Chester & Wirral

BETTER BUS SERVICES

Starting in late February, a number of timetable alterations are being introduced to selected bus services operating in the Chester and Wirral area.

The changes are part of Firsts ongoing commitment to deliver punctual and reliable bus services that customers can depend on.

In Wirral, effective from 22 February, local service 38 (West Kirby " Birkenhead " New Ferry) will operate a new timetable that includes significant changes to peak time services.

"Working closely with our partners weve taken a hard look at the issues that have been affecting reliability of this service,' commented Paul De Santis, commercial director for Firsts bus operations in Chester and Wirral. "By introducing a number of operational and timetable changes were confident we can deliver enhanced reliability. However, there are significant changes to peak time services and I would strongly urge customers to make sure they obtain their personal copy of the new timetable so that they can adjust their travel plans and so avoid any inconvenience.'

Also from 22 February a new Monday to Sunday timetable will be introduced for service
1 (Chester " Liverpool), and a new Monday " Saturday timetable for service 3 (Chester " Rivacre).
These timetables reflect changes to services throughout the day that will deliver end to end journey punctuality benefits.

In the local Chester area new timetables are being introduced for services 51 (Chester " Plas Newton) and 53 (Chester " Kingsway).


"The service 51 timetable introduces a new 15 minute frequency. This change was brought forward to 20 January to allow for the major diversion and road works in the Liverpool Road area that are currently affecting the reliable operation of this service,' observed Paul De Santis .
He went on: "In respect of service 53 the new timetable, starting 23 February, introduces a 15 minute frequency that reflects the smaller numbers of customers that now travel on this route. The current economic climate may be a factor in this but equally, despite our efforts to promote the service, patronage has not recovered since the route was fully re instated after completion of last years Hoole Road bridge repairs.'

New timetables for all the above services are available from the Cheshire Bus Information office at the Chester Bus Exchange, from First customer services on 08708 500 868 or visit the First website at www.firstgroup.com, following the bus travel links to Chester and Wirral.