BUS wars are over after two transport giants agreed a truce in the battle to dominate one of Chester’s most popular routes.
For the last three years Arriva and First Group have been fighting with each over the potentially lucrative Blacon route with each hoping to force its rival to withdraw.
It led to the ridiculous situation of 36 Blacon-bound buses leaving the bus exchange every hour with no commercial advantage for either company.
But now the bus war is over after transport chiefs at Cheshire West and Chester Council persuaded the rivals to agree a more sensible timetable from August 29. In future, Chester’s largest housing estate will be served by a bus every five minutes instead of every two-and-a-half minutes.
Michael Morton, managing director of Arriva Buses Wales, said: “A common sense formula on bus operating times will provide not only necessary bus services, but will allow investment in even more modern buses that the people of Chester will be proud to travel in.”
Richard Soper, managing director for First, added: “We are delighted to be taking part in this partnership with our colleagues at Cheshire West and Chester Council and Arriva to bring a much improved service to our customers in Blacon and Saughall.”
Councillor Lynn Riley, executive member, community and environment said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to broker a common sense solution for the benefit of everyone who lives, works or visits the city.”
Bus wars were sparked after the old Chester City Council sold its bus company to First Group and Arriva announced it would run a similar service.
