdrawn 80 over 86 instead, I've used 86 a handful of times and we even had a few busy journeys. It doesn't really need double deckers but they can cope with singles.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2024 13:20:45 GMT 1
If I were in charge of tenders at WYCA, one of the first two things I'd do is axe the following routes as journeys can easily be covered through existing services and they don't offer value for money for the hard pressed tax payer. The 61 and 61A often run empty when I've seen them at various parts and at various times. For example, I took a peak time 61A journey which carried just 3 people throughout it's entire route, only 1 boarded on the Industrial Estate and he looked more than fit enough to either walk it (the weather was dry) or walk to Pontefract Lane for a bus via Leeds. The only journey I've ever seen with a few on board is one where a large family came off around 4pm, probably coming from a school somewhere. In hard pressed times where there are other routes that need additional early and late journeys funding, such as more early journeys on service 1 on a weekend, I find it hard to believe that WYCA are persisting to fund a route that carries such low numbers, 1s, 2s, 3s per journey, hardly seen a journey carrying more. All journeys can be made using other existing routes, and the Industrial Estate section is within walking distance of Pontefract Lane for the Park and Ride via town, or indeed walking distance of Hunslet which is a 12 minute walk away from the South Accommodation Road stop by the dry cleaning place. The only bit left unserved is the bit between the 47 service and John Charles but come on, if you're off to John Charles you've got to be fit enough anyway! The next route on the agenda is off peak journeys on the 86. Rodley to Bramley can be done with a simple change of route from a frequent 60/A to an equally frequent 16/A at the top of Rodley Lane and the 80 also acts as another direct route to Bramley from Rodley so why the need to fund the 86? I'm not sure if the 86 off peak is funded elsewhere such as on the Hunslet to Middleton section but that's another section that doesn't need the 86, I've not seen many on board by the time it reaches Middleton Asda and the only unique section not served by any bus service is within walking distance of the 12/13/13A and 74 routes. The bit from Bramley to Hunslet does get used a lot but that could be argued to be commercial if it's not already so I'd be pushing First really hard to make it commercial. The money saved could again go on to fund much more deserving things such as early journeys on other routes such as the 51/2 what have seen their early journeys decimated in the past 6 months! It's not on that a big town like Morley sees such a poor service early on a Saturday/Sunday for example, let's get the money spent where it'll be better used! As one of the reasons for traffic in Leeds being so poor is due to the poor orbital links,I Feel we should be looking at ways to improve the remaining ones rather than just axe them. You mention the 61A Peak journies being empty, but is that a surprise? Cross Green is the type of place a lot of workers (if not the majority) are working something like one of 6-2/2-10/10-6 shifts so buses going through at 6:24/7:24am & 17:06/18:26 (from Middleton) are probably not much use. The 86 you mentioned would have little savings, Axing the Rodley section (only 8-10 Mins from Bramley) would only save on the fuel bill but the PVR would still be the same but with the bus parked up in Bramley for longer. The Middleton section I think might be commercial during the daytimes, as back when it was more frequent (Every 20-30 Mins) it still had the Middleton section. I Do agree it could probably do with some changes to make it a more useful service (plus restoring it to at least Half Hourly M-Sat)
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Post by Father Dougal McGuire on Feb 19, 2024 19:54:29 GMT 1
So, today was the first "proper day" of the new 590/1/2 Timetable so seeing as bustimes isn't tracking yet, I will compare the "definitely not my GreenRoad tracking" to the actual timetable and see how it worked out for my duty today. I have added a column at the end to show how it would have looked using the running times I personally would use. There are currently roadworks/diversions between Halifax, Todmorden & Burnley (both lengthy in and out here) so it's not strictly a 100% true example as it does add time onto the journey. I am quite a steady driver, don't chase time, always have a comfort break at Todmorden to have a drink and toilet stop in case of a breakdown or road closure. Some of these trips could have been a little quicker but no need to get stressed and rush so I prefer to just drive and if it's on time it's on time, if it's late it's late. For example the late 0750 Burnley to Halifax only had a scheduled 3 minute turn around time, by the time you've booked up for the next trip and loaded its then late. If it had been on the previous set of running times or the ones I would use if I scheduled this service it would have been on time all the way to Halifax going by the official definition of "on time" which is 59 seconds early or 5 minutes 59 seconds late. In bound trips from Burnley always had 10 minutes layover in Todmorden so you never officially came "late off" but now drivers will be. *Actual dep from Hebden Bridge should say 0650 not 0648
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pricel
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Post by pricel on Feb 21, 2024 20:26:03 GMT 1
With the re-routing of the Siddal bus service 543 (541/2), I think there was a missed opportunity for Matalan and Halifax Minister to receive a bus service. At the moment, the 543 doesn't have any bus stops between Halifax Bus Station and Siddal New Road which limits the potential for the bus service. I would re-design the service towards Siddal to serve Halifax Sainsbury's bus stop and giving the bus stop a number of 31 (to fit with the Halifax stop numbers), then a new bus stop added on Lower Kirkgate between Matalan and Halifax Minister, an extra stop on Berry Lane outside the Nestle Factory entrance for the Industrial Site and the Nestle Factory workers and finally a bus stop at the bottom of Jubilee Street to serve the terraced houses along Jubilee Street and Trooper Lane.
On the way back from Siddal, the same stops will be served apart from Sainsbury's with the service being designed to serve the on-street Halifax Bus Rail Interchange (when constructed) and then the Charles Street bus stop (where National Express Coaches leave from currently).
I believe serving these areas would be useful as these are areas likely to attract bus usage as the town centre of Halifax is on a slope and dragging heavy bags on a little walk between Sainsbury's and Halifax Bus Station is tiring hence the usage of the Sainsbury's Shopper bus in the past. The clothing shop Matalan could also gain a few extra customers through the 543 bus service as Matalan is quite far away from the rest of the town services and it would be useful to have a bus from the bus station to Matalan for bus users. Dropping off at the Woolshops Shopping Centre allows a more convenient service for local customers as well as stopping outside the railway station allows customers to interchange between train and buses easier.
As for the timetable I would reintroduce an evening timetable to the route, and design it to run half - hourly until 23:15 with a contract for overnight services being introduced on trial with Nestle, to see if customers want to use the service. The reason I suggested a half hourly evening service was because I often saw the evenings rammed before COVID chopped them and a half hourly service would be more persuasive for Nestle factory workers to use the service. I would also introduce earlier morning journeys allowing connections with the X1 and 501 services, (same going for 502, Mixenden & Illingworth locals and 579).
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Post by westyorkshirebus on Feb 22, 2024 18:27:08 GMT 1
With the re-routing of the Siddal bus service 543 (541/2), I think there was a missed opportunity for Matalan and Halifax Minister to receive a bus service. At the moment, the 543 doesn't have any bus stops between Halifax Bus Station and Siddal New Road which limits the potential for the bus service. I would re-design the service towards Siddal to serve Halifax Sainsbury's bus stop and giving the bus stop a number of 31 (to fit with the Halifax stop numbers), then a new bus stop added on Lower Kirkgate between Matalan and Halifax Minister, an extra stop on Berry Lane outside the Nestle Factory entrance for the Industrial Site and the Nestle Factory workers and finally a bus stop at the bottom of Jubilee Street to serve the terraced houses along Jubilee Street and Trooper Lane. There are temporary stops by Halifax Minster, there may be others They probably don’t exist on the national database yet which is why they don’t appear anywhere online
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