New v Old

“Even if the city council had been less than enthusiastic, on day one there were some appreciative comments from passengers who enjoyed the ease of boarding Arriva’s new Chester Citybus Cadets. Up till now, those less able Blacon and Saughall residents had struggled with Chesterbus' step Darts and elderly double decks.” So wrote Omnibuses’ Northern Correspondent, on the first day of Arriva’s competition against Chesterbus on 1/1A/15A, following Arriva’s commitment to new, fully accessible vehicles offering value fares.

“The bus exchange seemed swarming with vehicles (and not a few enthusiasts) but certainly by late morning none of the predicted complete chaos had materialised. Arriva had reorganised the services on its own stands to accommodate the new services, and they were not directly affecting Chesterbus’ departures. Unlike many of Chesterbus’ 1/1A/15/15As, Arriva’s services have minimal layover in the bus exchange and are in-and-out quickly.

“Chesterbus or rather new owner First, having announced a general fares reduction from yesterday, took everyone by surprise by lowering the Blacon & Saughall fares even further.”

And it was reported in Friday’s Transit magazine that a further 10 Arriva vehicles “will be introduced on additional services later this year”. Currently, Arriva has a PVR of 10, out of a total of 12 in all, on its Chester Citybus services.

Pictures, with grateful thanks to Omnibuses’ Northern Correspondent, as follows:

1. New territory for Arriva as it competes with Chesterbus from yesterday.
2. Arriva’s 'customer friendly' service.
3. One of these vehicles has the wrong destination and it’s not the single deck.
4. Parts of Blacon now see 22 buses per hour in each direction.
5. The centurion silhouette chosen by Arriva to symbolise its new services.