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| Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) |
It’s hard to fathom how a business can stay afloat when times are already so hard, but it’s becoming clearer that cost inflation in the bus sector is having an unprecedented and overwhelming impact on local businesses and the people they serve.
Since the pandemic started, there has been a steady decline in bus journeys in Winsford, Northwich, Crewe and Macclesfield, meaning that Arriva's operations in the area were no longer financially viable. This is the case even with the new network they introduced in November 2021. It’s a devastating blow to so many local people and businesses and one that will be felt in the region for a long time to come.
The employees of these depots have been doing their best to make Arriva North West a successful operation and this news has come as a devastating shock. It's saddening to think of all the hard work and dedication put into these businesses going to waste and the livelihoods that have could be affected by the closure of the depots.
A spokesperson for Arriva North West said:
“It is with great regret we announce we are consulting our highly valued team on the closure of our Winsford and Macclesfield depots which, if confirmed, would mean we would no longer operate any bus services in the Winsford, Northwich, Crewe and Macclesfield areas.
“Withdrawing services and closing depots are always a very last resort. This very difficult decision has been taken following exhaustive steps to turn around the loss-making services but with consistently too few customers to cover the increased cost of running services it is sadly necessary to launch a consultation with affected employees on closing the depots.
Our priority throughout this process is that everything runs as smoothly as possible, for both our customers and our colleagues.
If the depots are closed, Arriva would work with Cheshire East, Cheshire West and, if routes transition from Arriva, any new operators.
We have put in place support for our colleagues through this difficult time, including assisting with transferring to any other local Arriva depots”.
Affected bus routes that will no longer operate:
- 84 Crewe - Nantwich/Chester
- 6 Leighton Hospital - Shavington
- 31 Northwich - Winsford - Crewe
- 37 Northwich - Winsford - Sandbach - Crewe
- 38 Crewe - Macclesfield
- 7 Winsford Local Circular
- 1 Northwich Circular via Rudheath and Weaverham
- 4 Barnton to Leftwich and Kingsmead via Northwich
- 3 Macclesfield - Weston
- 4 Macclesfield - Upton Priory
- 5 & 6 Macclesfield - Broken Cross
- 9 Macclesfield - Moss Rose
- 10 Macclesfield - Bollington
Our hearts go out to all those affected by the proposed closure of Arriva’s Winsford and Macclesfield depots and our thoughts are with the people and businesses who relied on their services.
Very sad news. The £2 maximum fare caps will force many other depots and companies to cease trading.
ReplyDeleteThat’s not the issue here. They do get reimbursed the difference. The £2 fare cap is to encourage people to travel by bus.
DeleteI travel on the buses and for them to say people don't use them is poppy cock always full when I am on then
ReplyDeleteThey are getting paid by the government for that £2 cap so they are getting more money than they would have
ReplyDelete£2 Caps IS loosing arriva and others a lot of profits. As people are only buying singles, they are not making the money from the return tickets.
ReplyDelete