Weymouth bus routes to be axed (From Thisisdorset)

So anyone living in southill now has to walk or drive. All that money spent on new electronic sign boards, for a bus that will never come.

On the plus side, we get more buses, more often, so i'm alright jack.

lets be honest this has been coming for a while like any buisness loss making things are closed/shut i do feel sorry for those on the 5/5a route but it was costing thousands to run each month at no profit at all.

but if all goes well lets look on the bright side

better reliability,punctual
ity

10,8 and 4 running in the evening those moaners in broadway will now get buses upto midnight, lets hope some of those faces in the paper a while back actually use these later buses or else it will get cut again.

number 1 increased and now going from statue which helps connecting better to other routes and straight on the sea front

This is what you get from privatisation I worked for the old Southern National for 10 years and I know not all the services weren't perfect but at least people had services another problem has been letting the elderly ride for free , please note this is nothing to do with age, regardless of if they live locally or not, they should not have done away with the half fare scheme at least people were contributing to the running of the bus service!

clansman59 wrote:
This is what you get from privatisation I worked for the old Southern National for 10 years and I know not all the services weren't perfect but at least people had services another problem has been letting the elderly ride for free , please note this is nothing to do with age, regardless of if they live locally or not, they should not have done away with the half fare scheme at least people were contributing to the running of the bus service!

exactley as bad as it sounds all these free passes werenot to bad at the start . ITS THE GOVERNMENTS FAULT. they enticed the bus companies in years ago with the promise of a good rebate for allowing free passes to travel but now they have reduced it to such a level that its impossible for the comapnies to operate routeswith a majority of free passes as it just does not pay :(

this is terrible. i cant see anything good coming out of this. they cant keep up with demand now how on earth are they going to do it in march. cutting routes will only make things harder for everybody. the number 3 route is being cut from 12 minutes to 15 minutes..what a flippin joke most days they come once an hour. 4 buses out of 9 were missing on number 1s and number 2 buses are frequently missing especially first thing in morning and afternoon when kids kick out.i wait from 3pm untill 3.50 some days on a busy road. first treat their drivers like rubbish. these are good harding men and woman who turn up for work to find theres no heating there bus has broken down etc. then when they do get a bus they are subjected to abuse and assault because passengers have been waiting for over an hour sometime and are upset.these people are the face of first and they are being treated appallingly. in a report from county hall they say that the fleet is getting older. this is because first dont want to sell with a new fleet wasting money.

for more info and chats please join the facebook page called first buses weymouth complaints...see you there x

Mr_Blue_Sky wrote:
On the plus side, we get more buses, more often, so i'm alright jack.

Probably a Portlander.
What about the rest of us, I use the 8 service that is improved for the summer then back to 8.40 finish and a waste of time on Sundays during the winter no doubt.
Also it is about time we had a bus terminus at the Statue and not some services running from Debenhams, after all why should a Portland resident get dropped at the Statue, and others like myself have to walk from the bus depot or Debenhams up to the statue.
Come on First pull your finger out if it is viable for service 1 to go up Westham road and back down King street then it is no different for services 3 and 8 as well as the revamped 6.
If it is going to be made easier for those not so capable of walking do it for everyone not just the chosen few from Portland who seem to get the better buses, I was on the 4B bus 3 times in the last week and to be honest the bus running it should be in a museum, yes it is reliable, but the elderly and mothers with pushchairs can not manage the steps and also it is seems like the suspension has gone as it certainly wakes you up in the morning.
So much for the promise of better buses from First.

So does that mean that some other group that were muscled out by 'First' might provide a service? It makes you laugh really, all the green guff, promoted by the Government, on yer bikes kids!

I will probably alienate many people with my comments, but while having great sympathy for the residents of Southill, I can only say this was the logical step for the Lanehouse service. It goes back to the old service given by Southern National, albeit not so frequently, when the bus kept to the main roads, turning round at Parkmead Road. Serving the estates of Lanehouse & Littlesea was fine when the small shuttle buses were introduced, but it was ridiculous asking the drivers to negotiate these small roads and to contend with badly parked cars. It is not so far to walk to the main road. People may complain that they have difficulty walking, but I must ask, what do they do once they are in town?

So does that mean that some other group that were muscled out by 'First' might provide a service? It makes you laugh really, all the green guff, promoted by the Government, on yer bikes kids!

Also I thought Equality meant that it didn't matter who you are,where you lived,race etc. there are some that have and some that not, so how does that work? Discuss!

"COMMUNITIES in Weymouth will be cut off under new plans by First Bus."

What a pathetic headline, if those parts of the communities had used the bus in the first place, they wouldn't have to cut them ! So who's cut off, people who don't use the service in the first place.

Go to the first website and see their policies for customer care and the environment. You can also access their profits. They took on these services so they should provide them. We all have to take the rough with the smooth and so should they.
Complain to their chief Exec : TIM O’TOOLE AT
Tim.O'Toole@firstgro
up.com
If the concessions are a problem then tell people if they want to keep the service you pay. We will be happy to. They do, however, have an excuse ready for every occasion.
Maybe Mr. Branson could take over the bus services too. PLEASE RICHARD, PLEASE.

If there are enough people needing transport there is nothing to stop another operator stepping in 56 days notice to the Traffic Commissioners is all it takes
First have been very open in explaining their reasons at the end of the day its use it or loose it

Noodle06,You're living in cloud cuckoo land.How many times must it be said FIRST BUS IS A PRIVATE COMPANY out to make money for its shareholders.Due to govermental budget deficits and council cuts the compensation paid to all bus companies has been reduced to such an extent its no longer viable to run some services not just in this town ,but nationwide.When a route such as the5/5a is losing approx £20k every 6 months what do you expect..The problem wether people like it or not is the''free bus passes'' that are not free! Every council tax payer has been supporting this and the drivers of the buses will suffer when it comes to wage negotiations as the ''profit'' is not as anticipated..You expect Branson to do any better? hes too wise to get involved in a dying industry...Bus services killed by concessionary passes

As I said, tell every concession pass holder, if you want to keep the service then you pay.

westhamtenant wrote:
this is terrible. i cant see anything good coming out of this. they cant keep up with demand now how on earth are they going to do it in march. cutting routes will only make things harder for everybody. the number 3 route is being cut from 12 minutes to 15 minutes..what a flippin joke most days they come once an hour. 4 buses out of 9 were missing on number 1s and number 2 buses are frequently missing especially first thing in morning and afternoon when kids kick out.i wait from 3pm untill 3.50 some days on a busy road. first treat their drivers like rubbish. these are good harding men and woman who turn up for work to find theres no heating there bus has broken down etc. then when they do get a bus they are subjected to abuse and assault because passengers have been waiting for over an hour sometime and are upset.these people are the face of first and they are being treated appallingly. in a report from county hall they say that the fleet is getting older. this is because first dont want to sell with a new fleet wasting money.

for more info and chats please join the facebook page called first buses weymouth complaints...see you there x

I'm confused, are you for or against this change?!

Mango man wrote:

westhamtenant wrote:
this is terrible. i cant see anything good coming out of this. they cant keep up with demand now how on earth are they going to do it in march. cutting routes will only make things harder for everybody. the number 3 route is being cut from 12 minutes to 15 minutes..what a flippin joke most days they come once an hour. 4 buses out of 9 were missing on number 1s and number 2 buses are frequently missing especially first thing in morning and afternoon when kids kick out.i wait from 3pm untill 3.50 some days on a busy road. first treat their drivers like rubbish. these are good harding men and woman who turn up for work to find theres no heating there bus has broken down etc. then when they do get a bus they are subjected to abuse and assault because passengers have been waiting for over an hour sometime and are upset.these people are the face of first and they are being treated appallingly. in a report from county hall they say that the fleet is getting older. this is because first dont want to sell with a new fleet wasting money.

for more info and chats please join the facebook page called first buses weymouth complaints...see you there x

I'm confused, are you for or against this change?!

hi mango man. i just cant see how they are going to be able to perform better. they say they are going to cut down routes by 3 mins ie from 12 to 15 mins but.at the moment they are struggling to get a bus out an hour on the 3 route. and they want to do similar on 2 routes but again sometimes its 1 an hour or even longer. cant see any of it happening to be fair. xx

If you are going to provide a bus service you apply it to everybody, perhaps, not at regular but let us be fair! Not a lot to ask.

Noodle06...The problem with asking concessionary pass holders to pay is that it is illegal.The only way round this is to register the route as a summer service only for use by holidaymakers ,as the open top 501

Under 'equalities' we are entitled to the same service as everybody else! Bus service for Southillxxx

I hate to say it, but there may not be a 501 service to Portland Bill this year.

Its future is very much under review, due to many factors including the terrible weather in recent years, high diesel prices and not being able to claim reimbursement for the OAP free tickets - the loss of the Kings Statue departure stand during the Olympics last year was a financial disaster and possible closure of the promenade this summer is therefore causing much concern.

If you want to save it, the time to start the petition is NOW.

Simon N.

SRA wrote:
So anyone living in southill now has to walk or drive. All that money spent on new electronic sign boards, for a bus that will never come.

Actually, we have been forgotten by 'green Transport' joke!

SRA wrote:
So anyone living in southill now has to walk or drive. All that money spent on new electronic sign boards, for a bus that will never come.

Actually, we have been forgotten by 'green Transport' joke!

As I said earlier, I really do have sympathy for the residents of Southill, as they are completely isolated. It's not as if they can walk to catch a bus on a near-by route.

I keep saying everything should be fair and that is all I ask! So, I understand, that Portland has more buses because they have a younger group but by the same token Southill should have a bus. I think if they cut it totally you will end up with a dead area.

i think its totally unfair, i live at southill, my whole road depends on that bus , most havent got a car, we have rights, a bus service however small, is well within our rights, you can not simply cut off a community, you must find a way around it, even if its only 2 buses a day, why should all of weymouth have a bus route, and southill has to suffer, im disgusted at first bus, and for all you folk out there who drive, think yourself lucky, there is a few of us you just cant afford to, SHAME ON YOU, UNFEELING IDIOTS AT FIRST BUS

To be fair to First, there is nothing stopping any other operator registering a service to Southill, but none will, because the reimboursment per OAP free fare is just too low to make it viable.

Now that First have given notice however, the Transport Act 1986 allows for the local authority to subsidise a replacement service, should they feel that a service is justified and socially necessary.

Even though Dorset CC have not got any money, I suspect that limited funds will be found to provide a basic service for there.

Then we should all go and live in Poundbury....no shortage of buses there and they can walk to everywhere. Town, Hospital and train stations. Ah equality!

so all the money spent on bus stop improvements, real time, shelters, raised kerbs is all down the swanny in some parts of town.

No 1 ..up to the kings Statue. Great for connections to Dorchester, but not serving debenhams and town bridge.

Hopefully now yellows, W&D/Damory, Stagecoach ?? will take a punt on Weymouth and start a bus war ?

on the other hand No 6 is finally providing a much needed service from Pye Hill/Fiveways/Laneho
use to and from Wyke... although not so good for Wyke Road residents

so good and bad all round

Joe_Bloggs wrote:

Mr_Blue_Sky wrote:
On the plus side, we get more buses, more often, so i'm alright jack.

Probably a Portlander.
What about the rest of us, I use the 8 service that is improved for the summer then back to 8.40 finish and a waste of time on Sundays during the winter no doubt.
Also it is about time we had a bus terminus at the Statue and not some services running from Debenhams, after all why should a Portland resident get dropped at the Statue, and others like myself have to walk from the bus depot or Debenhams up to the statue.
Come on First pull your finger out if it is viable for service 1 to go up Westham road and back down King street then it is no different for services 3 and 8 as well as the revamped 6.
If it is going to be made easier for those not so capable of walking do it for everyone not just the chosen few from Portland who seem to get the better buses, I was on the 4B bus 3 times in the last week and to be honest the bus running it should be in a museum, yes it is reliable, but the elderly and mothers with pushchairs can not manage the steps and also it is seems like the suspension has gone as it certainly wakes you up in the morning.
So much for the promise of better buses from First.

@ Joe_Bloggs

"He's probably a Portlander"

Can I ask where you got the information from please? Quite a statement to make, I would hazard a guess that you are probably one of the people on here that label all people who live at Littemoor as being trouble as well.

A little bit of advice, remove your head from your posterior.

From a disgruntled Portlander, who does care about the services people receive and not just on Portland.

paddyash wrote:
i think its totally unfair, i live at southill, my whole road depends on that bus , most havent got a car, we have rights, a bus service however small, is well within our rights, you can not simply cut off a community, you must find a way around it, even if its only 2 buses a day, why should all of weymouth have a bus route, and southill has to suffer, im disgusted at first bus, and for all you folk out there who drive, think yourself lucky, there is a few of us you just cant afford to, SHAME ON YOU, UNFEELING IDIOTS AT FIRST BUS

Actually, nobody has a RIGHT to a bus service.

The bus companies may run a bus at any time, or any route they wish, if they think it will show a profit.

Many rural villages etc have no public transport at all, & why should Southill be any different?

The long and short of it is, that if enough of you actually used the Southill service, it would show a profit, & would still be viable.

Using a bus once a week to do your shopping, simply isn't going to keep the service running.

We don't want more busses per hour. we want busses longer into the night like they have in Bournemouth.

The Taxis wouldn't like it mind!

What's the problem we have got a cycle lane everywhere now at a huge expense.From upwey to Dorchester. Souhill to Granby and now Chickerell Road to Granby.Money is misspent like water so why not keep the buss passes and anybody over Twenty gets a subsidised bike that way everybody gets there fair share of freebies which is what most of these comments are about.There's loads of dosh for everybody we are not really broke just a political rumour.

I use the bus (No 1) from time to time and as a full fare payer not on a pass. The changes mean I now more likely to use my car and park in the multi-storey as the bus service is becoming less central.

Leave the No 1 route as it is please it goes where we want it to now via Debenhams & Town Bridge.

If you want to improve the service how about the revolutionary idea of running the buses at the frequency it says in the timetable instead of the random chance service we currently get.

what about when all hospitals are made private?

Do we allow services to be scrapped cos the reimburtment isnt enough?

The people against it are clearly those not in need of a bus...

stench wrote:
what about when all hospitals are made private?

Do we allow services to be scrapped cos the reimburtment isnt enough?

The people against it are clearly those not in need of a bus...

i think most of you people seem to think the council still own the buses. first is a private company who operate a buisness .
why should a company make a loss each month of thousands to please a few people .

you people of southill had your chance at the start of last year. if i remember right first were going to alter the route to try and make it pay ,you had the manager from first up there and lobbied the papers and so on saying we will catch the bus and use it more.

so first left it as it was and nothing changed still low numbers and not enough people using them so you really only have yourself to blame.

just like the people of broadway/upwey they have moaned to the echo ,the company and so on .so first have now given them back there bus and even up until midnight now lets see if these regulars from there actually catch the bus now because if they dont IT WILL BE GONE they are being given the chance.

think about for a minute who would operate a company at a loss

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote: what about when all hospitals are made private? Do we allow services to be scrapped cos the reimburtment isnt enough? The people against it are clearly those not in need of a bus...

i think most of you people seem to think the council still own the buses. first is a private company who operate a buisness . why should a company make a loss each month of thousands to please a few people . you people of southill had your chance at the start of last year. if i remember right first were going to alter the route to try and make it pay ,you had the manager from first up there and lobbied the papers and so on saying we will catch the bus and use it more. so first left it as it was and nothing changed still low numbers and not enough people using them so you really only have yourself to blame. just like the people of broadway/upwey they have moaned to the echo ,the company and so on .so first have now given them back there bus and even up until midnight now lets see if these regulars from there actually catch the bus now because if they dont IT WILL BE GONE they are being given the chance. think about for a minute who would operate a company at a loss

I think you assume wrong...

The council USED to own them, yes. But why privatise?

It'll be the same lame excuses that we'll have when all hospitals become private. then what after that?

It's like the owner of RyanAir is giving Cameron & co tips on how to strip back to basics, take away liabilty and let the people put up with the crap.

I'll vote for a party that wants to run the country. not one that passes the risk to private companies, in a coawardly effort to avoid fuuture responsibilities...

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote: what about when all hospitals are made private? Do we allow services to be scrapped cos the reimburtment isnt enough? The people against it are clearly those not in need of a bus...

i think most of you people seem to think the council still own the buses. first is a private company who operate a buisness . why should a company make a loss each month of thousands to please a few people . you people of southill had your chance at the start of last year. if i remember right first were going to alter the route to try and make it pay ,you had the manager from first up there and lobbied the papers and so on saying we will catch the bus and use it more. so first left it as it was and nothing changed still low numbers and not enough people using them so you really only have yourself to blame. just like the people of broadway/upwey they have moaned to the echo ,the company and so on .so first have now given them back there bus and even up until midnight now lets see if these regulars from there actually catch the bus now because if they dont IT WILL BE GONE they are being given the chance. think about for a minute who would operate a company at a loss

And it's all about overall profit. They should have been aware that some services may not be a winner. but if they are not making the profits they want, then pull your finger and get more lean!

Tis the easy way for chiefs to make visible savings. redundancies and scrapping of services. shameful!

anyone rememebr the days where we were encouraged to use public transport?

Them morals have since gone... Fook the environment!

Amazing, that the same old labour mentality of Nationalisation, still finds favour with some people.

They must have very short memories.
British Rail, Council owned bus companies, the list goes on, all of them were closed, because once you have a transport system running at a loss, just to provide a service to a few. You end up with the hardworking majority paying for a few to have cheap travel.
Couple that, with the unions view of state owned transport as a cushy ride for life, and you have a recipe for disaster.
all transport should be taken off the taxpayers back, & if it does not pay, it should be scrapped.

stench wrote:

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote: what about when all hospitals are made private? Do we allow services to be scrapped cos the reimburtment isnt enough? The people against it are clearly those not in need of a bus...

i think most of you people seem to think the council still own the buses. first is a private company who operate a buisness . why should a company make a loss each month of thousands to please a few people . you people of southill had your chance at the start of last year. if i remember right first were going to alter the route to try and make it pay ,you had the manager from first up there and lobbied the papers and so on saying we will catch the bus and use it more. so first left it as it was and nothing changed still low numbers and not enough people using them so you really only have yourself to blame. just like the people of broadway/upwey they have moaned to the echo ,the company and so on .so first have now given them back there bus and even up until midnight now lets see if these regulars from there actually catch the bus now because if they dont IT WILL BE GONE they are being given the chance. think about for a minute who would operate a company at a loss

I think you assume wrong...

The council USED to own them, yes. But why privatise?

It'll be the same lame excuses that we'll have when all hospitals become private. then what after that?

It's like the owner of RyanAir is giving Cameron & co tips on how to strip back to basics, take away liabilty and let the people put up with the crap.

I'll vote for a party that wants to run the country. not one that passes the risk to private companies, in a coawardly effort to avoid fuuture responsibilities...

but thats for another matter ryanair has nothing to do with the number 5 lol .

i understand what youre saying about make a little loss here and there and go on overall profit.

but each first depot area is on its own each depot has to make a profit to be viable.

and the number 5 route was not just making a little loss it was totally hemorrahaging money to an amount that could have serious affects on other routes .

the 3,4,and 8 already operate at a very small profit but the losses on the 5 was almost wiping out that totally.

do you think another comapny is just going to step in and say we will do it and dont mind paying thousands a month to run. i think not .

if blame is to be laid then lets look at the real reasons and not just first .

1. the council have a budget on which to proportion monies into the community .THEY CHOOSE TO CUT BACK ON SUBSIDY FOR TRANSPORT. they decided that building stupid stones on an island and laser lights are more important.

2. the government enticed the bus companies into all this free travel at the start with a decent rate for each pass this has dwindled over the years to an amount that is just to low .

3. i have said it all along let the free passes pay half and the government work out roughly what it spends on free travel reimbursement each year and adds that onto the winter fuel allowence .

a pensioner will more than likely appriciate a bit more help to keep warm in the winter than a free trip to town in the snow and the rain and its not as if the utility companies cant afford it from their billions of pounds profit

mark@greenhill wrote:
Amazing, that the same old labour mentality of Nationalisation, still finds favour with some people. They must have very short memories. British Rail, Council owned bus companies, the list goes on, all of them were closed, because once you have a transport system running at a loss, just to provide a service to a few. You end up with the hardworking majority paying for a few to have cheap travel. Couple that, with the unions view of state owned transport as a cushy ride for life, and you have a recipe for disaster. all transport should be taken off the taxpayers back, & if it does not pay, it should be scrapped.

many people catch the bus and trains, even rely on them.

Dont be scared to go outside and see ;)

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote:

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote: what about when all hospitals are made private? Do we allow services to be scrapped cos the reimburtment isnt enough? The people against it are clearly those not in need of a bus...

i think most of you people seem to think the council still own the buses. first is a private company who operate a buisness . why should a company make a loss each month of thousands to please a few people . you people of southill had your chance at the start of last year. if i remember right first were going to alter the route to try and make it pay ,you had the manager from first up there and lobbied the papers and so on saying we will catch the bus and use it more. so first left it as it was and nothing changed still low numbers and not enough people using them so you really only have yourself to blame. just like the people of broadway/upwey they have moaned to the echo ,the company and so on .so first have now given them back there bus and even up until midnight now lets see if these regulars from there actually catch the bus now because if they dont IT WILL BE GONE they are being given the chance. think about for a minute who would operate a company at a loss

I think you assume wrong... The council USED to own them, yes. But why privatise? It'll be the same lame excuses that we'll have when all hospitals become private. then what after that? It's like the owner of RyanAir is giving Cameron & co tips on how to strip back to basics, take away liabilty and let the people put up with the crap. I'll vote for a party that wants to run the country. not one that passes the risk to private companies, in a coawardly effort to avoid fuuture responsibilities...

but thats for another matter ryanair has nothing to do with the number 5 lol . i understand what youre saying about make a little loss here and there and go on overall profit. but each first depot area is on its own each depot has to make a profit to be viable. and the number 5 route was not just making a little loss it was totally hemorrahaging money to an amount that could have serious affects on other routes . the 3,4,and 8 already operate at a very small profit but the losses on the 5 was almost wiping out that totally. do you think another comapny is just going to step in and say we will do it and dont mind paying thousands a month to run. i think not . if blame is to be laid then lets look at the real reasons and not just first . 1. the council have a budget on which to proportion monies into the community .THEY CHOOSE TO CUT BACK ON SUBSIDY FOR TRANSPORT. they decided that building stupid stones on an island and laser lights are more important. 2. the government enticed the bus companies into all this free travel at the start with a decent rate for each pass this has dwindled over the years to an amount that is just to low . 3. i have said it all along let the free passes pay half and the government work out roughly what it spends on free travel reimbursement each year and adds that onto the winter fuel allowence . a pensioner will more than likely appriciate a bit more help to keep warm in the winter than a free trip to town in the snow and the rain and its not as if the utility companies cant afford it from their billions of pounds profit

What a great response. cant argue with much of that, especially the last bit (I remember hearing OAPs would use the X53 for nothing more than the heat it provides).

But I think First is an example of a poorly run company... It's about being lean, not mean ;) (impresed myself with that line)

*impressed for those spell checker types ;)

stench wrote:

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote:

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote: what about when all hospitals are made private? Do we allow services to be scrapped cos the reimburtment isnt enough? The people against it are clearly those not in need of a bus...

i think most of you people seem to think the council still own the buses. first is a private company who operate a buisness . why should a company make a loss each month of thousands to please a few people . you people of southill had your chance at the start of last year. if i remember right first were going to alter the route to try and make it pay ,you had the manager from first up there and lobbied the papers and so on saying we will catch the bus and use it more. so first left it as it was and nothing changed still low numbers and not enough people using them so you really only have yourself to blame. just like the people of broadway/upwey they have moaned to the echo ,the company and so on .so first have now given them back there bus and even up until midnight now lets see if these regulars from there actually catch the bus now because if they dont IT WILL BE GONE they are being given the chance. think about for a minute who would operate a company at a loss

I think you assume wrong... The council USED to own them, yes. But why privatise? It'll be the same lame excuses that we'll have when all hospitals become private. then what after that? It's like the owner of RyanAir is giving Cameron & co tips on how to strip back to basics, take away liabilty and let the people put up with the crap. I'll vote for a party that wants to run the country. not one that passes the risk to private companies, in a coawardly effort to avoid fuuture responsibilities...

but thats for another matter ryanair has nothing to do with the number 5 lol . i understand what youre saying about make a little loss here and there and go on overall profit. but each first depot area is on its own each depot has to make a profit to be viable. and the number 5 route was not just making a little loss it was totally hemorrahaging money to an amount that could have serious affects on other routes . the 3,4,and 8 already operate at a very small profit but the losses on the 5 was almost wiping out that totally. do you think another comapny is just going to step in and say we will do it and dont mind paying thousands a month to run. i think not . if blame is to be laid then lets look at the real reasons and not just first . 1. the council have a budget on which to proportion monies into the community .THEY CHOOSE TO CUT BACK ON SUBSIDY FOR TRANSPORT. they decided that building stupid stones on an island and laser lights are more important. 2. the government enticed the bus companies into all this free travel at the start with a decent rate for each pass this has dwindled over the years to an amount that is just to low . 3. i have said it all along let the free passes pay half and the government work out roughly what it spends on free travel reimbursement each year and adds that onto the winter fuel allowence . a pensioner will more than likely appriciate a bit more help to keep warm in the winter than a free trip to town in the snow and the rain and its not as if the utility companies cant afford it from their billions of pounds profit

What a great response. cant argue with much of that, especially the last bit (I remember hearing OAPs would use the X53 for nothing more than the heat it provides).

But I think First is an example of a poorly run company... It's about being lean, not mean ;) (impresed myself with that line)

lol yeah ill save that line for future use :).

as for first they know they have made a balls up the last few years and are now trying to make things better. if they do or not only time will tell.

apartfrom the number 5 lets look at the positives ?

more number 1 and going to seafront (75 per cent of passengers on number 1 actually goto the seafront or the bus stops there)

improved number 4 service and an evening service.

improved 3 and 8 better times to enable better reliability hopefully.

number 10s now going broadway/upwey and evening service until midnight (last bus from dorch is 23:55pm ) so better service to the hospital for visitors/nurses working .better access to the new cinema and restaurants .

an extra littlemoor bus and portland bus in the evenings

yes they have cut the 5/5a and the 4 to sutton poyntz but these buses were empty 80 per cent of the time.

most of these changes have been made to better the services people actually use so lets just wait and see.

its shame the only things you hear on here are the bad i am sure there are many people who think the changes are great but will just think about time instead of coming on here and posting

As a driver, I have lost count of the times that I pull up next to a bus at the lights, where the only person on it is the driver.

Patiently he sits there, burning fuel, with the heaters on, only to move on to the next stop where nobody is waiting.

And you wonder why First Bus is axing the services ?

You can argue about the subsidies, the timetables or the reliability of services, but the end result, is that, if insufficient people use the bus, they have to be withdrawn.

Public transport running empty must burn more fuel than many, many cars.

Mark@Greenhill 4.54.....All the routes that First Group operate in Weymouth,Bridport and Yeovil are run commercially and are not supported in any way by the taxpayer except for the concessionary pass payments which is a national directive from central goverment.The routes that do not justify continual losses are being cut.Thats exactly what the conservative goverment believe in ''free enterprise'' as long as a profit is made people are secondary.Dont forget it was Thatcher who de-regulated all the transport systems in this country so the shareholders make the money while its there and when its not cuts and closures follow.Are you trying to tell me that the bus/train conglomerates are doing a better job than british rail or southern national,if you are youre having a laugh.Stop blaming labour voters for the mess the infastructure on transport is in ,look to your hero the witch known as Thatcher is where the buck stops

why dont you get a job? wrote:
Mark@Greenhill 4.54.....All the routes that First Group operate in Weymouth,Bridport and Yeovil are run commercially and are not supported in any way by the taxpayer except for the concessionary pass payments which is a national directive from central goverment.The routes that do not justify continual losses are being cut.Thats exactly what the conservative goverment believe in ''free enterprise'' as long as a profit is made people are secondary.Dont forget it was Thatcher who de-regulated all the transport systems in this country so the shareholders make the money while its there and when its not cuts and closures follow.Are you trying to tell me that the bus/train conglomerates are doing a better job than british rail or southern national,if you are youre having a laugh.Stop blaming labour voters for the mess the infastructure on transport is in ,look to your hero the witch known as Thatcher is where the buck stops

Same old tired arguments, from the long dead Labour party.

All Mrs Thatcher did, was tackle the lazy, controlling workshy unions, that tried to run this country on the basis that the Govt did what they said, or there would be mass strikes.

I'm astounded than anyone would ever wish to go back to those days?

As for British Rail, they were laughably awful at doing anything, mainly due to the unions bringing them to a standstill the moment anyone tried to drag them kicking and screaming into the 19th century.

Overprotected positions for life, overinflated salaries & pensions coupled to diabolical service, that is all nationalised industry got us.

My guess is, that you were one of thos workers that got made to find employment in the real world, which is why you despise the Conservatives so much?

When part of the nationalised NBC (and before deregulation), Southern/ Western National survived on an annual hand out from local government to provide a comprehensive network of services in the area. If this was still the case now, the network would have to have been savagely cut due to the limited money now available for this kind of service.

Following deregulation, the privitised Southern National was a very small transport group that was underfunded, had an ancient fleet, and had little cash to replace it. Had they not sold to First, they would be making similar decisions about dropping routes now. Otherwise they would have faced liquidation.

All these routes being dropped (Sutton Poyntz, Radipole, Southill, parts of Preston and (possibly) Portland Bill, can be registered by any other bus or coach operator - nobody, large or small will touch them with a bargepole however for the same reason that First are withdrawing them.

Simon N.

Why, for the locals, is going to the seafront better than Debenhams? For shopping, Debenhams is more central and better if you've shopping to carry.
I sometimes prefer to go on the bus because it is easier than driving in.


I agree with comments that say the half-fare for pensioners should have been kept and, certainly, the free pass should never have been extended to countrywide travel.


Many pensioners have to give up driving for medical reasons and need buses to get around and half-fare would be a help. Many pensions don't go as far as salaries or weekly wages. Since my hubby retired, we have felt quite a difference in our income and, thanks to successive government policies, I have to work nearly five years more than I thought I would have to before getting my pension, which is particularly galling, as I paid in extra contributions to make it up to a full one, not relying solely on my husband's contributions.

I drive at the moment but can see a day when I shall rely on the buses.

For me (paying)and my hubby, who is enjoying his pass, the improvement to the 8 will be good. I don't see why Portland is so favoured. We froze for over an hour last week waiting for an 8 after a visit to the cinema, while 4 Portland buses passed us at Debenhams. The explanation given by the driver of the bus that eventually came didn't make sense. He also insisted he had been told to wait a further 8 minutes! He was lucky we and all the others waiting were terribly British and not willing to make a fuss.

There have been lots of comments here, some valid, others not so much, but the fact remains that First have made these decisions and they will stick to them as there is no more money left from anywhere to persuade them to do otherwise.

Simon Nicholas wrote:
When part of the nationalised NBC (and before deregulation), Southern/ Western National survived on an annual hand out from local government to provide a comprehensive network of services in the area. If this was still the case now, the network would have to have been savagely cut due to the limited money now available for this kind of service. Following deregulation, the privitised Southern National was a very small transport group that was underfunded, had an ancient fleet, and had little cash to replace it. Had they not sold to First, they would be making similar decisions about dropping routes now. Otherwise they would have faced liquidation. All these routes being dropped (Sutton Poyntz, Radipole, Southill, parts of Preston and (possibly) Portland Bill, can be registered by any other bus or coach operator - nobody, large or small will touch them with a bargepole however for the same reason that First are withdrawing them. Simon N.

With all the focus on the third sector, strikes me there is an opportunity here for a community group to talk to first about buying excess stock, then running a service themselves. Do all bus operators have to accept free passes?

mark@greenhill wrote:

why dont you get a job? wrote:
Mark@Greenhill 4.54.....All the routes that First Group operate in Weymouth,Bridport and Yeovil are run commercially and are not supported in any way by the taxpayer except for the concessionary pass payments which is a national directive from central goverment.The routes that do not justify continual losses are being cut.Thats exactly what the conservative goverment believe in ''free enterprise'' as long as a profit is made people are secondary.Dont forget it was Thatcher who de-regulated all the transport systems in this country so the shareholders make the money while its there and when its not cuts and closures follow.Are you trying to tell me that the bus/train conglomerates are doing a better job than british rail or southern national,if you are youre having a laugh.Stop blaming labour voters for the mess the infastructure on transport is in ,look to your hero the witch known as Thatcher is where the buck stops

Same old tired arguments, from the long dead Labour party.

All Mrs Thatcher did, was tackle the lazy, controlling workshy unions, that tried to run this country on the basis that the Govt did what they said, or there would be mass strikes.

I'm astounded than anyone would ever wish to go back to those days?

As for British Rail, they were laughably awful at doing anything, mainly due to the unions bringing them to a standstill the moment anyone tried to drag them kicking and screaming into the 19th century.

Overprotected positions for life, overinflated salaries & pensions coupled to diabolical service, that is all nationalised industry got us.

My guess is, that you were one of thos workers that got made to find employment in the real world, which is why you despise the Conservatives so much?

Noodle bloke,
Couldnt be more wrong i left school at 16 am now 54 and worked every day of my life in london in the photographic industry until being laid off 6 years ago when i moved here to look for work. FYI i was a higher rate tax payer on£84k p.a.I have morals which you seen to be lacking.I'm almost sure you dont live in subsidised housing or have any scruples about putting profits before humanity.Any chance you have/had a ''rich'' mummy or daddy?

mark@greenhill wrote:

why dont you get a job? wrote:
Mark@Greenhill 4.54.....All the routes that First Group operate in Weymouth,Bridport and Yeovil are run commercially and are not supported in any way by the taxpayer except for the concessionary pass payments which is a national directive from central goverment.The routes that do not justify continual losses are being cut.Thats exactly what the conservative goverment believe in ''free enterprise'' as long as a profit is made people are secondary.Dont forget it was Thatcher who de-regulated all the transport systems in this country so the shareholders make the money while its there and when its not cuts and closures follow.Are you trying to tell me that the bus/train conglomerates are doing a better job than british rail or southern national,if you are youre having a laugh.Stop blaming labour voters for the mess the infastructure on transport is in ,look to your hero the witch known as Thatcher is where the buck stops

Same old tired arguments, from the long dead Labour party.

All Mrs Thatcher did, was tackle the lazy, controlling workshy unions, that tried to run this country on the basis that the Govt did what they said, or there would be mass strikes.

I'm astounded than anyone would ever wish to go back to those days?

As for British Rail, they were laughably awful at doing anything, mainly due to the unions bringing them to a standstill the moment anyone tried to drag them kicking and screaming into the 19th century.

Overprotected positions for life, overinflated salaries & pensions coupled to diabolical service, that is all nationalised industry got us.

My guess is, that you were one of thos workers that got made to find employment in the real world, which is why you despise the Conservatives so much?

I have always worked, not here but in london Ran my own business and earnt more than a living wage of£84k pa.But i lived in the real world and had friends on teeside and saw the devestation caused by Thatcher..Point of note the REAL WORLD is outside of Dorset,Did you perchance have a quite well off mummy and daddy?

JamesYoung wrote:

Simon Nicholas wrote:
When part of the nationalised NBC (and before deregulation), Southern/ Western National survived on an annual hand out from local government to provide a comprehensive network of services in the area. If this was still the case now, the network would have to have been savagely cut due to the limited money now available for this kind of service. Following deregulation, the privitised Southern National was a very small transport group that was underfunded, had an ancient fleet, and had little cash to replace it. Had they not sold to First, they would be making similar decisions about dropping routes now. Otherwise they would have faced liquidation. All these routes being dropped (Sutton Poyntz, Radipole, Southill, parts of Preston and (possibly) Portland Bill, can be registered by any other bus or coach operator - nobody, large or small will touch them with a bargepole however for the same reason that First are withdrawing them. Simon N.

With all the focus on the third sector, strikes me there is an opportunity here for a community group to talk to first about buying excess stock, then running a service themselves. Do all bus operators have to accept free passes?

Every bus company has to accept free passes,and if subsidised cannot undercut a commericially run service as it would be unfair competition

paddyash wrote:
i think its totally unfair, i live at southill, my whole road depends on that bus , most havent got a car, we have rights, a bus service however small, is well within our rights, you can not simply cut off a community, you must find a way around it, even if its only 2 buses a day, why should all of weymouth have a bus route, and southill has to suffer, im disgusted at first bus, and for all you folk out there who drive, think yourself lucky, there is a few of us you just cant afford to, SHAME ON YOU, UNFEELING IDIOTS AT FIRST BUS

Blame the council and goverment for the cuts. Why should a private company continue to lose thousands of pounds propping up an unviable route

paddyash wrote:
i think its totally unfair, i live at southill, my whole road depends on that bus , most havent got a car, we have rights, a bus service however small, is well within our rights, you can not simply cut off a community, you must find a way around it, even if its only 2 buses a day, why should all of weymouth have a bus route, and southill has to suffer, im disgusted at first bus, and for all you folk out there who drive, think yourself lucky, there is a few of us you just cant afford to, SHAME ON YOU, UNFEELING IDIOTS AT FIRST BUS

one question mate and please give an honest answer

you own your own company lets say fitting double glazing

5 years ago the government said to you from now on you will fit each pensioner or disabled household with free windows and we will give you 1500 per house,this is fine and you are making a nice profit .

5 years on and the government have now reduced that amount to 500 pound. so you are now making a loss for each one you are doing and your profits overall are taking a massive hit.

do you

a) stop taking on so many government windows and keep your full paying people happy and start to turn your company back around

b) keep losing money each month just to keep a few people happy but knowing in a couple or 3 years your company will be at a point of no return AND GO BUST

c) to keep your government grants you increase the prices by so much to your normal paying public to balance things out eventually you lose their custom and you GO BUST

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote:

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote:

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote: what about when all hospitals are made private? Do we allow services to be scrapped cos the reimburtment isnt enough? The people against it are clearly those not in need of a bus...

i think most of you people seem to think the council still own the buses. first is a private company who operate a buisness . why should a company make a loss each month of thousands to please a few people . you people of southill had your chance at the start of last year. if i remember right first were going to alter the route to try and make it pay ,you had the manager from first up there and lobbied the papers and so on saying we will catch the bus and use it more. so first left it as it was and nothing changed still low numbers and not enough people using them so you really only have yourself to blame. just like the people of broadway/upwey they have moaned to the echo ,the company and so on .so first have now given them back there bus and even up until midnight now lets see if these regulars from there actually catch the bus now because if they dont IT WILL BE GONE they are being given the chance. think about for a minute who would operate a company at a loss

I think you assume wrong... The council USED to own them, yes. But why privatise? It'll be the same lame excuses that we'll have when all hospitals become private. then what after that? It's like the owner of RyanAir is giving Cameron & co tips on how to strip back to basics, take away liabilty and let the people put up with the crap. I'll vote for a party that wants to run the country. not one that passes the risk to private companies, in a coawardly effort to avoid fuuture responsibilities...

but thats for another matter ryanair has nothing to do with the number 5 lol . i understand what youre saying about make a little loss here and there and go on overall profit. but each first depot area is on its own each depot has to make a profit to be viable. and the number 5 route was not just making a little loss it was totally hemorrahaging money to an amount that could have serious affects on other routes . the 3,4,and 8 already operate at a very small profit but the losses on the 5 was almost wiping out that totally. do you think another comapny is just going to step in and say we will do it and dont mind paying thousands a month to run. i think not . if blame is to be laid then lets look at the real reasons and not just first . 1. the council have a budget on which to proportion monies into the community .THEY CHOOSE TO CUT BACK ON SUBSIDY FOR TRANSPORT. they decided that building stupid stones on an island and laser lights are more important. 2. the government enticed the bus companies into all this free travel at the start with a decent rate for each pass this has dwindled over the years to an amount that is just to low . 3. i have said it all along let the free passes pay half and the government work out roughly what it spends on free travel reimbursement each year and adds that onto the winter fuel allowence . a pensioner will more than likely appriciate a bit more help to keep warm in the winter than a free trip to town in the snow and the rain and its not as if the utility companies cant afford it from their billions of pounds profit

What a great response. cant argue with much of that, especially the last bit (I remember hearing OAPs would use the X53 for nothing more than the heat it provides). But I think First is an example of a poorly run company... It's about being lean, not mean ;) (impresed myself with that line)

lol yeah ill save that line for future use :). as for first they know they have made a balls up the last few years and are now trying to make things better. if they do or not only time will tell. apartfrom the number 5 lets look at the positives ? more number 1 and going to seafront (75 per cent of passengers on number 1 actually goto the seafront or the bus stops there) improved number 4 service and an evening service. improved 3 and 8 better times to enable better reliability hopefully. number 10s now going broadway/upwey and evening service until midnight (last bus from dorch is 23:55pm ) so better service to the hospital for visitors/nurses working .better access to the new cinema and restaurants . an extra littlemoor bus and portland bus in the evenings yes they have cut the 5/5a and the 4 to sutton poyntz but these buses were empty 80 per cent of the time. most of these changes have been made to better the services people actually use so lets just wait and see. its shame the only things you hear on here are the bad i am sure there are many people who think the changes are great but will just think about time instead of coming on here and posting

First, take note! I do not know as much as it seems you do, regarding what services work at what times etc.

But if what you say is true, then sounds like big improvments could be made from your suggestions alone...

why dont you get a job? wrote:
Mark@Greenhill 4.54.....All the routes that First Group operate in Weymouth,Bridport and Yeovil are run commercially and are not supported in any way by the taxpayer except for the concessionary pass payments which is a national directive from central goverment.The routes that do not justify continual losses are being cut.Thats exactly what the conservative goverment believe in ''free enterprise'' as long as a profit is made people are secondary.Dont forget it was Thatcher who de-regulated all the transport systems in this country so the shareholders make the money while its there and when its not cuts and closures follow.Are you trying to tell me that the bus/train conglomerates are doing a better job than british rail or southern national,if you are youre having a laugh.Stop blaming labour voters for the mess the infastructure on transport is in ,look to your hero the witch known as Thatcher is where the buck stops

hahaha! "boy got owned" ;)

Thanks allot for axing the number 6 on wyke road , as im disabled i will now not be able to go to town i physically can not do so without the bus and my buss pass and cant afford taxis, thankyou you wonderfull people who seem to break things that are not broken.
Gary who drives the no:6 bus has been doing that route for years what has gotten into the people who make these new routes up.
You have ruined my life and as a direct result my life will be suffering 24/7 from this as i will become house bound.

Thanks again

Tactical wrote:
Thanks allot for axing the number 6 on wyke road , as im disabled i will now not be able to go to town i physically can not do so without the bus and my buss pass and cant afford taxis, thankyou you wonderfull people who seem to break things that are not broken.
Gary who drives the no:6 bus has been doing that route for years what has gotten into the people who make these new routes up.
You have ruined my life and as a direct result my life will be suffering 24/7 from this as i will become house bound.

Thanks again

tactical i have posted this link for you it is the weymouth and portland dial a ride council scheme which enables people who cant physically use local transport due to age/disability you need to get an application form and then your doctor needs to sign it , but then this will allow you to book a bus to pick you up from your door and take you to town and back. although it wont be as regular it will at least mean you can get out ...http://www.dorset
foryou.com/2507

stench wrote:

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote:

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote:

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote: what about when all hospitals are made private? Do we allow services to be scrapped cos the reimburtment isnt enough? The people against it are clearly those not in need of a bus...

i think most of you people seem to think the council still own the buses. first is a private company who operate a buisness . why should a company make a loss each month of thousands to please a few people . you people of southill had your chance at the start of last year. if i remember right first were going to alter the route to try and make it pay ,you had the manager from first up there and lobbied the papers and so on saying we will catch the bus and use it more. so first left it as it was and nothing changed still low numbers and not enough people using them so you really only have yourself to blame. just like the people of broadway/upwey they have moaned to the echo ,the company and so on .so first have now given them back there bus and even up until midnight now lets see if these regulars from there actually catch the bus now because if they dont IT WILL BE GONE they are being given the chance. think about for a minute who would operate a company at a loss

I think you assume wrong... The council USED to own them, yes. But why privatise? It'll be the same lame excuses that we'll have when all hospitals become private. then what after that? It's like the owner of RyanAir is giving Cameron & co tips on how to strip back to basics, take away liabilty and let the people put up with the crap. I'll vote for a party that wants to run the country. not one that passes the risk to private companies, in a coawardly effort to avoid fuuture responsibilities...

but thats for another matter ryanair has nothing to do with the number 5 lol . i understand what youre saying about make a little loss here and there and go on overall profit. but each first depot area is on its own each depot has to make a profit to be viable. and the number 5 route was not just making a little loss it was totally hemorrahaging money to an amount that could have serious affects on other routes . the 3,4,and 8 already operate at a very small profit but the losses on the 5 was almost wiping out that totally. do you think another comapny is just going to step in and say we will do it and dont mind paying thousands a month to run. i think not . if blame is to be laid then lets look at the real reasons and not just first . 1. the council have a budget on which to proportion monies into the community .THEY CHOOSE TO CUT BACK ON SUBSIDY FOR TRANSPORT. they decided that building stupid stones on an island and laser lights are more important. 2. the government enticed the bus companies into all this free travel at the start with a decent rate for each pass this has dwindled over the years to an amount that is just to low . 3. i have said it all along let the free passes pay half and the government work out roughly what it spends on free travel reimbursement each year and adds that onto the winter fuel allowence . a pensioner will more than likely appriciate a bit more help to keep warm in the winter than a free trip to town in the snow and the rain and its not as if the utility companies cant afford it from their billions of pounds profit

What a great response. cant argue with much of that, especially the last bit (I remember hearing OAPs would use the X53 for nothing more than the heat it provides). But I think First is an example of a poorly run company... It's about being lean, not mean ;) (impresed myself with that line)

lol yeah ill save that line for future use :). as for first they know they have made a balls up the last few years and are now trying to make things better. if they do or not only time will tell. apartfrom the number 5 lets look at the positives ? more number 1 and going to seafront (75 per cent of passengers on number 1 actually goto the seafront or the bus stops there) improved number 4 service and an evening service. improved 3 and 8 better times to enable better reliability hopefully. number 10s now going broadway/upwey and evening service until midnight (last bus from dorch is 23:55pm ) so better service to the hospital for visitors/nurses working .better access to the new cinema and restaurants . an extra littlemoor bus and portland bus in the evenings yes they have cut the 5/5a and the 4 to sutton poyntz but these buses were empty 80 per cent of the time. most of these changes have been made to better the services people actually use so lets just wait and see. its shame the only things you hear on here are the bad i am sure there are many people who think the changes are great but will just think about time instead of coming on here and posting

First, take note! I do not know as much as it seems you do, regarding what services work at what times etc.

But if what you say is true, then sounds like big improvments could be made from your suggestions alone...

these are not suggestions these are what is actually happening and can be found on the first website

i do honestley beleive though the people of southill will get some sort of bus provided by the council maybe just 2 a day they seem to do it for poundbury area into dorch

Tactical wrote:
Thanks allot for axing the number 6 on wyke road , as im disabled i will now not be able to go to town i physically can not do so without the bus and my buss pass and cant afford taxis, thankyou you wonderfull people who seem to break things that are not broken.
Gary who drives the no:6 bus has been doing that route for years what has gotten into the people who make these new routes up.
You have ruined my life and as a direct result my life will be suffering 24/7 from this as i will become house bound.

Thanks again

You must live on Wyke road, because thats the only bit of the 6 route to be cut out

railwaychickenboy6 wrote:

Tactical wrote: Thanks allot for axing the number 6 on wyke road , as im disabled i will now not be able to go to town i physically can not do so without the bus and my buss pass and cant afford taxis, thankyou you wonderfull people who seem to break things that are not broken. Gary who drives the no:6 bus has been doing that route for years what has gotten into the people who make these new routes up. You have ruined my life and as a direct result my life will be suffering 24/7 from this as i will become house bound. Thanks again

You must live on Wyke road, because thats the only bit of the 6 route to be cut out

check out the detective ;)

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote:

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote:

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote:

bobby1966 wrote:

stench wrote: what about when all hospitals are made private? Do we allow services to be scrapped cos the reimburtment isnt enough? The people against it are clearly those not in need of a bus...

i think most of you people seem to think the council still own the buses. first is a private company who operate a buisness . why should a company make a loss each month of thousands to please a few people . you people of southill had your chance at the start of last year. if i remember right first were going to alter the route to try and make it pay ,you had the manager from first up there and lobbied the papers and so on saying we will catch the bus and use it more. so first left it as it was and nothing changed still low numbers and not enough people using them so you really only have yourself to blame. just like the people of broadway/upwey they have moaned to the echo ,the company and so on .so first have now given them back there bus and even up until midnight now lets see if these regulars from there actually catch the bus now because if they dont IT WILL BE GONE they are being given the chance. think about for a minute who would operate a company at a loss

I think you assume wrong... The council USED to own them, yes. But why privatise? It'll be the same lame excuses that we'll have when all hospitals become private. then what after that? It's like the owner of RyanAir is giving Cameron & co tips on how to strip back to basics, take away liabilty and let the people put up with the crap. I'll vote for a party that wants to run the country. not one that passes the risk to private companies, in a coawardly effort to avoid fuuture responsibilities...

but thats for another matter ryanair has nothing to do with the number 5 lol . i understand what youre saying about make a little loss here and there and go on overall profit. but each first depot area is on its own each depot has to make a profit to be viable. and the number 5 route was not just making a little loss it was totally hemorrahaging money to an amount that could have serious affects on other routes . the 3,4,and 8 already operate at a very small profit but the losses on the 5 was almost wiping out that totally. do you think another comapny is just going to step in and say we will do it and dont mind paying thousands a month to run. i think not . if blame is to be laid then lets look at the real reasons and not just first . 1. the council have a budget on which to proportion monies into the community .THEY CHOOSE TO CUT BACK ON SUBSIDY FOR TRANSPORT. they decided that building stupid stones on an island and laser lights are more important. 2. the government enticed the bus companies into all this free travel at the start with a decent rate for each pass this has dwindled over the years to an amount that is just to low . 3. i have said it all along let the free passes pay half and the government work out roughly what it spends on free travel reimbursement each year and adds that onto the winter fuel allowence . a pensioner will more than likely appriciate a bit more help to keep warm in the winter than a free trip to town in the snow and the rain and its not as if the utility companies cant afford it from their billions of pounds profit

What a great response. cant argue with much of that, especially the last bit (I remember hearing OAPs would use the X53 for nothing more than the heat it provides). But I think First is an example of a poorly run company... It's about being lean, not mean ;) (impresed myself with that line)

lol yeah ill save that line for future use :). as for first they know they have made a balls up the last few years and are now trying to make things better. if they do or not only time will tell. apartfrom the number 5 lets look at the positives ? more number 1 and going to seafront (75 per cent of passengers on number 1 actually goto the seafront or the bus stops there) improved number 4 service and an evening service. improved 3 and 8 better times to enable better reliability hopefully. number 10s now going broadway/upwey and evening service until midnight (last bus from dorch is 23:55pm ) so better service to the hospital for visitors/nurses working .better access to the new cinema and restaurants . an extra littlemoor bus and portland bus in the evenings yes they have cut the 5/5a and the 4 to sutton poyntz but these buses were empty 80 per cent of the time. most of these changes have been made to better the services people actually use so lets just wait and see. its shame the only things you hear on here are the bad i am sure there are many people who think the changes are great but will just think about time instead of coming on here and posting

First, take note! I do not know as much as it seems you do, regarding what services work at what times etc. But if what you say is true, then sounds like big improvments could be made from your suggestions alone...

these are not suggestions these are what is actually happening and can be found on the first website i do honestley beleive though the people of southill will get some sort of bus provided by the council maybe just 2 a day they seem to do it for poundbury area into dorch

then i believe none of it...

Do they share information about profits? as in, for each route?

When will many of the moaners get real.
As I commented in another post on the withdrawal of the 210 'service' by south west coaches - I clearly said that the time bomb was ticking due to the ludicrous bus pass situation - now the bomb has exploded and the moaners start winging.
It is very noticeable that those who moan about the loss of the buses to Sutton Poynz, Southill, Lanehouse and a through bus from Portland to Dorchester are the very people who have done nothing to keep those buses running - the free pass holders who joy ride about on the buses at no cost, causing the bus company to loose money on those services.
First Bus is a business that has to make a profit for its shareholders - IT IS NOT A CHARITY and cannot be expected to continue to operate services that simply dont pay - if this situation is caused by the stupid free pass system then those who will loose their bus service should take action against those responsible via the ballot box not by winging at First for doing nothing more than protecting thier business interests.
Yes its going to cause inconvenience for some people and as a bus driver myself i'm sorry that that is going to happen but at the end of the day do the people who contibute NOTHING to the bus company expect First to run itself into the ground and then put many drivers at Weymouth depot onto the dole.
The changes that First are bringing in have doutless been very carefully considered so as to best match the changed marketplace and the operation of the ridiculous free pass system - as has been pointed out many many times by many people this situation has been brewing for a long time and will not go away until the politicians put a sensible pass system into place - until then what is now happening is the thin end of the wedge - more will be lost if something is not done.
As to another operator stepping in - would you if you were aware of the losses that have led to these cut-backs. Much as it would be nice to think another company might common sense dictates otherwise. The County Council has stated that there is no more money to pay further subsidies on routes so is it likely that (say) Damory would step in and operate a route at a loss - I think not.
Its a simple fact that things have changed and bus usage is far far less than a few years ago - this coupled with the free pass system means that bus companies must also change to reflect this.
First Bus (and other operators such as Wilts & Dorset, Damory and Stagecoach) are now operating in a very difficult marketplace and do try to balance providing a service with earning a profit - that this results in some service losses is simply a reflection of that marketplace and the changes that have happened. Its hardly fare to critisise (in the Weymouth area) First bus and cirtainly not to take it out on the drivers as I witnessed yesterday.
The warning signs have been obvious for some time but were ignored by many - the results are now happening.

SouthWestBuses wrote:
When will many of the moaners get real. As I commented in another post on the withdrawal of the 210 'service' by south west coaches - I clearly said that the time bomb was ticking due to the ludicrous bus pass situation - now the bomb has exploded and the moaners start winging. It is very noticeable that those who moan about the loss of the buses to Sutton Poynz, Southill, Lanehouse and a through bus from Portland to Dorchester are the very people who have done nothing to keep those buses running - the free pass holders who joy ride about on the buses at no cost, causing the bus company to loose money on those services. First Bus is a business that has to make a profit for its shareholders - IT IS NOT A CHARITY and cannot be expected to continue to operate services that simply dont pay - if this situation is caused by the stupid free pass system then those who will loose their bus service should take action against those responsible via the ballot box not by winging at First for doing nothing more than protecting thier business interests. Yes its going to cause inconvenience for some people and as a bus driver myself i'm sorry that that is going to happen but at the end of the day do the people who contibute NOTHING to the bus company expect First to run itself into the ground and then put many drivers at Weymouth depot onto the dole. The changes that First are bringing in have doutless been very carefully considered so as to best match the changed marketplace and the operation of the ridiculous free pass system - as has been pointed out many many times by many people this situation has been brewing for a long time and will not go away until the politicians put a sensible pass system into place - until then what is now happening is the thin end of the wedge - more will be lost if something is not done. As to another operator stepping in - would you if you were aware of the losses that have led to these cut-backs. Much as it would be nice to think another company might common sense dictates otherwise. The County Council has stated that there is no more money to pay further subsidies on routes so is it likely that (say) Damory would step in and operate a route at a loss - I think not. Its a simple fact that things have changed and bus usage is far far less than a few years ago - this coupled with the free pass system means that bus companies must also change to reflect this. First Bus (and other operators such as Wilts & Dorset, Damory and Stagecoach) are now operating in a very difficult marketplace and do try to balance providing a service with earning a profit - that this results in some service losses is simply a reflection of that marketplace and the changes that have happened. Its hardly fare to critisise (in the Weymouth area) First bus and cirtainly not to take it out on the drivers as I witnessed yesterday. The warning signs have been obvious for some time but were ignored by many - the results are now happening.

oh, ****! we ignored the one who knows all ;)

I love the fact that they are promoting evening buses on the number 4 starting in March! Bless 'em. (simply to ferry holidaymakers to and from the caravan sites, and will no doubt be axed again when winter comes)

what realistic workable solution does anyone have?

there is only one.

back to the old days of half fare for free passes

bobby1966 wrote:
there is only one.

back to the old days of half fare for free passes

I did say realistic and workable, and as there has only been one sudggestion I think no one has an answer despite a lot of mouthing off

Notice the lady setting up the petition against the bus company is only after her own interests which is her bus route, stupid bloody woman

I have a bus pass and would be quite happy to pay half fare, but for this, I would expect the bus company to provide a "service". i,e, not to lose our buses during the school run and also to run buses on a Sunday and after 5-15 in the evening.

Bottom Line
For buses to make commercial sense. People have to get out of their cars and use them.

I know of an elderly gentleman, existing on the state pension, who lives in Southill who has kind neighbours and friends who shop for him on his behalf at the supermarkets and drop it off for him. But, he does, on occasion, independently take the bus in to Weymouth. This is good for him socially, to get out and about otherwise he'd never go beyond his garden gate. He's not physically able to walk to Weymouth nor to Dorchester Road via Radipole Village. With the loss of the bus service, I'm concerned about the possibility that he will lose his independence. He doesn't own a mobile phone nor a computer so can't shop online. He isn't someone who can make the present service viable as he has a free bus pass but only uses it occasionally. I wonder what the answer is? A community bus that goes in to town one day a week and once at weekend?

I agree what a disgusting shambles Weymouths turning into a sh*t hole shops, pavillion, LittleMoor , Portland , need i go on. What a disgusting place to live i moving very first chance i get and never coming back and i have lived her all my life. End of the year i will be gone.

Just try living in an inner city area Tactial, or even a seafront town with a more "glamorous" reputation than Weymouth - you will soon realise that most areas have problems, and local authorities are the same all over the country. People who have lived in Dorset all their life do not know how lucky they are!

Simon N.

Beep beep...