Former Wilts & Dorset man and new Go Ahead Plymouth Citybus managing director Andrew Wickham is making his presence felt. Changes announced on Friday at Citybus see 14 redundancies. This is not unexpected, of course; and neither was the swift and acrimonious reaction from those who fought hard to keep Citybus in public ownership.
Devastating though this is, the only positions Go Ahead guaranteed were driving jobs, and then for 12 months. The 14 are believed to be largely back office and supervisory staff and represent about a quarter of such posts at Citybus. They include a couple of posts currently vacant that sensibly will not be advertised.
Perhaps these are moves the previous management should’ve made. As for possible driver redundancies, expect Go Ahead to adopt a growth rather than cutting strategy. Tweaks, may be, but a development of the network rather than retrenchment. Nothing’s allowed for six months from D-day, in any case.
Meanwhile, First Devon & Cornwall seems to be moving in the opposite direction, with what seems likely to be cuts to its competitive city network frequencies.
That network, you will recall, is unique at First Group, for two reasons. Plymouth is the only area of considerable UK development; and is alone in enjoying its own sub-brand within First—Ugobus. Yet, even here, there seems a rearward shift. From 15th February, First is reducing frequencies on three competitive and one commercial route on Ugobus 11 (Honicknowle), 12 (Plympton), 15 (Estover) and the long standing 7 (Wolwell). Cuts to the 7 appear to follow abstraction by its own 15. There are also further revisions due elsewhere on its network.
Go Ahead is also making its mark in bringing initially four Optare Solos believed to be from Go North East, aimed to break the back of its step entrance Mercedes 709 minibus fleet, according to Plymothian Transit. Similar plans were considered under the previous management. The much-anticipated ex-London Mercedes Citaro bendy bus has yet to materialise, though, for what would’ve been a trial.
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Wickham Wanderings
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4 comments:
I'll tell you how both First and PCB could save a few bob. Since both their MDs live in Bournemouth area and commute to Plymouth, perhaps they could car share!
; )
The Citybus redundancies are not all back office staff and while this move has been anticipated for some time his choices are interesting considering recent newspaper articles.
RE-CAR SHARING.WHY NOT GO ONE BETTER .RESTORE OLD ROYAL BLUE SOUTH COAST EXPRESS.THEY CAN TAKE TURNS DRIVING!!
Does anyone know what actual positons at PCB are under threat ?
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