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Having read the points in the article, I know for a fact that my elderly parents, a number of their immediate neighbours, and local friends, have taken to not using the 17 route because it frequently does not turn up or run even remotely to time - this is a route that they have previously used regularly to get to Dudley, Kingswinford, Wordsley, and Stourbridge.

I wonder if there has been any analysis of time-keeping on routes that there have been plans to scrap where patronage appears to have fallen.

Call me cynical (as I'm sure I will be) but having read the press release from TFWM the only real reasons they give for this re-brand are to inspire a sense of pride and provide a single identity for all transport in the area. Hardly sound economic reasoning in a time when budgets are being slashed left right and centre. It feels very much like something that can be done that people will be able to see rather than having any real concrete foundation in actually improving services.

Ran for a 126 on Castle Hill towards Birmingham today around 1PM, driver had plenty of time to stop and I was running to the stop with my arm out, but instead of stopping for me, he just drove straight past while flipping me off. Not really what you'd expect from a 'professional driver'. :/

I would recommend using the official channels to make a complaint (website, email, telephone). Clogging up a forum to publicise potential bad behaviour will do nothing to remedy the issue, if there is indeed an issue.

According to Route One magazine/website de Courcey is about to trial Irizar's new i4 hybrid coach - the first in the UK to use it, it would appear.

To some the answer to this question might seem blindingly obvious, but what does it mean to "combine registrations" when it comes to routes? I'm assuming the above mentioned routes (255/256/257) are not just being withdrawn entirely.

Well said that man (or woman, I'm not sure, sorry!)

Man. And I'm glad you echo my sentiments.

Now let's get back to buses and stuff!

It's petty sniping like all the above that stops me coming on here to read/post anything.

The one time I log in hoping to read something relevant and interesting and this is what I find.

If you don't like each other, don't wind each other up. There's enough real hatred in the world without people raking muck like this in a forum that's about BUSES/PUBLIC TRANSPORT and not petty arguments.

That's a worry about the 297 going, although it doesn't surprise me. That'll leave a lot of people where I live unable to get to the hospital or the Merry Hill Centre by bus (places that are easy to get to by car - 10 to 15 minutes away). I know a fair few elderly folk who'll feel rather stranded by that - hopefully another route will be amended to compensate.

@the trainbasher, I used the word random as all manner of places has been suggested, including Gornal Wood

A bus from Gornal taking in Birmingham? That'd be a real surprise, considering they got rid of the 137 years ago which ran from Brum to Gornal Wood. Would be one heck of a long journey too!

Just wondering who is your source on news of his retirement?

[far]

I echo Tony's sentiments. Nothing wrong with doing this kind of turn unless there is a sign specifically stating it. Certainly such a turn may seem awkward (goodness knows I've done enough of them) but it doesn't make it illegal.

Plus, and this is just an observation, but a coach turning in a road (be it legally or illegally) is not really a terribly interesting piece of information about a company that runs some very well turned-out coaches - they're far more interesting to chat about.

Yes that's their depot.

I assume you're referring to this company:

http://www.westbus.co.uk

After a little searching, here's a picture of the new Cheetah XL with Prospect (in the background) - and Ros taking delivery of it.

Very swish and impressive Plaxton has already taken 50 orders for it before the first one has even been unveiled!

http://www.transportengineer.org.uk/transport-engineer-news/new-cheetah-xl-launched-with-50-off-plan-orders/75786/

6105/6/7 passed through Gornal 30mins ago must b at garage now

That's where I am right now. And I missed them! Ask them to swing round again  ;)