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Local Transport
News in Brief New
feature - In the News... updated 14/11/03
plus
supplement
16/11/03
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24hr Supervision
22 November 2003 |
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Conwy Council now provides round-the-clock supervision - for the
first time ever in winter - at its Builder Street West coach park,
following a spate of criminal damage to coaches in recent weeks. Tour
operators who have between them suffered over £50,000 of damage,
are reported to be considering pulling out of the town, causing a "massive
blow" to the local economy.
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Denbighshire "O"
Licence
21 November 2003 |
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Denbighshire Council is applying to the Traffic Commissioner for
an operators licence for its school bus operation which currently runs
under a S.19 large bus permit. The Council is seeking authorisation for
five discs.
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Kerb Work
21 November 2003 |
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Work is expected to start on 24 November to raise kerbs on the
Wrexham to Chester route, which saw low floor buses from September.
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Chariotts Benefits from
Funding
20 November 2003 |
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Working on behalf of registered charity Chariotts (with two ts),
Wrexham's dial-a-ride operation, a local builder has sourced at least £20,000
of materials to convert at no cost to the organisation, the office
recently rented.
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Taith Rail Summit
20 November 2003 |
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Taith, the North Wales regional public transport consortium, is
to host a rail industry summit in January to consider the current state
of railways and their future in the region. Rail industry, operators and
local and national politicians will be involved.
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Air Wales Announces South -
North Link
17 November 2003 |
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As part of its strategy to link Cardiff with major UK business
centres, Air Wales has announced a daily return flight to Liverpool.
Marketed as slashing considerable time off the time it takes by rail and
road between North & South Wales, the once-daily return service is
likely to appeal to business people. Flights south to Cardiff will leave
Liverpool at 1100 hrs and return at 1505.
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Ffestiniog Finances in
Trouble
17 November 2003 |
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The Daily Post reports that the Ffestiniog Railway could face a
loss of over £300,000 and that the railway had to "develop
positive thinking, reduce its overheads and debt, and reinvent itself".
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111 Success
16 November 2003 |
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Proving what can be done with new vehicles, route branding,
company-inspired stop-specific advertising and a change of route,
Service 111 (Mold - Cheshire Oaks) is reported to be very popular since
the changes made in September 2003 with Mold and Ellesmere Port markets
attracting cross-River Dee traffic as well as Cheshire Oaks itself.
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Conspiracy Theory
16 November 2003 |
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A North Wales assembly member claims that Virgin telesales staff
are deliberately misinforming intending Euston - Holyhead passengers in
an effort to scrap the through service. A Virgin spokesman, widely
reported in the North Wales press, branded this as "absurd and
completely ridiculous" and "a conspiracy theory too far".
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Prestatyn People to Pioneer
Platform Peace-of-mind
16 November 2003 |
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Prestatyn rail station, scene of the recent passenger attack
which sparked the daily Post's safer stations campaign, looks set to
benefit from a group of a dozen volunteers who hope to brighten up the
station, maintain a platform presence and open a tea bar.
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Safety System in Place this
Year...
15 November 2003 |
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North Wales Coast Line will benefit from the Train Protection
Warning System - which stops a train within 200 yards of passing a red
danger signal - by the end of 2003, according to the Daily Post.
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... as Network Rail
Announces more Work
15 November 2003 |
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Gaerwen crossing, Britannia Bridge works, the rebuilding of the
sea wall at 10 sites along the Cambrian Coast route are all projects
reported by the Daily Post as imminent. However, the debate about speed
upgrades on the North Wales Coast Line continues, with UK transport
minister Kim Howells rejecting Virgin's estimates for work to increase
the available line speed for Virgin's new trains.
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Wrexham Rail Bonus?
14 November 2003 |
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The Western Mail reports that Arriva Trains Wales is to improve
radically direct rail services between North and South Wales. Arriva
states that it will operate North - South Wales services every two
hours, from December 2005. There is growing speculation that these
services will operate via Wrexham.
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... as Minister outlines
Priorities
14 November 2003 |
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In an in-depth two page interview in Local Transport Today,
Assembly minister with responsibility for transport and economic
development, Andrew Davies, spells out his own vision for improved Welsh
transport. He states that air services are the future for North-South
links.
See Skies
the Limit? on this site
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US Buses Reported as "Hit"
13 November 2003 |
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The Daily Post reports that the American school buses in Wrexham
are proving popular with pupils and parents.. though their colour is
unpopular. It quotes research on behalf of the Department for Transport.
See School
Report and More
Yellows on this site
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Arriva Appoints MD
13 November 2003 |
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Arriva Trains has appointed Peter Strachan as MD for its Welsh
services. Strachan is the current MD under National Express and was
appointed in April 2003 following the departure of Chris Gibb to Virgin.
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Station Let-down...
13 November 2003 |
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Arriva Trains has been criticised following its confirmation
that it has no plans or any funding to improve the rail stations it
inherits from 7 December 2003 other than improve one station a year over
a 15 year franchise.
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... as Split Fleet may Cause
Cuts
13 November 2003 |
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It is reported that the splitting of North Western's 175 sets
between Wales & Borders and the new Northern franchise will lead to
an overall shortage of stock. The SRA is believed to be considering
modest cuts to prevent cancellations.
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More Real Time
13 November 2003 |
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Real time passenger information displays are starting to appear
in Deeside, following investment by Flintshire Council. In spite of a
recent real time programme in Conwy and Gwynedd, Flintshire was the
first authority in North Wales to install such enhancements - at Flint.
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P & O Alero
13 November 2003 |
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P & O Lloyd of Bagillt is the latest operator to benefit
from a brand new Optare Alero. Used on the H2 route between Holywell,
Trelawnyd and Prestatyn, H2 is the new number for service 32 (which in
turn was X2 for a short while under Crosville Wales).
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Conwy Re-advertises
13 November 2003 |
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Conwy Council has re-advertised the Taith regional travel plan
co-ordinator's post.
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146 Upgrade
3 November 2003 |
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It is reported that GHA Coaches will shortly be upgrading its
vehicles on Wrexham Council contract 146 (Wrexham to Whitchurch)
following an order for two brand-new Volvo SLFs with Wrights bodywork.
They are due to replace both P-reg Optare Excels, both of which have
proved troublesome. One Excel is reported as sold.
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Arriva Loses P&R
3 November 2003 |
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All Chester Park & Ride services passed to Chester City
Transport on 3 November, including Arriva's Mancot depot workings from
Wrexham Road. Arriva's gas buses are reportedly at Milton Keynes.
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CCTV Onboard.
2 November 2003 |
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Denbighshire Council Licensing Committee is to consider whether
CCTV should be fitted to all hackneys and private hire vehicles in a bid
to protect drivers from what it says is "increasing violence".
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Highway Robbery
2 November 2003 |
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Proposals to charge for on-street parking at Rhyl have met with
anger from within the town, according to the Rhyl & Prestatyn
Journal. However, it could be good news for the Council supported free
Saturday Park & Ride which operates at frequent intervals from the
Rhuddlan Retail Park. M&H Coaches operate a low floor Renault with a
Rohill body, under contract.
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New Posts in Denbighshire...
2 November 2003 |
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Arriva is advertising a part time temporary Transport
Information Assistant to work at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, as part
of a partnership with Denbighshire & Conwy Councils and the hospital
trust. Duties include providing information on all passenger transport
services, including the shared hire car schemes.
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... and Wrexham...
2 November 2003 |
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Wrexham County Borough Council has advertised the new position
of Transport Development Officer which is aimed at developing
community-type transport in the area.
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... and Conwy
2 November 2003 |
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Conwy Council requires a traffic/transportation engineer whose
job will include dealing with proposals for implementation of "any
park and ride schemes". This follows an advertisement for a green
travel co-ordinator for Conwy (on behalf of Taith).
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New CCT Vehicle.
2 November 2003 |
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Conwy Community Transport has received funding of £70,000
for a fifth minibus, now delivered, thanks to grants.
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Virgin "Disgrace"
2 November 2003 |
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The North Wales Weekly quotes a North Wales MP that Virgin
Trains' problems are "due to incompetent management" and not
track maintenance, signalling issues or anything else. Betty Williams MP
is concerned about the "dilapidated, worn-out stock". However,
the North Wales Pioneer reports that Virgin is confident that its
Pedelinos and Super Voyagers will offer top-of-the-range service and
offer 50% more seats.
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Conwy to improve "Bus
Corridors"
2 November 2003 |
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Conwy's three main corridors will be the subject of surveys
which could lead to a "major overhaul", according to the North
Wales Weekly News. Taith-led contracts would in future include
maintenance for the first three years.
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Wrexham Traffic Chaos...
Again
30 October 2003 |
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Wrexham town centre again ground to a halt following as many as
four crashes, one of which closed the A483 and diverted traffic through
the town. Buses between Chester and Wrexham were taking a minimum of an
hour and a half to complete their journey and there are reports of buses
taking up to an hour to reach the football ground.
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Fare's Unfair
30 October 2002 |
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Complaints continue following the withdrawal by Arriva of return
fares for certain shorter-distance bus fares.
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Assembly Supportive
24 October 2003 |
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Welsh Transport Minister Andrew Davies pledged his support for
the Daily Post's £2.6mil "shopping list" of improvements
to North Wales' stations.
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Under-investment on the
Rails
23 October 2003 |
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Arriva trains continues to receive poor press. The Daily Post
prints a comment from Arriva Trains' MD stating "There are no funds
in the 15 years of the franchise for additional rolling stock" and
that classes 158 and newer 175s could progressively be drafted in from
2006. This comes on top of news that Arriva plans no station upgrades
unless there is a public/private partnership.
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Yob Rule... Again
23 October 2003 |
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The North Wales Weekly News reports that youths are Conwy's
Bangor Road rail bridge to lob missiles at passenger trains. The line
has been the subject of numerous attack, especially at stations, in
recent times.
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RPC Joins Campaign
17 October 2003 |
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The Daily Post reports the backing of the Rail Passengers
Committee in its crusade for better standards at North wales' stations.
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£2.6mil Shopping List
23 October 2003 |
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The daily Post today revealed its "shopping list" for
improvements to North Wales' stations... at the time when Virgin's chief
executive claimed that North Wales' stations were the "poor
relations when it came to safety and appearance". The shopping
lists included the installation of CCTV at large and small stations plus
help-points, the covering of all 35 stations twice per week to clear
litter plus consideration of private security firms to patrol. Stations
on the Wrexham - Bidston were not included in the list.
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Behavioural Concern
23 October 2003 |
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The merger of Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen's two facilities in Caernarfon
at the Bethel Road site has meant that "dozens" of buses
travelling through the Maes Incla estate with pupils allegedly throwing
from windows. The Caernarfon Herald reports lack of supervision on the
buses has meant that pupils standing and jumping up and down.
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No-go Zone?
19 October 2003 |
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The Wrexham Evening Leader has branded Wrexham Bus Station a "no-go
zone" following complaints from some passengers about youths at
night. However, the article was not conclusive in that passengers
interviewed did not mention problems and neither the police nor Wrexham
Council had received complaints.
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Reunited with Stolen
Coach...
16 October 2003 |
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Pentre Motors of Llanrhaeadr near Denbigh was reunited with a
stolen Dennis Javelin coach which thieves abandoned at Hockley, West
Midlands. The vehicle's seta belts, PA system and other equipment were
stripped and the fuel siphoned off. Five other vehicles were broken into
at the time of the theft.
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... as Bus Ploughs Hedge
23 October 2003 |
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Not far from Llanrhaeadr, a GHA Mercedes minibus and a van
collided, resulting in the GHA driver being admitted to hospital with
shock.
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Daily Post Campaign
20 October 2003 |
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The Daily Post has began a campaign to highlight some of the
problems - including security - on North Wales' rail stations,
coinciding with the run up to the franchise transfer to Arriva. This
particularly follows an attack on Prestatyn Station on 3 October 2003.
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Arriva Trains Wales
20 October 2003 |
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Arriva this morning signed a 15 year deal with the SRA to
provide rail services in Wales and the borders. The proposed new name of
"Arriva Trains Wales" has already upset some people east of
Offa's Dyke as it neglects to mention the English borderlands. The 15
year franchise becomes effective from 7 December 2003 and is believed to
be worth £1.63bil.
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Vandalism
15 October 2003 |
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A second attack in two weeks has left the Llandudno Football
Club's minibus out of use. The vehicle, used for transporting disabled
children, had windows smashed on a second occasions.
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Pendelinos to stop at
Colwyn?
30 September 2003 |
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There are hopes in the Colwyn Bay area that the Euston-bound
Pendelinos (to be pulled by diesels west of Crewe), due in September
2004, will stop at Colwyn Bay, according to the North Wales Weekly News.
The newspaper states that the timetable allows for such a stop. whether
or not this will be the case will depend on talks with the SRA.
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Thrown Off Station
7 October 2003 |
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An assembly member and Daily Post photographer are thrown off
Rhyl station because neither had permission to take photographs,
according to the Daily Post. It was alleged that rail staff did not deal
with nuisance youths on the station at the same time.
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Attack at Prestatyn
3 October 2003 |
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The North Wales' media reports that a 41 year old male passenger
and father of four who was remonstrating with youths vandalising the
station was hit on the head by a "rock", suffered a fractured
skull, was left for dead and eventually required over 22 stitches. This
prompted the Daily Post to begin its "Safer Station Campaign".
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Flint asks Questions
3 October 2003 |
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The Chronicle reports that Flint Town Council is set to ask
Flintshire officials why Flint is "falling behind" other towns
in the county, such as Mold (with touch screen technology) and Holywell
(with its £230,000 bus station).
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Withdrawal following "Abuse"
2 October 2003 |
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Clynnog & Trefor has defended its decision to withdraw its
contract between Llyn and Coleg Menai for a day, stating that drivers
had enough of the " reckless and disgusting behaviour displayed by
some passengers", the Caernarfon & Denbigh Herald reports. One
student was suspended from college.
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Criminal Damage
29 September 2003 |
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Two specially equipped vehicles belong to GT Van Hire used to
carry special needs pupils to school were unavailable for use in Wrexham
today following criminal damage which left them damaged and covered in
broken glass.
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Wales & Borders Takes
Over
28 September 2003 |
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Today sees the official emergence of an all-Wales rail operator,
Wales & Borders Trains, as it officially takes over all services in
North Wales and some in Cheshire & Merseyside previously the
responsibility of First North Western - even if its livery styles will
continue. Wales & Borders Trains says "We are working hard to
improve the quality of the services we offer our customers."
Today's change is another on the route towards a new franchisee which
will be in place later this year when Arriva takes over the operator
Wales & Borders, from National Express. North Western Trains have
served North Wales since privatisation.
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New Jobs on Ffestiniog
21 September 2003 |
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The Daily Post reports that following some £500,000 in
orders at the Ffestiniog Railway's Boston Lodge works, the railway is
considering hiring more staff. Its works have been fulfilling orders for
other railways over the last four years.
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Station is "Dickensian"...
19 September 2003 |
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The Holyhead Mail reports that Network Rail is being urged to
clear up rubbish on the rails and at the Holyhead station itself, which
has been described as "Dickensian".
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... as Bangor Passenger
Complains
19 September 2003 |
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Gwynedd Council has apologised to an angry traveller after
complaints that the shelter outside Bangor station was removed,
following being demolished in a crash. Another is due soon.
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Case to Lords
19 September 2003 |
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The dispute between the Denbigh & Mold Junction Railway
Society and Denbighshire planners looks set to escalate. Council
officials have told enthusiasts to remove stock and other equipment from
land bought by the society in 2001 as permission is needed in the area
of outstanding natural beauty. However, the society believes that the "track"
is still legally a railway line, in spite of its closure 40 years ago.
The case is currently before inspectors and could go to the House of
Lords.
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Ruabon Bridge
20 September 2003 |
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The listed structure spanning the rails at Ruabon Station has
largely been repaired and the bridge is now undergoing final maintenance
before being fully operational. It was removed for a major overhaul.
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October 2003 Wrexham Changes
18 September 2003 |
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The Evening Leader printed a list of improvements to take place
on Sundays in Wrexham with effect from 5 October 2003. These include the
first Sunday services to Llay, Bradley and Marchwiel for some years. No
operator was mentioned but GHA operate most existing local Sunday
services, with Arriva operating the longer distance routes.
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Mold Carnival
17 September 2003 |
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Mold is to join Wrexham as the second town in North Wales to
celebrate green transport. On "In Town Without my Car" day on
Monday 22 September 2003, the High Street will be closed to motor
traffic to allow street entertainment and a "trial" aimed at
raising green travel issues. In the morning, the bus station is to
become a VIP suite for travellers offering bus users various
refreshments and rewards. Bus travellers in Flintshire on the day who
buy a £3.20 Arriva Day Ticket will be able to claim a free ticket
to travel on Tuesday to Saturday of the same week.
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Lamps Erection Causes Mirror
Disruption
17 September 2003 |
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In a move that will nearly complete Phase 1 of Wrexham Bus
Station, traffic, including buses, was diverted from Duke Street Wrexham
while a high intensity street lamps was erected at the pedestrian
build-out at the junction with Trinity Street.
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Walking Economy...
17 September 2003 |
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BBC Radio Wales broadcasted a live interview this morning from
the Clwydian Range on the economic impact of walkers on the Welsh
economy, said to account for over £500mil per annum. The head of
North Wales tourism was complimentary about the "good bus links"
to footpaths in the area.
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... As School Transport Gets
a Mention
17 September 2003 |
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Also on Radio Wales was a live piece on the DfT announcement of £50mil
towards encouraging modal shift from car to bus at peak times. A Wrexham
Council spokesman gave a North Wales flavour.
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Taxi Firm Interference
14 September 2003 |
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Interference as far afield as Holyhead on shipping emergency
frequencies was reportedly caused by a Sutton Coldfield taxi company.
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Schools Misery
11 September 2003 |
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The Evening Leader reports that a Wrexham head teacher has
joined parents in complaining about overloading on two school buses.
Wrexham Council is providing the same level of service at Ysgol Rhiwabon
near Wrexham on fare-paying services but pupil numbers have increased.
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Taxi Fares Up
11 September 2003 |
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Taxi fares in Flintshire are set to increase, in some cases by
as much as 20 per cent. Flintshire Council states that it has lower than
average fares, according to the Chronicle.
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Traxx Improvements Complete
8 September 2003 |
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With the introduction of two new Dennis Dart Mini Pointer Darts
in revised Traxx livery comes the completion of changes on this route
from 1 September 2003.
See Latest Travel News
on this site for dates and times
|
End of an Era
7 September 2003 |
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Sunday 7 September 2003 saw the last operation of open top buses
for the 2003 summer season at Rhyl. It also brought to an end the last
vehicles of Bristol manufacture operating for Arriva within Wales, as
the Bristol VRs were withdrawn. Open top services continue on the
Scania-operated S2.
See Open
for Business - Open Toppers Summer 2003 on this site for dates
and times
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... As Colwyn uses Bus Sides
for Broadcast
31 August 2003 |
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A current bus-side campaign in North Wales alerts people to
Colwyn Bay, which is marketing itself as a "family shopping centre".
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Station Promises
31 August 2003 |
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First North Western Trains has stated that it has a programme of
works in place to ensure that all its stations will reach a "certain
standard" before handover to Wales & Borders.
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Arriva "Consolation
Prize" Concern...
31 August 2003 |
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The Caernarfon & Denbigh Herald reports that Caernarfon MP
Hywel Williams is seeking a meeting with new Wales franchise operator
Arriva following concern that it was offered as a "consolation
prize" after its loss of the Merseyrail franchise. An Arriva
spokesman was "surprised and disappointed" at this view.
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... as Second Politician
Shows Concern
31 August 2003 |
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Regular rail user Ieuan Wyn Jones AM writing in the Holyhead
Mail, wishes to see better representation from Wales on the SRA because
of its "lack of interest" in Wales and problems with
unreliability.
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Local Awards for Operator
31 August 2003 |
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Caernarfon's Silver Star 1950 AEC half-cab single deck has been
winning awards at a number of North wales vintage shows in 2003
including the Anglesey Show.
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Strategic Service
Improvements
28 August 2003 |
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Wrexham services 1 to Chester and 2 to Oswestry see major
changes next week which include increased frequencies.
See Wrexham
September Changes on this site
|
The End of an Era for
Wrexham Double Decks
28 August 2003 |
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With the introduction of low floor easy access buses on Arriva
service 1 between Wrexham and Chester on 1 September 2003 comes the end
of double decks on this route. It is understood that Wrexham's
well-looked-after double decks will pass to the 82 Speke to Liverpool.
This leaves Vale of Llangollen as the only regular operator of double
decks on local bus services in Wrexham.
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Oswestry Drivers on Wrexham
Local Routes
28 August 2003 |
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The September changes to service 2 will see Oswestry drivers
return to operate Wrexham local commercial services in the first time
since the Crosville Wales strike of 1991 and the operation of daytime
contracts in the town during the early 1990s. Oswestry drivers will be
operating some of the Wrexham to Cefn Mawr shorts while Wrexham drivers
will in exchange continue on a number of through services to Oswestry.
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Signalling Problems Cause
Delays
28 August 2003 |
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|
Trains operating along the section of route between Wrexham and
Chester have been the subject of delays of up to half an hour owing to
signalling problems.
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Wrextreme Extension
28 August 2003 |
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Wrextreme 16-22, the discount travel trial for Wrexham's young
people, is to be extended from December 2003 to March 2004.
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Wrexham Research
28 August 2003 |
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Consultants Babtie conducted interviews with young people in
Wrexham on Saturday as part of research being undertaken on youth travel
and transport by the Department for Transport. Questions included what
was good and what was bad about local transport and the barriers to it.
As well as Wrexham, interviews are taking place in London, Leeds,
Wakefield and Selby.
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Denbighshire Launch
28 August 2003 |
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It is anticipated that Denbighshire Council's yellow school bus,
a Scolarbus 24, will commence on 2 September 2003 on a route from the
Llandegla area to Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin. It is understood to be out
on the road the day before on a private hire.
|
Ysgol Clywedog
28 August 2003 |
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|
Ysgol Clywedog, formerly known as Bryn Offa and one of the two
soon-to-be-refurbished Wrexham "super schools" will benefit
from a new, purpose built and self-contained bus bay from 2 September
2003. Up to July, school buses at the site have queued from the school
premises on to the A525.
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Wrexham Bus Station
Developments
28 August 2003 |
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|
he contractor building phase 2 of Wrexham Bus Station will
shortly connect electrical circuits between the two. meanwhile, the
Evening Leader has produced a supplement which explains that Fat Cats of
Bangor are close to opening in the bus station mall. aiming at the upper
market segment, Fat Cats describe its location in Wrexham as "perfect"
and states that its clientele "steer away from binge drinking and
cheap brands".
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Denbighshire Seeks PCV
Driver
28 August 2003 |
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|
Denbighshire Council is seeking PCV drivers for its year-long
yellow school bus initiative. It wishes to recruit a full time driver at
£6.19 per hour for the scheme. In addition to driving, this will
include communication with schools and basic administration. The council
is also seeking casual drivers at £6.09 per hour to work as
required, under the direction of the leading driver.
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Protest Walk
26 August 2003 |
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|
Parents and their children from Summerhill staged a protest walk
from their homes to a nearby school in Plas Coch following the
announcement that free school transport would be withdrawn after half
term. BBC Radio Wales accompanied parents.
|
Toilet Problems
23 August 2003 |
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|
Writing in the Leader, Bystander dismisses complaints about the
state of the lavatories in Wrexham's new bus station, blaming "those
few dirty, anti-social characters who make the mess in the first place"
rather than those whose job it is to clean the site.
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School Bus Cuts
23 August 2003 |
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Gwersyllt parents whose children attend nearby Plas Coch School
are fighting to retain free transport following a decision by Wrexham
Council to withdraw its service.
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Holiday Travel Chaos
23 August 2003 |
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Disruption and rail line closures between Hemel Hempsted and
Milton Keynes to 31 August which will affect journeys on the West Coast
Main Line hit national headlines during a particularly busy period for
travel.
|
Arriva Counts Cost Following
Damage
16 August 2003 |
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In the third incident of criminal damage at Arriva's Llandudno
Junction depot in 12 months, vandals smashed 27 bus windows and damaged
10 vehicles over the weekend. In spite of the problems, Arriva managed
to operate a full service.
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Hoax Bomb Alert Causes Chaos
16 August 2003 |
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|
With Wrexham traffic at a standstill following a bomb threat in
the centre of town, all bus services in the town yesterday (Friday)
morning suffered considerable delays. This is the second hoax in as many
months. A threat to Lord Street's Job Centre threatened staff in and
around the bus station in June.
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Bus Station Lavatories
Panned
16 August 2003 |
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A correspondent in the Evening Leader has complained at the
inadequate cleaning regime in Wrexham's new bus station lavatories.
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Conwy to Try Yellow Buses
15 August 2003 |
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|
The Western Mail reports that next month Alpine Travel is to
operate three refurbished and rebodied high capacity 10 year old
vehicles, under contract to Conwy County Borough Council. The contracts
on which these vehicles are to be used will be lengthened to seven
years. The vehicle livery will be yellow. Conwy speculates that it might
convert its 42 contracts to similar vehicles is the three are a success.
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Vandals Disrupt Train
15 August 2003 |
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Wood piled on the line just north of Gwersyllt station
temporarily halted an evening Wrexham-bound train, according to the
Evening Leader.
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Virgin Heatwave Holdup
13 August 2003 |
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A driver unable to to release his brake fully resulted in
passengers on a Virgin London to Holyhead train having to leave their
service at Prestatyn station on one of the hottest days of the summer.
Passengers continued their journey by coach. Meanwhile, the failed train
caused others behind to queue, resulting in several hours of disruption
on the North Wales Coast Line.
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Arriva Seek Station Partners
9 August 2003 |
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Arriva is already searching for passengers who can help look
after its stations. One of its franchise promises is for a "Station
Adopter" scheme. In return for a months' reporting on station
problems, Arriva is believed to be offering three months' free travel.
See also Reaction
to SRA Announcement on this site
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Safer Stations
9 August 2003 |
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CCTV is now operating at Gwersyllt, Buckley, Caergwrle,
Hawarden, Hope and Shotton Low Level railway stations on the Wrexham to
Bidston Line.
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Vacant Land Debate
9 August 2003 |
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The Manchester-based developer who has bought the former bus
garage at Ponterwyl near Mold town centre is consulting over the future
use of the site. The Chronicle states that Flintshire Council planners
favour high-density housing, non-food or white-goods retail or leisure
facilities would be most suitable for the site that has been vacant for
some years.
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Information at Mold
9 August 2003 |
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Further details have emerged regarding the information kiosk
opened at Mold bus station on 7 July. It opens for passengers from 0900
to 1700 Mondays to Fridays and from 0930 to 1530 Saturdays and has a
touch screen information point for out-of-hours use.
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Llandudno Junction Station
Improvements
9 August 2003 |
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Funding for improvements at Llandudno Junction station, to
include a footbridge link to adjacent Cineworld complex, road junction
improvements and car park are said to be going ahead in the coming
months. The footbridge alone is said to cost up to £900,000.
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Conwy Station Attacked
9 August 2003 |
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The latest public transport-related criminal damage is reported
at Conwy Station where vandals set fire to a shelter, destroyed the
station's lights and threw a wheelie-bin from a bridge on to a passing
train, according to the North Wales Weekly News.
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Llangollen Taxi Grab
9 August 2003 |
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A radio, aerial and license plate were stolen on Sunday evening
or Monday morning from a taxi in Llangollen.
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Arriva Looking Forward
2 August 2003 |
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Reacting to the announcement that the SRA has selected Arriva as
the preferred bidder for the Wales & Borders franchise, an Arriva
spokesman stated that he looked forward to providing high quality
services in the franchise area. Referring to the way that Arriva had
turned around the failing Norther rail franchise, its UK group trains
managing director promised focus, determination and robust management
for the new franchise.
See Franchise
Details on this site
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... as RPC Welcomes Arriva
2 August 2003 |
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The Rail Passengers Committee for Wales has welcomed the SRA's
announcement of Arriva as preferred bidder, stating that the 15 year
franchise should provide sufficient impetus for long term investment in
creating a better service. Speaking on BBC Radio Wales' lunchtime phone
in, the Chairman of the RPC Wales was also relieved that there the
threatened 10 and 20 per cent cuts in subsidy did not materialise.
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Grant Helps Disabled
People's Transport
2 August 2003 |
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The Leader reports that Wrexham Council has funded the purchase
of a further fully equipped, accessible vehicle for Wrexham-based
community transport organisation Chariotts.
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SRA Announces Preferred
Bidder
1 August 2003 |
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Arriva Trains is the SRA's preferred bidder for the Wales &
Borders franchise.
See Franchise
Details on this site
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Saltney Improvements
1 August 2003 |
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First plans to upgrade its Chester to Saltney service on Monday.
Advertising it as "turn up and go" as part of its Over Ground
service, the frequency on Mondays to Saturdays during the day will be
improved from every 15 to every 11 minutes. The changes coincide with a
rerouting in Chester via Grosvenor Street and Nicholas Street inbound
and Foregate Street outbound.
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SRA Announcement Soon?
31 July 2003 |
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There is speculation that the SRA is expected to make an
announcement regarding the successful operator for the Wales &
Borders franchise tomorrow, Friday. This follows an announcement today
that First/Keolis was successful on TransPennine. The new Wales &
Borders franchisee is still expected to take control on 28 September
2003.
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Owens of Oswestry Appointed
31 July 2003 |
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Announced in Coach & Bus Week is the appointment of a sixth
dealer to sell Turkish built BMC buses. Owens will cover North Wales.
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Rail Closure
31 July 2003 |
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Passengers in North East Wales, especially in the Wrexham area
who use Whitchurch station for Cardiff to Manchester trains, are advised
that the line will be closed between 2300 on 16 August and 1900 on 17
August 2003 between Craven Arms and Hereford, and between 0015 and 1115
on 17 and 31 August between Hereford and Cardiff. Bus connections will
be provided.
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School Transport Causes
Concern
30 July 2003 |
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A report in the Vale Advertiser states that a combination of
driver shortages and poor student behaviour has resulted in a number of
contracts are not being covered. The report stresses that there is only
a small minority of students travelling in Denbighshire who are causing
problems for operators.
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Royal Visitor Concentrates
on Transport
30 July 2003 |
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On his second day in North wales, Prince Charles opened a
restored section of the Welsh Highland Railway. The Prince of Wales took
control of what is reported as the world's oldest working narrow gauge
steam train for a two mile journey. The prince then met people aiming to
provide community transport in Nefyn.
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RPC Reports
30 July 2003 |
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The Rail Passengers Committee for wales has this month published
its annual report for 2002/03. It concludes that more needs to be done
for travellers in North Wales.
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Holyhead Plans on Show
30 July 2003 |
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Plans for town and port regeneration in Holyhead are on display
in the town from Friday. Under the scheme, a new coach and car park is
proposed which will enable ferry passengers to have easy access to the
town centre and its shops.
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Transport Extravaganza
30 July 2003 |
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This year's North Wales Transport Extravaganza & Dee Valley
Show takes place on 13 and 14 September 2003 at Rhug near Corwen. Free
shuttle services operate between Carrog Station and the show.
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Treated for Shock
29 July 2003 |
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A dog was to blame for an accident involving a bus at
Rhostyllen, near Wrexham. Three people were treated for shock as a GHA
skidded into a lamp column as the driver braked to avoid a stray dog.
The driver was uninjured.
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Denbighshire Launches
Walking Guide
25 July 2003 |
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Denbighshire Council has produced an attractive guide entitled "Explore
Mid-Denbighshire by Bus". Covering routes near and across the
Clwydian Range in the triangle between Denbigh, Ruthin and Mold, it
offers walkers the opportunity to sample routes without the need of a
car.
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Assembly Report on
Inter-urban Coaches
22 July 2003 |
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Transit magazine reports that the Welsh Assembly Government has
suggested the combining of existing bus and coach services across Wales
to form a network of long-distance services. The Assembly favours this
approach rather than a free-standing network which would abstract from
existing services. Of the seven routes proposed, Mold-Newtown via
Wrexham and Holyhead-Aberystwyth are in the north, the latter replacing
in part the existing Traws-Cambria service. The long-standing
Wrexham-Barmouth service is also included within the network.
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Two Incidents Cause Traffic
Chaos
14 July 2003 |
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Bus services in Wrexham were "all over the place"
today following the crash and subsequent closure of the A483 at Gresford
and the diversion of traffic on to other routes. The town centre was
particularly affected, causing considerable lateness. Chester buses were
running an hour late. A second incident at the A483/A55 reported that
afternoon further delayed Chester services.
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Roll-over Coach Passengers
Cheat Death
14 July 2003 |
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A major accident on the A483 at Gresford in which a coach
carrying fans from the Llangollen Eisteddfod to Manchester first swerved
to avoid a pedestrian and then hit a lory travelling in the opposite
direction left the coach on its roof and the carriageway closed for much
of the day. Apart from the pedestrian, no one was killed and police put
this down to the 41 passengers on board the coach wearing seat belts.
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Wrexham Joins Denbighshire
and Gwynedd in CCTV Initiative
8 July 2003 |
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In partnership with Wrexham Council, Arriva has fitted two
Dennis dart SLF single decks with internal and external CCTV equipment
for use on services 3 and 4 between Wrexham and Penycae. The route has
seen major difficulties in recent months, both during the daytime and in
the evening. The evening service's reinstatement through Rhos and
Penycae from 15 June 2003 was not without incident, as a rear window was
reported broken on the first week.
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Trident Hits the Road
11 July 2003 |
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Following more than three months delay, GHA Coaches' double deck
low floor Trident is now seeing service on the 151 in the Llangollen,
Corwen, Ruthin and Denbigh areas. The vehicle, which is in Denbighshire
Council's Vale Rider livery, is a first for the operator and Council as
the vehicle is North Wales' first east access double deck. Speculation
continues as to whether the vehicle will be used or not during school
holidays.
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Mold Bus Station
Improvements, Too
9 July 2003 |
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On the same day as Phase 1 Wrexham Bus Station became live,
Flintshire Council opened its new travel information office at Mold Bus
Station. The site had been closed for some years following several
attempts to run it successfully as a snack bar.
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Bus Station Hit with
Passengers
8 July 2003 |
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With the opening to passengers of Phase 1 of Wrexham Bus Station
on 7 July comes considerable positive reaction from passengers. With its
more focused travel office, the number of problems arising from the
change-over were minimal compared to the closure of the old bus station
and associated temporary on-street stands.
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Bus Station Open
3 July 2003 |
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Phase 1 of Wrexham's new bus station opens for public use on
Monday 7 July 2003 at 0515 prior to the first departure at 0530.
Temporary stands on King Street will be redundant from this time. The
pattern of traffic will alter in King Street and Trinity Street around
the bus station on 6 July when the one way system will effectively be
reversed.
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Surgery
3 July 2003 |
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The National Federation of Bus Users is to hold a bus users'
surgery in Wrexham town centre from 1000 to 1500 on Monday 14 July
outside the Guildhall.
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Wrextreme 16-22
3 July 2003 |
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A ground breaking scheme to reduce the cost of travel for young
people in Wrexham comes into operation today. Branded "Wrextreme
16-22", upon the presentation of a Council pass, young people
between 16 and 22 are entitled to between 23 and 28 per cent off adult
single return fares on Arriva buses. Simple application forms are
available from the Bus Information Office.
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Strategy Due
3 July 2003 |
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The Taith Regional Public Transport Strategy was due at the
Assembly today.
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