Wednesday, October 12, 2016

News: First set to close Rotherham depot

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The large bus depot operated by First in Rotherham will close under new proposals, with staff relocating within South Yorkshire and 20 jobs now "at risk."

In August engineers in Rotherham were awarded a "Wrench" Award from First after being recognised as one of the best engineering depots across the UK but now the bus operator has announced proposals to relocate employees to Sheffield and Doncaster, "as part of a move to safeguard jobs in the long term and continue to deliver an efficient, effective and sustainable service for its customers."

First said in a statement that the Midland Road building at Masbrough is becoming increasingly uneconomical and that the proposed move will save costs and protect jobs in the long term.

A notice to staff, seen by Rothbiz, shows that First believes that the site is too large for current operational needs. Under the proposals, the same drivers will operate the Rotherham services, but will do so from the Olive Grove depot in Sheffield.

A small number of potential redundancies have been identified, mainly in engineering supervision and a small number of skilled roles.

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Kevin Belfield, managing director of First South Yorkshire, said: "Our decision to relocate will not impact on our customers – they should continue to expect high quality and reliable bus services. We will continue to support our Drivers to make bus travel more attractive and grow passenger numbers, while also helping safeguard jobs in the long term.

"Our Rotherham colleagues will relocate primarily to Sheffield Depot. They have done a terrific job operating from Rotherham, and we will ensure that they are fully supported as they relocate.

"We have begun consulting with our employees and trade unions to ensure their views are considered as part of this process. Less than 20 positions are "at risk" of redundancy. However, we will do everything we can to assist those affected, including supporting anyone who would wish to transfer to other First Bus operations where opportunities exist."

If the proposal is implemented, First South Yorkshire will relocate colleagues from Rotherham to Sheffield and Doncaster, by February 2017.

First South Yorkshire website

Images: Google Maps


12 comments:

Kev Hill,  October 12, 2016 at 5:52 PM  

So when a bus breaks down in Rotherham we will have to wait even longer for an engineer to come and fix it or get it towed away and a replacement bus sent out. Nice 1 First. From bad to worse yet again for Rotherham people again.

Unknown October 12, 2016 at 8:38 PM  

So you live in Rotherham you then go to EastBank get your bus drive all the way back to Rotherham, run in service all day then go back to East Bank with your bus then go all the way back to Rotherham. Hmm that's good for the planet then how much extra carbon will be emitted, how long will a drivers day be?

Anonymous,  October 13, 2016 at 8:47 AM  

Correct...they are saying it's not going to affect passengers, as a driver, I will tell you, that's absolutely bull....your services will become more unreliable, will be late more often, and first couldn't care less!

Mr me October 13, 2016 at 3:18 PM  

Seems Rotherham is treat more than a suburb,only last week we lost our magistrate court,what next??

Anonymous,  October 13, 2016 at 3:47 PM  

First can feed all the bull about caring for customers that they want , but at end of day none of this is for the good of the Rotherham employees or paying customers of Rotherham who again come a poor 2nd !

Anonymous,  October 13, 2016 at 5:56 PM  

First are moving out of Rotherham because they losing money. I use the buses and have to say that the drivers seem to work their asses off trying to get from a to b. This must be a management thing then who have swapped and changed route and times of buses. Losing passengers who get fed up with all the changes. Good luck to the drivers.

Anonymous,  October 13, 2016 at 6:01 PM  

I am a driver at Rotherham had feel I should say that the very poor management at First is the only reason it is closing. Drivers often tell management where and when buses are needed but they are not listened too. Its been on the cards for months. Maltby, Kimberworth, Brinsworth and the X78. All been changed and lost passengers. WELL DONE FIRST

Anonymous,  October 13, 2016 at 6:55 PM  

If its too big why not move Sheffield or Doncaster to Rotherham?

Mark Garlick,  October 14, 2016 at 3:27 PM  

Just some of the notable things that Rotherham Corporation Transport Department achieved (1903-1974):
* the third operator of trolleybuses in England (1912; closely following Leeds and Bradford in 1911)
* the first municipal bus operator to operate outside its own council boundary (1912)
* the only operator of single-ended tramcars in Britain (1934-1949)
* the fastest trolleybus operation in Britain, possibly the world.

Anonymous,  October 17, 2016 at 4:03 PM  

I can see Stagecoach moving into that depot.Rawmarsh is full to capacity and all Sheffield depots are full.Nice one from First with all the mileage.

Anonymous,  November 1, 2016 at 10:43 AM  

First are not interested in customer service...the management have no experience of running a bus service.The reason they keep swapping routes is because they keep getting it WRONG

Anonymous,  December 12, 2016 at 6:48 PM  

Was once told by a First manager that Rotherham loses money hand over fist and has done for years.

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